Former GM Mike Tannenbaum says the San Francisco 49ers shouldn’t pass on Omar Cooper Jr. even after adding Mike Evans, arguing Cooper’s route running, reliability, and long-term upside make him an ideal future weapon alongside Brock Purdy rather than relying solely on a veteran stopgap.
Marcus Freeman calls Jeremiyah Love a rare “unicorn,” pointing to his elite athleticism, versatility, and game changing ability as a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect. Love stands out for contributing as both a runner and receiver, with the potential to excel at multiple positions thanks to his instincts, speed, and power. His production at Notre Dame, including 1,000 yard rushing seasons and strong receiving output, reinforces his status as a complete offensive weapon and one of the most coveted talents in his class.
Former Eagle Hugh Douglas pushed back strongly against the idea of replacing Jalen Hurts, arguing the Philadelphia Eagles have more urgent roster needs and shouldn’t spend a high draft pick on a quarterback despite outside criticism following Hurts’ inconsistent 2025 season. While some media voices suggested drafting a potential successor after the team’s offensive struggles and early playoff exit, Douglas emphasized that Hurts has already proven himself and that investing in other positions would be the smarter move.
The Kansas City Chiefs are aggressively pushing to play an international game in Spain during the 2026 season, specifically targeting a matchup at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, as part of the NFL’s expanding global presence. Team leadership has made it clear they view Spain as a key market and see the opportunity as a major experience for both players and fans, though the league has not yet finalized the matchup and is expected to reveal full details when the schedule is released.
The Las Vegas Raiders are considering adding a veteran running back as a backup to Ashton Jeanty after depth issues exposed their offense in 2025, aiming to reduce his workload and improve overall efficiency. The potential addition would bring a physical, between-the-tackles presence to complement Jeanty’s explosiveness while the veteran works his way back from a major injury.
NFL analyst Jack Aaron breaks down his post-free agency power rankings, highlighting the squads that made key improvements, and where they need to make additions in the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers for their quarterback decision, but Ben Roethlisberger has pushed for Will Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick who hasn’t played yet, as a potential option while the team lacks strong draft positioning to secure a top rookie QB.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive struggles have made linebacker a clear priority, and draft analysts are pointing to Texas standout Anthony Hill Jr. as a strong solution. Hill brings the speed and playmaking ability Dallas lacks in the middle of its defense, backed by production that includes 17 sacks and three interceptions during his college career.
Two weeks into free agency, several teams still enter the draft with major holes that could shape their seasons. The Seahawks have backfield and defensive concerns, the Bears have not addressed the defensive line, the Jaguars downgraded at running back and left linebacker unfilled, the Eagles are thin at edge, the Chargers did not meaningfully upgrade at guard, and the Ravens still need help at left guard and center. These teams need to land impact players in the draft to stay competitive.
With week two of free agency wrapping up, team needs across the league have shifted significantly. Some holes have been filled while others have become more urgent, reshaping how the first round could play out. My latest mock reflects that movement, with teams balancing immediate impact and long-term upside as they look to build through a class loaded with talent at premium positions.
After a brief trade saga, Maxx Crosby is back with the Raiders and expected to return with even more intensity, according to Kyle Van Noy. Already one of the league’s top defenders, Crosby now has more support around him with additions like Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and Kwity Paye, giving Las Vegas a stronger defensive foundation heading into the season.
With the wide receiver market thinning in free agency, the Los Angeles Rams have explored adding a top target like A.J. Brown but appear to have moved on from trade talks due to financial and roster constraints. Instead, draft analysts project the team could address the position by selecting Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, who offers strong ball-tracking and upside, as part of a broader strategy to bolster the receiving corps alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams for both immediate impact and long-term stability.
With the average NFL career lasting just 3.3 years, players must take advantage of every opportunity to secure long-term financial stability. This year’s free agency period saw several players do exactly that, turning strong recent performances or timely surges into lucrative contracts. Despite concerns like injuries, inconsistency, or limited production, teams across the league were still willing to invest heavily in talent they believe can make an impact.
Ty Simpson entered the NFL Combine as the most discussed quarterback participating, and his showing reinforced both his high-end talent and lingering concerns about decision-making and pocket awareness. In a weak quarterback class where demand outweighs supply, that mix of upside and uncertainty could still push him into the late first round despite some scouts grading him as a Day 2 prospect. With several QB-needy teams picking late in Round 1, Simpson’s strong 2025 season and upcoming Alabama Pro Day may ultimately determine where he lands on draft night.
Former NFL Executive Tom Telesco reflected on major storylines from the 2025 season, including the resilience of the Los Angeles Chargers during an injury-filled 11-win campaign and the continued rise of quarterback Justin Herbert. Drawing on his experience drafting stars like Joey Bosa, Derwin James and Keenan Allen, Telesco also praised the bold move by John Schneider to pivot from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold and emphasized that teams should never pass on the chance to draft a franchise quarterback.
Former Chris Simms questioned the NFL outlook of Diego Pavia after his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, saying the quarterback showed inconsistent throwing and did not boost his draft stock compared with players like Ty Simpson, Carson Beck and Garrett Nussmeier. Despite the criticism, Pavia’s 29-touchdown college season suggests he could still find an NFL opportunity with the right offensive system.
Desperate to end their ongoing instability under center, the New York Jets are once again exploring bold moves, with GM Darren Mougey confirming he contacted the Las Vegas Raiders about trading up for projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, though a deal appears unlikely due to the steep price.
While cap-strapped contenders scramble to stay afloat, teams like the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers enter the offseason with massive financial flexibility and franchise-altering decisions ahead. Armed with top draft picks and clear roster holes, these cap-rich clubs have a prime opportunity to reshape their futures through aggressive free-agency moves.
With free agency approaching, the 2026 class may not be loaded with superstars, but impact players like Tyreek Hill, Trey Hendrickson, and Breece Hall could still shift the balance of power with the right landing spots. Success this offseason won’t just be about spending, it’ll be about pairing talent with scheme, culture, and championship timelines.
As NFL free agency approaches, plenty of notable names will be available, but not all should be targeted. Find out which ones franchises should steer away from in this top five listicle.