There are 32 teams in the NFL, and the Arizona Cardinals are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. That’s the expectation moving forward after going 3-14 last season, finishing in fourth place in the NFC West, hiring a first-year head coach and with a veteran journeyman starting quarterback like Jacoby Brissett.

The Cardinals’ voluntary organized team activities began on May 18, but they were missing a key member of the roster, former Pro Bowl pass-rusher Josh Sweat. As mentioned, these workouts are completely voluntary, so there is no punishment for players who do not participate.

According to John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix, Sweat was not injured. Then, Cardinals insider Kyle Odegaard added fuel to the fire by revealing that Sweat “isn’t particularly happy in AZ.”

The 29-year-old Sweat recorded a career-high 12 sacks and four forced fumbles last season. This was his first season in Arizona after signing a four-year, $76.5 million contract with the Cardinals in free agency after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX.

Nevertheless, Sweat signed when the Cardinals were coached by defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon. While the Cardinals are now led by the offensive mind of first-year coach Mike LaFleur, not much should change for Sweat, who will still play for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis for the second consecutive season.

Perhaps Sweat wants a raise after dominating individually to protect the bottom line. Sweat’s contract has him ranking 21st in annual average salary among edge rushers, but he performed at an elite level last season. His $16.3 million cap hit in 2025 is more than reasonable for the type of production Sweat is producing.

Perhaps he feels like Arizona is in no position to compete, and he wants to join a contender, no matter what that is; Sweat is trying to send a message.

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Last year, the Indianapolis Colts gave their fans reason to celebrate, both with a 7-1 start and by acquiring an NFL superstar in Sauce Gardner. Unfortunately, it all collapsed when breakout star quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a knee injury. The Colts went 1-8 the rest of the trip, so much so that they turned to 44-year-old Philip Rivers in desperate times.

Jones is still recovering from his concussion, but eventually, the Colts will be back at full strength. We saw how capable Shane Steichen’s offense was last season, and the Colts spent a lot of money keeping their group intact, retaining Jones and receiver Alec Pierce in free agency. Still, there might be a way to further weaponize the offense in Indianapolis.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen said the Colts are the “best team fit” for former All-Pro and Pro Bowler, free agent receiver Deebo Samuel.

The 30-year-old Samuel spent last season with the Commanders, where he appeared in 16 games and recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Still, the Commanders didn’t utilize him as much as a rusher, where Samuel had only 17 rush attempts for 75 yards and one touchdown, both rushing totals his lowest since 2020.

Samuel’s last season with over 1,000 all-purpose yards came in 2023, yet he has only had one season with fewer than 800 yards from scrimmage. This could make him an ideal complementary weapon to Warren, Pierce, Downs and Westbrook-Ikhin.

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The Chicago Bears made a huge jump in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, going from a five-game winning team in 2024 to an 11-winning team in 2025. Still, it looks like there’s another level of development available to unlock in the Windy City.

While Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done a good job of upgrading the team in every way, as well as addressing key weaknesses, there is still one area of ​​concern. Is the offensive line ready to compete for another playoff spot?

However, Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim believes the Bears can still address their offensive line by turning to one of Coach Johnson’s old friends, Taylor Decker. The Detroit Lions’ longtime left tackle requested and received his release from Johnson’s former team earlier this offseason, and he is still unsigned in free agency.

Decker, who turns 33 in August, earned his only Pro Bowl nomination in 2024 after starting 14 games for the Lions. Still, after a 10-year career with the Lions, Decker was ready to move on, and Chicago has a soft landing spot available with a coach he’s already very familiar with.

Additionally, with Trapillo set to miss a significant amount of time, Decker can ensure that the left side of Chicago’s offensive line remains in good shape. Having started all 140 of his appearances since arriving as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker still has a lot left in the tank.

RELATED: Chicago Bears coach addresses rumors of adding All-Pro talent

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In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young No. 1 overall. He has improved each season since, and so has the Panthers’ record, going from 2-14 to 4-8, 8-8 and making the playoffs.

A big reason for Young’s continued improvement is that the Panthers have continued to improve the foundation around him. This includes spending more than $100 million on the offensive line. The Panthers also invested first-round picks in back-to-back drafts on wide receivers Xavier Leggett and Tetaroa McMillan.

The Panthers used their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle, but Carolina also invested a third-round pick on Tennessee wideout Chris Brazell. Still, some believe the Panthers should not add to their corps of pass-catchers.

recently, Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim urged the Panthers to consider signing free agent tight end Darren Waller.

Waller retired for the 2024 season, but surprisingly returned and joined the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Waller, who turns 34 in September, could potentially help a team like the Panthers even after recording a respectable 283 yards and six touchdowns in just three starts and nine appearances.

The one-time Pro Bowler has made no suggestion that he’s headed back into retirement this offseason, and with training camp around the corner, there could be more activity on his front soon.

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While New York Giants fans and players are thrilled that John Harbaugh is their new head coach, one of their former stars the Baltimore Ravens is very happy to see him go.

After three poor seasons with Brian Daboll leading the roster, Big Blue fans are excited about the team’s potential with Harbaugh overseeing the veterans. And for good reason. He has a career record of 180–113, led the Ravens to the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons, and has a Super Bowl victory on his resume (2012).

Due to his impressive success, it would be understandable if some players in Baltimore were disappointed with Harbaugh’s firing and were fearful about maintaining the standard he set. However, don’t count Jay Flowers out of that group as the two-time Pro Bowler blames the coach for the team’s injury problems in 2025.

Zay Flowers calls John Harbaugh the reason for the Baltimore Ravens’ injury problems in 2025

“Full pads all the time,” Flowers said. Fourth and South Podcast about practices under Harbaugh. “There are any number of practices you can get in pads (in the NFL), every single one. Week 17, we’re practicing one-on-one, everybody out there, we’re tired, we’re still going… That’s why we had a lot of injuries, because of how we practiced, how we went. The load was heavy.”

The Ravens faced a surprising amount of injuries in 2025, with season-ending illnesses to Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington Jr. and top star Lamar Jackson missing several weeks. In an era where players compete in 17 games and are getting injured more than ever, it is concerning that Harbaugh is still practicing hard at the end of the season.

This approach may have worked 10 years ago, but it may not be suitable for current players. With Harbaugh having so much control in New York, it’s unlikely he’ll be forced to part with his favorite habits in a year. If the Giants have injury problems in 2026, Flowers may have provided an early warning.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason. We’ve already seen them move on from their head coach and general manager, and the new leadership group has wasted no time in whittling down the roster.

That process took a big leap Tuesday, then, when GM John-Eric Sullivan traded star receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a first-round pick plus changes. It’s clear the Dolphins are in the middle of a fire sale. It has also prompted teams to go after other players on Miami’s roster. But it turns out that not everything is ready to be achieved.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, teams are also trying to trade for Pro Bowl running back D’Von Achane. However, the Dolphins have no interest in trading their 24-year-old starting running back. The Dolphins are responding to teams by telling them he is not available.

However, Achane is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and he could be one of the few players with whom the new arrangement commits to a multi-year deal immediately. Thus, teams looking to inject some pace into their attack will have to look elsewhere.

Achen was drafted by the Dolphins in the third round as the 84th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He started only four games as a rookie, but the Dolphins still couldn’t keep him off the field, as Achane was so effective. He has rushed for 800, 907 and 1,350 yards in his three playing seasons, and South Beach could have more meat for one of the game’s best running backs.

RELATED: Jaylen Waddle traded: Winners, losers from Broncos and Dolphins deal

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After missing the postseason in 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are doing everything they can to make sure they don’t take another step back in 2026. After losing top pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Bengals know it won’t be easy. The arrival of Boye Mafe with a $60 million contract will certainly help. But the work of Bengal is not completed.

Recently, the Bengals signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to a one-year contract. He joins Joe Burrow and Sean Clifford as the only QBs on Cincinnati’s roster. But Bengals general manager Duke Tobin can’t be included in this position.

according to athleticBengals insider Paul Dehner Jr. says the team is “waiting” for Joe Flacco in free agency.

If the Bengals sign Flacco after already adding Johnson, they will have the oldest group of quarterbacks in the NFL. Flacco is 41, and Johnson isn’t far behind at age 39. Burrows is 29 years old.

Although injuries are always a factor throughout the season, the Bengals are prioritizing experience when it comes to the QB room. Last year’s backup, Jake Browning, has already signed a new deal with the Buccaneers, so no matter what happens, the Bengals’ depth chart at QB will look a little different next year.

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Before the offseason began, it felt like a foregone conclusion that the San Francisco 49ers would consider trading Mac Jones to capitalize on his newfound value. After all, the 49ers were able to get the 2021 first-round pick under contract to a two-year deal last offseason worth just $4.2 million per season.

Jones probably played the best football of his life in San Francisco, leading the 49ers to a 5–3 record while Brock Purdy was injured. With Jones now entering the final year of his contract, many felt the 49ers would trade away the 27-year-old.

Then, the 49ers’ front office started talking about how much they value Jones as a quality backup to Purdy. After all, they found themselves relying heavily on Jones last season, and he was a key part of their comeback run to the postseason. They don’t want to just give up on the QB, even if it’s a big opportunity for his career.

Thus, reports began to surface indicating that zero teams have inquired about trading for Jones. Others suggested that the 49ers might have spooked teams by asking for a second-day draft pick in exchange for Jones, who would have come with only one year of protection.

Now, athleticThe latest report from Diana Russini reveals exactly why teams are shying away from a Jones trade. Russini indicated that “a few teams” have called the 49ers about trading for Jones. Still, those interested have described the 49ers’ asking price as “astronomical.”

However she was not able to detail what the trade costs might be. Still, when other former Pro Bowl quarterbacks can be found at an even lower rate than Jones, it’s not hard to see why teams might not want to part with precious draft compensation. If the 49ers want to trade Jones, they will either have to lower their asking price or expect the team to be extremely desperate to miss out on their top target.

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The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers are two of the NFL’s most famous franchises. After all, they are two of four NFL franchises with four or more Super Bowl wins. Yet, playing in different conferences, we rarely see them clash with each other.

Now that it’s the offseason, both teams can do some business business.

according to Fort Worth Star-TelegramNick Harris, several teams have called the Steelers about trading for linebacker Patrick Queen. Harris says the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are two teams that have called up the two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker.

Harris says the Cowboys entered free agency with several MLB targets in mind, but their board was “pretty much wiped out” on the first day of negotiations. This led them to turn their attention elsewhere, possibly toward a trade for Queens, whom the Steelers are reportedly hanging on to for a mid-round draft pick.

The Cowboys look to continue upgrading their defense after allowing the NFL’s most points in 2025. They have traded for pass-rusher Rashaan Gary and signed safety Jalen Thompson, but Dallas still needs another middle linebacker with Kenneth Murray set for free agency.

Rani could be a good fit. The 26-year-old player has never missed a game in his six-year career. He has recorded 100 or more tackles in five of his six seasons of play, including last year. Queen would definitely help set the tone in Dallas, if they could get her out of Pittsburgh.

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NFL free agency has a tendency to shatter expectations. Talented players hit the open market, and teams with needs are eager to fill them, no matter the cost.

The Las Vegas Raiders are beginning a new era with a first-year head coach in Clint Kubiak. Soon, they are expected to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, they are giving their offense a huge boost.

according to athleticDiana Russini, signing the Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum. The 25-year-old was a strong candidate to be re-signed by the Ravens, but the three-time Pro Bowler was highly coveted, with the Browns and Commanders also registering interest.

However, it was the Raiders who landed one of the NFL’s top free agents by signing Linderbaum to a record-setting contract for a center. He is being signed to a three-year, $81 million contract. The NFL’s second-highest paid center is now two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey, who is averaging $18 million per season.

Still, the Raiders are getting an excellent player in Linderbaum who may still have more room for development. Center is also an extremely important position in Coach Kubiak’s attack.

Center is an extremely important position in Clint Kubiak’s offense, and Tyler Linderbaum fits his scheme in almost every way. Depending on how the system works, having Linderbaum be (potentially) huge for Fernando Mendoza.

That’s a lot of money. But a logical overpayment. https://t.co/oJOcl5x2sp

– Albert Breyer (@albertbreyer) 9 March 2026

Linderbaum is not only effective, but he’s also durable, having missed just two games since becoming the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now he will be a big part of the Raiders’ future, and help create a pocket for Mendoza for years to come.

RELATED: Why the Raiders were right to trade Max Crosby for two first-round picks

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We’re less than 24 hours away from when teams can start talking in NFL free agency. The Washington Commanders, who boast more than $80 million in salary cap space, are expected to be especially busy.

After a disappointing 5-12 season, the Commanders could be aggressive, and take advantage of Jaden Daniels playing under a rookie contract. Recently, the Commanders released former Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, who has since signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, Commanders can get closer to a significant upgrade than their former starting point.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders could “heavily pursue” free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. That is, if Linderbaum doesn’t first agree to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens.

“Should he not re-sign with the Ravens, there is an assumption among teams that the Commanders will heavily pursue C Tyler Linderbaum in free agency,” Schultz wrote. “Washington recently released its starting center Tyler Biadasz.”

Linderbaum, a three-time Pro Bowler, is widely viewed as the best center available this offseason. He would be a big signing for a Commanders team that saw its offense slip to 22nd in scoring after finishing fifth in 2024.

Linderbaum arrived in the 2022 NFL Draft as the 25th overall pick. He has started all 66 games since being selected in the first round, missing only two games due to injury in 2023, but still earned Pro Bowl honors for his performance.

Pro Football Focus ranked Biadas 11th among centers last season. Linderbaum ranked 5th best as a run blocker (4th best) while posting very strong marks. Linderbaum is expected to become the NFL’s highest-paid center ever, with a salary of $20 million per season.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 projections ahead of NFL free agency

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All teams have strengths and weaknesses. Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Polese has done a good job trying to establish the strongest roster possible, without too many weaknesses. Unfortunately, an unexpected hole has suddenly developed on the Bears roster.

Bears starting center Drew Dallman is retiring at the age of 27, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. This move was completely unexpected.

Dallman is coming off his first Pro Bowl season after starting all 17 games in his first year with the Bears. The team signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract as one of its prized free agency picks. Dallman was a key figure in helping transform Chicago’s offensive line from one of the worst to one of the best.

Dallman was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft as the 114th overall pick and spent the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. If so, Dallman finished his career by starting 57 of his 74 appearances, which is a huge accomplishment for a former fourth-round pick.

Now the Bears enter the offseason with a major question mark at center. However, they are already hosting former Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, who was recently released by the Washington Commanders.

Biadasz is a possibility. If they’re willing to be patient and throw some money around, Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum could also be available in free agency, unless the Baltimore Ravens re-sign him first.

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There are definitely changes coming to the San Francisco 49ers’ roster this offseason. The team has already acknowledged that Brandon Aiyuk’s days with the 49ers are over, but they have not announced any transaction yet.

Meanwhile, if the 49ers can’t reach a contract settlement soon, they could be preparing to say goodbye to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. But not only this.

There has also been a lot of talk this offseason about a possible trade of Mac Jones, but the 49ers aren’t ready to declare him a goner. However, the 49ers have indicated that they would prefer to retain Jones, who only has one year left on his contract.

However recently, 49ers general manager John Lynch admitted that the 49ers are willing to listen to a trade offer for the Pro Bowl QB. But he also warned other general managers that the 49ers would need a “fairly strong” offer to trade with him.

“He’s really good to us, and we value him.” Lynch said. “So somebody has to come up with something strong enough for our idea. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously, there’s always something that will make you [do it]But I think we’re a better team with him and we like having him around.”

Teams are always looking for their next starting quarterback. The 49ers feel they have a franchise QB in Purdy, as well as a starting-caliber backup in Jones. Still, they can now take advantage of Jones’ superior value and pair it with another contributor if they get the draft compensation they want.

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers may part ways with All-Pro after contract standoff

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Two years into the Joe Hortiz-Jim Harbaugh regime, the Los Angeles Chargers have learned a lot about their team. After losing in the Wild Card playoffs after 11 consecutive winning seasons, the Chargers know where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

Soon, the Chargers will have a chance to address their team needs when free agency begins on March 9. His front office connections could help him land a potential three-time Pro Bowl center.

Recently, ESPN’s Chris Rimm reported that the Chargers could make “a push” to sign Tyler Linderbaum from the Baltimore Ravens when free agency begins.

By signing Linderbaum, the Chargers could get a proven solution for one of their biggest weaknesses. Still, is Linderbaum ready to depart Baltimore for Los Angeles? If he was a big John Harbaugh fan, playing for his brother Jim might have been the next best thing.

Or, perhaps he wants to stick around and see what his new offensive-minded head coach, Todd Monken, is able to do behind two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. Either way, Linderbaum is expected to have more than just the Chargers and Ravens to consider for contract offers this offseason. We’ll have an answer soon when free agency starts.

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