The Winners

1. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are my biggest winner of training camp, and it isn’t particularly close. Los Angeles already had an extremely talented roster before trading for Myles Garrett, but adding one of the NFL’s best defensive players could completely change their defense. Garrett had 23 sacks last season, while Byron Young had 12, Kobie Turner had seven and Braden Fiske had three. Those three Rams players combined for 22 sacks, meaning Garrett had more sacks by himself than the three of them combined.

The Rams also got strong performances from their young players during the preseason. Quarterback Ty Simpson became one of the biggest stories, and Los Angeles finished the preseason 3-0 without committing a turnover or allowing a sack. Simpson showed that the Rams have some serious depth behind Matthew Stafford. On offense, Puka Nacua is coming off a season where he led the NFL with 129 catches, while Davante Adams scored 14 touchdowns.

What makes Los Angeles so dangerous is that Garrett isn’t even their only star. Stafford is still one of the league’s most experienced quarterbacks, Nacua is one of the NFL’s best young receivers, and the defense now has Garrett, Young and Turner rushing the passer. My opinion: if these players stay healthy, the Rams have a legitimate chance to be the best team in the NFC.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are my second-biggest winner because they’re trying to bounce back from a shocking 6-11 season. Patrick Mahomes is still the biggest reason to believe in Kansas City. Even after a terrible 2025 season by the team’s standards, having a quarterback with Mahomes’ track record gives the Chiefs a much higher ceiling than most teams.

But Mahomes isn’t the only player I’m watching. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson made a strong impression during the preseason, rushing for 59 yards on only 12 carries against the Rams. The Chiefs also continued evaluating young players at several positions while trying to build more depth around Mahomes.

The preseason wasn’t perfect, with Kansas City losing 20-12 to the Rams and tying Seattle 9-9 in the finale. But I don’t think preseason wins matter nearly as much for a team like Kansas City. What matters is whether Mahomes, the young players around him and the defense can turn last year’s 6-11 disaster into a playoff team. I think going from 6-11 to 10 or more wins is completely possible with Mahomes leading the team.

3. Detroit Lions

Detroit is a team I think people could be sleeping on. The Lions have stars on both sides of the ball, but what stood out to me during camp was their depth. Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most explosive running backs in football, while Aidan Hutchinson gives Detroit a dominant pass rusher to build around.

The Lions also got contributions from players competing for roster spots. Detroit beat Washington 17-13 in its second preseason game, and the defense held the Commanders to only 35 rushing yards. That matters because Detroit needs its defense to become more consistent if it wants to compete with the top teams in the NFC.

The biggest thing I like about Detroit is that they don’t have to depend on one player. Gibbs can make huge plays out of the backfield, Hutchinson can change games rushing the passer, and the offense has established stars around them. My opinion: Detroit has enough talent and depth to win the NFC North and make a serious playoff run.

The Losers

1. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are my biggest loser because they have too many questions for a team that expects to compete for a Super Bowl. San Francisco went 12-5 last season and made the divisional round, but several of its biggest stars missed significant time. Nick Bosa missed 14 games, Fred Warner missed 11, and George Kittle missed six.

Bosa is especially important. He is still recovering from a torn ACL, and as of September 1, his status for the season opener against the Rams remains uncertain. That’s a huge problem because the 49ers finished dead last in the NFL with only 20 team sacks last season. Myles Garrett had 23 by himself.

San Francisco also had problems at wide receiver. Ricky Pearsall is out for the season, while Mike Evans has dealt with injuries and Christian Kirk has been recovering as well. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy give this offense plenty of talent, but the 49ers need their stars healthy. My opinion: I still think San Francisco is a playoff team, but compared with the Rams, they have way more questions heading into Week 1.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle is another team I’m putting on the losers list because the expectations are completely different now. The Seahawks went 14-3 last season and won Super Bowl LX, so anything less than another playoff appearance will feel like a major disappointment.

One of the most interesting players to watch is quarterback Jalen Milroe. He finished the preseason finale with 223 passing yards and a touchdown, giving Seattle an exciting young quarterback behind its veteran starter. The Seahawks also saw promising performances from young players like receiver Tory Horton, who is trying to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Seattle finished the preseason 0-2-1, including a 17-7 loss to Dallas, a 13-3 loss to Tennessee and a 9-9 tie against Kansas City. Obviously, preseason results aren’t everything, but the Seahawks have a much tougher challenge now: repeating as champions. My opinion is that Seattle will still be competitive, but I have more questions about them than I did before training camp.

3. Washington Commanders

Washington is my third loser because I think the offensive line has become a major concern. Everything starts with Jayden Daniels, and the Commanders need to give their young quarterback enough protection to develop. Washington went only 5-12 last season, so it needs a huge improvement this year.

The biggest problem is the health of the offensive line. Laremy Tunsil suffered a triceps injury that required surgery, forcing Washington to add veteran tackle D.J. Humphries for depth. The Commanders also dealt with other injuries along the roster during camp.

Daniels is still the biggest reason I wouldn’t completely count Washington out. He has the talent to make big plays with both his arm and legs, and the Commanders’ defense showed some positives during the preseason. But Daniels can’t do everything himself. My opinion: if Washington protects Daniels, they could surprise people. If the offensive line struggles, I could see another disappointing season.

3. New York Jets (6-11)

I think that for this Jets offense, whether they do well or not depends on Geno Smith’s performance. If the new Jets offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, can get Geno Smith to play DECENT at the least, then I think the Jets may surprise some fans, maybe winning up to eight games, though I have a hard time believing this will actually happen considering his disastrous last season with the Raiders, with careless decision-making and a high interception total. But I truly believe if Geno Smith performs even a little bit, he can produce results with the weapons he has at work. To start with, he’s got Breece Hall, who was a standout for New York last season with 1,000+ rushing yards. For receivers, he’s got Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. The Jets also took two impressive rookies, one of them being receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who helped lead IU to a national championship, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon, definitely a top-ten tight end for me from last season, winning Big Ten Tight End Of The Year and named a Second-Team All-American. Bringing in this new college talent and keeping Breece Hall were smart moves for the Jets, but their performance entirely depends on the man at the helm, Geno Smith, and this offense could really benefit from a decent performance from him.

The Jets defense last season was nothing short of dreadful, making history during the 2025 season by failing to record a single defensive interception over the entire 17-game schedule. Their first defensive turnover was a forced fumble in the middle of the season in Week 6 against the Broncos by Jarvis Brownlee Jr., a player whom they acquired in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. But their new head coach, Aaron Glenn, a defensive-minded coach, along with their new defensive coordinator, Brian Duker, have really improved this defense, giving it potential to produce some real results in the regular season. They signed Nahshon Wright (suffered a hip injury but should be able to play in Week 1), the Chicago Bears Pro Bowl cornerback, who had a breakout season last year with five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Wright continues to get turnovers in practice and is a major key piece to this Jets defense. He’s moved to New York on a REALLY cheap one-year contract, and he will be a SERIOUS key piece to this Jets defense. The Jets also brought back 37-year-old veteran Demario Davis in free agency to act as a captain and lead by example for the middle of the defense, as well as Minkah Fitzpatrick, the former All-Pro safety, who was brought in as the centerpiece star of the new secondary. These two veterans can help instill a mindset and motivation to get this Jets defense to produce major results, and hopefully many more turnovers than they did last season. The Jets defense last year lacked any sort of leadership dominance, and Glenn and Duker bringing these two in can at least develop a STARTING POINT of defensive captaincy for this team. The defensive line and edge rushers have faced a substantial facelift as well, acquiring second overall pick David Bailey, who led the college football league with 14.5 sacks at Texas Tech, who will be a DISGUSTING pass rusher if he adapts to the NFL well and fast. More crucial additions to this defensive line are T’Vondre Sweat in the Tennessee Titans blockbuster trade, David Onyemata, Joseph Ossai, and Kingley Enagbare. Overall, this Jets defense is looking MUCH better, and while I don’t expect a mind-blowing performance this season, it will definitely be a major improvement from last year.

Although I’m expecting a not-so-great season from the New York Jets, I’m certainly expecting a definite improvement from last year, especially with this major level-up of a defense and good weapons for Geno Smith to use on offense, hoping he uses it to his best advantage. I genuinely want to see the Jets turn things around, but in the end, lots of moves were made this offseason, and now the regular season awaits to see if all their work has paid off.

In this article, I will talk about who I believe will finish last in the AFC East.

4. Miami Dolphins (4-13)

Following another mediocre season, going 7-10, based on preseason performances and the team’s depth chart, the Miami Dolphins, for me, are projected to finish last in the AFC East, and here’s why.

First of all, their offense has no significant depth to pose any sort of threat to the teams they play in the regular season. Their most effective offensive player is running back De’Von Achane. Achane has constantly reminded fans every season why he is an elite offensive player, but based on how I see Miami has been using him in the preseason, he seems to be the glue to Miami’s offense, and not in a good way. With Malik Willis at quarterback, his first season with Miami, he doesn’t seem to convince me that he will lead the Dolphins to win more than five games. His heavy reliance on Achane during his preseason game against Washington was why they got that touchdown in the first quarter, only to lose 20-7. This tells me that Willis isn’t much of a passing threat, and with a STILL-transitioning Miami team going into the regular season, passing is something they’ll definitely need to move the ball down the field efficiently against the teams they play. Malik Willis isn’t a TERRIBLE quarterback, but he’s nothing better than decent, and when I compare him to the other AFC quarterbacks, like Josh Allen, Drake Maye, or Justin Herbert, he’s nothing close.

Miami’s wide receivers aren’t that great either, with some of them leading poor historical efficiency and some of them not being able to crack significant offensive roles in the past. For example, Jalen Reagor, the former first-round pick, has been bouncing around the NFL due to severe route-running inconsistencies. Tutu Atwell is not only one of the lightest receivers in the NFL (165 lbs), but his catching rate floats around 55%, and Jalen Tolbert averaged less than 12 yards per reception. Over his few seasons with Dallas, he was unable to make the starting lineup consistently. Receiver Malik Washington emerges as one of the bigger standouts in training camp, showcasing elite deep-threat chemistry with Malik Willis. But he’s also 5’8, which leads me to conclude that Miami doesn’t have a physically dominant receiver. While Miami has let go of receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to free up space for younger players, I think this Miami team is still developing, but by the looks of this offense, I don’t expect much scoring to be going on, which is why I don’t expect them to win any more than four games.

Miami’s defense isn’t much of a big deal either. Just like their offense, the defense lacks significant depth as well. With Sean Duggan as Miami’s new defensive coordinator, he’s shifted the defense’s focus to function around linebacker Jordyn Brooks and defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who are both currently injured and labeled questionable on the Dolphins’ depth chart. While these players are expected to play in Miami’s opening game against Las Vegas, I wouldn’t be so sure that Brooks would play at his best, considering his hamstring injury caused him to miss preseason games and the majority of training camp sessions. Don’t get me wrong, Miami’s defense is SOMEWHAT solid, but only if Miami can keep their best defensive players healthy, because after watching the TRAGEDY of a backup defense against Washington, a backup starting in the regular season will not end well, especially against REGULAR season offensive players.

Miami came into this offseason looking for improvement. Based on everything I've seen, they're heading in the opposite direction. Four wins, last place, and another year of questions. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Tua’s Absolute Disaster Of A Performance

The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback competition has gone down the drain after Tua’s SICKENING performance against the Denver Broncos this week. The so-called “favored starting quarterback” for the Falcons in the regular season did not show up AT ALL against Denver, dropping one of the snaps. Overall, Tua’s playmaking and decision-making were ineffective, and he only brought Atlanta ONE first down with him at the helm. There was absolutely ZERO serious deep throw threat, throwing for a meager 22 yards, going 3-for-5, averaging just 4.4 yards per pass attempt. His longest completion of that night had been an 11-yard throw on the move to Kyle Pitts. On his final snap, a 3rd-and-10, he succumbed to heavy pressure from the Denver defense, threw the ball away to avoid a sack, and was knocked hard to the ground in the process. Ultimately, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa tangle for the starting quarterback position, which that night created the hilarious and well-delivered meme of Penix pointing to Tagovailoa, insinuating, “He’s starting over me??” For the sake of Atlanta’s sanity, I hope Tua doesn’t get the starting job after this NIGHTMARE of a preseason debut. Here’s another fact that shows how bad Tua was against Denver. Jack Strand, the official third-string quarterback for the Falcons, scored their ONLY touchdown against Denver in a 27-7 blowout, and if you had to guess the score based solely on TUA’s performance (not to mention Cooper Rush also threw two interceptions), then this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. I’m praying for Atlanta, and that Michael Penix Jr. recovers quickly enough to officially grasp onto that starting position, because he’s Atlanta’s LAST HOPE if they don’t want to have a DUMPSTER FIRE of a season.

OBJ’s Long-Awaited Return To New York

Odell Beckham Junior made an emotional return to MetLife Stadium during the Giants’ 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Statistically, his box score production was minimal, finishing with two catches for six yards on three targets, having checked into the game during the second quarter. However, his performance OFF the ball was more effective. Footage showed him consistently creating separation and trying to make plays, but backup quarterbacks like Jameis Winston were simply unable to deliver the ball to him. I think despite the overall MEDIOCRE performance OBJ had this game, there’s much more to come. Do I think this is the best he can do? Most definitely not. Do I think he’ll perform when it really matters? I can only hope, but I know he’s got it in him. For me, I think OBJ operated more as a team player this game, trying to make more opportunities for others to get open, but also trying to get open himself a few times here and there. But overall, this is a FORGETTABLE performance for OBJ because I expect much more from him in the upcoming, more important games. While he is still fighting to secure a roster spot, I don’t think he’ll be able to outperform the Giants’ top two wide receivers, Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. But this season, I want to see a good performance from OBJ; it won’t be anywhere NEAR as good as when he was last with the Giants, but it would make me happy to see him outperform the others in at least ONE game.

Zach Wilson’s Strong Half

Quarterback Zach Wilson had an extremely EXPLOSIVE performance against Jacksonville, outperforming the other quarterbacks that had played by a large margin, despite losing 24-20. Spencer Rattler and Hunter Dekkers had also played, with Tyler Shough sitting out with the rest of the first team, posing as a designated starter for New Orleans in the regular season. Wilson dominated both of them, with a SCARY serious deep passing threat, throwing for 145 yards, a touchdown, and zero turnovers, going 11-for-16. Not only were these good stats, but Wilson was also able to effectively move the Saints offense down the field with several deep-pass completions, connecting with wide receiver Bub Means for explosive gains of 27 and 37 yards. Wilson successfully ENGINEERED the Saints’ most FLUID drives of that night, and they certainly didn’t lose by a lot, being a close neck-and-neck game. On the other hand, Spencer Rattler looked pressured by the Jacksonville pass rush and coughed up a costly fumble on a sack, while Wilson displayed EXCELLENT pocket awareness, avoided critical mistakes, and ended the game flawlessly, leaving analysts to debate whether he could’ve had the best individual performance of the first week of the preseason. As a person who notices how much hate Wilson has received in the past, especially during his time with the Jets, this is a major step for him, and this performance seriously BOOSTS his agenda. While I don’t expect him to seriously compete with Tyler Shough, I do believe that if he keeps this sort of deep-pass threat up, he could get some playing time in the regular season and build a better name for himself in the league.

The Rams Stun The Chiefs

In this thriller, both teams rested almost all their primary starters, including Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce. This game served as a showcase for the backups and rookies, where the Rams pulled away late with a DOMINANT fourth-quarter performance. Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson STOLE the show this game, the definite BREAKOUT performer of that afternoon, playing the final three quarters, and serving one of the most IMPORTANT roles in LA’s victory. Stetson Bennett started and played the entire first quarter, going 4-for-6, throwing for 38 yards, with zero touchdowns. Obviously from these numbers, Bennett wasn’t able to convert much against Kansas City’s defense and relied many times on running back Jarquez Hunter to ground the offense, with 35 yards on 9 carries. However, Ty Simpson opened up ALMOST all the scoring for the Rams that game, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He locked into a spectacular groove, at one point completing EIGHT consecutive passes. One of the most memorable aspects of his performance was his connection with running back Dean Connors. Both of Simpson’s touchdown passes went to Connors, including a 9-yard game-winner in the fourth quarter to break a low-scoring tie. Simpson’s performance against Kansas City showed his competitiveness in the league, but the real question is: can he handle a starting team’s defense? His performance against Kansas City certainly will raise questions, but I think, because of Stafford’s GUARANTEED obvious starting position, which he definitely should have, Simpson should move to another team with less quarterback competition to build a good reputation. On a team like the Rams, play as well as you can in the preseason, but don’t expect any playing time when the regular season arrives. If Simpson can make it to a team like the Falcons, although the competition against Penix if he’s recovered could be tricky, or the Cleveland Browns, which could be his best bet to get some playing time in the regular season, only time can tell, and what he wants to do with the rest of his football career.

Two weeks down, two to go, and the rookies are already making noise. The regular season can’t come soon enough.

What Happened

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the preseason after suffering a groin injury in practice, but the team believes he should be back for the regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. Burden, 22, suffered the injury during Saturday’s practice when he got tangled up with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on the final rep of red zone one-on-ones, getting tangled up as Stevenson broke up a pass from Caleb Williams. Burden was spotted walking gingerly toward the locker room with trainers after the collision. Stevenson felt well enough to return to practice, while Burden did not.

Who Is Burden

In his first NFL season, Burden caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games played. He ranked third among wide receivers in yards per route run with 2.71, trailing only Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua, and those 2.71 yards per route run were the most by a rookie wide receiver in the past 10 seasons. Head coach Ben Johnson compared his potential impact to that of Detroit Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, calling him one of the most exciting offensive players he has coached.

Why It Matters

After Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Burden is expected to be one of the top two wide receivers alongside Rome Odunze. Losing him for any significant portion of the regular season would be a significant blow for Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense, a unit that has been generating enormous buzz heading into the new campaign. The Bears have also been dealing with multiple injuries throughout camp; headline offseason addition Coby Bryant was lost for weeks to a knee injury, starting defensive back Kyler Gordon still hasn’t participated in practice, and several secondary depth pieces have also suffered setbacks.

The Silver Lining

The good news is that the Bears are not panicking. The team believes Burden will be ready for September 13 against the Panthers, and a month away from preseason action could actually benefit him in the long run, keeping him fresh and healthy for the games that truly matter.

Burden will miss the preseason, but if he’s ready for Week 1, Chicago’s offense will have everything it needs to make a statement.

What Happened

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced on Sunday, August 9, that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater plans to retire from football. The Lions immediately placed him on the reserve/retired list following the announcement. Bridgewater had signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal with Detroit in March and was expected to serve as Jared Goff’s backup throughout the season, making his retirement announcement just weeks before the regular season a surprise for the entire organization. Campbell’s announcement was brief and matter-of-fact; Bridgewater had made his decision, and the Lions respected it immediately.

His Career

Bridgewater was selected 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft, and for two seasons, he looked like a franchise quarterback in the making. Then, on August 30, 2016, everything changed. During a non-contact play in practice, Bridgewater suffered a catastrophic dislocated knee and torn ACL, an injury so severe that many feared his career was over before it had truly begun. What followed was one of the most inspiring comebacks in NFL history. Bridgewater fought back, reclaimed his career, and went on to play 12 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins, Jets, and finally the Lions. He finished with 17,215 passing yards, 105 touchdowns, and 57 interceptions in 100 career games.

The Legacy

Bridgewater’s career was never defined by statistics. It was defined by resilience. He was the player who refused to let a devastating injury write his story for him, who fought back when most people would have walked away, and who built a second chapter of his career entirely on sheer will and determination. Every team he played for valued him not just for what he did on the field but for what he brought to the locker room: leadership, professionalism, and a perspective that only someone who has been through what he has been through can offer.

Teddy Bridgewater is done, but his story will be told for a long time. Twelve seasons, one unforgettable comeback, and a legacy built on heart.

The Signing

The Detroit Lions have signed quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million contract with $475,000 fully guaranteed, confirmed by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport on August 9. Dobbs will serve as Jared Goff’s backup, stepping into the role vacated by Bridgewater’s surprise retirement announcement earlier in the day. Dobbs was with the Lions in 2022 and is also familiar with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing from their time together with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, making him a natural fit for Detroit’s system.

Who Is Dobbs

Josh Dobbs is joining his ninth NFL team in 10 seasons after agreeing to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. The 31-year-old Georgia native has become one of the most well-traveled quarterbacks in NFL history, having played for the Steelers, Jaguars, Browns, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots before arriving in Detroit. Dobbs spent last season as the New England Patriots backup quarterback behind Drake Maye, appearing in four games and completing 7 of 10 passes for 65 yards. A University of Tennessee graduate and aerospace engineer, Dobbs is as well known for his intelligence off the field as his reliability on it.

Context

Detroit currently has just one other quarterback on the roster, undrafted free agent Luke Altmyer, making Dobbs’ signing an immediate and important addition to the depth chart. The Lions are entering 2026 after a disappointing 9-8 season and playoff miss, and head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that stability and depth are priorities heading into the new campaign. Dobbs is not expected to challenge Goff for the starting role, but as a reliable, experienced backup who knows the system and the coaching staff, he is exactly what Detroit needed.

The Lions needed a backup. Dobbs needed a home. Both sides found what they were looking for, and Detroit moves forward with Goff under center and a trusted veteran behind him.

The Situation

Henry is entering the last year of his three-year, $27 million extension signed in 2024, with an average annual salary of $9 million, ranked 18th among NFL tight ends. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2026 season, Henry is playing for his next deal, and his performances last season suggest he has every right to demand one. Henry addressed his contract situation at training camp with characteristic composure: “This is a place that I’ve grown a lot. The hard years, the good years. This is a place that means a lot to me.”

His Case

Henry had the best season of his career in 2025, recording 60 receptions for 768 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns in the regular season, adding an eighth in the playoffs as New England made a run to Super Bowl LX. Head coach Mike Vrabel has been effusive in his praise: “I love being around Hunter. His consistency and his production, the more I can be around Hunter Henry the better because he’s a great football player, he’s a great leader for us. A very consistent player.” Through six seasons in New England, Henry has become one of the most reliable tight ends in the league and one of the most respected veterans in the locker room.

Context

Henry joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2021 after five seasons with the Chargers, and has started every season since as a cornerstone of New England’s offense. At 32 years old, this contract year represents a pivotal moment, a strong 2026 season could earn him one final multi-year deal, either in New England or elsewhere. The Patriots clearly value him. The question is whether they are willing to pay what he believes he’s worth when the time comes.

Henry has been here before, fighting for his place, proving his worth, and delivering when it matters most. Expect nothing different in 2026.

What Happened

Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers is considered day-to-day with a left quad contusion after colliding with safety Jaylinn Hawkins during a 7-on-7 drill at Ravens training camp on Saturday. Flowers immediately fell to the ground and held the upper part of his left leg while in visible pain. After struggling to get up, he was examined for about 10 minutes by a trainer before limping to the locker room. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and general manager Eric DeCosta all came over to check on Flowers while he was being looked at by the trainer.

The Diagnosis

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said after practice: “Thankfully, I think he’ll be OK in the long term.” Minter confirmed the injury was a quad contusion and that Flowers is day-to-day, adding that he does not expect Flowers to miss significant time. The initial thought was that it could be serious, but the Ravens have confirmed it is not, and Flowers is expected to return to practice over the coming week.

Why The Stakes Were So High

Flowers signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension, the biggest non-QB contract in Ravens franchise history, just three days before Saturday’s injury. The extension averages $35 million per season, making him the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid wide receiver. His 1,211 receiving yards last season accounted for 36.9% of the Ravens’ total receiving yards, the second-highest share by any player in 2025. Losing Flowers for any extended period would be catastrophic for Baltimore’s offense.

Context

While Flowers is sidelined, veteran Rashod Bateman will assume the No. 1 receiver role with the first-team offense. The Ravens will also take part in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings on August 19 and 20. The Ravens open their regular season on September 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, and all signs point to Flowers being ready for that game.

A scare, but nothing more. Zay Flowers will be fine, and Baltimore can exhale.

What Happened

Malik Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee in Week 4 of the 2025 season, during a victory over the Chargers. He underwent surgery in late October and was expected to be ready for the 2026 season. However, in May, Nabers underwent a second cleanup procedure to remove scar tissue from his knee, raising fresh concerns about his availability heading into training camp.

His Return

Nabers took an early step in his road to recovery by practicing with the team this week, a positive sign for a Giants organization that desperately needs their star receiver healthy. It is highly unlikely that Nabers will play in any of the Giants’ preseason games, and Week 1 of the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys is still very much in the air. The Giants have not flat-out confirmed he will be available for the opener. They are monitoring him closely and letting his recovery dictate the timeline.

Why It Matters

In response to the uncertainty surrounding Nabers’ status, the Giants bolstered their receiving corps by signing Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Those moves raised eyebrows, but they were precautionary rather than a sign of pessimism about Nabers’ recovery. Nabers set an NFL rookie record for receivers with 109 catches in his debut season, totaling 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Getting him back healthy is the single most important thing the Giants can do heading into 2026.

Context

New head coach John Harbaugh has made it clear that Nabers will not be rushed. The Giants are playing the long game with their most important offensive weapon. With Jaxson Dart entering his second year at quarterback, having Nabers available could be the difference between a playoff push and another rebuilding year in New York.

Nabers is back on the practice field. Now, the Giants just need him to stay there.

What Happened

The NFL announced on Friday, August 7, that Cam Taylor-Britt has been suspended without pay for the Colts’ first game of the 2026 regular season for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The suspension stems from a reckless driving incident in September 2025, when Taylor-Britt was arrested near Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati after allegedly performing a burnout. He also faced a charge of driving without a valid license. In January 2026, Taylor-Britt entered a plea agreement on the charges. He may take part in all preseason practices and games and will be eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, September 14.

What It Means for Indianapolis

Taylor-Britt will miss the Colts’ season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 13, a tough matchup to be without a cornerback against Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Johnathan Edwards and Mekhi Blackmon will likely see increased action in his absence. The silver lining is that the suspension is just one game. Taylor-Britt can still participate in all preseason action and will be back for Week 2.

Who Is Taylor-Britt

Taylor-Britt signed with the Colts in March after four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he compiled 127 tackles, 27 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and two interception returns for touchdowns in 29 starts. He ended his 2025 season on injured reserve with a foot injury, meaning Indianapolis will also be monitoring his health as the season approaches.

A one-game suspension is not the end of the world, but missing a Week 1 showdown against Lamar Jackson is far from an ideal start to life in Indianapolis.

The Signing

Linebacker Deion Jones has signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday, August 7. Financial terms were not disclosed. The signing completes an extraordinary journey. Jones has now played for the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now the Saints, becoming the first player in NFL history to play for all four NFC South teams.

Who Is Jones

Jones, 31, was selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and spent his best years in Atlanta, topping 100 tackles in five of his six seasons there and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017. He has totaled 761 tackles, 12 sacks, and 13 interceptions, including five returned for touchdowns in 128 career games. His production declined significantly after leaving Atlanta, recording just 29 tackles in 17 games last season with the Buccaneers. But his experience, leadership, and local connection make him a worthwhile addition for New Orleans.

The Homecoming

Jones was born and raised in New Orleans and played his college football at LSU, making this signing deeply personal. Playing for his hometown team at 31 years old, on what is likely one of his final NFL contracts, gives this signing a different kind of meaning beyond just the football.

Jones is home, and for one last time, he’ll be playing for a city that has always been his.

The Deal

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed Skoronski’s extension, which makes him the league’s highest-paid guard in NFL history. The Titans did not publicly announce the financial details, but a person familiar with the terms confirmed them to the Associated Press. Skoronski called the extension “a tremendous blessing” and thanked controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, general manager Mike Borgonzi, and new head coach Robert Saleh for believing in him. “I love this organization, I love this city, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue representing this franchise,” Skoronski said. “I appreciate the faith they’ve shown in me, and now it’s my job to earn it every day. I’m excited for what’s ahead, but more than anything, I’m ready to get back to work.”

Who Is Skoronski

Peter Skoronski was selected by the Titans with the 11th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Northwestern, where he was the 2022 Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-American. He is the grandson of Bob Skoronski, who won five NFL championships as an offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi, making football royalty very much a family business. At just 24 years old, Skoronski has already established himself as one of the most important players on the Titans’ roster, lining up every day in practice opposite All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, one of the most dominant interior defenders in the league. As Skoronski himself put it: “You can’t tell me the guys that have to block that guy aren’t important too.”

The Bigger Picture

The Titans were the NFL’s biggest spenders in free agency in March and continued the spending with the two stars they wanted to keep. All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons signed his own extension, making him the league’s highest-paid at his position in late June, and now Skoronski joins him as the highest-paid guard in the NFL. General Manager Mike Borgonzi said: “We couldn’t be happier to keep Peter in Nashville. The goal will always be to retain people and players who are cornerstones of our organization, and Peter is certainly that for us. He has the work ethic to match his talent and a perpetual desire to win that we want permeating throughout our building.”

Context

Skoronski’s deal surpasses O’Cyrus Torrence’s recent extension with the Buffalo Bills as the richest deal ever for a guard, making this the third time in one offseason that the interior offensive line market has been reset. With Cam Ward entering his second NFL season and the Titans building around their young core, locking up Skoronski through 2030 is a clear statement of intent from a franchise that believes its best days are ahead.

Skoronski is paid, locked in, and ready to go, and the Tennessee Titans just made a very loud statement about where this franchise is headed.

The Deal

Torrence was entering the final season of his rookie contract with a $3.8 million base salary in 2026 before his extension. With his new deal averaging $19.6 million per season, Torrence is the seventh highest-paid guard in the NFL, sandwiched between Quenton Nelson at $20 million and Landon Dickerson at $19.5 million.

Who Is Torrence

Torrence was a second-round pick by the Bills in the 2023 draft and has appeared in all 51 games through his first three seasons. The only game he hasn’t started was in Week 18 of the 2024 campaign when Buffalo had already secured a playoff spot. At 6’5” and 347 pounds, Torrence is the anchor of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, the Bills ranked first in run-block win rate and fourth in pass-block win rate last season.

Why Buffalo Did It

The Bills have already given long-term deals to several key members of their offense: left tackle Dion Dawkins, right tackle Spencer Brown, running back James Cook, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Torrence was the final piece of that puzzle. James Cook rushed for a career-best 1,621 yards last season, the first Bills player to lead the NFL in rushing for more than 50 years, and much of that success ran directly through Torrence’s blocks at right guard.

Context

Bleacher Report called Torrence the NFL’s “Most Important Contract Decision” of 2026, and the Bills answered the call. With Allen, Cook, and now a fully secured offensive line, Buffalo is building the kind of foundation that championship teams are made of.

Torrence is locked in, and Josh Allen’s blindside just got a whole lot more secure.

The Result

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30, taking the lead in the final seconds of the game. Both teams played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame game. This was the Panthers’ first appearance in the Hall of Fame game since their inaugural season in 1995.

The Storylines

Quarterback Carson Beck made his NFL debut for Arizona, and Mike LaFleur made his head coaching debut. Kenny Pickett was the starting quarterback for Carolina, his fifth team in four years. The statistics were off the charts in this game: a combined 400+ yards of offense in the first half alone, and 18 receivers made catches from three quarterbacks.

The Scoring

The first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season was converted by Cardinals running back Corey Kiner, with a 1-yard run capping a 13-play, 96-yard drive. Beck had a perfect 6/6 for 72 yards on that opening drive, with 8/9 for 81 yards in the first quarter overall. But the Panthers responded, with AJ Dillon capping a 10-play, 67-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Pickett went 4/6 for 50 yards on the drive. Haynes King debuted for the Panthers in the second quarter, throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ja’seem Reed. But the Cardinals took the lead, with kicker Chad Ryland converting a 35-yard field goal. The Panthers matched with a 33-yarder, tying the game 17-17 at halftime. Arizona took the lead in the fourth quarter when Slovis threw to Bryson Green for a 1-yard completion. LaFleur decided to go for it on 4th & 5 from the Panthers’ 41-yard-line. Beck nearly connected with Reggie Virgil, but the ball was knocked away. The Panthers took over and drove down the field. Haynes King ran in a 5-yard touchdown in the final seconds to win 33-30.

Key Performers

Carson Beck went 8/9, throwing for 81 yards in the first quarter, making an insanely impressive debut. Haynes King was 11/17 with 94 yards, a touchdown pass, and the game-winning touchdown run. Kenny Pickett went 8/11, with 62 yards. AJ Dillon had three carries, 18 yards, and a touchdown. John Metchie III had 3 catches and 38 yards. Corey Kiner had the honor of scoring the first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season.

Context

This was Mike LaFleur’s head-coaching debut with Arizona after 3 seasons as the Rams' offensive coordinator (OC). Dave Canales was the head coach for the Carolina Panthers. The gutsy call by LaFleur to go for it on 4th & 5 came up short, and the Panthers won the game moments later. With this cinematic game in the books, the NFL preseason is officially underway, with the regular season starting on September 7.

Fans were not expecting anything close to what they saw today, and with the preseason games being this entertaining, only one can dream of what surprises the regular season holds for football fans.

The Deal

The Detroit Lions have signed running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension that could be worth as much as $75.75 million with incentives. The deal includes $51.5 million guaranteed, making Gibbs the highest-paid running back in NFL history, surpassing Bijan Robinson’s record-breaking deal with Atlanta just days earlier. At just 24 years old, Gibbs is locked up in Detroit for years to come.

His Case

The numbers make the decision easy to understand. In 2025, Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while posting a career-high receiving season, one of the most complete campaigns by a running back in the NFL last year. Through his first three NFL seasons, he has already totaled 5,029 yards from scrimmage and 49 touchdowns in just 49 games, a remarkable rate of production that places him among the most dangerous playmakers the league has seen in years. His speed, versatility, and ability to impact both the running and passing game make him one of the most valuable offensive players in football.

What It Means for Detroit

Keeping Gibbs was one of Detroit’s biggest offseason priorities, and getting the deal done removes a major distraction heading into the season. The Lions have been building toward a Super Bowl run in recent seasons, and locking up their franchise running back is a clear signal that the organization believes this group is capable of competing at the highest level. Gibbs missed portions of training camp while negotiations were ongoing, but both sides ultimately found common ground before the season began.

Context

Gibbs’ extension comes just days after Bijan Robinson signed his own record-breaking deal with Atlanta, making this the second time in one week that the running back market has been reset. Two of the NFL’s best young runners getting paid in the same offseason sends a powerful message about the position’s value. Many analysts believe the Robinson and Gibbs deals will influence future extensions for star running backs across the league for years to come.

Jahmyr Gibbs is a Lion, and Detroit just made sure of it for the long haul.

The Deal

The Indianapolis Colts have signed running back Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million contract extension that could increase to $47 million through incentives. The deal includes $39 million guaranteed and keeps Taylor in Indianapolis through the 2029 season. At just 27 years old, the extension makes Taylor one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, a landmark moment for a position that is finally being rewarded again after years of being undervalued.

His Case

Taylor’s numbers made the decision straightforward for Indianapolis. He led the entire NFL with 1,585 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on 323 carries during the 2025 season, one of the most dominant individual rushing performances in the league in recent years. Over the past two seasons combined, Taylor has rushed for more than 3,000 yards while consistently proving he is one of the most explosive offensive players in the game. His ability to run between the tackles, break long runs, and carry an entire offense on his back makes him irreplaceable in Indianapolis.

What It Means for the Colts

Keeping Taylor was Indianapolis’ biggest offseason priority, and getting it done before the season started removes a major distraction. The Colts believe locking up their franchise running back gives them the best possible chance to compete for the playoffs over the next three seasons. With Taylor as the centerpiece of their offense, Indianapolis has a foundation to build around heading into 2026 and beyond.

Context

Taylor’s extension comes in the same offseason as Bijan Robinson’s record-breaking deal with Atlanta; two of the NFL’s best running backs getting paid in the same summer sends a clear message that the position is having its moment. Many analysts view Taylor’s extension as one of the most significant contract deals of the 2026 NFL offseason, and one that could age very well given how much football he still has left in him at 27.

Jonathan Taylor is a Colt for life, and Indianapolis just made sure of it.

What Happened

Aaron Donald officially worked out with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, August 5, and also appeared as listed on the NFL’s official transaction wire, which is required when free agents use team equipment. Donald has been working out at the Rams’ Woodland Hills training complex for several weeks. Defensive line coach Giff Smith called it “the greatest tryout he’s ever had”.

McVay’s Comments

“That was honestly our way of being able to get a workout with him within the parameters of what’s necessary”. Rams head coach Sean McVay has expressed “cautious optimism” about lining up Donald alongside Myles Garrett. The Rams open their season in Melbourne, Australia, providing extra time before games that matter.

Who Is Donald

Aaron Donald is a 35-year-old retired professional defensive tackle who has been retired for 2.5 years after the 2023 season. He was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a future Hall of Famer. With 111 career sacks, Donald is considered to be one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

What’s Still Needed

A $30 million contract still needs to be worked out to get Donald on the team for next season; the decision rests entirely with him. If signed, the Rams defensive line will be: Donald, Garrett, Turner, Fiske, Ford, Young, an envy of the league.

Aaron Donald’s return to the Rams will be the biggest news coming out of this offseason if confirmed, but until that decision is made, Los Angeles can only hope.

The Signing

Stefon Diggs has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders. The signing gives Washington another proven playmaker alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, forming one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the NFC.

Why Washington

Several teams expressed interest in Diggs following his release from New England, but Washington emerged as the clear favorite late in free agency. The pull was personal as much as professional. Diggs grew up in the DMV area and starred at the University of Maryland before entering the NFL, making this a homecoming signing with added emotional significance. Diggs also cited the Commanders’ trajectory under Daniels as a major factor in his decision.

Who Is Diggs

Stefon Diggs is a four-time Pro Bowler with one of the most decorated receiving careers of his generation. Despite being released by New England, he showed he still has plenty left, finishing the 2025 season with 85 receptions, 1,013 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns while helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX. His route running, big-play ability, and veteran leadership make him a valuable addition to any offense, and at this stage of his career, he knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level.

What It Means for Washington

The Commanders are building toward a Super Bowl run, and Diggs accelerates that timeline. Pairing him with Daniels and McLaurin gives Washington a trio that opposing defensive coordinators will struggle to plan for. Daniels, who had a breakout sophomore season, now has the veteran target he needed to take the next step as a franchise quarterback.

What It Means for New England

The Patriots move forward with a younger receiving group following Diggs’ release, a clear signal that New England is prioritizing development over short-term contention as they rebuild around their new quarterback.

Diggs is home, and Washington’s offense just became one of the most exciting in the NFL.

The Deal

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with two-time Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers, with $108 million guaranteed. The extension ties Flowers with Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings at $35 million per year in new-money average, fourth highest in the NFL, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15M), Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25M), and Drake London ($35.25M). The deal makes Flowers the second-highest paid member of the Ravens in franchise history, behind only quarterback Lamar Jackson. Flowers will remain under contract through 2031, locked up for the entirety of his prime years.

Who Is Flowers

Flowers, 25, was selected by Baltimore with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has not looked back since. In 2025, he caught 86 passes for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns, a career high, despite a down year for the Ravens offense overall. He accounted for 36.9% of Baltimore’s total receiving yards in 2025, the second-highest rate of any receiver in the entire NFL. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his last two seasons and has led the Ravens in receptions and receiving yards in all three of his NFL seasons, a remarkable record of consistency for such a young player.

What the Ravens Said

New Ravens head coach Jesse Minter was effusive in his praise. “Great day for the Ravens. Shoutout to Zay Flowers. When you watch him up close in practice, you realize he has a very, very unique skillset for what most people would call a smaller-stature receiver. He can play any position on the offense as far as the wide receivers go. He’s not just a slot guy, he’s not just an outside guy, he’s not just a gadget guy. He can do everything. He can be all of those things. Nothing better as a coach than to see those guys get what they deserve.”

The One Question Mark

Lamar Jackson’s own contract extension has not yet been agreed, and without a deal in place, some analysts are questioning the long-term logic of committing $140 million to Flowers without knowing who will be throwing him the ball beyond 2027. Jackson remains the engine of everything Baltimore does offensively, and resolving his contract situation is now the Ravens’ most pressing priority.

Flowers is paid, locked up, and ready to thrive. Now Baltimore just needs to make sure the man throwing him the ball is secured too.