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NFL Exec Claims 49ers’ Offseason Signings are Why Team is Always Hurt

The San Francisco 49ers are entering a pivotal year. Despite finishing 12-5 and returning to the playoffs after a one season absence, injuries prevented the 49ers from reaching their full potential– with their Super Bowl hopes quickly dashed in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs. Eager to win their sixth Super Bowl, the 49ers […] The post NFL Exec Claims 49ers’ Offseason Signings are Why Team is Always Hurt appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Mega 3-Round mock

The 2026 NFL Draft is now just days away, so it’s time to lock in on team needs and targets. The first two days of the draft, especially, will change the look of teams’ rosters across the league and can make a major difference in what happens next season. So, with that in mind, let’s […] The post 2026 NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Mega 3-Round mock appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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10 NFL Draft Picks That Made No Sense Then—And Still Don’t

Every year, the NFL has its annual draft to see which highly touted collegiate player lands to begin their NFL careers.  A lot happens behind the scenes, where teams trade picks, players, and assets to acquire the draft picks they desire based on scouting data they’ve obtained over the years, and on their attendance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Then, when late April comes around, the lights and cameras shine on the NFL, as we watch Roger Goodell call the names of college players on the podium and announces what team drafts them. However, just like the draft, some draft picks make us scratch our heads every time these names are mentioned in conversation, how they flopped at the professional level, and all the trades and assets certain NFL teams give up to draft these guys, only to see them flop and not develop into the star they hoped for. Let’s take a look at 10 NFL Draft Picks that somehow still make zero sense to us, and why they were drafted in the first place. Which draft selection did not make sense for several NFL teams? Buccaneers pick Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 NFL DraftNov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports When NFL teams draft a kicker, they usually tend to draft them in the very late rounds of the draft. That wasn’t the case with Roberto Aguayo, who was drafted by the Buccaneers with the 59th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  Bucs’ general manager Jason Licht traded away third and fourth round picks to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and acquire the two-time All-American, thinking he was going to be their kicker long-term. With his strong legs and kicking, he brought the Florida State Seminoles. Instead, Aguayo flopped in the league, converting 22 of 31 field goals as a rookie, converting 32 of 34 extra points, and was waived in 2017. Aguayo bounced around the league with brief stints with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots, and has a 71 percent field goal percentage. Aguayo was the highest drafted kicker since Mike Nugent back in 2005, but Nugent had a longer career and had a field goal percentage of 81 percent.  This pick will always have our heads scratching on why the Bucs gave up some draft assets to select a kicker that early. Commanders drafting Emmanuel Forbes over Christian Gonzalez in 2023Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports The Commanders drafted Forbes with the 16th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a shutdown corner and keep opposing wide receivers under control.  Then Commanders’ general manager Martin Mayhew referred to Forbes as “the total package.” Instead, Forbes was benched midway through his rookie season, as he had one interception and was bullied by A. J. Brown, who had 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns, in a week eight game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Forbes played in 14 games in his rookie season and started in six of them. He played in six games for the Commanders in 2024 and started in one. Even his photo was roasted by fans in 2024. Forbes was waived by the Commanders and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he has experienced a career resurgence under Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s watch, while the Commanders are stuck in cornerback mediocrity, as they failed to develop Forbes into the cornerback they hoped for. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Gonzalez was still on the board and taken one pick later by the New England Patriots, and he has become a Pro Bowler, and played very well in Super Bowl LX, even though the Patriots lost that game against the Seattle Seahawks. Raiders drafted Clelin Ferrell at four in 2019Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) jogs off the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports When the Raiders shocked the NFL world by drafting Ferrell with the fourth pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, they thought they were getting an elite edge rusher who would cause havoc against opposing offenses and replicate the production Khalil Mack left behind.  Ferrell did have an okay rookie year, as he had 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks (the most in his career so far), five pass deflections, and a fumble recovery.  However, Ferrell lacked the fierce pass-rush production. He did have 10 sacks in 58 games for the “Silver and Black,” and had to work with multiple defensive coordinators throughout his time with the team, as the Raiders have a coaching turnover problem. Ferrell would eventually get outclassed by Maxx Crosby, who was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft and has become a five-time Pro Bowler. Ferrell has had stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and is currently back with the 49ers.  Meanwhile, Devin White (who was picked after Ferrell), Josh Hines-Allen, Rashan Gray, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Montez Sweat, and Zach Allen have all emerged as defensive Pro Bowlers from that draft. 49ers trade three first-round picks to move up and draft Trey Lance in 2021Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) during warmups before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Lance’s playing time at North Dakota State was limited, but he had 17 starts for the Bison and helped the team win two FCS National Championships. Despite the limited playing time, the 49ers traded away three first-round picks (2021, 2022, and 2023) and a 2022 third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to draft Lance and make him their next starting quarterback, even though Jimmy Garoppolo was on the roster. Lance was the second-string quarterback behind Garoppolo, and was thrust into starting action after Garoppolo suffered a calf injury in a week four game against the Detroit Lions.  Lance started in two games for the Niners that season and had a 1-1 record as a starter, completing 41 passes for 603 yards, throwing five touchdowns against two interceptions, rushing for 168 yards on 38 carries, and scoring a rushing touchdown. 2022 was much rougher, as Lance went 1-1 as a starter, completed 15 passes for 194 yards, threw an interception, and rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries, as he dealt with a season-ending ankle injury in week two against the Seattle Seahawks. Luckily, Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy emerged and helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game. Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the start of the 2023 season, with the 49ers rolling with Purdy as their starting QB.  Drafting Lance made the 49ers look silly, as if they made a bad gamble, but as we mentioned earlier, thankfully, Purdy saved the day and has kept the 49ers afloat in the NFC West. Bears traded up to Draft Mitch Trubisky second overall in 2017Jun 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks on prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports After finishing the 2016 season with a 3-13 record, the Bears needed a new signal caller to run the offense on the field. They decided to take a massive gamble and traded two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the 49ers to move up and draft Trubisky. Trubisky had limited starting time during his collegiate days with the UNC Tar Heels (as he started in one season for them and played 13 games), as the Bears deemed him the best quarterback on the draft board, even though some guy named Patrick Mahomes went eight picks later and became a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Trubisky’s time in the “Windy City” felt like a roller coaster ride, as he did show some promise in his sophomore season, leading the team to a division championship, a playoff berth, and making his lone Pro Bowl in 2018. However, his performance regressed after his 2018 season, as inconsistencies piled up, struggles emerged, and opposing defenses took advantage of those struggles.  Trubisky was also a poor fit for then-head coach Matt Nagy’s system, and split the starting role with Nick Foles in 2020, as they helped the Bears reach the playoffs.  Trubisky ended up being a massive disappointment for the Bears, as they cut their losses and released him in 2021, and he has since become a journeyman backup for the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans. Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round in 2016Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Normally, when a college football player gets drafted, it’s a huge milestone. When it came to Christian Hackenberg, whom the Jets drafted with the 51st pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, it looked like a safe pickup. However, Hackenburg never played a single snap with the Jets or the NFL and just sat on the bench. Hackenburg was traded to the Raiders in 2018, but never made their final roster. He also had brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals, but also never made their final rosters. Hackenburg did play professionally in 2019, as he suited up for the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football.  Hackenburg struggled with the Express, as he completed 32 passes for 277 yards, threw three interceptions against no touchdowns, rushed for 47 yards on nine carries, and scored a rushing touchdown before getting benched in favor of Zach Mettenberger. Jacoby Brissett was taken 40 picks later in the third round, and he’s become a more serviceable backup quarterback in the league.  Hackenburg has since become a quarterbacks coach at Winslow Township High School in New Jersey. Though Hackenburg was an NFL bust, and looking back on the selection doesn’t make sense, the Jets should’ve kept him to provide Sam Darnold with reasonable support before they gave up on him years later. Isaiah Wilson getting drafted 29th overall in 2020Nov 8, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (79) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports After reaching the 2020 AFC Championship game before getting defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans decided to draft a new offensive lineman to protect Ryan Tannehill for the upcoming years. They drafted Isaiah Wilson with the 29th pick of the 2020 draft, hoping the former Georgia Bulldog would become a strong and reliable offensive tackle.  Wilson ended up getting into trouble off-the-field, as he was arrested for a DUI during the start of the 2020 season. Wilson was on the COVID list before the start and during the start of the season and wasn’t activated until October of that year. He played in four snaps during his time with the Titans and was suspended for violating team rules in December.  Wilson brought poor production to the Titans, had off-the-field issues, which resulted in him getting traded to the Miami Dolphins, but he never played a single snap for them, as he showed up late to his physical and orientation.  He signed with the New York Giants and made their practice squad in September 2021, and was released in January 2022. Wilson also became a rapper under the stage name GGBowzer and released an EP in 2021, and was suspended for three games in 2023 for an undisclosed reason.  Looking back on this pick, it still has us scratching our heads about why the Titans selected Wilson when offensive guard Robert Hunt went 10 picks later in the second round, and made a Pro Bowl in 2024. Eagles drafting Jalen Reagor one pick before Justin JeffersonPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) celebrates running back a punt return for a touchdown with wide receiver Greg Ward (84) against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Apc Packvseagles 1206201126 The 2020 Eagles needed a new speedy wide receiver for Carson Wentz to work with after losing Nelson Agholor in free agency. So they drafted Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick of the draft, hoping he would bring his speed to Philadelphia as he did at TCU. Reagor ended up not panning out for the Eagles, as he caught 64 receptions for 695 yards, scored three touchdowns, and rushed for 68 yards on 14 carries in his two years with the Eagles. Reagor scored a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in a week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers, but his poor production on offense couldn’t be ignored. He dropped passes, sustained injuries, and muffed two punts in the team’s 2022 Wildcard Round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reagor was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, had stints with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers, and was released by the Bolts after the 2025 season.  All of this could’ve been avoided if the Eagles had drafted Justin Jefferson, who went one pick after Reagor and has become one of the league’s best wide receivers.  Cardinals moving up to draft Josh Rosen in 2018Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen warms-up before playing the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Bears Vs Cardinals 2018 Looking to start fresh for the 2018 season, the Cardinals drafted UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen with the 10th pick of the 2018 draft, and he famously said, “There were nine mistakes ahead of me.” When the season started, Rosen was not just bad; he was downright awful, as he struggled against opposing NFL defenses. Rosen completed 217 passes for 2,278 yards, threw 11 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries, fumbled the ball 10 times, and lost five fumbles in his rookie season. The Cardinals cleaned up shop and drafted Kyler Murray in 2019 and shipped Rosen off to the Miami Dolphins via trade. Rosen had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings before retiring from the NFL in 2023. Rosen has since become a student at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood in 2021 and released him one year laterSep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports Looking to fix their offensive line, the Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood with the 17th pick of the 2021 draft, even though draft experts had him going later. Leatherwood played at offensive tackle for four games, but struggled and surrendered a league-high 65 pressures.  The Raiders tried everything they could to help Leatherwood by moving him to offensive guard, but they released him before the 2022 season and continued to have offensive line problems. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw went six picks later and has emerged as a Pro Bowl standout for the Minnesota Vikings. 

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OutKick 2026 Mock Draft 2.0: Full First Round Picks And Multiple Projected Trades

Our updated 2026 NFL mock draft breaks down every Round 1 pick, led by Heisman QB Fernando Mendoza to Las Vegas and a defense-heavy top 10.

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These 15 NFL Stars Are Still Unsigned—And Where They Need to Go (2026)

Every NFL offseason, free agents steal the headlines. But just because we have seen many of the big dominoes fall, it doesn’t mean the action is over. There are still proven starters sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Veterans are holding out for the right situation. Guys who can walk into a building and change the trajectory of a season. The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away… And once those picks start flying, the leverage shifts entirely to the teams. So let’s take a look at who’s still available and where they should land. Which NFL teams should these 15 free agents land in 2026? Stefon Diggs, Wide ReceiverStefon Diggs (Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images) Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. Yes, there’s off-field baggage. Yes, he got released by the Patriots despite putting up over a thousand yards. And yes, teams are clearly hesitant. But Stefon Diggs just caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and helped lead New England to the Super Bowl. That’s not ancient history—that was four months ago. At 32, he’s not going to burn past corners as he did in Buffalo, but the route running is still elite. The hands are still reliable. And the competitive fire? Still burning hot enough to scare off half the league, apparently. The Ravens make too much sense. Baltimore has lacked a reliable second option opposite Zay Flowers since his emergence, and Diggs wouldn’t affect their comp pick formula since he was released. Lamar Jackson could use a seasoned chain-mover who’s been in big moments before. A one-year prove-it deal in Baltimore could be the perfect redemption arc. AJ Epenesa, EdgeNov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) warms up prior to the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Here’s a name that doesn’t get nearly enough attention as an NFL free agent: AJ Epenesa. The former second-round pick out of Iowa has quietly put together a solid career in Buffalo—24.5 sacks and 4 interceptions across six seasons. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, he’s got the frame to set the edge against the run and the length to disrupt passing lanes. Four interceptions for an edge rusher is rare. That kind of ball production shows instincts that can’t be taught. Epenesa isn’t a featured pass rusher, but he’s exactly the kind of No. 3 edge that championship defenses need. A team like Philadelphia or Green Bay that values depth and versatility should be all over him. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Photo via Imagn Images) We’ve been here before. Last offseason, the Steelers waited… and waited… and waited for Rodgers to decide if he wanted to keep playing. He eventually signed just before minicamp, led Pittsburgh to the AFC North title, and reminded everyone that even at 42, there’s still magic in that arm. Now here we are again. The Steelers have already added DK Metcalf via trade and signed Michael Pittman. They’ve brought in Mike McCarthy—Rodgers’ old coach in Green Bay. Everything is set up for a reunion. The only thing missing is the signature. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions last year. He went 10-6 as a starter. Is he the MVP version of himself? No. But he’s still better than most of the alternatives, and Pittsburgh knows it. This feels inevitable for this highly touted NFL free agent. It’s just a matter of when. Joey Bosa, Edge Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa watches the offensive line on the field during second half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. If you’re only looking at sack totals, you might think Joey Bosa had a quiet year in Buffalo. Five sacks don’t jump off the page. But here’s what does: he led the entire NFL in forced fumbles with five. He racked up 47 pressures—his most since 2021. And Pro Football Focus graded him as their seventh-highest pass-rushing edge defender. Entering his age-31 season, Bosa isn’t the every-down force he was during his Chargers prime, but he’s still a legitimate problem on passing downs. The injuries that plagued him from 2022 to 2023 seem to be in the rearview, and he played 15 games last season. The Lions make a ton of sense here. Detroit could use edge depth opposite Aidan Hutchinson… There is also an intriguing option on the west coast, pairing Bosa with his brother Nick in San Francisco is the kind of storyline that writes itself—even if GM John Lynch has downplayed the financial feasibility. Either way, someone’s getting a proven disruptor who still knows how to finish. Joel Bitonio, Offensive GuardBrowns guard Joel Bitonio heads in after practice July 23, 2025. Quietly one of the best guards of his generation, Joel Bitonio is still playing at a high level entering his age-35 season. The 12-year Browns veteran posted a 96.4% pass block win rate in 2025—third-best among all qualifying guards—while allowing only two sacks. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler who brings both elite technique and the kind of veteran leadership that young offensive lines desperately need. Cleveland loaded up on guards this offseason, signing Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, which signals they’re ready to move on. But Bitonio hasn’t announced retirement, and he clearly has something left. An NFL contender with a young quarterback—think Cincinnati or Denver—would be smart to pounce for this veteran free agent. The Bengals need to keep Joe Burrow upright, and Bitonio has been doing exactly that for over a decade. Bobby Wagner, LinebackerJan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images There’s not much left to say about Bobby Wagner that hasn’t already been said. The future Hall of Famer put up 162 tackles for the Commanders in 2025—entering his age-36 season. He’s been doing this for 14 years and somehow keeps defying the aging curve that destroys most linebackers. Washington signed Leo Chenal this offseason, which signals they’re ready to get younger at the position. And with a new defensive coordinator in Daronte Jones, Wagner might be looking for a fresh start anyway. A return to Seattle would be poetic. So would a stint in Denver, where Sean Payton could use a quarterback for the defense. But wherever Wagner lands, he’s going to bring the same thing he always brings: 100+ tackles, sideline-to-sideline range, and a locker room presence that can’t be coached.  Taylor Decker, Offensive TackleDetroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) warms up before the game between Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. For a decade, Taylor Decker was a pillar of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. He started 140 games. He protected Matthew Stafford, then Jared Goff. And he was as reliable as they come. Then contract negotiations fell apart, and he asked for his release. Now, he’s a veteran NFL free agent. Decker is 32 now and coming off a season where his run blocking dipped, but he still allowed only two sacks in 524 pass-blocking snaps. That’s tied for 12th-fewest among all tackles. He’s not elite anymore, but he’s absolutely a starter. The Panthers could use him after Ikem Ekwonu’s devastating knee injury. Carolina already signed Rasheed Walker, but adding Decker would give them real depth and veteran leadership for Bryce Young. Decker has said he won’t sign with an NFC North rival out of loyalty to Detroit, so that narrows the field. Retirement is apparently still on the table, but if he wants one more run, there are teams that need him. Jadeveon Clowney, EdgeNov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) celebrates after he sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jadeveon Clowney has now played for seven teams in the last eight years. At this point, he’s less of an NFL free agent and more of a traveling circus act—except this circus act had 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys last season. That’s the thing about Clowney: the narrative never matches the production. People talk about him like he’s washed, but he’s hit the 8.5-sack mark in three of his last five seasons. He ranked 15th in pass-rush win rate among edge rushers in 2025. The 49ers desperately need pass-rush help after finishing dead last in the league with just 20 sacks. Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off torn ACLs, so San Francisco can’t afford to put all the pressure on them to carry the load. Clowney already has chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from their time together in Dallas. It’s almost too perfect. Cam Jordan, EdgeDec 21, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the run outs before the game against the New York Jets at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Cam Jordan will turn 37 this summer and somehow had his best season since 2021. The Saints legend put up 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss. He’s now sitting at 132 career sacks—the most in franchise history—, and he clearly isn’t done yet. The interesting part? Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones posted two words on social media a few weeks ago: “Cam Jordan.” Kansas City lost a ton of defensive talent this offseason, including Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Charles Omenihu. They need veteran pass rushers, and Jordan would come relatively cheap while providing instant credibility. At this stage, Jordan just wants to win. If the Chiefs come calling, it’s hard to imagine him saying no. Deebo Samuel, Wide ReceiverSep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) shown on the field during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Deebo Samuel posted 72 catches for 727 yards and 5 touchdowns with Washington last season—his most receptions since his All-Pro 2021 campaign. But his yards per catch dropped to a career-low 10.1, and he was barely used as a runner with just 75 rushing yards. At 30, Samuel isn’t the game-breaking threat he once was, but he can still be weaponized in the right system. A creative play-caller who knows how to scheme touches for him could unlock something. The Broncos have been the obvious connection for years now. Sean Payton has always talked about wanting a “joker” who can line up anywhere and create mismatches. Samuel fits that mold perfectly, and Denver hasn’t signed a single external free agent this NFL offseason. Bo Nix could certainly use another weapon at his disposal. David Njoku, Tight EndOct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) leaps over Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Just two years ago, David Njoku was a Pro Bowler, catching 81 passes for 882 yards despite Cleveland cycling through five different quarterbacks. The athletic tools have always been obvious—he’s a 6-foot-4 mismatch nightmare with legitimate speed. Then Harold Fannin Jr. arrived, and suddenly Njoku was the odd man out in Cleveland. He missed five games with injuries in 2025 and finished with just 33 catches for 293 yards. Not exactly the kind of production that gets phones ringing off the hook. But for a contender looking for a red-zone weapon who won’t break the bank, Njoku is worth the gamble. Baltimore brought him in for a visit. Miami has been mentioned. A return to Cleveland as the TE2 behind Fannin isn’t out of the question either. Whoever signs him is getting a player with more left in the tank than last year’s numbers suggest. Mekhi Becton, Offensive TackleOct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Mekhi Becton (73) runs on to the the field for the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The Mekhi Becton experience has been… complicated. The former first-round pick has all the physical tools you could ever want—6-foot-7, 363 pounds, with the kind of raw power that can move defenders against their will. But injuries derailed his Jets tenure, and his lone season with the Chargers in 2025 was, by all accounts, subpar. He’s still only 26… which is crazy to believe—it feels like he has been around forever at this point… and that’s young enough to believe there’s untapped potential. The danger is that teams fall in love with what Becton could be instead of what he’s shown. Any contract for this NFL free agent needs to be incentive-laden with minimal guarantees. But if he ends up in the right system with the right coaching, the ceiling is still tantalizing. Raiders, Browns, Titans—any team with offensive line questions and cap flexibility should at least kick the tires. Trevon Diggs, CornerbackTrevon Diggs (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) This signing will be just about as boom-or-bust as it gets. Trevon Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021. He was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. He was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone in Dallas for the next decade. Then came the injuries. And the drama. And the releases—first by the Cowboys, then by the Packers after just a few weeks. In 2025, Diggs played in eight games across two teams and recorded zero interceptions and zero pass breakups. At 27, he’s young enough for a bounce-back, but the red flags are everywhere. A team like Atlanta—where Dan Quinn, his former defensive coordinator, now runs the show—might take a flier on a low-risk deal. But this is purely a lottery ticket at this point. Donovan Wilson, SafetySep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) celebrates after making an interception against the New York Giants during overtime at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Every defense needs a tone-setter, and Donovan Wilson has been exactly that for the Cowboys. The seventh-year safety is a physical presence in the box who can match up with tight ends, fill against the run, and deliver the kind of hits that echo through a stadium. He had 71 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2025 while playing a hybrid role in Dallas’s defense. He’s not a centerfield-type safety—you’re not asking him to cover sideline to sideline—but as a box defender who can mix it up at the line of scrimmage, Wilson is one of the better options still available. The Chargers feel like a perfect fit. Jim Harbaugh wants toughness and physicality, and Wilson brings both in spades. Jonnu Smith, Tight EndDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) reacts in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images In 2024, Jonnu Smith was a Pro Bowler in Miami—88 catches, 884 yards, 8 touchdowns. It looked like he’d finally figured it out after years of wandering from Tennessee to New England to Atlanta. Then Pittsburgh traded for him, and everything fell apart. He caught just 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in a Steelers offense that never found a rhythm or a real place for him. The team released him in March to save $7 million against the cap. At 30, Smith is now on his fifth team in five years. That kind of instability usually signals the end. But the talent is still there—you don’t suddenly forget how to create after the catch—and a team that knows how to use him could get real value. The Chargers, Eagles, or even a reunion with the Dolphins are all viable landing spots. Smith is a scheme-dependent player, but in the right system, he can still produce.

Read moreThese 15 NFL Stars Are Still Unsigned—And Where They Need to Go (2026)

Former Eagles Star’s $120M Contract Called NFL’s ‘Worst Free Agent Signing’

Former Eagles star Jaelan Phillips' 4-year, $120 million contract with Carolina Panthers called NFL's 'Worst Free Agent Signing' in 2026. The post Former Eagles Star’s $120M Contract Called NFL’s ‘Worst Free Agent Signing’ appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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Video: Christian McCaffrey is Training Like a Man Possessed at Age 29

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off a season where he served as the do-it-all, go-to player for a severely injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers roster, scoring 17 touchdowns and putting up 2,126 total yards from scrimmage. But if you take one look at his latest offseason workout ...

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What is Cody Ponce's relationship with George Kittle? Get to know about Blue Jays pitcher's connection to 49ers Pro Bowl Tight End – Sportskeeda

What is Cody Ponce's relationship with George Kittle? Get to know about Blue Jays pitcher's connection to 49ers Pro Bowl Tight End  Sportskeeda

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Richard Sherman Gets Blunt About Seahawks’ Repeat Chances

The Seattle Seahawks will look to do what the Kansas City Chiefs did over the 2022 and 2023 seasons: Win back-to-back Super Bowls. After winning Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks lost key players, including Kenneth Walker III and Coby Bryant, in free agency.As a result, there will be questions about whether Seattle can overcome those […] The post Richard Sherman Gets Blunt About Seahawks’ Repeat Chances appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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10 NFL Players You Didn’t Realize Died This Year—RIP!

Even though 2026 is still progressing relatively quickly, the NFL has lost some recently retired Hall of Fame players and other players who made a key impact for their respective teams during their playing careers throughout the decades. Some of these guys you may recognize, and others you may not, as passings are tragic and unexpected. Hearing about someone passing away is always heartbreaking for everyone who knew these amazing people and what they accomplished in their lives on and off the football field. These tragic deaths also serve as a reminder that life is short and should be enjoyed every day to the fullest. We’re going to look back at these NFL players and remember all they accomplished on the field here at TPS, and what they did after their football careers came to an end. Which NFL players have sadly passed away this year? John BrodieNov 14, 1965; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie (12) in action against the Detroit Lions at Tiger Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Lions 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports Brodie was the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers from 1957 to 1973, made two Pro Bowls with the franchise, led the team to the playoffs four times, won the 1965 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, won the 1970 NFL MVP award, and is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for his on-field accomplishments at Stanford.  Despite throwing 224 interceptions against 214 touchdowns, Brodie was a prolific passer during his time in the league, leading the league in passing yards in 1965, 1968, and 1970, and in passing touchdowns in 1965 and 1970. Brodie also led the 49ers to their first playoff win in the 1970 season, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round, but lost to the Tom Landry-coached Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game.  He was also a golfer, playing for the Stanford Cardinal and later going professional with the Senior PGA after his football career concluded. Brodie competed on the Senior PGA Tour from 1985 to 1998, winning the 1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic and earning $735,000 during his career. Brodie passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 90. Matt SnellJan 12, 1969; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Jets running back Matt Snell (41) celebrates as he leaves the field following the defeat of the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III at the Orange Bowl. The Jets defeated the Colts 16-7 to become the first AFL team to win the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Snell was a fullback who played for the New York Jets, helping them win Super Bowl III, and made three AFL All-Star appearances.  He also won the 1961 National Championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes and is enshrined in the Jets’ Ring of Honor. Snell was a versatile and complete player in his heyday with the Jets, as he rushed for 4,287 yards, scored 24 rushing touchdowns in both the AFL and NFL, caught 193 receptions for 1,375 yards, and scored seven touchdowns. Snell was a key figure in the Jets’ lone Super Bowl win, as he rushed for 121 yards on 30 carries and scored the team’s only touchdown that game. After his playing career, Snell was a partner for DEFCO Securities Inc. and owned a restaurant in New York City. Snell passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 84.  Rondale Moore Moore was an explosive, versatile wide receiver during his collegiate career with the Purdue Boilermakers from 2018 to 2020.   Moore broke out onto the national scene in his freshman year, where he caught 114 receptions for 1,258 yards, scored 12 receiving touchdowns, rushed for 213 yards on 21 carries, and scored two rushing touchdowns. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 49th pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.  Moore played for the Red Birds from 2020 to 2023, as he caught 135 receptions for 1,201 yards, scored three touchdowns, rushed for 249 yards on 52 carries, and scored one rushing touchdown in 2023. The former NFL player had stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and 2025, respectively. However, he dealt with a knee injury that kept him out of action in 2024 and a season-ending knee injury he endured during a preseason game against the Houston Texans in 2025. Moore tragically passed away on February 21, 2026, in the garage of a house in New Albany, Indiana, at the age of 25. Sonny JurgensenOct 20, 1968; St. Louis, MO, USA: FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Sonny Jurgensen (9) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports Jurgensen was the star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington from 1957 to 1974.  Jurgensen helped the Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship in a 17-13 win over Vince Lombardi’s Packers, made five Pro Bowls, was a two-time First Team All-Pro, was a two-time second-team All-Pro, led the league in passing yards in 1961, 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1969, led the league in passing touchdowns in 1961 and 1967, has his number retired by Washington, and is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He truly became an iconic NFL player when the Eagles traded him to Washington in 1964. He was spectacular on the field and helped the team reach Super Bowl VII, but he didn’t play due to nagging injuries at the time.  Jurgensen’s only playoff appearance came at age 40 in a game against the Los Angeles Rams, when Washington lost 19-10 back in 1974.  He was strongly dedicated to winning games and excelled under pressure during his prime, especially in his final NFL season. Jurgensen was a color commentator on TV immediately after his playing career, beloved by Washington fans, and retired from broadcasting in 2019. Jurgensen passed away in Naples, Florida, on February 6, 2026, at the age of 91. Joey BrownerOct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings safety Joey Browner smiles as his was honored before the game with the Green Bay Packers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports Browner was a dominant safety for the Minnesota Vikings and one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the 1980s to the early 1990s, as he made six Pro Bowls, was on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, and is enshrined in the Vikings’ Ring of Honor. Browner was a bone-crushing safety who caused havoc against opposing defenses with his bruising hits. He had 9.5 sacks, 37 interceptions returned for 465 yards, scored three pick-sixes, had 17 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovered for a touchdown. Browner also helped the Vikings reach the playoffs in 1987, 1988, and 1989. The closest Browner got to reaching a Super Bowl was in the 1988 NFC Championship game, when the Vikings lost 17-10 to Washington, who went on to win the Super Bowl that season. He appeared in seven games for the Buccaneers and started two of them in his lone season with the team in 1992. However, his time with the Vikings is more memorable, thanks to the grit and strength he showcased on the field. Browner was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame nine times but was never selected.  Browner passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 65. His former teammate Steve Jordan said he lost a great friend and one of the best Vikings teammates he’s ever had. Barry WilburnJan 31, 1988; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn (45) celebrates after intercepting Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (not pictured) during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium. Washington defeated Denver 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports Wilburn was a standout cornerback who played in the NFL and CFL, helping Washington win Super Bowl XXII and the B.C. Lions win the 82nd Grey Cup against the Baltimore Stallions. Wilburn earned a First-Team All-Pro in 1987 and led the league in interceptions that season as well, with nine. He had 20 interceptions returned for 196 yards, scored a pick-six in 1987, had a forced fumble, six fumble recoveries, and 246 tackles during his time in the NFL as a player. Wilburn spent two seasons in the CFL playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B. C. Lions in 1993 and 1994, respectively.  He had three interceptions returned for a total of 42 yards with the Roughriders and Lions. He signed a deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1999, three years after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, and played in eight games for the Blue Bombers. Wilburn served as a defensive backs coach for Howard University in 2007. Wilburn tragically died in a house fire at his residence in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 6, 2026. He was 62 years old. Derrick Clark Clark was a running back who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent player and signed with the Denver Broncos in 1994. He rushed for 168 yards on 56 carries, scored three touchdowns, and caught nine receptions for 47 yards. Clark re-signed with the Broncos in 1996 and was allocated to the Rhein Fire of the World League of American Football. He was the team’s leading rusher in 1996, rushing for 399 yards on 84 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns, and had 37 receptions for 229 yards with the Fire. Clark also helped the Fire win the sixth World Bowl in 1998. Clark had stints on the Broncos’ practice squad in 1996 and the Oakland Raiders in 1997, but never played a regular-season game with them. He spent four seasons with the Rhein and signed with the Orlando Rage of the XFL in 2001, and led the team with seven touchdowns in the league’s only season.  Clark was also one of three football players from Evangel University to make it to the NFL and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 2021. Clark passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 54.  Ed BlaineJan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Blaine was an offensive guard who played one season for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers and four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Blaine played his collegiate football for the Missouri Tigers from 1959 to 1961, and helped the team win the 1960 Orange Bowl against the Navy Midshipmen 21-14. He also helped the Packers win the 1962 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants 16-7.  He was traded to the Eagles in 1963 and started in 56 games for the franchise in his four seasons with the team. After Blaine’s football career ended, he earned a doctorate in physiology from the University of Missouri in 1970 and had a long and interesting career in academia studying kidney function and its connection to cardiovascular disease. He also taught at the Medical School at the University of Missouri, along with conducting research on the effect of salt on kangaroos at the Howard Foley Institute in Melbourne Austrailia from 1992 until his retirement. Blaine passed away in his St. Louis home on March 22, 2026, at the age of 86. Mike Wagner Wagner was a hard-hitting safety who spent his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971 to 1980 with the “Steel Curtain” defense. Wagner helped the Steelers become a dynasty in the 1970s, being a part of the team’s four Super Bowl wins.  He made two Pro Bowls as a player, was a First-Team NFL All-Pro in 1973, was a Second-Team All-Pro in 1976, was the interception co-leader in 1973 with Dick Anderson of the Miami Dolphins, as they both had eight interceptions, and is enshrined in the Steelers’ Hall of Honor. Wagner played in 119 games, started in 116 of those games, had 36 interceptions for 491 yards, and had 12 fumble recoveries with the Steelers. After retiring from playing football, Wagner served as a defensive backs coach at Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked in the financial industry. Wagner also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and was a bank vice president in Pittsburgh.  Wagner passed away from pancreatic cancer on February 18, 2026, at the age of 76. Tracy Scroggins Scroggins was a standout defensive end and linebacker, spending his whole playing career with the Detroit Lions from 1992 until 2001.  Scroggins played in 142 games with the Lions and started in 89 of them. He had one interception in 1993, had six pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, scored two touchdowns from his fumble recoveries, had 321 tackles, scored a safety in 1997, had 60.5 sacks, and has the third most sacks by a Detroit Lion behind Mike Cofer and Robert Porcher. He had six sacks in seven seasons with the Lions, making him one of their fiercest defensive players during his time on the field. Scroggins helped the Lions reach the playoffs five times in his career, and helped them win the NFC Central in the 1993 season before the team was defeated by the Green Bay Packers in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs that season.  Scroggins earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit while playing for the Lions.  After his playing career, Scroggins was a prominent voice raising awareness of the dangers of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). He also earned a real estate license in Florida and enjoyed spending time with family. Scroggins passed away at the age of 56, as his family stated he struggled with CTE.

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Giants Make Quarterback Announcement Before 2026 NFL Draft

Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants are coming off another tough season. The Giants ended the season with a 4-13 record and finished last in the NFC East for the second straight year. Veteran Russell Wilson was the team's starting quarterback to start the season and was benched after just three ...

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10 NFL Teams Everyone Is Hyping… That Are Actually Frauds (2026)

Every NFL team sees significant changes each year to improve for the next season, with all their moves in free agency, whether it’s signing big names or making massive trades. However, some teams with winning records that made the playoffs in 2025 will likely take a step back in the 2026 season due to stronger schedules, more intense competition in their respective divisions, and an increased number of one-score games. While these teams will do everything they can to return to the playoffs, some might not even make the big dance by the end of the 2026 season. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore why these 10 NFL teams are frauds heading into the upcoming season. Which NFL teams look like big-time frauds next season? Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers helmet (Photo By Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Panthers may have won their division with an 8-9 record in 2025 and barely squeaked their way into the playoffs, but the 2026 NFL season is going to be a lot rougher for this team. Since the Panthers finished the 2025 season in first place in the NFC South, they’ll have a more intense schedule, squaring off against teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks, who are all playoff and championship-contending teams. The team also won a lot of close games in 2025, and winning close games isn’t enough, as an eventual championship-contending team can expose all of those weaknesses on the biggest stage. Look at the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs losing in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. Sure, Bryce Young improved in year three, and the defense added Jaelen Phillips and Devin Lloyd, but they likely overpaid for Phillips, who has dealt with injuries in the past, and could’ve used some of that money to address other needs elsewhere. The Panthers are still young and developing, but they could run into a serious roadblock of intense competition during the 2026 season since they won the NFC South in 2025. Philadelphia EaglesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The 2025 Eagles had it all: a strong veteran presence throughout all sides of the ball, an elite defense coached by Vic Fangio, and Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley playing very well on offense. Then, everything slowly unraveled in the second half of the season, losing three straight games to the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Chargers, a loss to the Washington Commanders, and getting knocked out of the Wildcard Round by the injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers. A.J. Brown expressed his frustration with the team during the 2025 season and is likely going to get traded sometime in the 2026 offseason, and offensive coordinator Kevin Petullo was shown the exit. On top of that, Hurts and the Eagles have experienced friction during the 2025 season, as he does everything he can to put it all out on the field, while others have grown frustrated with Hurts’ approach when throwing the ball in tight windows against zone coverage. All of these rumors could affect the on-field product during the 2026 regular season, as this team have a tough slate of games for the upcoming NFL season, as they’re set to square off against the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers, most of which could expose the Eagles as frauds during the season.  Jacksonville JaguarsNov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars had a very nice 2025 season, as they made the playoffs before losing a close, nail-biting game against the Buffalo Bills. The 2026 Jaguars lost a good amount of defensive talent during the offseason: Devin Lloyd is now with the Carolina Panthers, Andrew Wingard is now with the Arizona Cardinals, Greg Newsome II is now with the New York Giants, and Dawuane Smoot is now with the New York Giants. Emmanuel Ogbah is gone, and Austin Johnson is gone. Sure, Trevor Lawrence is talented, and Liam Coen is an offensive mastermind, but some teams may catch on to Coen’s and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski’s schemes in the upcoming regular season.  With the loss of all that defensive talent, and the loss of Travis Etienne on offense, as he signed with the New Orleans Saints, it’s going to be tougher for the Jags to potentially repeat as AFC South champions, as the Houston Texans still have a strong defense, and the Colts have a talented roster that could make some serious noise in 2026. Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars lose control of the AFC South to the Texans in the 2026 season. Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) After the Steelers were humiliated in the Wildcard Round against the Houston Texans, they have more questions than answers at quarterback, as no one knows if Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026 or not. If Rodgers does retire and move on from playing, either Will Howard or Mason Rudolph will have split time under center, and neither of them is a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. However, this team’s biggest issue is the fact that its roster is one of the oldest in the NFL. T. J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey will both be 32 in October of this season, Cameron Heyward will be 37 before week one, Chris Boswell is 35, and Cameron Johnston is 34. The Steelers are in uncharted waters, as Mike Tomlin stepped down as their head coach after their Wildcard loss to the Houston Texans, and have hired Mike McCarthy, who had a 49-35 record but a 1-3 record in the playoffs as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. With no answer on who the starting quarterback will be, and an aging roster, the Steelers are legitimate frauds entering the 2026 season if they want to keep their streak of winning seasons alive. Las Vegas RaidersAug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Yes, the Raiders made some very nice moves this offseason, signing Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal in anticipation of Fernando Mendoza potentially getting drafted by the team. However, they inked Kirk Cousins to a five-year, $176 million deal after he was released by the Atlanta Falcons, putting Mendoza’s chances of starting in the 2026 season in doubt. The Raiders are coming off a 2025 season in which they finished 3-14 and last in the AFC West. The 2026 Raiders don’t have a talented Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver for Cousins or Mendoza to work with, aside from tight end Brock Bowers. Last season, Maxx Crosby expressed his frustrations with the team despite playing through an injured left knee. He was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal was called off after a failed physical, and the Ravens were concerned about the severity of his knee injury.  All of that combined creates more uncertainty for this team, who look like questionable frauds heading into the 2026 NFL season. San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The 49ers have an injury problem that derailed their 2024 season and nearly derailed their 2025 season until they were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Brandon Aiyuk is not expected to play for the team and will very likely get traded during the 2026 NFL Draft.  Jauan Jennings is gone, and Kendrick Bourne is gone. Meanwhile, the 49ers signed Mike Evans, who is coming off a season where his hamstring was injured, and Christian Kirk signed a one-year deal with the team, even though he has only produced a 1,000-yard season once in his career.  Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Christian McCaffrey have dealt with injuries and are not certain to play 100 percent of the regular season. On top of that, the competition in the NFC West won’t be easy, as the Los Angeles Rams have improved their roster, and the defending champion Seahawks are still formidable and intense. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers are exposed as frauds and miss the 2026-27 playoffs when the season is all said and done. Atlanta FalconsNov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Falcons had a somewhat good finish to their 2025 season before showing Raheem Morris the exit.  However, the 2026 Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa, who has had injury problems throughout his career, to back up Michael Penix Jr., who also has dealt with his fair share of injuries.  Sure, they have an incredibly talented roster on offense, with superstars like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts, but they need a reliable quarterback who’ll stay healthy for the long haul of the 2026 season, and someone who’ll break out and help the Falcons return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. On the defensive side of the ball, James Pearce Jr. was arrested on two charges of aggressive battery and charged with fleeing and eluding police, and could face a multigame suspension from the league.  The rest of the Falcons’ defense has some talent, but not enough talent to get them over the hump, even though the NFC South is arguably one of the weakest divisions in all of the NFL. New England PatriotsPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) The Patriots may have reached Super Bowl LX due to having a very easy schedule, but that’s all about to get tossed out of the window in 2026. Drake Maye looked good in the regular season but was completely exposed in the Super Bowl, as he struggled to maintain ball control, throwing two interceptions (one of them being a pick-six), lost a fumble, and was sacked six times. Maye still has a lot of learning to do just to stay competitive in the league for the 2026 season. Because the Patriots finished the 2025 season in first place, they have a much tougher schedule in 2026, squaring off against teams like the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. All of those teams have playoff and championship-caliber rosters. On top of that, Stefon Diggs was released to escape his high-rising salary cap hit of $26.5 million, his age, as he’s 33, and his legal issues off the field because of an alleged dispute he had with his personal chef. The Patriots signed Romeo Doubs as his replacement, but he has never had a 1,000-yard season in his career so far. The most receiving yards Doubs produced were in 2025, when he had 724 receiving yards with the Packers.  The Patriots might also experience a strong Super Bowl hangover and fail to capture the lightning that propelled them to Super Bowl LX in the 2025-26 season. Not to mention the Buffalo Bills have a reloaded offense ready to compete for the 2026 season. So yeah! Green Bay PackersDec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits ready before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The Packers had a nice start to the 2025 season, but the wheels came off their car as the losses and injuries piled up, resulting in them losing to their historic divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears, in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs. The Packers will not have Malik Willis, as he signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, who also hired former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. They signed Desmond Ridder, who doesn’t scream experienced backup for a team, as he struggled on the field throughout his NFL career. The Packers also lost Kingsley Enagbare, Zayne Anderson, and Quay Walker in free agency, which will hinder the team’s defense.  Not to mention the Packers dealt with Special Teams issues during the 2025 season collapse, resulting in Rich Bisaccia stepping down and getting hired by the Clemson Tigers to serve as their special teams coordinator.  The Packers may have finished in third place in 2025, but they have a tough schedule ahead of them, as they’re set to square off against the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans, who are playoff-caliber opponents ready to roll.  Los Angeles ChargersAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers squeaked their way into the 2025-26 playoffs and were immediately shown the exit in an embarrassing 16-3 loss against the New England Patriots in the Wildcard Round.  Justin Herbert is talented, but the offensive line was a massive disaster, as he spent more time running away from opposing defenders than making big plays near the end of the 2025 regular season. The Chargers lost Zion Johnson in free agency and signed Cole Strange, who has a 54.9 grade per Pro Football Focus, and is a downgrade from Johnson. The Chargers’ front office might not be doing enough to make sure their franchise signal-caller is protected, as a strong offensive line is extremely important to have in today’s NFL. Sure, Jim Harbaugh is an incredible coach and has won no matter where he’s gone, but the Bolts have made the Wildcard Round twice under his tenure and have come out empty. If things don’t change in 2026, the Chargers will have that permanent fraud label hanging over them for years to come. 

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Miami Dolphins continue major offseason overhaul as star cornerback follows Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill out exit door

THE mass exodus from the Miami Dolphins is continuing deep into the offseason. Cornerback Jack Jones is the latest player to depart from Miami for a new squad. After making…

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Commanders Get Closer Look at 6-foot-4, 198-Pound ‘Field Stretcher’ WR

The Washington Commanders are hosting 6-foot-4, 198-pound University of Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell on Top 30 visit. The post Commanders Get Closer Look at 6-foot-4, 198-Pound ‘Field Stretcher’ WR appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: What If the First Round Was All Small-School Guys?

As we get closer and closer to the 2026 NFL Draft (which begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23), we also start to strain the bucket of ideas regarding different types of mock drafts. Once we get past the all-trade versions, which are interesting exercises in and of themselves, and ...

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49ers, Trent Williams Situation Gets Major Update From Insider

The San Francisco 49ers and Trent Williams are still stuck without a new deal in place. Williams is set to carry a cap hit close to $47 million after the team declined his $10 million roster bonus.A restructure would bring that number down and could also introduce guaranteed money into a contract that currently doesn’t […] The post 49ers, Trent Williams Situation Gets Major Update From Insider appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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49ers Insider Shares Big Injury Updates on Three Key Players

The San Francisco 49ers are still a few months away until the start of the 2026 NFL season. However, the Niners could have two players potentially ready for Week 1, while a third player might not be too far away once the new season gets underway. 49ers tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles […] The post 49ers Insider Shares Big Injury Updates on Three Key Players appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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George Kittle's wife Claire playfully makes fun of Travis Kelce for his hilarious pic from Oregon golf trip with 49ers TE – Sportskeeda

George Kittle's wife Claire playfully makes fun of Travis Kelce for his hilarious pic from Oregon golf trip with 49ers TE  Sportskeeda

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49ers 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending

The San Francisco 49ers deserve credit for battling through adversity in 2025. San Francisco was dealt a mountain of injuries, but they still managed to make the playoffs with a 12-5 record. The 49ers even upset the Eagles on the road before meeting their demise against the eventual Super Bowl champions. San Francisco has played […] The post 49ers 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Roger Goodell squashes Kyle Shanahan’s dismay of 49ers’ Australia game

The San Francisco 49ers will start the 2026 regular season with a huge game. San Francisco will travel to Australia for a divisional matchup against Los Angeles. The 49ers will be under a lot of pressure to win that game or they will immediately fall behind in the NFC West. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan […] The post Roger Goodell squashes Kyle Shanahan’s dismay of 49ers’ Australia game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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