Player Conduct
James Pearce Jr., the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 first-round pick, has been arrested in Florida on multiple domestic violence-related charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking. The highly touted edge rusher’s future is now uncertain pending legal proceedings, casting a shadow over the Falcons’ offseason plans.
Quarterback Market
Per Adam Schefter, both the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are exploring trade options for their current starting quarterbacks as they realign under new head coaches. Details on potential trade candidates remain unconfirmed, but both organizations are reportedly open to restructuring their quarterback rooms heading into 2026.
Kirk Cousins, currently on the Falcons’ roster, is also expected to be released before the start of the league year in March, according to league sources. This move would clear cap space and allow Cousins to explore opportunities with other teams or consider retirement.
Meanwhile, Derek Carr is reportedly mulling an NFL return in 2026, pending the right coaching fit and situation. Carr retired unexpectedly before last season, but teams in search of veteran QB experience may take note of this potential development.
Transaction News
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to apply the franchise tag to George Pickens, securing the Pro Bowl wide receiver on a one-year, fully guaranteed deal projected at $28 million. Pickens continued his rise in 2025 and remains key to the Cowboys’ offensive core.
Trey Hendrickson is likely to part ways with the Cincinnati Bengals as the team appears unwilling to meet a projected franchise tag value exceeding $30 million. The 31-year-old edge rusher, who missed extensive time in 2025 due to injury, could attract interest from contending teams in need of pass rush help, including the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Colts.
In Kansas City, the Chiefs are planning post-Super Bowl discussions regarding Travis Kelce‘s future. The organization reportedly wants Kelce back in 2026 but must navigate financial negotiations with the veteran tight end, who remains a pivotal piece of the offense despite his age.
In a Super Bowl roster move, the Seattle Seahawks have elevated Cam Akers and Velus Jones to the active roster ahead of Super Bowl LX. The duo boosts depth at running back amid final game preparations.
Coaching News
The Chicago Bears are promoting Press Taylor from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator. Taylor, previously with the Jaguars and Eagles, replaces Shane Waldron and will now take the helm in developing Chicago’s offense under head coach Matt Eberflus.
The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to hire Max McCaffrey as their new running backs coach. The brother of star RB Christian McCaffrey, Max has built a developing coaching resume following his NFL playing career.
Green Bay Packers president Ed Policy reaffirmed the team’s confidence in head coach Matt LaFleur amid reports of a contract extension. Policy emphasized evaluating LaFleur’s overall body of work instead of making decisions in “emotional chaos,” signaling continued faith in the coach’s leadership following a 2025 playoff appearance.
Meanwhile, organizational change continues in Atlanta, where former Bears GM Ryan Pace is out following a front-office restructuring under GM Terry Fontenot. Pace, who joined in an advisory role, now exits as the Falcons chart a new personnel direction.
Around the League
Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback, has quietly been donating scholarships to military families, according to a Massachusetts-based report. The gesture reflects Maye’s off-field impact as he develops into a team and community leader.
Matthew Stafford has seen his Hall of Fame Monitor score jump from 84.23 to 108.11 following a stellar 2025 campaign in which he earned NFL MVP and First-Team All-Pro honors. The statistical leap enhances his Canton candidacy with accolades matching his career production.