NFL 2026: Season Discussion Thread NFL

[Steve]

The Colts are signing safety Jonathan Owens to a one-year deal, according to league sources.

Owens comes over from the Bears, for whom he started five games across two years (no starts in 2025).

Primarily a special teamer. Played four per cent of the defensive snaps last year.

 

[Steve]

The Colts have also re-signed TE Drew Ogletree, the team announced. It's a one-year deal.

Ogletree was a sixth-round pick in 2022. He missed his rookie season due to a torn ACL.

Since then, he's had four TDs in three years. Mostly a blocker.

And, sticking with the Colts, they are signing Juanyeh Thomas. It's a one-year deal, per sources.

Thomas comes over from the Cowboys, for whom he started three games in 2025. Only played in seven games due to migraines.

Also has special teams experience.

 

[Steve]

Free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed a unique contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, effectively maximising his earning potential while providing the team with a reliable bridge quarterback. This deal circumvents the offset language that traditionally complicates contracts for players in similar situations.

Cousins previously inked a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which he was released from after two seasons. This left the Falcons responsible for $10 million in guaranteed money, which posed a challenge as this amount would offset any new salary he might earn if he signed elsewhere.

In a clever manoeuvre, Cousins agreed to a base salary of just $1.3 million for 2026 with the Raiders, allowing the Falcons to pay the remaining $8.7 million without offsetting his new salary. To enhance his compensation, the Raiders included a fully guaranteed $10 million roster bonus due in March 2027. This structure ensures Cousins will earn a total of $20 million, combining his new deal with the outstanding Falcons payment.

Cousins is viewed as a capable starter, especially after a strong finish to the 2025 season. His experience and familiarity with the Raiders' head coach, Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with him in Minnesota, add to the rationale behind this signing. Kubiak has expressed a desire for a rookie quarterback to sit behind an experienced player, and Cousins fits that bill perfectly.

While other veteran quarterbacks, like Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, found themselves in similar predicaments during this free agency cycle, their guaranteed contracts limited their options for negotiating favourable terms. Cousins' situation highlights a strategic collaboration that enabled both him and the Raiders to navigate potential pitfalls effectively.

This move not only secures Cousins' financial future but also provides the Raiders with a solid veteran presence as they look to develop their future starter, likely to be selected in the upcoming draft.

 

[Steve]

The Cincinnati Bengals have just traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. In return, the Giants will receive the Bengals' No. 10 pick in next week's NFL Draft. This move is quite the shake-up for both teams. The Bengals are clearly looking to bolster their defensive line with Lawrence, who has shown some serious talent on the field. Meanwhile, the Giants are gearing up for the draft and will have a prime position to snag a top prospect.

It's interesting to see how both teams are positioning themselves ahead of the draft. The Bengals are making a statement by going after an established player, while the Giants are potentially looking to rebuild or add some key pieces to their roster.

 

[Steve]

Texans and star linebacker Will Anderson Jr. have reportedly reached a jaw-dropping agreement on a three-year extension worth $150 million! This deal is setting records and showing just how much the team values Anderson's contributions on the field.

Last season was a breakout for Anderson, who really put his skills on display. He achieved career highs with 12 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and made some significant defensive plays with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. It's no surprise the Texans wanted to secure him for the long haul!

Is Will Anderson Jr. the cornerstone of the Texans' defense?

 

[Steve]

The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have just completed a trade involving their defensive tackles. In a move that sees both teams shuffling their rosters, the Jaguars have welcomed Ruke Orhorhoro, while the Falcons have picked up Maason Smith.

This trade also includes a swap of second-round picks for 2024, making it a strategic move for both teams as they look to bolster their defensive lines.

 

[Birdman]

The San Francisco 49ers have successfully resolved a contract standoff with left tackle Trent Williams. The two parties have come to an agreement on a new two-year contract valued at $50 million. This deal not only secures Williams' position with the team but also reflects his outstanding performance on the field.

At 38 years old, Trent Williams continues to defy age norms in the NFL. He was recently honoured with his 12th Pro Bowl selection in 2025, showcasing his skills and consistency as one of the league's top offensive linemen. His leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the 49ers as they aim for continued success in the upcoming seasons.

This new contract signals a commitment from both Williams and the 49ers, ensuring that one of the game's elite left tackles will remain a crucial part of their strategy moving forward.

 

[Steve]

Now that all 257 picks are in, here's how every team's draft class stacked up - grading from CBS Sports, personally, I don't agree with a few of them.

Arizona Cardinals B-

R1 (3)	Jeremiyah Love -- RB, Notre Dame	C+
R2 (34)	Chase Bisontis -- IOL, Texas A&M	A
R3 (65)	Carson Beck -- QB, Miami	D
R4 (104)	Kaleb Proctor -- DT, Southeastern Louisiana	B
R5 (143)	Reggie Virgil -- WR, Texas Tech	B
R6 (183)	Karson Sharar -- LB, Iowa	C+
R7 (217)	Jayden Williams -- OT, Ole Miss	B

Atlanta Falcons B+

R2 (48)	Avieon Terrell -- CB, Clemson	A+
R3 (79)	Zachariah Branch -- WR, Georgia	A
R4 (134)	Kendal Daniels -- LB, Oklahoma	D
R6 (208)	Anterio Thompson -- DL, Washington	C+
R6 (215)	Harold Perkins Jr. -- LB, LSU	A-
R7 (231)	Ethan Onianwa -- OT, Ohio State	C+

Baltimore Ravens B+

R1 (14)	Olaivavega Ioane -- IOL, Penn State	A
R2 (45)	Zion Young -- EDGE, Missouri	C+
R3 (80)	Ja'Kobi Lane -- WR, USC	B-
R4 (115)	Elijah Sarratt -- WR, Indiana	B+
R4 (133)	Matthew Hibner -- TE, SMU	C
R5 (162)	Chandler Rivers -- CB, Duke	A-
R5 (173)	Josh Cuevas -- TE, Alabama	B
R5 (174)	Adam Randall -- RB, Clemson	B-
R6 (211)	Ryan Eckley -- P, Michigan State	B
R7 (250)	Rayshaun Benny -- DL, Michigan	A-
R7 (253)	Evan Beerntsen -- IOL, Northwestern	B

Buffalo Bills B

R2 (36)	T.J. Parker -- EDGE, Clemson	B-
R2 (62)	Davison Igbinosun -- CB, Ohio State	C+
R4 (102)	Jude Bowry -- OT, Boston College	A
R4 (125)	Skyler Bell -- WR, UConn	B
R4 (126)	Kaleb Elarms-Orr -- LB, TCU	C+
R5 (167)	Jalon Kilgore -- S, South Carolina	A-
R5 (181)	Zane Durant -- DT, Penn State	B+
R7 (220)	Toriano Pride Jr. -- CB, Missouri	B-
R7 (239)	Tommy Doman -- P, Florida	B
R7 (241)	Ar'maj Reed-Adams -- IOL, Texas A&M	A-

 

[Steve]

Carolina Panthers A-

R1 (19)	Monroe Freeling -- OT, Georgia	B+
R2 (49)	Lee Hunter -- DT, Texas Tech	A+
R3 (83)	Chris Brazzell II -- WR, Tennessee	A-
R4 (129)	Will Lee III -- CB, Texas A&M	B-
R5 (144)	Sam Hecht -- IOL, Kansas State	A
R5 (151)	Zakee Wheatley -- S, Penn State	A-
R7 (227)	Jackson Kuwatch -- LB, Miami (Ohio)	B

Chicago Bears B-

R1 (25)	Dillon Thieneman -- S, Oregon	B
R2 (57)	Logan Jones -- C, Iowa	D+
R2 (69)	Sam Roush -- TE, Stanford	A
R3 (89)	Zavion Thomas -- WR, LSU	C+
R4 (124)	Malik Muhammad -- CB, Texas	B+
R5 (166)	Keyshaun Elliott -- LB, Arizona State	B-
R6 (213)	Jordan Van den Berg -- DL, Georgia Tech	C+

Cincinnati Bengals A-

R2 (41)	Cashius Howell -- EDGE, Texas A&M	A+
R3 (72)	Tacario Davis -- CB, Washington	B-
R4 (128)	Connor Lew -- C, Auburn	A
R4 (140)	Colbie Young -- WR, Georgia	C+
R6 (189)	Brian Parker II -- IOL, Duke	A-
R7 (221)	Jack Endries -- TE, Texas	A
R7 (226)	Landon Robinson -- DL, Navy	B

Cleveland Browns A

R1 (9)	Spencer Fano -- OT, Utah	A+
R1 (24)	KC Concepcion -- WR, Texas A&M	A+
R2 (39)	Denzel Boston -- WR, Washington	A
R3 (58)	Emmanuel McNeil-Warren -- S, Toledo	A+
R3 (86)	Austin Barber -- OT, Florida	A-
R5 (146)	Parker Brailsford -- IOL, Alabama	A-
R5 (149)	Justin Jefferson -- LB, Alabama	B-
R5 (170)	Joe Royer -- TE, Cincinnati	B-
R6 (182)	Taylen Green -- QB, Arkansas	B-
R7 (248)	Carsen Ryan -- TE, BYU	B

 

[Steve]

Dallas Cowboys B+

R1 (11)	Caleb Downs -- S, Ohio State	A
R1 (23)	Malachi Lawrence -- EDGE, UCF	C
R3 (92)	Jaishawn Barham -- EDGE, Michigan	A
R4 (112)	Drew Shelton -- OT, Penn State	A-
R4 (114)	Devin Moore -- CB, Florida	B+
R4 (137)	LT Overton -- EDGE, Alabama	B+
R7 (218)	Anthony Smith -- WR, East Carolina	B-

Denver Broncos B

R3 (66)	Tyler Onyedim -- DT, Texas A&M	B-
R4 (108)	Jonah Coleman -- RB, Washington	B+
R4 (111)	Kage Casey -- OT, Boise State	A
R5 (152)	Justin Joly -- TE, NC State	B
R7 (246)	Miles Scott -- S, Illinois	C
R7 (256)	Dallen Bentley -- TE, Utah	B
R7 (257)	Red Murdock -- LB, Buffalo	A-

Detroit Lions B

R1 (17)	Blake Miller -- OT, Clemson	C
R2 (44)	Derrick Moore -- EDGE, Michigan	A-
R4 (118)	Jimmy Rolder -- LB, Michigan	B+
R5 (157)	Keith Abney II -- CB, Arizona State	A-
R5 (168)	Kendrick Law -- WR, Kentucky	B+
R6 (205)	Skyler Gill-Howard -- DL, Texas Tech	B+
R7 (222)	Tyre West -- DL, Tennessee	B+

Green Bay Packers B+

R2 (52)	Brandon Cisse -- CB, South Carolina	A-
R3 (77)	Chris McClellan -- DT, Missouri	A-
R4 (120)	Dani Dennis-Sutton -- EDGE, Penn State	A-
R4 (153)	Jager Burton -- IOL, Kentucky	B-
R6 (201)	Domani Jackson -- CB, Alabama	A
R6 (216)	Trey Smack -- K, Florida	B