PIT GM won’t have contract talks during season

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Goodell’s new extension runs through the 2030 season and expires at the end of March 2031, the same time that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is also set to expire. Goodell, 67, succeeded Paul Tagliabue as NFL Commissioner in 2006.

The signing was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-year, $12.25 million deal with a maximum value of $16.25 million. Smith, 37, spent the offseason contemplating retirement before returning to the Vikings, the team that drafted him in the first-round in 2012, for his 15th season. He had a 68.9 overall PFF grade in 2025, which was 33rd out of 98 graded safeties.

The absence is notable considering the team kicks off the 2026 regular season Wednesday, with the team’s first full injury report due later today. Henderson has yet to participate in practice since sustaining the injury on 24 August and now appears to be in legitimate trouble of missing Week 1 when the Patriots square off against the defending Super Bowl Champions on the road in Seattle. Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line to soak up the bulk of the work out of the backfield should Henderson be forced to sit considering the only other back on the roster is recent acquisition Corey Kiner.

Fowler notes that the official depth chart will be set on Wednesday, so the decision could be delayed by two days. Regardless, media members will surely ask coach Kevin Stefanski about it during Monday’s media session. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe previously reported that the Falcons plan to start QB Michael Penix (knee) “eventually.” That said, QB Tua Tagovailoa could start a game or two early on.

Gonzalez is apparently “non-committal” about playing in Week 1 against the Seahawks. The Patriots, meanwhile, are reportedly prepared to make Gonzalez the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback by surpassing the $33 million-per-year mark set by Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon. The problem is that the two sides have “fundamental” disagreements over the deal’s length and structure. Kickoff is five days away. Stay tuned.

Okuayinonu totaled 30 tackles, 28 quarterback pressures and three sacks for the 49ers last season. He will be eligible to return in Week 5. Losing him softens San Francisco’s pass rush in the short term.

Washington, 24, is entering a contract year, coming off the best season of his career. He is reportedly expected to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. If Washington plays up to that standard, he will unquestionably be able to raise his asking price. Signing him to a deal right now could save the team money in the long term, but the front office evidently wants to see how he fares early in the year. Although this route could be costly, having a true No. 1 wide receiver affirm his financial value with top-tier play is a good problem to have.

The Broncos released him last week. A reunion is clearly possible. At 28 years old, he is likely best suited to a backup role while contributing on special teams.

According to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, Lawrence’s offseason “was about gaining a graduate-level understanding” of coach Liam Coen’s offense. Last season, Lawrence was rehabbing an injury while attempting to change his footwork and adjust to a new play caller. He is now calmer and “can play more freely the way he did in the second half of last season.” Lawrence was the overall QB1 in total scoring from Weeks 9-18. If Lawrence and his pass catchers can carry the momentum into 2026, Lawrence can once again finish as an elite QB1, this time from Week 1 onward.

Kareem spent the last two seasons as a Falcons backup, totaling eight tackles and nine quarterback pressures. He will now fly to Australia ahead of the 49ers’ Week 1 game against the Rams.