Bears restructure three, create $17M in cap space

Winston, 32, will remain in New York as QB Jaxson Dart’s mentor for the foreseeable future. He is a capable, fantasy-friendly backup who can bridge the gap if Dart misses time. Winston started two games last year, completing 37-of-65 passes for 567 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and rushing seven times for 23 yards and one touchdown while fumbling once.

Stevenson’s position on the depth chart has been apparent for some time, but Reiss helpfully states it in plain terms after rhetorically asking how the Patriots will handle in-game running back reps if RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) cannot play in Week 1 against the Seahawks on Wednesday night. That said, if Henderson is unable to play, Stevenson will likely take on a larger-than-normal workload, with RB Corey Kiner and practice squad members RB Lan Larison and/or RB Hassan Haskins serving as his in-house touch competition. Although the Seahawks field a top-tier run defense, Stevenson can be treated as a high-end RB2 if Henderson is out, thanks to his hefty workload.

The injury has sidelined Henderson since August 24th. The Patriots face the Seahawks on Wednesday. At this point, Henderson must be considered questionable to play. Even if he were active, he would be slated for No. 2 duties behind starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson, and it is fair to wonder if the team would keep Henderson on a snap count. Reiss reported this morning that RB Lan Larison and/or RB Hassan Haskins would likely be elevated from the practice squad if Henderson cannot play, joining Stevenson and backup RB Corey Kiner on game day.

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.