NFL Player News

The move marks the third consecutive year with the same role for different teams after Capers previously served as senior defensive assistant in both Detroit and Denver. Frank Reich wasted no time in making significant coaching moves after being hired as the new head coach in Carolina, also hiring Josh McCown to serve as the team’s new quarterbacks coach. Capers, now 72, brings substantial coaching experience to an organization with numerous moving parts this offseason.

Ian Rapoport was first on the news, which will be made official before the new league year next week. Atlanta saves $7.4 million in cap space with his release. Mooney looked like a steal one year into his three-year, $39 million contract. He went for 992 yards and five scores in 2024. The wheels then fell off in 2025 and he managed just 443 yards and one score on 32 grabs. Mooney dealt with several injuries, but his drops and overall inconsistent play were too much for Atlanta to keep him around this year. He should still have several suitors in free agency.

The Vikings are rumored to be looking for a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy, who had an underwhelming rookie season. Jones reports Murray’s name is “circulating the strongest around Minnesota.” The 28-year-old will be released at the start of the new league year, with the Cardinals still owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money this upcoming season. Despite a bitter end in Arizona, Murray posted a higher PFF grade than McCarthy last season and could replenish his dual-threat ability with a change of scenery. He is a candidate to sign for the $1.3 million league minimum contract and have a shot at starting for the Vikings in 2026.

Jones reports that there is a “real chance” Evans departs the Buccaneers this offseason. The Texans and Chiefs are reportedly not in on Evans but Jones adds the Bills, Chargers, 49ers, Commanders and Giants are teams to eye with interest. The 33-year-old was limited by injury last season, though his Pro Bowl pedigree can certainly elevate his next contract to the $20 million range. A return to Tampa Bay is still one of the likelier options in addition to interest from the aforementioned teams.

Rumors have been swirling around the Eagles trading A.J. Brown, but the team has blockbuster criteria for a potential deal. NFL Network and Rapoport are reporting the Eagles would like a first-round pick and more in the deal and there are only a few teams that can offer that return which Brown would like to be traded to. Brown and the Eagles have had their fair share of tension of the 28-year-old’s target numbers, landing him in these trade rumors. A team like the Patriots would certainly have the cap space and the need for a WR1, but whether they can pay the draft capital required to get him will be the question. Brown is the top receiver seemingly available to be acquired this offseason, though the Eagles retaining him is also a likely scenario.

Smith’s release will save the Steelers $7 million in cap space for 2026. With former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith headed to Ohio State, the Steelers are moving off of their tight end-heavy room as Smith enters the fray once more. He was used in a multitude of ways with the Steelers last season, though it led to minimal fantasy value and a 38/222/2 receiving line for the year. The 30-year-old should find suitors on the open market to enhance a tight-end room’s receiving abilities.

Murray remains, at least theoretically, a two-sport question mark. Forst reiterated Wednesday that while Murray is firmly established as an elite NFL quarterback, the organization would be open to a return to baseball should he ever choose to revisit that path. The 28-year-old former ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft is poised to hit free agency when the NFL league year opens next week following seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, and the Athletics still hold his baseball rights. The expectation is that Murray continues his football career — logical trajectory and financial considerations both point that direction. He wouldn’t be the first elite athlete to pivot mid-career — and history suggests the idea feels impossible right up until it happens. It wouldn’t be unprecedented — just completely unexpected.

Tucker was set to be a restricted free agent, but the Buccaneers declined to give him a $3.5 million tender. The 24-year-old will now hit free agency after two seasons of showing flashes of promise in a crowded backfield. Tucker saw limited opportunities behind Rachaad White and Bucky Irving, but developed into a short-yardage back in 2025. Fantasy managers got big games out of him twice. Once with 17 touches for 192 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints in 2024, and again with 21 touches for 140 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills in 2025. Tucker will generate interest from teams looking to add a bruising back to their committee in 2026.

The Commanders are ensuring their defensive line depth is securing, extending DT Shy Tuttle and Wise to one-year deals. Wise saw his 2025 season with Washington end early with a quad injury in Week 2. The 31-year-old previously spent eight seasons with the Patriots, tallying 34 sacks in 126 games over that span. Wise will add depth to the edges of Washington’s defensive line.

By exercising Dixon’s option, the Bucs prevent him from hitting free agency and bring him back for 2026. He can earn up to $3 million this upcoming season. Dixon averaged 44.7 yards per punt in 2025 and had a 6.3-percent touchback rate. The 32-year-old will kick for the Bucs again as he enters his eleventh season in the NFL.

Tuttle was set to hit free agency, but will instead return to Washington next season. He appeared in 10 games for the Titans and two games for the Commanders last season, mostly within a defensive line rotation. The veteran will provide the Commanders with depth again this upcoming season.