NFL Player News

We don’t think it’s completely wild to imagine Jalen Milroe taking over if things go bad down the stretch, particularly with Darnold’s contract not having extensive guarantees into the second season. Still, this is something Macdonald had to say given where the team is at right now. It isn’t exactly comforting for Darnold’s superflex stock that reporters are already asking the question, but we expect Darnold to start and continue playing as long as things are going well for Seattle.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal includes "$22.5 million fully guaranteed.” The No. 69 overall pick of the 2021 draft, Ossai played out his rookie deal with the Bengals before tacking on an extra year last season. More of a rotational pass rusher than true difference-making EDGE threat, Ossai theoretically still offers upside at age 26 (next month). He is the nevertheless the kind of player who fills out a defense rather than elevate it.

Gallimore brings pass rush in the interior to the Bears — he had 3.5 sacks and (per PFF) 10 hurries and 22 tackles for loss for the Colts on a one-year deal in 2024. He’ll have a role on the interior with the Bears, possibly as a pass-rush only part of the rotation.

He can get up to $47.5 million with incentives. John Harbaugh gets his upside tight end for what looks poised to be a huge role in New York’s offense. Likely should be in the low-end TE1 ranks to start the year, with the upside to perhaps make a push for the middle. The soon-to-be 26-year-old played only 14 games last year for the Ravens, catching a career-low 27 balls while dealing with injury and playing behind a resurgent Mark Andrews.

The Ravens desperately needed to upgrade their interior line this offseason and made a big step in doing so with the addition of Simpson. Simpson, who was a part of the Ravens’ 2023 squad, has played in and started all 17 regular-season games each of the last three years while playing exclusively at left guard. He earned a PFF grade of 56.9 last season.

Willis’ Miami arrival comes the same day the ‘Fins ate an historic amount of dead money by cutting Tua Tagovailoa loose. Despite the salary cap complications, the ‘Fins always seemed like the most likely landing spot as they attempted to build “Packers South” (again), though that does not include at offensive coordinator, where former Texans assistant Bobby Slowik will be calling plays. The attack will nevertheless undoubtedly be modeled after the keepaway approach the Pack employed any time Willis was forced to spell Jordan Love. It could work, but seems more likely to fail. It’s at least an outside-the-box swing. Willis’ high-end rushing ability will make him an intriguing QB1 flier in fantasy leagues. If he stays healthy, it’s difficult to believe he will be outside the top 12 at quarterback, though his NFL track record is scant enough that we can’t discount the possibility a 2025 Justin Fields outcome.

Aaron Rodgers’ new No. 2 receiver figures to fit in well in Mike McCarthy’s West Coast system. Because we’re expecting the Steelers to throw less in 2026 than the Colts did, Pittman Jr. probably profiles best as a WR4 going forward. It’s still a huge upgrade for the Steelers on a position where they were desperately trying to find bodies that Rodgers approved of towards the end of 2025. Adam Schefter reports the Steelers will sign Pittman Jr. to a three-year, $59 million extension as part of the trade. The $24 million cap savings for the Colts are the main benefit — it also helps solidify Alec Pierce as the team’s No. 1 receiver and elevates Josh Downs into a bigger role in 2026.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal includes an eye-popping $80 million guaranteed. The Eagles were reportedly working to retain the 27-year-old (in May) pass rusher, but got outbid by the typically free-spending Panthers. A former Dolphin who flourished during his eight-game trade cameo for the Eagles last season, Phillips finally stayed healthy last year after an injury marred 2023-24 run. That’s a concern going forward, but Phillips is a pass-rushing difference maker when on the field.

Tunsil had one year remaining on his previous deal but will now remain under contract through the 2028 season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Tunsil will receive $61.5 million in guaranteed money, which includes a record $32.5 million signing bonus for an offensive lineman. In his first season with the Commanders, Tunsil appeared on 802 snaps while allowing just 15 QB pressures and two sacks, per PFF. He’ll protect Jayden Daniels’ blindside for the foreseeable future and should continue to play at a high level throughout the duration of this deal.

$34 million of it is guaranteed per Mike Garafolo. The Rams now have two of Kansas City’s three main cornerbacks from the 2025 season. Watson had a career-best 74.1 PFF defense grade for the Chiefs in 2025, but Kansas City almost never retains cornerbacks and prefers to keep churning the roster with youth. Watson figures to be one of Los Angeles’ main outside corners in 2026.