DENVER — When the Broncos said Bo Nix was going to fight like heck to get back on the field, we didn’t realize they meant it literally.

“They have a lot in common,” venerated TCU coach Sonny Dykes, who mentored Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb a decade ago, told me by phone when I asked about Nix and his new play-caller. “And ...Read more

CHICAGO — Every time Montez Sweat’s name comes up around Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears coach reinforces his opinion that last season was the veteran defensive end’s best to date.

For the Bears defense to make meaningful improvements in 2026, Sweat might have to take his game to another level in Year 8.

That’s the position the Bears ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — The most notable thing about the latest round of Eagles’ press conferences was Vic Fangio’s cautious tone when asked about the two newcomers who will determine the ceiling of his defense.

The first instance concerned Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles handed a four-year, $98 million contract extension after losing Jaelan ...Read more

TAMPA, Fla. — Vita Vea got his big payday, and the Bucs got their big man locked up through the next two seasons.

The 31-year-old defensive tackle agreed to a deal that will pay him $30 million in new money. He was set to earn $18 million this season and received a $6 million increase for 2026, bringing the total to $24 million. He also will ...Read more

SEATTLE — Seahawks fullback Brady Russell starred in this week’s episode of “Hard Knocks” in ways expected and once in a lifetime.

Russell was the team’s unofficial special teams captain last season (the Seahawks under Mike Macdonald do not name captains for the season but rather for each game) and spiritual spark plug of a unit that ...Read more

HOUSTON — Sweaty after practice Tuesday and dressed in silver and black and red, Fernando Mendoza lamented the pick he threw in practice against the Houston Texans.

Or not.

“There were plays that I loved and plays that I wish I had back,” the Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback said at Houston Methodist Training Center. “But in ...Read more

SEATTLE — The Seahawks have agreed to sign cornerback Trevon Diggs to a one-year contract, a source confirmed to The Seattle Times. ESPN first reported the news Wednesday morning.

Diggs, 27, had a visit with the Seahawks on Tuesday. A second-round pick of Dallas out of Alabama in 2020 and the younger brother of receiver Stefon Diggs, Trevon ...Read more

PITTSBURGH — Either Mason Rudolph is entrenched as the backup to Aaron Rodgers or the Steelers are going to dangle him as trade bait before they make the final decisions on their 53-man roster 10 days from now.

Coach Mike McCarthy said he was so pleased with how Rudolph played in the preseason opener that McCarthy will keep him on the bench ...Read more

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The signing of free agent Darren Waller makes the Carolina Panthers a more fascinating team.

Will it make them a better one?

That’s the central question when you take a leap on a tight end who will be 34 on Sept. 13, the opening day of the Panthers’ 2026 regular season.

Waller has been in the NFL since 2015 and has had...Read more

DENVER — Von’s gone. It’s time to move on.

Hey, if Von Miller could play tight end, I’d open the checkbook and roll out the orange carpet. If you think Davis Webb is hot to trot now, just wait ’til you see what our guy cooks up from “23” personnel.

Alas, the Vonster plays outside linebacker. And at age 37, he’s now a ...Read more

MIAMI — Life isn’t fair, so why should we expect football to be?

Just like children, everyone has favorites (it’s my brother for my mother) and kids they worry about (hand raised).

The NFL is no exception, and it’s quite clear the Miami Dolphins favor some youngsters — mostly the draft picks and second-year players — over others.

...Read more

NEW YORK — During Monday’s practice, the New York Jets had a bit of a scare after Breece Hall suffered a strained groin.

But the good news is Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters on Tuesday that Hall will be out 2-3 weeks.

But they anticipate he will be ready for Week 1’s matchup against the Titans on Sept. 13 in Nashville, Tenn.

...Read more

RENTON, Wash. — Mike Macdonald called it “a gift from the football gods.”

He did so in a clip distributed on social media, while addressing his team before the beginning of Seahawks training camp. While holding a pen, a notebook and a PowerPoint clicker, the 39-year-old coach faced rows of filled seats in the Virginia Mason Athletic ...Read more

NEW YORK — The Giants’ offseason-long interest in adding a running back culminated Tuesday in the signing of free agent Najee Harris.

The 6-1, 242-pound veteran is a physical runner who John Harbaugh knows well as an opponent.

Harris, 28, rushed for 1,000-plus yards in four straight seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2021-24 in the ...Read more

CHICAGO — Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai will be “week to week” after injuring his right knee in practice Sunday, coach Ben Johnson said before practice Tuesday morning in Lake Forest.

Monangai and many of the starters who didn’t play in Saturday’s preseason game participated in a one-hour practice Sunday. Players were not ...Read more

SEATTLE — Terrion Arnold will not be eligible to practice or play in games while his legal process plays out, according to a report Tuesday from the NFL Network.

The report stated that Arnold would be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List when he signs a contract, meaning he cannot practice or play but can attend meetings and can be paid...Read more

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield sat on the island in the kitchen of his South Tampa home, watching the Saints lose to the Falcons and feeling the season slip away. A day earlier, the Buccaneers had beaten the Panthers in their final game of the regular season, only to witness Carolina claim the NFC South anyway.

Tampa Bay was out of the playoffs...Read more

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line broke into the backfield on a second-quarter rushing play Saturday afternoon, but that was actually part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ blueprint. They handed rookie Emmett Johnson the ball on a counter play, so by the time a defensive lineman and linebacker turned back to chase him, ...Read more

MIAMI — Cameron Goode is so used to being on the Miami Dolphins’ roster bubble he pays no attention to where he’s placed on the depth chart every day.

“Whenever my number is called and they put me in there I do the best that I can to make a play.” said Goode, who produced one sack in mop-up duty of Friday night’s 20-7 preseason loss...Read more