The Steelers do have young quarterbacks in the pipeline, including Drew Allar and Will Howard, while veteran Mason Rudolph remains part of the picture. However, not everyone is convinced the team’s next franchise quarterback is already on the roster.

That is why recent comments from NFL analyst Mike Florio have generated so much discussion about a potential future target for Pittsburgh. A surprise might be possible.

Could the Steelers sign Baker Mayfield in 2027?

Mike Florio believes the answer should be yes. “Baker Mayfield would be perfect in Pittsburgh. He would be perfect. I know they would like to get off this train of older veteran quarterbacks, but, I mean, he’s a spring chicken compared to Aaron Rodgers. I would make a bee line for Baker Mayfield. If I’m Mike McCarthy and I’m the Steelers and I get through this season and my options are Drew Allar, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, I am doing whatever it takes to get Baker Mayfield in Pittsburgh.”

The timing of Florio’s comments is particularly interesting because Mayfield’s future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is far from settled. The veteran quarterback is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and has already acknowledged publicly that extension talks have stalled.

Mayfield also made it clear that if a new deal is not completed before the season begins, negotiations will be put on hold. That stance could open the door for Mayfield to test free agency in 2027, potentially creating one of the biggest quarterback storylines in the NFL.

Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Tampa Bay after revitalizing his career with the Buccaneers. However, the quarterback market has changed dramatically since then, and he is reportedly expected to seek a deal worth at least $50 million per season if he reaches free agency.

For now, any connection between Mayfield and Pittsburgh remains speculative. But if Rodgers retires and the Steelers remain unconvinced about their internal options, Florio’s suggestion could become a very realistic scenario in just a year’s time.

Nabers remains one of the most important players on the roster and a centerpiece of Jaxson Dart’s offense. Because of that, every update regarding his rehab process has drawn significant attention from fans hoping to see him ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Fortunately for the Giants, head coach John Harbaugh sounded optimistic when discussing Nabers’ progress and commitment to his recovery. Finally, something positive in a very uncertain process.

When will Malik Nabers return?

John Harbaugh emphasized that Malik Nabers is fully invested in the rehab process and continues to make encouraging progress as he works toward a return.

“He’s doing everything he can. He said he plans to be here most of the time. Almost all the time, he’ll be here. He’s going to be here a lot working really hard. He’s making really good progress right now. So, I’m very hopeful that he’ll be back soon. He’ll be back, but then still be building his way back to his ultimate full-strength self. He’s doing great.”

The update suggests the Giants remain confident that Nabers will be back on the field in the near future. At the same time, Harbaugh acknowledged that returning to action and returning to peak form are two different milestones.

However, many reports have pointed out that Week 1 is becoming an unrealistic target for the player. That’s why, surprisingly, many names were signed to bring depth to the position. Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios and JuJu Smith- Schuster are all hints that Nabers might not be ready.

Mahomes has already delivered everything the Chiefs could have hoped for when they selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, he has transformed the franchise into a perennial contender and helped bring three Super Bowl championships back to Kansas City.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the latest agreement is unlike anything the NFL has seen before. “Record deal: The Chiefs are adding two years to Patrick Mahomes’ contract, tying him to Kansas City through the 2033 season at a value of $504.75 million, making it the first NFL deal valued at over a half-billion dollars.”

How much money will Patrick Mahomes earn with Kansas City Chiefs?

Patrick Mahomes will earn $64 million per year after his new deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Schefter explained the record numbers. “Mahomes can make up to $522.25 million through incentives and escalators. Beginning in 2027, when the new money begins, the deal averages $64 million per year, setting an NFL record for average annual value.”

The journey to this historic agreement began with one of the greatest bargains in modern NFL history. Mahomes entered the league in 2017 on a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $16.4 million.

While standard for a first-round quarterback, the deal quickly became one of the NFL’s best values as Mahomes developed into a superstar and led the Chiefs to multiple championships.

In 2020, Kansas City rewarded him with an amazing 10-year, $450 million extension. Even though the deal shattered records at the time, many analysts viewed it as team-friendly because it provided long-term flexibility and helped the Chiefs manage the salary cap while continuing to build a championship roster around their franchise quarterback.

Patrick Mahomes’ contract compared to other NFL QB’s

Now, the Chiefs have adjusted that agreement once again to better reflect the modern quarterback market. The NFL’s financial landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with Dak Prescott reaching the $60 million-per-year mark and other elite quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen approaching or exceeding $55 million annually.

By revising Mahomes’ contract, the Chiefs ensure their most important player remains compensated in line with the league’s top quarterbacks while maintaining a partnership that has already produced one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.

Fortunately for New York, most of the recent injury news appears encouraging. Head coach John Harbaugh offered fresh details on multiple players this week, giving the team reason for optimism heading into the summer.

According to Giants insider Dan Duggan, Harbaugh shared updates on several members of the roster during his latest media availability. “Updates from Harbaugh: Cam Jones hurt his ankle moving and should be fine in a week. Thomas Fidone had a ‘clean up’ on his foot. Harbaugh said it should be a two-week recovery so ‘fingers crossed’ he’s ready for camp. Sam Roberts is ‘on track’ for camp but will need to ramp up.”

Which other Giants players are dealing with injuries?

While none of the injuries appear overly serious for the New York Giants, John Harbaugh also addressed the status of additional players who have been limited during offseason activities.

Duggan reported that the Giants coach provided updates on both Beaux Collins and veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick. “Beaux Collins has been dealing with a hamstring. He should be fine. Lucas Patrick has been dealing with ‘old guy stuff.'”

Taken together, the updates suggest the Giants are avoiding any major health concerns as training camp draws closer. Jones is expected back soon, Fidone has a realistic chance to be ready for camp, and Roberts remains on schedule in his recovery.

Meanwhile, Collins’ hamstring issue does not appear to be significant, while Patrick’s situation sounds more like routine veteran maintenance than a serious injury.

The move ended months of speculation about the front office’s future and, perhaps more importantly, raised questions about Schoen’s relationship with head coach John Harbaugh. For much of the offseason, rumors suggested the two were not completely aligned behind the scenes.

But Harbaugh has consistently pushed back against that narrative, and his latest comments offered the clearest sign yet that the partnership is strong. “I was happy. He’s a good guy, I enjoy working with him. I’m looking forward to what we all can do together. I think It’s a good decision, I agree with it.”

Giants showing clear alignment between John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen

The Giants’ draft strategy already hinted that John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen were operating in sync. In the first round, New York aggressively targeted players they clearly believed fit the long-term vision of the franchise, including Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa.

That approach stood out because the Giants had other high-profile options available, including safety Caleb Downs. Instead of chasing the flashiest name, Schoen and Harbaugh appeared fully committed to building the roster around a shared philosophy centered on toughness, versatility, and long-term stability.

Since the draft, the Giants have continued reinforcing that vision by addressing other positions across the roster. The additions of Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, and JuJu Smith-Schuster gave the wide receiver room more depth and experience as the team prepares for a new era led by quarterback Jaxson Dart.

At this point, the extension for Schoen looks less like a routine front-office move and more like confirmation that ownership believes in the Harbaugh-Schoen partnership. And if their recent decisions are any indication, both men appear determined to build the exact formula they believe can eventually bring another Super Bowl to New York.

Carter is expected to play a major role in New York’s defense during the 2026 season, making his health a key storyline throughout the offseason. Fortunately for the Giants, early reports suggest the injury is far less serious than many initially feared.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Giants appear to have avoided a significant setback. “Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter suffered what sources classify as a minor ankle sprain during Monday’s practice. Head coach John Harbaugh said he did not believe the injury was serious.”

How serious is Abdul Carter’s injury?

The latest reporting only adds to the growing sense that Carter’s injury will not impact his availability for training camp. With more than a month remaining before the next major phase of the offseason, the Giants have every reason to proceed cautiously.

Jordan Raanan provided an encouraging update after observing Carter’s status following the injury scare. “Abdul Carter was back on the field during the walkthrough-like practice. Doesn’t seem like anything to worry about with training camp now 7 weeks away.”

The fact that Carter was already back on the field is an extremely positive sign for New York. While the Giants will continue monitoring his recovery, all indications point to this being a minor ankle issue rather than a long-term concern.

The situation has drawn considerable attention because special teams could play a major role in determining how successful the Giants are in 2026. In a game of inches, this could be the difference.

With Jaxson Dart expected to lead an improved offense, converting scoring opportunities into points will be critical for a team hoping to compete in a crowded NFC East.

Who will be Giants starting kicker in 2026?

Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the position earlier this offseason, it now appears head coach John Harbaugh could be closing in on a decision. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the competition may already be over.

“The Giants kicking competition hasn’t looked like much a competition this spring. Undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada has been consistently good. Veteran Jason Sanders was cut. Ben Sauls has struggled badly. During minicamp this week, Zvada has made all 13 of his FG attempts. Sauls is 7 of 14. Kicking competition may actually be over before the summer.”

The numbers paint a clear picture. While Zvada has been nearly flawless throughout minicamp, Sauls has struggled to establish consistency, creating a significant gap between the two candidates.

The development is particularly interesting considering Harbaugh’s history with kickers. During his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, he helped build long-term stability at the position with Justin Tucker. More recently, in 2025, he showed a willingness to trust a young kicker by investing in rookie Tyler Loop.

That history could be relevant as the Giants evaluate Zvada’s future. If the undrafted rookie continues to perform at this level, he may not only win the starting job but also emerge as a long-term solution.

One player whose future in Kansas City is suddenly in question is offensive tackle Wanya Morris. The former third-round pick has served as an important depth piece and has made multiple starts during his NFL career, but his path to a larger role appears increasingly complicated.

According to a new report from Jeremy Fowler, both sides are now exploring whether a fresh start elsewhere could be the best solution. “The Chiefs and OT Wanya Morris have agreed to explore trade options, per sources. Morris would like the chance to play more and Kansas City has tackle depth.”

Will the Chiefs trade Wanya Morris?

Yes. Fowler’s report suggests the situation is not being driven by dissatisfaction from either side. Instead, Wanya Morris is looking for an opportunity to earn a larger role, while the Chiefs have enough depth at offensive tackle to consider moving him.

Morris has appeared in 16 starts during his first three NFL seasons, including 11 starts in 2024. Those experiences could make him an attractive target for teams searching for affordable offensive line help.

For Kansas City, the move would also reflect the confidence in their current tackle depth to protect Patrick Mahomes. If a suitable offer emerges, the Chiefs could decide that acquiring future assets while giving Morris a better opportunity elsewhere is a win-win outcome for both sides.

As reported by USA Today’s Art Stapleton, the Giants dialed up a rushing play for Skattebo on the opening play of 11-on-11 drills during Day 2 of mandatory minicamp. Considering Skattebo was only a limited participant in drills on Day 1, such a decision could be viewed as Harbaugh and the Giants giving a massive vote of confidence and showing trust in the Arizona State alum.

Up until he suffered a dislocated ankle, fractured fibula, and ruptured ligament in his right leg in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, Skattebo had been one of the best rookies in the league. As he makes steady progress in his return to action, the Giants are making it clear they intend to rely on him to establish the ground game.

It’s only mandatory minicamp, and New York isn’t playing anyone, but the play-calling decision speaks volumes about where the franchise stands and the chemistry between the coaching staff and the leaders on the field.

Giants’ kicking competition

On a different note, away from the offense and onto special teams, the Giants made a brazen move by cutting veteran kicker Jason Sanders. They must now lie in the bed they made.

Dominic Zvada (22 years old) and Ben Sauls (24) are the only kickers on the roster and will inevitably be competing for the starting job. So far, the undrafted rookie out of Michigan appears to be running away with the role.

As reported by Stapleton and other beat writers at practice, Zvada has been perfect through the first two days of mandatory minicamp, connecting on all 13 of his field-goal attempts, while Sauls is off to a rough start, making just 8 of 14.

New York under questioning

Fans on social media are beginning to question New York’s decision to part ways with Sanders, as Zvada has shown promising signs but isn’t really facing a competitor who can put him under pressure. If Sauls’ struggles continue, it might not be long before the Giants make a roster move, parting ways with the Pittsburgh alum and bringing in a more experienced kicker to give Zvada a run for his money.

As things stand, the kicker position remains the main concern for the G-Men, with the starter still undecided. Coming off a 2025 NFL season in which Big Blue cycled through four different kicking options, Harbaugh and company will surely want to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.

According to a report by Dan Duggan, Carter’s injury is not something that should overly concern Giants fans. “Harbaugh said Abdul Carter twisted his ankle. Harbaugh said it doesn’t look too serious,“ Duggan posted on X.

While the initial report of a twisted ankle triggered nightmare scenarios for the fanbase, it is especially critical considering Carter is entering a highly anticipated 2nd NFL season. As a rookie last year, he played in all 17 games, racking up 43 combined tackles and providing a consistent pass-rush presence.

If Carter were to miss any extended time, who would replace him?

Kayvon Thibodeaux remains one of the best internal options to step up. While Thibodeaux has plenty of experience as an OLB, his 2025 campaign was cut short, limiting him to just 10 games. The last time he played a full season was in 2023, when he appeared in all 17 contests.

Another intriguing name to watch is rookie Arvell Reese, who is widely considered a massive piece of the Giants’ future defensive foundation. However, because he is a rookie, giving him a full-time starting role right out of the gate is a decision Harbaugh and the coaching staff will likely weigh carefully.

Carter remains central to Harbaugh’s master plan for the defense, but the team boasts enough roster depth to weather a minor setback. Ultimately, because the injury is considered minor, these contingency plans remain purely speculative and shouldn’t impact the franchise’s start to the 2026 season.

“It’s annoying,” he said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “It’s been annoying to prepare against. But obviously seeing it in practice every day, it’s kind of unique. Just seeing the different guys communicate and be able to understand and take what they learn from the meeting room and being able to easily translate it on the field. It’s good to go against. It’s very tricky.”

Strengthening the defensive unit is a must for America’s Team if they hope to compete in the NFC. Christian Parker will look to elevate his players to an elite level, giving Brian Schottenheimer the tools on both sides of the field needed to challenge their opponents.

Cowboys aim to improve their defensive performance in 2025

The Cowboys endured a dismal defensive campaign during the 2025 NFL season, finishing as one of the league’s most vulnerable units. Anchored at the bottom of the league, the defense surrendered a staggering 30.1 points per game, ranking last (32nd) in scoring defense.

Under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the unit struggled drastically in the secondary, giving up an average of 251.5 passing yards per game, which also ranked dead last across the NFL. Allowing 377.0 total yards per outing (30th overall) and a league-high 59 total touchdowns, the Cowboys’ defense consistently collapsed under pressure, ultimately undermining a potent offense and causing the team to finish the year with a frustrating 7–9–1 record.

Lamb leads an intriguing offense

To rebuild from a frustrating season, the Dallas Cowboys will look to lean heavily on their elite offense, which finished the 2025 campaign averaging an impressive 394.0 total yards per game (1st in the NFL) and scoring 27.7 points per outing.

Operating out of a highly explosive passing game, franchise quarterback Dak Prescott returns to the helm after a stellar year where he racked up 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He will once again have a loaded arsenal out wide, led by superstar CeeDee Lamb, who pulled in 75 receptions for 1,077 yards and 3 touchdowns despite missing a chunk of the season.

Additionally, the Cowboys are confident on George Pickens’ situation heading into the future after locking in the Pro Bowl wideout—who led the team with a career-high 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns last season—via a $27.3 million franchise tag, ensuring that Dallas retains the league’s most lethal aerial tandem.

New faces on the Cowboys’ defense

Dallas has completely overhauled its defensive unit with an influx of impact talent that has already caught the attention of wideout CeeDee Lamb during team workouts.

Leading the re-engineered linebacking corps are dynamic former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters and explosive edge rusher Rashan Gary, who arrives from Green Bay to provide elite pass-rushing punch. The secondary has received an equally massive upgrade with the arrivals of hard-hitting former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson and former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant.

Together, this revamped group is flashing the playmaking energy needed to completely erase the memory of last year’s struggles and turn the Cowboys’ defense into a formidable force.