Every year, the schedule release becomes a major event as supporters finally discover the path their teams will face during the upcoming season. Beyond simple dates and opponents, the announcement shapes expectations, rivalries, playoff projections and primetime storylines months before kickoff arrives.

Even before the full schedule becomes official, several important details about the 2026 season are already known. The NFL Kickoff game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, when the defending Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks will host an opponent still to be determined. One day later, the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, marking the first regular-season NFL game ever played in the country.

NFL preparing massive international schedule for 2026

The league is also expected to feature nine international games during the 2026 season as the NFL continues aggressively expanding its global presence. London will host three games, including two involving the Jacksonville Jaguars and another featuring the Washington Commanders.

Mexico City is also expected to return to the schedule, with the Miami Dolphins and 49ers viewed as a possible matchup as San Francisco will be the home team.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are expected to play in Rio de Janeiro, while Madrid, Spain, will host a game featuring the Atlanta Falcons as the designated home team.

Germany will also remain part of the international rotation with a game in Munich involving the Detroit Lions. In addition, the NFL is preparing its first-ever regular-season game in France, where the New Orleans Saints are expected to serve as hosts in Paris.

According to Jeremy Fowler, this is the first reported visit since he was released by the Chiefs in February. Danna, who is 28 years old, had spent all his career in Kansas City prior to his release.

The Bills ranked 20th in sacks in 2025, so bringing an experienced, proven winner like Danna into the team will surely help on improving that statistic. The Bills need good depth in the defensive end position and Danna could fill that hole. Josh Allen could have more leeway on offense as well.

Danna’s career numbers are not as impressive, but he is a force

Danna has been in the NFL since 2020 and has racked up 21.5 sacks during that time. He was a regular starter for the Chiefs since 2023, but given the fact that they’ve restructured their defensive line, Danna was a needed release.

The Bills could definitely take advantage of that. Danna just had one sack last season, but it was a down year for basically all of the Chiefs team. That could help the Bills though, as they could sign him with a discount, and then see him flourish once again.

The Bills defensive line has great upside

The Bills use a 3-4 base formation. The Bills just brought Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator. He is coming from the Denver Broncos, so he is likely to use a very aggressive pass rush without much blitz.

• DE – TJ Sanders (this is where Danna could fit)
• NT – Deone Walker
• DT – Ed Oliver
• LOLB – Greg Rousseau
• WLB – Dorian Williams
• MLB – Terrel Bernard
• ROLB – Bradley Chubb

Running back Kenneth Walker III recently spoke with Kay Adams on her show to discuss Patrick Mahomes’ influence on his free-agent signing decisions and on building chemistry on the field.

“We’ve been working on getting connected in the passing game and everything, so that’s good. I feel like I’ll be used more in the pass game,” said Walker, who praised Mahomes’ focus on the game plan. “He’s really good at being detailed with the whole team, and that chemistry is going to keep building.”

The Chiefs signed running back Kenneth Walker to a three-year, $43.05 million contract. The 25-year-old is coming off a 1,000-yard season and a Super Bowl MVP performance with the Seattle Seahawks.

What Mahomes did to help bring him in

He also revealed that during last year’s playoffs, Mahomes was pushing for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to sign the running back. Walker was impressive during Seattle’s Super Bowl run, rushing for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

His comment reflected just how much Kansas City’s front office valued Mahomes’ opinion. With a new option in the backfield, the Chiefs are aiming to recapture their dominance in the NFL by leaning on Walker.

Walker’s performance drew attention

Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. He was also impactful in the passing game with 31 receptions for 282 yards. And with those numbers, he was clearly going to attract attention.

“I feel like it would have had a lot to do with it, you know, he’s (Mahomes) the best quarterback in the league,” said Walker. “So, I feel like he’s got a lot of power in there. I’m glad he does because I’m here now.” He is expected to play a much-needed role in the offense and provide Mahomes with weapons.

While they have remained measured in their public stance, the latest update suggests there is real progress behind the scenes. Ian Rapoport provided insight into where things stand, pointing to optimism inside the buillding without going as far as declaring a full return imminent.

“I wouldn’t be surprised based on the words of Andy Reid if he’s out there for OTAs. The Chiefs have an excellent medical and training staff. They’re going to make sure that if he’s on the field, he’s out of harm’s way and he’s ok. To allow him to be on the field is a little bit of a reward for the work he has done. He has been working. This feels to me like the team is, you know what? You have earned the right to be on the field for OTA’s.”

Chiefs balancing optimism with caution in Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline

Even with that optimism, there is still a clear line between progress and full readiness. The idea of Patrick Mahomes stepping onto the field for OTAs would mark an important milestone, but it would not automatically signal that he is on track to start the 2026 season without limitations.

Rapoport made sure to draw that distinction, emphasizing that offseason participation should not be confused with full clearance when games begin. “This does not necessarily mean that he’s going to be on the field when the season starts. That’s all very different.”

For the Chiefs, the approach remains simple: protect the long-term while acknowledging the progress. Even limited involvement in OTAs would reflect the work Mahomes has put into his rehab, but the ultimate goal is unchanged. Andy Reid and Brett Veach are focused on having their quarterback at full strength when it matters most, not just when the offseason schedule begins.

Mike Garafolo, via his X account, reported the information regarding the Broncos’ invitation for E.J. Warner to participate in this important event. Likewise, the former Fresno State college player also spent time at the Chiefs Kingdom facilities this past weekend.

Kurt Warner’s story has become one of the most iconic moments in NFL history in recent years. Can his son somehow replicate what he accomplished in this new stage of his career?

E.J. Warner’s leap to the NFL

E.J. Warner’s 2025 campaign with Fresno State showcased his high-volume passing ability, as he recorded 2,030 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while maintaining a 54.3 QBR across 10 games. Although he led the Bulldogs to a 7-3 record as a starter and displayed elite efficiency in a bowl win over Miami (OH), his persistent struggle with turnovers—averaging at least 11 interceptions in each of his four collegiate seasons—remains a concern for scouts.

Standing at 6’0″, Warner is often compared to players like Brock Purdy due to his undersized frame and productive output. His experience and nearly 11,000 career passing yards give him a legitimate shot to compete for an NFL roster spot as a developmental prospect or a priority undrafted free agent.

Chiefs and Broncos QB situation

While both franchises have prioritized stability around their starting signal-callers, they have taken vastly different paths in shaping their rooms this offseason. The AFC West landscape shifted recently with the Chiefs parting ways with Jake Haener to trim a crowded unit that now features a high-profile backup and a fresh developmental arm, always lead by Patrick Mahomes.

Meanwhile, in Denver, Sean Payton‘s focus remains on the continued dominance of their third-year franchise cornerstone Bo Nix, supported by a veteran room designed to provide experienced relief if needed.

Kurt Warner’s memorable story

Kurt Warner’s trajectory is often cited as the ultimate “Cinderella story.” After going undrafted and famously stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store to make ends meet, he honed his skills in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.

His breakthrough came in 1999 with the St. Louis Rams, where he led the high-powered offense to a Super Bowl XXXIV title while earning both league and Super Bowl MVP honors. Warner later revitalized his career by leading the Arizona Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 2009, eventually finishing his journey with two MVP awards and a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate on X) reported New York claimed Pickens off waivers. The news came shortly after Reader signed a two-year contract with the Giants.

It was never a secret the G-Men needed to improve their defensive line after trading Dexter Lawrence, and they have now acted accordingly during the NFL offseason. The final pieces have been put together on the Giants’ probable starting defense in 2026 with Reader acting as Lawrence’s replacement.

Giants keep adding help on defensive line

Many expected the Giants’ shopping spree to end with the acquisition of Reader. However, senior vice president and general manager Joe Schoen seems determined to max out New York’s credit card and fill the shopping cart to the very top. Plus, it’s not his fault he keeps coming across unsurpassable offers in free agency.

Moreover, considering Lawrence was set to make over $20 million in the 2026 NFL season, the Giants will save a lot of money in the four additions of Shelby Harris (one-year, $3 million contract), D.J. Reader (two-year, $12.5 million deal), Leki Fotu (one-year, $1.3 million), and Pickens.

Every defensive lineman on the roster

As it stands, the Giants have a surplus of talents who can play on the trenches and disrupt opponent’s drives. According to Ourlads.com, New York currently employs 12 defensive linemen: D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Bobby Jamison-Travis, Roy Robertson-Harris, Elijah Reader, Sam Roberts, Darius Alexander, Marlon Tuipolotu, Zacch Pickens, Anquin Barnes Jr., and Ben Barten.

Obviously, cuts will be made, and the 53-man roster will look quite different. Regardless, having enough options is never a bad thing, especially for Harbaugh, who is entering his first year in East Rutherford.

Key info about Pickens

Coming out of South Carolina, Pickens was selected with a third-round pick (No. 64 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. So far in his career, Pickens has recorded 44 total tackles (20 solo and 24 assisted), 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass deflection.

Needless to say, Pickens’ numbers suggest he’s up for a steep climb to make the final cut in New York. Either way, the Giants will give the 6-foot-4 defensive tackle a chance.

After making 26 appearances for Chicago, Pickens was waived by the Bears prior to the 2025 campaign, and the Chiefs claimed him off waivers. Pickens played three games in Kansas City in he 2025 NFL season. A year later, Pickens went through the same process, only this time he’s landed in Big Blue.

“They know how to win here…Me and Andy Reid, he’s just a cool, laidback coach and he loves the players,” the running back said on First Things First. Although the last season saw Chiefs Kingdom miss the playoffs, what Walker III says is indeed true.

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Walker III will have Bieniemy as his new OC

Walker III is coming off a successful stint in Seattle, having been crowned MVP of the most recent Super Bowl under Klint Kubiak’s leadership. Now, he will have a new leader in Eric Bieniemy, whose intensity he has already praised as a signature trait.

“Just intense. Like, from the first night I met him, we were just meeting up going to dinner, he was talking like stuff that I did wrong on the field, talking about everything I needed to be detailed at, so I knew what I was getting into when I met him,” the RB said on the Up & Adams Show. “He wants the best for everybody, but he’s got high standards. That’s good if you want to be better.”

Andy Reid’s rushing options

Heading into the 2026 season, Andy Reid’s offense features an explosive new dimension with Kenneth Walker III leading the backfield after his high-profile signing in free agency. Walker provides the elite tackle-breaking ability and home-run threat that perfectly complements Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack.

Supporting him is a versatile rotation including the reliable Emari Demercado as a primary backup and Brashard Smith, who provides speed in specialized roles. With the addition of rookie Emmett Johnson from the draft, the Chiefs’ “rushing room” is now one of the most dynamic and complete units in the league, offering Reid a variety of creative ways to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

There is only winning for the Chiefs

Chiefs enter the 2026 season looking to reclaim their throne after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished with a 6-11 record, surprisingly landing behind both the Broncos and the Chargers in the AFC West.

The last time this team played in a Super Bowl was on February 9, 2025. Back then, the Chiefs were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.

“He’s very far ahead of schedule,” Veach said during an appearance on SiriusXM. “I think the biggest challenge we’re going to have is protecting Mahomes from himself because I’m sure that when we get to St. Joseph, Missouri, for training camp, he’ll want to be fully involved.”

This important progress placed Mahomes in a position to potentially participate in parts of the Chiefs’ offseason training program if his recovery continues without setbacks. In fact, Mahomes’ progress allowed the Chiefs to waive Jake Haener without hesitation as the QB room is already full.

Preventive measures for the Chiefs

Mahomes is recovering from a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, which he suffered last December in the Chiefs’ Week 15 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the typical recovery time is nine to 12 months, his current progress puts him on track to potentially return for training camp before the 2026 NFL season, if not earlier.

“It’s been really inspiring,” Veach said. “I’ve been there with Pat before, when he dislocated his knee and worked his tail off to come back in three weeks. I knew that that obstacle in the road wouldn’t slow him down at all.”

Even with Mahomes apparently ahead, Veach is focused on protecting him throughout the rehabilitation process. Although his return to the field would provide a boost, the team remains focused on taking a cautious and long-term approach rather than rushing him back.

“We’ll have to hold him back a little,” Veach said. “I don’t want to put a timetable on it, but I think you know the type of person and competitor that Pat Mahomes is. I would just say we’re in a pretty good place right now.” Now the focus shifted less on the knee itself and more on managing Mahomes’ competitive spirit.

“We had to, obviously, make a tough decision trading Trent McDuffie. In addition, we lost our CB2, Jaylen Watson. Ironically, both to the Rams. There are a lot of needs we had entering the draft but it’s very difficult when you lose CB1 and CB2,” Brett Veach revealed on The Pat McAfee Show.

“We certainly had our eyes on Mansoor and if there’s one way to Steve Spagnuolo’s hearts, it’s press corners that like to tackle. We certainly think Mansoor has the skillset that will fit nicely in this scheme and we’re certainly excited to have him.”

Spagnuolo has long been a trusted lieutenant of Andy Reid on a Chiefs team that recently has also changed its quarterback room. In this way, Delane fits this new scheme perfectly, as he is an elite press-man defender with 4.35 speed—a style that Kansas City typically runs at one of the highest rates in the league.

Spagnuolo knows how to maximize players in Kansas City

Steve Spagnuolo has earned a reputation as a defensive mastermind by transforming young, overlooked defensive backs into high-level NFL starters. Key examples of his development include L’Jarius Sneed, who evolved from a fourth-round pick into a versatile lockdown corner, and Trent McDuffie, who quickly became an All-Pro caliber defender under his guidance.

Other contributors like Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams also thrived as late-round picks, stepping up in critical moments to help the team. Spagnuolo’s aggressive, blitz-heavy schemes have been instrumental in the Chiefs’ success, as he has secured four Super Bowl rings as a defensive coordinator (one with the Giants and three with Kansas City), making him the only coordinator in NFL history to win titles with two different franchises.

How much can Mansoor bring to the Chiefs?

Mansoor Delane arrives at Chiefs Kingdom as a true blue-chip prospect after being selected 6th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. In his final season at LSU, he earned Unanimous All-American honors by allowing just 13 receptions for 147 yards all year, recording 13 passes defended and 2 interceptions while not giving up a single touchdown.

His elite 31.3 passer rating allowed—the second-best in his draft class—proves he is a lockdown defender who can immediately bolster Spagnuolo’s secondary. Given his high draft capital and specialized training under LSU’s Corey Raymond, he is the frontrunner to claim the CB1 spot, likely forming a formidable starting duo with Nohl Williams, who already established himself as a reliable starter with a 74.5 PFF grade during the 2025 season.

On Monday, the Chiefs announced a number of roster moves, including waiving Haener, who spent only a few months in Kansas City after signing a reserve/future contract in February.

Haener was released alongside DE Ethan Hurkett and DT Zacch Pickens as the Chiefs made room for free agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, and T Kahlil Benson.

Jake Haener’s brief NFL experience

Haener, 27, spent three years with the New Orleans Saints (2023-2025) after being selected with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In eight appearances with the Saints (one start), Haener completed 18 of 39 passes for 226 yards for a touchdown and an interception. He also had 11 scrambles for 22 yards and got sacked six times.

Chiefs QB room has enough depth behind Mahomes

When Haener joined the Chiefs, the team was heading into the offseason with Chris Oladokun as its only healthy QB under contract. Mahomes, facing a long rehab after underdoing knee surgery to repair ACL and LCL injuries, had the team wondering how to navigate these months until his recovery.

But the Chiefs QB situation got clearer with free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City first signed Justin Fields, who has a big fan in Reid, and then went on to draft LSU product Garrett Nussmeier, who’s willing to sit back and learn from Reid and Mahomes.

The Chiefs now have enough options in the QB room, which GM Brett Veach considers the best in the NFL. And with Reid recently suggesting Mahomes is on track to be at OTAs (Organized Team Activities) later this month, Haener was no longer needed.

During a press conference at the Chiefs’ minicamp on May 1, Delane clarified his current allegiances while acknowledging his roots. “For sure. I grew up a Ravens fan. Not a Ravens fan anymore,” Delane said. “But obviously, that was some battles. We always could never get past the Chiefs. So I definitely grew up knowing what y’all do.”

It is quite common for NFL players to enter the league having cheered for rival organizations, and Delane is another rookie opening up about his background just as Jadon Canady did when discussing the meaning of wearing No. 22. Most professionals quickly trade their childhood loyalties for team pride once they begin competing at the highest level of the sport.

How Delane’s versatile skillset strengthens the Chiefs’ secondary

Delane arrives in Kansas City with impressive collegiate credentials, having recorded over 190 combined tackles and multiple pass breakups during his productive tenure at Virginia Tech and LSU. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and his aggressive playstyle make him an ideal fit for a defensive scheme that prizes versatility and high-effort play.

While his talent certainly could have helped the Ravens improve their own defensive depth, the Chiefs are the beneficiaries of his length and speed in the 2026 season. His experience playing in high-pressure games in the ACC has prepared him for the intense rivalry matchups he will now experience from the other side of the field.

By integrating Delane into the secondary, the coaching staff gains a hungry defender who understands the winning culture of the Chiefs from a fan’s perspective. As he transitions from a childhood spectator to a professional contributor, his goal will be to ensure the Ravens continue to struggle whenever they face Kansas City.