NFL News — 2026-07-03#
Read First#
The shifting coaching landscapes in the AFC North and NFC East are dominating the July news cycle as teams gear up for training camp. After an 18-season tenure in Baltimore, John Harbaugh is now at the helm of the New York Giants looking to instill his trademark run-heavy culture, while the Ravens have turned to former Chargers defensive coordinator Jessie Minter to fix a unit that cost them a playoff berth last year.
Highlights by Theme#
Draft & Prospects#
In Los Angeles, the Rams are looking to quickly integrate second-round pick Max Klare, as head coach Sean McVay praised the Ohio State tight end’s grounded movement and run-after-catch abilities in space. For full details, read Newcomer update: Max Klare. Meanwhile, the Bears used the 25th overall pick on Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to restock their secondary following the offseason departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Down in Nashville, the Titans provided historic return man Chimere Dike with new offensive reinforcements, selecting receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to pair alongside Wan’Dale Robinson. Check out Titans Returner/Receiver Chimere Dike Plans to Be an Even Better Version of Himself in 2026 for more on the Titans’ evolving receiving corps.
Roster Moves & Free Agency#
The Ravens swung big to fix a pass rush that generated just 30 sacks last season, bringing in veteran Calais Campbell and poaching star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals. Read about the defensive overhaul in Bengals 2026 Opponent Preview: Baltimore Ravens. Dallas secured a major upgrade at slot corner, signing Cobie Durant to a one-year, $4 million deal after he picked off three passes in the playoffs for the Rams last season. See the full breakdown in Role Call: How Cobie Durant will impact the secondary. The Jets are anticipating a massive impact from nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, whom they acquired from the Titans in a March trade for Jermaine Johnson. In Chicago, the NFC North champion Bears fortified the middle of their defense by signing former Browns linebacker Devin Bush to play in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme.
Team Beats#
The Giants’ offense is undergoing a total philosophical shift under John Harbaugh, adding former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely and fullback Patrick Ricard to spearhead a punishing ground game built around quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. Get the statistical projections in Fact or Fiction: Way-too-early stat predictions (offense). In Dallas, the Cowboys are relying on a by-committee approach from Rashan Gary, Sam Williams, and Donovan Ezeiruaku to replace Micah Parsons’ departed edge production. Dallas is also expecting a leap from receiver Ryan Flournoy, who feels increasingly confident operating as WR3 behind CeeDee Lamb and offseason addition George Pickens. Up in Cleveland, the Browns are thrilled with the trajectory of Harold Fannin Jr., who is locked in as the primary pass-catching tight end after posting a historic 72-reception, 731-yard rookie campaign. Dive into the Browns’ depth chart in Evaluating the Browns’ tight ends ahead of the 2026 season | Position Preview.
League News & Culture#
The run game is officially back en vogue across the NFL, as 17 different players crossed the 1,000-yard rushing threshold in 2025—a league-wide stylistic regression that hasn’t been seen since 2010. Over on X and NFL+, the player-voted Top 100 list continues to roll out its short-form digital episodes, with Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey making his 10th consecutive appearance, clocking in at No. 82. Catch up on Ramsey’s placement in Ramsey ranked No. 82 on the NFL Top 100 List.
Storylines to Watch#
All eyes are on the coaching transitions for the Ravens and Giants heading into August. While John Harbaugh works to build a physical bully in the NFC East, Jessie Minter faces immediate, immense pressure in Baltimore; coming off a season where the Ravens missed the playoffs, squandering the prime of Lamar Jackson’s career is simply not an option for the new defensive-minded head coach.