NFL News — 2026-07-13#
Read First#
Blockbuster trades and massive coaching overhauls are defining the 2026 offseason, completely shifting the balance of power across the league. The Los Angeles Rams have essentially formed an All-Pro super-defense by trading for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, while familiar coaching faces like Mike McCarthy, Robert Saleh, and Mike McDaniel are leading sweeping scheme changes in new cities.
Highlights by Theme#
Draft & Prospects#
The Jaguars are thrilled with their revamped wide receiver room, and the prospect of utilizing two-way rookie phenom Travis Hunter on both sides of the ball adds a tantalizing edge to their lineup, as highlighted in Jaguars Experts’ Final Analysis of 2026 Offseason: A Matter of Trust. Meanwhile, the Rams are expecting seventh-round draft pick Tim Keenan III to thrive as a run-stuffer behind their terrifying newly formed defensive front in Newcomer Update: Tim Keenan III. Looking ahead to next year’s draft, fans in Minnesota are already asking the Vikings’ mailbag about targeting Ohio State prodigy Jeremiah Smith to pair with Justin Jefferson.
Roster Moves & Free Agency#
The Rams went all-in on their defense, trading Jared Verse and three high draft picks to the Browns for superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, a massive shift detailed in Looking at the Browns’ defensive line ahead of the 2026 season | Position Preview. Los Angeles didn’t stop there, acquiring and extending two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in Offseason position reset: Cornerback. The Giants made their own defensive splash by trading elite interior lineman Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 draft, according to Important NFL dates to know for 2026-27. In free agency, the Eagles built a daunting secondary by signing former Seahawks standout Riq Woolen and veteran Jonathan Jones, while the Ravens upgraded their pass rush by bringing in veteran Trey Hendrickson. Additionally, the Packers extended linebacker Isaiah McDuffie in Packers sign LB Isaiah McDuffie to contract extension, and the Jets brought back veteran linebacker Demario Davis for his third stint with the team.
Team Beats#
The league’s coaching carousel has created some fascinating new pairings and positional battles heading into training camp. In Tennessee, new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll are tasked with elevating second-year QB Cam Ward, who is battling Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis for the starting job, as previewed in Titans 2026 Training Camp Preview: A Look at the Quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers is embarking on his 22nd season—dubbed his “Last Rodeo”—in Pittsburgh, reuniting with his former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Out west, new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is looking to unlock Justin Herbert’s ceiling, while Kevin Stefanski is taking over as the Falcons’ head coach to orchestrate an offense featuring Kyle Pitts and a deep running back room. In Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell is overseeing a fierce quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, with Carson Wentz acting as the veteran safety net, detailed in 2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks.
League News & Culture#
Mid-summer player rankings are sparking fierce debate across team beats. Buffalo’s Josh Allen claimed the No. 1 quarterback spot in ESPN’s executive poll, but Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson curiously plummeted to No. 69 on the player-voted NFL Top 100 list, a drop that is fueling his motivation for a bounce-back year in Lamar Jackson Ranked No. 69 on ‘NFL Top 100’. In international news, the NFL released its 2026 global slate, featuring high-profile matchups like the Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil and the Steelers-Saints in Paris. Finally, the Panthers’ pass rushers are challenging locker room stereotypes, with Jaelan Phillips, Nic Scourton, and GM Dan Morgan openly embracing their off-field status as “cat daddies”.
Storylines to Watch#
The aggressive, win-now maneuvering from the Rams and Eagles sets up a terrifying NFC arms race just ahead of training camp. Meanwhile, the sheer volume of veteran quarterbacks working under new coaching regimes—from Rodgers in Pittsburgh to Murray in Minnesota and Ward under Daboll in Tennessee—will dictate the competitive flow of the regular season. Keep an eye on the defensive line market as well, with teams scrambling to adapt to the massive voids and additions created by the blockbusters involving Myles Garrett and Dexter Lawrence.