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NFL's Biggest Rumors and Latest Buzz Heading into 2026 OTAs
NFL teams are back on the practice field for OTAs. Rookies will try to make a strong first impression while veterans get back into a groove or settle in with new clubs.
At this point in the offseason, we'll get our first look at key position battles, an idea of what changes coaches plan to make for the upcoming season, and who might hold out or hold in for a new contract.
Among the biggest off-field storylines, a notable free agent may have several options and an ascending receiver could be on the trade block.
Here's the latest buzz regarding roster moves, contract situations and trade rumors heading into OTAs.
Cardinals QB Carson Beck Has a Chance To Be Week 1 Starter
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The Arizona Cardinals named Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback, but he's not present for the start of OTAs amid a contract dispute.
At 33, Brissett is entering the final year of his deal and wants a pay raise that reflects his lead position on the depth chart. He has a modest $9.2 million cap number this year.
In the meantime, rookie third-rounder Carson Beck could get valuable reps along with eighth-year veteran Gardner Minshew II under center.
ESPN's Josh Weinfuss believes there's "potential" for Beck to be the Week 1 starter, though it's "unlikely." He thinks the first-year signal-caller will get a chance to play if the Cardinals fall out of the playoff race early in the season.
Beck could take advantage of Brissett's absence and turn heads through OTAs. Even if the veteran bridge quarterback returns in the coming weeks, he may not have much margin for error.
Cardinals Edge Josh Sweat Is Disgruntled, Absent from OTAs
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Other than quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the Arizona Cardinals are missing a key defensive player at practice.
According to Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, Josh Sweat "is not particularly happy in AZ."
Interestingly, Odegard didn't say Sweat is in a contract dispute with the Cardinals. He's in the second year of his deal, but his pact has no guaranteed money beyond 2026. Coming off a career-high 12 sacks last season, the 29-year-old may want more financial security.
Also, keep in mind that Sweat reunited with Jonathan Gannon, who took the Cardinals' head-coaching job in 2023 after two years as the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator. Arizona fired him in January.
Sweat's issue with the Cardinals may go beyond his contract, though a pay raise could smooth things over with the premier pass-rusher.
Falcons QB Battle Begins with Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa Splitting QB1 Reps
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The Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback will have to earn the job over the next few months.
As the Falcons kicked off OTAs, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa split starting reps.
On the mend from his third ACL tear dating back to his college years, Penix isn't participating in full-team practices yet, but he's active in 7-on-7 and individual drills. He feels good about his recovery.
"I feel like myself," Penix said to reporters. "I feel great. I feel really good right now. I just say, 'As long as nobody falls into my leg right now.'
In March, Atlanta signed Tagovailoa after the Miami Dolphins released him. Six years into his pro career with a 2023 Pro Bowl campaign on his resume, he brings quality experience to the Falcons' quarterback room following Kirk Cousins' departure to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
When fully healthy, Penix must show improvement in his accuracy. He only completed 60.1 percent of his passes in nine starts last season. If not, Tagovailoa, whose passing style is more efficient than explosive, could win over the Falcons' new coaching staff and take over the starting job for Week 1.
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Deshaun Watson is Clicking with New Browns Coaching Staff
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The Cleveland Browns have arguably the most intriguing quarterback battle underway.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Deshaun Watson has "hit it off" with new Browns offensive-minded head coach Todd Monken.
Fowler also noted Cleveland's offense could use concepts similar to what the Houston Texans ran during Watson's Pro Bowl seasons.
In this competition, the Browns will also evaluate second-year signal-callers Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
In 2025, Gabriel started between Weeks 5 and 11, throwing for 918 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in that stretch.
Sanders started in the final seven games of the previous season, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 56.6 percent completion rate.
Also, keep in mind that the Browns selected quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round of this year's draft.
For now, Watson may have an edge over his competition because of his experience, though he'll need to knock off some rust.
The 30-year-old signal-caller ruptured his right Achilles in Week 7 of the 2024 season, then re-ruptured the tendon during rehab and required a second surgery in January 2025, and he hasn't played since that Week 7 game.
The Browns' quarterback battle is far from over.
Chiefs, Commanders Linked to Free-Agent WR Stefon Diggs
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If the Philadelphia Eagles trade A.J. Brown, we could see movement in the free-agent wide receiver market shortly afterward.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes Stefon Diggs would love to re-sign with the New England Patriots, who are rumored to be interested in Brown.
Breer expects the Patriots to acquire Brown and Diggs to ink a one-year deal for about $10 million with a new team. In a mailbag response, he wrote that the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders make sense and mentioned the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams as "interesting" landing spots.
Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice missed significant time between 2024 and 2025 because of injuries and a six-game suspension. According to Matt Foster of KSHB 41 News, Rice violated his probation and has been ordered to serve a 30-day jail sentence.
Also, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Rice will be sidelined for two months following a "clean-up" knee surgery.
Kansas City could pursue a more reliable veteran receiver, such as Diggs or Deebo Samuel.
As Breer noted, Diggs is from the D.C. area. He would be a solid No. 2 complement to Terry McLaurin while rookie third-rounder Antonio Williams comes along as the third option in the Commanders' passing attack.
Kayshon Boutte Trade Chatter Brewing as A.J. Brown Rumors Persist
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While most expect the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL insiders have mentioned wideout Kayshon Boutte as an outgoing trade candidate.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, New England would be willing to trade Boutte for a fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Boutte could draw interest on the trade market after hauling in 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.
As an ascending deep threat entering his age-24 season, Boutte could be a solid No. 2 option for a team with a thin receiver rotation.
Assuming the Eagles wait for post-June 1 cap space relief to trade Brown, head coach Mike Vrabel could pursue a reunion with the star receiver at the expense of Boutte's short-term future in New England.
Eagles Offense Will Derive from Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay Systems
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For the fourth consecutive year, the Philadelphia Eagles will start the season with a new offensive coordinator. Perhaps they find stability at that coaching position with Sean Mannion, who will use concepts from two of the league's most respected play-callers.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles' new-look offense will have influences from Kyle Shanahan's and Sean McVay's systems.
While that sounds promising, given what the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have done offensively in recent years, don't expect the same results with a different roster and a first-year offensive coordinator.
Nonetheless, McLane expects to see quarterback Jalen Hurts under center, an emphasis on zone runs, quick short-to-intermediate passes, play action and pre-snap motion.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t Bleacher Report's Joseph Zucker), Hurts has adapted to the Eagles' new offensive structure, whereas he was reluctant to do so with past changes.
Hurts, who's not a frequent deep-ball thrower, could flourish with timing-based passing concepts.
Mannion, a former quarterback, played under McVay for two seasons. So, he's familiar with aspects of the Rams offense. The former signal-caller also played in Klint Kubiak's offense in one year with the Minnesota Vikings. Kubiak is Shanahan's former passing game coordinator.
While easier said than done, Philadelphia's offense is due for a much-needed makeover after finishing 19th in scoring and 24th in total yards last season.
Raiders CB Taron Johnson Wants a New Deal
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Before free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders made a move to improve their secondary, trading a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for slot cornerback Taron Johnson and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post, Johnson has missed voluntary workouts due to contract-related issues.
Johnson has two years left on his deal and only about $1.2 million in guaranteed money.
Although Johnson has been one of the top slot cornerbacks over the previous few years, he showed some decline in his age-29 season, allowing a 94.7 passer rating in coverage, notably worse than his 80.3 passer rating allowed in 2024.
Las Vegas selected versatile defensive back Treydan Stukes in the second round of this year's draft. The Arizona product lined up primarily in the slot over his last three years in college.
The Raiders can fast-track Stukes' timeline to start in the slot if they're unable to work out a new deal with Johnson. Though ideally, the team would have its veteran nickelback on the practice field for mandatory minicamp in June.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara's Short-Term Future Is Uncertain
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The New Orleans Saints are trying to figure out if Alvin Kamara fits with their roster after they signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $47 million deal.
General manager Mickey Loomis told reporters that Kamara's status is related to his contract situation.
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints restructured Kamara's contract. Though, according to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, the club wants to further address the running back's deal.
Kamara has one year left on his pact with the Saints. If New Orleans releases him after June 1, it would save just $376,000 in cap space and take on $10.1 million in dead money.
The Saints are more likely to keep the 31-year-old if they can't find a trade partner willing to pay him a portion of his $10.4 million salary. Loomis told reporters that a decision on Kamara's future may come within the next two weeks.
Steelers Are Giving Troy Fautanu Reps at Left Tackle
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Last year, Broderick Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury that required surgery. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.
With the uncertainty around Jones' short-term future, the Steelers are working on a contingency plan at left tackle. Troy Fautanu has flipped sides in spring practices, and he's prepared to play either position.
Fautanu made one thing clear to the Steelers' new coaching staff: He prefers to play tackle rather than guard.
Through four collegiate years at Washington, Fautanu primarily lined up at left tackle. In 2023, he won the Morris Trophy, earning recognition as the nation's top offensive lineman.
After two years at right tackle with the Steelers, Fautanu told reporters he was "a little rusty" on the left side, but he's willing to switch positions while Jones recovers from injury.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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