NFL Off The Record

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels enters 2026 coming off a promising 2025 season and faces one of the more challenging early-season schedules in the NFC, a significant step up from the favorable slate that helped Washington build momentum the previous year. Daniels is featured in Netflix's Quarterback Season 3 alongside Baker Mayfield, Cam Ward and Joe Flacco, adding to the national spotlight on him heading into the new season.

The Cincinnati Bengals enter 2026 with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins fully healthy alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, who is entering a contract year. The addition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence rounds out what analysts are calling the most complete Bengals roster of the Burrow era, making Cincinnati one of the frontrunners to win the AFC North and compete for a Super Bowl.

Daniel Jones signed a one-year, $2.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Indianapolis Colts for the 2026 season after recovering from an Achilles injury that cut his 2025 campaign short following his release by the New York Giants. Jones enters 2026 under head coach Shane Steichen facing one of the most difficult early-season schedules in the NFL, opening against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft as part of a long-term succession plan at the position. With Aaron Rodgers officially re-signed for the 2026 season, Allar will have the opportunity to develop while learning from the four-time MVP, mirroring the same experience Rodgers had backing up Brett Favre for three seasons in Green Bay before becoming a starter.

The San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in the first NFL game ever played in Australia on September 10, 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of the league's expanded 2026 international series. The game will be broadcast on Netflix as a Thursday Night Football game in Week 1, representing a historic milestone for the league's global growth strategy.

The Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day during Week 12 of the 2026 NFL season, marking the 86th time Detroit has played on the holiday and the fourth consecutive year the Lions have hosted an NFC North division rival. The matchup features quarterback Jared Goff against second-year starter Caleb Williams in a game with significant NFC North playoff implications.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins publicly stated that combining a 1,000-yard season and a double-digit touchdown campaign in the same year is his primary goal for the 2026 season. Higgins has achieved each milestone separately during his six-year career but has never accomplished both in the same year.

The Cincinnati Bengals acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lawrence subsequently signed a one-year extension worth $28 million that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season. Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins also publicly stated his goal for 2026 is to combine two 1,000-yard seasons and double-digit touchdown seasons simultaneously.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason after spending multiple seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson, one of the AFC North's most dangerous pass rushers, is expected to anchor Baltimore's revamped defense under new head coach Jesse Minter. His first game against the Bengals in 2026 is scheduled as a primetime Thursday Night Football matchup.

Tight end David Njoku signed a one-year contract worth up to $8 million with the Los Angeles Chargers in May 2026, ending his nine-year tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Njoku is set to be the team's starting tight end and will play his first season for a different franchise under head coach Jim Harbaugh and alongside quarterback Justin Herbert.