LAS VEGAS — The 2026 NFL offseason has already delivered a flurry of massive trades and coaching overhauls, but the open market remains stocked with franchise-altering talent. As we move into the first weekend of the new league year, the focus shifts to the veteran signal-callers and elite playmakers still looking for a home. With rookie sensation Fernando Mendoza locked into the top draft spot for the Raiders and Aaron Rodgers mulling a return to Pittsburgh, the dominoes are ready to fall.
The Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to select Indiana standout Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but new head coach Klint Kubiak isn’t interested in throwing a rookie into the fire without a safety net. Kirk Cousins, recently released by the Falcons, is the ideal candidate to stabilize the room. Cousins finished 2025 with a respectable 96.8 passer rating despite a late-season surge from Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta. In Vegas, he provides a veteran presence who understands Kubiak’s scheme, allowing Mendoza to learn the ropes until a potential October transition.
Despite early retirement rumors, all signs in Pittsburgh point toward a 22nd season for Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers’ recent hire of Mike McCarthy as head coach—replacing Mike Tomlin—wasn’t just a nostalgic reunion; it was a strategic play to keep the 42-year-old in the building. Rodgers was efficient last year, tossing 24 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions while leading the Steelers to an AFC North title. The trade for Michael Pittman Jr. further confirms that GM Omar Khan is building a “win-now” roster for a quarterback who still has gas in the tank.
After a surprising release from New England, Stefon Diggs enters a quiet market that doesn’t reflect his production. At 32, Diggs proved he can still win, posting 1,013 receiving yards on 85 catches last season. The Baltimore Ravens represent the perfect landing spot. First-year head coach Jesse Minter needs a reliable secondary option to pair with Zay Flowers, giving Lamar Jackson a veteran target in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s new system. Diggs’ ability to find soft spots in zone coverage would provide the Ravens with the consistency they lacked during last year’s late-season slump.
“I’m a free agent. I’ve talked to Mike [McCarthy] and Omar [Khan]. I’m enjoying my time right now, but I think there are conversations to be had down the line. I know what we’re capable of in that building.”
— Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
The Cleveland Browns have been aggressive in rebuilding their interior line, but the left tackle spot remains a liability. Rasheed Walker is the top tackle left on the board, and a one-year, $20 million prove-it deal fits the Browns’ cap structure perfectly. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to upgrade their tight end room under new OC Brian Fleury. David Njoku, coming off a storied nine-year run in Cleveland, offers Jalen Hurts a massive red-zone target. With defenses stretched thin by Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown, Njoku would find himself consistently open in the seam.
In Nashville, the Robert Saleh era is officially underway. With Brian Daboll calling plays for sophomore QB Cam Ward, the Titans are expected to target Jauan Jennings to add size to their receiving corps. Jennings is a physical blocker and a “third-and-automatic” target who complements the shiftiness of Wan’Dale Robinson. If the Titans use the No. 4 pick on a dynamic back like Jeremiyah Love, this offense could jump from the bottom ten to a top-tier unit by mid-season.
