As all the time, the NFL draft produced quite a few interesting developments with rookie selections in addition to veteran player movement. In case you missed a number of the top stories from across the league this past week, here’s a quick recap:
- Draft Produces Rams’ Simpson Pick, Other Surprises: It didn’t take long for the second quarterback to return off the board on Thursday night, with the Rams taking Ty Simpson thirteenth overall. Many were surprised by Los Angeles’ decision, one which is able to provide the team with a Matthew Stafford successor if things pan out. Connections with the Alabama passer persevered through the lead-in to the draft, however the Rams were expected to focus on more immediate help for an attempted Super Bowl run in 2026. As a substitute, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay agreed to proceed with the Simpson selection. Other notable draft developments included highly-rated cornerback Jermod McCoy dropping to the Raiders within the fourth round resulting from medical concerns together with several teams making depth QB investments (akin to the Steelers with Drew Allar and the Chiefs with Garrett Nussmeier).
- Eagles, Vikings Finalize Greenard Trade: The Eagles were known to be looking for a pass rush addition well before the draft began. Through the event’s second day, to little surprise, a trade agreement was reached with the Vikings to amass the previous Pro Bowler. Greenard and a 2026 seventh-round pick went to Philadelphia for a pair of third-rounders (this yr and next). Upon arrival with the Eagles, Greenard – who had been looking for a raise in Minnesota – agreed to a four-year, $100MM extension. The 28-year-old is in line to gather $50MM guaranteed because of this of the brand new deal. Greenard (who totaled 24.5 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons) will likely be tasked with helping replace the sting rush production lost when Jaelan Phillips departed in free agency.
- No Cowboys Extension, Trade Expected For Pickens: Shortly before the primary round began, it was learned the Cowboys is not going to negotiate with wideout George Pickens on a long-term deal. The franchise tag recipient has until mid-July to sign an extension, but none will likely be forthcoming unless talks resume. Pickens, 25, is ready to sign his tender and thus turn out to be eligible for a trade. Nonetheless, Dallas doesn’t intend to maneuver on on this case. The Cowboys are scheduled to pay Pickens $27.3MM in 2026, making him an expensive partner for CeeDee Lamb next season. Keeping that tandem in place for the long run would cost much more, and it stays to be seen if the team is ready to achieve this. Meanwhile, Pickens signing the tag will obligate him to attend events like mandatory minicamp in June and training camp the next month.
- Williams Agrees To Latest 49ers Deal: The 49ers managed to perform their goal of settling the Trent Williams situation in time for the draft. Team and player agreed to a two-year, $50MM extension. The brand new deal incorporates $37MM in guarantees and can arrange Williams to proceed serving as San Francisco’s left tackle through no less than 2027. The 12-time Pro Bowler was in line to hold an untenable cap charge for this season with out a recent agreement, and he managed to secure a notable figure by way of locked-in compensation over again. Williams is entering his age-38 campaign, but he will likely be expected to stay considered one of the league’s top blockers deep into his profession. Doing so would go a great distance in helping the 49ers return to the playoffs in 2026.
- Reed Lands Packers Extension: Jayden Reed was set to enter 2026 as the ultimate yr of his rookie contract. A possible free agent departure is not going to be going down, though, with the fourth-year wideout agreeing to a Packers extension. Green Bay authorized $50.25MM in recent money on a three-year contract, including $20MM guaranteed. Reed, 26, later this month, is thus under team control through 2029. He was limited to only seven games last season, but a return to full health could see Reed reprise his role as a focus in Green Bay’s passing game. The Packers traded away Dontayvion Wicks, whereas Reed is joined by Christian Watson as a member of the team’s young receiving corps who has landed a deal beyond his rookie pact.