by The dust from Super Bowl LX has barely settled, yet the league is already moving at breakneck speed. While the Seattle Seahawks continue their victory parade after stifling the New England Patriots in a 29-13 defensive masterclass, the rest of the league is locked in a high-stakes game of musical chairs. From franchise-altering releases to massive contract restructures, the current landscape of NFL offseason rumors suggests that the 2026 season might be the most unpredictable one yet.
The Quarterback Carousel: Who’s Staying and Who’s Straying?
The biggest bombshell of the week comes out of Atlanta. The Falcons have officially announced they will release veteran Kirk Cousins on March 11, the first day of the new league year. After a season plagued by injuries to rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons are reportedly looking for a “bridge” veteran while Penix recovers from his latest ACL tear. This move has ignited a wildfire of NFL offseason rumors, with names like Joe Flacco and even a potential return to Minnesota for Cousins being discussed by league insiders.
Meanwhile, in the desert, the Kyler Murray era in Arizona appears to be reaching its final chapter. General Manager Monti Ossenfort recently noted that “all options are on the table,” a classic front-office euphemism for “we are looking for a trade partner.” As Murray’s $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes guaranteed on March 15, the clock is ticking for a deal to be struck. Analysts are fueling NFL offseason rumors that the Pittsburgh Steelers or Minnesota Vikings could be landing spots for the former No. 1 overall pick as they seek stability under center.
Mahomes and the Chiefs: Creating Cap Magic
Not all news is about moving on; some is about doubling down. The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract, slashing his 2026 salary from $78.2 million to $34.65 million. This savvy accounting move creates over $43 million in cap space, allowing the Chiefs to be aggressive in free agency. Despite Mahomes coming off a season-ending ACL/LCL tear, these NFL offseason rumors indicate Kansas City is clearing the deck to surround their superstar with elite talent—possibly eyeing Jaguars RB Travis Etienne to bolster their backfield.
Contract Drama: Stars Demanding Their Worth
The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis has become the epicenter of contract negotiations. In Washington, the Commanders are working feverishly to extend offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. After the public drama surrounding Terry McLaurin last year, GM Adam Peters is desperate to avoid another holdout. Current NFL offseason rumors suggest Tunsil is looking to reset the market with a deal worth upwards of $30 million per year, which would make him the highest-paid tackle in league history.
Over in Indianapolis, the Colts are playing a delicate game with Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce. Both players are high on the priority list, but with only one franchise tag available, GM Chris Ballard is hoping to ink long-term deals before the March 3 deadline. If a deal isn’t reached, the NFL offseason rumors regarding Jones’ future could lead him back to the open market, where QB-needy teams like the New York Jets are reportedly waiting with open checkbooks.
Early Super Bowl 61 Buzz: The Favorites Emerge
Even with the 2026 Draft months away, Vegas has already released the opening odds for Super Bowl 61. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks open as +800 favorites to repeat, but they face stiff competition from the Los Angeles Rams (+900). The Rams’ outlook is bolstered by the news that reigning MVP Matthew Stafford will return for another season. These early betting lines often fuel NFL offseason rumors about which teams are “one piece away” from a championship run, placing immense pressure on front offices to win the free-agency period.
Teams to Watch in 2026:
| Team | Odds | Key Storyline |
| Seattle Seahawks | +800 | Can Sam Darnold lead a repeat? |
| Los Angeles Rams | +900 | Stafford’s “One Last Ride” |
| Buffalo Bills | +1200 | The Joe Brady era begins |
| Kansas City Chiefs | +1400 | Mahomes’ recovery timeline |
The Buffalo Bills are also seeing a surge in hype after hiring Joe Brady as their head coach. However, the roster remains in flux, leading to persistent NFL offseason rumors that they might be the dark horse to land a disgruntled star receiver like A.J. Brown via trade.
What’s Next?
As the Scouting Combine continues, expect the “Mendoza Mania” to take over. With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick, the draft-day trades will only intensify. Every mock draft and anonymous scout quote will continue to feed the cycle of NFL offseason rumors until the first pick is called in April.
