NFL News Whirlwind: Trades, Tags, and Post-Combine Chaos

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The first week of March 2026 has officially sent the NFL into its high-stakes “business season.” Between the conclusion of a record-breaking Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and the passing of the franchise tag deadline, the league’s landscape has shifted dramatically over the last 48 hours.

From a shocking trade in the AFC South to the release of a former No. 1 overall pick, here is the essential NFL news from the past week.

The Blockbuster: David Montgomery to Houston

In a move that caught the league by surprise on Monday, the Detroit Lions traded veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for a package of draft picks and offensive line depth.

The “Why” for Houston: After a 2025 season where C.J. Stroud often lacked a balanced run game, the Texans are going “all-in” on a physical backfield to complement their explosive air attack.
The “Why” for Detroit: The Lions appear to be clearing the way for a younger backfield while focusing their resources on a total rebuild of the interior offensive line, having also released veteran center Graham Glasgow this week.

Franchise Tag Tracker: Who’s Staying?

The Tuesday deadline for the franchise tag provided clarity for several stars, though some notable names are officially headed for the open market.

Breece Hall (Jets): The Jets placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on their star playmaker, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of their offense for at least one more year.
Daniel Jones (Colts): In a bit of a surprise, the Colts utilized the Transition Tag on Jones. This allows them to match any offer he receives in free agency, a clear sign they want him back but at a specific price point.
Heading to Free Agency: The Cincinnati Bengals confirmed they will not tag defensive end Trey Hendrickson, making him arguably the most coveted pass rusher on the market when the legal tampering window opens on March 9.

Veteran Roster Purge: The Kyler Murray Era Ends

The “Salary Cap Casualty” season has arrived, and no name was bigger than Kyler Murray.

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals officially informed Murray of his release on Tuesday. After a tenure marked by both brilliance and injury, Arizona is choosing to eat the dead cap hit to facilitate a total reset—likely targeting a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick.
Other Notable Cuts: The Washington Commanders released center Tyler Biadasz and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (who they acquired via trade mid-season), while the Houston Texans parted ways with veteran safety Jimmie Ward.

Sudden Retirement: Drew Dalman

In one of the most unexpected stories of the week, Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman announced his retirement at the age of 27. Dalman anchored the league’s No. 1 pass-blocking unit last season and was instrumental in the development of Caleb Williams. His departure leaves a massive $42-million void in the Bears’ offensive front just days before free agency.

Draft Stock: The “Combine Buzz”

Following the workouts in Indy, the consensus on the 2026 class has solidified around a few “must-have” prospects.

The QB1: Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) remains the projected top pick for the Raiders, with scouts praising his “CEO-like” interviews.
The Risers: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is the talk of the league after running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, the fastest by a tight end in over two decades. On defense, Texas Tech edge David Bailey is now being discussed as a potential top-three pick after his explosive testing numbers.

Important Dates Ahead

March 9 (Noon ET): Legal Tampering Period begins (Expect a flurry of “agreements” within minutes).
March 11 (4:00 p.m. ET): 2026 League Year officially opens; trades and signings become official.