The 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis was marked by severe travel disruptions due to a massive blizzard on the East Coast, which delayed many attendees, including a well-known insider, for days. Despite missing the crucial press conferences, the Combine still offered an abundance of unconfirmed chatter and speculative rumors, especially regarding quarterback moves and team strategies for the upcoming 2026 season. These 2026 NFL Combine rumors reveal surprising potential trades, player decisions, and front office plans that could heavily influence the NFL landscape.
Combine Delays and Missed Press Conferences Amid Blizzard
Travel chaos brought by a powerful blizzard severely affected flights and roads, mainly impacting media personnel and attendees traveling from the East Coast to Indianapolis. This disruption caused the insider to arrive late, missing all the scheduled press conferences with NFL head coaches and general managers, where teams typically share key insights and plans. Though these sessions were missed, informal discussions in various social settings at the Combine still generated a treasure trove of speculation.
Rather than dwelling on the missed official events, the insider emphasizes that the Combine’s greatest value lies in candid conversations with league insiders, coaches, players, and fellow reporters, often held in hotel lobbies, bars, or restaurants. It’s in these informal interactions where rumors circulate freely, despite lacking official confirmation or verification.
Approach to Reporting: Unverified Rumors with a History of Accuracy
The columnist repeatedly states that all information shared is purely gossip and educated speculation, never verified or confirmed through multiple sources. Throughout the last decade of attending the Combine, this approach has yielded some notably accurate predictions, including highlighting Tom Brady’s surprising 2020 move to Tampa Bay, which was unforeseen by most. Similarly, accurate hints have been made about player movements like Chris Godwin’s contract extension, Stefon Diggs’s trade to New England, and various quarterback futures.
Still, the columnist openly admits that some predictions miss the mark, such as the wrong assumption about Sam Darnold’s 2025 destination. This blend of hits and misses serves as a reminder that these Combine rumors should be read as speculative insights rather than confirmed facts.
Quarterback Rumors Dominated Conversations at the Combine
As expected, discussions about quarterbacks dominated many conversations at the 2026 Combine, with several surprising and potentially disruptive moves hinted at for multiple teams.
1. Derek Carr’s Possible Un-Retirement and Trade to the Jets
The most talked-about rumor involves former quarterback Derek Carr, who retired at 34 but is reportedly expected by the New Orleans Saints to un-retire for the 2026 season. The Saints appear satisfied with backup Tyler Shough and plan to trade Carr post-un-retirement. The New York Jets are the main rumored destination, though some reports suggested the Minnesota Vikings had interest; however, the insider did not hear about the Vikings in connection with Carr firsthand.
2. New York Jets’ Quarterback Speculations
The Jets are linked not only with Carr but also with Kyler Murray and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. There’s skepticism about Mendoza’s ceiling, as some scouts view him as a product of a weak quarterback class who might have been selected lower in previous draft years. The Jets, possessing ample draft capital, might persuade the Raiders to trade Mendoza, especially since the Raiders have a stable starter in Geno Smith and face a tough division ahead.
3. Kyler Murray’s Uncertain Future
Murray is confirmed to be leaving the Arizona Cardinals but where he will land remains unclear. Trade possibilities include the Jets and Atlanta Falcons, with speculation about Minnesota as well. It’s emphasized that nobody has a firm grasp on Murray’s next team, suggesting his future will be a major offseason storyline. His starting status may depend on where he lands and could resemble Daniel Jones’s one-year prove-it arrangement with the Giants.
4. Malik Willis Expected to Join Arizona
Sources estimate a $30 million deal for Malik Willis with the Cardinals, a figure slightly higher than some media projections. Arizona’s front office, under GM Monti Ossenfort, seemingly prefers signing a proven free agent quarterback over developing a rookie amid pressure for immediate success due to a poor recent record.
Veteran Quarterbacks on the Move or in Demand
5. Minnesota Vikings’ Doubts About J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings are reportedly not confident in young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, planning to retain him but bring in a seasoned veteran to create meaningful competition. The opening Week 1 starting spot is considered open, with bets placed on other veterans over McCarthy. Mid-season struggles by McCarthy have reportedly forced their offense to simplify.
6. Potential Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers by Vikings
Although last year’s push for Aaron Rodgers was blocked by Minnesota’s higher-ups, the team is once again considering him. However, final decisions will involve the entire organization. Rodgers is reportedly inclined to return to Pittsburgh, though nothing is certain.
7. Wide Veteran Search by Minnesota
Minnesota desires a veteran who can start, not just serve as a backup. Candidates include Malik Willis, Mac Jones, Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, and Aaron Rodgers. Despite rumors, Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly not on their radar.
8. Joe Flacco’s Surprising Market
Interest in Flacco is growing, potentially overshadowing Tua Tagovailoa, as Flacco’s past performance tape impressed for Atlanta to rejoin Kevin Stefanski’s staff. Flacco remains on Minnesota’s list as well.
9. Indianapolis Colts Moving on from Anthony Richardson
The Colts are expected to part ways with Richardson, with Cleveland considered a potential destination where offensive coordinator Todd Monken could develop Richardson’s athletic talents.
Running Back Market and Team Interests
10. Ken Walker’s Possible Move to the Giants
The Giants are reportedly keen on Ken Walker, though nothing is confirmed. Seattle is resigned to losing him unless the market price drops below $12-13 million, encouraging Walker to test free agency aggressively.
11. Breece Hall Likely to Stay with Jets
Despite speculation, the Jets are expected to place a tag on Hall, with a transition tag being more probable than the franchise tag.
12. Jeremiyah Love’s Unexpected Landing Spot
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has surfaced as a surprising target for the Tennessee Titans, who value his potential as a high-impact player amid many roster gaps. The combination of a new head coach who appreciates elite running backs and a new stadium opening could make Love a key piece.
13. Arizona Cardinals’ Running Back Decisions
The Cardinals are anticipated to release James Conner unless he accepts a more affordable deal. They appear set to rely on Trey Benson paired with a less heralded free agent back for a running back committee.
14. Carolina Panthers to Move On From Rico Dowdle
Despite strong moments last season, Dowdle is expected to leave, as the Panthers are pleased with Chuba Hubbard and optimistic about Jonathan Brooks’s rehabilitation.
15. Travis Etienne’s Various Potential Destinations
Among the teams rumored to be interested in Etienne are New Orleans and Kansas City.
Washington Commanders’ Offensive Shifts and Player Outlooks
16. Washington’s Search for a Lead Running Back
The Commanders seek a powerful early-down back to compensate for last year’s post-Austin Ekeler struggles. Chris Rodriguez is viewed as limited in the passing game, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt is seen as a complementary option rather than a lead back. The starter in 2026 likely will be an acquisition outside the current roster.
17. Offensive Style Under New Coordinator David Blough
The Washington offense is expected to mirror Ben Johnson’s approach, focusing on motion, play-action, a solid running game, and occasional trick plays.
18. Deebo Samuel’s Departure and Wide Receiver Changes
Samuel is unlikely to return, with the team emphasizing speed and potentially preparing for Terry McLaurin’s final season in Washington. Early-round draft picks might prioritize edge rushing, but if top prospects disappear, selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate at seventh overall is a possibility.
Wide Receiver Movements and Contract Scenarios
19. Buffalo’s Receiver Needs and Constraints
Buffalo’s interest is impacted by salary cap limits, with Rashid Shaheed and Mike Evans floated as targets if cost permits.
20. Mike Evans Expected to Switch Teams
Evans is likely to be traded from Tampa Bay due to the team’s commitment to Chris Godwin and a deep young receiver group. Buffalo and Philadelphia are potential landing spots, should the Eagles decide to move A.J. Brown.
21. Philadelphia’s Uncertainty Regarding A.J. Brown
The Eagles are undecided on Brown’s future but remain open to trading him. Notably, the team has strong confidence in DeVonta Smith’s untapped potential and believes boosting Smith’s target share could yield great results, providing one rationale for letting Brown go.
22. Tennessee Titans’ Wide Receiver Interests
The Titans are pursuing impact receivers such as Wan’Dale Robinson and Alec Pierce, the latter of whom Indianapolis intends to retain despite potential salary conflicts with Daniel Jones.
23. Pittsburgh’s Wide Receiver Focus and Quarterback Plans
The Steelers concentrated heavily on wide receiver talks at the Combine. They hope for Aaron Rodgers to remain their starter but would consider starting rookie Will Howard rather than trading for other veteran options such as Kyler Murray or Geno Smith.
24. Philadelphia Eagles’ Likely Departures
Tight ends Dallas Goedert and Isaiah Likely are expected to move on this offseason; while reviews on Likely are mixed, he is anticipated to draw significant interest and potentially a lucrative contract elsewhere.
Other Noteworthy Player and Team Updates
25. Dallas Cowboys’ Franchise Tag on George Pickens
Despite some delays in news reporting, the Cowboys will franchise tag George Pickens, with kicker Brandon Aubrey expected to secure a lucrative deal to remain with the team.
26. Defensive Departures and Trades
The Cincinnati Bengals show no interest in retaining Trey Hendrickson, who is likely to move on. Minnesota may part ways with Jonathan Allen, and John Franklin-Myers is rumored to be heading to Tennessee.
27. Las Vegas Raiders’ Pursuit of Tyler Linderbaum
With substantial cap space, the Raiders are keen to pursue Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who could provide a powerhouse presence in front of their projected top overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
28. Anticipated Wild Free Agency Period
An agent noted the unprecedented turnover this year, with 10 new head coaches and 20 new coordinators, leaving staffs with limited time for full evaluations. This is expected to result in either delayed signings or unusual moves throughout free agency.
“Gonna be a really interesting free agency. 10 new head coaches, 20 new coordinators, so much turnover this year that staffs haven’t had enough time to do film work/research/scheme fit for everyone available.”
– Agent
“I don’t know. I just know it’s gonna be wild and weird.”
– Agent
Looking Ahead to What These Rumors Could Mean
The swirling 2026 NFL Combine rumors suggest a tumultuous offseason ahead, especially at the quarterback position, where unexpected un-retirements, high-profile trades, and uncertain futures will command attention. Veteran presence and competition are poised to reshape starting lineups, particularly in Minnesota, New York, and Pittsburgh, while running back and wide receiver markets are equally dynamic with key players potentially changing teams.
The influx of new coaching staffs combined with rapid decision-making processes promises an unusual free agency period, likely characterized by surprises and unanticipated moves. Teams will have to balance immediate competitive needs against long-term developmental strategies while navigating a fluid player market shaped by these 2026 NFL Combine rumors. Fans and analysts should prepare for a wild offseason that could deviate significantly from conventional expectations.
No.
I'd imagine if DC comes back it'll be with a contender. There was a lot of talk in Indy about the Vikings https://t.co/NwrCSwYCht
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 1, 2026
What has @MatthewBerryTMR heard at the 2026 NFL Combine about certain running backs?
Well, it’s here 👇 pic.twitter.com/7xZ7qcQP9B
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) February 26, 2026
