Combine Week Begins as Extensions, Incentives, Coaching Moves Reshape NFL Landscape

Before drills begin in Indianapolis, several teams finalize extensions, honor incentives, and adjust coaching staffs as offseason momentum builds.

^Don't Feel like reading? Watch the video above!^

INDIANAPOLIS — As attention shifts to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, league activity has already accelerated well beyond draft preparation. Before a single 40-yard dash is recorded, franchises across the NFL have adjusted roster structures, finalized contract decisions, honored incentives, and reshaped coaching staffs — clear indicators that offseason operations are fully underway.

In Baltimore, tight end Isaiah Likely is approaching potential free agency after four seasons with the Ravens. Likely acknowledged both his appreciation for the organization and the realities of the business side of the league, stating on Gruden Goes Long, “I love Baltimore. They took the chance on me when all 31 didn't… Baltimore is home for me. But business is business, so I'm really just seeing what's going to happen.”

His situation highlights the delicate balance between continuity and market value as clubs evaluate cap flexibility entering the new league year.

Contract movement extended across multiple organizations as teams solidified depth and adjusted financial positioning ahead of March deadlines.

Player Updates

Baltimore Ravens

• TE Isaiah Likely could test free agency for the first time after four seasons.

Buffalo Bills

• OL Alec Anderson re-signed — one year, $3 million ($1.8 million guaranteed).

Cincinnati Bengals

• RB Kendall Milton — signed one-year contract.

• CB Jalen Davis — signed one-year extension.

Dallas Cowboys

• LB Logan Wilson released — $6.5 million cap savings.

• RB Javonte Williams — three years, $24 million ($16 million guaranteed).

Jacksonville Jaguars

• CB Keith Taylor re-signed.

New England Patriots

• WR Mack Hollins awarded $400,000 incentive bonus despite finishing four receptions short of his 50-catch threshold.

In New England’s case, the Patriots’ decision to honor Hollins’ incentive despite narrowly missing the statistical benchmark reflects how organizations can reinforce locker-room culture while managing contractual technicalities.

Coaching staffs also continued evolving in parallel with roster adjustments. Several clubs finalized coordinator structures and key assistant roles as planning shifts toward implementation for the 2026 season.

Coaching News

Cleveland Browns

• Travis Switzer — offensive coordinator

• Byron Storer — special teams coordinator

• Ephraim Banda — promoted to pass game coordinator

Los Angeles Chargers

• Adam Gase hired as passing game specialist

Los Angeles Rams

• Nate Scheelhaase promoted to offensive coordinator

Tennessee Titans

• Tanzel Smart hired as assistant defensive line coach

With staff hierarchies clarified and veteran contracts addressed, league focus now pivots to prospect evaluation in Indianapolis.

NFL Combine Schedule

📍 Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis

📅 February 26 – March 1

• Thursday — PK, DL, LB

• Friday — TE, DB

• Saturday — QB, WR, RB

• Sunday — OL

As combine drills begin, front offices are operating on dual tracks — evaluating incoming talent while simultaneously structuring cap strategy, extension windows, and coaching continuity. Decisions made this week and in the days leading up to the new league year will directly influence roster construction, draft positioning, and competitive trajectories for 2026. With financial commitments established and scouting underway, the foundation for next season is no longer theoretical — it is actively being constructed.