Divisional Round Arrives as Draft Order, Retirements, Coaching Shakeups Take Center Stage

With the Divisional Round underway, eliminated teams turn focus toward the 2026 NFL Draft, roster decisions, and a rapidly shifting coaching landscape.

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The NFL Divisional Round has arrived, but attention across the league has shifted beyond the remaining playoff field. Following Wild Card Weekend, several teams officially locked in their draft positions while major personnel decisions and coaching movement continued to reshape the offseason outlook.

The latest draft order updates reflect teams eliminated during the Wild Card round, finalizing picks 19 through 24 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers hold the nineteenth overall selection, followed by the Dallas Cowboys at twentieth via Green Bay. Picks twenty-one through twenty-four belong to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cleveland Browns, who acquired their selection from Jacksonville.

Draft Picks Now Locked In (19–24)

19. Carolina Panthers

20. Dallas Cowboys (acquired from Green Bay Packers)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

22. Los Angeles Chargers

23. Philadelphia Eagles

24. Cleveland Browns (acquired from Jacksonville Jaguars)

One of the most notable player developments came in Pittsburgh, where wide receiver Adam Thielen announced his retirement following the Steelers’ Wild Card loss. Thielen concludes a thirteen-season NFL career that included two Pro Bowl selections and a late-career stop in Pittsburgh.

In Baltimore, attention has turned toward quarterback Lamar Jackson and a potential contract extension. While Jackson remains under contract, the Ravens face a looming cap hit projected to rise significantly, making an extension a priority as the organization looks to maintain roster flexibility. Meanwhile, Carolina confirmed it will exercise quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option, signaling continuity at the position.

Player News Around the League

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide receiver Adam Thielen announced his retirement after a 13-year NFL career, including two Pro Bowl selections. His final season ended with Pittsburgh’s Wild Card loss to Houston.

• Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore is prioritizing a Lamar Jackson extension as his cap hit is set to jump significantly this offseason. Ownership acknowledged that restructuring his deal is essential to keeping the roster competitive.

• Carolina Panthers: The Panthers will exercise quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option, with the front office citing his growth and flashes against high-level competition.

The coaching carousel continued to accelerate across the league. The Arizona Cardinals requested permission to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, while the Atlanta Falcons scheduled an interview with former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce. The New York Giants, however, appear to have made the most significant move of the 2026 coaching cycle, as former Baltimore Ravens head coach and Super Bowl winner John Harbaugh is expected to be hired as the franchise’s next head coach, according to league insiders. Reports indicate the two sides are finalizing a five-year agreement that would place Harbaugh among the NFL’s highest-paid coaches. Additional interviews were reported involving the Ravens, Cowboys, Dolphins, Titans, and Commanders, underscoring how rapidly the league’s offseason landscape is taking shape.

Latest Coaching Buzz

• Cardinals: Requested to interview Steelers OC Arthur Smith for head coach

• Falcons: Antonio Pierce scheduled to interview for head coach

• Ravens: Robert Saleh interviewing; Jesse Minter and Jim Schwartz interviews completed

• Cowboys: Requested interview with Giants interim DC Charlie Bullen

• Dolphins: Completed interviews with Jeff Hafley and Kevin Stefanski; requested Anthony Campanile

• New York Giants: Former Baltimore Ravens head coach and Super Bowl winner John Harbaugh is expected to become the Giants’ next head coach, according to insiders. The two sides are finalizing a five-year contract that would make Harbaugh one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches.

• Eagles: Parted ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo

• Steelers: Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons; multiple DC candidates requested

• Titans: Robert Saleh scheduled to interview

• Commanders: Interviewed Vikings DC Brian Flores for DC role

As postseason games continue, the league’s eliminated teams now balance immediate evaluation with long-term planning—setting the stage for an eventful lead-up to April’s draft.