The NFL combine in Indianapolis served as a central point for discussions among team personnel and agents regarding upcoming free agency and future draft classes. Insights emerged on potential team strategies and player movements for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The combine facilitated crucial conversations on future team strategies and player movements for the 2026 and 2027 NFL seasons.
Future Draft Focus
Teams are reportedly focusing on the 2027 draft class, which is considered strong, particularly for quarterbacks. Projected top quarterback prospects for 2027 include Arch Manning (Texas), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Jayden Maiava (USC).
Due to this strong future class and a perceived weaker top-end quarterback pool in the upcoming 2026 draft, some teams may opt to trade veteran players for 2027 draft capital. Others might trade current draft selections for future choices to enhance their position for the 2027 draft.
Raiders' Quarterback Plans
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming draft. Consensus among sources at the combine indicates that Mendoza is a strong fit for the franchise.
Mendoza, who is 6' 5" and 225 pounds, led Indiana to a national championship in 2026, throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. He is regarded as having a good arm, mobility, and clean character.
Tyler Linderbaum's Market
Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, represented by Neil Cornrich, is a key free agency candidate. The Ravens have reportedly offered Linderbaum a market-setting contract, but he remains unsigned.
Should Linderbaum become a free agent, teams such as the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans are anticipated suitors, with some potentially offering similar or larger contracts. The Titans, with $110 million in cap space, are considered strong contenders after releasing veteran center Lloyd Cushenberry III.
Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum is a hot commodity in free agency, with the cap-rich Tennessee Titans emerging as a strong suitor.
Chargers' Spending Strategy
The Los Angeles Chargers, with approximately $81.8 million in cap space, are positioned for significant free agency activity. After a less aggressive spending approach last offseason, there is an expectation that the Chargers may increase their investment in new talent. Priorities for the team include:
- Re-signing defensive end Odafe Oweh, who recorded 10 sacks in 2024 and 7.5 sacks in 12 games in 2025. Oweh is a potential replacement for Khalil Mack.
- Acquiring a playmaker at wide receiver to complement Ladd McConkey.
- Adding assistance to the interior offensive line, potentially through a connection with former Baltimore front office member and current Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz, who drafted Linderbaum in 2022.
- Addressing future extensions for defensive back Derwin James Jr. and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, both entering their final contract year.
Malik Willis to the Cardinals
Quarterback Malik Willis is among the most discussed players entering free agency. After starting three games over two years with the Titans and then developing as a backup for the Green Bay Packers under Matt LaFleur, Willis completed 78.7% of 89 attempts, averaging 10.9 yards per attempt.
The Arizona Cardinals are considered a logical destination for Willis. Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort previously worked with Willis in Tennessee, and new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is the brother of Matt LaFleur, who coached Willis in Green Bay.
The Cardinals also possess offensive weapons in tight end Trey McBride, receiver Michael Wilson, and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., with potential to bolster the offensive line with their No. 3 draft pick. This move could facilitate a trade for current Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
Malik Willis's strong connections to the Cardinals' front office and coaching staff make Arizona a probable landing spot, potentially opening the door for a Kyler Murray trade.
Chiefs' Running Game Improvement
The Kansas City Chiefs are prioritizing a significant improvement to their run game for the 2026 season. The team recorded only three runs over 20 yards last season, two by Patrick Mahomes and one by Xavier Worthy.
With options like Javonte Williams and Breece Hall likely unavailable, key free-agent running backs include Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker III. If these top options sign elsewhere, the Chiefs may target second-tier options such as Tyler Allgeier or Kenneth Gainwell before considering Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with their No. 9 draft pick. The Chiefs also have needs at edge rusher and receiver.