The NFL Draft may be over, but the work continues for general managers between now and training camp. As soon as the draft concluded, teams attacked undrafted free agency with aggression.
Rookies aside, every team faces other orders of business before training camp starts. The franchise tag deadline looms for two teams, while another NFL team remains stuck in quarterback limbo.
Cowboys trade George Pickens
Dallas already said that Pickens will play under the franchise tag, which appears to be a recipe for disaster given his history of self-sabotage.
If the Cowboys want to avoid another drama-filled season, they would be better served either giving Pickens a long-term deal or trading him to a team that will.
The more realistic scenario appears to be the Cowboys trading Pickens, whose production during his first four seasons has largely been overshadowed by his antics.
Brandon Aiyuk lands with Commanders
Aiyuk has played his final down in San Francisco, and the 49ers will officially part ways with him this offseason. General manager John Lynch said that the team isn't planning to release him.
The Commanders reportedly have a significant interest in acquiring Aiyuk, who was one of the NFL's most productive wideouts during the 2022 and '23 seasons.
The Commanders know that the 49ers don't have much leverage and are likely waiting for San Francisco to release him to pair with his former college teammate Jayden Daniels.
A.J. Brown traded to New England
If there was any remaining doubt regarding the Eagles trading Brown, it was answered when the Eagles traded up to draft Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick.
Salary cap implications if the Eagles trade Brown before June 1 are holding things up. The expectation is that Brown will be traded after June 1, as NFL rules allow teams to split cap hits between 2026 and 2027.
Barring an unforeseen situation, expect Brown to be traded to the defending AFC champions after June 1.
Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers
For a second straight year, the Steelers concluded the draft without a definitive answer from Rodgers. Last year, the Steelers' patience paid off when Rodgers joined up just before minicamp.
He then helped Pittsburgh win its first division title since 2020. The Steelers appear to have a plan in place for either scenario.
If Rodgers returns, the Steelers will have two potential successors backing him up in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar.
Bobby Wagner signs with Bengals
The Bengals need a veteran inside linebacker to complete their aggressive defensive overhaul. Wagner is a proven veteran who could help solidify their defense.