In an NFL draft full of early surprises and trades, the Detroit Lions turned some heads Thursday by trading down in the first round and selecting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the number 12 pick.

The Lions chose to double down on a team strength as Gibbs lands in a run-focused offense under coach Dan Campbell and joins a backfield that already features D’Andre Swift and former Chicago Bear David Montgomery.

Gibbs was the second running back taken Thursday after Texas' Bijan Robinson went to the Atlanta Falcons in the number eight slot.

The last time two running backs were selected that high in the draft was in 2017, when Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey were both taken in the draft’s first eight picks.

Gibbs began his college career with two seasons at Georgia Tech but broke out as a big-play threat for Alabama in 2022. His draft stock rose after the scouting combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds.

At 5-foot-9 and 199 pounds, Gibbs will likely continue to split time in the backfield after having only 383 total carries in three college seasons.

Detroit started the night with the number six pick – acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Matthew Stafford trade – and their own number 18 pick. They continued to defy conventional positional value with pick 18, selecting off-ball linebacker Jack Campbell out of Iowa.

Bijan Robinson did not have to wait long to have a team take a chance on him in the 2023 NFL Draft, as he was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons.

First-round running backs have grown increasingly rare in recent years, with the days of the position being viewed as a premium one long gone.

But Robinson's talent is such that he has long since been seen as an exception to the rule, and the Falcons made him the first top-10 running back since Saquon Barkley went second overall to the New York Giants in 2018.

There can be little doubt he has earned his selection with such a high pick.

Robinson racked up 1,580 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground in his final season with Texas in 2022. On top of that, he had 314 receiving yards and two further scores through the air. His 1,894 yards from scrimmage were second most in the FBS.

As a runner, Robinson wins with his scarcely believable change of direction quickness that allows him to evade defenders almost at will, along with contact balance to slip through tackles and field-flipping speed.

His X-factor is what he can do as a receiver. Robinson runs routes like a wideout and has shown the ability to go up and make outstanding grabs and the catch point.

Robinson can be a substantial weapon from anywhere in the offensive formation and, by adding him to a backfield that already included Tyler Allgeier - who went for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season -- the Falcons now arguably have one of the most dynamic running back rooms in the NFL.

The Philadelphia Eagles gave up a 2024 fourth-round pick to move up one spot from 10th to ninth overall, selecting Georgia's standout defensive lineman Jalen Carter.

Carter, 22, led a historically great Bulldogs defense to consecutive National Championships in 2021 and 2022, earning unanimous selection as an All-American as a junior this past season.

He finished his three-year career at Georgia with 83 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in 35 total games, and has been called arguably the most talented defensive tackle prospect since Aaron Donald.

Viewed as one of the draft's premier talents, his stock took a tumble after he was involved in a street race that resulted in the death of his Georgia team-mate Devin Willock in January.

Carter pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour and will face no jail time, although it was enough to cross his name off some teams' boards atop the draft.

The trade saw the Chicago Bears move back one spot to 10 after their anticipated pick Paris Johnson Jr was taken by the Arizona Cardinals at six, and they stayed with their plan to take an offensive lineman, selecting Darnell Wright.

Anthony Richardson vowed to make his own legacy in the NFL after he was selected fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts.

The most exciting prospect at any position in this draft, Richardson has the highest ceiling of all the quarterbacks in the class, but saw two go before him in Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.

Indianapolis, however, did not hesitate to pull the trigger and select Richardson, making him their quarterback of the future despite concerns over a lack of experience in college.

Richardson started only 13 games for Florida, but those games were an exhibition of his remarkable potential, which is illustrated by his incredible arm and ability to blend elusiveness, power and speed as a runner.

He improved his standing as a potential top-five pick with a stunning workout at last month's Scouting Combine, which saw him run the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at 244 pounds.

With his frame and his talent on the ground in the open field, Richardson embraced comparisons to both Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson, dubbing himself 'Cam Jackson'.

But speaking on stage after being selected, he said: "It's time to make my own legacy now."

The Colts will hope he quickly starts writing it in Indianapolis as they look for a return to prominence after a 4-12 season in 2022.

The Houston Texans have struggled to find an identity since the departure of Deshaun Watson. On Thursday, the franchise's rebuilding effort got a new face on each side of the ball.

With the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans selected Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.

In a stunning move, the Texans then acquired the third overall selection from the Arizona Cardinals to draft pass-rushing linebacker Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama.

In return, the Cardinals received the 12th overall pick, as well as the number 33 pick in the second round, and a first- and third-round pick in 2024.

Houston is the first team with two of the top three picks in a single draft since Washington back in 2000.

The Texans' picks came after the Panthers drafted Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the top overall pick, acquired from the Chicago Bears.

Stroud was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes, tallying 85 touchdown passes to just 12 interceptions. He was a 2022 Heisman Trophy finalist and cemented himself as a top-tier pro prospect by throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a College Football Playoff loss against Georgia – the eventual national champions.

At six-foot-three and 214 pounds, he projects as a traditional pocket-based quarterback who has been hesitant to create opportunities with his legs.

Anderson led the Alabama defense for three seasons, making 34.5 sacks in 41 career games. After landing on the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2020, Anderson followed with 17.5 sacks in a decorated sophomore season.

Anderson lacks the elite size and athleticism of the very best pass-rushers, but he was consistently disruptive over an impressive career at Alabama.

Bryce Young was the heavy favourite to go first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and there were no surprises as the Carolina Panthers selected the Alabama quarterback with the opening pick.

The Panthers traded up from the ninth pick in a deal with the Chicago Bears last month to have their choice of the top four quarterbacks in the class.

In recent weeks it became apparent Young had emerged as the frontrunner, and he will now be tasked with elevating a talented Panthers team back to playoff contention.

The Panthers have not had a winning season since the 2017 campaign.

Young experienced little other than winning during his time with Alabama, going 23-4 in two seasons as a starter with the Crimson Tide.

He finished his collegiate career with 8,356 passing yards, 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Young thrived primarily because of his ability to navigate often chaotic pockets with consummate ease, also showing the ability to create throwing windows by moving defenders with his eyes.

A tremendous off-schedule playmaker, Young can make dynamic plays as a runner and throwing on the move, yet his improvisational playing style will have been a concern to some teams given he is undersized at 5ft 10in and 204 pounds.

Young's size arguably makes him a substantially increased injury risk, but the Panthers are betting on him to stay healthy and turn them into perennial contenders in the NFC South.

Lamar Jackson will remain with the Baltimore Ravens after all.

After months of negotiating and public posturing, the Ravens and Jackson agreed to a five-year contract extension on Thursday.

The Ravens' official Twitter account confirmed the news by posting a video of the 2019 NFL MVP celebrating the next five years in Baltimore.

Jackson's new deal makes him the highest-paid player in the league with a total contract value of $260million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, reportedly including $185m in guarantees.

Announced just hours before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft, the contract ends a months-long negotiation process that at times was portrayed as tense and adversarial.

While the details of the contract have not been publicly confirmed, both sides reportedly used Jalen Hurts' new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles as a starting point.

After leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance, Hurts received a five-year extension worth up to $255m, with $179m in guaranteed money.

Jackson had reportedly been seeking a fully guaranteed contract – a demand that had, until this week, caused an impasse in negotiations.

On March 7, Baltimore placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, allowing other teams an opportunity to sign Jackson to an offer sheet in exchange for two first-round draft picks.

Three weeks later, Jackson announced on Twitter he had requested a trade earlier this offseason.

Jackson is 45-16 as a starter in the regular season and was voted the 2019 MVP after leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and rushing for a quarterback-record 1,206 yards.

In 70 career games, Jackson has completed 63.7 per cent of his passes for 12,209 yards, 101 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has added 4,437 rushing yards and 24 scores on the ground.

Aaron Rodgers hinted his stay with the New York Jets could stretch beyond the 2023 season as he targeted glory at his unveiling, saying: "That Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely".

Rodgers ended a near-two-decade stint with the Green Bay Packers earlier this week, with the Jets trading four draft picks to land the four-time NFL MVP.

During the offseason, Rodgers hinted his future could lay outside the league, saying retirement was "100 per cent" an option back in February.

However, speaking at a press conference to mark his arrival in New York, Rodgers suggested he could represent the franchise for more than one season.

"They definitely gave up some picks for me to be here, so this isn't like one and done, in my mind," he said.

Asked if he was simply determined to enjoy the present, rather than look to the future, Rodgers added: "If that rubs some people the wrong way, so be it. 

"I want to be all in. I want my 'yes' to be a full 'F yes'."

The Jets' 1969 triumph at Super Bowl III remains the only occasion on which they have won it all, with Rodgers looking to help the team end a miserable 12-year stint without a postseason run.

"I love daydreaming and night dreaming, too – it's fun to take your mind to that spot," he said.

"That's why I'm here. I'm not here to be a stopgap to have a mediocre season. We want to win the whole thing. That Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely."

The Washington Commanders will not exercise the fifth-year option on defensive end Chase Young’s rookie contract following a second straight injury-plagued season, according to The Washington Post.

Young, the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been slow to recover from a serious right knee injury he suffered in November 2021 that sidelined him over a year.

The former second overall pick returned for the final three games of last season but did not record a sack.

The 24-year-old will now be an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season. Young would have earned around $17.5million in 2024 had the option been picked up.

A healthy Young put together a strong rookie campaign in which he registered 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 games and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

The former Ohio State All-American had 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles through nine games in 2021 before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and the patella tendon in his right knee in a Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Commanders coach Ron Rivera acknowledged earlier this month that Young’s medical history would factor heavily in the team’s decision whether to exercise the option.

"That's the thing that will drive a big part of the conversation," Rivera said. "As we continue to work through this and talk about it, it will be about seeing him and watching him.

"We'll continue to work through these things – talk to the doctors, talk to the trainers, strength and medical – and just kind of get a feel for where he is. Then we'll be able to make a decision and we’ll go from there."

Aaron Rodgers paid an emotional tribute to the Green Bay Packers following confirmation of his trade to the New York Jets.

The four-time NFL MVP will end a near-two-decade stay in Wisconsin with a move to MetLife Stadium for the 2023 season.

Rodgers, who led the Packers to Super Bowl XLV, has spent his entire professional career to date in Green Bay, where he has played for 18 years.

Ahead of his departure though, the veteran quarterback took to Instagram on Tuesday to thank the team, his fellow players, coaches and supporters for his time at Lambeau Field.

"I'm not sure [if] it's possible to fully express the gratitude that I have to the Packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin [and] the thousands of players that I crossed paths with," he wrote.

"I grew up in Green Bay, [was] drafted at 21, fell in love with the game, met some lifelong friends, and take with me memories that will last a lifetime.

"To the fans, thank you. You made every run out of the tunnel special, every home game magical, and it was my honour to be your QB.

"To my teammates, I love you all, and am thankful for the moments on and off the field that brought us close. I played with legends, I played with friends. Thanks for believing in me and having my back always.

"This is not the end for us. I will see you again Green Bay. You’ll always have my heart."

The Packers are expected to get four draft picks in return for Rodgers' departure, with the quarterback having pushed for his move to the Jets after a fractious few seasons.

Aaron Rodgers will be traded to the New York Jets after they agreed a deal with the Green Bay Packers to acquire the four-time MVP quarterback.

Rodgers confirmed last month that he wished to be traded by the Packers to the Jets.

The two sides had struggled to find an agreement in trade talks but reportedly resumed negotiations over the weekend.

Those discussions have netted the desired result, according to multiple reports, with the Jets sending four draft picks to Green Bay to land Rodgers.

Green Bay, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, will receive the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, which starts on Thursday, along with the Jets' second-round pick (No. 42) and a sixth-round pick, as well as a conditional second-round pick in the 2024 draft.

That second-rounder will become a first if Rodgers plays 65 per cent of the offensive snaps in 2023.

In return, the Jets get the Packers' first-rounder this year (No. 15), as well as their fifth-rounder.

The deal ends a saga that has been rumbling since the opening night of the draft in 2021, when reports of Rodgers' dissatisfaction with the Packers first emerged.

Rodgers did eventually report to play in the 2021 season and duly captured a second successive and fourth MVP, though the Packers lost at home in the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers responded to a dismal offensive showing in that 13-10 loss by signing Rodgers to a three-year, $150million extension, a move that appeared increasingly questionable as Green Bay slumped to an 8-9 season, missing the playoffs.

Rodgers endured one of the worst seasons of his career, failing to throw for 4,000 yards in a season in which he played double-digit games for the first time since 2015. He threw 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, his highest tally since his first season as a starter in 2008.

Yet, with his relationship with the Packers broken beyond repair, the Jets are backing Rodgers to rediscover his old magic, having seen their playoff hopes in 2022 derailed by poor quarterback play, their decision to select Zach Wilson second overall in 2021 backfiring spectacularly.

With an extremely talented roster on both sides of the ball, the Jets could arguably become Super Bowl contenders if Rodgers excels, and will be one of the dominant stories of the 2023 season.

Rodgers bids farewell to Green Bay having delivered just one Super Bowl title, which came back in the 2010 season. The Packers, meanwhile, will turn to Jordan Love, the man the Packers selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, drawing Rodgers' ire.

Love will not have the pressure of Super Bowl expectations on his shoulders but, after some promising flashes in limited action last season, Green Bay will look for him to become the next great Packer quarterback having experienced three decades of stellar play at the position between Rodgers and his predecessor Brett Favre, who also left for the Jets in 2008.

Jalen Hurts' record-breaking Philadelphia Eagles contract extension left him with "mixed emotions", with the quarterback declaring: "Money is nice, championships are better".

The Eagles announced Hurts agreed a five-year extension through the 2028 season last week, after he led the team to Super Bowl LVII in his second full season as a starter.

Hurts' deal makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history, with the extension reportedly worth $255million with $179m in guaranteed money.

However, after failing to get Philadelphia over the line against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, Hurts is focused on building a legacy, rather than counting his cash.

"Money is nice, championships are better," Hurts said at a press conference called to mark his extension on Monday.

"I have mixed emotions right now. I am grateful, I am thankful, but I am just so hungry. The hard work continues, and the fire continues to burn.

"I've just been on this constant quest of trying to be the best player I can be with no limits, trying to be the best version of myself, the best player, leader and man I can be. That will never change."

Hurts led the Eagles to a 14-3 record last season, passing for 3,701 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 101.5 QB rating in 15 regular-season games.

Given his young age, Philadelphia chief executive Jeffrey Lurie believes the franchise can expect much more from Hurts in the coming years.

"Franchises go through special moments, and this is one for the Philadelphia Eagles," Lurie said. 

"It's crucial, no matter what, that you can find your quarterback for the present and the future, and to have that person be as sterling a character and as passionate about his craft and as dedicated as this young 24-year-old is... is remarkable."

C.J. Moore and Quintez Cephus have been released by the Detroit Lions after the duo and three other NFL players were suspended by the league for gambling violations.

Safety Moore and wide receiver Cephus' releases came after being suspended indefinitely by the NFL, while their now former Lions team-mates Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were handed six-game bans.

Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was the other player cited by the league, also earning an indefinite suspension.

A statement from the NFL on Friday said: "The NFL confirmed today that three players have been indefinitely suspended for violating the league's gambling policy. Two other players were each suspended six games.

"Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

"Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions are suspended for the team's first six regular season games of the 2023 season. These players are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the final roster cutdown.

"The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.

"A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way."

Shortly after the announcement from the league, the Lions confirmed they had released Moore and Cephus, who played 11 and four games respectively in the 2022 season.

"As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league's gambling policy," Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes said.

"These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organisational values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately.

"We are disappointed by the decision-making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward."

The Miami Dolphins still view Tua Tagovailoa as their long-term answer at quarterback, though the former first-round pick admitted that he seriously contemplated retirement after only three NFL seasons.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Dolphin's pre-draft press conference, Tagovailoa revealed the two known concussions he sustained during the 2022 season had him thinking of walking away from the game at age 25.

Tagovailoa said his love of football ultimately led to his decision to continue playing, as did his desire for the opportunity of having his young son watch him play when he gets older.

"I think I considered it for a time," he admitted. "Having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those kinds of conversations," he stated.

"I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly [what he did] and [would be] watching his dad do.

"It's my health, it's my body. I feel like this is what's best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn't, I would have quit a long time ago."

Two separate head injuries caused Tagovailoa to miss five games in 2022 in addition to raising questions about his future.

The most concerning one occurred in a nationally televised game against the Cincinnati Bengals in September, when the former University of Alabama star was knocked out on a sack and removed from the field on a stretcher before being transported to a local hospital.

That scary incident took place five days after Tagovailoa temporarily exited a game against the Buffalo Bills after displaying possible concussion symptoms, though he was later cleared to return and the Dolphins announced he had a back injury.

An NFL investigation into the Dolphins’ handling of that situation resulted in the firing of the independent doctor who examined Tagovailoa, and the league later revised its concussion protocol policy following his injury against Cincinnati.

Tagovailoa suffered another concussion against Green Bay in Week 16, causing him to miss Miami’s final two regular-season games as well as its loss to the Bills in the first round of the AFC playoffs.

The quarterback has since been fully cleared, and told reporters Wednesday that he believes his enrollment in a jujitsu programme this offseason can help him stay healthy and on the field in 2023.

"I learned how to fall, some grappling techniques, and some other things that I don’t want to disclose," he said. "For the most part, learning how to fall.

"You think it's easy, 'just don't fall and hit your head,' but there's a lot more to it."

Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Smith has died aged 31.

Smith was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Arkansas in the 2014 draft and spent eight years in the league, representing teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

He last played in the NFL for the Houston Texans in 2021 before signing for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL in March of this year.

Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed his death on Twitter, saying: "Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you."

Smith's cause of death has not been released.

Several former teammates paid tribute, with Browns tight-end David Njoku declaring on Twitter: "Rest in paradise Chris Smith.

"Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is heartbreaking."

Smith also played for the Las Vegas Raiders and their former quarterback Derek Carr posted a photo of the two together and wrote: "Love you bro."