NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Free Agency Frenzy
Sources espn.com say the Rams added former Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson on a three-year deal. The Panthers espn.com landed linebacker Jaelan Phillips on a four-year contract. Wide receiver Alec Pierce espn.com is returning to the Colts with a $116 million, four-year deal.
Major Trades Reshaping the League
The Packers espn.com are finalizing a deal to send defensive lineman Rashan Gary to the Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick. The Dolphins espn.com traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Chargers. The Bills espn.com released veteran corner Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson to get cap compliant.
Contract Extensions and Retentions
The Rams espn.com reached a record $124 million, four-year extension with All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie that includes $100 million guaranteed. The Ravens espn.com and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal. The 49ers espn.com locked up kicker Eddy Piñeiro with a four-year, $17 million extension.
Veteran Moves and Returns
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com agreed to sign with the Chiefs. Tight end Travis Kelce espn.com informed the Chiefs he's returning for his 14th season. Nine-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack espn.com reached a one-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Chargers.
Defensive Backfield Overhaul
The Raiders espn.com are bringing back cornerback Eric Stokes on a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. The Raiders espn.com acquired Bills cornerback Taron Johnson and a seventh-round pick for a sixth-round selection. The Rams added another former Chiefs cornerback, Jaylen Watson, on a three-year deal.
Running Back and Offensive Line Changes
The Texans espn.com released veteran running back Joe Mixon after he missed the 2025 season with a foot injury. The Chargers espn.com agreed to terms with fullback Alec Ingold, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Packers espn.com brought back versatile Sean Rhyan on a three-year, $33 million deal.
Quarterback Market Developments
The Falcons espn.com are expected to pursue Tua Tagovailoa in free agency after the Dolphins informed him he'll be released. The Bengals espn.com are not tendering restricted free agent quarterback Jake Browning. The Patriots espn.com and restricted free agent quarterback Tommy DeVito agreed to a two-year, $7.4 million deal.
Cap Space and Financial Moves
The Saints espn.com utilized a rare clause to get under the 2026 salary cap with room to spare. The Vikings espn.com and tight end T.J. Hockenson agreed to restructure his contract, saving the team more than $5 million in cap space. The Broncos espn.com and linebacker Justin Strnad agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with $10 million guaranteed.
Departures and Retirements
Rams cornerback Darious Williams espn.com has retired after 100 regular-season NFL games. Vikings center Ryan Kelly espn.com, the team's longest-tenured player, announced his retirement after 10 seasons. The Lions' offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com requested his release from the team.
Behind the Scenes Developments
NFL labor talks with referees espn.com hit a rough patch as negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement are not in a good place. The Cowboys espn.com placed a $5.7 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, hoping to sign him to a multiyear extension. The Eagles espn.com and defensive tackle Jordan Davis reached agreement on a three-year, $78 million extension that includes $65 million guaranteed.
Sources espn.com provide last-minute free agency nuggets on Eagles plans, top running backs, and wide receivers. Analysis espn.com examines the NFL's most overrated and underrated free agents, questioning whether Travis Etienne Jr. might be a risky signing. Speculation espn.com looks at potential Jets starting quarterbacks for 2026, including options through free agency, trading, and the draft.