NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Major Free Agency Moves
Isaiah Likely espn.com is heading to the Giants on a three-year deal, reuniting with head coach John Harbaugh. The Lions espn.com added former Panthers center Cade Mays to their roster. The Falcons espn.com signed tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. The Bears espn.com landed former Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant on a three-year, $40 million deal.
High-Profile Contracts
The Ravens espn.com agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with guard John Simpson. The Jets espn.com overhauled their defense, adding linebacker Demario Davis and edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The Buccaneers espn.com signed ex-Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell and former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone to two-year deals. The Commanders espn.com locked up LT Laremy Tunsil with a two-year extension featuring $60.2 million guaranteed.
Cornerback Carousel
The Rams espn.com added another former Chiefs cornerback, Jaylen Watson, on a three-year deal. The Panthers espn.com signed linebacker Jaelan Phillips. The Colts espn.com re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce while trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers. The Patriots espn.com reached a three-year, $39.5 million agreement with pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones.
Quarterback Moves
Free agent QB Malik Willis espn.com agreed to a deal with the Dolphins after reviving his career with the Packers. The Buccaneers espn.com are bringing back veteran tight end Cade Otton on a three-year contract. Cornerback Eric Stokes espn.com is returning to the Raiders on a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed.
Super Bowl Impact
Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com has agreed to sign with the Chiefs. Tight end Travis Kelce espn.com informed the Chiefs he's returning for his 14th season. The NFL's negotiations espn.com with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement are not in a good place, sources said.
Trades and Transactions
The Dolphins espn.com are sending Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The Packers espn.com are finalizing a deal to send defensive lineman Rashan Gary to the Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick. CB Montaric "Buster" Brown espn.com will remain with the Jaguars on a three-year, $33 million deal.
Contract Decisions
The Bengals espn.com are not tendering restricted free agent quarterback Jake Browning. The Steelers espn.com are re-signing corner Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal. The Falcons espn.com are expected to pursue Tua Tagovailoa in free agency after the Dolphins informed him he'll be released.
Staying Put
The Texans espn.com are bringing back guard Ed Ingram and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on multiyear deals. Linebacker Eric Wilson espn.com is staying with the Vikings on a three-year, $22.5 million contract. The Raiders espn.com are sending a sixth-round pick to the Bills for veteran cornerback Taron Johnson and a seventh-round selection.
Special Teams Moves
Fullback Alec Ingold espn.com joined the Chargers, reuniting with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Rams espn.com and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie reached agreement on a record four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed. The Cardinals espn.com and Pro Bowl running back James Conner agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Arizona for 2026.
Defensive Additions
The Broncos espn.com and linebacker Justin Strnad agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract with $10 million guaranteed. The Packers espn.com brought back Sean Rhyan on a three-year, $33 million deal. The Saints espn.com got cap compliant with room to spare ahead of the negotiating window opening.
Last-minute free agency buzz espn.com suggests the Eagles have plans for top running backs and wide receivers. The Jets espn.com have plenty of options to revamp their quarterback room through free agency, trading and the draft. Nine-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack espn.com has reached a one-year deal to remain with the Chargers worth $18 million.
Cap Management
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. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley espn.com will remain with the Ravens after agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $11 million. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro espn.com landed a four-year extension from the 49ers worth $17 million with $10 million in guarantees.
Player Movements
Longtime Raiders star Maxx Crosby espn.com, traded to the Ravens, expressed appreciation for his time with Mark Davis' franchise. The Packers espn.com acquired Colts veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, sending DT Colby Wooden in return. The Eagles espn.com and defensive tackle Jordan Davis reached agreement on a three-year, $78 million extension with $65 million guaranteed.
Retirements and Releases
Rams cornerback Darious Williams espn.com has retired after 100 regular-season NFL games. The Cowboys espn.com placed a $5.7 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey. Maxx Crosby espn.com fits perfectly with the Ravens' defense and their Super Bowl window, according to analysis. Seahawks playoff hero Rashid Shaheed espn.com faces uncertainty about returning in 2026.
Free Agent Analysis
The NFL's most overrated and underrated free agents espn.com include Travis Etienne Jr., who might be a risky signing. The Bears espn.com acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick. Longtime NFL center Ryan Kelly espn.com announced his retirement after 10 seasons following an injury-filled 2025 season with the Vikings.
Veteran Moves
The Texans espn.com released veteran running back Joe Mixon after he missed the 2025 season with a foot injury. 49ers QB Mac Jones espn.com enjoyed a memorable weekend in Cabo for a camp. Offensive lineman Taylor Decker espn.com, the Lions' longest-tenured player, has requested his release. The Patriots espn.com and restricted free agent quarterback Tommy DeVito agreed to a two-year deal with a maximum value of $7.4 million.
Cap Compliance Moves
The Bills espn.com released veteran nickel corner Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Dane Jackson as they work to get cap compliant.