NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 3:52 AM ET
NFL Free Agency & Moves: Defensive Reinforcements, QB Decisions, and Cap Shifts
The NFL's free-agent negotiation period saw a flurry of defensive back signings as teams fortified secondary units. The Buffalo Bills added two safeties espn.com, first agreeing to terms with Geno Stone on a one-year deal before finalizing a one-year contract worth up to $6 million for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who publicly stated he is unbothered by negative perceptions espn.com about his tenure with previous teams. The New York Jets, meanwhile, struck a deal with Andre Cisco espn.com, signing the safety to a one-year contract worth up to $5.25 million. On the cornerback front, the Detroit Lions signed Roger McCreary espn.com to a one-year pact, while the Dallas Cowboys reached a one-year, $5.5 million agreement espn.com with Cobie Durant. The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their pass rush espn.com by adding linebacker Arnold Ebiketie on a one-year deal worth up to $7.3 million, and the Kansas City Chiefs addressed a need at corner espn.com by signing former Dolphin Kader Kohou.
Offensive Line Shifts and Running Back Additions
Teams made significant moves along the offensive line and in the backfield. The New York Jets added guard Dylan Parham espn.com on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million, providing reinforcement for their offensive line. In a surprising move, the New York Giants re-signed tackle Evan Neal espn.com despite his struggles, including being a healthy scratch for most of last season. The Cincinnati Bengals secured their left tackle espn.com by signing Orlando Brown Jr. to a two-year extension, while the Cleveland Browns released tackle Jack Conklin espn.com, a move that comes after six injury-marred seasons. In the running back market, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal espn.com with Emanuel Wilson to help replace Kenneth Walker III. The Washington Commanders added Rachaad White espn.com to their backfield on a one-year contract, and the New Orleans Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. espn.com, a move with deep family ties to the franchise. The Minnesota Vikings restructured Aaron Jones' deal espn.com to a $5.6 million salary, keeping the veteran back in the fold.
Pass Rush Market Heats Up with Major Deals
The edge rusher market saw several impactful signings, highlighted by a major addition for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills signed Bradley Chubb espn.com to a three-year, $43.5 million contract that can reach $52.5 million with $29 million guaranteed, pairing him with a revamped secondary. The Cincinnati Bengals boosted their defensive tackle rotation espn.com by signing Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $28 million contract. The Green Bay Packers added depth espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $23 million deal with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The Atlanta Falcons signed former Colt Samson Ebukam espn.com to contribute as a pass rusher, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal espn.com with Al-Quadin Muhammad, who recorded 11 sacks last season. The Washington Commanders continued their defensive overhaul espn.com by adding edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson on a one-year deal.
Quarterback Carousel and Franchise Tag Decisions
Quarterback situations dominated headlines, most notably with the New York Jets reacquiring Geno Smith espn.com via trade, bringing him back to the team that drafted him. Former Raiders coach Pete Carroll took blame for Smith's struggles espn.com in Las Vegas. The Indianapolis Colts kept Daniel Jones espn.com, agreeing to a two-year, $88 million contract that can reach $100 million, but they lost out on Trey Hendrickson espn.com in free agency, creating a mixed review of their offseason. The Minnesota Vikings, after releasing Kirk Cousins, signed Kyler Murray espn.com, a move that could reshape their offense and Justin Jefferson's fantasy value. The Jacksonville Jaguars' GM denied trade rumors espn.com surrounding receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling them "fraudulent claims."
Team-Centric Moves, Releases, and League Business
Several teams executed strategic cap moves and addressed specific roster holes. The Tennessee Titans released cornerback L'Jarius Sneed espn.com, a decision that will save $11.4 million against the salary cap after two injury-filled seasons. The Carolina Panthers signed former Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker espn.com, while the San Francisco 49ers received defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com in a trade with the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick. The 49ers also saw linebacker Dre Greenlaw return espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million deal, but lost defensive end Bryce Huff to retirement. The New England Patriots agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal espn.com with safety Kevin Byard III, the NFL's interceptions leader last season, and released Anfernee Jennings espn.com, saving $3.8 million. The Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Tutu Atwell espn.com to a one-year deal, and the Houston Texans added tight end Foster Moreau espn.com, formerly of the Saints.
Front Office, Ownership, and League Policy
Off the field, the NFL announced the reinstatement of its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, which will now include non-minority participants after being paused in 2025. In an ownership development, the New York Giants' co-owners, the Tisch family, requested to transfer their stake espn.com to their children's trusts. The Seattle Seahawks' front office voiced a major concern espn.com, with GM John Schneider stating that Washington state's new income tax on high earners will negatively impact the team's ability to sign free agents. The league is also considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game espn.com to its schedule to create an additional broadcast window.
Remaining Free Agents and Trade Rumors
With the initial wave of signings complete, attention turns to the remaining top-tier free agents. A analysis projected ideal landing spots espn.com for nine prominent players still available, including Jauan Jennings, Joey Bosa, and Rasheed Walker. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a significant void after Mike Evans' departure espn.com in free agency; he leaves as the franchise's all-time leader in nearly every major receiving category. The Baltimore Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in cap space, a move that provides flexibility. The Indianapolis Colts' decision to keep Daniel Jones while missing on Hendrickson sparked debate espn.com over whether they won or lost free agency. The New York Giants' transformation continues under John Harbaugh, with the signing of four former Ravens players kick-starting a roster overhaul espn.com. The Cleveland Browns' early free agency focus on offensive line has been deemed a success espn.com so far, while the New Orleans Saints' signing of Travis Etienne Jr. is described as a full-circle moment espn.com for his family's roots with the team. Etienne also corrected the pronunciation espn.com of his name. The Carolina Panthers' acquisition of Rasheed Walker adds to their O-line rebuild espn.com, and the Los Angeles Rams see a reunion espn.com as former Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson hope to bring their tandem to their new team. The Jacksonville Jaguars' front office strongly pushed back espn.com on any notion of trading receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Finally, the New York Giants surprised many espn.com by re-signing Evan Neal, a former first-round pick, despite his disappointing tenure.