NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 1:49 AM ET
NFL Free Agency Moves
The Buffalo Bills secured safety Geno Stone on a one-year deal, adding depth to their secondary as they prepare for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers signed former Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker, bolstering their offensive line with a player who started 15 games for Green Bay last season. The Detroit Lions added cornerback Roger McCreary on a one-year contract, continuing their aggressive approach to free agency under general manager Brad Holmes.
High-Profile Signings
The New York Jets reached agreement with safety Andre Cisco on a one-year, $5.25 million deal that includes incentives, addressing their need for secondary depth. The Dallas Cowboys finalized a one-year, $5.5 million contract with cornerback Cobie Durant, who had a breakout season in 2024. These deals highlight the premium teams are placing on defensive backs in this year's free agency market.
Notable Releases and Departures
The Tennessee Titans released cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, a move that will save $11.4 million against their salary cap. Sneed's departure comes after two injury-plagued seasons in Tennessee following his trade from Kansas City. The timing of this release suggests the Titans are positioning themselves for a major free agency push or preparing for the upcoming draft.
Player Perspectives
Buffalo's new safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson dismissed concerns about his reputation as a teammate, stating he's focused on winning rather than public perception. The LSU product, known for his fiery personality, joins the Bills after stints with the Saints, Eagles, and Jaguars. His comments come as teams continue to weigh talent against locker room fit when making personnel decisions.
Draft and Development
The Saints' acquisition of running back Travis Etienne Jr. represents a homecoming for the former Clemson star, whose family has deep Louisiana roots. Etienne, who clarified the proper pronunciation of his name in a recent interview, will join a backfield that includes veteran Alvin Kamara. His arrival adds another dimension to New Orleans' offense as they look to build around quarterback Derek Carr.
Front Office Concerns
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider expressed concern about Washington state's new income tax on high earners, suggesting it could hamper the team's ability to sign free agents. The tax, which took effect this year, creates a competitive disadvantage compared to teams in states without income taxes. Schneider's comments highlight the growing impact of state-level policies on NFL roster construction.
Strategic Analysis
The Indianapolis Colts' free agency approach yielded mixed results, as they retained quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce but missed out on defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The team's aggressive pursuit of Hendrickson, which ultimately fell short, demonstrates the fine line between strategic planning and market realities in today's NFL. Their ability to retain key players while missing on their top target will be closely scrutinized as the offseason progresses.
Remaining Free Agents
With the market beginning to settle, attention is turning to the best remaining free agents and their potential landing spots. Among the top unsigned players are wide receiver Jauan Jennings, defensive end Joey Bosa, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker now with the Panthers. Teams are weighing whether to wait for potential bargains or make aggressive moves to secure top talent before the draft.