NFL Football 3d Briefing
×NFL Free Agency Day 2: Giants, Packers Make Key Moves
The New York Giants reunited with tight end Isaiah Likely espn.com on a three-year deal, bringing the former Ravens standout back to John Harbaugh's system. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers released offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins espn.com to free up $19.5 million in cap space, only to have him sign with the Cleveland Browns espn.com the following day on a two-year contract. The Giants also agreed to a three-year, $39 million deal espn.com with offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, while signing cornerback Greg Newsome II espn.com to a one-year, $10 million contract to address their secondary needs.
Quarterback Carousel: Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett Find New Homes
The New York Jets acquired quarterback Geno Smith espn.com from the Raiders, reuniting the 2013 draft pick with the franchise that originally selected him. In Carolina, the Panthers agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million deal espn.com with former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett. The Arizona Cardinals landed former Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew espn.com on a one-year, $8.25 million contract, while the Buffalo Bills signed veteran Kyle Allen espn.com to a two-year, $4.1 million deal to back up Josh Allen.
Defensive Reinforcements Across the League
The Washington Commanders landed defensive end Odafe Oweh espn.com on a four-year, $100 million contract, adding a 17.5-sack player to their front. The Dallas Cowboys acquired defensive lineman Rashan Gary espn.com from the Packers in exchange for a 2027 draft pick, while also signing safety Jalen Thompson espn.com to a three-year, $33 million deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers added cornerback Jamel Dean espn.com on a three-year, $36.75 million contract and signed running back Rico Dowdle espn.com to a two-year, $12.25 million deal.
Running Back Market Heats Up
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com to a major contract, while the Detroit Lions added Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs in their backfield. The New Orleans Saints reached a four-year, $52 million deal espn.com with former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., complementing their four-year, $61 million agreement espn.com with guard David Edwards. The Houston Texans signed offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million guaranteed.
Veteran Leaders Return Home
The Cleveland Browns re-signed guard Teven Jenkins espn.com after their entire starting offensive line entered free agency, while the Seattle Seahawks brought back wide receiver Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million deal with $34.7 million guaranteed. The Los Angeles Rams signed cornerback Jaylen Watson espn.com, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Eric Henderson, and reached a record $124 million extension espn.com with All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Notable Secondary Additions
The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year, $15 million deal, while the Green Bay Packers added cornerback Benjamin St-Juste espn.com on a two-year, $10 million contract. The Chicago Bears signed cornerback Coby Bryant espn.com to a three-year, $40 million deal and reached agreement with left tackle Jones espn.com on a one-year, $10 million contract. The Atlanta Falcons signed tight end Austin Hooper espn.com to a one-year, $3.25 million deal and released wide receiver Darnell Mooney espn.com to free up $7.4 million in cap space.
Special Teams and Depth Moves
The Houston Texans signed kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com to a two-year, $13 million extension, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. The New England Patriots agreed to a three-year deal espn.com with free agent pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones and reached agreement with cornerback Will Redmond espn.com on a three-year contract. The Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Eric Stokes espn.com to a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed and traded for Bills cornerback Taron Johnson espn.com.
Cap Moves and Trade Activity
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce espn.com but traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers espn.com. The Denver Broncos re-signed linebacker Justin Strnad espn.com to a three-year, $18 million contract and brought back running back J.K. Dobbins espn.com on a two-year, $20 million deal. The Miami Dolphins traded defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets espn.com for a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Chargers.
Notable Retirements and Coaching News
Former Jets fullback Matt Snell, who scored the only touchdown in Super Bowl III's upset of the Baltimore Colts, died at age 84 espn.com. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce announced his return to the Chiefs espn.com for a 14th season, crediting fiancée Taylor Swift as a significant influence on his decision. The NFL's negotiations with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement hit a rough patch espn.com, potentially impacting the upcoming season.