NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Quarterback Carousel and Offensive Rebuilds
The New York Jets acquired quarterback Geno Smith espn.com from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade that reunites the signal-caller with the franchise that drafted him in 2013, a move that provides immediate veteran depth amid ongoing uncertainty about the team's long-term starter. This deal follows the Miami Dolphins' signing of Malik Willis to compete for the starting role after the release of Tua Tagovailoa. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders re-signed backup Marcus Mariota espn.com to a one-year, $7 million deal, providing stability behind their starter. The Arizona Cardinals added Gardner Minshew espn.com on a one-year, $8.25 million contract, while the Buffalo Bills signed Kyle Allen espn.com to a two-year, $4.1 million deal to back up Josh Allen. The Cincinnati Bengals chose not to tender restricted free agent Jake Browning espn.com, opening the door for a potential new backup.
Offensive Line Shakeup
A wave of significant offensive line movement defined the opening days. The Cleveland Browns executed a major overhaul, re-signing guard Teven Jenkins espn.com after his entire starting line hit free agency, then landed ex-Packers guard Elgton Jenkins espn.com on a two-year deal one day after his release from Green Bay. They further bolstered the unit by signing guard Zion Johnson espn.com to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with $32.4 million guaranteed. The New York Giants brought back Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com on a three-year, $39 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. The Tennessee Titans added left tackle Jones espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, while the Houston Texans secured offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com on a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed.
Defensive Front Seven Moves
The defensive front seven saw several high-value agreements. The Washington Commanders made a splash by signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh espn.com to a four-year, $100 million deal after he recorded 17.5 sacks since 2024 with the Chargers. The Carolina Panthers agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with linebacker Devin Lloyd espn.com, poaching him from Jacksonville. The Saints spent $113 million on two new defenders espn.com, landing linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million deal and guard David Edwards on a four-year, $61 million contract. The Pittsburgh Steelers added running back Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million deal and re-signed defensive captain Cameron Heyward espn.com to a one-year extension.
Secondary Reinforcements and Pass Rushers
Teams aggressively addressed cornerback and safety needs. The Philadelphia Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The New York Giants agreed to terms with cornerback Greg Newsome II espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million and added Dee Alford espn.com on a three-year, $21 million contract. The Buffalo Bills re-signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. espn.com to a one-year, $4 million deal and added safety Alohi Gilman espn.com on a three-year, $24.75 million contract. The Dallas Cowboys signed safety Jalen Thompson espn.com to a three-year, $33 million deal. The Los Angeles Rams extended All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie espn.com on a record four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Market
The wide receiver market featured several notable transactions. The Kansas City Chiefs added Tyquan Thornton espn.com on a two-year, $11 million deal (max $14 and re-signed Rashid Shaheed espn.com to a three-year, $51 million contract with $34.7 million guaranteed. The New England Patriots agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs espn.com. The Detroit Lions lost Kalif Raymond espn.com to the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal but added running back Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs. The Baltimore Ravens lost tight end Isaiah Likely espn.com to the Giants on a three-year deal, reuniting him with John Harbaugh.
Special Teams and Kicker Wealth
The Houston Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid kicker in NFL history with a two-year, $13 million extension. The Green Bay Packers added return specialist Skyy Moore espn.com on a one-year deal. The Tennessee Titans reunited wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll on a deal after his release from the Giants.
Roster Churn and Releases
Several teams created cap space through releases. The Atlanta Falcons released wide receiver Darnell Mooney espn.com, freeing $7.4 million. The Green Bay Packers released offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins espn.com, opening over $19.5 million in cap space, and traded edge rusher Rashan Gary espn.com to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick. The Denver Broncos released linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com one year after his three-year, $31.5 million deal, while re-signing Alex Singleton espn.com to a new two-year contract.
Draft Picks and League Business
The NFL awarded compensatory picks for the 2026 draft, with the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers each receiving a league-high four selections espn.com. NFL labor negotiations with the referees hit a rough patch espn.com, according to sources. The New Orleans Saints utilized a rare contractual clause to get under the 2026 salary cap espn.com, creating cap room for their free-agent spending spree. A tragic note marked the week as former New York Jets fullback Matt Snell, the hero of Super Bowl III espn.com, died at age.