NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 12:45 PM ET
Offensive Line Reshuffling Intensifies
The Cleveland Browns parted ways with veteran tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons, creating immediate cap relief, while simultaneously bolstering their interior with guard Zion Johnson espn.com on a three-year, $49.5 million deal featuring $32.4 million guaranteed. This aggressive approach follows their earlier re-signing of guard Teven Jenkins espn.com and the addition of former Packer Elgton Jenkins on a two-year contract espn.com, underscoring a clear priority to rebuild the unit after their entire starting line hit free agency. In contrast, the Cincinnati Bengals secured left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com with a two-year extension, retaining a cornerstone protector for quarterback Joe Burrow. The New York Giants, despite first-round pick Evan Neal’s struggles, brought him back on a new deal espn.com and also re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com to a three-year, $39 million contract, while adding former Raven Patrick Ricard at fullback espn.com to enhance physicality.
Quarterboard Movement and Tua’s Next Step
The Indianapolis Colts committed long-term to Daniel Jones, finalizing a two-year, $88 million pact espn.com that can reach $100 million, locking in their starter after a strong finish to 2025. The New York Jets, meanwhile, reacquired former draft pick Geno Smith espn.com via trade, a move Pete Carroll blamed himself for Smith’s prior struggles espn.com in Las Vegas. The Patriots, clearing space for their own moves, are set to release linebacker Anfernee Jennings espn.com, saving $3.8 million against the cap. The most seismic quarterback news came from Miami, where the Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa espn.com, making him available. The Atlanta Falcons, seeking an upgrade after a disappointing season, are the presumed destination, with Tagovailoa’s left-handed throwing presenting a unique schematic fit.
High-Value Defensive Investments
The free-agent market for edge rushers and defensive linemen exploded, led by the Washington Commanders landing ex-Charger Odafe Oweh espn.com on a four-year, $100 million deal after he recorded 17.5 sacks since 2024. The Buffalo Bills added significant firepower with Bradley Chubb espn.com, agreeing to a three-year, $43.5 million contract worth up to $52.5 million, with $29 million guaranteed. The Green Bay Packers kept Javon Hargrave espn.com in the NFC North on a two-year, $23 million agreement, while the Kansas City Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com to a lucrative pact to pair with Isiah Pacheco. The New York Jets overhauled their pass rush espn.com, adding linebacker Demario Davis and edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.
Team Rebuilds Take Shape
The Giants’ transformation under John Harbaugh accelerated with the signings of four former Ravens, headlined by tight end Isaiah Likely reshaping the offense espn.com. The Houston Texans made kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid in NFL history on a two-year, $13 million extension and landed offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com on a two-year, $25 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed. The New Orleans Saints spent $113 million espn.com on running back Travis Etienne Jr. (four-year, $52M) and guard David Edwards (four-year, $61M), while the Las Vegas Raiders broke the bank for center Tyler Linderbaum espn.com on a record-setting contract. The Tennessee Titans added wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson reuniting with Brian Daboll espn.com and signed linebacker Kaden Elliss to a three-year, $33 million deal espn.com.
Notable Returns, Trades, and League Business
Travis Kelce returned to the Kansas City Chiefs espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, citing fiancée Taylor Swift as a major influence. The Seattle Seahawks locked down receiver Rashid Shaheed espn.com for three years, $51 million ($34.7M guaranteed), and the Philadelphia Eagles added cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year, $15 million pact. In trades, the Dallas Cowboys sent defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick, while the Baltimore Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson’s contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in cap space. The NFL announced the reinstatement espn.com of its front office and coaching accelerator program, now inclusive of non-minority participants. Additionally, the Patriots signed former Packer Romeo Doubs espn.com to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million and added pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones espn.com for three years, $39.5 million.