NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 2:47 PM ET
Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period kicked off with a flurry of major moves, headlined by the 49ers landing Mike Evans espn.com on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million. The seven-time Pro Bowl receiver leaves Tampa Bay as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns after 12 seasons. Meanwhile, the Falcons released Darnell Mooney espn.com to save $7.4 million in cap space, while the Titans added Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com to reunite with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. In a stunning development, the Raiders committed a record $75 million espn.com to center Tyler Linderbaum, signaling their aggressive spending approach under new ownership.
Quarterback Carousel
The quarterback market saw significant movement as the Colts signed Daniel Jones espn.com to a two-year, $88 million deal with $100 million in potential incentives. Jones reunites with head coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis after his release from the Giants. The Commanders bolstered their backup situation espn.com by re-signing Marcus Mariota to a $7 million one-year deal, while the Panthers added Kenny Pickett espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract. Perhaps most notably, the Dolphins signed Malik Willis espn.com to replace Tua Tagovailoa, who was released after the team's trade for him fell through.
Defensive Reinforcements
Teams across the league upgraded their defenses with several high-profile signings. The Commanders made a massive investment espn.com in edge rusher Odafe Oweh, agreeing to a four-year, $100 million deal. They also added linebacker Leo Chenal espn.com on a three-year, $24.75 million contract and cornerback Amik Robertson espn.com on a two-year, $16 million deal. The Bills strengthened their secondary espn.com by signing Dee Alford to a three-year, $21 million contract, while the Eagles added Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year, $15 million deal. The Steelers bolstered their cornerback position espn.com with Jamel Dean on a three-year, $36.75 million contract.
Offensive Line Movement
The offensive line market saw substantial activity as teams sought to protect their quarterbacks and establish the run. The Browns made a major investment espn.com in guard Zion Johnson, agreeing to a three-year, $49.5 million deal with $32.4 million guaranteed. They also re-signed Teven Jenkins espn.com and added Elgton Jenkins espn.com after his release from Green Bay. The Texans upgraded their line espn.com by signing tackle Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million deal, while the Bears brought back left tackle Braxton Jones espn.com on a one-year, $10 million contract. The Patriots added Alijah Vera-Tucker espn.com on a three-year deal to bolster their offensive front.
Running Back Signings
The running back market featured several notable moves as teams looked to add depth and talent to their backfields. The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, creating a dynamic duo in Detroit. The Saints made a significant investment espn.com in Travis Etienne Jr., agreeing to a four-year, $52 million deal, and also signed guard David Edwards espn.com on a four-year, $61 million contract. The Seahawks retained Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million deal, while the Chiefs added Kenneth Walker III espn.com to their backfield mix. The Broncos brought back J.K. Dobbins espn.com on a two-year, $20 million contract.
Special Teams Updates
Teams made moves to strengthen their special teams units as well. The Texans signed Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com to a two-year, $13 million extension, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. The Packers added Skyy Moore espn.com as a wide receiver and kick returner on a one-year deal, while the Bengals bolstered their return game espn.com by signing Bryan Cook from the Chiefs. The Commanders added depth at tight end espn.com with Chig Okonkwo on a three-year contract.
Coaching and Front Office Changes
The NFL announced it is reinstating its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, which was paused in 2025. The program will now include non-minority participants, expanding its reach across the league. This move comes as teams continue to focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives in their hiring practices. Additionally, the Giants co-owners are transferring their stakes espn.com to their children's trusts, ensuring continuity in the franchise's ownership structure.
Trades and Transactions
The trade market saw significant activity, with the Cowboys trading Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick. The Jets acquired Geno Smith espn.com in a trade that reunites him with the team that drafted him in 2013. The Bengals signed former Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe espn.com, adding to their defensive reinforcements. These moves highlight the ongoing reshaping of rosters as teams prepare for the 2026 season.
Player Retentions and Restructures
Several teams worked to retain key players through contract restructures and extensions. The Vikings kept Aaron Jones Sr. espn.com by restructuring his deal, avoiding a potential release. The Packers retained defensive tackle Javon Hargrave espn.com on a two-year, $23 million contract. The Bills found a way to keep Dawson Knox espn.com despite cap constraints by signing him to a new three-year deal. These moves demonstrate teams' efforts to maintain continuity while managing salary cap situations.
Notable Departures
The free agency period also saw several notable players changing teams or being released. The Browns released Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-marred seasons in Cleveland. The Patriots are set to release Anfernee Jennings espn.com, saving $3.8 million in cap space. The Falcons released James Pearce Jr. espn.com amid legal issues, while the Steelers released Dre Greenlaw espn.com one year after signing him to a significant contract. These moves create opportunities for younger players to step up and for teams to reshape their rosters.