NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 3:48 PM ET
Major Free Agency Moves
The Bengals added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen espn.com to a two-year, $28 million contract, bolstering their defensive line as they chase another playoff run. Cincinnati also re-signed left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com to a two-year extension, locking down their offensive line after a busy offseason. Meanwhile, the Browns released veteran tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons, signaling a complete overhaul of their offensive front. Cleveland has aggressively rebuilt its line espn.com, re-signing Teven Jenkins and adding former Packers guard Elgton Jenkins to a two-year deal after his release from Green Bay.
Quarterback Carousel
The Colts secured Daniel Jones espn.com with a two-year, $88 million contract that could reach $100 million, stabilizing their quarterback position after trading for him earlier this offseason. In a stunning move, the Falcons released Tua Tagovailoa espn.com, clearing the way for him to join Atlanta as a potential bridge quarterback while rookie Michael Penix Jr. develops. The Jets traded for Geno Smith espn.com, reuniting him with New York where his career began in 2013, with Pete Carroll taking responsibility for Smith's struggles in Las Vegas. The Panthers signed Kenny Pickett espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million deal, while the Texans added Foster Moreau espn.com at tight end to support their offensive weapons.
Defensive Reinforcements
Baltimore restructured Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in cap space, freeing resources for defensive additions. The Ravens signed Trey Hendrickson espn.com after their Maxx Crosby trade fell through, maintaining their aggressive edge-rushing approach. Washington landed Odafe Oweh espn.com on a four-year, $100 million deal, dramatically upgrading their pass rush. The Commanders also added linebacker Leo Chenal espn.com and signed K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com, while re-signing Evan Neal despite his disappointing tenure. Green Bay brought in veteran safety Kevin Byard espn.com on a one-year, $9 million deal and signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste espn.com.
Wide Receiver Movement
The 49ers signed Mike Evans espn.com to a three-year contract, adding the Bucs' all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns to their revamped receiving corps. San Francisco's move reshapes the NFC West landscape espn.com as Tampa Bay begins its post-Evans era. The Bears added Kalif Raymond espn.com, reuniting him with new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, while the Chiefs signed Tyquan Thornton espn.com and cornerback Alohi Gilman espn.com to strengthen their secondary. Detroit acquired Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs in their backfield rotation.
Offensive Line Stability
The Chargers re-signed versatile lineman Trey Pipkins III espn.com to a two-year, $10 million deal, maintaining continuity on their offensive front. The Jets added guard Dylan Parham espn.com to a two-year, $20 million contract, addressing a key need. Houston signed offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com to a two-year, $25 million deal, significantly upgrading their line protection. The Eagles added cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year, $15 million contract, while the Giants addressed their corner need espn.com by signing Greg Newsome II.
Running Back Market
The Bills re-signed Dawson Knox espn.com to a three-year deal, keeping their Pro Bowl tight end amid cap constraints. Denver brought back J.K. Dobbins espn.com on a two-year, $20 million contract with $8 million guaranteed, providing insurance for Javonte Williams. Carolina signed Devin Lloyd espn.com to a three-year, $45 million deal, adding linebacker depth, while Pittsburgh added Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million contract to bolster their backfield.
Special Teams and Depth
Houston extended Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com to a two-year, $13 million deal, making him the NFL's highest-paid kicker. The Packers signed return specialist Skyy Moore espn.com on a one-year contract, adding speed to their special teams units. New England agreed to terms with Romeo Doubs espn.com on a four-year, $80 million deal, dramatically upgrading their receiving corps. The Patriots also added versatile lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker espn.com and signed quarterback Kyle Allen espn.com to back up Drake Maye.
Front Office Developments
The NFL reinstated its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, expanding it to include non-minority participants after pausing in 2025. The Giants filed to transfer ownership stakes espn.com to their children's trusts, with co-owners Steve, Laurie and Jonathan Tisch seeking to pass control to the next generation. Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh each received four compensatory draft picks espn.com, the most awarded to any teams for the upcoming draft.
Notable Releases and Retirements
The Steelers brought back defensive captain Cameron Heyward espn.com on a one-year extension, keeping their defensive leader in Pittsburgh. Green Bay released offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins espn.com, freeing $19.5 million in cap space. The Falcons cut wide receiver Darnell Mooney espn.com, saving $7.4 million against the cap. New England set to release linebacker Anfernee Jennings espn.com, saving $3.8 million. The NFL community mourned the passing of Matt Snell, the Super Bowl III hero who died at 84 espn.com, remembered for scoring the Jets' only touchdown in their historic upset of the Colts.