NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 1:50 AM ET
Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period exploded with blockbuster moves, as Bradley Chubb signed espn.com a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Bills, including $29 million guaranteed, while Jonathan Allen joined espn.com the Bengals on a two-year, $28 million contract. The Titans released espn.com cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in a $11.4 million cap-saving move, just days after his Super Bowl heroics. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones agreed espn.com to a two-year, $88 million deal with the Colts, potentially worth $100 million, as Indianapolis also re-signed Alec Pierce espn.com but lost out on Trey Hendrickson.
Defensive Reinforcements
Teams aggressively upgraded their defenses, with the Eagles signing espn.com Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year, $7.3 million max deal and the Buccaneers adding espn.com Al-Quadin Muhammad on a one-year, $6 million contract. The Chiefs bolstered espn.com their secondary by signing Kader Kohou, while the 49ers brought back espn.com linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year, $7.5 million deal. Baltimore re-signed Calais Campbell espn.com after the failed Maxx Crosby trade, then immediately signed Trey Hendrickson espn.com to a massive contract, creating a formidable pass rush duo.
Offensive Line Moves
Cleveland released Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons, saving cap space as they attacked offensive line issues espn.com head-on. The Chargers retained espn.com versatile lineman Trey Pipkins III on a two-year, $10 million deal, while the Jets added espn.com guard Dylan Parham to a two-year, $20 million contract. The Bengals extended espn.com left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for two more years, securing their blindside protection.
Veteran Signings and Returns
The Bills added espn.com safety Geno Stone on a one-year deal and signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson espn.com for up to $6 million, joining Bradley Chubb espn.com in Buffalo's aggressive spending. The Jets orchestrated espn.com a surprising reunion with quarterback Geno Smith, trading for him before he hit free agency. The Saints signed espn.com Travis Etienne Jr., who discussed his family's New Orleans roots espn.com and the significance of naming his son after the team. The Commanders added espn.com running back Rachaad White and signed Chig Okonkwo espn.com to a three-year deal, while the Packers brought in espn.com defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a two-year, $23 million contract.
Cap Management and Restructuring
The Ravens restructured espn.com Lamar Jackson's contract to create nearly $40 million in cap space, enabling their spending spree. The Vikings kept espn.com running back Aaron Jones Sr. with a restructured $5.6 million deal instead of releasing him. The Patriots signed espn.com safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million contract, while the Cowboys traded espn.com defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick.
Special Teams and Depth
The Seahawks signed espn.com former Packers running back Emanuel Wilson to replace Kenneth Walker III, while the Dolphins added espn.com wide receiver Tutu Atwell on a one-year deal. The Lions signed cornerback Roger McCreary, and the Panthers agreed espn.com to a deal with former Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker. The Giants signed espn.com wide receiver Calvin Austin III to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, and the Rams hope espn.com former Chiefs teammates Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson can replicate their cornerback success.
Front Office Developments
The NFL reinstated espn.com its front office and coaching accelerator program, now including non-minority participants after pausing in 2025. The Tisch family requested espn.com to transfer their Giants ownership stakes to their children's trusts. Meanwhile, the NFL considered espn.com adding a Thanksgiving Eve game to expand its broadcast windows, and Pete Carroll predicted espn.com that Geno Smith would rebound with the Jets after taking blame for his struggles in Las Vegas.
Contract Disputes and Rumors
The Jaguars denied espn.com reports they were shopping receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling them "fraudulent claims." The NFL faced espn.com potential challenges from Washington state's new income tax on high earners, which Seahawks GM John Schneider said could impact free agent signings. The Giants re-signed espn.com first-round pick Evan Neal despite four disappointing seasons that included being a healthy scratch late in the year.