NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 7:45 PM ET
Quarterback Movement and Contract Extensions
Geno Smith rejoins the Jets espn.com after New York traded for their 2013 second-round pick, with the quarterback vowing to be "better than ever" in his second stint with the team. Smith's confidence comes as Pete Carroll takes responsibility espn.com for the quarterback's struggles in Las Vegas, marking a significant shift in Smith's career trajectory. Meanwhile, the Colts and Daniel Jones agreed to an $88 million deal espn.com, while the Vikings restructured Aaron Jones Sr.'s contract espn.com to keep their veteran running back off the market.
Defensive Reinforcements Across the League
The Bills added Bradley Chubb espn.com on a three-year, $43.5 million deal to bolster their pass rush, while also signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson espn.com to strengthen their secondary. The Patriots landed Kevin Byard espn.com on a one-year, $9 million contract, adding the 2025 interceptions leader to their defense. In the NFC North, the Packers signed Javon Hargrave espn.com to a two-year, $23 million deal, while the Bengals added Jonathan Allen espn.com on a two-year, $28 million contract to improve their defensive front.
Wide Receiver Market Activity
The Giants signed Calvin Austin III espn.com to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, while also re-signing Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing seasons. The Patriots secured Romeo Doubs espn.com on a four-year, $80 million contract, and the Chiefs added Tyquan Thornton espn.com on a two-year, $11 million deal. The Bears acquired Kalif Raymond espn.com to reunite with Ben Johnson, while the Texans signed Foster Moreau espn.com to add depth at tight end.
Running Back Signings and Extensions
The Commanders added Rachaad White espn.com and Chig Okonkwo espn.com to their offensive skill positions, while the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs. The Steelers brought in Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million deal, and the Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins espn.com for $20 million over two years. The Seahawks added Emanuel Wilson espn.com as they look to replace Kenneth Walker III.
Offensive Line Changes
The Browns released Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-marred seasons, then signed Elgton Jenkins espn.com and re-signed Teven Jenkins espn.com to address their line needs. The Texans secured Braden Smith espn.com on a two-year, $25 million deal, while the Patriots added Alijah Vera-Tucker espn.com to bolster their protection. The Jets signed Dylan Parham espn.com to a two-year, $20 million contract to reinforce their interior line.
Special Teams and Coaching Developments
The Texans extended Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com to make him the NFL's highest-paid kicker at $13 million over two years. The NFL announced the return espn.com of its front office and coaching accelerator program, now including non-minority participants. The league is also considering adding espn.com a Thanksgiving Eve game to this season's schedule to expand broadcast windows.
Veteran Moves and Retirements
Bryce Huff announced his retirement espn.com from the NFL, while Matt Snell, the fullback who scored espn.com the only touchdown in the Jets' Super Bowl III victory, died at. The Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's deal espn.com to create nearly $40 million in cap space, and the Bengals extended Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com on a two-year deal to keep their left tackle in place.
Trade Activity and Positional Battles
The Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick, while the 49ers re-signed Dre Greenlaw espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million contract. The Commanders added Leo Chenal espn.com and K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com to their linebacker corps, and the Eagles signed Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year, $15 million deal to improve their cornerback depth.
Free Agency Winners and Losers
The edge rush market exploded early espn.com in free agency, with several teams making significant investments in pass rushers. The Titans called on familiar faces espn.com to rebuild their roster, while the Giants surprised with Neal's re-signing espn.com despite his struggles. Two players were particularly specific about contract numbers espn.com, highlighting the importance of guaranteed money in negotiations.
As free agency continues, attention turns to the remaining top unsigned players, including Aaron Rodgers and Deebo Samuel, who could still significantly impact the market espn.com. The early moves have already reshaped several teams' strategies espn.com, with the Texans facing particular challenges in balancing their aggressive spending with salary cap constraints.