NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×NFL Free Agency & Transactions
The NFL's free agency period opened with a flurry of activity, headlined by a significant quarterback move as the New York Jets acquired Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting the veteran signal-caller with the team that drafted him in 2013. This deal came alongside a major offensive weapon addition for the New England Patriots, who signed former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year contract worth up to $80 million. The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, added to their return game by agreeing to a one-year deal with wide receiver/kick returner Skyy Moore, while also bolstering their cornerback depth by signing Benjamin St-Juste to a two-year, $10 million contract.
Defensive Front Seven Moves
Several teams fortified their linebacker corps, with the Washington Commanders adding depth by agreeing to a three-year, $24.75 million deal with linebacker Leo Chenal. The New Orleans Saints reunited with former draft pick Kaden Elliss, signing the linebacker to a three-year, $33 million contract after his three-season stint with the Atlanta Falcons. On the defensive line, a major story remained the fallout from the aborted Maxx Crosby trade, as the Baltimore Ravens' four-day agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher collapsed, leaving Crosby's future uncertain and other potential suitors monitoring the situation.
Offensive Line Shuffles
The offensive line market saw notable transactions, particularly in Cleveland. After their entire starting unit entered free agency, the Browns moved quickly, re-signing guard Teven Jenkins who played in all 17 games last season. They also added former Green Bay Packers guard/center Elgton Jenkins on a two-year deal, who became available after his release. In Houston, the Texans bolstered their tackle position by reaching a two-year, $25 million agreement with Braden Smith, a deal that includes $13.5 million fully guaranteed.
Secondary Reinforcements
Cornerback was a focal point for several clubs. The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The New York Giants, adding to their secondary, agreed to a one-year contract with cornerback Greg Newsome II worth up to $10 million. The Jets also addressed their defensive backfield, signing cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $5.5 million.
Special Teams & Skill Position Additions
The Houston Texans made their kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn the highest-paid in NFL history, signing him to a two-year, $13 million extension. At running back, the Detroit Lions added Isiah Pacheco to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, though they did lose a special teams contributor as wide receiver Kalif Raymond departed for the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal, reuniting with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Buffalo Bills managed a difficult salary cap situation by re-signing tight end Dawson Knox to a new three-year contract, keeping him on the roster through 2026.
Veteran Extensions & Notable News
The Pittsburgh Steelers retained defensive captain Cameron Heyward, agreeing to a one-year extension with the longtime stalwart. A former Raven also found a new home as fullback Patrick Ricard, a key special teams and offensive player, agreed to a two-year deal with the New York Giants, reuniting with coach John Harbaugh's former assistant. In a personal decision, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce revealed that fiancée Taylor Swift was a significant influence on his choice to return for a 14th NFL season. The football world also mourned the passing of Matt Snell, the three-time Pro Bowl fullback who scored the only touchdown in the Jets' Super Bowl III victory, who died at age 84.