NFL Football 24-Hour Briefing
×Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period kicked off with a flurry of activity as teams scrambled to address roster needs. The Jets made a notable move by trading for Geno Smith, reacquiring their 2013 second-round pick before he could hit the open market. Smith, who has a "chip" on his shoulder about returning to New York, could provide veteran insurance behind starter Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, the Giants continued their aggressive offseason by signing Patrick Ricard, the former Ravens fullback agreeing to a two-year deal with new head coach Brian Harbaugh's squad.
Defensive Reinforcements
Several teams bolstered their defensive units through free agency. The Commanders addressed their linebacker corps by signing Leo Chenal to a three-year, $24.75 million deal. Philadelphia added to their secondary by agreeing to terms with Riq Woolen, the cornerback signing a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The Packers, looking to improve their cornerback depth, signed Benjamin St-Juste to a two-year, $10 million contract. Baltimore's defensive plans took an unexpected turn when they backed out of a Maxx Crosby trade just four days after agreeing to terms, leaving the Raiders edge rusher's future uncertain.
Offensive Line Moves
The offensive line market saw significant movement as teams protected their quarterbacks. The Steelers and longtime defensive captain Cameron Heyward agreed to a one-year extension, keeping the veteran leader in Pittsburgh. The Texans addressed their offensive tackle position by signing Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed. Cleveland, after their entire starting offensive line entered free agency, re-signed guard Teven Jenkins, who played in every game last season. The Browns also added former Packers lineman Elgton Jenkins, who signed a two-year deal one day after being released by Green Bay.
Special Teams and Depth
Special teams saw some notable moves, with Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn agreeing to a two-year, $13 million extension, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. The Packers added return specialist Skyy Moore on a one-year deal, giving them a weapon in the return game. Detroit bolstered their backfield by signing Isiah Pacheco, pairing the Super Bowl champion with incumbent Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions also lost wide receiver Kalif Raymond, who agreed to join the Bears, reuniting with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Veteran Returns and Retentions
Several teams worked to retain key contributors. The Bills found a creative solution to keep tight end Dawson Knox on the 2026 roster amid a difficult cap situation by signing him to a new three-year contract. New Orleans brought back linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million deal, reuniting with the player they originally drafted. The Giants addressed their cornerback need by agreeing to terms with Greg Newsome II on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
Notable Departures
The free agency period also saw some significant exits. Romeo Doubs, the former Packers wide receiver, signed a four-year deal worth up to $80 million with the Patriots. The Ravens' defensive plans were further complicated when they backed out of the Crosby trade, potentially affecting their ability to replace Calais Campbell, who signed with Atlanta. These moves highlight the high-stakes chess match that is NFL free agency, where one team's gain is often another's loss.
Remembering a Legend
The NFL community mourned the loss of Matt Snell, the three-time Pro Bowl fullback who scored the only touchdown in the Jets' historic upset of the Colts in Super Bowl III. Snell, who died at age 84 of natural causes, remains an iconic figure in New York football history for his performance in the franchise's greatest moment. His passing serves as a reminder of the game's rich history even as the league looks toward an exciting future.