NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Offensive Line Remains Frenetic Focus
The New England Patriots bolstered their offensive line espn.com by agreeing to a three-year deal with versatile guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, a move that adds depth despite his injury history. This follows a pattern of teams locking down interior linemen, as the New York Giants re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com to a three-year, $39 million contract with $26 million guaranteed. The Cleveland Browns secured guard Zion Johnson espn.com on a three-year, $49.5 million pact featuring $32.4 million in guarantees, while the Las Vegas Raiders made a record commitment espn.com to center Tyler Linderbaum, finalizing a landmark deal that tops the market for his position.
Wide Receiver Market Heats Up
The Kansas City Chiefs added depth at wide receiver espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal (max $14 with Tyquan Thornton, providing another speed option. In a major retention, the Seattle Seahawks kept playoff hero Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million contract with $34.7 million guaranteed, securing a key piece of their offense. The San Francisco 49ers landed a major target espn.com by signing Mike Evans to a three-year deal, ending his 12-season tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans reunited with Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com on a deal that connects him with former Giants offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Quarterback Movement Continues
The Buffalo Bills added veteran quarterback depth espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $4.1 million deal (up to $6.1 with Kyle Allen, who will back up Josh Allen. The Arizona Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew espn.com to a one-year, $8.25 million contract, providing a experienced backup. In a move that creates a clear path for a young starter, the Atlanta Falcons released Tua Tagovailoa espn.com, clearing cap space and signaling Michael Penix Jr. is the presumptive Week 1 starter. The Falcons then signed Malik Willis espn.com to a deal that gives them a new backup with starter potential, while the Carolina Panthers brought in Kenny Pickett espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract with $4 million guaranteed to compete for the starting role.
Defensive Reinforcements Across the League
The Kansas City Chiefs shored up their secondary espn.com with a three-year, $24.75 million agreement for safety Alohi Gilman. The Carolina Panthers made a huge splash espn.com by signing former Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million deal, a franchise-altering investment. The Washington Commanders added a premier pass rusher espn.com by agreeing to a four-year, $100 million contract with former Chargers defensive end Odafe Oweh, who has 17.5 sacks since 2024. The Dallas Cowboys continued their defensive rebuild espn.com by signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million contract.
Trade Market Active With Key Defensive Moves
The Green Bay Packers traded defensive lineman Rashan Gary espn.com to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 draft pick, a move that opens cap space and a draft pick while the Cowboys add a proven edge rusher. In the secondary, the Miami Dolphins shipped safety Minkah Fitzpatrick espn.com to the New York Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick, a cost-cutting move for Miami that provides the Jets with a veteran starter. The Las Vegas Raiders acquired cornerback Taron Johnson espn.com from the Buffalo Bills in a swap of a sixth-round pick for the veteran and a seventh-rounder, addressing a need after other departures.
Running Backs and Offensive Weapons
The Pittsburgh Steelers added former Carolina standout Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million deal, providing a versatile backfield option. The Denver Broncos brought back J.K. Dobbins espn.com on a two-year, $20 million contract with $8 million fully guaranteed at signing, rewarding his productive 2025 season. The New Orleans Saints spent big espn.com on the running back position, agreeing to a four-year, $52 million contract with Travis Etienne Jr. and a four-year, $61 million deal with guard David Edwards, committing $113 million to two key offensive players. The Arizona Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier espn.com to a two-year, $12.5 million deal to complement James Conner, who reworked his contract espn.com to stay in Arizona for 2026.
Major Extensions and Cap Management
The Los Angeles Rams locked down their cornerstone espn.com by agreeing to a four-year, $124 million extension with All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, including $100 million guaranteed, setting a new market benchmark. The Washington Commanders avoided a potential holdout espn.com by signing left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a two-year extension with $60.2 million guaranteed and a record $32.5 million signing bonus. The Minnesota Vikings restructured tight end T.J. Hockenson's contract espn.com, clearing more than $5 million in cap space. The New Orleans Saints used a rare contract clause espn.com to get under the 2026 salary cap ahead of the free agency window, creating immediate financial flexibility.
Comp Picks, Legal News, and Other Deals
The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers each earned four compensatory picks espn.com in the upcoming NFL draft, the most in the league based on last year's free agency losses. In a legal development, the New England Patriots saw a criminal charge dropped espn.com against defensive lineman Christian Barmore, as Massachusetts prosecutors stated they cannot prove the domestic assault and battery charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Among the final wave of moves, the Seattle Seahawks re-signed cornerback Josh Jobe espn.com to a three-year, $24 million contract, while the Commanders brought back quarterback Marcus Mariota espn.com on a one-year, $7 million deal to serve as a veteran backup.