NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Quarterback Market Shifts
The Dolphins' decision to release Tua Tagovailoa espn.com sent shockwaves through the league, clearing $30.9 million in cap space and opening a starting opportunity for Malik Willis, who signed with Miami espn.com to compete for the job. Meanwhile, the Falcons acquired Tagovailoa espn.com on a one-year deal, positioning him as a potential starter if first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. is not ready. The Cardinals added Gardner Minshew espn.com on a one-year, $8.25 million contract to provide veteran depth, while the Panthers signed Kenny Pickett espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million deal with $4 million guaranteed to serve as a backup. The Commanders re-signed Marcus Mariota espn.com for $7 million annually, and the Bills brought in Kyle Allen espn.com on a two-year, $4.1 million deal to back up Josh Allen.
Offensive Line Overhauls
Teams aggressively addressed porous offensive lines, with the Patriots acquiring Alijah Vera-Tucker espn.com on a three-year deal despite his injury history. The Giants re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com to a three-year, $39 million contract with $26 million guaranteed, while the Browns landed Zion Johnson espn.com for three years and $49.5 million, $32.4 million of which is guaranteed. The Raiders, meanwhile, secured Tyler Linderbaum espn.com on a record-breaking contract for a center, and the Saints signed David Edwards espn.com to a four-year, $61 million pact. The Ravens added John Simpson espn.com on a three-year, $30 million deal, and the Texans re-signed Ed Ingram espn.com to a multiyear contract to maintain continuity.
Defensive Backfield Upgrades
The secondary saw heavy investment. The Bills re-signed cornerback Dee Alford espn.com to a three-year deal worth up to $21 million, while the Giants signed Greg Newsome II espn.com to a one-year contract valued at up to $10 million. The Chiefs added safety Alohi Gilman espn.com for three years, $24.75 million and re-signed Tyquan Thornton espn.com at receiver on a two-year, $11 million deal. The Packers signed Benjamin St-Juste espn.com to a two-year, $10 million contract. The Commanders acquired cornerback Amik Robertson espn.com on a two-year, $16 million deal with $9.3 million guaranteed and re-signed Laremy Tunsil espn.com to a two-year extension with $60.2 million guaranteed at tackle. The Steelers added Jamel Dean espn.com for three years, $36.75 million and re-signed Asante Samuel Jr. espn.com for one year at $4 million. The Seahawks re-signed Rashid Shaheed espn.com to a three-year, $51 million deal ($34.7M guaranteed) and brought back Josh Jobe espn.com for three years, $24 million.
Pass Rush and Front Seven Moves
The Raiders re-signed Eric Stokes espn.com to a three-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. The Commanders signed Odafe Oweh espn.com to a four-year, $100 million contract after he totaled 17.5 sacks since 2024. The Patriots added Dre'Mont Jones espn.com on a three-year, $39.5 million deal, while the Jets acquired Demario Davis espn.com and edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The Panthers signed Devin Lloyd espn.com to a three-year, $45 million contract and landed Jaelan Phillips espn.com on a four-year deal. The Rams signed Jaylen Watson espn.com, a former Chiefs corner, and the Broncos re-signed Alex Singleton espn.com while releasing Dre Greenlaw. The Chargers retained Khalil Mack espn.com on a one-year, $18 million deal.
Running Back and Receiver Movement
The Chiefs acquired Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com and re-signed Travis Kelce espn.com to a one-year deal worth $12 million (up to $15M). The Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. espn.com to a four-year, $52 million contract. The Steelers added Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million deal, while the Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins espn.com for two years, $20 million with $8 million fully guaranteed. The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier espn.com to a two-year, $12.5 million contract and re-worked James Conner's deal espn.com to keep him. The Titans added Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com on a deal reuniting him with Brian Daboll. The 49ers signed Mike Evans espn.com to a three-year contract after his 12 seasons in Tampa Bay.
Team-Specific Transactions
The Packers released Elgton Jenkins espn.com, freeing over $19.5 million in cap space, and traded Rashan Gary espn.com to the Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick. They also acquired Zaire Franklin espn.com from the Colts and re-signed Sean Rhyan espn.com to a three-year, $33 million deal. The Bears signed Kalif Raymond espn.com to a one-year deal and brought back left tackle Jones espn.com for up to $10 million. The Lions signed center Cade Mays espn.com and lost Amik Robertson espn.com to Washington. The Eagles placed a franchise tender on Jordan Davis espn.com before giving him a three-year, $78 million extension espn.com with $65 million guaranteed. The Falcons released Darnell Mooney espn.com, freeing $7.4 million.
Comp Picks and League Business
The Ravens, Eagles and Steelers each earned four compensatory picks espn.com in the upcoming draft based on last year's free agency losses and signings. The NFL's negotiations with referees espn.com hit a rough patch in CBA talks, creating uncertainty for the 2026 season. The Saints used a rare clause espn.com to get under the 2026 salary cap, creating necessary financial flexibility. The Jets' quarterback situation espn.com remains fluid after adding Tyrod Taylor in free agency, with options including trade or draft. The Bengals did not tender Jake Browning espn.com, making him a full free agent after he started 10 games over the past three seasons.