NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Quarterback Carousel Intensifies
The New York Jets acquired quarterback Geno Smith espn.com from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade that reunites the veteran with the franchise that drafted him in 2013, a move that provides immediate veteran competition for a starting role. This development follows the Miami Dolphins' decision to release Tua Tagovailoa espn.com, creating a starting vacancy that could be filled by free agent Malik Willis, who is expected to sign with Miami espn.com. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons, after moving on from Tagovailoa, are now positioned to start Michael Penix Jr. but have added depth with Gardner Minshew, who agreed to a one-year, $8.25 million deal espn.com. The Washington Commanders also re-signed backup Marcus Mariota espn.com to a one-year, $7 million contract, ensuring continuity behind their starter.
Offensive Line Shakeup
A major free agency theme has been the reshaping of offensive lines, headlined by the Washington Commanders' record-setting move to secure left tackle Laremy Tunsil espn.com on a two-year extension with $60.2 million guaranteed and a $32.5 million signing bonus. The Cleveland Browns, facing an overhaul after their entire starting line entered free agency, re-signed guard Teven Jenkins espn.com and then made a significant addition by landing guard Zion Johnson espn.com on a three-year, $49.5 million deal with $32.4 million guaranteed. The Houston Texans bolstered their tackle position by signing Braden Smith espn.com to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed. The New England Patriots added versatility espn.com by agreeing to a three-year deal with Alijah Vera-Tucker, while the Tennessee Titans signed center Cade Mays espn.com, who started 12 games for Carolina last season.
Defensive Front Seven Moves
The Commanders continued their aggressive free agency by adding edge rusher Odafe Oweh espn.com on a four-year, $100 million deal after he recorded 17.5 sacks since 2024. The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Devin Lloyd espn.com away from Jacksonville on a three-year, $45 million contract and later added pass rusher Jaelan Phillips espn.com on a four-year deal. The Kansas City Chiefs, after losing Oweh, focused on their front by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com to a lucrative contract to pair with Isiah Pacheco, who the Detroit Lions signed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal espn.com. The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed defensive captain Cameron Heyward espn.com on a one-year extension and later added linebacker Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million pact.
Secondary Reinforcements
Cornerback was a premium position, with the Philadelphia Eagles landing Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million and the Buffalo Bills re-signing Dee Alford espn.com to a three-year, $21 million contract. The New York Giants addressed their need by signing Greg Newsome II espn.com to a one-year, $10 million deal and later added Jamel Dean espn.com on a three-year, $36.75 million contract. The Jets signed Nahshon Wright espn.com to a one-year, $5.5 million contract, while the Packers added Benjamin St-Juste espn.com on a two-year, $10 million deal. The Los Angeles Rams extended All-Pro Trent McDuffie espn.com on a record four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed, and the Seattle Seahawks re-signed Josh Jobe espn.com to a three-year, $24 million contract.
Skill Position Updates
The Green Bay Packers added speed to their return game espn.com by signing Skyy Moore to a one-year deal, while the New England Patriots made a splash espn.com by agreeing to a four-year, $80 million contract with former Packers receiver Romeo Doubs. The Seattle Seahawks kept Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million deal with $34.7 million guaranteed. The Kansas City Chiefs signed Tyquan Thornton espn.com to a two-year, $11 million deal (max $14M) and later re-signed tight end Travis Kelce espn.com to a one-year, $12 million contract (max $15M), with Kelce citing fiancée Taylor Swift as a significant influence on his return. The Chicago Bears signed Kalif Raymond espn.com to a one-year deal, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Special Teams and Kicker Market
The Houston Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid kicker in NFL history on a two-year, $13 million extension. The Buffalo Bills re-signed tight end Dawson Knox espn.com to a new three-year contract to navigate a difficult cap situation, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought back tight end Cade Otton espn.com on a three-year deal. The Atlanta Falcons released wide receiver Darnell Mooney to free $7.4 million in cap space espn.com.
Roster Shuffles and Trades
The Baltimore Ravens' failed pursuit of Maxx Crosby espn.com left the Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher in limbo, though they later re-signed cornerback Eric Stokes espn.com to a three-year, $30 million deal. The Dallas Cowboys acquired defensive lineman Rashan Gary espn.com from the Packers for a 2027 draft pick, while the Miami Dolphins traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick espn.com to the Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The Indianapolis Colts re-signed Alec Pierce espn.com but traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jacksonville Jaguars kept cornerback Montaric Brown espn.com on a three-year, $33 million deal.
Comp Picks and League Business
The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers each earned four compensatory picks espn.com in the upcoming NFL draft. The NFL's negotiations with officials hit a rough patch espn.com as the league and the NFL Referees Association work on a new CBA. The New Orleans Saints used a rare clause espn.com to get under the 2026 salary cap, creating room for their $113 million spending spree on running back Travis Etienne Jr. and guard David Edwards.