NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period kicked off with a flurry of blockbuster moves as teams scrambled to reshape their rosters. The Commanders landed Odafe Oweh espn.com on a four-year, $100 million deal, while the Packers traded Rashan Gary espn.com to the Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick. In a stunning quarterback shuffle, the Jets acquired Geno Smith espn.com from the Raiders, reuniting him with the team that drafted him in 2013. The Dolphins sent Minkah Fitzpatrick espn.com to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com to bolster their backfield, and the Eagles added Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year, $15 million deal to strengthen their secondary.
Contract Extensions and Re-Signings
Several teams prioritized keeping their own talent, with the Steelers re-signing Cameron Heyward espn.com to a one-year extension and the Ravens agreeing to a three-year, $30 million deal espn.com with guard John Simpson. The Bills secured Dawson Knox espn.com on a new three-year contract to address their cap situation, while the Seahawks brought back Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million deal with $34.7 million guaranteed. The Giants re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com to a three-year, $39 million contract with $26 million guaranteed, and the Rams extended Trent McDuffie espn.com to a record four-year, $124 million deal with $100 million guaranteed.
Offensive Line Overhaul
The Browns made a major investment in their offensive line espn.com, agreeing to a three-year, $49.5 million deal with guard Zion Johnson that includes $32.4 million guaranteed. The Commanders re-signed Laremy Tunsil espn.com to a two-year extension with $60.2 million guaranteed and a position-best $32.5 million signing bonus. The Texans landed Braden Smith espn.com on a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed, while the Patriots bolstered their line espn.com with a three-year deal for Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Packers released Elgton Jenkins espn.com to free up $19.5 million in cap space, and the Bears brought back Teven Jenkins espn.com after their entire starting offensive line entered free agency.
Defensive Additions
The Cowboys added Jalen Thompson espn.com on a three-year, $33 million contract, while the Lions signed Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield. The Titans brought in Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Saints spent $113 million espn.com on running back Travis Etienne Jr. ($52 and guard David Edwards ($61 . The Bengals bolstered their defense espn.com by signing Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe and former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.
Quarterback Moves
Beyond the Jets' acquisition of Geno Smith, the Cardinals landed Gardner Minshew espn.com on a one-year, $8.25 million deal, and the Panthers signed Kenny Pickett espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million contract with $4 million guaranteed. The Bills added Kyle Allen espn.com as Josh Allen's backup on a two-year, $4.1 million deal worth up to $6.1 million. The Falcons released Darnell Mooney espn.com to free up $7.4 million in cap space, while the Ravens, Eagles, and Steelers each received four compensatory picks espn.com in next month's NFL draft.
Notable Departures and Trades
The Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. espn.com to the Steelers while re-signing Alec Pierce. The Falcons released Darnell Mooney espn.com to create cap space. The Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins espn.com on a two-year, $20 million deal with $8 million guaranteed at signing. The Raiders acquired Taron Johnson espn.com from the Bills in exchange for a sixth-round pick and a seventh-round selection. The Chargers signed Alec Ingold espn.com, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Special Teams and Depth Moves
The Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid kicker in NFL history with a two-year, $13 million extension. The Giants addressed their cornerback need espn.com by agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with Greg Newsome II. The Packers added Benjamin St-Juste espn.com on a two-year, $10 million contract to bolster their cornerback depth. The Bears signed Coby Bryant espn.com to a three-year, $40 million deal, while the Lions brought in Cade Mays espn.com as a free agent center.
Coaching and Front Office News
The Giants reunited Isaiah Likely espn.com with head coach John Harbaugh on a three-year deal. The Bears brought back Patrick Ricard espn.com on a two-year contract, reuniting him with Harbaugh. The Saints reunited Kaden Elliss espn.com with the team that originally drafted him, agreeing to a three-year, $33 million deal. The Packers traded Rashan Gary espn.com to the Cowboys for a 2027 draft pick, signaling a shift in their defensive priorities.
League-Wide Developments
The NFL's negotiations with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement hit a rough patch espn.com, according to sources. The Jaguars retained Montaric "Buster" Brown espn.com on a three-year, $33 million deal. The Chiefs added Tyquan Thornton espn.com and Alohi Gilman espn.com to their roster, while the Broncos re-signed Justin Strnad espn.com on a three-year, $18 million contract with $10 million guaranteed. The Titans added Kenneth Gainwell espn.com and Alex Anzalone to their defense, while the Buccaneers brought back Cade Otton espn.com on a three-year deal.