NFL Football 3d Briefing
×NFL Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period kicked off with explosive activity as teams reshaped their rosters. The Cowboys landed a major defensive upgrade espn.com by trading for Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, while simultaneously shipping defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round selection. The 49ers added veteran firepower espn.com by signing Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract, bolstering their receiving corps alongside Deebo Samuel.
The Patriots made waves in the offensive line market espn.com, agreeing to a three-year deal with former Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, while also landing former Packers cornerback Romeo Doubs espn.com on a four-year, $80 million contract. New England continued their aggressive spending espn.com by signing former Titans safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal. Meanwhile, the Bills secured their tight end depth espn.com by re-signing Dawson Knox to a three-year contract, navigating a difficult cap situation to keep him on the 2026 roster.
Record-Breaking Contracts
The Raiders shattered the center market espn.com by agreeing to a record-setting deal with former Ravens standout Tyler Linderbaum, though specific terms weren't disclosed. The Seahawks kept their receiving core intact espn.com by re-signing Rashid Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract with $34.7 million guaranteed. The Rams set a new standard for cornerbacks espn.com by agreeing to a four-year, $124 million extension with All-Pro Trent McDuffie that includes $100 million guaranteed.
The Commanders secured their offensive line espn.com by re-signing left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a two-year extension with $60.2 million guaranteed and a position-best $32.5 million in signing bonuses. The Browns bolstered their interior line espn.com by agreeing to a three-year, $49.5 million deal with former Chargers guard Zion Johnson that includes $32.4 million guaranteed.
Veteran Moves and Restructures
The Packers found defensive line continuity espn.com by signing former Steelers standout Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million contract. The Vikings kept their running back stable espn.com by restructuring Aaron Jones Sr.'s deal to avoid his release. The Steelers brought back their defensive leader espn.com by agreeing to a one-year extension with Cameron Heyward.
The Giants addressed multiple needs espn.com by signing former Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year deal and adding former Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $100 million contract. They also bolstered their cornerback position espn.com by agreeing with former Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
Running Back Carousel
The Chiefs made a surprising splash espn.com by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, while the Titans added depth to their backfield espn.com by agreeing to terms with former Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. The Bills brought in veteran depth espn.com by signing quarterback Kyle Allen to a two-year, $4.1 million deal to back up Josh Allen.
The Broncos reunited with former star espn.com by bringing back running back J.K. Dobbins on a two-year, $20 million deal with $8 million guaranteed. The Panthers added rushing firepower espn.com by signing former Panthers standout Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract.
Defensive Additions
The Jets completely overhauled their defense espn.com by reaching agreements with linebacker Demario Davis and edge players Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. They also added veteran cornerback help espn.com by signing Nahshon Wright to a one-year contract worth up to $5.5 million and acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick espn.com from the Dolphins in a trade for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
The Ravens found edge rusher help espn.com by agreeing to a three-year, $43.5 million deal with former Broncos standout Bradley Chubb that can reach $52.5 million with $29 million guaranteed. The Bengals added defensive reinforcements espn.com by signing former Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe and former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.
Special Teams and Depth
The Texans made their kicker the NFL's highest-paid espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $13 million extension with Ka'imi Fairbairn. They also added offensive tackle depth espn.com by signing former Colts standout Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed.
The Eagles added cornerback depth espn.com by agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with former Seahawks standout Riq Woolen. The Packers strengthened their secondary espn.com by signing former Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste to a two-year, $10 million contract.
Notable Returns and Retentions
The Chiefs kept their offensive line stable espn.com by re-signing All-Pro center Creed Humphrey to a lucrative extension. The Bills found a way to retain Knox espn.com despite cap constraints. The Chargers brought back a key offensive lineman espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $10 million deal with Trey Pipkins III.
The Bears added defensive backfield help espn.com by agreeing to a three-year, $40 million deal with former Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant. The Falcons re-signed veteran tight end Austin Hooper espn.com to a one-year, $3.25 million contract.
Front Office Developments
The NFL announced the return of its accelerator program espn.com, which had been paused in 2025, now including non-minority participants. The Giants received approval for ownership restructuring espn.com as co-owners Steve, Laurie and Jonathan Tisch requested to transfer their stakes to their children's trusts.
The Ravens created significant cap space espn.com by restructuring quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract to free up nearly $40 million. The Patriots saved $3.8 million against the cap espn.com by releasing linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
Coaching and Player News
The Jets completed a notable reunion espn.com by trading for former second-round pick Geno Smith before he could hit free agency. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce confirmed his return espn.com for a 14th NFL season, citing fiancée Taylor Swift as a significant influence on his decision.
Former Jets fullback Matt Snell, who scored the only touchdown in the team's Super Bowl III upset of the Colts, died at age 84 espn.com. The NFL faces labor challenges espn.com as negotiations with the NFL Referees Association on a new collective bargaining agreement have hit a rough patch.