NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 10:46 AM ET
Offensive Line Shakeup in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns completely overhauled their offensive line espn.com on the first day of free agency, a move that began with the release of veteran tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons. The team quickly pivoted to the market, landing guard Zion Johnson espn.com on a three-year, $49.5 million deal with $32.4 million guaranteed. They further bolstered the unit espn.com by signing ex-Packer Elgton Jenkins to a two-year contract just one day after his release from Green Bay, and re-signed guard Teven Jenkins espn.com who played in every game last season. This aggressive strategy directly addressed the franchise's primary offseason priority after the entire starting line entered free agency.
Quarterback Market in Flux
The quarterback landscape saw a blockbuster move as the Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones espn.com to a two-year, $88 million contract that can reach $100 million, ending his free agency after a tumultuous season with the New York Giants. Meanwhile, the New York Jets reacquired Geno Smith espn.com via trade, bringing back their 2013 second-round pick before he could hit the open market. Former Raiders quarterback Pete Carroll, in his first interview since his firing, took blame for Smith's struggles espn.com in Las Vegas. The Atlanta Falcons released Tua Tagovailoa espn.com, creating a starting vacancy now filled by the Miami Dolphins' signing of Malik Willis. Aaron Rodgers and Deebo Samuel remain among the top unsigned free agents espn.com still available.
Giants' Dual Offseason Strategy
The New York Giants executed a seemingly contradictory strategy, first re-signing offensive tackle Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing years that included being a healthy scratch for most of the 2025 season. In a clear shift toward a "Ravens East" philosophy under coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, they aggressively added former Baltimore players. They signed tight end Isaiah Likely espn.com, who is expected to reshape the offense, and brought back fullback Patrick Ricard espn.com on a two-year deal. The team also addressed its cornerback need espn.com by agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with Greg Newsome II and re-signed offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor espn.com to a three-year, $39 million contract with $26 million guaranteed.
Defensive Splashes: Edge Rushers & Safeties
The edge rusher market exploded early, highlighted by the Buffalo Bills adding Bradley Chubb espn.com on a three-year, $43.5 million deal worth up to $52.5 million with $29 million guaranteed. The Washington Commanders made a massive commitment, signing Odafe Oweh espn.com to a four-year, $100 million contract after he recorded 17.5 sacks since 2024. In the secondary, the New England Patriots landed safety Kevin Byard III espn.com, the NFL's interceptions leader in 2025, on a one-year, $9 million deal. The Patriots also added pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones espn.com for three years, $39.5 million and bolstered the offensive line espn.com with Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Philadelphia Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million.
Texans' Aggressive Spending Spree
The Houston Texans continued their aggressive free agency approach, making kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid in NFL history on a two-year, $13 million extension. They added offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com on a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed and signed tight end Foster Moreau espn.com to a deal. Further D-line reinforcement espn.com came with a three-year, $33 million contract for linebacker Kaden Elliss, reuniting him with the team that originally drafted him. They also added safety Reed Blankenship espn.com on a three-year, $24.75 million deal after his stint with Philadelphia.
Other Notable Moves & League Business
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III espn.com, shifting their backfield dynamics, and re-signed tight end Travis Kelce espn.com to a one-year, $12 million deal (max $15M), with Kelce citing fiancée Taylor Swift as a key influence on his return. The Green Bay Packers released offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins espn.com to create over $19.5 million in cap space but later signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave espn.com for two years, $23 million and added cornerback Benjamin St-Juste espn.com on a two-year, $10 million deal. The Seattle Seahawks kept wide receiver Rashid Shaheed espn.com on a three-year, $51 million contract with $34.7 million guaranteed. The Detroit Lions signed running back Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs but lost wide receiver Kalif Raymond espn.com to the Chicago Bears. The Tennessee Titans added wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson espn.com, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Las Vegas Raiders made a record signing espn.com with center Tyler Linderbaum and added linebacker Devin Lloyd espn.com for three years, $45 million. The Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Kenny Pickett espn.com for one year, $7.5 million and landed linebacker Jaelan Phillips espn.com on a four-year deal. The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with quarterback Gardner Minshew espn.com on a one-year, $8.25 million contract. The Denver Broncos brought back running back J.K. Dobbins espn.com for two years, $20 million. The New Orleans Saints spent $113 million espn.com on running back Travis Etienne Jr. (four years, $52M) and guard David Edwards (four years, $61M). The Jacksonville Jaguars kept cornerback Montaric Brown espn.com on a three-year, $33 million deal. The Los Angeles Rams added another former Chiefs cornerback espn.com, Jaylen Watson, on a three-year deal. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after losing all-time leading receiver Mike Evans espn.com to the San Francisco 49ers, re-signed tight end Cade Otton espn.com and added running back Kenneth Gainwell espn.com and linebacker Alex Anzalone on two-year deals. The 49ers signed Evans espn.com to a three-year contract to bring leadership to a renovated wide receiver room.
Trades and Front Office Moves
Several trades reshaped rosters. The Dallas Cowboys traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick and sent Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans in a seventh-round swap. The Miami Dolphins traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick espn.com to the New York Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick originally from the Chargers. The Green Bay Packers finalized a trade espn.com of defensive lineman Rashan Gary to the Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Indianapolis Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce espn.com but traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The New York Jets overhauled their defense espn.com, adding linebacker Demario Davis and edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The Washington Commanders added linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com and signed linebacker Leo Chenal espn.com to a three-year, $24.75 million deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers kept defensive captain Cameron Heyward espn.com on a one-year extension and signed cornerback Jamel Dean espn.com for three years, $36.75 million. The Baltimore