NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 10:57 PM ET
Quarterback Movements & Offseason Strategies
The Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones espn.com to a two-year, $88 million contract with a potential value of $100 million, a player-friendly deal that provides financial security while the team continues to evaluate its long-term quarterback situation. In Baltimore, the Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in salary cap space, a move that offers immediate financial flexibility ahead of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the New York Jets re-acquired Geno Smith espn.com via trade, with the quarterback returning to the franchise that drafted him in 2013. Smith, who will also face a familiar face in Pete Carroll espn.com now with the Raiders, vowed to be a "better player" than during his first stint, a sentiment countered by Carroll, who took partial blame for Smith's struggles in Las Vegas.
Defensive Additions: Edge Rushers and Secondary
The edge rusher market saw significant activity, led by the Buffalo Bills adding a premier talent. Former Denver Broncos star Bradley Chubb agreed to a three-year deal espn.com worth up to $52.5 million with $29 million guaranteed, providing a major boost to a pass rush that lost several key pieces. The Cincinnati Bengals bolstered their defense espn.com by signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $28 million contract, while the Green Bay Packers added depth espn.com with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a two-year, $23 million pact. In the secondary, the Philadelphia Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, and the Kansas City Chiefs addressed a need espn.com by acquiring cornerback Kader Kohou. The Chiefs also added safety Alohi Gilman espn.com on a three-year, $24.75 million contract and re-signed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton espn.com to a two-year deal.
Offensive Line Shuffle and Running Back Transactions
Offensive line moves dominated the early free agency window. The Cleveland Browns released starting tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons, a cap-saving move that underscores the team's ongoing rebuild of its front five. They promptly re-signed guard Teven Jenkins espn.com and added guard Elgton Jenkins espn.com on a two-year deal after his release from Green Bay. The New York Jets reinforced their line espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $20 million contract with guard Dylan Parham. The Houston Texans secured a tackle espn.com by signing Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed. In the backfield, the Washington Commanders added Rachaad White espn.com to their running back room, the Detroit Lions signed Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers landed Rico Dowdle espn.com on a two-year, $12.25 million contract.
Team-Specific Overhauls and Notable Re-Signings
The New York Giants executed a clear strategy of adding former Baltimore Ravens players, signing tight end Isaiah Likely espn.com to reshape their offense and reuniting fullback Patrick Ricard espn.com with coach John Harbaugh. They also re-signed tackle Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing seasons and added cornerback Greg Newsome II espn.com on a one-year, $10 million deal. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after the free agency departure of all-time leading receiver Mike Evans espn.com to a one-year, $6 million deal to aid their pass rush. The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, though they also saw defensive end Bryce Huff announce his retirement. The Carolina Panthers made a major investment espn.com in former Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million contract.
Special Teams, Cap Management, and League News
The Houston Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn the highest-paid kicker in NFL history espn.com with a two-year, $13 million extension. The Buffalo Bills re-signed tight end Dawson Knox espn.com to a new three-year deal to navigate a difficult cap situation. The New England Patriots added wide receiver Romeo Doubs espn.com on a four-year deal worth up to $80 million and signed safety Kevin Byard III espn.com, the NFL's interceptions leader in 2025, to a one-year, $9 million contract. The Patriots also released linebacker Anfernee Jennings espn.com, saving $3.8 million against the cap. The NFL announced the reinstatement espn.com of its front office and coaching accelerator program, which will now include non-minority participants. The league is also considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game espn.com to its broadcast schedule.