NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Quarterback Movement and Commentary
The New York Jets' acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith via trade, bringing him back to the franchise that drafted him in 2013, completed a reunion espn.com that Smith vowed would yield a better player than his first stint. Saying he's confident espn.com, Smith addressed his past struggles, while former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, in his first interview since being fired espn.com, took blame for Smith's difficulties in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts secured their quarterback espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $88 million contract with Daniel Jones, a deal that can reach $100 million, formally ending his tenure with the Giants. In Minnesota, the Vikings' signing of Kyler Murray poses a critical question espn.com for the roster: whether Murray can resurrect his career and boost an offense already featuring Justin Jefferson, potentially impacting the star receiver's fantasy value.
Wide Receiver Market Activity
The wide receiver market saw significant movement, led by the New York Giants adding Calvin Austin III espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. The Giants continued their offensive overhaul by reuniting with former Raven espn.com Isaiah Likely, a move analysts suggest will reshape their passing game under new coordinator John Harbaugh. They also signed Greg Newsome II espn.com to a one-year, $10 million deal to address cornerback needs and added Patrick Ricard espn.com, the former Ravens fullback, on a two-year contract. The Miami Dolphins signed Tutu Atwell espn.com to a one-year deal, while the Detroit Lions lost Kalif Raymond espn.com to the Chicago Bears on a one-year pact. The New England Patriots made a major addition, landing Romeo Doubs espn.com on a four-year deal worth up to $80 million after his release from Green Bay.
Running Back and Tight End Additions
Teams fortified their backfields and tight end rooms with several signings. The Washington Commanders bolstered their depth espn.com by agreeing to terms with free agent running back Rachaad White. The Kansas City Chiefs added Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with incumbent Jahmyr Gibbs for the Lions, while the Commanders also signed Chig Okonkwo espn.com to a three-year contract at tight end. The Buffalo Bills found a cap solution espn.com for tight end Dawson Knox, signing him to a new three-year deal to keep him on the 2026 roster. The Houston Texans agreed to terms espn.com with former Saints tight end Foster Moreau, adding another target for their quarterback.
Defensive Front Seven Shakeup
The edge rusher and interior defensive line markets were highly active. The Buffalo Bills made a major splash espn.com by signing pass rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million deal with up to $52.5 million and $29 million fully guaranteed. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added depth espn.com by agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, who posted 11 sacks in 2025. The Cincinnati Bengals significantly upgraded espn.com their defensive tackle position by signing Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $28 million contract, while also locking down left tackle espn.com Orlando Brown Jr. on a two-year extension. The Green Bay Packers added Javon Hargrave espn.com on a two-year, $23 million deal to strengthen their interior. The Washington Commanders continued their defensive overhaul, adding linebacker Leo Chenal espn.com on a reported three-year, $24.75 million deal and signing edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com to a one-year contract.
Linebacker and Secondary Moves
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw returned to the 49ers espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, a move that coincided with defensive end Bryce Huff's retirement announcement. The New Orleans Saints reunited with Kaden Elliss espn.com, signing the linebacker to a three-year, $33 million deal after his three seasons in Atlanta. The Jacksonville Jaguars' front office firmly denied trade rumors espn.com surrounding receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling reports "fraudulent claims." The Kansas City Chiefs added needed cornerback help espn.com by signing Kader Kohou, while the New England Patriots signed safety Kevin Byard III espn.com, the NFL's interceptions leader in 2025, to a one-year, $9 million deal. The Chiefs also signed safety Alohi Gilman espn.com to a three-year, $24.75 million contract and added wide receiver Tyquan Thornton espn.com on a two-year, $11 million deal.
Offensive Line Overhauls and Releases
The offensive line was a focal point, particularly for the Cleveland Browns. After releasing starting tackle Jack Conklin following six injury-marred seasons espn.com, the Browns re-signed guard Teven Jenkins espn.com and agreed to a two-year deal espn.com with former Packers guard/center Elgton Jenkins. The New York Jets added guard Dylan Parham espn.com on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million. The Houston Texans bolstered their line espn.com by signing free agent tackle Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million fully guaranteed. The Los Angeles Chargers kept versatile lineman Trey Pipkins III espn.com on a two-year, $10 million deal, while the Detroit Lions re-signed Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing seasons, including being a healthy scratch for most of 2025.
Special Teams and Organizational News
The Houston Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid kicker in NFL history with a two-year, $13 million extension. The NFL announced the reinstatement espn.com of its front office and coaching accelerator program, now expanded to include non-minority participants. In a separate ownership matter, an NFL memo revealed that Giants co-owners espn.com the Tisch family requested to transfer their team stakes to their children's trusts. The Thanksgiving schedule may also expand with a Wednesday game espn.com under consideration. Finally, the football world mourned the passing espn.com of Matt Snell, the three-time Pro Bowl fullback who scored the only touchdown in the Jets' Super Bowl III victory, who died at age.