NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 12:49 AM ET
NFL Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period exploded with activity as teams scrambled to address roster needs. The Eagles bolstered their pass rush espn.com by signing Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year, $7.3 million deal, while the 49ers reacquired linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com on a $7.5 million contract. However, they also lost defensive end Bryce Huff to retirement espn.com, creating a ripple effect across their defensive line. The Giants surprised many by re-signing offensive tackle Evan Neal espn.com despite his disappointing four-year tenure, while the Cowboys traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers espn.com for a 2026 third-round pick, signaling their confidence in their current defensive line depth.
Veteran Signings and Returns
Several veteran players found new homes or returned to familiar places. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson headed to Buffalo espn.com on a one-year, $6 million deal, joining the Bills' defensive backfield. Meanwhile, Geno Smith prepared for his Jets reunion espn.com, vowing to be "better than ever" in his second stint with New York after the team traded for him before he hit free agency. The Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in salary cap space, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining flexibility while keeping their franchise quarterback. In a more controversial move, the Jaguars' GM denied Brian Thomas Jr. trade rumors espn.com, calling reports that they were shopping the third-year receiver "fraudulent claims."
Offensive Line Reshuffling
The offensive line market saw significant movement as teams addressed one of football's most critical positions. The Bengals locked up left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com with a two-year extension, while the Browns released veteran Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-marred seasons. Cleveland immediately pivoted to sign Elgton Jenkins espn.com, who was released by the Packers just a day earlier. The Texans added offensive tackle Braden Smith espn.com to a two-year, $25 million deal, strengthening their protection for young quarterback C.J. Stroud. Meanwhile, the Patriots added Alijah Vera-Tucker espn.com to a three-year deal, bolstering their offensive line depth despite his injury history.
Running Back Carousel
The running back position saw substantial turnover as teams looked to upgrade their backfields. The Seahawks signed former Packers running back Emanuel Wilson espn.com to replace Kenneth Walker III, while the Commanders added Rachaad White espn.com to their backfield mix. The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, creating a potentially dynamic duo in Detroit. The Vikings restructured Aaron Jones' deal espn.com to keep him off the free agent market, demonstrating their commitment to continuity in the running game.
Defensive Additions Across the League
Defensive reinforcements came from all directions as teams looked to improve their units. The Buccaneers added edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com to a one-year, $6 million deal, while the Falcons signed former Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam espn.com. The Packers added cornerback Benjamin St-Juste espn.com to bolster their secondary, and the Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. The Patriots signed safety Kevin Byard espn.com to a one-year, $9 million contract, landing the NFL's interception leader from 2025.
Tight End and Wide Receiver Moves
The passing game saw significant changes as teams upgraded their receiving corps. The Giants signed Calvin Austin III espn.com to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, adding speed to their wide receiver room. The Bears reunited Kalif Raymond with Ben Johnson espn.com, bringing the wide receiver to Chicago on a one-year deal. The Texans signed former Saints tight end Foster Moreau espn.com, while the Commanders added tight end Chig Okonkwo espn.com to their offensive arsenal. The Patriots signed former Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs espn.com to a four-year, $80 million deal, representing one of the more surprising moves of the early signing period.
Special Teams and Depth Additions
Teams continued to build depth and address special teams needs. The Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn the NFL's highest-paid kicker espn.com with a two-year, $13 million extension. The Packers signed wide receiver/kick returner Skyy Moore espn.com to a one-year deal, adding versatility to their special teams units. The Dolphins signed wide receiver Tutu Atwell espn.com, while the Commanders added linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com to their pass rush rotation. These moves, while not headline-grabbing, represent the crucial depth building that separates playoff teams from also-rans.
Coaching and Front Office Developments
Beyond player movement, the NFL announced it would reinstate its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, which had been paused in 2025. The program will now include non-minority participants, according to a memo sent to teams. Additionally, the league is considering adding a game on Thanksgiving Eve espn.com to this season's schedule, continuing its exploration of additional broadcast windows to maximize revenue opportunities. These behind-the-scenes developments highlight the league's ongoing efforts to evolve and expand its footprint.