NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 1:50 AM ET
Free Agency: Third Day Sees Offensive Line Shuffles, Defensive Additions Accumulate
The NFL’s free agency period entered its third day with a continued focus on fortifying offensive lines and adding pass-rushing depth, as teams capitalized on the veteran market. The New York Jets, after acquiring quarterback Geno Smith via trade espn.com, further bolstered his protection by agreeing to a two-year, $20 million contract with guard Dylan Parham espn.com. This move comes as the Jets’ new offensive scheme under head coach Aaron Glenn seeks to maximize Smith’s return, a sentiment echoed by former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who took responsibility for Smith’s struggles in Las Vegas and predicted a rebound in New York espn.com. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns executed a significant offensive line overhaul, releasing starting tackle Jack Conklin after six injury-plagued seasons espn.com while re-signing guard Teven Jenkins espn.com and adding former Packers interior lineman Elgton Jenkins on a two-year deal espn.com. This series of moves directly addresses the unit’s fragility from a season where all five starters were free agents.
Quarterback Market Stabilizes with Major Deals
The quarterback volatility of early free agency subsided with two landmark agreements. The Indianapolis Colts locked in Daniel Jones on a two-year, $88 million contract that can reach $100 million espn.com, providing a proven veteran to compete for the starting role after his release from the Giants. In a separate move, the Baltimore Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson’s contract, creating nearly $40 million in immediate salary cap space espn.com, a maneuver that offers flexibility for future moves. These deals contrast with the Jets’ trade for Geno Smith, highlighting a market where established starters command premium guarantees while teams like Indianapolis and Baltimore balance financial responsibility with roster construction.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Movement Features Key Losses and Holds
The wide receiver market saw a notable exit as Mike Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, departing as the franchise’s all-time leader in virtually every major receiving category espn.com. His departure creates a significant void for a Buccaneers team that also lost defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year, $6 million deal espn.com. On the acquisition side, the New York Giants signed Calvin Austin III to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million espn.com, adding a versatile weapon to a receiving corps being transformed under new coach Dan Quinn. The Miami Dolphins also added depth, agreeing to terms with Tutu Atwell on a one-year contract espn.com. At tight end, the Buffalo Bills navigated a difficult cap situation by re-signing Dawson Knox to a new three-year deal espn.com, ensuring his presence alongside quarterback Josh Allen.
Defensive Front Seven Sees High-Value Pass Rusher Deals
The edge rusher market heated up with several impactful signings. The Buffalo Bills strengthened their pass rush dramatically by adding former Denver Broncos star Bradley Chubb on a three-year, $43.5 million deal with $29 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $52.5 million espn.com. This follows the Bills’ earlier addition of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a one-year, $6 million contract espn.com. The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, invested in defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a two-year, $23 million pact espn.com, while the Atlanta Falcons signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam espn.com. The San Francisco 49ers, after trading defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick espn.com, saw defensive end Bryce Huff announce his retirement espn.com, a surprising development after his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Secondary Reinforcements Bolster Multiple Contenders
Teams prioritized cornerback and safety depth with targeted veteran additions. The Philadelphia Eagles, already active in free agency, signed cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million espn.com and linebacker Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year, $7.3 million maximum contract espn.com. The Kansas City Chiefs addressed a need by signing former Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou espn.com, while the New York Giants added Greg Newsome II on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million espn.com. The New England Patriots signed former Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard III, the NFL’s interceptions leader in 2025, to a one-year, $9