NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 1:40 PM ET
Quarterback Market Stabilizes Amid Key Moves
The quarterback market saw defining decisions for several teams as re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones espn.com agreed to a two-year, $88 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, a deal that can reach $100 million with incentives. This commitment came after the Colts lost out on edge rusher Trey Hendrickson espn.com in free agency, creating a complex evaluation of their offseason where they retained their offensive centerpiece but failed to land a premier defensive target. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings restructured running back Aaron Jones Sr.'s deal espn.com to keep him at a reduced $5.6 million cap hit, providing stability in the backfield while the team's quarterback situation remains in flux following the release of Kirk Cousins. The New York Jets, in a surprising move, reacquired quarterback Geno Smith espn.com via trade, with Smith vowing to be a "better player" than during his first stint and head coach Pete Carroll taking responsibility for Smith's struggles espn.com in Las Vegas. In a separate development, the Arizona Cardinals' release of Kyler Murray reshapes the Minnesota Vikings' plans espn.com, potentially accelerating J.J. McCarthy's development and impacting Justin Jefferson's fantasy value.
Defensive Front Seven Shakeup Continues
The edge rusher and defensive tackle markets remained active, highlighted by the Baltimore Ravens' pivot from a failed Maxx Crosby trade to signing Trey Hendrickson espn.com after the Cincinnati Bengals added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen espn.com on a two-year, $28 million deal. The Buffalo Bills dramatically bolstered their pass rush espn.com by signing ex-Dolphin Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million contract with $29 million guaranteed, while also adding safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. The Green Bay Packers signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave espn.com to a two-year, $23 million pact, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com, who recorded 11 sacks last season, on a one-year, $6 million deal. Several teams also added depth, with the Washington Commanders signing linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com and agreeing to terms with Leo Chenal espn.com on a three-year, $24.75 million deal, while the Detroit Lions acquired running back Isiah Pacheco espn.com to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Secondary and Linebacker Reinforcements
Teams focused on upgrading coverage units and linebacker corps. The Philadelphia Eagles added cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million and signed linebacker Arnold Ebiketie espn.com to a one-year, $7.3 million max contract, significantly strengthening their defensive perimeter. The Dallas Cowboys re-signed cornerback Cobie Durant espn.com to a one-year, $5.5 million deal, while the Kansas City Chiefs addressed a need by signing cornerback Kader Kohou espn.com. The Los Angeles Rams saw former Chiefs teammates Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson reunite espn.com in their secondary. The New York Giants signed safety Patrick Ricard espn.com, a former Raven, to a two-year deal as part of their strategy to import familiar pieces from Baltimore's system. The Commanders also added safety J.C. Cross espn.com and tight end Chig Okonkwo on a three-year contract to further their offensive and defensive overhauls.
Offensive Line Transactions Reshape Fronts
The Cleveland Browns executed a major offensive line overhaul, releasing tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons and re-signing guard Teven Jenkins espn.com before adding ex-Packer Elgton Jenkins espn.com on a two-year deal. This followed their earlier signing of Trey Pipkins. The Houston Texans bolstered their line espn.com by agreeing to a two-year, $25 million contract with tackle Braden Smith, which includes $13.5 million fully guaranteed. The New York Jets added guard Dylan Parham espn.com on a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, while the Cincinnati Bengals locked down left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com with a two-year extension. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, acquired defensive tackle Solomon Thomas espn.com from the Cowboys in a seventh-round pick swap, adding a versatile veteran to their defensive front.
Wide Receiver, Tight End, and Special Teams Moves
The wide receiver market saw several one-year deals. The New York Giants signed Calvin Austin III espn.com away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million, and the Miami Dolphins added Tutu Atwell espn.com on a similar one-year contract. The New England Patriots traded for Romeo Doubs espn.com, agreeing to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million with the former Packer. The Houston Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn espn.com the highest-paid kicker in NFL history on a two-year, $13 million extension. At tight end, the Texans signed Foster Moreau espn.com, and the Commanders added Chig Okonkwo espn.com. The Green Bay Packers brought back Skyy Moore espn.com as a wide receiver and kick returner on a one-year deal, while the Seattle Seahawks signed running back Emanuel Wilson espn.com to a one-year, $2.1 million contract to help replace Kenneth Walker III.
Team-Specific Strategies and League News
The Jacksonville Jaguars strongly denied trade rumors surrounding receiver Brian Thomas Jr. espn.com, with GM James Gladstone calling them "fraudulent claims." The San Francisco 49ers re-signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million deal but lost defensive end Bryce Huff to retirement. The Pittsburgh Steelers kept defensive captain Cameron Heyward espn.com on a one-year extension. The New York Giants' strategy of adding former Ravens players continued with fullback Patrick Ricard espn.com, and they re-signed struggling tackle Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing years. The Tennessee Titans traded Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick. On the league front, the NFL reinstated its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, now including non-minority participants, and is considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game espn.com to the schedule. The sports world also mourned the passing of Super Bowl III hero Matt Snell espn.com, the Jets' fullback who scored the game's only touchdown, at age.