NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 2:43 PM ET
Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period exploded with activity as teams scrambled to fill roster holes. The Colts locked in Daniel Jones espn.com on a two-year, $88 million deal that could reach $100 million, keeping their quarterback while losing out on Trey Hendrickson. Meanwhile, the Commanders bolstered their backfield espn.com by adding Rachaad White to join their revamped offense. The Eagles strengthened their pass rush espn.com with Arnold Ebiketie on a one-year, $7.3 million max deal, while the Giants surprised many by re-signing Evan Neal espn.com despite four disappointing seasons that included healthy scratches.
Veteran Returns and Retirements
The NFL saw significant movement among veteran players, with Bryce Huff announcing his retirement espn.com after a productive career. In contrast, Dre Greenlaw returned to the 49ers espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, providing much-needed linebacker depth. The Packers added defensive tackle Javon Hargrave espn.com on a two-year, $23 million deal, while the Ravens restructured Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create nearly $40 million in cap space. The Steelers kept Cameron Heyward espn.com with a one-year extension, maintaining leadership on their defensive line.
High-Profile Signings
Several marquee players found new homes during the frenzied period. Mike Evans landed with the Ravens espn.com in a blockbuster move that sent Maxx Crosby to Baltimore before the trade was called off, with the Ravens instead signing Trey Hendrickson. The Patriots landed Kevin Byard espn.com, the NFL's interception leader in 2024, on a one-year, $9 million deal. The Buccaneers added Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com, who had 11 sacks in 2024, on a one-year, $6 million contract. The Bengals boosted their defense espn.com by signing Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $28 million deal while extending left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Quarterback Carousel
The quarterback market saw significant movement as well. Geno Smith agreed to return to the Jets espn.com, with Pete Carroll taking blame for Smith's struggles in Las Vegas. The Vikings kept Aaron Jones Sr. espn.com after restructuring his deal, while the Seahawks signed Emanuel Wilson espn.com to replace Kenneth Walker III. The NFL reinstated its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, now including non-minority participants, as teams prepared for the upcoming draft and season.
Offensive Line Overhauls
Several teams addressed their offensive line needs aggressively. The Browns released Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-marred seasons while re-signing Teven Jenkins espn.com and adding Elgton Jenkins on a two-year deal espn.com. The Texans strengthened their line espn.com by signing Braden Smith to a two-year, $25 million contract with $13.5 million guaranteed. The Chargers kept Trey Pipkins III espn.com on a two-year, $10 million deal, maintaining continuity on their offensive front.
Special Teams Moves
The Texans made Ka'imi Fairbairn the NFL's highest-paid kicker espn.com with a two-year, $13 million extension. The Packers added Skyy Moore espn.com on a one-year deal to bolster their return game. The Giants brought back Patrick Ricard espn.com, reuniting with John Harbaugh's system, while the Commanders added Chig Okonkwo espn.com and signed K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com to improve their special teams units.
Divisional Developments
Within divisions, the Chiefs added cornerback Kader Kohou espn.com while Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson prepared to reunite as cornerbacks espn.com. The Ravens reshaped their offense espn.com by signing four former Ravens, kick-starting the transformation of the "Baltimore Giants" under John Harbaugh. The Saints addressed their linebacker corps espn.com by signing Kaden Elliss to a three-year, $33 million deal, reuniting with the player they originally drafted.
Notable Departures
Several veterans changed teams, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson heading to the Bills espn.com on a one-year, $6 million deal. Calvin Austin III left the Steelers for the Giants espn.com on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. The Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers espn.com for a 2026 third-round pick, while Foster Moreau agreed to sign with the Texans espn.com. The Falcons reached a deal with Samson Ebukam espn.com, adding defensive end depth.
Future Considerations
The NFL is considering adding a game espn.com the day before Thanksgiving to this season's schedule as it explores additional broadcast windows. The Giants' ownership requested to transfer stakes espn.com to their children's trusts, while the league continues to monitor the evolving free agency market. With Aaron Rodgers, Deebo Samuel, and other top players still available, teams are positioning themselves for the upcoming draft and regular season.