NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 3:41 PM ET
Titans' Salary Cap Moves
The Titans released cornerback L'Jarius Sneed espn.com in a cost-cutting move that will save $11.4 million against the salary cap, sources told ESPN. The decision comes as Tennessee continues to reshape its roster following a disappointing 2024 season. Sneed, who recorded 61 tackles and two interceptions last year, was a key defensive piece since joining the team in 2022, but his $14.4 million cap hit proved too steep for a franchise looking to create financial flexibility.
Defensive Line Reshuffling
The Cowboys traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa espn.com to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick, then sent Solomon Thomas to the Titans espn.com in a seventh-round pick swap. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers signed defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com to a one-year, $6 million deal after his 11-sack breakout season. These moves highlight how quickly the defensive tackle market has evolved, with teams prioritizing younger, cheaper options over veteran contracts.
Cornerback Market Heats Up
The Eagles signed free agent cornerback Riq Woolen espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, while the Cowboys reached agreement with Cobie Durant espn.com on a $5.5 million contract. The Chiefs added Kader Kohou espn.com to bolster their secondary, and the Rams are hoping to reunite Trent McDuffie with Jaylen Watson espn.com to recreate their Kansas City success. With the cornerback market exploding, teams are paying premium prices for proven coverage specialists.
Running Back Carousel
The Seahawks signed former Packers running back Emanuel Wilson espn.com to a one-year, $2.1 million deal as they search for Kenneth Walker III's replacement. The Commanders agreed to terms with Rachaad White espn.com, while the Vikings restructured Aaron Jones Sr.'s contract espn.com to keep him off the market. These moves reflect the league's continued investment in versatile backs who can contribute in both the running and passing games.
Quarterback Stability
The Colts reached agreement with Daniel Jones espn.com on a two-year, $88 million contract that can reach $100 million with incentives. Meanwhile, the Vikings retained Kirk Cousins espn.com on a restructured deal, and the Ravens reshaped Lamar Jackson's contract espn.com to create $40 million in cap space. These quarterback decisions are reshaping the NFL landscape, with teams either committing to their current signal-callers or creating financial flexibility for future moves.
Veteran Leadership Extensions
The Steelers agreed to a one-year extension with Cameron Heyward espn.com, keeping their defensive captain in Pittsburgh. The Bengals signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen espn.com to a two-year, $28 million contract, adding veteran leadership to their young defense. These moves demonstrate how established players are leveraging their experience and leadership into valuable contracts as teams balance youth movement with locker room stability.
Offensive Line Overhauls
The Browns released Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons while re-signing Teven Jenkins espn.com to stabilize their line. The Chargers brought back Trey Pipkins III espn.com on a two-year, $10 million deal, and the Jets signed Dylan Parham espn.com to a two-year, $20 million contract. With offensive line continuity becoming increasingly rare, teams are making aggressive moves to protect their investments at quarterback.
Special Teams Additions
The Packers signed wide receiver/kick returner Skyy Moore espn.com to a one-year deal, adding explosive return ability to their special teams unit. The Giants re-signed Evan Neal espn.com despite his struggles, betting on his upside as a former first-round pick. These decisions highlight how teams are willing to gamble on potential rather than consistently pay for proven production.
Free Agency Winners and Losers
The edge rush market exploded early in free agency espn.com, with defensive linemen commanding record contracts. The Titans called on former players espn.com to rebuild their roster, while Mike Evans landed in a new place espn.com after leaving Tampa Bay. As teams race to improve before the draft, the free agent market continues to reshape rosters across the league.
Front Office Changes
The NFL is reinstating its front office and coaching accelerator program espn.com, which was paused in 2025 and will now include non-minority participants. The Giants' ownership requested to transfer stakes to children's trusts espn.com, signaling potential succession planning. These moves reflect the league's ongoing efforts to diversify leadership while teams prepare for ownership transitions.
Coaching Perspectives
Pete Carroll took blame for Geno Smith's struggles espn.com in Las Vegas during his first interview since being fired by the Raiders. The former Seahawks coach's comments provide insight into how coaching changes can impact player performance and team dynamics, particularly at the quarterback position.
Tight End Market
The Texans agreed to a contract with Foster Moreau espn.com, while the Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal espn.com. These moves highlight how teams continue to value athletic, pass-catching tight ends in today's NFL, even as the position has evolved beyond traditional blocking roles.
Safety Signings
The Patriots signed Kevin Byard III espn.com to a one-year, $9 million deal, adding a proven ballhawk to their secondary. The Bills reached agreement with C.J. Gardner-Johnson espn.com on a one-year, $6 million contract. With safety becoming increasingly important in modern defensive schemes, teams are investing heavily in experienced players who can communicate and make plays in space.
Wide Receiver Movement
The Giants signed Calvin Austin III espn.com to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, while the Dolphins added Tutu Atwell espn.com on a similar contract. These moves reflect how teams are finding value in speedy, versatile receivers who can contribute in multiple offensive roles without breaking the bank.
Linebacker Additions
The Commanders signed K'Lavon Chaisson espn.com to add another edge rusher to their revamped pass rush, while the Saints reunited with Kaden Elliss espn.com on a three-year, $33 million deal. These signings demonstrate how teams are prioritizing linebacker depth and versatility in their defensive schemes.
Return of Familiar Faces
Geno Smith vowed to be better than ever espn.com in his second stint with the Jets, where he began his career in 2013. The Saints reunited with Kaden Elliss espn.com, and the Giants brought back Patrick Ricard espn.com from Baltimore. These reunions highlight how familiarity and past success can drive free agency decisions for both players and teams.
Contract Restructurings
Beyond Lamar Jackson's cap-clearing restructure, the Vikings adjusted Aaron Jones Sr.'s deal espn.com to create flexibility. These financial maneuvers are becoming increasingly common as teams navigate the complex salary cap landscape while trying to retain key contributors.
Draft Implications
With the draft approaching, teams like the Cowboys accumulating picks through trades espn.com and the Titans creating cap space through releases espn.com are positioning themselves to be active on draft weekend. The combination of free agency moves and draft strategy will ultimately determine which teams successfully rebuild or reload for the 2025 season.