NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 9:56 AM ET
Quarterback Market Stabilizes
The Indianapolis Colts secured their quarterback future espn.com by re-signing Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract with incentives pushing the value to $100 million, while the Minnesota Vikings added a high-risk, high-reward option espn.com in Kyler Murray, whose release from the Cardinals creates a new competition with J.J. McCarthy and a potential boost for Justin Jefferson's fantasy value. In New York, Geno Smith vowed to return better than ever espn.com with the Jets, a sentiment echoed by former coach Pete Carroll, who took blame for Smith's Las Vegas struggles espn.com while predicting a rebound. Meanwhile, the free-agent market for veterans like Kirk Cousins remains unresolved as teams evaluate perfect landing spots espn.com for remaining quarterbacks.
Defensive Backfield Overhauls
Safety emerged as a key target, with the Buffalo Bills making a double move espn.com by adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a one-year, $6 million deal and Geno Stone on a one-year contract. Gardner-Johnson dismissed negative perceptions espn.com about his tenure in Philadelphia, focusing on his role in Buffalo. The New York Jets reinforced their secondary espn.com with safety Andre Cisco on a one-year, $5.25 million pact, while the Detroit Lions signed cornerback Roger McCreary espn.com to a one-year deal. The Kansas City Chiefs addressed a need espn.com by signing former Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou, and the Los Angeles Rams reunited a tandem espn.com by adding former Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The Dallas Cowboys retained cornerback Cobie Durant espn.com on a one-year, $5.5 million contract, and the New England Patriots added veteran Kevin Byard espn.com on a one-year, $9 million deal after he led the NFL in interceptions last season.
Pass Rush and Front Seven Movements
Edge rusher and defensive line talent dominated signings, led by the Buffalo Bills making a major splash espn.com by agreeing to a three-year, $43.5 million deal (up to $52.5 with former Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb, including $29 million guaranteed. The Cincinnati Bengals bolstered their defensive tackle rotation espn.com with Jonathan Allen on a two-year, $28 million contract, while also locking up left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com with a two-year extension. The Green Bay Packers added interior depth espn.com by signing Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million deal. The Philadelphia Eagles strengthened their edge espn.com with Arnold Ebiketie on a one-year, $7.3 million maximum contract, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com to a one-year, $6 million deal after his 11-sack season. The Atlanta Falcons added Samson Ebukam espn.com on a one-year contract, and the Washington Commanders continued their overhaul espn.com by signing K'Lavon Chaisson. In a surprising retirement, 49ers defensive end Bryce Huff stepped away espn.com, though linebacker Dre Greenlaw returned to San Francisco espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.
Offensive Line Shakeups and Running Back Additions
The offensive line saw significant turnover, beginning with the Cleveland Browns releasing Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons, a move that opens cap space despite his $12.5 million dead money hit. Conversely, the Browns successfully addressed their line espn.com by re-signing Trey Pipkins III to a two-year, $10 million deal. The New York Jets added guard Dylan Parham espn.com on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million, providing crucial reinforcement. The Bengals, meanwhile, extended their cornerstone espn.com in Orlando Brown Jr. The running back market featured the New Orleans Saints signing Travis Etienne Jr. espn.com, a full-circle moment for the Louisiana native who corrected the pronunciation of his name espn.com as he joins a backfield in transition. The Seattle Seahawks