NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 5:36 PM ET
Quarterback Movement and Depth
The quarterback carousel spun actively as Trey Lance returned to the Chargers espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $6.75 million, providing Los Angeles with experienced depth behind Justin Herbert. In Cincinnati, veteran journeyman Josh Johnson signed a one-year deal espn.com to rejoin the Bengals, adding competition for the backup role. Meanwhile, Geno Smith, after a challenging season in Las Vegas, agreed to rejoin the Jets espn.com with Pete Carroll taking responsibility for his previous struggles. The Minnesota Vikings' acquisition of Kyler Murray reshapes their offensive outlook espn.com and Justin Jefferson's fantasy value, while the New York Giants bolstered their receiving corps by adding Calvin Austin III on a one-year, $4.5M deal espn.com.
AFC East Overhauls
The Buffalo Bills executed a significant defensive remodel, agreeing to terms with safety Geno Stone on a one-year deal espn.com before landing a major upgrade in free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a one-year, $6M contract espn.com. Gardner-Johnson stated he is unbothered by negative perceptions espn.com about his tenure in Philadelphia. The Bills further strengthened their pass rush by signing former Dolphin Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5M deal espn.com with $29 million guaranteed, a pact that could max out at $52.5 million. In Miami, the Dolphins added wide receiver depth by signing Tutu Atwell to a one-year contract espn.com.
Bengals Bolster Offense and Defense
Cincinnati made two key moves to solidify its core, agreeing to a two-year, $28 million contract with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in the latest boost to the defense espn.com. Earlier, the team locked down left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com with a two-year extension, securing a critical piece of their offensive line. The Bengals also signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson for depth espn.com, as detailed above.
Saints Enter New Era
Under second-year coach Kellen Moore, the Saints are ushering in a younger, retooled roster espn.com, moving on from some longtime veterans. The signing of running back Travis Etienne Jr. is particularly meaningful, as he opened up on family ties espn.com to the franchise and the full-circle nature of joining his hometown team. Etienne also corrected the pronunciation espn.com of his name. The team also added former Saints tight end Foster Moreau from the Texans espn.com in a separate move.
Titans' Cap-Clearing Move
The Tennessee Titans created over $11 million in cap space by releasing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed after two injury-plagued seasons espn.com, a move that saves $11.4 million against the 2025 salary cap. The team simultaneously kept a key offensive weapon, agreeing to a restructured contract with wide receiver Calvin Ridley to ensure he remains through 2026 espn.com.
49ers and Cowboys Make Selective Adds
The San Francisco 49ers re-signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million contract, a key defensive retention, while also acquiring defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick espn.com. In Dallas, the Cowboys added cornerback Cobie Durant on a one-year, $5.5M deal espn.com and re-signed offensive tackle Evan Neal despite four disappointing years espn.com, including a season where he was a healthy scratch.
Eagles and Giants Add Pass Rush and Receivers
The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their edge rush by signing free agent linebacker Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year, $7.3M max deal espn.com. The New York Giants countered by adding a new receiving target, signing Calvin Austin III to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5M espn.com, as noted above.
Jets and Panthers Strengthen Offensive Lines
The New York Jets continued their offensive line rebuild by agreeing to a two-year, $20 million contract with guard Dylan Parham to add reinforcement espn.com. The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, agreed to a deal with free agent left tackle Rasheed Walker to protect their quarterback espn.com, a player also mentioned in a list of top remaining free agents and their ideal landing spots espn.com.
Seahawks Face New Tax Challenge and Add RB
Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider warned that Washington state's new high-earner income tax could negatively impact espn.com the team's free agency competitiveness. On the field, the Seahawks took a step toward replacing Kenneth Walker III by agreeing to sign former Packer running back Emanuel Wilson to a one-year, $2.1M deal espn.com.
Chiefs and Rams Swap Corners
The Kansas City Chiefs added needed cornerback help by signing ex-Dolphin Kader Kohou to a deal espn.com. In Los Angeles, the Rams welcomed former Chiefs cornerback tandem Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who are ready to reunite as a unit espn.com after both signed with the team.
Commanders and Falcons Bolster Fronts
The Washington Commanders agreed to terms with free agent running back Rachaad White to bolster the backfield espn.com. The Atlanta Falcons reached a deal with former Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam to add experience espn.com to their pass rush.
Buccaneers Lose an Era, Add a Pass Rusher
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw the end of an era as Mike Evans exited in free agency, leaving as the franchise's all-time leader in most statistical categories espn.com. To replace some pass rush, they signed free agent defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year, $6M deal espn.com.
Browns' Offensive Line Shakeup
The Cleveland Browns released starting offensive tackle Jack Conklin after six injury-marred seasons espn.com, a move that clears cap space and a roster spot. This comes as the Browns' early free agency strategy has succeeded in addressing espn.com offensive line concerns through other moves.
Colts' Mixed Bag and Memorabilia Windfall
The Indianapolis Colts' free agency was described as bumpy; they kept quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce but lost out on Trey Hendrickson espn.com in a bidding war. Separately, the vast memorabilia collection of late owner Jim Irsay sold for over $93 million espn.com at a Christie's auction.
Packers and Falcons Make Defensive Adds
The Green Bay Packers signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23M contract espn.com, adding a veteran presence. The Falcons, beyond signing Ebukam, also added defensive depth with the Muhammad signing noted above espn.com.
Jaguars Deny Trade Rumors
Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone forcefully denied reports that the team was shopping receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling any such claims “fraudulent claims” espn.com and stating the third-year player is not for trade.
Remaining Free Agent Landscape
With the initial wave settled, analysts identified nine top remaining free agents and their perfect landing spots espn.com, including potential homes for Jauan Jennings, Joey Bosa, and Kirk Cousins. A separate ranking stacked the best unsigned players espn.com, with Aaron Rodgers and Deebo Samuel among the notable names still available.
Giants' Full Circle Signing
Beyond the Austin signing, the Giants' acquisition of running back Travis Etienne Jr. was a full-circle moment espn.com for the Louisiana native, who named his son after the team and has deep family roots in New Orleans.