NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 12:44 AM ET
Free Agency Frenzy
The NFL's free agency period saw several high-profile moves as teams scrambled to improve their rosters. The New York Giants landed wide receiver Darnell Mooney espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, adding depth to their receiving corps. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers re-signed quarterback Trey Lance espn.com to bolster their backup options behind starter Justin Herbert. The Tennessee Titans restructured Calvin Ridley's contract espn.com to ensure the star wideout remains with the team through the 2026 season.
Veteran Additions and Departures
Several teams made moves to address specific needs through veteran acquisitions. The Buffalo Bills signed safety Geno Stone espn.com to a one-year deal, adding depth to their secondary. The Detroit Lions brought in cornerback Roger McCreary espn.com on a similar one-year contract to strengthen their defensive backfield. The New York Jets agreed to terms with safety Andre Cisco espn.com on a one-year, $5.25 million deal, while the Dallas Cowboys reached an agreement with cornerback Cobie Durant espn.com on a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
Defensive Reinforcements
Teams continued to bolster their defensive units through free agency. The Philadelphia Eagles signed linebacker Arnold Ebiketie espn.com to a one-year, $7.3 million deal to enhance their pass rush. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com on a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. The Cincinnati Bengals signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen espn.com to a two-year, $28 million deal, significantly upgrading their interior defensive line.
Offensive Line Moves
Several teams addressed their offensive line needs through free agency. The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with former Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker espn.com, while the Cleveland Browns released starting tackle Jack Conklin espn.com after six injury-plagued seasons. The Bengals extended left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com on a two-year deal, ensuring continuity on their offensive line.
Running Back Market
The running back position saw significant movement, with the Seattle Seahawks signing former Packers running back Emanuel Wilson espn.com to replace departing Kenneth Walker III. The New Orleans Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. espn.com to a deal that holds personal significance for the Louisiana native. The Washington Commanders agreed to terms with running back Rachaad White espn.com to bolster their backfield depth.
Quarterback Carousel
While most teams have their starting quarterbacks set, some made moves at the position. The Cincinnati Bengals signed veteran Josh Johnson espn.com for quarterback depth behind Joe Burrow. The New York Giants added Calvin Austin III espn.com to their receiving corps, potentially providing another weapon for whoever wins their quarterback competition.
Team-Specific Strategies
Several teams made moves that reflect their specific strategic approaches. The San Francisco 49ers re-signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw espn.com to a one-year, $7.5 million deal while defensive end Bryce Huff announced his retirement espn.com. The Kansas City Chiefs signed cornerback Kader Kohou espn.com to address their secondary needs. The Atlanta Falcons reached a deal with former Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam espn.com.
Salary Cap and Financial Moves
Teams had to make difficult decisions regarding their salary cap situations. The Tennessee Titans released cornerback L'Jarius Sneed espn.com in a move that will save $11.4 million against the cap. The Seattle Seahawks' general manager John Schneider expressed concern about Washington state's new income tax on high earners potentially impacting the team's ability to sign free agents espn.com.
Retirements and Coaching Changes
The NFL landscape also saw some significant retirements and coaching adjustments. Defensive end Bryce Huff announced his retirement espn.com after a solid career with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. The New Orleans Saints are ushering in a new era under second-year coach Kellen Moore espn.com, with free agency impacting several longtime players as the team transitions to a younger roster.
As free agency continues, several notable players remain unsigned, including Aaron Rodgers, Deebo Samuel, and Kirk Cousins. Teams are still evaluating their needs and available cap space as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft. The New York Giants, in particular, have been active, signing four former Ravens espn.com in what they're calling their "Baltimore Giants" transformation under John Harbaugh's influence.
The Cleveland Browns have attacked their offensive line issues head-on espn.com during the early window of NFL free agency, making it a priority to improve one of the league's weakest units from last season. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts' free agency moves, including keeping Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce while losing out on Trey Hendrickson, have left some questioning whether they won or lost the offseason espn.com.