NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 8:40 AM ET
Quarterback Movement and Evaluation
The quarterback carousel saw several veteran moves as Trey Lance agreed to return espn.com to the Los Angeles Chargers, providing depth behind Justin Herbert. This came as Josh Johnson signed espn.com a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, his eighth NFL team, to compete with Joe Burrow. Meanwhile, Geno Smith returned espn.com to the New York Jets on a deal that he believes will make him a "better player" than during his first stint, offering stability for Aaron Rodgers' eventual successor. The market for starting-caliber veterans remains thin, with analysts noting that teams like the Minnesota Vikings, after acquiring Kyler Murray espn.com, are banking on a career resurgence, while remaining free agents like Kirk Cousins espn.com still await a landing spot that matches their veteran status and financial expectations.
Wide Receiver Additions and Restructures
The New York Giants aggressively addressed their receiving corps, first by signing Darnell Mooney espn.com to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, and then by adding Calvin Austin III espn.com on a one-year pact worth up to $4.5 million. These moves come after the team released several long-tenured players. In Tennessee, the Titans restructured Calvin Ridley's contract espn.com to keep the productive receiver for the 2026 season, avoiding a potential cap casualty. The Miami Dolphins added Tutu Atwell espn.com on a one-year deal, providing speed behind their star tandem. Analysts assessing overall free agency cited the 49ers and Giants espn.com among teams that made the most significant improvements at the skill positions through these strategic, value-driven signings.
Offensive Line Shifts and Extensions
A major story was the Cincinnati Bengals' commitment to their protectors, as they extended left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. espn.com on a two-year deal, securing their bookend tackle. Contrastingly, the Cleveland Browns released veteran tackle Jack Conklin espn.com, a move that saves $11.4 million against the cap but opens a starting spot after a tenure plagued by injuries. The Browns' early free agency focus has been squarely on attacking offensive line issues espn.com, a strategy that includes other moves not detailed here. On the open market, former Packers tackle Rasheed Walker espn.com agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers, adding competition to their offensive front.
Defensive Backfield Reinforcements
The Buffalo Bills dramatically reshaped their secondary, adding safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson espn.com on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, a player known for his playmaking and controversial moments. They also signed safety Geno Stone espn.com to a one-year pact, providing depth and experience. The New York Jets bolstered their safety position espn.com by agreeing to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with Andre Cisco. The Detroit Lions added cornerback Roger McCreary espn.com on a one-year contract, while the Kansas City Chiefs signed cornerback Kader Kohou espn.com to address a longstanding need. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad espn.com, who recorded 11 sacks in 2025, to a one-year, $6 million deal to supplement their edge rush.
Team Rebuilds and Strategic Directions
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason additions of running back Rico Dowdle and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. signal a clear shift toward a physical, run-first offense espn.com under coach Mike McCarthy's planned system. In New Orleans, the Saints are ushering in a younger era espn.com under coach Kellen Moore, a process accelerated by free agency departures of veterans, highlighted by the signing of running back Travis Etienne Jr., a move Etienne called "full circle" due to his family's roots with the franchise. The San Francisco 49ers received a boost when linebacker Dre Greenlaw returned espn.com on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, though they also saw defensive end Bryce Huff announce his retirement. The Philadelphia Eagles added linebacker Arnold Ebiketie espn.com on a one-year, $7.3 million deal to their pass rush.
Cap Management, Releases, and External Factors
The Tennessee Titans created significant cap space by releasing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed espn.com, a move that saves $11.4 million after two injury-plagued seasons. The Indianapolis Colts' free agency has been described as bumpy espn.com; they retained quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce but lost out on edge rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, leaving their pass rush upgrade incomplete. The Seattle Seahawks' general manager warned that Washington state's new income tax espn.com on high earners could negatively impact the team's ability to sign free agents, introducing a non-football factor into roster building. The vast memorabilia collection of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sold for over $93 million espn.com at auction, a financial footnote separate from team operations.
Remaining Market and Final Notes
With the initial wave of free agency settled, nine top remaining free agents espn.com like Aaron Rodgers, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings are still seeking teams, with analysts proposing specific landing spots that balance need and fit. The Jaguars' front office denied "fraudulent claims" espn.com about shopping receiver Brian Thomas Jr., attempting to quell trade rumors. The Washington Commanders added running back Rachaad White espn.com to their backfield, while the Dallas Cowboys re-signed cornerback Cobie Durant espn.com to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. The Atlanta Falcons signed former Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam espn.com, and the Los Angeles Rams are anticipating the reunion of former Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.