NFL Football 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 5:40 PM ET
Free Agency Signings and Contract Moves
The Eagles retained tight end Goedert on a one-year deal to keep him in Philadelphia for his ninth season, while also adding pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie on a one-year, $7.3 million contract. The Giants secured wide receiver Darnell Mooney on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, then added Calvin Austin III for up to $4.5 million. The Panthers re-signed safety Nick Scott after his career-high 111 tackles last season and added former Packers tackle Rasheed Walker. The Bills brought back safety Geno Stone on a one-year deal and signed veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson for up to $6 million. The Titans restructured Calvin Ridley's contract to keep him for 2026 and released cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, saving $11.4 million against the cap. The Chargers re-signed quarterback Trey Lance, while the Bengals added veteran Josh Johnson for quarterback depth.
Veteran Returns and Positional Battles
Safety Nick Scott's return to Carolina comes after his career season with 111 tackles, providing veteran leadership to the secondary. The Steelers' offseason moves, including adding Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle, signal a shift toward a "physical, run-first offense" in 2026 under Mike McCarthy's vision. Meanwhile, the Saints are ushering in a younger era under Kellen Moore, with Travis Etienne Jr. joining New Orleans on a deal that connects to his family roots. The Lions added cornerback Roger McCreary on a one-year contract, while the Jets signed safety Andre Cisco to a 1-year, $5.25 million deal. The Cowboys reached agreement with cornerback Cobie Durant on a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
Team Strategies and Market Impact
Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider expressed concern that Washington state's new income tax on high earners could negatively impact the team's ability to sign free agents. The Buccaneers added pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, who recorded 11 sacks in 2025, on a one-year, $6 million deal. The Titans' release of Sneed and restructuring of Ridley's deal reflects their cap management strategy as they retool their roster. The Jaguars' GM James Gladstone denied trade rumors about receiver Brian Thomas Jr., calling reports that they were shopping the third-year player "fraudulent claims."
Notable Departures and Market Analysis
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III left the Steelers to sign with the Giants, while the Eagles' addition of Ebiketie and re-signing of Goedert shows their commitment to maintaining core pieces. The market analysis suggests teams like the 49ers have made significant improvements through free agency, with several rosters taking major steps forward in the signing period. The Colts' free agency approach, keeping Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce while missing out on Trey Hendrickson, has sparked debate about whether they won or lost the offseason. As free agency continues, teams are balancing immediate needs with long-term cap flexibility, with veteran players finding new homes and young talent being prioritized in several markets.