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NFL Free Agency 2026: Top QBs, Big Spenders, and Key Moves

ESPN NFL •
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NFL free agency kicks off March 11 with a $301.2 million salary cap and several high-profile quarterbacks hitting the market. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Joe Flacco will be available when the negotiating window opens Monday at noon ET. Teams can start discussions with players six days before contracts can officially be signed.

The quarterback market features intriguing options including Kyler Murray, who can be signed for a league-minimum $1.3 million due to offset language in his contract. Murray's combination of experience, talent, and affordability makes him particularly attractive. Other notable quarterbacks available include Malik Willis, who thrived as Jordan Love's backup in Green Bay, and the possibility of Tua Tagovailoa becoming a free agent if the Dolphins can't trade him.

Defensively, proven pass rushers like Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, and Khalil Mack headline the available talent. The Tennessee Titans stand out with nearly $100 million in cap space to address multiple needs. Several players are poised to break the bank, including center Tyler Linderbaum, who could exceed the current $18 million per year record, and wide receiver Alec Pierce, whose explosive playmaking ability has teams prepared to offer contracts in the high-$20 million range.