The two-day negotiating window of the NFL opened at 12:00 PM ET on March 9, 2026. During this period, teams can negotiate with unrestricted free agents and agree to terms before the new league year officially begins on March 11. With a record $301.2 million salary cap, franchises are executing massive roster resets and record-breaking extensions.
This year’s window features a significant rule change: for the first time, teams are permitted to have direct contact via video or phone calls with up to five unrestricted free agents, rather than communicating solely through certified agents.
From Kenneth Walker’s shocking trade to Alec Pierce’s historic retention, follow along as the NFL teams build their roster for the 2026 season.
Biggest Moves From NFL Negotiation Period
Kenneth Walker to the Kansas City Chiefs
Reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has agreed to a blockbuster three-year, $43.05 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, potentially reaching $45 million through incentives. The deal includes a substantial $28.7 million in guarantees, instantly making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid backs.
Coming off a 1,027-yard regular season and a historic playoff run where he tallied 313 rushing yards and four touchdowns, Walker provides an elite home run threat for Patrick Mahomes. His arrival adds an elite RB to a Chiefs backfield that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in explosive run rate last year.
Alec Pierce Remains With the Indianapolis Colts
Wide receiver Alec Pierce has agreed to a record-breaking four-year, $116 million contract extension to remain with the Indianapolis Colts. The deal features $84 million in total guarantees, with $60 million fully guaranteed at signing, making him one of the league’s highest-paid deep threats at $29 million per year.
He led the NFL in yards per reception for two consecutive seasons (averaging 21.3 in 2025). Pierce turned down more lucrative offers from the Patriots and Commanders to maintain his rapport with quarterback Daniel Jones.
Eric Stokes Stays in Las Vegas
Cornerback Eric Stokes has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract to remain with the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal includes $20 million in total guarantees. After struggling with injuries in Green Bay, Stokes revived his career in Las Vegas, starting 16 games in 2025. His retention provides much-needed stability for a rebuilding Raiders secondary entering the new NFL year.
Jaylen Watson Heads to the Los Angeles Rams
Cornerback Jaylen Watson has agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, featuring $34 million in total guarantees. He will reunite with former Chiefs teammate Trent McDuffie and earn an average of $17 million per year.
During his breakout 2025 season, Watson recorded 64 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions across 15 starts. He finished the year as PFF’s No. 17 cornerback, allowing just 6.9 yards per attempt as a primary defender.
Laremy Tunsil Extends With the Washington Commanders
Left tackle Laremy Tunsil has agreed to a record-setting two-year, $60.2 million extension with the Washington Commanders, making him the NFL’s first $30 million-per-year offensive lineman. The deal includes $61.5 million in total guarantees and a position-high $32.5 million signing bonus, securing him through 2028.
During the 2025 season in Washington, Tunsil started 14 games before an oblique injury ended his season. He finished as PFF’s No. 2 pass-blocker (88.9 grade), allowing just two sacks and 15 total pressures while providing elite blindside protection for Jayden Daniels.
Jaelan Phillips Gets Massive Bag From the Carolina Panthers
Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a massive four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, featuring $80 million in total guarantees. After splitting his 2025 season between Miami and Philadelphia following a midseason trade, Phillips joins a Panthers unit desperate for pass-rush pop.
During the 2025 campaign, he recorded 53 tackles and 5.0 sacks across 17 games, leading the league in pressures (41) during his eight-game stint with the Eagles.
Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a late-round pick swap, immediately signing him to a three-year, $59 million extension. The deal averages $19.67 million annually, securing the 28-year-old receiver through 2028.
During the 2025 season, Pittman started all 17 games, recording 80 receptions for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. Despite a career-low 9.8 yards per catch, he remained a reliable possession target with a 72.1% catch rate, providing much-needed veteran size opposite DK Metcalf in Mike McCarthy’s new offense.
Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins
Quarterback Malik Willis has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, featuring $45 million in total guarantees. The deal, which averages $22.5 million annually, marks a massive payday for the 26-year-old after a reviving stint in Green Bay.
During his 2025 campaign, Willis was efficient in limited action, completing 85.7% of his passes (30-of-35) for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also added 123 rushing yards and two TDs on the ground.
Isaiah Likely Signs With New York Giants
Tight end Isaiah Likely has agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with the New York Giants, featuring a maximum value of $47.5 million through incentives. This deal reunites Likely with head coach John Harbaugh and makes him one of the league’s highest-paid tight ends.
Despite a frustrating 2025 season plagued by a training camp foot injury and career lows in catches (27), yards (307), and touchdowns (1), the Giants are betting on his playmaking ceiling. Likely now steps out of Mark Andrews’ shadow to serve as a primary target for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Joseph Ossai Find Middle Ground With the New York Jets
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets, featuring $22.5 million fully guaranteed. The deal pays the 25-year-old an average of $12 million annually, a significant increase from his previous $6.5 million one-year pact.
During his 2025 breakout season with the Bengals, Ossai recorded 43 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles across 14 games and nine starts. He finished the year with a career-high 45 quarterback pressures.
Kingsley Enagbare Joins the New York Jets
Edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare has agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the New York Jets. Entering his first stint in free agency, the 26-year-old provides immediate depth for a Jets defensive front that recently traded Jermaine Johnson.
During the 2025 season, Enagbare appeared in all 17 games for the Green Bay Packers, recording 39 tackles and 2.0 sacks. While primarily a rotational player, he finished the year with a career-high nine quarterback hits and 24 pressures, maintaining his streak of never missing a regular-season game in his four-year career.
Kenny Gainwell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenneth Gainwell has agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including $10 million in guarantees. The 26-year-old enters a backfield vacated by Rachaad White, providing a high-floor receiving option for Baker Mayfield.
During his breakout 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh, Gainwell recorded a career-high 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. He emerged as one of the league’s premier dual-threat backs, catching 73 passes (6th among RBs) while averaging a healthy 4.7 yards per carry on 114 rushing attempts across 17 starts.
Jordan Stout Joins John Harbaugh in New York
Punter Jordan Stout has agreed to a record-breaking three-year, $12.3 million contract with the New York Giants, making him the NFL’s highest-paid punter. The deal averages $4.1 million per year, reuniting Stout with head coach John Harbaugh, his former coach in Baltimore.
Stout is coming off a massive 2025 breakout season where he earned First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He led the league with a 44.9-yard net average and recorded a career-high 50.1 yards per punt, including a franchise-record-tying 74-yard blast against the Jets.
Alex Anzalone Lands in Tampa Bay
Linebacker Alex Anzalone has agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It includes a significant salary increase from his previous $6 million APY. He returns to the state where he played college ball for the Florida Gators. Anzalone reportedly turned down more lucrative offers to join the Bucs’ rebuilding defense.
During his final 2025 season in Detroit, he started all 16 games, recording 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defended.
Ryan Right Moves to the New Orleans Saints
Punter Ryan Wright has agreed to a four-year, $14 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. The deal features $8 million in guarantees. The former Tulane standout returns to New Orleans after a career-best 2025 season with the Vikings.
Across 17 games, Wright averaged 49.0 yards per punt and a 44.5-yard net average, fourth-best in the NFL. He recorded a league-long 77-yard blast and pinned 25 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Coby Bryant Joins Hands With Caleb Williams
Super Bowl LX champion Coby Bryant has agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Bears. It is the team’s first major splash of the 2026 free agency period. The 26-year-old safety arrives after a career-best season in Seattle, where he recorded 66 tackles, seven passes defensed, and four interceptions across 15 starts.
He is a versatile defender who transitioned from cornerback. Bryant was a cornerstone of a Seahawks unit that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year. He now provides the Bears with a high-upside, ball-hawking starter to anchor their secondary.
Jake Bailey Is a Falcon
Punter Jake Bailey has agreed to a three-year, $9 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal features $5 million in total guarantees. The deal is a significant investment in Atlanta’s special teams after a 2025 season where the unit struggled.
During his final season with the Miami Dolphins, Bailey was very consistent. He started all 17 games and recorded 3,005 yards on 63 punts. He finished the year with a 47.7-yard average and pinned 21 kicks inside the 20-yard line.
Tyler Linderbaum Lands in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders have shattered the interior offensive line market. They signed three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to a record-breaking three-year, $81 million contract. The deal includes $60 million in guarantees and an unprecedented $27 million annual average, surpassing the previous high for a center by nearly $9 million.
Linderbaum was a cornerstone for Baltimore in 2025, starting all 17 games and finishing as PFF’s No. 5 center with an elite 83.7 run-blocking grade. He allowed only two sacks on 536 pass-blocking snaps.
Tyler Allgeier Joins the Arizona Cardinals
Tyler Allgeier agreed to a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals on March 9, 2026. The deal provides the 25-year-old with a fresh start in the desert, where he will join a backfield featuring veterans James Conner and Trey Benson.
Allgeier proved his reliability during the 2025 season by appearing in all 17 games for the Falcons. While his rushing yardage dipped to a career-low 514 yards behind Bijan Robinson, he maximized his opportunities by recording a career-high eight rushing touchdowns. Allgeier finished the year with 2.9 yards after contact per attempt.
Saints Acquire Travis Etienne Jr.
The New Orleans Saints have made a major splash in their backfield, agreeing to a four-year, $52 million contract with running back Travis Etienne Jr. The deal averages $13 million annually and brings the Louisiana native back to his home state.
Etienne is coming off a career-best 2025 season where he recorded 1,107 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six receiving). He proved to be a top dual-threat weapon, adding 36 receptions.
Titans Land Wan’Dale Robinson
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson has agreed to a four-year, $78 million contract to join the Tennessee Titans. The deal features $38 million in total guarantees. The deal reunites the 25-year-old with his former head coach, Brian Daboll, who now serves as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.
Robinson is coming off a massive 2025 breakout season with the Giants, where he recorded a career-high 92 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Stepping into a WR1 role after Malik Nabers’ injury, Robinson led all NFL receivers with 622 yards from the slot.
Jahan Dotson to Atlanta Falcons
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson has agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal features $10 million in guarantees. The former first-round pick leaves Philadelphia in search of a larger role after the Eagles declined his fifth-year option.
During the 2025 season, Dotson remained a depth piece behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, appearing in all 17 games but recording only 18 receptions for 262 yards and one touchdown. Despite the low volume, he maintained a solid 14.6 yards per catch and now joins Drake London in an overhauled Falcons passing attack.
David Edwards Lands in New Orleans
Offensive guard David Edwards has agreed to a four-year, $61 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. He joins teammate Travis Etienne in a major offensive overhaul. The deal includes a reported $35 million in total guarantees, securing the 28-year-old as a cornerstone for the Saints’ interior line through 2029.
During his 2025 campaign with the Buffalo Bills, Edwards started 16 games at left guard, allowing just three sacks and finishing with a strong 70.3 PFF grade. His elite 95% pass-block win rate last season provides blindside protection for the Saints’ young quarterback room.
Jalen Nailor Joins the Las Vegas Raiders
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor has agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal includes $23 million in guarantees and averages $11.67 million annually. The Raiders apparently view the former Vikings depth piece as a starter.
During the 2025 season, Nailor appeared in all 17 games, recording career-highs with 29 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns. Despite being overshadowed by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota, Nailor maintained an impressive 15.3 yards per catch.
Mike Evans’ New Chapter in San Francisco
Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The move ends his legendary 12-season tenure in Tampa Bay. The deal averages $20.1 million annually.
Evans’ historic streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons was snapped in 2025 due to a concussion and collarbone injury that sidelined him for nine games. He finished the year with career lows in receptions (30), yards (368), and touchdowns (3) across eight starts. Despite the injury-shortened campaign, his elite 6-foot-5 frame and red-zone prowess offer a major weapon for Brock Purdy in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns
Offensive guard Zion Johnson has agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. The deal has $32.4 million in total guarantees. The former first-round pick joins Cleveland as a replacement for Wyatt Teller, carrying an average annual value of $16.5 million.
During the 2025 season, Johnson started 16 games for the Chargers. He finished as the NFL’s No. 2 guard in run-block win rate (79.3%). While he ranked as the fifth-worst guard in pass-block win rate (87.4%), he incurred just three penalties across 1,071 snaps.
Dominique Robinson Lands in Houston
Defensive end Dominique Robinson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans with a maximum value of $4 million. The 27-year-old former fifth-round pick joins Houston as their first outside signing of the 2026 free agency period. He provided veteran depth behind starters Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
During the 2025 season, Robinson appeared in 12 games for a playoff-bound Chicago Bears team, recording 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three tackles for loss. He also added a critical sack and forced fumble during the Bears’ postseason run.
John Franklin-Myer to the Tennessee Titans
Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers has agreed to a three-year, $63 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal features $42 million in total guarantees. The contract, which averages $21 million annually, reunites the 29-year-old with head coach Robert Saleh, who previously coached him during their time with the New York Jets.
During the 2025 season, he played 16 games and recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks along with 25 tackles and 13 quarterback hits. Over his two seasons with the Broncos, he accounted for 14.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits. He now joins a Titans defensive front anchored by All-Pro Jeffrey Simmons.
Charlie Kolar to the Los Angeles Chargers
Tight end Charlie Kolar has agreed to a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The deal has $17 million in guaranteed money. The move makes the 27-year-old the NFL’s highest-paid blocking tight end, averaging $8.1 million annually.
Kolar reunites with Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz, who was part of the Baltimore front office that originally drafted him. He is coming off a 2025 season in which he played all 17 games for the first time, recording career highs of 10 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He now joins Jim Harbaugh’s squad to provide veteran stability to a revamped Chargers offense.
Titans Get Their Hands on Cor’Dale Flott
Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott has agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal features $32 million in full guarantees. The 24-year-old LSU product is the third prominent Giant to follow offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to Tennessee this week. He joins teammates Wan’Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger on the Titans roster.
Flott is coming off a massive 2025 breakout season. Across 14 games, he recorded 38 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception. He led all Giants corners by allowing a stingy 52.2% completion rate and a 73.3 passer rating when targeted. Though a knee injury in Week 16 cut his season short, his elite coverage metrics and 6-foot-2 frame made him a primary target for new Titans head coach Robert Saleh.
Cameron Thomas to the Atlanta Falcons
Defensive end Cameron Thomas has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The 26-year-old former third-round pick reunites with new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who previously coached him during their time together in Cleveland.
Thomas is coming off a productive 2025 season as a rotational rusher for the Browns. He appeared in all 17 games and recorded 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hits. Thomas was primarily used as a reserve, but was a key contributor on special teams, playing 57% of those snaps. He now joins an overhauled Falcons defense that has also added veteran presence in the secondary and receiving corps.
Bryan Cook Returns Home in Cincinnati
Safety Bryan Cook has agreed to a three-year, $42.5 million contract to join his hometown Cincinnati Bengals. The deal includes $18 million in the first year. The move brings the 26-year-old back to Cincinnati, where he starred for the Bearcats during their 2021 College Football Playoff run.
Cook is coming off a career-best 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he started all 17 games and recorded 85 total tackles and six passes defended. He finished the year with an elite 83.5 PFF grade, ranking as the fourth-best safety in the NFL.
Titans Add Alontae Taylor
Cornerback Alontae Taylor has agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal features $42 million in full guarantees. The move brings the 27-year-old back to the Volunteer State, where he starred for the University of Tennessee. Taylor was reportedly the “top target” for new Titans head coach Robert Saleh.
He is coming off a highly productive 2025 season with the Saints, where he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 83 tackles, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, and 2.0 sacks. Taylor played over 1,000 defensive snaps last year, rotating between the slot and the boundary.
He finished the season ranking first in Saints franchise history for career sacks by a cornerback (7.0). The CB was one of only three corners, alongside Tariq Woolen and Patrick Surtain II, to record 10-plus passes defended in four consecutive seasons.
Buffalo Bills Sign Dee Alford
Nickel cornerback Dee Alford has agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. The deal has $10.12 million in guarantees. It averages $7 million annually. Alford is coming off the best season of his career in 2025.
He appeared in 16 games for the Falcons, leading the team with 13 passes defensed while recording a career-high three interceptions and two sacks. He also tallied 67 total tackles and a forced fumble. His addition provides the Bills with a high-end replacement for Taron Johnson, who was recently traded to the Raiders.
Case Keenum Stays in Chicago
Veteran quarterback Case Keenum has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract to re-sign with the Chicago Bears. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, has a maximum value of $8 million through incentives and keeps the 38-year-old in Chicago as a veteran mentor to Caleb Williams.
Keenum originally joined the Bears in 2025 on a one-year, $2.25 million deal. While he did not see any regular-season action last year, head coach Ben Johnson and the Bears’ front office praised his phenomenal fit and leadership within the quarterback room. He is a 14-year veteran with 66 career starts.
SB Champion Boye Mafe Heads to the Cincinnati Bengals
Edge rusher Boye Mafe has agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal features an average annual value of $20 million. The 27-year-old former second-round pick leaves Seattle as a Super Bowl LX champion to help revive a Cincinnati pass rush that recently lost Joseph Ossai and expects to move on from Trey Hendrickson.
Mafe is coming off a 2025 season in which he played a rotational role on the Seahawks’ defense. He appeared in all 17 games (four starts) and recorded 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and five pass deflections. He finished eighth in the NFL in pass-rush win rate and recorded 44 pressures and 40 hurries according to PFF.
His postseason performance was equally impactful, as he contributed three of Seattle’s 21 pressures on Drake Maye during their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.
Odafe Oweh is a Commander
Edge rusher Odafe Oweh has agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Commanders. The deal includes $68 million in total guarantees. The move would pay him $25 million annually, putting the 27-year-old into the top tier of highest-paid edge rushers.
After a quiet start to the 2025 season in Baltimore, Oweh was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in October, where he flipped the script. He flourished in Jesse Minter’s defense, recording 7.5 sacks and a 17.3% pressure rate over just 12 games.
His market value peaked during the Wild Card round, where he delivered a dominant three-sack, two-forced-fumble performance against the Patriots. Oweh finished the 2025 campaign with a career-high 81.0 PFF pass-rush grade.
Jalen Thompson Joins the Dallas Cowboys
Safety Jalen Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal brings the 27-year-old veteran to Frisco after he spent his entire seven-year career with the Arizona Cardinals.
The move reunites Thompson with new Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith, who spent the previous three seasons as a Cardinals assistant. He is coming off a productive 2025 campaign where he recorded 95 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Thompson has averaged nearly 98 tackles per season over the last five years.
49ers Add Vederian Lowe to Protect Brock Purdy
Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The deal has $5.75 million in guaranteed money. The former Patriots swing tackle heads to the Bay Area to provide critical depth.
Lowe is coming off a 2025 season in New England, where he appeared in all 17 games, making four starts at left tackle. He allowed just one sack and two penalties across 317 offensive snaps.
Tua Tagovailoa Signs With the Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has reportedly agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The move follows the Miami Dolphins’ decision to release him on March 9, 2026. The transaction saddled Miami with an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money.
Because the Dolphins owe Tagovailoa $54 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season, the Falcons are able to sign him for the minimum. The quarterback is coming off a disappointing 2025 season, where he was benched for the final three games after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions. In 14 starts, he recorded 2,660 passing yards and 20 touchdowns and posted a 6-8 record as a starter.
Gardner Minshew Finds New Home in Arizona
Quarterback Gardner Minshew II has agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal, which was reported on March 9, 2026, is the sixth NFL team for the 29-year-old signal-caller.
Minshew spent the 2025 season as the primary backup to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. He appeared in four games, including a start in December after Mahomes suffered a knee injury. However, Minshew’s own season was cut short in Week 16 against the Titans when he suffered a severe bone bruise (initially feared to be an ACL tear). He finished his brief tenure with the Chiefs, completing 6 of 13 passes for 37 yards and one interception.
Jermaine Eluemunor Remains a Giant
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor has agreed to stay with the New York Giants, signing a three-year, $39 million contract extension. The deal includes $26 million in total guarantees and keeps the 31-year-old veteran opposite Andrew Thomas under the team’s new coaching staff, led by John Harbaugh.
Eluemunor is coming off a 2025 season in which he played a career-high 1,088 snaps and finished with an elite 76.7 pass-blocking grade from PFF, allowing just 4 sacks. His consistency at right tackle was a primary reason the Giants’ front surrendered only 15 sacks all year, compared to 30 the previous year.
Alex Singleton Extends Stay in Denver
Linebacker Alex Singleton has agreed to a two-year, $15.5 million contract to remain with the Denver Broncos. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, includes $11 million in total guarantees and a $3 million signing bonus. He becomes a cornerstone of the Denver defense through 2027.
Despite undergoing surgery for testicular cancer in November, Singleton missed only one game and finished the season as the Broncos’ leading tackler with 135 total stops. He also added one sack, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble while playing over 1,000 defensive snaps. Singleton is set to lead the interior linebacker room for a fifth consecutive season in Denver.
Trevor Penning Signs Extension With Chargers
Offensive lineman Trevor Penning has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, keeps the 26-year-old in Southern California after the Chargers originally acquired him from the Saints at the 2025 trade deadline.
After the Saints declined his fifth-year option and moved him to left guard, he was sidelined by turf toe for the first three games. Following his trade to the Chargers in November for a 2027 sixth-round pick, he totaled 193 snaps across multiple positions, including right guard (90 snaps), in-line tight end (50 snaps), and left tackle (47 snaps).
Dolphins Retain Greg Dulcich
Tight end Greg Dulcich has agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million contract to remain with the Miami Dolphins. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, keeps the 25-year-old in South Florida. After being waived by the Giants during final roster cuts in August 2025, he joined the Dolphins’ practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in October and eventually appeared in 10 games, recording 26 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown.
Nakobe Dean to the Las Vegas Raiders
Linebacker Nakobe Dean has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He joins fellow new addition Quay Walker in a complete overhaul of the Raiders’ linebacker corps. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, averages $12 million annually.
Despite missing seven games due to knee and hamstring injuries, he recorded a career-high 4.0 sacks and 55 total tackles across 10 games (eight starts).
Raiders Acquire Quay Walker
Linebacker Quay Walker has agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal features $28 million in total guarantees. The former 2022 first-round pick joins fellow free-agent addition Nakobe Dean to form a completely revamped linebacker duo in the middle of the Raiders’ defense.
Walker is coming off a 2025 campaign where he led the Green Bay Packers in tackles for the fourth consecutive season. Across 14 games, he recorded a career-high 128 total tackles, including eight for loss, along with 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits.
Kenny Pickett to the Carolina Panthers
Quarterback Kenny Pickett has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with the Carolina Panthers. The deal features $4 million in guarantees. The 27-year-old former first-round pick heads to Charlotte to serve as a backup for Bryce Young.
In Las Vegas, he appeared in six games (two starts) last season, completing 28 of 45 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Seahawks Keep Rashid Shaheed
Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed has agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract to remain with the Seattle Seahawks. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, includes $34.7 million in total guarantees and keeps the “Playoff Hero” in Seattle following the team’s Super Bowl LX victory.
He appeared in 18 regular-season games last season, recording 59 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns. His most significant impact came on special teams, where he totaled three return touchdowns. He recorded an opening kickoff return touchdown in the Divisional Round blowout of the 49ers.
Reed Blankenship Inks Deal With the Houston Texans
Safety Reed Blankenship has agreed to a three-year, $24.75 million contract with the Houston Texans. The deal, reported by Kyle McCarthy of Athletes First, brings one of the most productive young safeties to Houston’s secondary. He is coming off a 2025 season where he recorded 83 total tackles, four passes defensed, and an interception across 16 starts.
Isaac Seumalo Joins the Arizona Cardinals
Veteran guard Isaac Seumalo has agreed to a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, averages $10.5 million annually.
Seumalo is coming off a highly productive 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned his first career Pro Bowl selection. Across 14 starts at left guard, he allowed just three sacks and recorded zero penalties, finishing the year with a 74.8 PFF grade.
Chicago Bears Keep Braxton Jones
Left tackle Braxton Jones has agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract to remain with the Chicago Bears. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, includes an additional $5 million in incentives, bringing the total potential value to $10 million.
Jones returns to Chicago as a vital insurance policy for an offensive line facing injury concerns. He is expected to step back into the starting left tackle role. The team’s projected 2026 starter, Ozzy Trapilo, is recovering from a patellar tendon injury suffered during the 2025 postseason.
Kendrick Bourne Heads to Arizona
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal features a maximum value of $12 million through incentives. The 30-year-old veteran stays in the NFC West, moving from the San Francisco to the Arizona squad led by new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Bourne is coming off a 2025 season where he reunited with the 49ers after being released by the Patriots. He appeared in 16 games and finished the year with 37 receptions for 551 yards.
Kyle Allen Returns to Buffalo
Quarterback Kyle Allen has agreed to a two-year, $4.1 million contract to return to the Buffalo Bills. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, has a maximum value of $6.1 million through incentives. He reunites with his close friend Josh Allen to form the “Allen-Allen” quarterback room.
Allen spent the 2025 season as the primary backup for the Detroit Lions after beating out Hendon Hooker for the job in the preseason.
Cole Strange Moves to the Los Angeles Chargers
Offensive guard Cole Strange has agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, reunites the 27-year-old former first-round pick with Mike McDaniel.
Strange is coming off a bounce-back 2025 campaign with the Dolphins. He was released by the Patriots during final roster cuts and had a brief stint on the Browns’ practice squad. He joined Miami in September and started all 14 games he played.
Devin Lloyd Lands in Carolina
Linebacker Devin Lloyd has agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. The deal has $25 million in total guarantees. The 27-year-old former first-round pick heads to Charlotte as the top-rated linebacker on the market following a breakout season in Jacksonville.
Lloyd is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he earned second-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection. Across 15 games, he recorded 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a career-high five interceptions.
Alohi Gilman Joins Kansas City
Safety Alohi Gilman has agreed to a three-year, $24.75 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. The deal includes $15 million in fully guaranteed money. The deal, reported on March 9, 2026, brings the 28-year-old veteran to Kansas City to help rebuild a secondary that recently lost starters Bryan Cook, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson.
Gilman’s 2025 season was split between the Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens. He started all 12 games following the trade and finished the year with a career-high 90 total tackles, nine passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
Alijah Vera Tucker to Protect Drake Maye in 2026
Offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the New England Patriots. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, can reach a maximum value of $48 million through incentives and includes $21 million in full guarantees.
The 26-year-old former first-round pick moves within the AFC East after five seasons with the New York Jets. Vera Tucker missed the entire year after tearing his triceps during an offseason practice in September.
Greg Newsome II Heads to New York
Cornerback Greg Newsome II has agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the New York Giants. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, includes $3 million in guarantees and can reach a maximum value of $10 million through incentives.
Newsome started the 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns but was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in October in a swap for Tyson Campbell. Between the two teams, Newsome appeared in all 17 games (16 starts) and recorded 52 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception.
Andrew DaPaola Remains a Viking
Long snapper Andrew DePaola has agreed to a one-year, $1.725 million contract to remain with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, is fully guaranteed.
DePaola is coming off a 2025 campaign where he earned second-team All-Pro honors. A two-time team captain, DePaola has played 88 consecutive games for the Vikings and remains the only long snapper in NFL history to earn three consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2022–2024).
Dawson Knox Stays in Buffalo
Tight end Dawson Knox has agreed to a three-year contract extension to remain with the Buffalo Bills. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, keeps the 29-year-old veteran in Buffalo through the 2028 season. It also provides much-needed salary cap relief for the organization.
Knox was previously set to count for $17.1 million against the 2026 cap. By restructuring his deal into a longer-term extension, the Bills significantly lowered that figure. In 2025, he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 36 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns.
Zone Gonzalez Heads to Miami
Kicker Zane Gonzalez has agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, as reported on March 10, 2026. The 30-year-old veteran heads to South Florida to replace longtime kicker Jason Sander.
In 2025, in 9 games, he converted 19 of 22 field-goal attempts (86.4%), including 7-for-9 from 50 yards or more for the Atlanta Falcons.
Braden Smith Lands in Houston
Right tackle Braden Smith has agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the Houston Texans. The deal has a maximum value of $25 million through incentives. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, includes $13.5 million fully guaranteed and brings the veteran to Houston after an eight-year tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.
He started all 13 games in which he was available last year. While he missed the final stretch of the year due to a concussion and neck injury, his performance remained consistent.
Geno Smith is Set to Lead the New York Jets’ Offense
Quarterback Geno Smith is returning to where it all began, as the New York Jets acquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade reported on March 10, 2026. To make the move possible, Smith agreed to a significant contract restructure. He will now earn $19.5 million in 2026, with the Raiders paying the bulk and the Jets paying the remaining.
Smith finished the 2025 season with 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions. He was also sacked an NFL-worst 55 times.
Drake Maye Gets Help in Romeo Doubs
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs has agreed to a four-year, $70 million contract with the New England Patriots. The deal, reported on March 10, 2026, is the Patriots’ first major splash of the free agency period.
Doubs is coming off a career-best 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers. Across 16 games, he recorded 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns.
Trey Hendrickson is a Raven
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal features $60 million in fully guaranteed money. The deal, reported on March 11, 2026, includes a $20 million signing bonus and can reach up to $120 million through incentives tied to sack totals.
The move is a massive move for the Ravens after their blockbuster trade for Raiders star Maxx Crosby fell through just 13 hours earlier due to a failed physical. Hendrickson, 31, stays in the AFC North after the Bengals declined to franchise tag him. Despite being limited to just seven games, he recorded 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble in 2025.
