Conor Orr on these moves: Mike Evans | Malik Willis | Kenneth Walker III
Trade grades: Michael Pittman Jr. | Rashan Gary | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Maxx Crosby | Zaire Franklin | Garrett Bradbury | DJ Moore | David Montgomery | Tytus Howard
While NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until 4 p.m. ET on March 11, the moves are already beginning.
There are a host of big names slated to hit free agency this winter, including some of the league’s brightest stars, including the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson, among many others. And while any player who isn’t released early (Tyreek Hill) can’t sign with another team yet, players can still re-sign with their current squad, giving us plenty to watch for in the coming days and weeks.
As of 4 p.m. ET on March 11, any contract agreed upon by a player and a new team can become official.
For each significant signing and re-signing, we will have analysis and grades. Let's dive in.
MARCH 10
Texans agree with Braden Smith
Houston looks to have scored one of the best values in free agency. On Tuesday, the Texans agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract with former Colts right tackle Braden Smith, giving them their replacement for Tytus Howard, who was traded earlier this month to the Browns.
Smith, who will turn 30 years old later in March, started 105 games over his eight-year career in Indianapolis and developed into a solid right tackle. Last year, we saw the market explode, with players such as Dan Moore Jr. signing for four years and $82 million. Getting Smith on such a palatable number is an enormous win for Houston, which is trying to advance past the AFC divisional round after losing there each of the past three seasons.
Grade: A+
Texans extend Ka’imi Fairbairn
Houston has been relatively quiet in free agency, with its biggest moves being reaching an agreement with safety Reed Blankenship and retaining defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. But on Tuesday, the Texans spent big, making Ka’imi Fairbairn the league’s highest-paid kicker with a two-year, $13 million extension.
Fairbairn has been with Houston since the 2017 season and last year led the league with 44 made field goals. At 32 years old, the Hawaii native has connected on 87.6% of his attempts and, over the past two years, has knocked down 22-of-29 field goals of 50-plus yards.
Grade: A
Chargers re-sign Deane Leonard
After losing Ben St-Juste to the Packers early on Tuesday morning, the Chargers did well to keep one of their main special-teamers and a depth corner, retaining Deane Leonard on a one-year, $2 million deal.
Leonard, 26, has played only 333 defensive snaps in four years with the Chargers but has consistently played at least 56% of the special-teams snaps, including a career-high 82% last year.
Grade: B
Lions agree with Isiah Pacheco
After the Chiefs agreed to sign Kenneth Walker III on Monday, it became apparent that Isiah Pacheco was going to be changing uniforms. One day later, Pacheco found that Honolulu Blue suits him, as he and the Lions agreed to terms.
Pacheco spent his first four years with the Chiefs after being a 2022 seventh-round pick from Rutgers. He twice ran for more than 800 yards but hasn’t been the same since breaking his leg in Week 2 of the ’24 season against the Bengals. Since that game, he’s rushed for 637 yards on 3.8 yards per carry across 18 games.
Grade: C
Bears agree with Kalif Raymond
Ben Johnson is getting one of his old pupils back in the fold with the Bears. On Tuesday, Chicago and receiver/returner Kalif Raymond agreed on a one-year, $5.1 million contract.
Raymond, 31, is a depth piece offensively who can return kicks. Over his nine years with the Broncos, Jets, Giants, Titans and Lions, Raymond has only 190 receptions and nine touchdowns. However, he’s a two-time second-team All-Pro punt returner, giving the Bears some juice on special teams.
Grade: A-
Vikings re-sign Andrew DePaola
Long snappers are people, too. And as far as long snappers go, few have been better over the past two decades than DePaola, who is signing a one-year, $1.725 million fully guaranteed contract to remain with the Vikings for a seventh season.
DePaola, 38, is a three-time Pro Bowler and has earned All-Pro status in each of the past four seasons. A model of consistency, Minnesota doesn’t have to worry about snaps on special teams, a luxury not thought about until it matters.
Grade: A
Giants agree with Greg Newsome II
After splitting time between the Browns and Jaguars in 2025, Greg Newsome II is on the move again. On Tuesday morning, the corner agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Giants, giving New York an option to replace the departed Cordale Flott.
Newsome was a 2021 first-round pick from Northwestern and started 47 games for the Browns before being traded to Jacksonville at midseason a year ago. Overall, Newsome has 43 passes defensed and four interceptions to his name, all while being a starter for all five of his NFL campaigns.
Grade: C+
Packers agree with Ben St-Juste
After spending four years with the Commanders, St-Juste signed last season with the Chargers and re-established his value. On Tuesday morning, St-Juste cashed in on a two-year, $10 million deal with the Packers.
St-Juste, 28, played 16 games in 2025, recording seven passes defensed with an interception while playing 37% of the defensive snaps. St-Juste was also a core special teams presence for the Chargers, playing 72% of snaps. In Green Bay, he’ll provide some depth while helping out in a variety of packages.
Grade: B
Bills re-sign Tyler Bass to revised deal
Buffalo has long tried to retain most of its in-house talent, and it did so again at the start of free agency. Instead of releasing kicker Tyler Bass, the two sides agreed to a new one-year deal that guarantees $1 million and is worth up to $3.5 million.
Bass, 29, missed all of 2025 with a hip/groin injury and, over the prior two seasons, was primarily solid, hitting on 82.8% of his field goals. With Bass expected to return for the start of the 2026 campaign, Buffalo appears ready to move on from veteran kicker Matt Prater.
Grade: B-
MARCH 9
Chiefs to re-sign Tyquan Thornton
Kansas City believes it has something in Thornton after the two sides agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract that could go up to as high as $14 million.
After the 2022 second-round pick struggled to make an impact in three seasons with the Patriots, Thornton found a role as a vertical threat for Patrick Mahomes last year, recording 19 catches for 438 yards and two touchdowns, with an average of 23.1 yards per reception. Thornton’s previous single-season high in yards came in his rookie season with 247. The speedy wideout was a surprise Day 2 pick by New England, but Thornton finally flashed his upside during a memorable season in Kansas City. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Chiefs agree with Alohi Gilman
The Chiefs are getting some much-needed help in the secondary after agreeing to terms with Gilman on a three-year, $24.75 million deal with $15 million fully guaranteed.
Gilman gave the Ravens a spark after being traded by the Chargers before last year’s deadline. The hard-hitting safety now returns to the AFC West to provide assistance for a secondary that recently lost cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
Gilman, a 2020 sixth-round pick, has appeared in 85 career games and made 51 starts. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Steelers agree with Rico Dowdle
Pittsburgh made another notable move to improve its middling offense. Dowdle agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.25 million deal to join the Steelers’ offense, which acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Colts earlier in the day.
Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, one with the Panthers last year and the other coming with the Cowboys. New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy coached Dowdle for four seasons in Dallas.
The bruising running back should complement well with the skill set of Jaylen Warren, but second-year player Kaleb Johnson could also compete for snaps in the backfield. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: A
Panthers agree with Devin Lloyd
The Panthers have made sizable upgrades to their defense. First, they started the day with the addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and now have agreed to terms with Lloyd on a three-year, $45 million deal.
Lloyd is coming off a breakout 2025 season for which he received second-team All-Pro honors. He recorded a career-high five interceptions, along with 81 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and 10 QB hits.
However, there’s risk here for Carolina because it took Lloyd some time to find his footing as a 2022 first-round pick for Jacksonville. On the other hand, he’ll get to build on his memorable season under the guidance of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Broncos to re-sign J.K. Dobbins
After helping spark the Broncos’ memorable 2025 season, the team is bringing back Dobbins on a two-year, $20 million deal, including $8 million fully guaranteed.
The Broncos missed what Dobbins provided on the field while he was sidelined down the stretch last season. Injuries have hindered Dobbins’s career, but there’s no denying his impact when healthy. He has the power to move the chains and enough speed to generate lengthy plays.
Last season, Dobbins recorded 772 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry and four touchdowns in 10 games played before sustaining the foot injury that caused him to miss the final months of the season. He’ll likely continue to split carries with RJ Harvey, last year’s second-round pick. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Chargers agree with Cole Strange
The Chargers are spending money, just not in the way their fan base had hoped for after heading into the week with about $70 million in cap space.
Strange, the 2022 first-round pick, is the latest offensive lineman to join the Chargers after agreeing to terms on a two-year, $13 million deal. He’ll now reunite with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who worked with Strange during their time together last season in Miami. The Dolphins didn’t have many notable names on their offensive line last season, but it was one of the better units in the league.
Strange, who started 14 games in 2025, could now be taking one of the guard spots created by the departures of Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Browns agree with Quincy Williams
Cleveland defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg is adding a familiar face. Williams, who worked with Rutenberg with the Jets, agreed to terms with the Browns on a two-year contract worth up to $17 million.
Rutenberg was the Jets’ linebackers coach from 2021 to ’24, including the season Williams was named a first-team All-Pro in ’23.
Williams hasn’t played as well since his breakout season, but he’s a reliable sideline-to-sideline playmaker, generating 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 games played last season. The Browns had an opening after Devin Bush agreed to join the Bears. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Jets agree with Dane Belton
New York now has depth at safety with the moves it made Monday. Belton agreed to terms with the Jets on a one-year, $4 million deal with incentives that could push the contract to $6 million.
Belton gained the trust of the Giants last season, setting career highs in starts (nine), total tackles (120) and sacks (two). He’ll now look to compete for snaps in a new-look Jets’ secondary that gained Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Dolphins on Monday morning.
Belton, a 2022 fourth-round pick, has appeared in 66 games with 22 career starts. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Bills agree with Kyle Allen
The Bills were in need of a backup for Josh Allen after Mitchell Trubisky agreed to join the Titans. Kyle Allen could now be in line for the No. 2 role in Buffalo after agreeing to a two-year, $4.1 million deal worth up to $6.1 million.
Allen played for the Bills in 2023 before bouncing around with the Steelers and Lions the past two seasons. He’s also played for Carolina, Washington and Houston, making 19 starts in his eight-year career. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Texans agree with Reed Blankenship
Blankenship is leaving one stout defense for another. The safety is headed to Houston after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $24.75 million contract.
After forming a strong secondary with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia, Blankenship will get to make plays in a secondary featuring Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter.
Blankenship, who started 46 games for the Eagles the past three seasons, had 83 tackles and one interception last season. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Bears set to re-sign Braxton Jones
After improving their offensive line last season, the Bears have a new set of issues regarding the unit, which has led them to agree to terms to re-sign Jones on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
Jones lost his starting left tackle position to Ozzy Trapilo last season, but he sustained a significant knee injury in the playoffs. With Jones, Chicago has depth at the position and another left tackle option in case Trapilo needs time to regain his top form. Recently, the team filled its need at center with the abrupt retirement of Drew Dalman by trading for Garrett Bradbury. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Cardinals agree with Kendrick Bourne
Bourne will stay in the NFC West after leaving San Francisco for Arizona. The reliable wide receiver agreed to terms on a two-year, $10 million deal with a max value of $12 million.
Last season, Bourne stepped up for the 49ers amid a wave of injuries in the first half of the season. He also displayed strong chemistry with backup Mac Jones, most memorably in the 142-yard performance against the Rams in Week 5. Bourne will now provide depth for a receiving corps that features Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Cardinals agree with Roy Lopez
Arizona has been busy on Day 1 of free agency. Among its many moves, the team agreed to terms with Lopez on a two-year, $11.5 million deal, including $7 million guaranteed.
Lopez gives the Cardinals flexibility at the position if they choose not to bring back veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Last week, the team released defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.
Lopez was a quality rotational player on Detroit’s interior defensive line last season. But he’s also familiar with the Cardinals, starting 21 games for the team between 2023 and ’24. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Titans agree with Cordell Volson
Tennessee is taking a chance on Volson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a right shoulder injury. The former Bengals guard agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.2 million deal, including $2.5 million guaranteed.
It remains to be seen whether the Titans view him as a starter, but Volson has experience in that department after starting in nearly every game for the Bengals between 2022 and ’24. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C
Cardinals agree with Isaac Seumalo
The Cardinals have added a quality guard to protect whoever starts at quarterback this season. Seumalo and Arizona agreed to terms on a three-year, $31.5 million contract.
He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Eagles before playing the past three with the Steelers. The 10-year veteran will take 125 games of experience to the desert to block for either Jacoby Brissett, recently added Gardner Minshew II or a different signal-caller. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Panthers agree with Kenny Pickett
With Andy Dalton on the trading block, the Panthers agreed to terms with Pickett on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.
If Dalton is moved soon, Pickett will likely slide in to be Bryce Young’s backup. Pickett, the 2022 first-round pick, spent last offseason with the Browns before being traded to the Raiders ahead of the ’25 season.
Pickett has started three combined games since leaving the Steelers, the team that drafted him, two years ago. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C-
Seahawks to re-sign Rashid Shaheed
It appears that the Seahawks' champagne problems from winning Super Bowl LX weren’t enough to prevent them from bringing back their dangerous playmaker.
Shaheed, whom the team acquired at last year’s deadline, agreed to terms on a three-year, $51 million contract extension. Shaheed is a quality receiver, but he made his mark in Seattle as a special-teams returner. The reigning Super Bowl champions value his versatility and want him around to take pressure away from star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Last season, Shaheed had 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns while splitting time between New Orleans and Seattle. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: A-
Commanders to re-sign Laremy Tunsil
Last season, the Commanders made a splash trade to acquire Tunsil. Now, they’re making sure that splash move is one for the long haul.
The two sides agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension, with $61.5 million in guarantees, including the biggest signing bonus ever for an offensive lineman at $32.5 million.
Tunsil’s first season with the Commanders didn’t lead to many wins, but he’s still one of the best left tackles in the game, which is why he continues to receive massive contract extensions, like he did in Miami and Houston. This new deal was also needed after the injury-riddled 2025 season for Jayden Daniels. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Raiders to re-sign Malcolm Koonce
The Raiders’ flurry of defensive moves Monday, includes retaining Koonce, who agreed to terms on a one-year, $11 million contract extension.
Koonce was once viewed as a quality No. 2 edge rusher for the team, but a torn ACL cost him his entire 2024 season. He didn’t appear to be close to full strength last season, starting three games and recording only 4.5 sacks compared to eight in ’23. Perhaps the Raiders believe he’ll soon regain his top form after the new deal. The 2021 third-round pick has produced a combined 14.5 sacks in his four seasons with the team. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Raiders agree with Quay Walker
Instead of loading up on edge rushers after trading Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have prioritized the linebacker position.
Walker and the Raiders agreed to terms on a three-year, $40.5 million deal with $28 million guaranteed. The former Green Bay standout is heading to Las Vegas along with Nakobe Dean, whose new deal was announced around the same time Monday.
Walker, a 2022 first-round pick, was inconsistent at times as for the Packers, but he’s coming off the best season of his career, recording 128 total tackles, eight for loss and 2.5 sacks. Suddenly, one of the worst defensive rosters in the NFL now has a handful of playmakers. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Raiders agree with Nakobe Dean
The Raiders continue to spend money, now on a standout linebacker from Philadelphia. Las Vegas and Dean agreed to terms on a three-year, $36 million deal with $20 million guaranteed.
Dean is a versatile linebacker who can cover receivers and tight ends, while also displaying a nose for the ball. If he can stay healthy, which was an issue with the Eagles, the Raiders will get significantly better in the middle of their defense. Dean’s best season came in 2024, when he had 128 total tackles, three sacks and one interception. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: A-
Buccaneers re-sign Cade Otton
The Buccaneers made their productive tight end a priority on Day 1 of legal tampering. Tampa Bay and Otton agreed to terms on a three-year, $30 million contract extension with $20 million guaranteed.
Otton is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 59 receptions and 570 receiving yards. The 2022 fourth-pick has started 58 games in four seasons. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Dolphins re-sign Greg Dulcich
Miami is set to re-sign the playmaking tight end after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.25 million.
Dulcich found a role for himself with the Dolphins after struggling to land playing time with the Broncos during the first three seasons of his career. The UCLA product, who will now be catching passes from new quarterback Malik Willis, recorded 26 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown last season. He has upside as a pass catcher, but blocking has always been a concern for his game. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Chargers re-sign Trevor Penning
After what happened last season, the Chargers are making sure they have enough offensive linemen to protect Justin Herbert. The team and Penning agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension.
The Chargers landed Penning in a trade with the Saints ahead of last year’s deadline, partly because they were without offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater for most of the season. Penning, a 2022 first-round pick, appeared in seven games for Los Angeles last season. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Broncos re-sign Alex Singleton
The Broncos are retaining a valued leader in the middle of their vaunted defense. Alex Singleton has agreed to terms on a two-year, $15.5 million contract extension, including $11 million guaranteed.
The new deal says plenty about Singleton’s production that one of the best defenses in the league wants him back ahead of his age-33 season. Last season, he started 16 games, recording 135 total tackles, and did that while learning he needed surgery for testicular cancer. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Chiefs re-sign Travis Kelce
The football public no longer has to wonder about how weird it would be to see Kelce in a different uniform. The legendary tight end will return for a 14th season in Kansas City after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year, $12 million deal, with a max value of $15 million.
Kelce’s production has declined over the past two seasons, but he’s still a savvy playmaker who often delivers for Patrick Mahomes during clutch moments. Kelce could be needed to provide extra leadership in case Mahomes doesn’t make it back in time for the season opener while he recovers from his significant knee injury sustained in December.
Last season, the 36-year-old Kelce had 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, while playing 81% of the offensive snaps. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Giants re-sign Jermaine Eluemunor
It was a rough 2025 season for the Giants, but they at least had a positive in Eluemunor’s performance at right tackle. New York won’t be letting him go after both sides agree to terms on a three-year, $39 million contract extension, including $26 million guaranteed.
Eluemunor has provided stability for an offensive line that has had mixed results at other positions the past two seasons. The nine-year veteran has also played with the Ravens and Raiders, making 76 career starts. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Bills agree with Dee Alford
After trading cornerback Taron Johnson to the Raiders, the Bills added a new playmaker for their secondary. Buffalo agreed to terms with Alford on a three-year, $21 million deal, including $10 million guaranteed.
Alford will now likely be the Bills’ new slot cornerback, a starting position he held with the Falcons the past two seasons. Last season, he had a career-high three interceptions, along with 67 tackles. —Gilberto Manzano.
Grade: B
Commanders agree with Tim Settle
The defensive tackle is headed back to Washington after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $24 million contract worth up to $25.5 million.
Settle was a coveted interior defender because of what he provided for the Texans’ dominant defense the past two seasons. Last season, he played 53% of the defensive snaps, finishing with three tackles for loss, three passes defensed and one sack.
The veteran started his career as a 2018 fifth-round pick of the Commanders before leaving to join the Bills ahead of the ’22 season. He’ll now look to improve Washington's defense under coach Dan Quinn. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Cardinals agree with Gardner Minshew II
The Cardinals are planning to release Kyler Murray before the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. So on Monday, they watched as Malik Willis agreed to sign with the Dolphins. Hours later, Arizona agreed to a one-year, $8.25 million contract with veteran Gardner Minshew II.
Minshew spent last season with the Chiefs, starting one game before being placed on IR with a knee injury. At 29 years old, Minshew has played with the Jaguars, Eagles, Colts, Raiders and Kansas City, starting 47 games while throwing 68 touchdowns against 35 interceptions. As the roster stands now, he’ll compete with Jacoby Brissett for the starting job in Arizona, giving the Cardinals a couple of options for first-year coach Mike LaFleur. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C+
Raiders agree with Kwity Paye
The Raiders began the process of filling the massive void left by Maxx Crosby. Paye will look for a fresh start with the Silver & Black after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $48 million contract, including $32 million guaranteed.
Paye will likely be one of many new pass rushers in Las Vegas, as the team begins to reshape its defense in the aftermath of the blockbuster trade that sent Crosby to the Ravens. But the team overpaid for Paye, who struggled to find his footing as the Colts’ 2021 first-round pick.
In five seasons, Paye generated 30 sacks, playing around 67% of the defensive snaps. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C-
Ravens agree with John Simpson
The offensive guard is leaving New York to return to Baltimore after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $30 million deal.
Simpson was a serviceable starter for the Jets over the past two seasons, never missing a game. But the veteran found his footing with the Ravens during the 2023 season, and now he’s back with the intent of getting this stacked roster to the Super Bowl.
Also, Baltimore needs help on the interior after the free-agency departure of center Tyler Linderbaum. —Gilberto Manzano.
Grade: B
Falcons sign Tua Tagovailoa
In one of the more interesting moves of the day, the Falcons are signing former Dolphins . Tagovailoa was released on Monday morning by Miami and quickly found a home alongside fellow left-hander Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL.
Tagovailoa, 28, spent six years with the Dolphins, during which he started 76 games and won 44 while throwing for 4,000 yards once. The big concern about Tagovailoa is playing off-schedule while staying healthy after multiple concussions. Last year, Tagovailoa played 14 games and threw for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions before being benched for Quinn Ewers by former coach Mike McDaniel.
Should Penix not be ready to go Week 1 off the knee injury, Tagovailoa can step in and win some games, giving Atlanta depth at the sport’s paramount position. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
Bears re-sign Case Keenum
The veteran signal-caller isn’t going anywhere after agreeing to a two-year, $5.5 million deal that could be worth up to $8 million.
Perhaps the money incentives were added for the possibility of Keenum being promoted from No. 3 on the depth chart to Caleb Williams’s backup, with rumors swirling about the team listening to trade offers for Tyson Bagent. Keenum, 38, has started 66 games in his 11-year career. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Cowboys agree with Jalen Thompson
Dallas spent the early part of Monday morning swinging a trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary. Hours later, the Cowboys dove into free agency, agreeing to a three-year deal with former Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson.
Thompson spent his first seven seasons in Arizona and was an underrated talent throughout, playing alongside All-Pro Budda Baker. Thompson started 87 games, totaling nine interceptions along with 37 passes defensed and 14 tackles for loss. In four seasons, he has amassed at least 90 tackles. Ultimately, the 27-year-old fills an enormous void on the Cowboys’ back end, and at $12 million per year, Dallas is getting him at the right price. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Bengals agree with Boye Mafe
As the Bengals prepare for the possibility of losing Trey Hendrickson, they made a move to bolster their depth at edge rusher. Mafe is headed to Cincinnati after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $60 million deal.
While Mafe was a contributor on the Seahawks’ championship defense, paying $20 million on an annual basis for an inconsistent edge rusher was a steep price for the Bengals, who are in need of a lot more to turn around one of the worst units in the league. Mafe was placed on the trading block ahead of last year’s deadline after playing only 50% of the defensive snaps in 2025.
Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick, produced 20 sacks in 34 starts during his four years in Seattle. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: D
Commanders agree with Odafe Oweh
Washington made its first major move of the free agency period, agreeing to terms with edge rusher Odafe Oweh on a four-year, $100 million contract, including $68 million guaranteed. Oweh is coming off 7.5 sacks across 12 games with the Chargers despite playing just 50% of the snaps following a midseason trade from the Ravens.
A 2021 first-round pick, Oweh played four and a half seasons with Baltimore and had his best campaign in ’24 when he amassed 10 sacks and 23 quarterback hits. Now in Dan Quinn’s attacking scheme and next to defensive tackle Daron Payne, Oweh should flourish for a team attempting to rebound from its five-win season a year ago.
The bigger question here is why the Chargers allowed Oweh to walk despite having ample cap space and a long-term need once Khalil Mack retires. If Oweh pans out for the Commanders, it’s an enormous blunder by the Bolts. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
49ers agree with Mike Evans
It’s the end of an era for the Buccaneers. On Monday, star receiver Mike Evans agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million contract with the 49ers, ending a 12-year tenure with Tampa Bay.
Evans, 32, has to be thrilled he’s getting such a long-term contract despite being over the age-30 threshold and coming off a season in which he didn’t record 1,000 yards for the first time after playing in eight games. Still, the Niners need help at receiver with Brandon Aiyuk leaving and Jauan Jennings entering free agency. If Evans can return to his prior form, he’s an elite piece to go alongside running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Raiders agree with Tyler Linderbaum
The Raiders entered the day with the most cap space in the NFL, and they’re apparently willing to spend it. Less than two hours into free agency, Las Vegas made arguably the biggest splash yet by signing center Tyler Linderbaum away from the Ravens for an astounding $27 million per year. The two sides agreed to a three-year, $84 million deal, including $60 million guaranteed.
The contract blows away anything ever signed by a center. Before this agreement, the previous records were $18 million annually, and $72 million overall, both by Creed Humphrey and the Chiefs. Linderbaum has reset the market in a major way, as the three-time Pro Bowler heads to Vegas in a likely partnership with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.
Linderbaum is a great player, entering his prime at 25 years old. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Titans agree with John Franklin-Myers
New Titans coach Robert Saleh is reuniting with one of his top players from his New York days. John Franklin-Myers is headed to Tennessee after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $63 million deal, including $42 million guaranteed.
Franklin-Myers had productive seasons playing under Saleh during their years together with the Jets, but he might be a better player now after what he displayed in two seasons with the Broncos. His ability to play on the inside and out on the edge made him a valuable piece on Denver’s vaunted defense.
Now, Franklin-Myers, who has a combined 14.5 sacks the past two seasons, is tasked with helping Saleh build the defense in Tennessee. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: A
Titans agree with Alontae Taylor
With money to burn and a litany of needs across the roster, general manager Mike Borgonzi was always going to be aggressive in free agency. After agreeing to terms with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, Borgonzio landed former Saints corner Alontae Taylor, agreeing to a $60 million deal over three years.
Taylor hasn’t missed a game over the past three seasons and has turned into a cover corner who can blitz effectively. In New Orleans, Taylor amassed seven sacks and four interceptions while playing at least 75% of the snaps in all four years with the Saints. Only 27 years old, he should have plenty of good football left in Tennessee. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
Giants agree with Tremaine Edmunds
Coach John Harbaugh had a reputation for valuing inside linebackers during his time with the Ravens. He’s now doing the same with the Giants, evident from the team agreeing to terms with Edmunds on a three-year, $36 million contract, including $23.7 million fully guaranteed.
Last week, the Bears released Edmunds, partly for cap space reasons. Edmunds has generated at least 100 tackles in all eight of his seasons. He patrolled the middle of the Bills’ defense before signing with the Bears in 2023. Edmunds is an excellent sideline-to-sideline playmaker and will now get to work with Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Bengals agree with Bryan Cook
The Bengals finally got on the board at the start of legal tampering, landing a hometown safety. After spending four years and winning two titles with the Chiefs, safety Bryan Cook is going back to where he played college on a three-year, $40.25 million deal.
Cook has become a solid safety, starting 46 games over the past three seasons in Kansas City. A versatile piece on the back end, Cook totaled 85 tackles and six passes defensed last year, both career bests. Cook not only played for the Bearcats in college, but was also born in the city. For the Bengals, he’ll immediately improve a secondary in dire need of talent behind a front seven that will get a bevy of new faces before spring is out. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Titans agree with Daniel Bellinger
Coach Robert Saleh isn’t the only one reuniting with former New York players. Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will get to say hello to a second player he worked with during his time as the coach of the Giants.
Bellinger agreed to join the Titans on a three-year, $24 million deal, not long after the team added wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, the former Giant. Bellinger contributes more as a blocker, but he can also make plays in the passing game (19 catches, 286 yards, 2 TDs last season). The veteran tight end played in 62 games after the Giants made him a fourth-round pick in 2022. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Falcons agree with Cameron Thomas
The Falcons have added depth to their edge rusher position. Thomas, who spent the past year and a half with the Browns, agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.1 million deal.
Thomas, primarily a rotational player, has appeared in 58 career games and was a 2022 third-round pick of the Cardinals.
Atlanta could soon be needing a lot more help at edge rusher depending on the outcome of the legal issues involving James Pearce Jr. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C
Seahawks re-sign Josh Jobe
While it’s likely Seattle is going to lose both safety Coby Bryant and corner Riq Woolen in free agency, general manager John Schneider managed to retain fellow corner Josh Jobe on a three-year, $24 million deal.
Jobe, 27, was an undrafted free agent from Alabama who spent two seasons with the Eagles before landing with the Seahawks. Jobe has become a key contributor, notching 91 tackles and two interceptions since the start of 2024. With the exodus from Seattle’s secondary, expect Jobe’s role to continue expanding beyond the 78% of snaps he played for the champs last season. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Titans agree with Cor’Dale Flott
The Titans are spending money on coach Robert Saleh’s defense, including agreeing to terms with Alontae Taylor, John Franklin-Myers and Flott, who’s expected to receive a three-year, $45 million deal.
Flott started his career as a 2022 third-round pick for the Giants. The cornerback had his ups and downs in his four seasons in New York, but the team had enough confidence in him to start 37 games. He’ll now be one of the many new experienced players tasked with righting the ship in Tennessee. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: C+
Commanders re-sign Marcus Mariota
The Commanders ensured that they kept their backup quarterback, signing Marcus Mariota to a one-year contract worth $7 million.
Mariota, 32, spent his first five seasons with the Titans before bouncing around to the Raiders, Falcons, Eagles and now Commanders. In Washington, Mariota has made 14 appearances (eight starts), throwing for 2,059 yards and 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions while posting a 2–6 record. While the Commanders are obviously hoping for Jayden Daniels to have a healthy 2026, Mariota is a quality insurance policy. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Chargers agree with Charlie Kolar
One day after signing free-agent fullback Alec Ingold, the Chargers are once again looking to bolster their run game, agreeing to a , including $17 million guaranteed, with tight end Charlie Kolar.
Kolar, 27, comes over from the Ravens after spending his rookie contract in Baltimore. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was part of the Ravens’ front office during that time and watched as Kolar blossomed into one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. He offers little as a pass catcher, notching only 30 receptions across four years with the Ravens. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Colts agree with Arden Key
The Colts spent aggressively to retain receiver Alec Pierce on Monday before trading away Michael Pittman Jr. Now they’ve upgraded their defense, adding edge rusher Arden Key on a .
Key has played for the Raiders, 49ers, Jaguars and Titans throughout his eight-year career. In that time, he’s notched 30.5 sacks, including 16.5 over the past three seasons. Going to the Colts, he joins a talented front with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and third-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu, giving coordinator Lou Anarumo some options along the line. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Browns agree with Zion Johnson
The Browns’ offensive line will have many new faces this season after adding their second lineman in the past week. Johnson is leaving the Chargers after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $49.5 million contract to play in Cleveland.
Johnson was inconsistent as the Chargers’ 2022 first-round pick, but perhaps the Browns noticed that he was dealt a bad hand in L.A., especially last year when the unit was decimated by injuries. In four seasons with the Chargers, Johnson demonstrated durability, making 65 starts. He’ll now join an interior group that includes Tytus Howard, the former Texans offensive tackle who landed in Cleveland after last week’s trade. —Gilberto Manzano.
Grade: C+
Patriots agree with Reggie Gilliam
First, the Patriots stole the AFC East away from the Bills. Now they stole their star fullback. On Monday, New England agreed with fullback Reggie Gilliam on a .
While it’s a significant deal for a fullback, it’s also a smart one. The Patriots have long employed fullbacks in Josh McDaniels’s scheme, and Gilliam is one of the best, coming off a season in which he helped James Cook win the rushing title. Gilliam, 28, played a career-high 21% of the offensive snaps for Buffalo in 2025. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A
Bears agree with Devin Bush
Bush went from being a struggling former first-round pick to carving out a role for himself on the Browns’ stout defense. The linebacker’s bounce-back season has led him to agree to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Bears, with $21 million guaranteed.
That’s good money for Bush, who struggled to find his footing as the Steelers’ 2019 first-round pick, before forming a strong tandem with Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Last season, Bush recorded 125 total tackles with three interceptions and two sacks.
From the Bears’ standpoint, this was a necessary move to revamp a middling defense, but they’re counting on Bush’s 2025 production not being a one-year fluke. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B-
Steelers agree with Jamel Dean
Pittsburgh has been busy trying to bolster its defense on Monday. After retaining corner Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year, $4 million deal, general manager Omar Khan was back at it, agreeing to terms with former Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean .
Dean, 29, played his first seven seasons with the Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl ring in 2020. Over that span, he’s started 77 games, nabbing 11 interceptions while defending 61 passes. Moving over to Pittsburgh, he’ll join a secondary with Samuel and Joey Porter Jr., giving the Steelers a nice trio to utilize against the Josh Allens and Patrick Mahomes of the AFC world. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Raiders agree with Jalen Nailor
Nobody can accuse the Raiders of being cheap this offseason. After spending lavishly to retain corner Eric Stokes and then acquire Tyler Linderbaum, Las Vegas is back at it with a three-year deal worth up to $35 million for Jalen Nailor.
The former Vikings receiver is an intriguing signing for the Raiders after he played behind Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson for the past three years. On his rookie deal, Nailor caught 69 passes for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite playing only more than 51% of the offensive snaps once. With Las Vegas, he should have plenty of opportunities with a young receiving corps, including Jack Bech and Tre Tucker. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C+
Saints agree with Travis Etienne Jr.
New Orleans liked what it saw from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough last year, and now it’s providing him with some help. In the early hours of legal tampering, the Saints have agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with star running back Travis Etienne Jr.
Etienne, 27, had three 1,000-yard seasons in four years with the Jaguars and now gets to play near home as a Louisiana native. After a down 2024 season, Etienne flourished under new coach Liam Coen, rushing for 1,107 yards on 4.3 yards with seven touchdowns. He also has excellent hands, catching 168 passes across his rookie deal in Jacksonville. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Titans agree with Wan’Dale Robinson
As Tennessee continues to rebuild, it has found a receiver for second-year quarterback Cam Ward. On Monday, the Titans agreed with former Giants wideout Wan’Dale Robinson on a four-year, $70 million deal worth up to $78 million.
It’s a massive contract for Robinson, who is 25 years old and coming off his first 1,000-yard season. If there’s any concern here, it’s that Robinson needed 140 targets to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier. Only Jerry Jeudy of the Browns had more to reach that plateau. Still, for a Titans team with literally no solid threats on the outside, this is a step in the right direction.
Tennessee came into the day with $92.6 million in cap space, second-most to the Raiders. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Jets agree with David Onyemata
The Jets’ quest to give coach Aaron Glenn enough defensive playmakers to form a competent unit continued after they agreed to terms with David Onyemata on a one-year, $10.5 million contract with $9.65 million guaranteed.
Onyemata, 33, spent the past three seasons as a productive interior defender for the Falcons, starting 47 games. Last season, Onyemata recorded 62 total tackles, seven for loss and one sack.
He’ll now join a new-look interior group that features defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, whom the Jets acquired in a trade swap that sent edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II to the Titans. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Falcons agree with Jahan Dotson
After spending the past two seasons with the Eagles, receiver Jahan Dotson is moving on to the Falcons. The two sides agreed Monday to a .
Dotson began his career as a 2022 first-round pick of the Commanders but was traded after two seasons to Philadelphia. There, Dotson won a Super Bowl while recording 37 receptions for 478 yards and a touchdown. At best, he’s a depth receiver for the Falcons who are backfilling the release of Darnell Mooney. —Matt Verderame
Grade: D+
Cardinals agree with Tyler Allgeier
The Cardinals are getting a thumper in their backfield, one who managed to take snaps away from Bijan Robinson in Atlanta.
Allgeier agreed to a two-year, $12.25 million contract to join the Cardinals’ crowded running backs room, along with James Conner and Trey Benson. Allgeier isn’t new to splitting carries after partnering with Robinson the past three seasons.
But don’t be fooled by Allgeier’s No. 2 status with the Falcons. He showed starting potential in his rookie season with 1,035 rushing yards, and he provides a physical running element that most teams covet in short-yardage situations.
Arizona didn’t necessarily need a running back, but it was hit hard by injuries at the position last season. This could be an intriguing camp battle in the summer for the right to be the Cardinals’ No. 1 back. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B+
Saints agree with David Edwards
Only minutes after agreeing to a four-year deal with running back Travis Etienne Jr., the Saints filled another hole, agreeing to a four-year, $61 million deal with veteran guard David Edwards.
Edwards, 28, gives New Orleans some much-needed muscle inside while also leaving a big void for the Bills. In seven seasons with the Rams and Buffalo, Edwards started 77 games while playing at least 91% of the snaps in four of the past five seasons. He’s a stalwart who has committed only seven penalties over the past three years. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A
Bears agree with Coby Bryant
The Bears are getting much-needed defensive help after adding a versatile playmaker with championship experience.
Coby Bryant, fresh off his Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks, has agreed to terms on a three-year, $40 million contract to join the Bears’ secondary. He’ll now be a chess piece for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who’ll have the luxury of moving around a player who started his career as a cornerback.
Bryant’s transition into a full-time safety paid off in a huge way because he went from being a rotational cornerback to being a valuable piece for Mike Macdonald’s defense. Bryant, who has started 34 career games, has recorded a combined seven interceptions the past two seasons. —Gilberto Manzano
Grade: B
Chiefs agree with Khyiris Tonga
Last season, Kansas City couldn’t find quality play alongside Chris Jones on the defensive interior, rotating between the underwhelming trio of Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery. On Monday, general manager Brett Veach made a splash, agreeing to terms with Khyiris Tonga on a three-year, $21 million deal, including $14 million guaranteed.
Tonga, 29, played for the Patriots last year, totaling 24 tackles, including two for loss. At 6' 4" and 338 pounds, he’s a space-eater who will mostly play on first down and in run situations. He offers little in the pass rush with just a half-sack across five seasons with the Bears, Vikings, Cardinals and Patriots, but solves an important need for Kansas City. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
Lions agree with Cade Mays
One year after losing Frank Ragnow to retirement, the Lions have found their long-term replacement in Cade Mays, who agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal, giving the Lions their third starting center in as many seasons.
Mays, 26, started 12 games last season for Carolina and 27 across his rookie deal with the Panthers. At 325 pounds, he’s a mover in the run game, which should fit nicely with the Lions’ scheme, giving them a big, athletic man in the pivot to help clear the road for Jahmyr Gibbs. With Detroit having multiple needs on the offensive line, center was the biggest. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Commanders agree with Amik Robertson
Robertson has agreed to join his third team, signing a . Washington is trying to rebuild after missing the playoffs in 2025, one year after reaching the NFC title game.
Robertson spent four years with the Raiders before joining the Lions for 2024 and ’25, starting 35 games over that span and nabbing five interceptions. With Washington, the 183-pound corner will have a starting role alongside third-year man Mike Sanristil, especially with the release of veteran Marshon Lattimore. Last season, Robertson played 76% of the defensive snaps for Detroit. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Saints agree with Ryan Wright
New Orleans has a new punter. The Saints agreed on Monday to a four-year, $14 million deal with Ryan Wright, taking him away from the Vikings.
Wright spent his first four seasons in Minnesota, never missing a game while averaging 47.9 yards per punt. It’s a small move for New Orleans but an important one, as the Saints ranked dead last in yards per punt last year at 43.3. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Giants agree with Jordan Stout
The pipeline from Baltimore to New York is real. After seeing John Harbaugh sign on with Big Blue, the Ravens have now lost tight end Isaiah Likely and punter Jordan Stout to the Giants, with Stout agreeing to a three-year, $12.3 million deal.
Stout becomes the highest-paid punter in the game and rightfully so after earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2025. He averaged 50.1 yards per punt, and had 45.3% of his punts land inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He’ll be a weapon for New York, which is looking to rebuild quickly despite limited cap space. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A
Buccaneers agree with Alex Anzalone
Anzalone is one of the biggest names to hit the market at linebacker, and he didn’t last long. On Monday, the Buccaneers agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with Anzalone, giving them another talent on the second level to pair with Lavonte David.
Anzalone played five seasons with the Lions after four campaigns with the Saints. During his time in Detroit, he was in the middle for a team that twice reached the divisional round but ultimately fell short of the Super Bowl. A good coverage linebacker, Anzalone produced 33 passes defensed for the Lions while racking up nine sacks and 26 tackles for loss. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Jets agree with Demario Davis
New York can’t stop signing (or trading for) defensive talent. On the opening day of legal tampering, the Jets have brought on Davis, Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Onagbare, along with . Davis is the most decorated of them all and agreed to a two-year deal worth .
Davis, 37, is a five-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who has spent the past eight years with the Saints. He also played for five years with the Jets before heading to New Orleans, where he became a star. While he’s one of the oldest position players in the league, Davis is still solid, as evidenced by his 143 tackles and six for loss a year ago.
Grade: B-
Dolphins agree with Malik Willis
Miami spent the morning announcing the release of veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. It then spent the early afternoon signing his replacement.
On Monday, the Dolphins agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Malik Willis on a three-year deal worth $67.5 million. The deal takes the most sought-after quarterback off the market and gives Miami a young option under center, as Willis is only 26 years old.
The deal includes $45 million in guaranteed money, which likely means Miami can get out of it after the first two years if need be. Willis was originally a third-round pick of the Titans out of Liberty University before landing with the Packers in 2024. In Green Bay, he started three games, winning two. He completed 78.7% of his passes for the Packers while tossing six touchdowns against zero interceptions.
Willis is a projection and a gamble, but a worthy one for a team in desperate need of an answer at quarterback. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Giants agree with Isaiah Likely
John Harbaugh went to the Giants in search of a fresh start. Now Isaiah Likely is doing the same.
On Monday, the Giants and the tight end agreed to a that will give Jaxson Dart another weapon to target. Likely, 25, comes over from Baltimore after spending his first four years with Harbaugh and the Ravens, where he shared snaps with veteran Mark Andrews. His best season came in 2024 when he caught 42 passes on 58 targets for 477 yards and six touchdowns. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Chiefs agree with Kenneth Walker III
After a disappointing 6–11 season, the Chiefs are making every effort to rebuild quickly. After trading All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie, Kansas City has agreed in principle to a three-year deal with running back , including nearly $28 million guaranteed.
Walker is coming off a stellar season in which he rushed for 1,027 yards on 4.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns before winning Super Bowl MVP honors for the Seahawks. Entering his age-25 season, Walker gives Patrick Mahomes the first legitimate rushing threat of his career, as no Chiefs back has rushed for 1,000 yards since Mahomes became the starter in 2018.
While Kansas City has more to do, including re-signing Travis Kelce, the Chiefs are off to an aggressive start in free agency. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A
Colts re-sign Alec Pierce
Despite Pierce technically reaching the free-agent market, the Colts were able to retain their star wideout for the biggest contract at the position in open-market history. On Monday, the Colts signed .
Pierce, 25, had 1,003 yards on just 47 receptions in 2025, leading the Colts in yardage. Indianapolis values Pierce’s deep-ball ability, as he’s twice led the league in yards per reception in both 2024 (22.3) and ’25 (21.3).
The big question now is whether the Colts will release fellow receiver Michael Pittman Jr. If they do, the team will save $24 million in cap space. Ultimately, if that’s the case, Indianapolis is keeping Pierce over the older Pittman, which makes sense but also carries significant risk given the size and length of the deal. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
Panthers agree with Jaelan Phillips
The Panthers were desperate for edge rush help going into free agency. How desperate? They gave $120 million ($80 million guaranteed) over four years to Jaelan Phillips, who, while a good player, has some major concerns.
Phillips has been injured throughout a good portion of his career, with a torn Achilles and torn ACL keeping him sidelined for all but 12 games of 2023 and ’24. Last season, Phillips was dealt from the Dolphins to the Eagles, posting five sacks with 14 quarterback hits between his two stops.
Despite being paid the sixth-most for an edge rusher in terms of guaranteed money and overall dollars, Phillips has never totaled more than eight sacks or reached a Pro Bowl in his career. He’s a good player getting paid like an elite one.
Grade: F
Rams agree with Jaylen Watson
The Rams are putting the band back together in Los Angeles. First, they traded for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie. Then, on Monday, they agreed to terms on a three-year, $51 million contract with his former teammate in Kansas City, Jaylen Watson.
Watson was a 2022 seventh-round pick out of Washington State and became a fixture in Steve Spagnuolo’s secondary. The 27-year-old won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs while starting 29 games and recording three interceptions.
At 6' 2" and 197 pounds, Watson is a bigger, physical corner who can play press-man coverage and gives the Rams a nice option on the perimeter alongside the versatile McDuffie, who can play inside or out. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Jets agree with Joseph Ossai
Nobody has been busier than the Jets in the early going of free agency. One of their big moves is the signing of Ossai, who comes over from the Bengals after agreeing to a three-year, $36 million deal, including $22.5 million guaranteed.
Ossai played out his four-year rookie deal with Cincinnati and unfortunately is best known for his late hit on Patrick Mahomes in the final seconds of the 2022 AFC title game, setting up a game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker. Ossai has totaled 14.5 sacks in his career, with five in each of the past two years. A good player with upside, the Jets are hoping he can join a pass rush. including the newly acquired Kingsley Enagbare and Will McDonald IV. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C
Jets agree with Kingsley Enagbare
New York has been extremely active on Monday. First, the Jets traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Then, they brought in a trio of new defensive players, including Demario Davis and Joseph Ossai (more above) and now Enagbare, who has agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Enagbare played his first four years with the Packers and did a nice job on their line. The defensive end was a rotational player, producing 11.5 sacks over that span with two coming last year along with nine quarterback hits. In Green Bay, he consistently played between 41-47% of the defensive snaps. With the Jets, he’ll likely get a similar role in Aaron Glenn’s defense, as New York looks to climb out of the AFC East basement. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C+
Vikings agree with James Pierre
Minnesota isn’t waiting around to improve. Within the first hour of legal tampering, the Vikings have agreed with corner James Pierre on a two-year deal worth up to $8.5 million. In 2025, Pierre was a stud, according to Pro Football Focus, earning their top grade for boundary corners at 88.5.
Pierre, 29, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Steelers, playing in 95 games with 13 starts. Over that span, he totaled four interceptions while never playing more than 38% of the defensive snaps. A rotational defensive back, he can help Minnesota in a variety of packages under coordinator Brian Flores while also contributing on special teams. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
Patriots agree with Dre’Mont Jones
The Patriots made one of the first important moves of the legal tampering period, landing edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones on a three-year, $39 million deal. Jones split time with the Titans and Ravens last season, recording seven sacks and 24 quarterback hits.
At 29 years old, three years is the right term for a player who has never been a star (zero double-digit sack seasons) but is a consistent contributor who can play alongside Christian Barmore and Milton Williams on the front. Jones has also proven durable, playing at least 13 games in each of his seven seasons.
Grade: A-
Raiders re-sign Eric Stokes
A first-round pick with the Packers but lasting only four injury-plagued years in Green Bay, Eric Stokes appears to have found his footing in Las Vegas. After playing in 2025 with the Raiders, Stokes is coming back to Sin City on a .
Stokes, 27, played 16 games with the Raiders last season, amassing five passes defensed and 53 tackles, along with three tackles for loss. For Las Vegas, which has the most cap space in the league, keeping Stokes around is good business. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Jaguars re-sign Montaric Brown
Jacksonville had a stellar season in 2025, winning the AFC South with 13 wins behind a revamped defense and the offensive scheming of coach Liam Coen. On Monday, the Jaguars kept one of their rising stars, signing Brown to a three-year, $33 million contract.
Brown, 26, was initially a seventh-round pick out of Arkansas in 2022 before becoming a full-time starter in his third season. Last year, Brown started in 12 games (playing 15) while amassing 51 tackles and two interceptions. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Texans re-sign Sheldon Rankins
Houston has reached the AFC divisional round in three consecutive seasons, and it’s working to lock up some of its core before free agency. After signing guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal, Houston kept defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on Monday morning with a two-year contract, including $12 million guaranteed.
Rankins, who will turn 32 years old this offseason, recorded three sacks in 17 games last season. After spending the first five years of his career with the Saints, Rankins played with the Jets, Texans and Bengals before returning to Houston for 2025. With fellow defensive lineman Denico Autry hitting the open market, keeping Rankins to man the inside was a priority. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Steelers re-sign Asante Samuel Jr.
Pittsburgh made its first notable move of the week on Monday morning, keeping corner Asante Samuel Jr. in the fold on a one-year deal for $4 million.
Samuel, 26, was with the Chargers on his rookie deal but was allowed to leave in free agency after sustaining a neck injury in 2024. Once physically able to play, Samuel signed with the Steelers and played six games, totaling one pass defensed and an interception. Playing 58% of the snaps, Samuel showed he could provide some starting-level help alongside Joey Porter Jr. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Bears re-sign D’Marco Jackson Jr.
Jackson played a small role on defense and a larger one on special teams in 2025, and was rewarded on Monday morning with a two-year, $7.5 million deal.
After spending his first two seasons in New Orleans, Jackson signed with the Bears last year, playing 26% of the defensive snaps and 63% on special teams. Defensively, the linebacker was active with 43 tackles, including two for loss, along with one sack. —Matt Verderame
Grade: A-
Steelers re-sign Cole Holcomb
Only hours after signing Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year extension, the Steelers took care of more defensive business on Monday morning, retaining linebacker Cole Holcomb on a .
Holcomb, 29, played sparingly on defense for Pittsburgh in 2025, accounting for only 21% of snaps. However, he also contributed on special teams by playing 44% of those snaps. Since 2022, Holcomb has played only 29 games with Washington and Pittsburgh, so durability is a concern. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C-
Packers re-sign Nick Niemann
Green Bay continued its active ways on Monday morning, signing linebacker Nick Niemann to a one-year deal worth $2.25 million. Niemann spent his first four seasons with the Chargers before signing with the Packers last offseason.
At 28 years old, Niemann is strictly a special teams ace for the Packers. He didn’t play a defensive snap in 2025 but was on the field for 60% of the special teams snaps, showcasing his value on return coverage.
Grade: B-
Giants re-sign Chris Manhertz
The Giants are working on a limited budget with less than $15 million in cap space entering Monday morning, but they made sure to keep tight end Chris Manhertz on a one-year deal.
Manhertz is a 33-year-old blocking tight end who will likely play an important role in coach John Harbaugh’s offense, which has long had such a player in Baltimore. In 10 seasons with the Saints, Panthers, Jaguars, Broncos and Giants, Manhertz has only 30 receptions but has shown immense value as an in-line extension of the run game. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B
Broncos re-sign Sam Ehlinger
After Jarrett Stidham started in the AFC championship game, perhaps he has enough of a market to price his way out of Denver. If he does, the Broncos have their backup for Bo Nix in Ehlinger, who signed a one-year, $2 million contract to stay in Denver.
Ehlinger, 27, spent his first three seasons with the Colts and hasn’t started a game since 2022, or gotten on the field in any capacity since ’23. When he did play, he threw three touchdowns against three interceptions. A ’21 sixth-round pick out of Texas, Ehlinger offers experience and knowledge of Sean Payton’s system having been a year with the Broncos. —Matt Verderame
Grade: C
Vikings re-sign Eric Wilson
Wilson has bounced all over the league, starting with the Vikings before going to the Eagles, Texans and Packers. Back in Minnesota last year, Wilson had a breakout campaign at age 30, totaling 6.5 sacks and 40 pressures, both most among non-edge linebackers last season.
On the brink of free agency, Wilson was rewarded with a new three-year, $22.5 million deal. It’s an enormous haul for a player who was previously a journeyman, but has found a nice role in coordinator Brian Flores’s defense both against the run and pass with 20 run stuffs and 4.4 yards per target allowed in coverage, per NFL’s Next Gen Stats. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B+
Texans re-sign Ed Engram
Houston has already shaken up its offensive line this month with the trade of Tytus Howard to the Browns, but it’s keeping a key piece inside. The Texans were busy on Monday morning, signing guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million.
Ingram, 27, was a stalwart last season after coming over from the Vikings. He played in 14 games and while he’s an excellent run blocker, he’s middling in pass protection. Ingram allowed five sacks and 30 pressures per Pro Football Focus, something which has been a problem dating back to his years in Minnesota. —Matt Verderame
Grade: B-
MARCH 8
Chargers sign Alec Ingold
The Chargers aren’t waiting around. After signing center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract earlier this week and then re-signing edge rusher Khalil Mack on an $18 million deal for 2025, they have now added a second fullback to their roster.
After playing the past season with Scott Matlock playing as a 300-pound fullback on 31% of snaps, Los Angeles decided to give former Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold .
Ingold, 29, spent four years with Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in Miami. Over that span, Ingold played between 33% to 40% of the offensive snaps while totaling 406 total yards and three touchdowns, blocking for Raheem Mostert and DeVon Achane.
Grade: C
Rams extend Trent McDuffie
Less than a week after sending four picks to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, including their 2026 first-round choice, the Rams locked up their star corner.
On Sunday night, general manager Les Snead signed McDuffie to a market-setting deal, including $124 million over four years ($31 million annually), with a whopping $100 million in guaranteed money. The overall value, annual number and guarantees are all records for a corner, giving McDuffie the kind of money rarely seen for a nonquarterback.
McDuffie, 25, won two Super Bowls and went to a third in Kansas City after being a 2022 first-round selection from Washington. The California native is a two-time All-Pro and can play both in the slot and outside, and with the Chiefs, played at least 90% of the snaps in all four campaigns. He’s also a terrific blitzer, with 5.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in his career. The money is enormous, but so is McDuffie’s ability.
Grade: B+
Cardinals re-sign Blake Gillikin
Arizona is a big fan of its special teams. On the same day the Cardinals extended kicker Chad Ryland on a one-year pact, they did the same with punter Blake Gillikin on a contract worth up to $2.65 million.
Gilliken was one of the league’s top punters in 2025 before sustaining an injured back. He ranked first in the NFL with 51.7 yards per punt and was in the top five in that category each of the previous two years as well. Only 28 years old, he’s a quality signing for an Arizona team looking to rebound from a miserable three-win season.
Grade: A
Colts re-sign Blake Grupe
Indianapolis has been quite busy this week, including agreeing to the trade of linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Packers. The Colts continued to make moves on Sunday afternoon, retaining kicker Blake Grupe on a one-year deal worth up to $1.4 million.
Grupe, 27, spent his first two seasons and part of 2025 with the Saints before signing with the Colts to replace Spencer Shrader, who was lost for the year with a torn ACL. During his five games with Indianapolis, Grupe made all 11 of his field goals and was 10-of-10 on extra-point attempts.
Grade: B+
Cardinals re-sign Chad Ryland
Arizona has been active already this offseason, announcing its intent to move on from quarterback Kyler Murray only weeks after announcing Mike LaFleur as its new coach. The Cardinals made a much smaller move over the weekend, bringing kicker Chad Ryland back on a one-year deal.
Frankly, it’s a bit surprising that general manager Monti Ossenfort decided to retain Ryland. In 2023, he was awful as a rookie with the Patriots, hitting just 64% of his field goals. Then, after nailing 87.5% for Arizona in ’24, he was bad again last season, connecting on only 25-of-33 attempts (75.8%).
Grade: D-
Texans re-sign E.J. Speed
Houston took care of a key special teams contributor and depth linebacker on Sunday afternoon, extending E.J. Speed on a two-year, $13 million contract.
Speed, 30, played 44% of the defensive snaps in his first year with the Texans after spending six campaigns with the Colts. In 2025, he totaled 62 tackles, including three for loss, helping the Texans rank first in points against. On special teams, Speed played 52% of the snaps, giving Houston a player who can perform in a variety of situations.
Grade: B
Broncos re-sign Justin Strnad
After almost exclusively being a special teams player the first three years of his career, Justin Strnad has blossomed into a quality defender for the Broncos. On Sunday morning, Strnad was rewarded for his play with a three-year deal worth $18 million, according to James Palmer of The Athletic.
Strnad, 29, played in 16 games last year (starting eight), including 55% of the snaps, recording 4.5 sacks for the AFC West champions. On the second level of Denver’s second-ranked defense, Strnad had 58 tackles, including five for loss and eight quarterback hits, giving the Broncos another quality option alongside Dre Greenlaw and Alex Singleton.
Grade: B-
Packers re-sign Sean Rhyan
With Green Bay turning over a decent amount of its roster this offseason, it found a way to keep an offensive piece long-term, re-signing center Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million deal, including an $11 million signing bonus.
Rhyan, 25, made 11 starts for the Packers in 2025 after starting 17 games over his prior three campaigns. As Green Bay might be moving off of tackle Rasheed Walker and guard/center Elgton Jenkins in the coming days, the Packers were able to retain Rhyan, who can play multiple positions.
Grade: B
MARCH 7
Ravens re-sign Tyler Huntley
Baltimore is bringing back one of its mainstays, keeping backup quarterback Tyler Huntley on a two-year deal worth $11 million.
After spending his first four years with the Ravens, Huntley went to the Dolphins in 2024 before returning to Baltimore in ’25, starting two games. He has started 11 games and appeared in 25, throwing for 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. At 28 years old, he’s a fine backup for Lamar Jackson and an important one, as Jackson has missed significant time in three of the past five seasons.
Grade: B+
49ers re-sign Eddy Pineiro
After cycling through a bevy of kickers in recent years, the 49ers have decided to stick with Eddy Pineiro, who agreed to a four-year deal worth $17 million.
The 30-year-old veteran came in during the 2025 season to replace the released Jake Moody and was a terrific find, connecting on all but one of his 29 field-goal attempts. For his career, Pineiro has played for the Bears, Jets and Panthers, spending the prior three years in Carolina before joining San Francisco. Pineiro has long been a reliable kicker, hitting 89.7% of his field goals.
Grade: B
Cowboys place second-round tender on RFA Brandon Aubrey
Dallas is one of the few teams with a true weapon at kicker, and made sure to keep that weapon around by placing a second-round tender on Brandon Aubrey, a restricted free agent.
Essentially, Aubrey can be offered a contract by another team and if the Cowboys match, he stays with the Cowboys. If Dallas decides not to match, it would receive a second-round pick in return. Assuming Aubrey doesn’t get any outside offers, he’ll be playing 2026 on a one-year deal worth $5.76 million. Last season, Aubrey was 36-of-42 on field goals and missed only one extra point. He also made 11 field goals of more than 50 yards and is 37-of-48 on such kicks throughout his three-year career.
Grade: A-
Chargers re-sign Khalil Mack
On Saturday night, the Chargers made a move to keep one of their best players, signing edge rusher Khalil Mack to a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $18 million.
Mack, 35, is coming back for his fifth season with Los Angeles after spending his first eight years with the Raiders and Bears. While he’s not the same player he was a few years ago, Mack was still useful for the Chargers in 2025, racking up 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits in 12 games. At this point, he’s a second option in the pass rush to Tuli Tuipulotu, but he’s worth keeping around. The Chargers, who lost in the wild-card round, also had the luxury of paying out a big number, considering they entered the day with $95.7 million in cap space, second only to the Raiders.
While Mack is expensive, he’s worth retaining. However, if Los Angeles kept Mack at the cost of also keeping Odafe Oweh, it’s a much more questionable decision.
Bills re-sign Connor McGovern
Two days after acquiring DJ Moore, the Bills made another move to strengthen their offense, signing veteran center Connor McGovern to a four-year, $52 million deal with $32 million guaranteed, securing Josh Allen’s pivot man.
At 28, McGovern is now the league’s third-highest paid center by annual value and guaranteed total, trailing only the Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey and the Eagles’ Cam Jurgens. After three seasons with the Cowboys, he joined Buffalo as a free agent in 2023, starting 49 games and recording just eight penalties. A Pro Bowler in ’24, McGovern ranks among the best centers in the league.
Grade: B+
MARCH 6
Commanders re-sign Treylon Burks
The Commanders are bringing back one of their in-house free agents, coming to terms with receiver Treylon Burks on a one-year, $4 million deal. Burks, 25, was a first-round pick of the Titans in 2022 but never found his footing in Nashville, notching only one touchdown amidst three injury-plagued seasons.
In Washington, Burks played in eight games last year, catching 10 passes for 130 yards and a score. While he’s clearly further down on the depth chart, Burks provides some depth with upside for a Commanders team light on perimeter talent beyond superstar Terry McLaurin.
Grade: C
Patriots re-sign Tommy DeVito
Chicken Cutlets is back in New England. On Friday afternoon, the Patriots and quarterback Tommy DeVito agreed on a two-year, $7.4 million contract with $2 million guaranteed, giving Drake Maye his understudy through 2027.
DeVito, 27, spent two years with the Giants, starting eight games and winning three of them. He’s thrown for 1,358 yards with eight touchdowns against three interceptions, giving offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels at least some experience in case of an injury to Maye.
Grade: B-
Rams re-sign Kam Curl
Only two days after swinging a massive trade for All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie (which will become official when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday), the Rams locked up another core piece of their secondary on Friday, re-signing safety Kam Curl for three years and $36 million.
Curl, 26, joined the Rams in 2024 and has become a quality starter over the past two seasons, starting 33 regular-season games while racking up 14 passes defensed, three sacks and two interceptions. In last year’s playoff win over the Bears, Curl starred with a pick of Caleb Williams, along with 13 tackles in Los Angeles’s 20–17 overtime triumph.
With Curl off the market, the Rams are primarily set in the secondary while the free-agent market still has Bryan Cook, Jaquan Brisker, Nick Cross and Coby Bryant to offer for teams in need of a safety.
Grade: A-
Chargers sign Tyler Biadasz
Instead of waiting to see if Linderbaum was going to hit free agency, the Chargers replaced the retiring Bradley Bozeman early Friday morning, signing Biadasz to a three-year deal worth $30 million.
Biadasz, 28, is a six-year veteran and one-time Pro Bowler who played his first four seasons with the Cowboys before joining the Commanders before the 2024 campaign. Although this is Biadasz’s third team in four seasons, he’s a quality center and an immediate upgrade over Bozeman.
Grade: B
MARCH 5
Rams re-sign Tyler Higbee
Los Angeles has been busier than any other team during the first week of March. On Thursday, Rams general manager Les Snead made another move, re-signing longtime tight end Tyler Higbee to a two-year, $8 million contract.
Frankly, it’s a bit surprising. Higbee is 33 years old and had only 281 receiving yards across 10 games last year. He’s also played only 13 games over the past two seasons, as age and durability are starting to become increasing concerns. While the Rams can and will certainly lean on other options before him in the passing game, Snead was a bit aggressive giving Higbee a multi-year deal.
Grade: C-
FEBRUARY 21
Cowboys re-sign Javonte Williams
Dallas and veteran running back Javontae Williams agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal after Williams rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry in 2025. Williams, 25, came to the Cowboys on a one-year deal this past offseason after spending his rookie contract with the Broncos. After a promising rookie campaign in which he gained 1,219 yards from scrimmage and scored seven times, Williams tore multiple ligaments in his knee against the Raiders in Week 4 and never fully regained his prior form.
However, Williams found himself with Dallas and helped the Cowboys rank ninth in rushing with 125.6 yards per game. With Williams now in the fold long-term, owner/general manager Jerry Jones can focus on how to proceed with star receiver George Pickens while also fixing a defense that ranked 30th a year ago.
Grade: B+
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2026: Grading Every Major Move.
