NFL Free-Agency Tracker 2026: Grading Every Major Move

Conor Orr on these moves: Mike Evans | Malik Willis | Kenneth Walker III | Winners and losers

NFL free agency has been fast and furious and full of drama, just ask Maxx Crosby after what happened on Tuesday night.

Free agency officially kicked off at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday when the new league year began.

For each significant signing and re-signing, we will have analysis and grades. Let's dive in.

MARCH 12

Giants agree with Calvin Austin III

New York has found a versatile wide receiver for Jaxson Dart. Austin and the Giants have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million.

Austin was a speedy pass-catching option for the Steelers the past four years, one capable of producing plays from the backfield and as a punt returner. Last season, Austin recorded 31 catches for 372 yards and three touchdowns. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Buccaneers agree with Al-Quadin Muhammad

The Buccaneers are making sure they have enough reliable pass rushers after getting minimal production from their front last season. Muhammad is leaving Detroit after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with a max value of $6 million.

Last season, Muhammad generated a career-high 11 sacks, playing 41% of the defensive snaps for the Lions. The 2017 sixth-round pick has 26 sacks and has made 36 starts in his eight-year career. The Buccaneers also added defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson earlier this week. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Seahawks agree with Emanuel Wilson

Wilson could see a significant role with the defending Super Bowl champions after the departure of Kenneth Walker III. The former Packers running back agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $2.1 million.

Wilson was a reliable No. 2 option in Green Bay and stepped up during the games Josh Jacobs missed last season. He had at least 100 carries and rushed for 450 yards in each of the past two seasons.

There’s a strong chance Wilson sees more action to begin his tenure with the Seahawks because Walker left to join the Chiefs and Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in the playoffs. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Dolphins agree with Marco Wilson

The Dolphins continue to add defensive backs to a secondary that needs plenty of help. Wilson is headed to Miami after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract.

Wilson spent the past two seasons as a rotational cornerback for the Bengals. The 2021 fourth-round pick has recorded three interceptions and made 37 starts in his career. Earlier this week, Miami added safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., who played for the Raiders last season. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Dolphins agree with Tutu Atwell

Miami has added a speedy playmaker after spending most of the offseason parting with players. Atwell and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

Last year, Atwell received a one-year, $10 million extension from the Rams, but the move backfired for the team because the 2021 second-round pick recorded only six catches for 192 yards and one touchdown. But there’s no denying that Atwell has dangerous speed on the field, evident from his career average of 14.6 yards per reception. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Falcons agree with Samson Ebukam

The Falcons are reeling this offseason with the ugly legal troubles of 2025 first-round pick James Pearce Jr. after his 10.5 sacks as a rookie. With Pearce potentially off the field for the foreseeable future, general manager Ian Cunningham has agreed to a deal with edge rusher Samson Ebukam.

Ebukam, 30, has spent time with the Rams, 49ers and Colts throughout his nine-year career. After missing all of 2024 with a torn Achilles, Ebukam played 14 games for Indianapolis and amassed only two sacks and eight quarterback hits while playing 43% of the defensive snaps. If Ebukam can find his old form, this could be an intriguing fit in coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. —Matt Verderame

Grade: C

49ers agree with Dre Greenlaw

The 49ers and Dre Greenlaw are proving you can indeed go home again. On Thursday, the sides agreed on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million after Greenlaw spent an injury-plagued 225 with the Broncos.

Greenlaw hasn’t been able to stay on the field since Super Bowl LVIII, when he tragically tore his Achilles running onto the field after a change of possession. Since then, Greenlaw has played in only 10 games over two seasons, which is why Greenlaw was only able to get a one-year deal. Still, if healthy, he’s a perfect complement to Fred Warner once again. —Matt Verderame

Grade: B-

Buccaneers agree with Miles Killebrew

First, the Buccaneers took special teams coach Danny Smith from the Steelers. Then, on Thursday, they swooped in to acquire defensive back Miles Killebrew on a one-year deal worth $1.8 million.

Killebrew is a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro based on his special teams play, starring over the past five years in Pittsburgh after spending his first five seasons with the Lions. Last year, Killebrew was limited to five games with a torn ACL, but hadn’t missed a game in any of the four prior campaigns. —Matt Verderame

Grade: A

Seahawks re-sign Brandon Pili

Seattle has watched plenty of talent leave for other teams since raising the Lombardi Trophy a month ago. But for the second time on Thursday, the Seahawks kept one of their own, re-signing defensive tackle Brandon Pili on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Pili, 26, is a 334-pounder who can control the middle. He played 13 games and totaled 12 tackles, including one solo. In his first year with Seattle, Pili played 18% of the defensive snaps and 12% of the special teams snaps. —Matt Verderame

Grade: C

Commanders agree with Rachaad White

The Commanders have been busy reshaping their roster this week, and they’ve added a potent weapon to the backfield, agreeing to terms with Rachaad White on a one-year deal.

White, 27, has been a talented dual threat for the Buccaneers over the past four seasons, rushing for 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry. However, White’s biggest asset is his pass-catching ability, with 205 receptions for 1,450 yards and another 11 scores. In Washington, expect White to play plenty on passing downs. —Matt Verderame

Grade: B

Bengals agree with Jonathan Allen

The Bengals have spent this week focusing on improving their defense, adding hometown kid Bryan Cook as a safety from the Chiefs, along with defensive end Boye Mafe. On Thursday, Cincinnati added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on a two-year deal worth $26 million and up to $28 million.

Allen, 31, spent last season with the Vikings after playing his first eight years in Washington. In Minnesota, he played all 17 games, notching 3.5 sacks, along with 11 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss. At this point, Allen is a declining talent, but he still offers a pass-rush threat inside who can also play in all situations, as evidenced by his 76% snap share in 2025. —Matt Verderame

Grade: C+

Seahawks re-sign Brady Russell

The Seahawks have lost some talent this week in Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe and Kenneth Walker III, among others, but they were able to keep an underrated piece on Thursday. The team retained fullback Brady Russell on a two-year deal, with terms undisclosed.

Russell, 27, has played at least 73% of the special teams snaps in each of his first three seasons. Coming to Seattle as an undrafted free agent, Russell has performed admirably on return teams, providing an unheralded value. —Matt Verderame

Grade: B

Titans agree with Jacob Martin

Martin has played all over the NFL, and he’s about to add another stop to his list. On Thursday morning, the linebacker agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with the Titans after spending 2025 with the Commanders.

Martin, 30, has spent time with the Seahawks, Texans, Jets, Broncos, Colts, Bears and Commanders. Last season, Martin totaled career-bests with 5.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits. He also played 62% of the defensive snaps, another high-water mark. —Matt Verderame

Grade: C+

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell — Keaton Mitchell is headed to the Chargers after signing a two-year deal. | Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Chargers agree with Keaton Mitchell

After being non-tendered as a restricted free agent by Baltimore, running back Keaton Mitchell hit the open market and cashed in. The 24-year-old signed a two-year, $9.25 million deal with the Chargers, and will pair with second-year back Omarion Hampton.

Mitchell played 26 games across three seasons with the Ravens, rushing for 767 yards on 6.3 yards per carry with three touchdowns. At 5' 8" and 190 pounds, Mitchell isn’t an every-down back but can certainly provide some home-run ability with his 4.3 speed. He also joins a smart offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, who loves to utilize quickness and burst in the run game. —Matt Verderame

Grade: A-

MARCH 11

Commanders agree with Charles Omenihu

Washington continues to spend money on its defense this free agency. Omenihu is set to be the latest defender for coach Dan Quinn after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million contract with upside to become $7 million.

Omenihu played with the Chiefs the past three seasons and helped them win the Super Bowl two years ago. The seven-year veteran has 23 career sacks and made 95 total game appearances. He’ll now join a Washington defense that recently added Odafe Oweh, Tim Settle Jr., K’Lavon Chaisson and Nick Cross. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Buccaneers agree with A’Shawn Robinson

The Buccaneers must have a type because they added another massive defensive tackle to play next to Vita Vea. Robinson is heading to Tampa Bay after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $10 million contract that’s fully guaranteed.

Robinson, who turns 31 later this month, is getting a pay raise for his productive 2025 season after making $8.5 million with the Panthers. The 10-year veteran has also played with the Lions, Rams and Giants. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Texans agree with Foster Moreau

Houston felt the need to add another tight end even after the recent one-year contract extension with Dalton Schultz. Moreau will be teammates with Schultz after agreeing to sign with the Texans.

Moreau has been a reliable pass-catching tight end in his career, but he’s also a stout blocker, filling a critical need for the Texans. In seven seasons with the Raiders and Saints, Moreau has a combined 151 catches for 1,772 yards and 18 touchdowns. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Giants to re-sign Evan Neal

Apparently, John Harbaugh believes he can help the 2022 first-round pick reach his potential. Neal is getting an opportunity to prove himself to the Giants’ new coach after the offensive tackle’s representatives announced he’s returning to New York.

The Giants declined the fifth-year option on Neal’s rookie contract due to his uneven performances early in his career. To make matters worse, Neal has dealt with injuries, one of which caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. But Harbaugh seems to be focusing on the positives from the No. 7 pick in the ’22 draft. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Jaguars agree with Chris Rodriguez Jr.

The Jaguars’ backfield will have a different look this season after Travis Etienne Jr. left for New Orleans. Rodriguez is headed to Jacksonville after agreeing to a two-year, $10 million deal with a max value of $12 million and $6.2 million fully guaranteed.

Rodriguez, who played under Jaguars coach Liam Coen for a year at Kentucky, was a solid change-of-pace back in three seasons with the Commanders. He’ll likely remain more of a rotation player with the Jaguars also having Bhayshul Tuten and there’s always the possibility of the team adding another running back in the draft. Rodriguez had a career-high 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns last season. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Cardinals agree with Andrew Wingard

After losing safety Jalen Thompson to the Cowboys, the Cardinals have found his potential replacement. Wingard has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with a $3 million base salary and a max value of $4 million.

Wingard was primarily a special teams contributor in Jacksonville before earning a starting role last year. He recorded seven interceptions in his seven seasons with the Jaguars. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Packers agree with Javon Hargrave

It didn’t work out for Hargrave in Minnesota, but he’s getting a fresh start with another team in the NFC North. The defensive tackle has agreed to terms on a two-year, $23 million deal, including $13 million guaranteed for 2026.

Hargrave struggled in his lone season in Minnesota and hasn’t been the same player since his dominant 2022 season with the Eagles that led to him landing a lucrative contract from the 49ers. Green Bay might need Hargrave to regain his top form with Devonte Wyatt recovering from a significant ankle injury.

Hargrave has played in 146 games, generating 49 sacks in his 10-year career.—Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Bears agree with Jedrick Wills Jr.

The Bears have added another insurance plan at left tackle. Wills, the 2020 first-pick of the Browns, is headed to Chicago after agreeing to a one-year contract.

This move comes after the Bears agreed to re-sign Braxton Jones, who may have to compete with Wills for a starting position to open the 2026 season. The odds are against Ozzy Trapilo being healthy in time for Week 1 after sustaining a significant knee injury in the postseason.

Cleveland had high hopes for Wills, but he struggled to find his footing and has also dealt with injuries. He’s played in only 13 games over the past three seasons, including missing all of 2025. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Buccaneers agree with Jake Browning

Baker Mayfield will likely have a new backup this season. Browning is leaving Cincinnati after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal to play in Tampa Bay.

Browning will arrive with plenty of starting experience after spending a sizable portion of his three-year Bengals stint filling in for an injured Joe Burrow. He started seven games in 2023, and another three games last year, but lost his starting job following the trade for Joe Flacco. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Giants to re-sign Evan Neal

The Giants declined the fifth-year option on Neal’s rookie contract due to his uneven performances early in his career. To make matters worse, Neal has dealt with injuries, including missing the entire 2025 season. But Harbaugh seems to be focusing on the positives from the No. 7 pick in the ’22 draft. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Jaguars agree with Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Rodriguez, who worked with Jaguars coach Liam Coen at Kentucky, was a solid change-of-pace back in three seasons with the Commanders. He’ll likely remain more of a rotation player with the Jaguars also having Bhayshul Tuten and there’s always the possibility of the team adding another running back in the draft.

Rodriguez had a career-high 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns last season. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Cardinals agree with Andrew Wingard

Grade: C

Panthers agree with John Metchie III

Bryce Young will get to throw passes to one of his college teammates after Metchie and the Panthers agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

Metchie, who played with Young at Alabama, spent last season splitting time with the Jets and Eagles. The 2022 second-round pick of the Texans has 73 catches for 686 yards and three touchdowns in his career. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb — Linebacker Bradley Chubb won't have to worry about chasing Josh Allen anymore after agreeing to terms with the Bills on Wednesday. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bills agree with Bradley Chubb

Buffalo didn’t waste time picking up Chubb after he was officially released by Miami at the beginning of the new league year. The standout edge rusher agreed to terms on a three-year, $43.5 million deal that can go as high as $52.5 million and includes $29 million guaranteed.

While the Bills needed more pass rushers, this appears to be a risky signing for a player heading into his age-30 season and with an extensive injury history. But Chubb had an impressive bounce-back season, playing in every game in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season.

Chubb, the 2018 first-round pick of the Broncos, has 48 career sacks. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Falcons agree with Azeez Ojulari

Atlanta has added much-needed depth at edge rusher after Ojulari and the Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

Ojulari failed to make an impact with the Eagles last season, but he did show promise in his four seasons with the Giants. The 2021 second-round pick has 22 career sacks.

The Falcons could have a sizable hole at edge rusher depending on what happens with James Pearce Jr., who has legal issues stemming from an alleged domestic dispute. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

49ers set to re-sign Jake Tonges

With George Kittle recovering from an Achilles injury, the 49ers are making sure they have enough depth at tight end. Tonges will return to San Francisco after agreeing to terms on a two-year, $8 million.

The 49ers, who also have Luke Farrell on the roster, now have backup plans at the position in case Kittle isn’t ready in time for the season opener. Tonges played in every game last season, recording 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Jets agree with Dylan Parham

The Jets might have found their new left guard. Parham is set to leave Las Vegas after agreeing to a two-year contract worth up to $20 million.

Parham could be the top option to fill the vacancy left by John Simpson, who agreed to sign with the Ravens earlier this week. Parham, a 2022 third-round pick, was a four-year starter for the Raiders, playing in 64 games. —Gilberto Manzano

Ravens agree with Jaylinn Hawkins

Baltimore has been in the news for its departures, including the failed trade for Maxx Crosby. But the team has been actively signing players on Wednesday, and now it has another new face in the secondary.

Hawkins is leaving the Patriots after agreeing to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Ravens. Earlier in the day, Baltimore signed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Hawkins, a 2020 fourth-round pick of the Falcons, found his stride last year starting 15 games for the Patriots. Overall, the talented safety has 47 starts and eight interceptions in his six-year career. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A-

Commanders agree with Nick Cross

Washington has been active on both sides of the ball this afternoon. Not long after the news broke about the agreement with Chig Okonkwo, the Commanders agreed to terms with Cross on a two-year deal worth up to $14 million.

This is a boost for one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season. Cross can make plays near the line of scrimmage and downfield against the pass. Cross is coming off back-to-back productive seasons in Indianapolis—he had at least 120 total tackles in both seasons. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A

Commanders agree with Chig Okonkwo

The versatile tight end will soon be catching passes from Jayden Daniels after agreeing to terms on a three-year contract worth up to $30 million.

Okonkwo, who started his career with the Titans, is coming off his best season, recording 56 catches for 560 yards and two touchdowns. The 2022 fourth-round pick could be in line to start in Washington, especially if veteran Zach Ertz doesn’t return. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Falcons agree with Chris Williams

The defensive tackle is leaving Chicago after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $2 million deal with Atlanta.

The six-year veteran, who had six tackles and one sack last season, has also played with the Colts, Browns and Chiefs. Williams will get an opportunity to gain snaps due to the Falcons having a thin group of interior defensive lineman. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. — Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. is staying in Minnesota after agreeing to a revised contract. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Vikings to re-sign Aaron Jones

Jones isn’t leaving Minnesota after all, agreeing to a revised deal that will pay him $5.6 million this season, including $5 million guaranteed.

The running back took a pay cut to stay with the Vikings, who needed to get under the cap limit ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline. Initially, Jones had a cap hit of $14.5 million for 2026.

Last season, the nine-year veteran played in 12 games and rushed 548 yards and two touchdowns. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Patriots agree with Kevin Byard III

New England is adding another impactful playmaker to its secondary after agreeing to terms with the three-time All-Pro safety on a one-year, $9 million contract.

After a few mixed seasons, Byard regained his top form last season playing under the guidance of Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Now, Byard, who heads into his age-33 season, will partner with cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III in New England’s secondary.

Last season, Byard had 93 total tackles, a league-high seven interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Ravens to re-sign Chidobe Awuzie

The Ravens and Awuzie are continuing their partnership after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal, including $5 million fully guaranteed.

The experienced Awuzie provided stability for the Ravens’ secondary last season, recording 43 total tackles in 14 games played. He received 59% of the defensive snaps playing behind cornerbacks Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey.

Awuzie, who has 80 career starts, has played for the Cowboys, Bengals and Titans in his eight-year career. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Jets agree with Cade York

York has entered the Jets’ kicking competition after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

The Jets had a need at the position after Nick Folk decided to leave New York and commit to the Falcons. York probably won’t be handed the kicking job, but he has experience with 45 field-goal attempts and 33 successful tries in his career.

Last year, York went 9-of-11 while kicking field goals for the Bengals. He’s also played for the Commanders and Browns. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Colts agree with Micheal Clemons

The Colts have now turned their attention to the defensive side after hammering out an extension with Daniel Jones. Clemons and the team have agreed to terms on a three-year, $17.5 million contract that could be worth up to $18.5 million.

Clemons, a 2022 fourth-round pick, has spent the past four years as a rotational defensive lineman for the Jets. He’ll now play behind DeForest Buckner in Indianapolis. Clemons has generated 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 20 QB hits in his career. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Falcons agree with Channing Tindall

Atlanta has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the linebacker who can also contribute on special teams.

Tindall started his career as a 2022 third-round pick of the Dolphins before joining the Cardinals last season. He hasn't provided much defensively, but he’s made his mark as a special teams contributor. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Browns agree with Jack Stoll

The Browns have found themselves a blocking tight end. Stoll and Cleveland have agreed to terms on a one-year contract.

Stoll will now play with tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who showed vast potential as a pass catcher last year as a rookie. Stoll started his career with the Eagles before playing for the Dolphins and Saints. The five-year veteran has 28 career receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Dolphins agree with Joshua Uche

The 2020 second-round pick of the Patriots is heading back to the AFC East after Uche and the Dolphins agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

Uche spent last season with the Eagles, playing 12 games and recording a sack. He played four and a half seasons with the Patriots—he had 11.5 sacks in 2022—before being traded to the Chiefs in ’24. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Patriots agree with K.J. Britt

Britt is set to leave Miami, but he’s staying in the AFC East after agreeing to a one-year deal with New England.

Britt, the former starting linebacker of the Buccaneers, was a rotational player for the Dolphins last season, playing only 14% of the defensive snaps. The 2021 fifth-round pick had a memorable ’24 season, recording 72 tackles and making 11 starts in Tampa Bay. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Commanders agree with K’Lavon Chaisson

K’Lavon Chaisson looked to be another first-round bust in an endless string of them throughout the years. But in 2025, Chaisson showed he can be an impact player, notching 7.5 sacks for the Patriots en route to Super Bowl LX.

On Wednesday, Chaisson and the Commanders agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal, putting him on his fourth team in as many years. Chaisson is coming off a career year in which he had 18 quarterback hits and played 68% of the defensive snaps. Now in Washington, he’s another new piece to the front seven alongside $100 million edge rusher Odafe Oweh and linebacker Leo Chenal. —Matt Verderame

Grade: B-

Colts to re-sign Daniel Jones

The Colts and Jones have found a win-win scenario. Jones doesn’t have to play under the transition tag, and the team gets needed cap relief after the two sides agreed to terms on a two-year, $88 million contract with incentives that can push the deal to $100 million.

Jones hit the ground running in his first year in Indianapolis, leading the team to an 8–2 record. But the Colts faded fast down the stretch, missed the postseason, and Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon, which may keep him out of the start of the 2026 season.

Again, Jones had plenty of success with coach Shane Steichen, but it was a risky decision to hand the 2019 first-round pick a contract worth $44 million per year based on what happened at the end of last season. Jones has also been inconsistent throughout his career, and the last time he landed a long-term extension, his poor play led the Giants to regret agreeing to a four-year, $160 million deal.

But it was difficult for Indianapolis to ignore the results that Jones provided in the first 10 games of 2025, and the team needed him back after agreeing to re-sign Alec Pierce to a lucrative contract. Jones completed 68% of his passes and threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games played last season. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Baltimore Ravens defensive end Trey Hendrickson — Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is headed to the Ravens after Baltimore backed out of its trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby. | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Ravens agree with Trey Hendrickson

Hendrickson stays in the AFC North and will now face his former teammates and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow after agreeing to a four-year, $112 million deal with Baltimore. The Ravens moved on to Hendrickson after backing out of their trade agreement with the Raiders on Tuesday night due to medical concerns over Maxx Crosby’s surgically repaired knee.

Hendrickson, 31, played in only seven games in his ninth season due to injuries. But the numbers don’t lie. He’s a dominant force when healthy. Hendrickson has 39 sacks combined over the past three seasons. But his age is a concern.

Grade: B-

Packers to re-sign Brenton Cox Jr.

After agreeing to trade Rashan Gary to the Cowboys, the Packers are now focused on maintaining depth at edge rusher. Cox is staying in Green Bay after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

The 2023 undrafted free agent has spent the past three seasons with the Packers. Cox has appeared in 15 games, and has five career sacks. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Chargers re-sign Del’Shawn Phillips

The Chargers haven’t been as active as many anticipated, considering they came into free agency with more than $90 million in cap space. However, on Wednesday, they kept a core special-teamer around, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips.

Phillips, 29, got a two-year deal worth up to $10.5 million from Los Angeles after making 24 special teams tackles in 2025, helping him earn second-team All-Pro honors. While Phillips is nothing more than a depth piece defensively, he’s become one of the league’s aces for return coverage. —Matt Verderame

Grade: A

Vikings re-sign Tavierre Thomas

The Vikings have been taking care of their special teams players, as evidenced by their deal with long snapper Andrew DePaola on Tuesday. Now, they’ve retained corner Tavierre Thomas on a two-year, $4.6 million contract.

Thomas has bounced around the league, playing for four different teams, but has found a home in Minnesota. After joining the Vikings last season, Thomas played 83% of the special teams snaps and earned a multi-year deal, despite playing only 18 defensive snaps all year. —Matt Verderame

Grade: B

MARCH 10

Cowboys agree with Sam Howell

Howell is close to completing the trip around the NFC East. The former Commander and Eagle is headed to Dallas after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

Howell will now likely compete with Joe Milton III for the right to be Dak Prescott’s backup in 2026. The Cowboys have gotten mixed results from Milton since acquiring him in a trade with the Patriots last year.

Howell began his career in Washington in 2022 and started every game for the team in ’23—he led the league in passing attempts (612) and interceptions (21). —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Titans agree with Tommy Townsend

A two-time Super Bowl champion will be handling punting duties for the Titans this season. Townsend, a 2022 first-team All-Pro, is heading to Tennessee after agreeing to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $6 million.

Townsend racked up most of his career accomplishments during his three seasons in Kansas City. He then spent the past two seasons playing for the Texans. He has a career average of 47.6 yards per punt. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Texans agree with Logan Hall

Houston is adding a versatile defensive lineman to its stacked front. The Texans and Hall agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth around $7 million per year.

In his four seasons in Tampa Bay, Hall showed he can play on the interior and out on the edge. The 2022 second-round pick has started 39 career games, including 16 last season. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Titans agree with Jordan Elliott

Elliott will soon be reuniting with coach Robert Saleh in Tennessee. The defensive tackle agreed to terms with the Titans on a two-year, $8 million contract that can go up as high as $8.5 million.

Elliott started 16 games last season under Saleh, who was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator before taking the Titans’ head-coaching job this year. The six-year veteran started his career with the Browns as a 2020 third-round pick before playing for the 49ers the past two seasons. He’s made 97 game appearances with 64 starts. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B-

Steelers to re-sign Cameron Heyward

With only one year remaining on Heyward’s prior deal, the Steelers made sure to take care of one of their best players in team history.

The two sides agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with a total value of $32.25 million, including $16.25 million fully guaranteed. Heyward didn’t have any guaranteed money remaining on his old deal, so he now gets a commitment from the team for this season and is signed through 2027.

Heyward, who’s entering his age-37 season, proved last year he still has plenty to offer on the field. The Steelers great started in every game in 2025 and contributed 78 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and nine QB hits. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B

Lions to re-sign Rock Ya-Sin

Ya-Sin earned the trust of the Lions last season, as evidenced from the six games he started. The team ensured to bring him back after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year, $4 million deal.

Ideally, the team would likely want to have Ya-Sin as a rotational cornerback. Still, it’s a plus that the 2019 second-round pick has plenty of starting experience in his seven-year career, appearing in 96 career games with 45 starts. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C

Commanders agree with Leo Chenal

The Commanders’ rocky defense just got better in coverage. Chenal, one of the better coverage linebackers in the league, agreed to terms with Washington on a three-year, $24.75 million contract.

Chenal has plenty of experience, helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls during his four years there. However, there’s some risk for the Commanders because Chenal played more than 50% of the defensive snaps only once with the Chiefs last year when he recorded 58 total tackles, two sacks and one interception. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: B+

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen — Former Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen started 53 games for the Super Bowl champions. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Eagles agree with Riq Woolen

The Eagles are rolling the dice on Woolen’s enticing skill set after the two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million.

At 6' 4", Woolen has the physical tools to be one of the league’s top outside corners, but his reckless decisions frequently caused problems during four seasons in Seattle. If he becomes a dependable No. 2 across from star Quinyon Mitchell, this partnership could pay dividends in 2026.

A 2022 fifth-round pick, Woolen has started 53 games. His best season was his rookie year, when he recorded a league-high six interceptions. —Gilberto Manzano

Saints agree with Kaden Ellis

The Saints took a top defensive playmaker from the hated Falcons. Ellis is returning to New Orleans after both sides agreed to terms on a three-year, $33 million contract, including $23 million guaranteed.

Technically, the Falcons poached Ellis from the Saints first, but the 2019 seventh-round pick didn’t find his stride until he signed in Atlanta three seasons ago. Ellis is a quality sideline-to-sideline defender with at least 100 total tackles the past three seasons. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A

Browns agree with Elgton Jenkins

Cleveland entered free agency with multiple needs on the offensive line, but the team now has the bulk of its 2026 starting unit.

The Browns and Jenkins agreed to terms on a two-year, $24 million deal, including $20 million guaranteed. The former Packers standout with 94 career starts can play center or guard, and he’s even played games at tackle in his seven-year career.

Jenkins joins a revamped Cleveland offensive line that recently added Zion Johnson, traded for Tytus Howard and returned Teven Jenkins. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A

Cowboys agree with Otito Ogbonnia

Dallas has added depth behind its starting trio of interior defensive linemen. The Cowboys and Ogbonnia have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract.

After serving as a rotational piece on the Chargers’ defensive line the past four seasons, Ogbonnia will now play behind Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa. The 2022 fifth-round pick started 20 games during his time in Los Angeles. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: C+

Jets agree with Nahshon Wright

The Jets’ defensive makeover continued on Day 2 of free agency. Wright and New York agreed to terms on a one-year deal with a max value of $5.5 million.

The cornerback is coming off the best season of his five-year career after starting 16 games for the Bears and recording five interceptions, including a memorable Week 1 pick-six against the Vikings. With injuries at the position, Wright made the most of his opportunity, playing 97% of the defensive snaps and showing that he has starting potential in the league. —Gilberto Manzano

Grade: A-

Patriots agree with Romeo Doubs

After being relatively quiet on the first day of the legal tampering period, the Patriots made their splash signing on Tuesday. New England has agreed to terms with receiver Romeo Doubs on a four-year, $70 million contract, giving quarterback Drake Maye his newest weapon.

Doubs, 25, spent his first four years with the Packers and was a reliable target, racking up at least 600 yards in each of the past three seasons. Doubs was often in a crowded receiver room with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and others, but still managed to carve out a nice role with 21 touchdowns and 12.0 yards per reception.

With New England moving on from veteran Stefon Diggs, Doubs now becomes the top option in the Patriots’ attack and should see an increased volume of targets.

Grade: B

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+

Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn — Houston's Ka’imi Fairbairn is now the highest-paid kicker in the NFL. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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

Cowboys agree with Otito Ogbonnia

Dallas has added depth behind its starting trio of interior defensive linemen. The Cowboys and Ogbonnia have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Grade: C+

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+

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins — Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins will return to Denver on a two-year deal. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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-

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed — Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed returned to the Super Bowl champs on a three-year deal. | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton — Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton got a three-year extension worth up to $30 million. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II — Gardner Minshew II will compete for a job in Arizona. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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-

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans — After 12 years with the Buccaneers, wide receiver Mike Evans is on his way to the 49ers. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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-

New York Giants linebacker Tremaine Edmunds — Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds will be joining the Giants after agreeing to terms on a three-year deal. | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

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+

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. — Former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. will be going home to play for the Saints. | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

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-

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis — Former Packers quarterback Malik Willis will start for the Dolphins. | Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alex Pierc — Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is headed back to Indy after agreeing to terms on the highest-paid contract for a wideout in NFL history. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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-

New England Patriots defensive end Dre'Mont Jones — Former Ravens defensive end Dre'Mont Jones agreed to terms with the Patriots. | Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

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

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson — Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson had a breakout campaign at age 30, with 6.5 sacks. | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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.

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-

Green Bay Packers center Sean Rhyan — The Packers re-signed offensive lineman Sean Rhyan, who can play multiple positions. | Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network v

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 edge Khalil Mack — Khalil Mack is staying with the Chargers after agreeing to a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million deal. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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

New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito — Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito will continue to back up Drake Maye. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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.

Grade: C-

FEBRUARY 21

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams — The Cowboys kept running back Javonte Williams after he rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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.