2026 NFL Free Agency: Live Aussie Updates

The NFL free agency period has officially kicked off, igniting a flurry of player movement as all 32 teams look to bolster their rosters. With the salary cap seeing a significant increase to $301.2 million for 2026, up from $279.2 million last year, teams have more flexibility to make splashy acquisitions. The negotiation window opened on March 9th, with official signings commencing at 4 p.m. ET on March 11th, coinciding with the start of the new league year. Lessons from recent Super Bowls underscore the importance of a strong offseason, with teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots demonstrating how strategic free agency and trade moves can elevate a club from playoff contender to Super Bowl champion.

Key Signings and Trades Across the League

As the dust begins to settle on the initial wave of free agency, here’s a look at some of the notable player movements and signings that have shaped the league:

March 10th: A Busy Day of Roster Reshuffling

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a one-year deal with safety Darnell Savage. Savage, who started 13 games for the Jaguars in 2024, aims to re-establish himself as a consistent NFL starter.
The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back offensive tackle Trey Pipkins on a two-year, $10 million contract. Pipkins has been a consistent starter, offering valuable depth and versatility to the offensive line, especially with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning from injury.
In a move to add depth to their quarterback room, the Dallas Cowboys have signed Sam Howell to a one-year deal. Howell will provide competition for Joe Milton behind starter Dak Prescott.
The Tennessee Titans have secured punter Tommy Townsend with a two-year, $6 million deal. Townsend brings experience from his time with the Texans and Chiefs.
The Houston Texans are bolstering their defensive line by signing Logan Hall to a two-year, $7 million contract. This move marks a homecoming for Hall, who played his college football at Houston.
In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens have reportedly backed out of a trade for star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. A failed physical is cited as the reason for the Ravens’ withdrawal, following Crosby’s meniscus surgery at the end of the 2025 season.
Patrick Ricard, a former Raven, is set to reunite with John Harbaugh and the New York Giants, signing a two-year deal. He becomes the fourth former Raven to join the Giants through free agency.
Pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, considered one of the top remaining free agents, is expected to make his decision on Wednesday.
The Carolina Panthers have added center depth by signing Luke Fortner to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, following the departure of C Cade Mays.
The Washington Commanders are enhancing their defense with the acquisition of linebacker Leo Chenal on a three-year, $24.75 million deal.
The Detroit Lions are bringing back quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Ya-Sin’s deal is for one year and $4 million, with Bridgewater set to serve as Jared Goff’s backup for his 13th season.
With Demario Davis moving on, the New Orleans Saints are bringing back linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million contract. Elliss spent his first four seasons in New Orleans before becoming a productive starter in Atlanta.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $15 million. Woolen was a standout rookie in 2022.
The Green Bay Packers are taking a chance on receiver/punt returner Skyy Moore with a one-year contract.
In another move, the Houston Texans have acquired punter Kai Kroeger from the Saints for a late-round draft pick. Kroeger punted for New Orleans in all 17 games as a rookie in 2025.
The New York Giants have signed kicker Jason Sanders to a one-year deal, potentially creating competition with veteran Graham Gano.
The Cleveland Browns continue to strengthen their offensive line by signing former Pro-Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins to a two-year, $24 million deal with $20 million guaranteed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back punter Cameron Johnston for a second stint with the team on a one-year contract.
The New York Jets, who infamously had zero defensive interceptions in 2025, are looking to improve their secondary by signing cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million.
The New York Jets have also traded for former quarterback Geno Smith, sending a late-round pick to the Raiders.
The New England Patriots have signed wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal, reportedly worth around $80 million.
The Houston Texans are adding offensive tackle Braden Smith on a two-year, $20 million deal, providing depth at right tackle.
Speculation is mounting that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is close to returning to the New York Jets.
The Miami Dolphins have signed kicker Zane Gonzalez to a one-year deal.
The Philadelphia Eagles are being mentioned as a potential landing spot for pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, especially after losing Jaelen Phillips to free agency.
The Detroit Lions have signed former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, expected to complement Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield.
Wide receiver and kick returner Kalif Raymond is reuniting with coach Ben Johnson in Chicago, signing a one-year deal with the Bears.
The New York Giants are adding former first-round pick cornerback Greg Newsome II to a one-year deal.
The Green Bay Packers have added cornerback Benjamin St-Juste on a two-year deal worth $10 million, potentially reaching $10.5 million with incentives.

March 9th: Early Moves and Re-Signings

Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is staying in the AFC East, agreeing to a three-year deal with the New England Patriots. Vera-Tucker has battled injuries since being a first-round pick in 2021.
The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to a two-year, $11 million contract. Thornton averaged an impressive 23.1 yards per reception in 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs are also bolstering their secondary by signing safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million deal.
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back pass-rusher Sam Williams on a one-year, $3 million deal. Williams has shown flashes of pass-rushing ability in his career.
With Daniel Carlson a free agent, the Las Vegas Raiders are signing kicker Matt Gay.
The Detroit Lions are adding offensive line depth with Larry Borom, who started 11 games for Miami in 2025.
The Carolina Panthers have made another significant defensive addition, signing linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million deal. Lloyd enjoyed a career year in Jacksonville in 2025.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing punter Jake Bailey to a three-year, $9 million deal.
The New York Jets have acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins in a trade and also signed former Giants safety Dane Belton to a one-year deal.
The New York Giants are signing former Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington to a one-year deal, marking another reunion with John Harbaugh.
There is speculation that the New Orleans Saints might explore trading running back Alvin Kamara, especially after Travis Etienne’s lucrative deal.
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing guard Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million deal, adding to their offensive line.
The Buffalo Bills are re-signing punter Mitch Wishnowsky to a one-year contract.
The Tennessee Titans are adding to their cornerback depth with the signing of former Chiefs CB Josh Williams.
Former Texans linebacker Christian Harris has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buffalo Bills are signing quarterback Kyle Allen to a two-year, $4.1 million contract, bringing him back for a second stint.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Panthers RB Rico Dowdle to bolster their backfield.
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million with center Austin Schlottman.
Offensive tackle Braxton Jones is re-signing with the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is joining the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $10 million deal.
The Cleveland Browns are signing linebacker Quincy Williams to fill the void left by Devin Bush.
Former Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is joining the Houston Texans on a three-year, $24.75 million deal.
The Arizona Cardinals continue to bolster their trenches with a two-year, $11.5 million deal for defensive tackle Roy Lopez.
The Arizona Cardinals are signing guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $31.5 million deal.
The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back a key weapon, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, on a three-year, $51 million extension.
Former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is heading to the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal.
The Las Vegas Raiders are significantly strengthening their linebacker corps by signing Quay Walker to a three-year, $40.5 million contract and Nakobe Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal.
Tight end Noah Fant has agreed to a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.
The Denver Broncos are parting ways with linebacker Dre Greenlaw but re-signing Alex Singleton to a two-year deal.
Defensive tackle Tim Settle is reuniting with the Washington Commanders on a three-year, $24 million deal.
Super Bowl 60 MVP Travis Kelce is officially returning to the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million.
Cornerback Dee Alford is signing with the Buffalo Bills on a three-year, $21 million contract.
The New York Giants are bringing back offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor on a three-year, $39 million deal.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly entertaining offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Arizona is adding veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew II on a one-year, $8 million deal.
Las Vegas has agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with pass rusher Kwity Paye.
Former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is officially heading to Atlanta on a one-year deal with the Falcons.
Dallas has agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with safety Jalen Thompson.
The Commanders are bolstering their pass rush with Odafe Oweh on a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed.
The Super Bowl champion Bengals have signed pass-rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million deal.
The Packers have released veteran guard/center Elgton Jenkins.
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota is signing a one-year, $7 million deal to return to the Commanders.
Cincinnati is signing former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook to a three-year, $40.25 million deal.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the Giants.
Former Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar has agreed to a three-year, $24.3 million deal with the Chargers.
Denver is working on an agreement for running back J.K. Dobbins to return.
The Titans are making a number of reported defensive moves, signing CB Cor’Dale Flott, CB Alontae Taylor, and EDGE John Franklin-Myers to significant deals.
Former Browns linebacker Devin Bush has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Bears.
Former Chargers offensive lineman Zion Johnson is heading to Cleveland on a three-year, $49.5 million deal.
Pittsburgh is inking cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year, $36.75 million deal.
Wide receiver Mike Evans is heading to the 49ers on a three-year contract worth $60.1 million.
Las Vegas is signing wide receiver Jalen Nailor to a three-year, $35 million deal.
New Orleans is adding offensive line help by signing former Bills guard David Edwards to a four-year, $61 million deal.
Former Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga is heading to the Chiefs on a three-year, $21 million contract.
Atlanta is signing former first-round pick Jahan Dotson on a two-year, $15 million deal.
Former Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is signing a four-year, $78 million contract with the Titans.
The top remaining running back available, Travis Etienne, is signing with the Saints on a four-year, $52 million deal.
Atlanta has agreed to a two-year deal with veteran kicker Nick Folk.
Former Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger has agreed to a three-year deal with the Titans worth $24 million.
Las Vegas has agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal with center Tyler Linderbaum, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
Arizona is signing running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million deal.
Former Seahawks safety Coby Bryant is signing a three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears.
Punter Jake Bailey is heading to the Falcons on a three-year, $9 million deal.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is signing a two-year deal with the Titans.
New Orleans is signing punter Ryan Wright to a four-year, $14 million deal.
New York has reached agreement on a three-year, $12.3 million deal with punter Jordan Stout, making him the highest-paid punter in the NFL.
Tampa Bay is signing former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract.
Former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is signing a two-year, $14 million deal with the Buccaneers.
Another defender heading to the Jets is former Saints linebacker DeMario Davis, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million deal.
The Jets are signing pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare to a one-year, $10 million deal.
New York has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with EDGE Joseph Ossai.
One of the top available quarterbacks, Malik Willis, is heading to Miami on a three-year, $67.5 million deal, with $45 million guaranteed.
Top free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely is signing a three-year deal with the Giants.
The Steelers are acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts and signing him to a three-year, $59 million extension.
Former Eagles and Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is signing a four-year, $120 million contract with Carolina.
Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil has agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million extension with Washington.
Another Chiefs cornerback, Jaylen Watson, is signing a three-year deal with the Rams.
Super Bowl 60 MVP running back Kenneth Walker is signing with the Chiefs.
Former Titans and Ravens defender Dre’Mont Jones is signing a three-year, $39 million deal with the Patriots.
The top free-agent wide receiver, Alec Pierce, is heading back to Indianapolis with a four-year, $114 million contract, making him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.
The 49ers are reportedly “open” to trading left tackle Trent Williams due to contract discussions.
The Falcons are making a “strong push” for former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Travis Kelce is “expected” to return to the Chiefs for his 14th NFL season.
Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans appears “serious” about a potential exit from the Buccaneers.
There is “no momentum” yet on an A.J. Brown trade from the Eagles.
The Giants are considered “serious suitors” for tight end Isaiah Likely.
Dallas is adding defensive tackle Rashan Gary from Green Bay in exchange for a future draft pick.
The Dolphins are trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Jets.
Cornerback Montaric Brown is re-signing with the Jaguars on a three-year, $33 million contract.
The Dolphins have officially released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Texans are keeping offensive guard Ed Ingram with a three-year, $37.5 million deal.
The Steelers are bringing back cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal.
The Indianapolis Colts reportedly offered quarterback Daniel Jones a significant contract.

March 8th: Extensions and Trade Speculation

The Rams and cornerback Trent McDuffie have agreed to a massive four-year, $124 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The Broncos are re-signing tight end Adam Trautman on a three-year, $17 million deal.
There are reports that Travis Kelce plans to speak with multiple teams once free agency begins, indicating he is open to exploring options outside of Kansas City.
The Rams are reportedly closing in on an extension with their newly acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Despite trade speculation, it is considered unlikely that the Jaguars will trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason.
Travis Kelce is reportedly “motivated to return” for a 14th season, though he could explore free agency options.
Running back James Conner will remain with the Cardinals after agreeing to a revised deal.
Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans plans to explore his options in free agency.
The Packers have re-signed offensive lineman Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million contract.

March 7th: Pre-Free Agency Moves

Veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack is returning to the Chargers on a one-year deal.
The Chiefs are bringing back long snapper James Winchester on a one-year, $1.75 million deal.
The Ravens are re-signing quarterback Tyler Huntley to a two-year, $11 million deal.
The 49ers have given kicker Eddy Pineiro a four-year, $17 million deal.
The Colts have traded linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Packers for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.
The Eagles have extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis in a record-breaking three-year, $78 million deal, making him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history.
The Bills have re-signed center Connor McGovern to a four-year, $52 million deal.

March 6th: Trades and Releases

The Las Vegas Raiders have traded defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks.
The Chicago Bears have acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick.
The Texans are releasing running back Joe Mixon, who requested his release to save cap space.
Detroit left tackle Taylor Decker has announced his requested release from the Lions.
The Patriots are bringing back backup quarterback Tommy DeVito on a two-year, $7.4 million deal.
Washington is bringing back receiver Treylon Burks on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million.
Miami is parting ways with fullback Alec Ingold.
The Bills are releasing wide receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback Taron Johnson.
The Patriots have reportedly “poked around” on acquiring A.J. Brown, while the Chargers are “keeping tabs” and the Rams have backed out of discussions.
Star Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is drawing “serious interest” from teams like the Cowboys and Ravens.
The Raiders are releasing quarterback Geno Smith, incurring significant dead cap money but freeing up cap space.
The Rams are re-signing safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal.
The Chargers are signing former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract.

March 5th: Cap Casualty Moves and Extension

Houston is giving star pass rusher Danielle Hunter a one-year, $40.1 million extension.
Chicago will be parting ways with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, freeing up significant cap space.
L.A. is keeping veteran tight end Tyler Higbee on a two-year, $8 million contract.
The Titans are showing interest in former Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.
Longtime pass rusher Cameron Jordan will hit free agency after failing to reach a new contract with the Saints.
Las Vegas is reportedly growing “more open” to the idea of trading its star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
The Bills have acquired wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Bears in a trade.
Atlanta plans to cut wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

March 4th: Tenders and Trades

The Buccaneers will not place a tender on RFA running back Sean Tucker, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Pittsburgh is parting ways with tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Patriots will be releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs at the start of the new league year.
The Chiefs are trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams in exchange for multiple draft picks.

March 3rd: Releases and Tags

The Cardinals will be releasing quarterback Kyler Murray on the first day of the new league year.
Chicago will be in the market for a new starting center as Drew Dalman is retiring at age 27.
The Colts have placed the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, allowing them more time to negotiate a long-term deal.
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson will hit the open market after not being franchise-tagged.
The Jets have franchise-tagged running back Breece Hall, securing his rights for the upcoming season while negotiations for a long-term deal continue.
Minnesota is reportedly “open” to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, though they would prefer to keep him.

March 2nd: Cap Moves and Trades

The Texans are releasing safety Jimmie Ward to save salary cap space.
Washington is set to release former Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a move that will save the team significant cap space.
The Chiefs are expected to release offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor unless a trade is worked out.
In a significant trade, the Lions have sent running back David Montgomery to the Texans for draft picks and an offensive lineman.

February 27th: Franchise Tag

Dallas has used the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, giving them time to work out a long-term deal or explore trade options.

February 26th: Trade Permissions

The Colts have given young backup quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade partner.
The Jets have traded defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.

February 24th: Potential Free Agents

According to reports, five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could hit the open market if he and the 49ers cannot reach an agreement on his contract.
The Falcons have used the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, ensuring he remains with the team for the 2026 season.

February 16th: Early Releases

Former All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill will be on the free-agent market as the Dolphins have released him early in the offseason.

Top Free Agents Still Available (as of latest reports)

While many big names have already found new homes or agreed to extensions, several notable players remain unsigned, offering potential opportunities for teams looking to make a late splash:

Quarterbacks
* Aaron Rodgers
* Malik Willis
* Daniel Jones (transition-tagged)
* Kirk Cousins
* Kyler Murray

Running Backs
* Breece Hall (franchise-tagged)
* Kenneth Walker III
* Travis Etienne Jr.

Wide Receivers
* George Pickens (franchise-tagged)
* Alec Pierce
* Mike Evans

Tight Ends
* Kyle Pitts (franchise-tagged)
* Isaiah Likely
* David Njoku

Edge Rushers
* Trey Hendrickson
* Jaelan Phillips
* Odafe Oweh

This free agency period promises to be one of the most active in recent memory, with teams aggressively retooling to gain a competitive edge in the upcoming NFL season.