JUMP TO: Latest NFL free agency news | Singings by teams | Best still available
Get ready for a flurry of player movement across the NFL.
The new league year has officially begun, and all 32 teams will use the coming days to retool through free agency and the trade market before April’s draft. With some big names set to hit the open market and a few more potentially available via trade, plenty of action is expected.
If there’s one lesson from Super Bowl 60, it’s that a successful offseason can turn a playoff contender into a title contender. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks added top free agents, including quarterback Sam Darnold, while the New England Patriots stocked up on defensive starters that helped them reach the Super Bowl.
The NFL salary cap has increased to $301.2 million for 2026, up from $279.2 million last year. While the negotiation window for free agency opens on March 9, free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, when players can be signed as the new league year kicks off.
The Sporting News will track all notable NFL free agent signings and trades during the 2026 NFL free agency frenzy. Follow along below for the latest rumors, news, and player movement as deals are announced.
MORE:Ranking the top 100 free agents in 2026 NFL offseason
NFL free agency live news, updates on signings and trades
March 7
Khalil Mack returns to the Chargers
The veteran pass rusher is back with Los Angeles in a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Mack had 5.5 sacks in 12 games last season, and 2026 will be Mack's fifth in LA.
Chiefs bring back LS James Winchester
It's a one-year, $1.75 million deal for the long snapper, per Ian Rapoport. Winchester has spent his entire, 11-year career in Kansas City.
Ravens re-sign QB Tyler Huntley
The quarterback gets a two-year, $11 million, according to Adam Schefter. He started two games in 2025 but will once again backup Lamar Jackson next season.
49ers give K Eddy Pineiro four-year deal
According to Eric Branch, the kicker gets a four-year, $17 million deal from San Francisco after steadying the position in 2025. Pineiro made 28 of 29 field goals last seasons.
Colts trade LB Zaire Franklin to Packers
The Colts and Packers completed a 1-for-1 trade, per Ian Rapoport. Green Bay adds Franklin, who was Indianapolis' leading tackle in 2024. The Colts add DT Colby Wooden.
Eagles extend DT Jordan Davis in record breaking deal
The Eagles and Davis came to an agreement on a three-year, $78 million extension, that includes $65 million in guaranteed money. It makes him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history, per Adam Schefter.
Bills re-sign C Connor McGovern on a four-year, $52 million deal
Center Connor McGovern was set to hit free agency, but Buffalo isn't letting him go. The Bills signed him to a massive four-year, $52 million extension, per Adam Schefter.
March 6
Raiders trading DE Maxx Crosby to Ravens
The Las Vegas Raiders are adding to their rebuild draft capital. They traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two firsts, including No. 14 in the 2026 NFL Draft, per Ian Rapoport.
Patriots trading C Garrett Bradbury to Bears
A few days after former Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly retired, Chicago has made a move to acquire his replacement. The Bears are trading for center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots, per Dianna Russini. Chicago is sending a fifth-round pick to New England in the deal.
Texans releasing RB Joe Mixon
Houston is parting ways with veteran running back Joe Mixon, per Adam Schefter, who requested his release and saves the Texans $8 million against the salary cap.
Mixon's NFL future is unknown after he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.
Lions OL Taylor Decker announces his release
Detroit left tackle Taylor Decker is set to join the open market, as he announced his requested release from the Lions, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots re-sign QB Tommy DeVito
New England is bringing back backup quarterback Tommy DeVito on a two-year, $7.4 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Commanders re-sign WR Treylon Burks
Washington is bringing back receiver Treylon Burks on a one year deal worth up to $4 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Dolphins releasing FB Alec Ingold
Miami and former Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold are parting ways, per Mike Garafolo, as he will be released.
Bills releasing WR Curtis Samuel, CB Taron Johnson
Per Adam Schefter, two Bills cap casualties will be wide receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback Taron Johnson. Johnson is a former All-Pro who now hits the open market.
Patriots have 'poked around' on A.J. Brown, Chargers 'keeping tabs,' Rams backed out
While the Eagles are "holding firm" on their "steep" price for Brown, The Athletic's Diana Russini named a few connected teams. The Patriots have "poked around on it," while the Chargers have been "keeping tabs on the situation." Additionally, the Rams "discussed" trading for Brown, but have since moved on.
The Eagles are said to be seeking a package similar to the Jets' for Quinnen Williams last trade deadline, according to Mike Garafolo. If they don't receive that package, the team may just keep Brown. New York received a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a defensive tackle in exchange for Williams.
Maxx Crosby drawing 'serious interest,' Cowboys and Ravens interested
According to Diana Russini, league-wide interest in star Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is picking up, with the Cowboys "closely monitoring the situation" and the Ravens "a team to watch." Teams now believe the Raiders are "willing" to work on a deal.
Raiders releasing QB Geno Smith
After signing the veteran quarterback to a deal last offseason, the Raiders are parting ways with Geno Smith, per Adam Schefter. The team will be taking on $18.5 million in dead money, but opening up around $8 million in cap space by releasing Smith.
Rams re-sign S Kam Curl
Los Angeles is re-signing safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal, with a max value of $39 million, per Ian Rapoport.
Chargers signing former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to 3-year deal
After being cut by the Commanders, center Tyler Biadasz is set to land a three-year, $30 million contract from the Chargers, per Ian Rapoport.
March 5
Danielle Hunter gets significant one-year extension from Texans
Houston is giving star pass rusher Danielle Hunter a one-year, $40.1 million extension that keeps him with the team through 2027, per Tom Pelissero.
Bears releasing LB Tremaine Edmunds
Chicago will be parting ways with former Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, per Adam Schefter. Between Edmunds' release, the trade of DJ Moore and Drew Dalman's retirement, the Bears have freed up around $44 million in cap space.
Rams re-signing TE Tyler Higbee
L.A. is keeping its veteran tight end, Tyler Higbee, on a two-year, $8 million contract, per Ian Rapoport.
Titans eyeing WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Tennessee is showing interest in former Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, per Rotoworld.
Veteran DE Cameron Jordan to hit open market
Longtime NFL pass rusher Cameron Jordan, who has been in New Orleans for 15 years, will be hitting free agency after he and the Saints could not agree to a new contract, per Adam Schefter.
Jordan does plan to play a 16th NFL season, and he is "open" to leaving New Orleans.
Raiders 'more open' to dealing Maxx Crosby
According to Jordan Schultz, Las Vegas is growing "more open" to the idea of trading its star pass rusher, and it's "a situation that is only going to intensify."
Bears trading WR D.J. Moore to Bills
Buffalo has found its potential new WR1 for Josh Allen, as it is acquiring D.J. Moore from the Bears, per Adam Schefter. A fifth-round pick is also going to Buffalo, while Chicago gets a second-round pick in return.
While the Bills were "monitoring" A.J. Brown's situation in Philadelphia, they strike with a different trade-market move for a receiver.
Falcons planning to cut WR Darnell Mooney
Atlanta will be releasing wide receiver Darnell Mooney, per Ian Rapoport.
March 4
Buccaneers don't place tender on RFA Sean Tucker
The running back will hit unrestricted free agency, according to Jeremy Fowler. In three seasons, Tucker has 651 total rushing yards and nine touchdowns, but he can now try to find a bigger role on another team.
Steelers releasing TE Jonnu Smith
Pittsburgh is parting ways with Smith, the former Dolphins tight end, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs
After their run to the Super Bowl, the Patriots will be releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs at the start of the new league year, per Tom Pelissero. Despite a successful first year in New England, Diggs will be hitting the open market for the second-straight offseason.
Chiefs trade All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to Rams
As the Chiefs navigate a tough salary cap situation this offseason, they are trading star CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams in exchange for four draft picks, including the No. 29 pick in the upcoming 2026 draft, per Adam Schefter.
Los Angeles is adding one of the best younger defensive backs in the league, while Kansas City stocks up on draft capital as it retools around Patrick Mahomes.
March 3
Kyler Murray to be released by Cardinals
After rumblings that Arizona was looking to trade its former No. 1 overall pick, the Cardinals will instead be releasing Kyler Murray on the first day of the new league year, per Adam Schefter.
Murray is still owed $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 by the Cardinals, but he will now be able to sign elsewhere on the open market.
Bears OL Drew Dalman retiring at age 27
Chicago will be in the market for a new starting center, as Drew Dalman is retiring from the NFL at age 27, per Adam Schefter.
Dalman signed with the Bears last offseason and helped guide one of the league's top rushing attacks last season.
Daniel Jones placed under transition tag by Colts
The expectation has remained that the Colts would eventually strike a deal to bring back Daniel Jones as QB1, and by transition tagging him, they have taken a step toward that possibility.
Now, Jones is still able to sign an offer sheet in free agency, but the Colts would have the right to match it. Otherwise, he could still land a longer-term extension from Indianapolis.
Trey Hendrickson to hit the open market, shares goodbye message to Bengals
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson was not placed under the franchise tag, and he is now going to hit the open market as one of the best players available.
After his long-standing contract feud with Cincinnati, Hendrickson shared a message signaling the official end of his time with the franchise.
Jets franchise tag Breece Hall
The market's top running back has been hit with the franchise tag, as the Jets tagged Breece Hall prior to the deadline. The two sides were not able to come to an agreement on an extension, and for now, Hall is set to receive around $14.29 million for the 2026 season if a new deal is not reached by July 15.
Hall received the non-exclusive franchise tag, per Adam Schefter, which means he can sign an offer sheet with any other team in free agency, and the Jets have the right to match that sheet. If they declined to match it, New York would receive two first-round picks from the new team.
Vikings 'open' to trading Jonathan Greenard
Adam Schefter reported that Minnesota is "open" to dealing Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, but "would like" to keep him with the team during ongoing salary cap issues.
March 2
Texans release S Jimmie Ward
In a move that will save them around $750,000 against the salary cap, the Texans are set to release safety Jimmie Ward, per Adam Schefter.
Commanders releasing CB Marshon Lattimore
Washington is set to release former Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team around $18.5 million in salary cap space, per Adam Schefter.
Chiefs OL Jawaan Taylor to be released
The Chiefs continue to navigate their cap situation, with offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor set to be released at he start of the league year barring a trade, per Adam Schefter.
Lions trade RB David Montgomery to Texans
As the first significant trade of the offseason, the Lions agreed to send running back David Montgomery to the Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, OL Juice Scruggs and a seventh-round pick.
Montgomery becomes the likely starter in Houston's backfield, while the Lions break up their "Sonic & Knuckles" duo as Jahmyr Gibbs likely takes on an even bigger role in 2026.
March 1
Vikings to release Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave
Two additions to the open market will be veteran running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargraves, as the Vikings will be releasing both at the start of the league year, per Adam Schefter.
Feb. 27
Cowboys use franchise tag on George Pickens
Dallas has taken a step toward keeping George Pickens in blue and white, using the franchise tag on the receiver. Franchise tagging Pickens will cost Dallas $27,298,000, but it now gives them time to work out a long-term deal or look for a trade partner.
The non-exclusive franchise tag was used on Pickens, per Todd Archer, meaning other teams will be allowed to talk to him in free agency. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have five days to match it. If they decide not to, Dallas would be entitled to draft compensation equivalent to two first-round picks.
Feb. 26
Colts give Anthony Richardson permission to seek trade
As the Colts seek to bring back Daniel Jones as their 2026 quarterback, young backup Anthony Richardson has been given permission to seek a trade partner, per ESPN.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is set for a change of scenery after a few years of injuries and up-and-down play for Indianapolis.
Jets trade DE Jermaine Johnson to Titans
New York has traded another notable defender, sending Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee in exchange for DT T'Vondre Sweat, per ESPN.
Feb. 24
Trent Williams could join free agent class without 49ers contract solution
According to Adam Schefter, five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could hit the open market if he and the 49ers are unable to come to an agreement on his contract situation.
Falcons use franchise tag on Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts will not be hitting the open market as potentially the best tight end available, as the Falcons used the franchise tag on him. He's set to remain in Atlanta for 2026, and he was the first player to be tagged this offseason.
Feb. 16
Dolphins releasing Tyreek Hill
Former All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill will be on the free-agent market this offseason, as the Dolphins released him early in the offseason. Coming off a dislocated knee and torn ACL, Hill will become one of the best weapons available in free agency.
MORE: Sporting News' 2-round mock draft
NFL free agent signings by team
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
WR D.J. Moore (trade)
Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
OT Tytus Howard (trade)
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
OL Juice Scruggs (trade)
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans
RB David Montgomery (trade)
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
C Tyler Biadasz (3 yrs, $30M)
Los Angeles Rams
CB Trent McDuffie (trade)
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
New York Jets
DL T'Vondre Sweat (trade)
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (trade)
Washington Commanders
Best NFL free agents available by position
Here is a list of the top NFL free agents available by position, as ranked by SN's Vinnie Iyer.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
Malik Willis, Packers
Daniel Jones, Colts (transition-tagged)
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Joe Flacco, Bengals
Marcus Mariota, Commanders
Russell Wilson, Giants
Tyler Huntley, Ravens
Tyrod Taylor, Jets
Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams
Kenny Pickett, Raiders
Gardner Minshew, Chiefs
Geno Smith, Raiders
Running backs
Breece Hall, Jets (franchise-tagged)
Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks
Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars
Javonte Williams, Cowboys
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
Rico Dowdle, Panthers
Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
JK Dobbins, Broncos
Rachaad White, Buccaneers
Najee Harris, Chargers
Aaron Jones, Vikings
Wide receivers
George Pickens, Cowboys (franchise-tagged)
Alec Pierce, Colts
Mike Evans, Buccaneers
Jauan Jennings, 49ers
Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks
Wan'Dale Robinson, Giants
Romeo Doubs, Packers
Deebo Samuel, Commanders
Christian Kirk, Texans
Jailon Nailor, Vikings
Keenan Allen, Chargers
Tight ends
Kyle Pitts, Falcons (franchise-tagged)
Isaiah Likely, Ravens
David Njoku, Browns
Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Dallas Goedert, Eagles
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans
Offensive tackles
Rasheed Walker, Packers
Jermaine Eluemunor, Giants
Rob Havenstein, Rams
Braden Smith, Colts
Braxton Jones, Bears
Guards
David Edwards, Bills
Isaac Seumalo, Steelers
Joel Bitonio, Browns
Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets
Kevin Zeitler, Titans
Dylan Parham, Raiders
Greg Van Roten, Giants
Dalton Risner, Bengals
Ed Ingram, Texans
Centers
Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens
Connor McGovern, Bills
Cade Mays, Panthers
Edge rushers
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals
Jaelan Phillips, Eagles
Odafe Oweh, Chargers
Boye Mafe, Seahawks
Khalil Mack, Chargers
Joey Bosa, Bills
Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons
Cameron Jordan, Saints
Jadeveon Clowney, Cowboys
K'Lavon Chaisson, Patriots
Kwity Paye, Colts
Bradley Chubb, Dolphins
Defensive tackles
D.J. Reader, Lions
Calais Campbell, Cardinals
John Franklin-Myers, Broncos
David Onyemata, Falcons
DaQuan Jones, Bills
Dre'Mont Jones, Seahawks
Javon Hargrave, Vikings
Linebackers
Devin Lloyd, Jaguars
Devin Bush, Browns
Leo Chenal, Chiefs
Nakobe Dean, Eagles
Bobby Wagner, Commanders
Quay Walker, Packers
Demario Davis, Saints
Alex Anzalone, Lions
Kaden Elliss, Falcons
Logan Wilson, Cowboys
Justin Strnad, Broncos
Germaine Pratt, Colts
Cornerbacks
Jaylen Watson, Chiefs
Alontae Taylor, Saints
Jamel Dean, Buccaneers
Riq Woolen, Seahawks
Nahshon Wright, Bears
Joshua Williams, Chiefs
Mike Hilton, Colts
Rasul Douglas, Dolphins
Asante Samuel Jr., Steelers
Chidobe Awuzie, Ravens
Marshon Lattimore, Commanders
Safeties
Jaylinn Hawkins, Patriots
Kamren Curl, Rams
Kevin Byard III, Bears
Coby Bryant, Seahawks
Bryan Cook, Chiefs
Reed Blankenship, Eagles
Jaquan Brisker, Bears
Alohi Gilman, Ravens
Jabrill Peppers, Steelers
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bears
Andre Cisco, Jets
Jalen Thompson, Cardinals
Donovan Wilson, Cowboys
Kickers
Nick Folk, Jets
Joey Slye, Titans
Eddy Pineiro, Bears
Riley Patterson, Dolphins
Daniel Carlson, Raiders
Punters
Braden Mann, Eagles
Ryan Wright, Vikings
Jake Bailey, Dolphins
Tommy Townsend, Texans
Tress Way, Commanders
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
Bradley Pinion, Falcons
Long snappers
James Winchester, Chiefs
Joe Cardona, Dolphins
J.J. Jansen, Panthers
Casey Kreiter, Giants
Jon Weeks, 49ers