The NFL’s unofficial free agency period opened Monday afternoon, and teams wasted no time making moves. Several major contracts and blockbuster trades came together quickly.
Like every free agency period, the signings sparked plenty of optimism and hype. Every team walks away believing it improved more than the rest of the league.
Advertisement
MORE: Miami Dolphins are paying Tua Tagovailoa a ton to play for the Atlanta Falcons
Here are the three biggest winners from day one of the unofficial start of NFL free agency.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) celebrates a touchdown with Indianapolis Colts tight end Andrew Ogletree (85) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Returning Home
Not only did Pierce get paid — he’s also staying with the team that drafted him in 2022. The extension represents a true win-win for both sides.
Advertisement
The four-year, $114 million deal keeps Pierce in Indianapolis and prevents him from reaching the open market. The Colts took a gamble and came out on top by retaining Pierce while also keeping quarterback Daniel Jones.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys acquire Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl pass rusher
Advertisement
Pierce should also see an increase in targets after the Colts traded away Michael Pittman Jr. With the 2026 NFL Draft featuring exceptional wide receiver depth, Pittman’s departure may not hurt Indianapolis as much as some expect.
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) rushes the ball against Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Running the Market Back
Travis Etienne, Tyler Allgeier, Kenneth Walker III, and Kenneth Gainwell all landed significant agreements Monday. Free agency rarely features this many running backs securing strong deals in the same cycle.
This year’s class, however, offered unusual depth at the position. The market featured several starting-caliber backs for teams to pursue.
MORE: New Orleans Saints raise doubts on Alvin Kamara’s future after landing RB
The running back market has taken hits since 2017, but could the 2026 free agency period spark a resurgence for the position?
Feb 10, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Just Win, Baby!
Outside of the Colts winning their gamble, the Raiders may have put together the most impressive opening day of free agency. With Las Vegas expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the front office moved quickly to build support around its future signal-caller.
The Raiders retained defensive back Eric Stokes, added center Tyler Linderbaum, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor among several other moves. It was an extremely busy day for the Raiders’ front office.
MORE: Raiders grab huge OL before making 2026 NFL Draft top pick
From a roster-building standpoint, Las Vegas appears to be executing a clear plan to support its incoming rookie quarterback. The team strengthened the offensive line, added pass-catching help, and continued to reshape the defense. If this approach continues, the Raiders could emerge as the biggest winner of the entire offseason.
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; The 2026 NFL Draft logo at the Super Bowl LX Experience at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:Predicting the first three 2026 NFL Free Agency signings
MARCH MADNESS:ACC Tournament men’s basketball bracket, schedule revealed
MLB:Former Blue Jays pitcher, 39, announces he’ll retire immediately after WBC
NBA:Boston Celtics reveal massive Jayson Tatum update before NBA Playoffs
SPORTS MEDIA:NHL gets TV ratings bump after thrilling USA-Canada clash for Olympic gold
VIRAL:NFL star Joe Burrow cozies up with Jessica Alba at Las Vegas casino