Live Updates on 2026 NFL Free Agency: Deals, Trades, Releases
The 2026 NFL free agency period is officially underway. The new league year opened after a two-day negotiation window, and teams wasted no time making major moves at quarterback, wide receiver and pass rusher. Here’s everything you need to know from the NFL free agency tracker — live signings, trades, cuts and the biggest deals of the offseason.
🏈 Quarterback Market: The Biggest Moves
After the Dolphins released their longtime starter, Tagovailoa landed in the best possible situation. He walks into a dome offense, inherits a Bijan Robinson-led run game and gets to work under new head coach Kevin Stefanski while Michael Penix Jr. recovers from injury. A fresh start in Atlanta.
Miami quickly moved on from Tagovailoa by signing Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal. The Dolphins also traded Jaylen Waddle to Denver and added receiver Jordyn Tyson via the draft to build around their new starter.
Murray heads to Minnesota, giving the Vikings a proven dual-threat signal-caller as they look to compete in an NFC North featuring Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff. One of the splashier quarterback moves of the 2026 NFL free agency period.
The Raiders cleared the path for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza by moving Smith to New York, where he’ll serve as a bridge starter. The Jets now have a veteran presence under center while they develop longer-term options at the position.
🏈 Pass Rushers: Big Money Changes Hands
After the Maxx Crosby trade collapsed due to medical concerns, Baltimore pivoted quickly — landing Hendrickson as their primary edge rusher addition. The Ravens had to find a solution after losing that deal and now have a proven pass rusher to build around in 2026.
Phillips became one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league despite never posting nine sacks in a single season. His advanced pressure metrics are strong — and Carolina is clearly betting on what he can become when healthy, after battling ACL and Achilles injuries earlier in his career.
NFL free agency tracker alert: The Raiders, Jets and Panthers each committed heavily to pass rushers this cycle — either via trade, signing or draft capital. Edge rusher remains the most expensive position to address in free agency.
🏈 Wide Receivers and Skill Positions
After 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, Evans is heading west. The 49ers add a proven 6-5 red zone threat to a receiving corps that needed a high-point target. Tampa Bay meanwhile addresses the void with tight end Kenyon Sadiq expected in the first round of the draft.
The Super Bowl MVP running back finds a new home in Kansas City, giving Patrick Mahomes another explosive weapon out of the backfield. Walker’s pass-catching ability and big-play speed make him an ideal fit for Andy Reid’s offense.
New Orleans added the former Jaguars back to support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Paired with first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate, the Saints are making a serious effort to build an offense capable of competing in the NFC South in 2026.
New England replaced Stefon Diggs — who was released this month — by signing Doubs to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million. The Patriots also expect to add more weapons around Drake Maye in the draft, with KC Concepcion (Texas A&M WR) a potential first-round target.
🏈 Offensive Line: Record Deals Across the Board
2026 NFL Free Agency: Biggest O-Line Contracts
Tyler Linderbaum (C) → Las Vegas Raiders — 3 years, $81M ($27M/year). The new record for an interior lineman. Linderbaum becomes the centerpiece of Las Vegas’s offensive rebuild around Mendoza.
Zion Johnson (G) → Cleveland Browns — $16.5M/year. A surprising investment given pass protection concerns, but Cleveland is overhauling the entire unit.
Elgton Jenkins (G) → Cleveland Browns — Part of the same Browns overhaul that also brought in Tytus Howard via trade from Houston.
John Simpson (G) → Baltimore Ravens — Added depth as the Ravens try to replace Linderbaum’s production in the interior.
Olaivavega Ioane (G, Penn State) — Expected to go late in Round 1 to Pittsburgh as a Seumalo replacement after the guard signed elsewhere.
🏈 Remaining Storylines to Watch
The Raiders had a deal in place to send Crosby to Baltimore along with the No. 14 pick. Medical concerns ended the trade, leaving the Raiders without the return and the Ravens holding on to their first-round selection. Both teams had to adjust their offseason plans on the fly.
One of the most impactful trades in this year’s NFL free agency period, the Waddle deal reshuffled picks across multiple teams. Miami received Denver’s No. 30 pick in return and used it to address their defensive line in the draft. The Broncos gained a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
Kansas City moved their top cornerback to the Rams for four picks including a first-rounder, then used the proceeds to pursue pass rusher and cornerback additions of their own. The Chiefs now hold two first-round selections in the 2026 draft — picks No. 9 and No. 29.
