Grading 2026 NFL Free-Agency Signings and Trades Ahead of Tampering Period

NFL free agency won't officially begin until Wednesday, and the legal-contact window won't even open until noon ET on Monday. However, teams aren't waiting until next week to take big offseason swings.

Trades are already being made around the league, and with notable players getting released, signings should soon follow. Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts— Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, and Maurice Moton—is tracking all the action and weighing in on the early deals.

Grades are based on factors such as player upside, positional value, trade compensation, contract value and how deals fit into each team's trajectory.

Dallas Cowboys Finally Replace Micah Parsons with a Pass-Rusher from Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/David Dermer

Edge-defender Rashan Gary

Dallas Cowboys Get: Edge-Rusher Rashan Gary

Green Bay Packers Get: 2027 fourth-round draft pick

Cowboys Grade: B+

One good turn deserves another or something. The Dallas Cowboys essentially flipped Micah Parsons and a fourth-round draft pick for Rashan Gary, defensive lineman Kenny Clark and a pair of first-round selections, albeit over the course of six months.

The move might even be construed as shrewd if everyone didn't already know how badly the Cowboys botched Parsons' situation. Even so, the Cowboys eventually ended up with the best possible return after failing to re-sign the elite defender.

Obviously, Gary is a couple of years older and not as productive. However, he's still 28 years old, with 24 sacks over the last three seasons. He should also have a passing familiarity with new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker since he was on the Packers' staff during Gary's first two NFL seasons. Also, Gary's current contract is significantly cheaper than Parsons' over the next three seasons.

The Cowboys couldn't outright replace Parsons after bungling that situation. In the end, Dallas did as well as it possibly could considering the circumstances.

Packers Grade: C

Financially, the Packers simply couldn't hold onto both Parsons and Gary. They had to make a move, though Gary helped spur the situation and possibly lost the team some leverage when he posted on social media that his time in Green Bay was done just three days earlier.

To be fair, Gary's return in a trade wouldn't be anywhere near the same stratosphere as what Green Bay surrendered for Parsons based on the previously stated reasons. Plus, his contract remains significant even if it's less than Parsons at this point in time.

More importantly, it's finally time to see what Lukas Van Ness and/or Barryn Sorrell can provide with no one in front of them on the depth chart, while getting the opportunity to play opposite Parsons.

Miami Dolphins, New York Jets Make Rare In-Divisional Swap for Minkah Fitzpatrick

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

New York Jets Get: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

Miami Dolphins Get: 2026 seventh-round draft pick

Jets Grade: B+

With quarterback still up in the air, the New York Jets are overhauling their defense to build an identity under head coach/play-caller Aaron Glenn. Considering Glenn's long history as an NFL defensive back, New York's decision to bring in one of the league's most versatile and savvy backline defenders comes as no surprise.

Minkah Fitzpatrick immediately becomes the Jets' top safety since last year's projected starters, Andre Cisco and Tony Adams, are free agents. The 29-year-old veteran may no longer be an All-Pro or even Pro Bowl-caliber performer, but his experience, intelligence and playmaking along the back end will provide the Jets with something completely different.

His familiarity with the Jets' new-look defensive staff will certainly help as well. Both defensive coordinator Brian Duker and safeties coach Ryan Slowik were on the Dolphins' staff last season.

Plus, Fitzpatrick can help bring along second-year safety Malachi Moore, who should move into a full-time starting role after taking over one of the safety spots in Week 5 of his rookie campaign.

Finally, expect the Jets to bypass superstar safety Caleb Downs with this year's second overall pick to concentrate on a front-five prospect.

Dolphins Grade: D

An entirely new coaching staff brings change to a roster. In Miami's case, new head coach Jeff Hafley also brings a defensive mindset and vision that clearly didn't include Fitzpatrick.

Obviously, a team always wants to build a roster that doesn't include mismatched parts. At the same time, good coaches find ways to deploy players based on their skill sets. In this case, the Dolphins simply got what they could for veteran who no longer fit into the organization's plans.

Minimal return in this trade only exacerbates the Dolphins' growing void in their secondary. The team's back line often appeared as if it was being held together by bubble gum and duct tape last season. At this juncture, an argument can be made that Miami's entire secondary needs a drastic overhaul.

This trade feels like a team trying to get something out of nothing. The Dolphins did, but they're not a better team as a result.

Rams Acquire All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie from Chiefs

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Los Angeles Rams Get: CB Trent McDuffie

Kansas City Chiefs Get: 2026 1st-Round Pick (No. 29), 2026 5th-Round Pick, 2026 6th-Round Pick, 2027 3rd-Round Pick

Rams: B+

Les Snead strikes again.

The Rams general manager has long been known as an executive who isn't shy about mortgaging the future for the present's sake. He's done so again, dealing a package of picks to Kansas City to add a proven veteran at the team's biggest area of need.

A first-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022, McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro the following season. McDuffie's passer rating against of 95.5 in 2025 was a career-high, but he's a quality starter who can be a shutdown corner on a good day.

UPDATE: After McDuffie's acquisition, he and the Rams agreed to a contract extension Sunday making him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at $31 million annually, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Los Angeles saw an opportunity to acquire a No. 1 cornerback and it did. McDuffie playing fewer snaps over the slot during the last two seasons certainly increased his overall value to warrant trading a first-round draft pick—four selections in total—and handing him the aforementioned contract.

Chiefs: A-

With the Chiefs upside-down against the salary cap, there were rumblings the team could deal a veteran or two. And the reality is that with Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL, the 2026 season could be a lost year.

This trade appears to indicate that the Chiefs are aware of that as well.

Losing a player of McDuffie's caliber stings. But the Chiefs got a sizable haul in the deal—including an extra first-rounder this year and a Day 2 pick in 2027. They also don't have to worry about an extension for McDuffie that would have averaged over $20 million a season.

"Win-Win" trades don't come along that often in the NFL.

But both teams appear to have gotten what they wanted here.

Raiders Acquire CB Taron Johnson from Bills 

AP Photo

Buffalo Bills Get: 2026 6th-round pick

Las Vegas Raiders Get: CB Taron Johnson, 2026 7th-round pick

Bills: C

Initially, the Bills announced that they were going to release Taron Johnson, who played eight seasons under former defensive head coach Sean McDermott. Buffalo's new lead skipper, Joe Brady, hired Jim Leonard to be his play-caller on that side of the ball. As a result, Buffalo's defense will likely go through some changes.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Raiders will give the Bills a sixth-round pick in exchange for Johnson and a seventh-round pick.

Any time a team can get a draft pick for a player who was going to be released, it's a win for that club. The Bills will get something for a veteran who no longer fits their short-term outlook.

Raiders: B-

The Raiders desperately needed better coverage in the slot. Their primary nickelback, Jeremy Chinn, allowed four touchdowns and a passer rating of 124.8 out of a possible 158.3. Throughout his career, he's struggled in pass defense and will likely revert to a box safety role with Johnson headed to Las Vegas.

After being named second-team All-Pro in 2023, Johnson saw a slight drop-off in yards allowed per completion, but he's still a significant upgrade over Chinn and backup slot cornerback Darnay Holmes. 

Recently, while on The Pat McAfee Show, quarterback Aaron Rodgers had high praise for Johnson:

Last season, Johnson allowed just two touchdowns and a 94.7 passer rating in coverage. He'll bolster Las Vegas' nickel defense with two years left on his contract. For a sixth-round pick, the Raiders are getting a starting slot cornerback whose contract costs $8.7 million against the salary cap; that's good value.

Indianapolis Colts Ship Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin to Green Bay Packers

AP Photo

Indianapolis Colts Get: DL Colby Wooden

Green Bay Packers: LB Zaire Franklin

Colts: B+

The Colts achieved multiple goals by shipping their defensive captain to the Packers in a rare player-for-player swap.

First, Indianapolis had to create salary-cap space to ensure it can afford quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, who are currently under transition and franchise tag prices as the new league year rapidly approaches. By moving Franklin, the Colts cleared $7 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Second, Indianapolis moves on from an aging veteran on the decline. A season ago, the linebackers were an obvious weakness within coordinator Lou Anarumo's defensive scheme. Franklin, who turns 30 before the start of the 2026 campaign, remains a viable starter, but he's coming off his worst season in that role.

Third, the organization already wanted to get younger, faster and more athletic along its second line of defense. Franklin's presence is no longer an impediment of adding the type of talent the Colts plan to target this offseason.

In return, Colby Wooden, who started 16 games last season, adds depth, particularly along the interior where Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner really haven't been a part of a quality rotation. Wooden provides flexibility, while still being on a rookie contract.

At the moment, Indianapolis' defense looks worse on paper. However, it was already bad and needed drastic upgrades. This trade is step toward a different approach.

Packers: C

While Colts' feel like they're making progress by going in a much-needed different direction, the Packers appear to be treading water at linebacker. With Quay Walker set to hit free agency and unlikely to re-sign, Franklin comes in as a proven replacement.

Franklin will produce. There's no doubt about it. Despite a dip in production this past season, the eight-year veteran has amassed at least 125 total tackles in four straight years, with an average of 161 during that span.

It's easy to say Franklin wasn't as good in 2025 compared to the previous three seasons. At his best, he's likely an upgrade, particularly when factoring in what Walker will demand financially once he hits the open market. Interestingly, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was on the Colts' staff during Franklin's first three professional seasons.

The Packers actually benefiting from this trade and coming out ahead depends on what version of Franklin shows up this fall, because he really struggled this past season, particularly in pass coverage.

Houston Texans Don't Allow OL Ed Ingram to Leave

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Grade: B+

NFL organizations understand the value of a proven blockers and how sought-after they become upon reaching the open market. Unsurprisingly, multiple franchises already ensured they didn't lose their starters in free agency. Thus, the offensive line market continues to dwindle before anyone else gets a chance to sign new additions to their respective front five.

Mere hours before the tampering period opens for business, the Houston Texans and guard Ed Ingram agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Texans acquired Ingram in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. The 27-year-old old started 16 games at right guard to provide Houston with at least reliable piece among an offensive line somewhat in flux.

At $12.5 million, Ingram just cracks the league's top-20 guards in average annual salary, which signals a good deal for Houston, particularly since the team remains unsettled at the other guard spot. The Texans have retained the right side of the offensive line, along with Trent Brown's re-signing. The front office can now concentrate on addressing the spot next to second-year left tackle Aireontae Ersery.

Buffalo Bills Re-Sign C Connor McGovern to Thin Out Offensive Line Market

AP Photo

Grade: A

The Buffalo Bills did the smart thing by retaining their starting center before he could even test free agency. Frankly, Connor McGovern returning on a four-year, $52 million contract extension is rather surprising considering where the two sides stood a few days earlier.

"They haven't contacted me once," McGovern told The Athletic's Tim Graham on Wednesday. "In my gut, that says it's over and done."

To go from thinking the relationship was over and done to re-signing just a few days later, the Bills had to offer a pretty sweet deal, right? Yes and no.

McGovern is now the NFL's fourth-highest paid center in average annual salary. He'll drop to fifth once Tyler Linderbaum hits the open market. The Bills snapper sits $4 million less than the Green Bay Packers' Elgton Jenkins and Philadelphia Eagles' Cam Jurgens. So, the team didn't overpay.

Possibly, McGovern and his representation understood the situation, got a rock-solid deal and didn't try to squeeze every dime out of the Bills.

"Do I need all the money in the world? No, but there's a respect factor involved, too," McGovern said. "There's a certain number in my head that I would have no problem accepting, and then I don't need to go to free agency. If they come to the number that me and my wife are comfortable with, I would gladly say yes and not talk to anybody else."

Apparently, Buffalo's front office got to that number.

According to Pro Football Focus, McGovern graded as the league's eight-most valuable center in WAR last season. But he was set to enter free agency at the right time, with teams always searching for proven blockers.

The 28-year-old started 49 regular-season games since he signed with the Bills prior to the 2023 campaign. His return became a priority thanks to his familiarity working with quarterback Josh Allen, while the Bills will retain at least four of their starting front five for the fourth consecutive season.

Guard David Edwards is still expected to test free agency, which means the Bills could lose one of their starters. However, McGovern's retention is more important for offensive continuity.

Ravens Acquire Star Pass-Rusher Maxx Crosby in Blockbuster Deal

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

Baltimore Ravens Get: Edge Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders Get: 2026 1st-round pick (No. 14 overall), 2027 1st-round pick

Raiders: B

After the Raiders shut down Crosby for the final two games of the 2025 season, many wondered if he had played his final snap with the team. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the five-time Pro Bowler had a "strained relationship" with the organization because of its decision to sit him.

Crosby met with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, and the team promoted the edge-rusher's position coach, Rob Leonard, to defensive coordinator, but perhaps it wasn't enough to smooth things over.

The Raiders didn't quite get the Micah Parsons-esque deal that they reportedly wanted, but this is still a quality package for a team in full rebuild mode. Las Vegas can use the No. 14 overall pick to retool on the edge or maneuver the draft order for more picks to add multiple defensive linemen.

With all of that said, it'll be difficult for the Raiders to replace the heart and soul of their defense.

Ravens: A

The Ravens made a power play that will put a smile on their new head coach's face.

First-time lead skipper Jesse Minter has a defensive background. In Los Angeles, he worked wonders with Khalil Mack, whom the Raiders traded to Chicago eight years ago. Now, the 42-year-old play-caller gets Crosby in his prime.

The Ravens are getting an elite all-around edge-rusher who's fresh off a 10-sack campaign and logged a career-high 28 tackles for loss last season. Baltimore needed someone to help bolster its 30th-ranked pass defense. With Crosby flying off the edge, opposing quarterbacks will have far less time to attack the secondary.

Baltimore hit a home run on a blockbuster trade before free agency officially begins.

Bills Trade for Bears Wideout D.J. Moore

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Buffalo Bills Get: WR D.J. Moore, 2026 5th-round pick

Chicago Bears Get: 2026 2nd-round pick

Bills: B-

It was no secret that the Buffalo Bills badly needed to upgrade their wide receiver corps this offseason. Name a free agent at the position or a draft prospect that might reasonably be available at No. 26, and they likely have been connected to the Bills at some point.

Not anymore.

Whether Moore is a true No. 1 wide receiver at this point in his career is debatable. The 28-year-old had a career-low 50 receptions for 682 yards last year, and he hasn't posted a 1,000-yard season since 2023.

But Moore has four of those 1,000-yard campaigns on his resume, and he has at least six touchdowns in each of the past four seasons. He's a sizable upgrade at a major area of need for the Bills.

However, the financial commitment to Moore knocks some of the shine off this deal--especially after the team reportedly guaranteed over $15 million of his 2028 salary.

Bears: B+

This trade wasn't unexpected. After his role in the Bears offense diminished as the season wore on, there was no shortage of chatter that Moore could be traded or even released outright this offseason.

Moore signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Bears in 2024, but with Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland all in the fold, that contract became burdensome to a Bears team short on cap space.

Trading Moore clears $16.5 million off Chicago's cap, and the team was able to get a Day 2 pick by flipping a fifth-rounder to Buffalo as part of the deal.

It's a solid deal, although it does rob Chicago of some depth at the position.

Los Angeles Chargers Bring Back EDGE Khalil Mack

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Grade: C+

The Los Angeles Chargers faced questions at edge-rusher this year with both Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh set to hit free agency. The Bolts have apparently decided that one way to answer those questions is to take one off the board entirely—per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 35-year-old Mack will be back in L.A. in 2026 after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $18 million contract.

On one hand, Mack is a future Hall-of-Famer who has logged 113 career sacks, won Defensive Player of the Year honors and logged 17 sacks as recently as 2024. However, that career season was also the only time Mack has logged 10 sacks in the last seven seasons, and his 5.5 sacks last year were Mack's fewest since his rookie year.

Cap space isn't an issue for the Chargers, who head into free agency among the league leaders in cash to burn. But $18 million may be an overpay for a player whose days as a full-time starter are likely past him.

Chargers Bolster Offensive Interior with Tyler Biadasz

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Tyler Biadasz

Grade: B

The Los Angeles Chargers battled injuries and unreliable play along the offensive line throughout the 2025 season. Having tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slayer (hopefully) both healthy this season will help tremendously, but the Chargers will need aid along the interior, too.

L.A. took a tremendous first step on Friday by signing center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

The Washington Commanders released Biadasz in a cap-saving move. He should be a sizeable upgrade over 2025 starter Bradley Bozeman, who retired after the season. Biadasz was ranked 11th overall and 12th in pass-blocking among 40 qualifying centers by Pro Football Focus this past season.

While the Chargers may have overpaid a bit to land Biadasz before free agency—the deal made him the league's fifth-highest-paid center in terms of annual salary—L.A. did well to land a 28-year-old, above-average starter early.

Rams Keep Kamren Curl Off the Market

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Kamren Curl

Grade: B+

Not long after trading for Trent McDuffie, the Rams ensured that another one of their talented defensive standouts won't reach the open market. On Friday, they signed safety Kamren Curl to a three-year, $36 million extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Curl, a 2020 seventh-round pick by the Commanders, has blossomed into an above-average starter during his two years in L.A. This past season, he recorded 122 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in the regular season before logging 27 tackles, 15 solo stops, two pass breakups and an interception in the playoffs.

Curl, who turns 27 at the end of the month, should remain an integral defensive building block in L.A. for the length of his extension.

Given Curl's age, proven scheme fit and recent production, this is a solid overall deal for the Rams. Curl is now inside the top 20 among safeties in terms of annual salary, but he will still earn less than half of Kyle Hamilton's market-leading salary.

Jets and Titans Swap Young Defenders

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Jermaine Johnson II

Tennessee Titans Receive: Edge Jermaine Johnson II

New York Jets Receive: DT T'Vondre Sweat

Titans: B

T'Vondre Sweat has been a capable starter for the Tennessee Titans since they drafted him with a second-round pick in 2024. However, the 24-year-old nose tackle is best-suited for a 3-4 base alignment, and Tennessee is likely to transition to an even front under new head coach Robert Saleh.

Instead of trying to force Sweat into a new role, the Titans flipped him for New York Jets edge-rusher Jermaine Johnson II. It's a sensible deal for Tennessee, even if Johnson comes with question marks.

The 27-year-old missed most of the 2024 season with a torn Achilles and underwhelmed in 2025, but he was a Pro Bowler in 2023. Saleh's defense will call for a strong edge-rushing rotation, and Johnson still has a lot of long-term potential.

Jets: C+

Sweat should be a natural fit for Aaron Glenn's 3-4 base defense, and he gives the Jets a relatively proven starter with two years of contract control. That's a solid return for Johnson, even if New York might have gotten more value a few months ago.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported the Jets weren't "particularly interested" in dealing Johnson for a second-round pick at last year's trade deadline.

Johnson is entering a contract year, and the Jets may soon have a younger defender in their edge rotation. There's a real chance that New York takes a pass-rushing prospect like Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State's Arvell Reese with the second overall pick in April's draft.

Browns Acquire Tytus Howard, Extend Him on 3-Year Deal

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Tytus Howard

Cleveland Browns Receive: OL Tytus Howard

Houston Texans Receive: 2026 5th-round pick

Browns: A

With no reliable left tackle, offensive linemen Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Joel Bitonio all set to be free agents and right tackle Jack Conklin looming as a potential cap casualty, the Cleveland Browns may have to overhaul their entire offensive line this offseason. Unfortunately, Cleveland is projected to be over the cap and may struggle to lure top offensive linemen in free agency.

That's why acquiring Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans for a Day 3 pick and extending him on a three-year, $63 million deal was a savvy move.

Howard was ranked 17th among tackles in pass-blocking this past season by Pro Football Focus, and he's capable of playing both right tackle and guard. The 29-year-old will give the Browns some flexibility in rebuilding the rest of their line this offseason.

Texans: D+

Howard was arguably Houston's most reliable lineman in 2025, but he was set to carry a cap hit of nearly $28 million this season. The Texans are also slated to be over the cap, so this wasn't a stunning move.

"I kind of knew it was going to happen," Howard said, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV Houston.

While the compensation is underwhelming, the Texans at least got something in return for a pricey player on an expiring contract. Of course, the deal leaves Houston in need of another dependable starter heading into free agency.

Texans Add David Montgomery, Lions Cash In on Their RB2

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

David Montgomery

Houston Texans Receive: RB David Montgomery

Detroit Lions Receive: 2026 4th-round pick, 2027 7th-round pick, OL Juice Scruggs

Texans: B-

The Texans need to better support quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has regressed since his impressive rookie season. Bolstering a rushing attack that ranked 29th in yards per carry last season would be a start.

On paper, David Montgomery should be a strong complement to second-year back Woody Marks. His role with the Detroit Lions decreased over the past two years, but he averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2025 while rushing for eight touchdowns.

The Texans did surrender a lot for a running back who will turn 29 this offseason, but acquiring Montgomery should allow them to bypass the running back position in free agency.

Lions: B

Trading Montgomery won't make the Lions' offense better in a vacuum. While Jahmyr Gibbs has shown he can handle a high-volume workload, Montgomery is still one of the league's better change-of-pace and short-yardage backs.

Still, Detroit should be able to find a solid complement to Gibbs in free agency or the draft. The backfield may not be as potent with a new RB2, but with Gibbs leading the rotation, it should remain functional.

The Lions are getting solid compensation in return for Montgomery, plus a young lineman in Juice Scruggs. The 2023 second-round pick has 20 starts on his resume and should compete for playing time along the interior.

Other Signings and Extensions

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Texans Address Defensive Interior By Retaining Sheldon Rankins

Grade: A

The Houston Texans are putting in the work prior to the start of the NFL's legal tampering period. The organization already traded offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns. It then re-signed offensive tackle Trent Brown and guard Ed Ingram. Afterward, attention shifted to the defensive line.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the Texans agreed to a two-year contract extension that included $12 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Prior to Rankins' retention, last year's top-ranked defense didn't have either of its Week 1 starting defensive tackles under contract. Now, Rankins, alongside Tommy Togiai, will keep Houston's front four strong without being forced to draft a defensive tackle early in the process.

Asante Samuel Jr. Finds Home With Steelers

Grade: B

A year ago at this time, Asante Samuel Jr.'s NFL future remained up in the air after requiring spinal-fusion surgery. On Monday, he agreed to a new one-year, $4 million deal to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Originally, the Steelers signed Samuel to the practice squad in November. He became a starter by Week 15. This re-signing shows a level of confidence in Samuel that he'll A) remain healthy and B) likely start opposite Joey Porter Jr. since James Pierre is set to enter free agency.

Jaguars Brings Back Their CB1

Grade: A

The Jacksonville Jaguars finished among the bottom half of the league in pass defense last season. The possibility of losing their top corner, Montaric Brown, wouldn't have helped matters. Instead, Brown and the Jaguars reached an agreement Monday on a three-year $33 million contract extension, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Brown could have possibly received a bigger deal had he actually tested free agency, but the 26-year-old former seventh-round draft pick "didn't want want to leave Jacksonville."

While the cornerback may have left some money on the table, an opportunity to return to an ascending team that played as well as any over the second half of the 2025 regular season seems like a smart strategy, particularly if Jacksonville continues to add more pieces to its secondary.

Eric Wilson Stays In Middle of Vikings Defense

Grade: B+

At 31, Eric Wilson finally found somewhere he can be a significant contributor over the course of multiple years. Wilson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Wilson originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Vikings. He has had trouble remaining in a starting role, though, despite a handful of previous opportunities at different stops.

Everything came together last season in Brian Flores' system. Wilson accumulated 115 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss—which led all off-ball linebackers. The Vikings rewarded him for the performance, while keeping him and Blake Cashman intact along the second line of defense.

D'Marco Jackson Sticks With Bears

Grade: B

With the start of the NFL's legal tampering period looming, the Chicago Bears flirted with not having a starting and/or healthy linebacker under contract. They changed the situation by signing D'Marco Jackson to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Tremaine Edmunds is a pending free agent. T.J. Edwards, who turns 30 later this year, fractured a fibula in this year's Wild Card round. Noah Sewell, meanwhile, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon his suffered in December.

Jackson provides security for Chicago's second line of defense after starting five games last season.

Packers Extend OL Sean Rhyan

Grade: B

With Green Bay's decision to retain Sean Ryan, the move may signal Elgton Jenkins' end with the Packers. Ryan agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract extension before hitting the open market, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Packers basically handed the versatile blocker the type of deal he would have warranted had he become available to other teams.

"This signing likely means the Packers will move on from Jenkins, who has one year remaining on his contract but is a strong candidate to be released or traded," ESPN's Rob Demovsky wrote.

The 25-year-old Rhyan started Green Bay's final eight games at center last season after Jenkins suffered a broken leg with some ligament damage.

QB Tyler Huntley Returns to Ravens

Grade: C

Once again, Tyler Huntley will be Lamar Jackson's backup. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Huntley agreed to a new two-year, $11 million contract.

Technically, this deal is the fourth Huntley signed with the Ravens, starting as an undrafted free agent, returning to join the practice squad in 2024 and doing the same last season after being cut by the Cleveland Browns.

Despite a brand new coaching staff, the Ravens organization seems comfortable with Huntley as QB2 after making 11 career starts with the team.

Broncos Re-Sign LB Justin Strnad

Grade: B-

The Denver Broncos are keeping one of their key defensive contributors off the market. According to James Palmer of Bleacher Report and The Athletic, linebacker Justin Strnad has re-signed on a three-year, $18 million deal.

Strnad, a former special-teams standout, has become an important role player in Vance Joseph's defense over the past two seasons. In 2025, he appeared in 16 games with eight starts and tallied 58 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception.

The deal suggest that Strnad may have an even bigger role on defense moving forward.

Rams Extend TE Tyler Higbee

Grade: C+

The Rams are retaining tight end Tyler Higbee with a two-year, $8 million extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The 33-year-old Higbee missed most of 2024 with a torn ACL and MCL, and he lost snaps to fellow tight ends Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson this past season. Still, Higbee can create the occasional mismatch and logged 281 yards and three touchdowns this past season.

Keeping the 10-year veteran at this price point makes plenty of sense.

Texans Keep Trent Brown on One-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Texans decided to move Tytus Howard, but they're keeping tackle Trent Brown on a one-year, $7 million agreement, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal isn't likely to move the needle for fans, as Brown was decidedly average as a part-time starter in 2025. However, it is a low-risk move and a fair price for a veteran tackle with more than 100 starts on his resume.

Commanders Extend the Treylon Burks Experiment

Grade: C+

Treylon Burks was an overall disappointment during his time with the Tennessee Titans. However, Washington gave him a chance this past season, and the 2022 first-round pick flashed some potential in limited action.

Burks caught 10 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown across eight games in 2025.

The Commanders will continue trying to develop Burks in 2026 after extending him on a low-risk, team-friendly deal. According to Rapoport, it's a one-year contract worth "up to" $4 million.

Bears Retain Special Teamer Daniel Hardy

Grade: C

Chicago will keep one of its core special-teamers, linebacker Daniel Hardy. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, he signed a two-year extension worth up to $2 million. The 27-year-old logged 22 tackles last season and played at least 78 percent of the special teams snaps in each of the previous two campaigns.

On and off the Bears' practice squad between 2023 and 2024, Hardy has solidified a spot on an ascending team. If needed for depth on defense, the 6'2", 255-pounder can line up on the front line.

Broncos Extend TE Adam Trautman

Grade: C

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and Adam Trautman have worked together since their time with the New Orleans Saints. The 29-year-old has never been a primary threat in the passing game, but he's carved out a role as a blocking inline tight end.

Mike Klis of 9News in Denver reported that the Broncos agreed to sign Trautman to a three-year extension. Despite his minimal impact in the passing game, hauling in 20 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown, he still played 57 percent of the offensive snaps last season.

Chargers Sign Pro Bowl FB Alec Ingold

Grade: B-

Wait, fullbacks are still a thing?

Alec Ingold was a captain last year with the Miami Dolphins, but the eighth-year veteran got the gate last week as part of Miami's veteran purge. It didn't take the 29-year-old long to find a new home, however—per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, Ingold has agreed to terms on a two-year, $7.5 million pact with the Los Angeles Chargers that makes him tied for the highest average annual salary for a fullback in the league.

Given that Chargers actually use a full back with some regularity, adding a player at the position who was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2023 is an upgrade, and while "highest-paid fullback" sounds pricey, less than $4 million a season is no sweat for a team that enters free agency flush with cap space.

Texans Re-Sign DT Naquan Jones

Grade: C

Last offseason, Naquan Jones signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, who waived him in December. The Houston Texans claimed the 6'3", 313-pound defensive lineman, and he played with them in their final four weeks of the regular season into the playoffs.

KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson reported that the Texans re-signed Jones to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.

At his size, Jones is a prototypical gap-stuffer. In 12 games between the Chargers and Texans, he logged 13 tackles, one for loss. That said, the 28-year-old showed the ability to make plays in the backfield during the 2024 term with the Arizona Cardinals, registering three sacks and four tackles for loss.

Broncos Keep Sam Ehlinger as QB3

Grade: C-

The Denver Broncos made sure to keep last year's quarterback room intact.

Bo Nix has asserted himself as QB1. Jarrett Stidham is the preferred backup for head coach Sean Payton. Sam Ehlinger stuck around as the third option throughout the 2025 campaign. He's set to do so again in 2026 after agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract extension, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Ehlinger isn't guaranteed an active roster spot. However, he could take the same path as last season, where he begins the campaign on the practice squad, while still providing depth when necessary.