Grading 2026 NFL Free-Agency Signings and Trades for Day 3 of Tampering Period

All agreed-upon free-agent signings and proposed trades couldn't become official until the NFL's new league year began at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Raiders learned that the hard way when the Baltimore Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade before it could be finalized.

No other deals are expected to fall apart at this point. Then again, no one expected the Ravens to nix the Crosby trade. So, anything can happen as the NFL turns the page toward its 2026 campaign.

For example, the Ravens quickly responded Wednesday by signing the next-best pass-rusher on the market.

Bleacher Report's NFL analysts—Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton—continue to monitor, assess and grade all of the league's movement with tampering period set to end and the start of the 2026 NFL calendar to commence.

QB Daniel Jones, Colts Finally Reach an Agreement

AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Terms: Two years, $88 million and $60 million guaranteed (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B+

Daniel Jones' long-awaited contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts is finally done. The organization accomplished its primary offseason goals by bringing back both its starting quarterback and top wide receiver Alec Pierce.

A Jones extension was expected, but the Colts had to work through plenty to get it done. Pierce re-signed in Indianapolis and possibly left money on the table because of the rapport he established with Jones last season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

When Jones was healthy last season, the Colts were rolling. He even led the league in passing yardage during their 8-2 start to the season. Unfortunately, Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14.

Jones' health and the structure of this new contract will say a lot about the Colts' plans over the next year. Schefter did report that he "is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and one source even said he expects him to be ready for training camp."

If Jones doesn't miss any time at the start of the regular season, the Colts are already ahead of schedule. His play will determine the organization's direction next offseason.

If Jones bounces back from the injury and plays well, he can renegotiate a longer extension next offseason. If the 28-year-old doesn't, the Colts can take the hit next year and start a rebuild.

Even at $44 million annually (with the potential to reach $50 million), the average may create some sticker shock. However, that figure ranks 16th overall among starting NFL quarterbacks.

Ravens Move Past Maxx Crosby, Bring in Trey Hendrickson

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Terms: Four years, $112 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B-

The drama of the Baltimore Ravens' decision not to complete the Maxx Crosby trade hasn't even settled as Wednesday morning's lead story across sports media, yet they quickly changed direction to sign the next-best pass-rusher still available.

Trey Hendrickson and the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract ($28 million annually). For comparison, Crosby's base salary over the next four years will average $29.1 million.

Here's the issue: The Ravens may have quickly pivoted (panicked?) and still ended up with a top pass-rusher, but they're not in a better situation with Hendrickson compared to Crosby.

Crosby is nearly three years younger. He's a superior run defender. The five-time Pro Bowl selection can do more by working up and down the line of scrimmage, whereas Hendrickson is almost purely a right defensive end.

Granted, Hendrickson has been more productive strictly from a sack perspective over the last three seasons. But Crosby has generated more overall pressure during the same span.

To make matters worse, Crosby's recovery from meniscus surgery reportedly led the Ravens to back out of the trade. Meanwhile, Hendrickson played in only seven games last season because of a hip injury that also required surgery.

Baltimore is going to get a motivated Hendrickson. The Cincinnati Bengals basically held him hostage the last two seasons when he clearly wanted to move on. He never received the contract extension he thought he'd earned with his previous franchise.

His free-agent value may have been hurt to some degree simply because Cincinnati held onto the talented pass-rusher for as long as it did. Now, Hendrickson gets to face his old team twice per season to enact some revenge.

The Ravens made the best of a bad situation (of their own creation). They didn't have to surrender a pair of first-round picks for Crosby. They chose to, only to get cold feet and back out.

Make no mistake, Baltimore's defense will be better with Hendrickson in the lineup. However, Crosby is the better player at this point in their respective careers.

Commanders Finally Land a Pass-Rusher in K'Lavon Chaisson

AP Photo/Steve Luciano

Terms: One year, $12 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)

Grade: A

The Washington Commanders desperately needed to acquire a young, explosive pass-rusher this offseason. They did so by agreeing to terms with K'Lavon Chaisson on a one-year, $12 million contract.

Last season, 36-year-old Von Miller led the Commanders with nine sacks. No one else on the squad managed more than 5.5. A lack of premium edge talent has been a problem for Washington since it decided to move both Montez Sweat and Chase Young prior to the 2023 trade deadline.

Meanwhile, Chaisson resurrected his career with the New England Patriots. The 2020 first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars was previously viewed as a bust. Chaisson needed time to mature and develop after being drafted at just 20 years old.

Now, he's 25 and coming off his best season, with a career-high 7.5 sacks. More importantly, Chaisson showed up when it mattered. According to NFL Researcher, the 6'3", 255-pound defender generated the most pass-rush disruptions throughout the 2025 postseason.

A new one-year deal is a fascinating option considering Chaisson's age. However, it gives the Commanders a potential out if the edge-defender turns out to be a one-year wonder.

If Chaisson continues to improve, he can cash in again next offseason.

Patriots Increase Turnover Potential, Sign S Kevin Byard III

AP Photo/Nam Huh

Kevin Byard III

Terms: One year, $9 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)

Grade: B

The New England Patriots are looking to reload after a disappointing loss in Super Bowl LX, and they've added some big-play potential on the back end.

Safety Kevin Byard III will turn 33 in August and isn't one of the more consistent coverage safeties in the NFL. He surrendered 545 yards and seven touchdowns in coverage this past season. However, Byard does have a nose for the football, having now led the league in interceptions twice.

This past season, Byard logged a league-high seven picks and eight passes defended with the Chicago Bears.

It's a relatively low-risk move for the Patriots, and a logical one. This past season, New England ranked eighth in yards allowed but recorded just 10 interceptions in total. Adding Byard should significantly improve the defense's turnover potential.

Vikings Revise Deal, Keep RB Aaron Jones

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Aaron Jones

Terms: Salary reduced to $5.5 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)

Grade: B

The Minnesota Vikings had appeared set for a split with running back Aaron Jones. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on March 1 that they planned to release him at the start of the new league year, barring a trade.

However, the Vikings are instead bringing Jones back on a revised contract.

He was originally due to earn $9 million in base salary. That number will reportedly be reduced to $5.5 million.

It's a savvy move by Minnesota, especially considering how rapidly the running-back market has been drained this offseason. Jones is 31 and was limited to 12 games by injuries this past season. However, he's remained a productive dual-threat back when healthy.

Jones started all 12 games in which he appeared, averaging 4.2 yards per carry while totaling 28 receptions and 747 scrimmage yards.

Ravens Add Safety Help, Sign Jaylinn Hawkins

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Jaylinn Hawkins

Terms: Two years, $10 million (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)

Grade: B

The Baltimore Ravens already have one of the league's top safeties in Kyle Hamilton and a rising star in Malachi Starks. They're adding another difference-maker at the position by signing former Patriots starter Jaylinn Hawkins.

Hawkins had spent much of his career as a rotational defender but emerged as a strong starter with New England this past season.

The 28-year-old logged four interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during the regular season. He added another 15 tackles during the postseason. In coverage, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 71.2.

The Ravens have long favored a three-safety rotation, and that isn't likely to change under new head coach Jesse Minter, who previously served as the team's defensive backs coach. Baltimore may not have the best safety rotation in the league, but it's close.

Commanders Add Another Weapon, Sign Chigoziem Okonwko

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Chigoziem Okonkwo

Terms: Three years, $27 million (via ESPN's Peter Schrager)

Grade: B+

The Washington Commanders have added a talented young pass-catcher to help aid third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. They're reportedly signing tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo to a three-year deal.

While Okonkwo largely flew under the radar on a bad Tennessee Titans team, he's a quick, athletic, 6'3", 238-pound receiving tight end who should fit right into Washington's long-term plan.

Over the last two seasons, the Commanders have largely leaned on aging tight end Zach Ertz. The 26-year-old Okonkwo will give Washington a younger, more explosive pass-catcher at the position.

Okonkwo was arguably Tennessee's best receiver this past season and led the team with 560 yards. He's recorded 194 catches and averaged 10.4 yards per reception in his four seasons with the Titans.

Colts Get Defensive Help, Add DE Michael Clemons

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Michael Clemons

Terms: Three years, $17.5 million (via NFL insider Jordan Schultz)

Grade: C+

The Colts made a run at Trey Hendrickson and "felt like they were close" to landing him, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Ultimately, they failed to reunite Hendrickson with former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Former New York Jets defensive end Michael Clemons might not feel like much of a consolation prize to fans, but he will help boost Indy's defensive front.

Clemons, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, has appeared in 65 games and made 24 starts for the Jets. He appeared in 16 games this past season and recorded 22 tackles and a sack.

His most prolific campaign came in 2024. The 28-year-old started all 17 games and tallied 4.5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures.

The 6'5", 263-pound Clemons should fit well into Anarumo's scheme, likely as a rotational piece.

Jets Sign Veteran OL Dylan Parham

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Terms: Two years, $20 million (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network)

Grade: C+

The New York Jets badly needed to upgrade an offensive line that Pro Football Focus ranked outside the top 20 last season. As the new league year dawned, they added a four-year starter by agreeing to terms with Dylan Parham.

Parham has been a full-time starter since the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him in the third round back in 2022. He already has 63 career starts under his belt.

Last year, the 26-year-old started all 15 games he played in. He allowed six sacks and committed five penalties in 843 snaps, per PFF.

Parham is an average player. But he's young and can play both guard and center.

Any capable starter on the offensive line whom teams can sign for a relatively reasonable amount is a decent move.

Bills Bolster Pass Rush with EDGE Bradley Chubb

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Terms: Three years, $43.5 million, $29 million guaranteed (via Rotoworld)

Grade: B-

After tying for the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL last year with 35, the Buffalo Bills needed to upgrade their pass rush this offseason. They missed on the biggest names available, but they did get a two-time Pro Bowler with a pair of 10-plus sack seasons when they signed veteran Bradley Chubb.

Chubb was good but not great in his return to action last year after missing the entire 2024 campaign with a torn ACL. He finished with 47 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. Back in 2023, Chubb topped 70 stops, pitched in 11 sacks and logged a career-high 22 quarterback hits.

Durability is a legitimate issue with Chubb, who has missed double-digit games three times in his seven NFL seasons. But if healthy, the 29-year-old should add some pop to Buffalo's pass rush while costing about half what the Baltimore Ravens gave Trey Hendrickson per season.

Packers Sign DT Javon Hargrave to Two-Year Deal

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Terms: Two years, $23 million (per ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: C-

After signing a two-year, $30 million pact with the Vikings last offseason, veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave lasted just one year in the Twin Cities before being released.

It didn't take Hargrave long to find a new home—and it wasn't far away.

The two-time Pro Bowler, who had 52 total tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Vikings a year ago, signed a two-year deal with the Packers averaging $11.5 million per season.

Over a three-year span from 2021 to 2023, Hargrave was one of the more disruptive tackles in the game. He posted 25.5 sacks in total, including 11 in 2022.

But over the last two seasons, Hargrave has missed 15 games and logged just 4.5 sacks in total.

At 33 years old, Hargrave's best days are in the rearview mirror. But if healthy he's still an above-average NFL starter who has started 130 games in the pros.

Dallas Cowboys Trade DE Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

49ers Grade: C+

Cowboys Grade: A-

On Wednesday, the NFL had a trade that was actually consummated. (Get used to Maxx Crosby jokes. They aren't going anywhere.)

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys dealt veteran tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick. The 27-year-old logged 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks with the Cowboys in 2025.

On one hand, the 49ers acquired a really good player at an area of need. Odighizuwa has posted at least 40 tackles and three sacks in each of the past four seasons. While he hasn't been named to a Pro Bowl, his talent level is right there.

On the other hand, a Day 2 pick is fairly substantial compensation. Odighizuwa also has a robust salary after signing a four-year, $80 million extension last year.

The cap-strapped Cowboys lose a good player, but between the compensation and shedding that salary (albeit a small amount in 2026 with a dead cap hit of $16 million), it made sense for a team with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams on the roster.

DT A'Shawn Robinson Joins Buccaneers

AP Photo/Brian Westerholt

Terms: One year, $10 million (per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network)

Grade: B+

The past few days have been a wild ride for veteran defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson.

On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers released the 10-year veteran. One day later, he's now set to play for Carolina's NFC South rival in Tampa with a nice raise in his pocket after signing a fully guaranteed one-year contract.

In his first year with the Panthers in 2024, Robinson had the best season of his decade-long career, amassing career-highs in both total tackles (80) and sacks (5.5). His tackle numbers remained high last season (65 total stops), but his big-play numbers fell to the point that the Panthers decided he was expendable.

The Buccaneers had a need on the interior of the defensive line after Logan Hall left in free agency. While Robinson may only be a short-term upgrade, he is an upgrade for a team trying to get back to the postseason.

Commanders Add More Defensive Help, Ink Charles Omenihu

Terms: One year, worth up to $7 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B

The Washington Commanders have a one-year deal in place with Charles Omenihu, a productive 6'5", 280-pounder who can line up on the end or kick inside on the defensive line.

In 2023, Omenihu had a seven-sack season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the AFC Championship Game at the end of that campaign, which sidelined him for the first 12 weeks of the 2024 season.

This past season, Omenihu bounced back, registering 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 16 pressures. He lined up for 55 percent of the defensive snaps, his normal workload as a rotational lineman.

Further removed from a serious knee injury, he could look similar to the defender who played quality snaps for the Chiefs' 2023 championship-caliber defense. 

Washington's defense gave up the third-most rushing yards and finished 26th in pressure rate (19.6 percent) last season. Omenihu will join newly added edge-rushers K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh in strengthening a below-average front line.

Other Signings and Extensions

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Safety Darnell Savage

Steelers Sign S Darnell Savage to One-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed safety depth and added some by agreeing to a one-year deal with Darnell Savage, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Though Savage has an excellent opportunity to start alongside DeShon Elliott.

Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill and Kyle Dugger are all free agents after playing extensively for Pittsburgh last season. Jalen Ramsey, meanwhile, remains under contract, but the Steelers do have a new defensive staff in place. His usage has yet to be determined.

The 28-year-old Savage does have extensive starting experience, though he never four his footing while playing for three different teams last season (Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders). As a bonus, the 2018 first-round pick has significant experience as a slot defender.

Sam Howell Agrees to One-Year Deal To be Dak Prescott's Backup

Grade: C

QB2 in Dallas is an important position. Dak Prescott has missed at least one game in four of the last six seasons, with significant injuries during the 2020 and '24 campaigns. Sam Howell could have seen a potential opportunity, which led to him agreeing to a one-year deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Obviously, a healthy season for Prescott is what everyone wants in Dallas. At the same time, the incoming quarterback may serve as insurance after starting 18 games in his first three seasons. But the 25-year-old Howell will need to beat out Joe Milton III to claim the backup role.

DB Tavierre Thomas Returns To Vikings On Two-Year, $4.6 Million Deal

Grade: B

Tavierre Thomas is a fantastic special teams contributor. The Minnesota Vikings understand his value, which is why the two sides agreed to a new two-year, $4.6 million contact, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Thomas is a core-four contributor. He, Bo Richter and Ivan Pace Jr. set the standard for the Vikings 'special teams play last season, and they'll do so again in 2026.

LB Del'Shawn Phillips Re-Signs With Chargers On Two-Year, $7.5 Million Deal

Grade: B+

NFL free agency has the reached the stage where special team aces are cashing in, with Tavierre Thomas and Del'Shawn Phillips setting the market.

Phillips' deal has the potential to reach $10.5 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The 29-year-old veteran is coming off a season where he was named a second-team All-Pro after leading the NFL in special teams tackles.

OL Brett Toth Joins San Francisco 49ers On One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

Everyone NFL team is searching for offensive line depth, because it's difficult to find. Case in point, the San Francisco 49ers agreed to terms with Brett Toth and guaranteed 95 percent of his deal, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Toth is an extremely valuable utility blocker, because he has starting experience at all five positions. Last season, he started four games between center and left guard for the Philadelphia Eagles. Toth may even have an opportunity to compete for the Niners' starting left guard spot if Spencer Burford isn't brought back.

RB Zonovan Knight Joins Cardinals Back on One-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Arizona Cardinals will have the most physical, downhill running attack in the NFL this season. Well, they better considering the talent they've added to the backfield this offseason.

Bam Knight joins the running back rotation after agreeing to a one-year deal, per his agent. He'll now vie for reps alongside James Conner and Tyler Allgeier. In Knight's case, he has a little more wiggle and adds some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

K Joey Slye Returns to Titans

Grade: C+

Joey Slye will return as the kicker of the Tennessee Titans in 2026 after agreeing to a new one-year deal, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The 29-year-old veteran did miss seven field goal attempts last season and ranked 28th overall in conversion percentage. However, five of those misses came from beyond 50 yards in attempt to help an offense that struggled to move the ball.

From inside 40 yards, as well as extra points, Slye missed only one attempt.

QB Teddy Bridgewater Is Back With Detroit Lions

Grade: C

Teddy Bridgewater returns to the Detroit Lions as Jared Goff's backup, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Bridgewater originally signed with the Lions in 2023 before deciding to retire. He subsequently changed his mind and rejoined the team in 2024. He spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2014 first-round draft pick is now back in Detroit.

Goff has started all 17 regular-season games in four straight campaigns. QB2 in Detroit has become more a veteran role to help in preparation. As such, Bridgewater fits nicely.

Cowboys Bring Back DE Tyrus Wheat on One-Year Deal

Grade: B-

The Cowboys are signing defensive end Tyrus Wheat to a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater. It's a solid move for a Dallas team looking to reload its defense.

The 26-year-old Wheat has experience with the roster, having played in Dallas in 2023 and 2024. He was a rotational player for the Lions this past season, finishing with 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks despite playing just seven percent of the defensive snaps.

Patriots Add LB K.J. Britt on One-Year Deal

Grade: C-

The New England Patriots are snagging a defender from one of their division rivals. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots have agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker K.J. Britt.

The 26-year-old spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and appeared in all 17 games, albeit in a rotational role. Britt recorded 35 tackles but also allowed an opposing passer rating of 141.9 in coverage.

Dolphins Re-Sign LB Willie Gay Jr. on One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

The Dolphins are bringing back linebacker Willie Gay Jr. on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Gay, a 2020 second-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in all 17 games for Miami this past season. He played just 12 percent of the defensive snaps but recorded 20 tackles, two sacks, and two passes defended while also contributing on special teams.

Browns Add TE Depth, Sign Jack Stoll to One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

The Cleveland Browns have a dynamic receiving tight end in second-year man Harold Fannin Jr. With David Njoku hitting free agency, through, they needed additional depth at the position. They'll get in in the form of blocking tight end Jack Stoll.

Cleveland is signing Stoll to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The 28-year-old appeared in 15 games with four starts with the New Orleans Saints this past season.

Dolphins Add Edge Help, Sign Josh Uche to One-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Dolphins are signing edge-defender Josh Uche to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 27-year-old had just one sack in 12 games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, but he did have an 11.5-sack campaign with the Patriots back in 2022.

The Dolphins needed additional edge depth after making Bradley Chubb a cap casualty.

Seahawks Re-Sign OL Josh Jones on One-Year Deal

Grade: B

The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back versatile lineman Josh Jones on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Jones, a 2020 third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, appeared in 14 games with Seattle this past season. He started the final three games at left tackle when starter Charles Cross was out with a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old has experience at both tackle and guard, and he should be a key depth piece for the Seahawks in 2026.

Jets Re-Signing OT Max Mitchell on One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

The New York Jets are retaining offensive tackle Max Mitchell on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Mitchell, a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Louisiana, has appeared in 45 games with 17 starts in his four seasons with the Jets. He appeared in 15 games with three starts this past season.

Jets Sign K Cade York to One-Year Deal

Grade: D

Having lost standout kicker Nick Folk to the Falcons earlier in the week, the Jets needed a kicker. On Wednesday, they added Cade York on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Folk led the NFL in field-goal completion percentage in each of the past three seasons. York, a 2022 fourth-round pick of the Browns who was cut after his rookie season, didn't play in 2025. The Jets now have a kicker, but they probably aren't finished adding to the position.

Ravens Bring Back CB Chidobe Awuzie on One-Year Deal

Grade: B

The Ravens are re-signing cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on a one-year, $5 million deal that is fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Awuzie, who will turn 31 in May, spent last season in Baltimore after stints with the Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tennessee Titans.

This past season, Awuzie appeared in 14 games with five starts and allowed an opposing passer rating of 90.7 in coverage.

Commanders Add S Nick Cross on Two-Year, $14 Million Deal

Grade: D+

The Commanders are signing former Colts safety Nick Cross on a two-year deal, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 24-year-old Maryland product brings some intriguing athletic upside to his home state of Maryland.

Cross is very active in run support and as an occasional blitzer. However, he isn't consistent or efficient in coverage and has allowed an opposing passer rating of 99.0 or higher in each of the past two seasons.

Falcons Sign Edge Azeez Ojulari to One-Year Deal

Grade: B-

The Falcons are adding edge-rushing help and signing Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Still only 25 years old, Ojulari has recorded 22 sacks and 67 quarterback pressures in 49 games with the Giants and Eagles. He barely saw the field for Philly this past season but logged six sacks with the Giants in 2024.

Falcons Add DL Chris Williams on One-Year, $2 Million Contract

Grade: C+

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Atlanta is adding defensive lineman Chris Williams on a one-year deal. The 2020 undrafted free agent emerged as a solid rotational defender over the past two seasons with the Bears.

Over the past two years, Williams has appeared in 31 games and recorded 37 tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback pressures.

49ers Bring Back TE Jake Tonges

Grade: B

With George Kittle rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs last year, the San Francisco 49ers needed to have a Plan B entering the 2026 season. The 49ers now have one—in the form of a familiar face. The team has agreed to terms on a two year, $8 million deal that includes $5.5 million guaranteed per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.

Jake Tonges performed well when called upon last season, catching 34 of 46 targets for 293 yards and five touchdowns. He's by no means close to the talent level of Kittle, but he has shown the ability to get the job done and is familiar with Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Buccaneers Bring in Backup QB Jake Browning

Grade: B-

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers essentially had nothing behind Baker Mayfield at quarterback, so the team needed to address the backup quarterback situation. The team did so on Wednesday, bringing in Jake Browning on a one-year deal according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Over three years in Cincinnati, Browning started seven games, completing 68.5 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. You don't want to roll Browning out over an extended period, but he can hold down the front decently enough for a week or two.

Panthers Sign WR John Metchie to One-Year Deal

Grade: C

A second-round pick of the Houston Texans back in 2023, wide receiver John Metchie has struggled to make a dent in the NFL. Now, the 25-year-old will try to jump-start his career on his fourth team in as many years after signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Metchie hasn't made much of a dent in the pros—he has never caught 35 passes or had 275 receiving yards in a season. But Metchie is still young, so he's worth a dice-roll on a minimal one-year contract.

Bears Roll the Dice on Offensive Tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.

Grade: C

Back in 2020, Jedrick Wills was the 10th overall pick of the Cleveland Browns. Wills never lived up to that draft slot, and after missing all of the 2025 season with a knee injury that dates back to 2023, Wills will try to re-start his career with the Chicago Bears after inking a one-year deal per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Wills hasn't played in more than eight games since 2022, when he allowed six sacks in just over 1,100 snaps per PFF. This deal is little more than a dart-throw that a healthy Wills can offer some depth on the offensive line.

Dolphins Add CB Darrell Baker

Grade: C+

As reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with fifth-year cornerback Darrell Baker. The 27-year-old Baker, who spent the past two years with the Tennessee Titans, saw the most extensive playing time of his career in 2025, making 10 starts and logging 724 snaps.

Baker posted a career-high 55 total tackles in 2025, but the former undrafted free agent has yet to intercept a pass in the NFL and has a career passer rating against of 114.4.

Those aren't the kind of numbers you want from a starter in the secondary.

Cardinals Ink S Andrew Wingard

Grade: B

The Arizona Cardinals had a hole at safety after the departure of Jalen Thompson, and the Redbirds went the bargain route to replace him, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million deal with veteran Andrew Wingard according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Wingard started 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, logging 84 total tackles with one interception and nine passes defensed. He was also solid in coverage, posting a passer rating against of just over 80.

Wingard isn't a big name, but he was a solid starter for the Jags last year and didn't cost the Cardinals a lot. It's a sneaky-good signing.

Jaguars Add RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Grade: C-

After losing running back Travis Etienne in free agency, the Jaguars have to rebuild the backfield. Per Jordan Schultz, the team's first step in doing so was to add fourth-year pro Chris Rodriguez Jr., who set a career-high with 500 rushing yards last year with the Washington Commanders. His deal is for two years and $10 million.

Rodriguez is a between-the-tackles grinder—he's not going to peel off long runs and doesn't add much in the passing game. But the 25-year-old is a tough runner who has averaged 4.6 yards per carry over his career. He could carve out an early-down role with the Jags in 2026, but $5 million a season is a lot for a limited player.

Giants Re-Sign OL Evan Neal

Grade: D

By just about any estimation, Evan Neal's first four years in New York were a disaster—the seventh pick in the 2022 draft has struggled to stay on the field, and when he was out there he was a turnstile. However, despite missing the entire 2025 season, Neal will be back in 2026 after signing a one-year deal per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

To be blunt, Neal has been terrible in the NFL. But new Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly sees untapped potential in the 25-year-old, so he'll be back in the Big Apple for another season.

That groan you just heard was Giants fans. And maybe Jaxson Dart.

Titans Get DT Solomon Thomas from Cowboys in Pick Swap

Titans Grade: C

Cowboys Grade: C

This is arguably the most inconsequential trade in NFL history involving a former third overall pick.

Per ESPN's Dianna Russini, the Dallas Cowboys are shipping veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas to the Tennessee Titans. The teams will swap seventh-round picks.

Thomas has never come within a mile of living up to the pick the San Francisco 49ers spent on him in 2017—the 30-year-old has barely averaged two sacks a year and has never had more than five in a campaign.

It's a bottom-of-the-roster depth move.

Colts Add DL Depth, Sign Derrick Nnadi

Terms: TBA

Grade: C-

The Indianapolis Colts will bring in Derrick Nnadi to bulk up their defensive front. He played through eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and found a new home with a team that needs front-line depth.

In free agency, the Colts have already lost defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, who logged 38 tackles, four for loss, 3.5 sacks and nine pressures last season. At this stage in his career, Nnadi isn't likely to match Gallimore's production, but he's a capable run-stopper. 

That said, Nnadi's defensive snap count has been on the decline since 2023. In his age-30 term, he may be on the field for 30-40 percent of the snaps.

Ravens Sign TE Durham Smythe

Terms: TBA

Grade: D

During the legal tampering period, the Baltimore Ravens lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar to the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Chargers, respectively, leaving Mark Andrews as their only tight end under contract. They restocked the position with a depth signing.

Durham Smythe has just 13 receptions for 78 yards over the last two years. So, don't expect him to make an impact in the passing game. He hasn't been a standout inline blocking tight end either.

This move only makes sense for the Ravens because Smythe follows offensive coordinator Declan Doyle over from the Chicago Bears. He fits Baltimore's offensive scheme, but is a forgettable acquisition.