Grading 2026 NFL Free-Agency Signings and Trades for Thursday's Latest Moves

The NFL is now heading into the first full day of the 2026 league year.

Wednesday was the end of the free-agent tampering period. Every move made from this point forward can be completed without any wait for league approval, which means it's highly unlikely that any team or player will back out of an agreed-upon deal. (Looking at you, Baltimore Ravens.)

While the pace of moves has slowed down since the beginning of the week, plenty of significant free agents remain available. Now, each one has an opportunity to visit teams and go through a more traditional free-agent process. For example, quarterback Kyler Murray visited the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.

That may be foreshadowing.

Beyond Murray, multiple high-profile veterans continue to weigh their options as the market slows and contracts are nowhere near as robust.

Bleacher Report's team of NFL analysts—Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton—is back again to monitor, assess and grade all of the day's movement.

Vikings Seal the Deal, Ink QB Kyler Murray to One-Year Deal

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Terms: One year, $1.3 million (per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com)

Grade: A

From the moment that news broke that Kyler Murray was going to be released by the Arizona Cardinals, there has been rampant speculation that he could land in Minnesota. After a trip to the Twin Cities Thursday, the Vikings sealed the deal, signing Murray to a veteran minimum deal that includes a no-tag clause.

That clause is the only thing stopping this deal from being an A+.

This is a coup for the Vikings—full stop. Not only do they get an upgrade on J.J. McCarthy (who will no doubt "compete" for the starting job—and lose), but they get it for pennies—the Arizona Cardinals will pay Murray over $35 million to play for the Vikings this year.

Yes. Murray's level of play has fallen after Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowls over his first three seasons. But just two years ago, Murray completed almost 69 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. Murray has also tallied almost 3,200 rushing yards over his career.

If Kevin O' Connell can work his reclamation magic again with Murray, this could be the most impactful free agent signing of 2026.

Keaton Mitchell Brings Change of Pace to Chargers Backfield

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Terms: Two years and $9.25 million, with $5 million guaranteed (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)

Grade: B

With Jim Harbaugh as head coach and Mike McDaniel now calling the offensive plays, the Los Angeles Chargers should become one of the NFL's most run-focused teams in 2026 to take some pressure off quarterback Justin Herbert.

Last season, injuries along the offensive line and to the running back rotation didn't make that possible. The Chargers still finished 12th in rushing offense. However, an added emphasis should be expected this fall.

Case in point, Los Angeles signed Keaton Mitchell despite already having 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson on the roster. Mitchell brings a completely different dynamic, though.

When healthy, Mitchell is one of the NFL's most explosive backs. The 24-year-old ball-carrier is a smaller option at 5'8" and 190 pounds, but he brings legit 4.37-second 40-yard dash speed. He's averaged 6.3 yards per carry through his first three seasons.

For McDaniel, his eyes had to light up when asked about the possibility of adding Mitchell after he had De'Von Achane on the Miami Dolphins last season. Achane isn't much bigger than Mitchell, yet he finished fifth in rushing yardage in 2025.

Mitchell won't be used in the same manner given the company he has in the Chargers' backfield. But he shouldn't be overlooked as part of this rotation.

McDaniel will know how to utilize his skill set. Mitchell's effectiveness will come down to whether he can stay healthy since he's already battled multiple injuries.

Chiefs Add Secondary Help, Sign CB Kader Kohou

AP Photo/Doug Murphy

Kader Kohou

Terms: TBD (via ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques)

Grade: B

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing the prospect of reloading their secondary. They had traded Trent McDuffie, lost Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook, and signed Alohi Gilman heading into Thursday. On Thursday afternoon, they added an intriguing free agent in former Miami Dolphins corner Kader Kohou.

Kohou, who entered the league as an 2022 undrafted free agent, missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL over the summer. Before that, however, he had established himself as a valuable defender with 38 starts before the injury.

The 27-year-old will likely slot in as a nickel back for Kansas City. He primarily played that role for Miami in 2024 and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 79.3 in coverage that season.

Kohou was fully cleared to return earlier this month, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Bengals Bolster Defensive Front, Add DL Jonathan Allen

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Jonathan Allen

Terms: Two Years, $28 million (via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)

Grade: B

The Cincinnati Bengals have rightfully focused on reloading their defense this offseason. They added to their defensive front on Thursday, snagging two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

Allen was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings in a cap-saving move. He had a solid season in 2025, finishing with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts. However, the Vikings clearly didn't believe he was playing up to the three-year, $51 million deal he signed last offseason.

The Bengals may have overpaid slighty for a 31-year-old defender who isn't quite as explosive as he once was. However, Allen is still disruptive against the run and the pass when healthy and playing at his best.

Cincinnati's defense, which has been atrocious over the past couple of seasons, is better up front than it was earlier in the week.

Jacob Martin Bolsters Titans' Pass-Rush

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Terms: Two years, $11 million (via The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala)

Grade: C+

Robert Saleh continues to bolster the Tennessee Titans' defensive front with players he's already familiar with. Jacob Martin is the latest example.

Martin played for Saleh in 2022 when he was the head coach of the New York Jets. He joins Jonathan Franklin-Myers, Jordan Elliott, Solomon Thomas and Jermaine Johnson II—the last two via trade—who have now followed Saleh to the Titans.

These moves speak to how well-liked Saleh is.

In Martin's case, he provides a rotational piece among Tennessee's edge-defenders. He posted a career-high 5.5 sacks last season with the Washington Commanders while tying a career-high in snaps played. He's now started 14 games twice during his eight-year career, though he's never been a high-end run defender.

Tennessee's approach makes a ton of sense because these players are already familiar with the scheme, which should help them hit the ground running. Quality defensive front depth should allow the Titans to attack opponents in waves, too.

Tennessee finished among the league's bottom 12 defenses last season. Saleh's unit should be significantly better this fall.

Commanders Strengthen Backfield, Add RB Rachaad White

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Rachaad White

Terms: One Year (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B-

The Commanders will have a new dual-threat running back in their backfield next season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they're adding former Tampa Bay Buccaneers starter Rachaad White on a one-year deal.

White, a 2022 third-round pick out of Arizona State, hasn't always been the most efficient runner. However, he's always been a capable receiver and a high-volume option. He's also been more effective over the last two years, along with the rest of Tampa's ground game.

The 27-year-old has averaged 4.3 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons, and he caught 91 passes over that span. He's also topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in two of his four seasons.

In Washington, White will likely split time with Jacory Croskey-Merritt at the top of the backfield rotation.

Orlando Brown Jr. Signs Extension With Bengals

AP Photo

Terms: One-year extension through 2027 season (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B

The Cincinnati Bengals have two simple yet difficult goals this offseason.

First, they must add significant talent to a unit that finished 31st in total defense last season. Second, the organization must keep quarterback Joe Burrow happy.

What better way to improve a quarterback's mood than by ensuring his blindside protector is locked up beyond the upcoming season? Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and the Bengals agreed to a one-year contract extension Wednesday, which will allow him to protect Burrow through the 2027 campaign.

Brown, who turns 30 in May, has been with the Bengals for the last three seasons. He's started all but six games during that stretch.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection (all before he joined the Bengals) has been dependable since signing with Cincinnati, although his overall play can be described as middling compared to other offensive tackles. Still, continuity along an offensive line is important. The Bengals must keep Burrow upright considering how much punishment he's already taken throughout his NFL career.

The Bengals can conceivably go into the 2026 season with the same starting five that ended the 2025 campaign, with Brown serving as its anchor.

LB Dre Greenlaw Returns to San Francisco 49ers on One-Year Deal

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Terms: One year, $7.5 million (per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com)

Grade: B

Who says you can't go home again?

Last year, linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the 49ers, inking a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Denver Broncos. Now, after one disastrous season in the Mile High City, Greenlaw is back in the Bay Area.

Greenlaw was admittedly bad in Denver, and the year before he barely played after tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. But in 2023, Greenlaw tallied 120 total tackles for the 49ers—his second straight year with that many stops.

How this signing pans out will depend largely on Greenlaw's ability to stay healthy. But he played the best football of his career with the 49ers and knows both the defense and many of the players around him.

EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad Headed to Tampa Bay

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Terms: One year, $6 million (per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com)

Grade: A-

Last year, veteran edge-rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad had by far the best season of his NFL career—after 15 sacks over the first seven seasons of his professional career, Muhammad racked up 11 with the Detroit Lions.

Now, Muhammad is once again on the move—he will play for the fifth team in his career after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Tampa bay Buccaneers.

Is Muhammad going to tally double-digit sacks again in 2026? Probably not—although the 30-year-old flirted with 50 tackles and added six sacks with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2021.

But the Buccaneers struggled rushing the passer last year (37 sacks), so it's hard to find much fault with adding Muhammad on a modest contract.

Steelers Invest in Secondary, Add S Jaquan Brisker

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker

Terms: One year, $5.5 million (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)

Grade: B-

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added a physical thumper to their secondary. 

After two seasons with the Chicago Bears, Jaquan Brisker performed at a level that warrants an early pay raise, logging 209 tackles (eight for loss), five sacks, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. 

In what could've been a standout 2024 campaign, Brisker suffered a concussion that sidelined him for nearly three quarters of the term. He played in all 17 games in the previous season, but his pass coverage faltered while giving up five touchdowns and a 127.6 passer rating.

Brisker can play both safety spots, though he's more effective in the box as a downhill playmaker closer to the line of scrimmage. In four seasons, his pass coverage has been inconsistent, with 10 touchdowns allowed in his first two seasons and none in his five 2024 outings.

Nonetheless, Brisker is a big hitter and reliable tackler in the open field. He's racked up at least 93 tackles in three seasons, while keeping his missed tackle rate below nine percent.

The Steelers signed Brisker to a one-year deal, so it's possible they will field three safeties in certain packages with Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott already on the roster.

Eagles Land OLB Arnold Ebiketie on One-Year Deal

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie

Terms: One year, $7.3 million (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: B

Leave it to Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to strike a low-risk, high-reward deal with an edge-rusher. This is what he does for his offensive and defensive lines every year.

This time, Roseman brings in an underachieving 2022 second-rounder. Arnold Ebiketie played in a rotational role for all four of his seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, logging 129 tackles (17 for loss), 16.5 sacks and 66 pressures. 

In Atlanta, Ebiketie didn't play more than 49 percent of the defensive snaps. Last year, he only saw the field for 35 percent of the snaps. Unable to showcase his best in a contract year, the 27-year-old had to settle for a prove-it deal, which allows the Eagles to capitalize on market value.

Ebiketie will have a chance to carve out a significant role with the Eagles after they lost Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. While Jalyx Hunt has shown some promise, fellow outside linebacker Nolan Smith hasn't played up to first-round expectations. 

If Ebiketie realizes his potential, he will rise above a rotational role limited to fewer than 50 percent of the snaps, and the Eagles would score another big win for the defensive trenches.

49ers Sign CB Nate Hobbs

AP Photo/Matt Patterson,File

Green Bay Packers defensive back Nate Hobb

Terms: One year, worth up to $4.5 million (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)

Grade: C-

Just a year ago, Nate Hobbs signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. He battled injuries and struggled on the field throughout the 2025 season, missing six games and allowing an 111.1 passer rating in coverage.

The Packers made the mistake of deploying Hobbs mostly on the boundary. During his four-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, he performed at an optimal level in coverage and as a run defender out of the slot.

In 2025, the San Francisco 49ers inserted Upton Stout into their defense as the primary nickelback, and he played well, logging 82 tackles (four for loss), five pass breakups and a forced fumble. Assuming the 2025 third-rounder remains in that role, Hobbs will be a depth signing. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green are starters on the outside. 

Based on his one-year deal and the 49ers' roster makeup, Hobbs will be a backup for the foreseeable future, though he can be a decent pickup to strengthen nickel and dime packages on obvious passing downs.

Cowboys Pick Off Former Rams CB Cobie Durant

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant

Terms: One year, TBA (per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Todd Archer)

Grade: A

The Rams have revamped their cornerback room, acquiring 2023 All-Pro Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in a blockbuster deal and signing Jaylen Watson in free agency. So, they didn't have enough room to keep one of their own cornerbacks.

The Dallas Cowboys swooped in to sign Cobie Durant.

Over the last two seasons, Durant has lined up primarily on the outside, registering 15 pass breakups and four interceptions while allowing passer ratings below 80. He'll likely take on a lead role opposite DaRon Bland on the boundary.

Dallas cut cornerback Trevon Diggs at the end of the 2025 season, leaving a void in the secondary. As 2025 third-rounder Shavon Revel Jr. continues to recover from a torn ACL, the Cowboys need a surefire starter to plug into their pass defense, which allowed the most passing yards and second-most passing touchdowns last year.

At 28, Durant is a productive playmaker in his prime, coming off his best seasons. The Cowboys were patient in filling a need and landed a high-end free agent who can start Week 1.

Other Signings and Extensions

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

FB Brady Russell

OL Jovaughn Gwyn Joins Ravens on 1-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Baltimore Ravens have taken some hits along their offensive interior this offseason. Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is now a Las Vegas Raider. Daniel Faalele remains unsigned, though the team brought back John Simpson to fill right guard. Still, the team remains in the market for a center and depth.

Jovaughn Gwyn saw an opportunity and agreed to terms with the Ravens, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Gwyn played his first three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and appeared in 19 games without any starts. He brings center/guard versatility to help make the roster as Baltimore's utility lineman.

FB Brady Russell Returns to Seahawks on 2-Year Contract

Grade: C

Brady Russell has been a standout as part of the Seattle Seahawks' special teams since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The Seahawks ensured the core-four contributor won't leave and signed him to a two-year contract extension, per Pelissero.

The 27-year-old Russell has barely participated on offense to date, but he played more special teams snaps last season than anyone else on the Super Bowl-winning squad.

Lions Sign DB Christian Izien to One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

The Detroit Lions are adding defensive back and special-teamer Christian Izien on a one-year deal, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

A 2023 undrafted free agent out of Rutgers, Izien has recorded 165 tackles and three interceptions in 45 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 50 percent of the defensive snaps last season.

Broncos Re-Sign WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey

Grade: C+

The Denver Broncos are bringing back wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The 27-year-old Texas product has played for head coach Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints and began his second stint with Denver when he was signed off the New York Giants practice squad last season.

Humphrey had three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos in last year's playoffs.

Commanders Re-Sign OL Trent Scott on One-Year Deal

Grade: C

The Commanders are bringing back veteran offensive lineman Trent Scott with a one-year deal, according to ESPN's John Keim.

Scott, who has also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers, has been with Washington since 2023. He appeared in eight games with three starts for the Commanders this past season.

Eagles Re-Sign P Braden Mann on Four-Year, $14 Million Deal

Grade: C

The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back punter Braden Mann on a four-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 28-year-old has spent the last three seasons in Philadelphia after spending the previous three with the New York Jets.

This past season, Mann averaged a career-best 43.1 net yards per punt with eight touchbacks.

Seahawks Re-Sign DT Brandon Pili on One-Year Deal

Grade: C+

The Seahawks are retaining a role player from their Super Bowl-caliber defense. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Seattle is re-signing defensive tackle Brandon Pili on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Pili, a 2023 undrafted free agent, spent his first two seasons with the Miami Dolphins but appeared in 13 games with one start for Seattle last season.

Seahawks Add S Rodney Thomas II

Grade: C-

Seattle is signing former Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Thomas, a 2022 seventh-round pick out of Yale, primarily played special teams over the past two seasons, but he did start 25 games over his first two seasons. He should fill depth and special-teams roles for the Seahawks.

Buccaneers Add Special-Teams Ace Miles Killebrew

Grade: C+

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing in longtime special-teams standout Miles Killebrew on a one-year, $1.8 million deal, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

While Killebrew is coming off a season-ending ACL tear, he was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a Pro Bowler in 2024. In Tampa, he'll reunite with special-teams coordinator Danny Smith, who held the same role for the Pittsburgh Steelers for more than a decade.

EDGE Samson Ebukam Heads to Atlanta Falcons

Grade: B-

Back in 2023, veteran edge-rusher samson Ebukam had the best season of his career, logging 9.5 sacks with the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, Ebukam lost the 2024 campaign to a torn Achilles and barely played last year. Now, Ebukam will try to resurrect his career with the Atlanta Falcons per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Assuming this is a modest, one-year deal, bringing in the 30-year-old is a good move for a Falcons team with major issues on the defensive front with second-year pro and 2025 sack leader James Pearce Jr. facing multiple felony charges and a lengthy suspension.

Titans Sign S Tony Adams

Grade: C+

After spending three years playing for Robert Saleh in New York, veteran safety Tony Adams is joining him in Nashville—per ESPN's Rich Cimini, the fifth-year pro has joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract.

Adams' 2025 season was nothing to write home about—49 tackles and a sack in 12 games. But from 2023-2024, Adams started 26 games for the Jets, topping 80 total tackles both seasons. He should compete for one of the starting safety spots in his new home.

WR Calvin Austin Joins Giants

Grade: C

After losing Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, the New York Giants were left with a hole in the pass-catching corps. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team took steps to fill that hole on Thursday, signing Calvin Austin to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $4.5 million.

Austin doesn't have Robinson's resume—he caught just 31 passes last year and has never had 550 receiving yards in a season. But Austin has started 16 games over his first three seasons and offers the G-Men some wideout help on the cheap.

S C.J. Gardner-Johnson Joins Bills on One-Year Deal

Grade: B-

C.J. Garder-Johnson's career appeared to be in trouble not that long ago—he played for three teams in 2025. But after a solid stint with the Chicago Bears to close things out, the eighth-year veteran has earned a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills that could be worth up to $6 million per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gardner-Johnson, 28, has logged half a dozen interceptions in a season twice, including leading the league in 2022. Capable of playing all over the secondary, Gardner-Johnson is a candidate to man the slot in Buffalo after Taron Johnson was traded to the Raiders earlier this week.

OL Dillon Radunz Re-Ups with Saints

Grade: C+

Last year with the New Orleans Saints, sixth-year veteran lineman Dillon Radunz made 10 starts, allowing one sack in about 700 snaps at left guard per Pro Football Focus. The 27-year-old fared well enough to earn a two-year deal to return to the Big Easy according to Saints beat writer Jeff Nowak.

Radunz isn't a lineman you necessarily want out there every week. But he does have 41 career starts under his belt and has experience at both guard at right tackle.

Offensive line depth isn't sexy. But it's necessary.

Raiders Sign FB/TE Connor Heyward

Terms: Two years, $5.5 million maximum (via ESPN's Adam Schefter)

Grade: C+

The new-look Las Vegas Raiders will go old-school with a fullback in their offense, something that head coach Klint Kubiak talked about after the team hired him. They signed Connor Heyward, who can catch the ball, block as an inline tight end and contribute to special teams.

In four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Heyward caught 44 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns and registered 18 carries for 70 yards and two scores. He will likely serve as the lead fullback for the run game and the No. 3 tight end behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Look out for him as a ball-carrier in goal-line situations as well.

Chiefs Add Another RB to Backfield, Sign Emari Demercado

Terms: One year, TBA (via NFL insider Jordan Schultz)

Grade: C

This week, the Kansas City Chiefs have added explosive playmakers to their backfield. After inking Kenneth Walker III to a three-year deal, they brought in Emari Demercado on a one-year pact.

In each of the previous two seasons, Demercado averaged over seven yards per carry and seven yards per touch. He's caught 50 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown in three seasons. 

Primarily a complementary third-down tailback in Arizona, Demercado can fill a similar role in Kansas City as Walker's running mate, though he will have to battle 2025 seventh-rounder Brashard Smith for targets in the short passing game.

Eagles Sign CB Jonathan Jones

Terms: One year, TBA (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)

Grade: C

The Philadelphia Eagles bring in a veteran reinforcement for their pass defense. Jonathan Jones will allow the Eagles to mix and match their coverages because of his experience on the boundary and in the slot.

In 2024, his final season with the Washington Commanders, Jones allowed seven touchdowns and a 138.1 passer rating (out of a possible 158.3). He fared a lot better in coverage in the previous campaign with the New England Patriots, permitting an 87.3 passer rating while giving up zero touchdowns.

Philadelphia will start Quinyon Mitchell and newly acquired cornerback Riq Woolen on the outside. Jones can rotate in for either of the two and spell Cooper DeJean in the slot.

Raiders Sign WR/KR Dareke Young

Terms: TBA (via SportsTrust Advisors)

Grade: C-

Dareke Young will follow Klint Kubiak from Seattle to Las Vegas. He's a 2022 seventh-rounder who carved out a role on special teams.

Last season, Young returned 10 kicks for 322 yards; his longest was a 60-yard return. He'll compete with running back Dylan Laube for those duties, which will be the wide receiver's path to a roster spot.

Cowboys Bolster Offensive Line, Sign C Matt Hennessy

Terms: TBA (via ESPN's Todd Archer)

Grade: C+

On his third team in three years, Matt Hennessy can provide depth along the interior of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line. Although he's taken most of his snaps at center, the 28-year-old also has experience at left guard. 

If center Cooper Beebe or left guard Tyler Smith isn't able to suit up, Hennessy could be the first backup in the rotation. The six-year pro has started in 24 out of 64 career games.