NFL free agency is approaching rapidly, with the legal tampering window starting Monday at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT. Teams have been actively restructuring their rosters by re-signing key players and making significant trades, reshaping the league ahead of the 2026 season.
This NFL free agency tracker highlights major roster moves, including top trades and extensions that could impact team dynamics this year.
Key Trades and Player Movements in Early March
On March 7, the Green Bay Packers bolstered their defense, acquiring linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. Franklin, 29, is known for his tackling ability, leading the league with 173 tackles in 2024 after recording 125 tackles last season.
The Philadelphia Eagles secured a cornerstone of their defensive line by signing nose tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million contract extension, which includes $65 million guaranteed. This deal makes Davis the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams announced the retirement of cornerback Darious Williams after eight NFL seasons. Williams, 32, ended his career with 12 interceptions and a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
The Buffalo Bills retained Pro Bowl center Connor McGovern by signing him to a four-year, $52 million contract, with $32 million guaranteed. McGovern, a dependable veteran, has been a consistent presence on the field, never playing fewer than 14 games per season and maintaining a streak without missed games since 2022.
Earlier on March 6, the Baltimore Ravens made a high-profile trade, acquiring pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Crosby has compiled 69.5 sacks over seven seasons, achieving double-digit sacks four times.
The Chicago Bears quickly addressed their vacancy at center by trading for Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick. Bradbury started every game last season and has one year remaining on his contract.
The Raiders released veteran guard Alex Cappa after one season with the team; Cappa started eight games in 2025.
In Houston, the Texans kept tight end Dalton Schultz by agreeing to a one-year, $12.6 million extension lasting through the 2027 season, rewarding one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s key offensive weapons.
The Arizona Cardinals released defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson after a single season. Tomlinson, 32, had one sack last year, finishing his career with 20 sacks total.
The Buffalo Bills also created significant salary cap space by releasing four veteran players: receiver Curtis Samuel, defensive backs Dane Jackson and Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp.
Vikings center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement after a decorated career, including 129 starts and four Pro Bowl selections.
In another Texans roster change, running back Joe Mixon was released after two seasons. Mixon, a Pro Bowler in his first Houston year, missed all of last season due to injury.
Washington Commanders re-signed wide receiver Treylon Burks to a one-year contract. Burks, a former first-round pick, appeared in eight games during the previous season.
The Detroit Lions cut veteran left tackle Taylor Decker after a decade with the team, releasing a former Pro Bowler into free agency.
Miami Dolphins moved on from fullback Alec Ingold and kicker Jason Sanders. Ingold earned a Pro Bowl nod last year, while Sanders was a First-Team All-Pro in 2020.
The New England Patriots extended quarterback Tommy DeVito with a two-year, $7.4 million deal. DeVito, 27, served as New England’s third-string quarterback last season and remains a fan favorite.
The Commanders also retained kicker Jake Moody on a one-year contract. Moody, 26, connected on 10 of 11 field goal attempts and extra points each during the prior season.
The Raiders are preparing to release or trade quarterback Geno Smith, last season’s starter. Smith threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers signed center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract. Biadasz, 28, has started every game he’s played since 2021.
The Rams extended safety Kamren Curl’s contract for three years and $36 million. Curl, 26, recorded two sacks and 122 tackles last season.
Major Extensions and Releases Shaping Team Rosters
On March 5, the Texans rewarded pass rusher Danielle Hunter with a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension, securing the 31-year-old through 2027. Hunter tallied 15 sacks and three forced fumbles last year.
The Chicago Bears announced their intention to release linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, saving $15 million in cap space. Edmunds, 27, amassed 335 tackles across three Chicago seasons.
The Rams retained tight end Tyler Higbee with a two-year, $8 million deal. Higbee is the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a tight end, boasting 386 catches for 3,949 yards and 27 scores.
Arizona released defensive veterans Bilal Nichols and Akeem Davis-Gaither, creating over $10 million in salary cap relief.
Seattle Seahawks signed linebacker Drake Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract. Thomas, 26, contributed an interception, 3.5 sacks, and 96 tackles last year as part of Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning defense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers let go of tight end Jonnu Smith after one season, saving roster space. Smith, acquired from Miami, had 222 receiving yards and three total touchdowns last season.
Denver Broncos secured guard Alex Palczewski with a two-year, $11 million extension. Palczewski, 26, appeared in all 17 games and started ten amid injuries to starter Ben Powers.
Buffalo Bills addressed their receiving corps by acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore along with a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. Moore recorded 50 receptions, 682 yards, and six touchdowns last season.
The Texans also retained starting offensive tackle Trent Brown on a one-year, $7 million deal. Brown, 32, appeared in just seven games last year but boasts 103 career starts.
Veteran Departures and Roster Cuts From Across the League
March 4 brought several notable veteran releases, beginning with the Minnesota Vikings freeing defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen after one season. Both players recorded 3.5 sacks in 2025 and have each earned two Pro Bowl selections.
The New England Patriots cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs, marking his fourth team in as many seasons. Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last year.
The Los Angeles Chargers released tight end Will Dissly and guard Mekhi Becton to free up salary cap space. Dissly amassed 97 receiving yards last season, while Becton made 14 starts at guard.
Kansas City Chiefs released starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor, unless traded before the new league year. This move saves the Chiefs roughly $20 million.
The Rams acquired All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in exchange for multiple draft picks: first-, fifth-, and sixth-rounders in 2026, and a third-rounder in 2027.
The New York Giants cut linebacker Bobby Okereke, freeing up $9 million in cap space. Okereke, 29, posted 143 tackles and two interceptions last season.
The Arizona Cardinals announced the release of quarterback Kyler Murray, paving the way for him to join a new team. Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year, played in only five games last season due to injury.
Lastly, Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman retired after five seasons. The 27-year-old started all 17 games last season after signing a three-year deal prior to 2025.
Impact and Outlook Following Early NFL Roster Moves
The flurry of signings, trades, and retirements ahead of the NFL’s free agency window signals intense roster reshaping across many franchises. Teams like the Ravens and Bills have secured key players with blockbuster deals, while others such as the Cardinals and Raiders are offloading veterans or seeking fresh talent.
With big trades like Maxx Crosby moving to Baltimore at the cost of valuable draft picks, and Buffalo’s acquisition of D.J. Moore, these moves reflect teams’ urgent efforts to address critical roster needs. Veterans retiring or being released create openings that could reshape competition, while extension contracts indicate franchises locking down proven contributors.
As free agency advances, the decisions illustrated here set the tone for the upcoming season’s battles, with teams balancing cap flexibility against the desire to remain competitive. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how these roster changes influence team chemistry, performance, and ultimately, the playoff picture.
