2026 NFL Free Agency Update & Breakdown

So you're like the rest of us, waiting around until the fall for football season again. It's the off-season, you're bored, but... why is your phone blowing up with notifications in the off-season?

That's because it's the NFL's free agency! But... what exactly is the NFL free agency?

If you've been keeping up with the NFL since the 2026 season ended, then you know that the free agency period is currently underway: it started on Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET. This marks the start of the new legal year, followed by a two-day "legal tampering" negotiation window that opened on March 9th. This means that during those two days, players could negotiate or agree on terms with their teams.

The NFL free agency is the period when players whose contracts have expired can sign with new teams. Many players switch teams during this time to secure higher salaries, obtain better contract terms, seek championship opportunities with contending teams, or find a better personal fit, such as playing closer to home or in a preferred system. Additionally, teams often release veterans due to salary cap constraints, forcing them to find new teams.

Here are some key rules: for 2026, every team must stay under a "hard cap" (salary cap) of $301.2 million. This includes all player salaries, bonuses, and "dead money" – money paid to players no longer on the roster.

Types of free agents

A player's status is determined by "accrued seasons" (any season where they were on a roster for at least six games). There are 3 types of free agents:

Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA): Players with 4+ accrued seasons; they are entirely free to sign with any team without their old team getting anything in return.

Restricted Free Agents (RFA): Players with exactly 3 accrued seasons. Their old team can "tender" them (offer a specific one-year contract). If another team tries to sign them, the old team can match the offer to keep the player or let them go and potentially receive a draft pick as compensation.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA): Players with fewer than 3 accrued seasons. If their team offers them a league-minimum contract, they cannot negotiate with anyone else -- they must play for that team, or they can't play at all.

Major Player Signings & QB Movement

The first week of the 2026 free agency saw massive shifts, particularly in the quarterback position. Kyler Murray signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. Tua Tagovailoa, who had been with the Miami Dolphins since 2020, joined the Atlanta Falcons. Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Geno Smith returned to the New York Jets. Mike Evans signed with the San Francisco 49ers after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 12 seasons. He left his legacy as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Last, but certainly not least, Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, left the Seattle Seahawks to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Also, let's address . . . that. If you've been following along with the trades, you definitely heard about the collapse of the Maxx Crosby deal. The Raiders and Ravens initially agreed to a massive trade that would have sent the five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks (2026 and 2027). However, the deal was rescinded on March 10 after Crosby failed his physical examination.

Ravens medical staff expressed "significant concerns regarding the long-term health of Crosby’s left knee" following a meniscus repair surgery in January 2026. Not long after backing out, the Ravens immediately signed free-agent edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal.

Following the failed deal, Crosby confirmed his loyalty to Las Vegas, saying, "Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. I'm A Raider. I’m Back. Run That (expletive)," in a post on X. His words align with recent reports that hope he continues his journey with the Raiders and aims to get healthy, not jump ship. We do as well!

But this is where things start to heat up. While some reports indicate the Raiders are telling teams Crosby is no longer available, NFL insiders suggest they may still be open to offers if a team meets their high asking price – likely at least one first-round pick. The top three interested teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Buffalo Bills.

Key Dates to Look Out For

As the NFL offseason progresses further, here are some dates to keep your eyes on:

• April 17: Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign offer sheets.

• April 23–25: NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

• May 1: Deadline for teams to decide on the 5th-year options for 2023 first-round picks.

• July 15: Deadline for "tagged" players to sign long-term extensions.

Anything can happen during the free agency period, and we'll just have to see for ourselves what's in store for the future of the NFL!

Edited by Reese Dlabach & Caitlyn Wagner