NFL free agency grades 2026: Live analysis of every free agent signing and trade

JUMP TO GRADES: Top 100 free agent signings | Trades

The NFL's annual free agency and trade bonanza is here for 2026 with the open negotiations (aka "legal tampering" period) starting at noon Monday, March 9, and the new league year going into effect at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11.

Although several free agents are and will be staying off the market, either re-signed or franchise-tagged by their teams, most will change clubs by either agreeing to terms with another team or being traded.

Sporting News once again is providing the latest analysis of the most significant moves. Keep track of all the key signings and trades during the 2026 NFL free-agency below:

NFL FREE AGENCY 2026: Live tracker | Day 1 winners, losers | Best still available

NFL free agency grades 2026: Key signings and trades

BEST FREE AGENTS BY POSITION: QBs | RBs | WRs | Defense

Grading top 100 overall free agent signings

Ravens sign EDGE Trey Hendrickson for 4 years, $112M | Grade: A

The Ravens made a quick smart pivot and even saved money by backing out on the Maxx Crosby trade and jumping on the best free-agent pass rusher to put in the 3-4 hybrid defense of Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver.

Raiders sign C Tyler Linderbaum for 3 years, $81M | Grade: B+

The Raiders got a little splurgy with Linderbaum, but the top offensive lineman lands on a team trying to overhaul the front. He will be a good blocking anchor and snapper to usher in the NFL career of rookie QB to be Fernando Mendoza.

Panthers sign LB Devin Lloyd for 3 years, $45M | Grade: A

Carolina hit on two needed free agents for the front seven. A linebacker who thrives vs. run and pass with great range was arguably the biggest offseason hole that Lloyd now fills.

Panthers sign EDGE Jaelen Phillips for 4 years, $120M | A

The Panthers needed to have an impact pass rusher for Ejiro Evero and made an unexpected, reasonable splash for a potential dominant former Dolphin in their scheme.

Colts re-sign WR Alec Pierce for 4 years, $114M | Grade: B-

The Colts did a 180 and paid Pierce enough with not much of a hometown discount to keep him as the top speedy field-stretcher for Daniel Jones. Indianapolis' deal seems a little too rich and for salary-cap purposes and squeezed fellow wideout Michael Pittman Jr. off the roster.

Bears sign LB Devin Bush for 3 years, $30M | Grade: A

Bush gives Chicago a much-needed ace cover linebacker to clean up the front seven.

Rams sign WR Jaylen Watson for 3 years, $51M | Grade: A

The Rams had a huge need at cornerback and now end up with two former strong Chiefs starters, Watson and Trent McDuffie. L.A. is definitely going all in to win the Super Bowl by splurging on its biggest positional need.

Commanders sign EDGE Odafe Oweh for 4 years, $100M | Grade: A-

Oweh broke out with the Chargers after being traded to the Ravens and will be a nice fit rushing the passer for Quinn.

Chiefs sign RB Kenneth Walker III for 3 years, $45M | Grade: B

The Chiefs break the bank for a veteran running back as expected, but it's not Travis Etienne Jr. or Breece Hall, but rather the power back Super Bowl MVP. Walker gets a lot for having durability issues and not being the best asset in the passing game. This should indicate the team is getting run-heavier, but it's surprising Andy Reid didn't land a more versatile back for Patrick Mahomes.

49ers sign WR Mike Evans for 3 years, $60.4M | Grade: A

Evans is leaving Tampa Bay after 12 Hall of Fame-caliber seasons to help the 49ers better contend and clean up a wide receiver mess. He is the ideal savvy big-play and red zone go-to guy for Brock Purdy with plenty left.

Commanders sign LB Leo Chenal for 3 years, $24.75M | Grade: A

Between Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Chenal, Washingto's upfield defense vs. run and pass has gotten a whole lot better for 2026.

Titans sign CB Alontae Taylor for 3 years, $60M | Grade: B

The Titans went to a big corner to help shore up their coverage as they also try to improve the pass rush to be much improved defensively overall.

Saints sign RB Travis Etienne Jr. for 4 years, $52M | Grade: B

The Saints spend big in their steady transition from Alvin Kamara. They are trying to be this year's Patriots for sure in trying to shoot up their offense around Tyler Shough.

Steelers sign CB Jamel Dean for 3 years, $36.5M | Grade: A-

The Steelers add some corner help in the versatile former Buccaneers for a pretty good price given his potential impact as a playmaker in coverage.

Dolphins sign QB Malik Willis for 3 years, $67.5M | Grade: A-

Willis comes to Miami fresh off from the team moving on from Tua Tagovailoa. He is good for the Packers' reunion with the GM and coach to execute the transitional offense well under Bobby Slowik. The Dolphins' bonus was not needing to overpay for an elevated bridge backup.

Saints sign G David Edwards for 4 years, $61M | Grade: A

The Saints upgrade their run blocking with the best guard on the market, fresh from the Bills. 

Raiders sign LB Nakobe Dean for 3 years, $36M | Grade: A

Dean is a huge get for them to give them a massive cleanup man vs. run and pass in their new 3-4.

Bengals sign EDGE Boye Mafe for 3 years, $60M | Grade: A

The Bengals needed to recover from not keeping Trey Hendrickson and Mafe was a budding delayed star with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

Eagles sign CB Riq Woolen for 1 years, $15M | Grade: B

The Eagles go for the high-risk, high-reward gambling big former Seahawks corner to try to re-raise their playmaking to help Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

Giants sign TE Isaiah Likely for 3 years, $40M | Grade: B

Likely will be the new strong receiving complement to Theo Johnson with Daniel Bellinger gone, following John Harbaugh to help Jaxson Dart.

Seahawks re-sign WR/KR Rashid Shaheed for 3 years, $51M

Shaheed had to come back as a good offensive and special teams fit with the Raiders going elsewhere to help Klint Kubiak.

Titans sign WR Wan'Dale Robinson for 4 years, $70M | Grade: A

Robinson is a great get for Brian Daboll from his former team, the Giants, to give Cam Ward a bona fide top slot.

Cardinals sign G Isaac Semaulo for 3 years, $31.5M | Grade: B

The Cardinals got a solid upgrade for the interior line in the former Eagle and Steeler.

Cardinals sign RB Tyler Allgeier for 2 years, $12.5M | Grade: A

Allgeier is a well-rounded power back who got a team-friendly deal to help clean up the backfield with James Connor battling age and injury at; attrition.

Ravens sign S Jaylinn Hawkins for 2 years, $10M | Grade: A

Hawkins gives Baltimore a good ballhawking playmaker to put next to Kyle Hamilton to replace Alohi Gilman after the Patriots replaced Hawkins with Kevin Byard.

Patriots sign S Kevin Byard III for 1 year, $9M | Grade: A

The league leader in 2025 interceptions is on the move again, replacing the playmaking of free agent Jaylinn Hawkins.

Bears sign S Coby Bryant for 3 years, $40M | Grade: A

Chicago had to make some secondary decisions with Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard as key free agents and landed a secret rangy cover star for the Seahawks.

Buccaneers sign RB Kenneth Gainwell for 2 years, $14M | Grade: B

Gainwell leaves Pittsburgh to be a strong new 1-2 unit with Bucky Irving, a better fit in terms of complementary back than Rachaad White.

Steelers sign RB Rico Dowdle for 2 years, $12.5M | Grade: B

The Steelers got their replacement for Gainwell in a hurry tapping into the NFC South and he might be a better power complement to Jaylen Warren in his Mike McCarthy reunion.

Patriots sign WR Romeo Doubs for 4 years, $70M | Grade: B

The Patriots get Doubs as a needed option in the passing game but it's not really a notable upgrade from not keeping Stefon Diggs.

Bengals sign S Bryan Cook for 3 years, $40.25M | Grade: B+

Cook fills a much-needed void for a busy run-stopping safety with some coverage upside.

Vikings sign QB Kyler Murray for 1 year | Grade: A

Murray had to take on the minimum to get a second real shot after the Cardinals' release. He has every opportunity to take the job from J.J. McCarthy and thrive in Kevin O'Connell system, adding an extra rushing element to his passing.

Texans sign S Reed Blankenship for 3 years, $24.75M | Grade: B

The Texans filled one of their few secondary holes with the active upfield former Eagles playmaker.

Raiders sign LB Quay Walker for 3 years, $40.5M | Grade: B

Walker and Dean will help turn a inside linebacker weakness into a strength.

Steelers sign S Jaquan Brisker for 1 year, $6.6M | Grade: B

Brisker, a Penn State product, raises the playmaking at a weak spot.

Titans sign DT John Franklin-Myers for 3 years, $45M | Grade: A-

This is a good Robert Saleh reunion for a venerable inside pass rusher.

Commanders sign RB Rachaad White for 1 year | Grade: B

The Commanders make a smart move for a versatile complementary back and probably aren't done at the position (Jeremiyah Love?).

Jets sign LB Demario Davis for 2 years, $22M | Grade: B

The Jets bring Davis, the long-time venerable Saints playmaker, back to his original team to further shore up the front seven with experience for Aaron Glenn.

Patriots sign G Alijah Vera-Tucker for 3 years, $45M | Grade: B

New England worked to upgrade left guard well with this first-round inside talent who can fare better in its system.

Jets sign DT David Onyemata for 1 year, $10.5M | Grade: B

Here's another inside pass rusher getting paid to help the rebuilding of a front.

Texans sign OT Braden Smith for 2 years, $25M | Grade: C

The Texans go just about lateral inside the division to replace traded Tytus Howard.

Jets sign CB Nahshon Wright for 1 year, $5.5M | Grade: A

New York gets a much-needed young coverage ballhawk at a incredibly reasonable price.

Buccaneers sign LB Alex Anzalone for 2 years, $14M | Grade: B

The Bucs needed some rangy linebacker help and instead of spending more on Devin Lloyd, Devin Bush or Nakobe Dean, they go for more bang with Anazlone, the active playmaking former Lion.

Chiefs sign S Alohi Gilman for 3 years, $24.75M | Grade: A

The Chiefs had to replace Cook in a hurry and found Gilman, who thrived with the Ravens after his trade from the rival Chargers.

Saints sign LB Kaden Elliss for 3 years, $33M | Grade: B

Elliss, a very active well-rounded playmaker, returns to his original team after spurting the rival Falcons for another stint.

Patriots sign DT Dre'Mont Jones for 3 years, $39M | Grade: B

New England gets a versatile pass rusher who has a lot of experience getting to QBs inside.

Titans sign CB Joshua Williams for 2 years | Grade: A-

Between Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott and Williams, the Titans have overhauled cornerback in a solid way outside and inside.

Jets sign G Dylan Parham for 2 years, $20M | Grade: C

The Jets make another move for a mediocre starter for whom they paid too much.

Bills sign S C.J. Gardner-Johnson for 1 year, $6M

The former Bears, Eagles and Saints mercenary will hope to have some remaining ballhawk impact for his latest team.

Cowboys sign S Jalen Thompson for 3 years, $33M | Grade: B

The Cowboys filled a good safety need with the well-rounded former Cardinal.

Lions sign C Cade Mays for 3 years, $25M | Grade: B

The Lions recover well to work on rebuilding their offensive line in the wake of needing to replace Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker. 

Commanders sign TE Chigoziem Okonkwo for 3 years, $30M | Grade: B

Washington pays up a little for an upside receiving tight end to help boost the playmakng around Jayden Daniels with Zach Ertz coming off a late torn ACL.

Commanders sign EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson for 1 year, $12M | Grade: B

Washington takes a short-term shot on the former Patriot to thrive playing opposite Oweh, the team's other new key pass-rush acquisition for Dan Quinn.

Raiders signed EDGE Kwity Paye for 3 years, $48M | Grade: B

Paye gives the Raiders part of the solution to bolster a pass-rush by committee, with or without Crosby.

Grading other key free agent signings

Bills sign EDGE Bradley Chubb for 3 years, $43.5M | Grade: B

The Bills lost out on Hendrickson so are going with the former Dolphin Chubb as a mild upgrade over Joey Bosa.

Cardinals sign QB Gardner Minshew for 1 year, $8M | Grade: C

The Cardinals go after an average potential bridge starter to battle with Jacoby Brissett with Kyler Murray gone.

Chargers sign C Tyler Biadasz for 3 years, $30M | Grade: A

The Chargers needed a replacement fast for retiring Bradley Bozeman and jumped on the former Commander and Cowboy at a reasonable price vs. splurging on another Tyler, Linderbaum, in free agency.

Grading notable player trades

Steelers trade for WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Steelers) | Grade: B+

The Steelers fill their need for a top good hands route-running receiver to put opposite big-play guy DK Metcalf for the presumed return of Aaron Rodgers at QB. The Colts choosing Pierce over Pittman is an interesting decision that plays well in Pittsburgh's favor with a solid extension.

Texans trade for RB David Montgomery (Lions) | Grade: A

Montgomery gives Houston a much-needed starter with strong power running and reliable work in the passing game. This cleans up some inefficiency and injury mess from last season's backfield with Montgomery pairing with Woody Marks.

Bills trade for WR D.J. Moore (Bears) | Grade: A-

Moore gives the Bills much-needed savvy and durable No. 1 intermediate-to-deep receiver to help Josh Allen, feeling like that was worth a second-round draft pick. Moore also has familiarity with Joe Brady's offense from their Panthers' days together.

Rams trade for CB Trent McDuffie (Chiefs) | Grade: A-

McDuffie would be too pricey for the Chiefs to extend before 2027 free agency and they have a history of feeling good about re-loading at corner (see L'Jarius Sneed). The Rams, however, have a shorter winning window and went hard after their top need.

Cowboys trade for Packers EDGE Rashan Gary | Grade: B-

Dallas can't be done re-upgrading the pass rusher after the Micah Parsons trade but getting the player who lined up opposite him at linebacker in Green Bay is interesting. Gary is coming off a shaky season but can may be revived by Christian Parker's 3-4 scheme.

Raiders trade for CB Taron Johnson (Bills) | Grade: A

The long-time slot ace in Buffalo gets to be an important inside cornerstone in the Raiders' secondary rebuild.

Jets trade for S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Dolphins) | Grade: B

Fitzpatrick was moved back to Miami from Pittsburgh last year and was a solid upfield player vs. pass and run for the Dolphins. The Jets are counting on him having something more in coverage in a rare intradivision deal.

Packers trade for LB Zaire Franklin (Colts) | Grade: B

The Packers need some linebacker help with Quay Walker hitting free agency. In return, Indianapolis got a key rotational DT, Colby Wooden.

Bears trade for C Garett Bradbury (Patriots) | Grade: C

The Bears needed to make sure they had a starting option at center with Drew Dalman's surprise retirement and might have made a desperate move realizing they won't be getting Tyler Linderbaum.

Titans trade for EDGE Jermaine Johnson (Jets) Grade: B

The Jets got DT D'Vondre Sweat in return in an exchange of disappointing front-seven players. Johnson was a worthy flyer in a pass-rush reunion with Robert Saleh.

Browns trade for OT Tytus Howard (Texans) | Grade: B-

The Browns take on the castoff to help them address at least right tackle in an upcoming total line overhaul.

Jets trade for QB Geno Smith (Raiders) | Grade: D

Thsi is the worst move in all of free agency. The Jets went from losing the No. 1 overall pick to the Raiders (along with Fernando Mendoza) to getting the Raiders' castoff QB. Going back to Smith makes little sense.

Franchise- and transition-tagged players

• Colts QB Daniel Jones (transition tag, $37.88M)
• Jets RB Breece Hall (non-exclusive franchise tag, $14.293M)
• Cowboys WR George Pickens (non-exclusive franchise tag, $27.298M)
• Falcons TE Kyle Pitts (non-exclusive franchise tag, $15.045M)

This is another small group after only Chiefs guard Trey Smith and Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins were franchise-tagged last year. Both Smith and Higgins ended up with long-term extensions with the tag being used as intended as place-holders.

Although Hall, Pickens and Pitts can still be on the move, it's unlikely they are. Jones is not as protected with his lesser-valued tag, he still should stay put with a long-term deal, too.