March 11 marked the beginning of the new NFL league year. This is the date free agency opens, when athletes whose contracts have expired can officially sign with new teams, often going to the highest bidder. Trades can also be processed during this period, allowing elite talent to make moves elsewhere in the league. With so much talent moving around, it’s hard to keep track of where everyone else is going, so here’s an overview of several major transactions from around the NFL.
The Las Vegas Raiders traded away quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets for a late-round pick swap and defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore for a 2026 and 2027 first-round pick. The Raiders also acquired cornerback Taron Johnson and a 2026 seventh-round pick while trading away a 2026 sixth-round pick to Buffalo. Center Tyler Linderbaum from free agency and linebacker Nakobe Dean from free agency were further signed by the Raiders.
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, for a $88 million two-year contract while trading away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh for a late-round pick swap, as well as trading away outside linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. In addition, The Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce for a $116 million four-year contract.
The Miami Dolphins traded away free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and acquired quarterback Mallik Willis through free agency. The Chicago Bears traded away wide receiver DJ Moore to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, re-signed offensive tackle Braxton Jones for a $1 million one-year contract and acquired center Garrett Bradbury from New England for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Kansas City Chiefs traded away wide receiver Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), 2026 fifth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick and 2027 third-round pick. In free agency, the Chiefs acquired running back Kenneth Walker III and re-signed tight end Travis Kelce for a $12 million one-year contract.
The Detroit Lions traded away running back David Montgomery to Houston in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Many other free agency signings shouldn’t go unnoticed. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson signed with the Ravens for a $112 million four-year contract. Wide receiver George Pickins re-signed with the Cowboys, using up their franchise tag. Guard Connor McGovern re-signed with the Bills for a $52 million four-year contract. Kyle Pitts re-signed with the Falcons, using their franchise tag.
The NFL free agency period is a hectic and emotional time for sports fans, as beloved players leave for greener pastures. However, fans should keep their heads up, as the long-awaited NFL draft arrives April 23-25. Only time will tell if these acquisitions will be worth it in the long run.
