In the span of roughly one week,NFL free agencyofficially began, peaked with a deluge of activity and wound down to a slow drip.
The first wave ofNFL free agencyis over after an early frenzy of moves. During that frenzy, six teams made significant changes at quarterback,one team pulled out of a blockbuster tradeand every team made its goals for 2026 more apparent. Some teams are gearing for a playoff push and setting sights onSuper Bowl contention; other teams started their rebuild process.
With over a month until the 2026 NFL Draft and over four months until the start of training camp, a lot can still change. There are still severalhigh-profile free agents who remain unsigned, and the influx of young talent in the draft will also shake up team outlooks across the league.
For now, here are 32 takeaways – one for each team – from the first wave of NFL free agency:
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OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades
OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)
NFL free agency takeaways for all 32 teams
Teams listed below in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals
The rebuild is officially starting in Arizona. The biggest indicator? Dumping quarterback and former No. 1 overall pickKyler Murray. Even with the release designated as a post-June 1 transaction, the Cardinals still owe Murray $36.8 million in guaranteed salary and have to eat a $47.5 million cap hit this year, plus a $7.2 million in dead cap next year.
Further hint that the Cardinals are looking toward 2027 and beyond is their lack of a bona fide starting quarterback to replace Murray, as well as a lack of long-term commitments in free agency. VeteransJacoby BrissettandGardner Minshewboth began last year as backups and will become free agents in 2027. In total, 16 of the Cardinals' 17 free agent signings this year were on deals two years or shorter. Eleven of them were one-year deals.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will spend 2026 making a quarterback decision. Will 2024 first-round pickMichael Penix Jr.establish himself as Atlanta's quarterback of the future? Will he even win the starting job this year?
Penix is coming off a season-ending knee injury. In addition, the Falcons havebrought in former Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoato compete with Penix for the starting job. New Atlanta general manager Ian Cunningham's decisions in the early stage of free agency – only kicker Nick Folk (two years) and punter Jake Bailey (three years) got multi-year deals – established that this season will be about figuring out the quarterback situation and building for future years.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is going to use its sizable draft capital to build its roster, whether through the draft or a possible trade. The Ravens backed out of a trade to acquireMaxx Crosby, but their initial agreement to give up multiple first-round picks should let teams know Baltimore is open for business – especially given its 11 draft picks on hand.
The Ravens' draft-centric approach to continue building up its roster is also reflected in their free agent strategy thus far. General manager Eric DeCosta was content letting many of Baltimore's 2026 free agents walk (mostly to the Giants and former Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh) and worked on reinforcing some of the roster weak spots with a few savvy deals. John Simpson is back with the Ravens to improve their interior offensive line, edge rusherTrey Hendricksonshould improve their pass-rush, and signings like safety Jaylinn Hawkins and Durham Smythe fill in the holes left behind by free agent departures.
More:Maxx Crosby opens up about failed trade to Ravens, return to Raiders
Buffalo Bills
New faces for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The Bills cut two secondary defenders – cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Taylor Rapp – and traded a third – Taron Johnson – after announcing their intent to cut him. Defensive replacements have been the priority in signings as well. SafetiesC.J. Gardner-JohnsonandGeno Stoneare in the building now, as is cornerbackDee Alford. Edge rusherBradley Chubb also raises the ceilingof Buffalo's pass-rush.
Meanwhile, head coach Joe Brady, who was promoted to his new role after serving as the Bills' offensive coordinator, must be satisfied with his side of the ball. Buffalo's only offensive signing through the early wave is backup quarterback Kyle Allen. The Bills also traded for wide receiverDJ Moore, reuniting him with Brady after the two spent time together in Carolina.
NATE DAVIS:DJ Moore trade alters complexion of Buffalo Bills − and 2026 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers
Carolina has seen a potential contention window open after making the playoffs last year, and general manager Dan Morgan is diving through it.
The Panthers are among the most improved teams in free agency this season after signing a few of the top available players at their position: edge rusherJaelan Phillips, linebackerDevin Lloydand offensive tackleRasheed Walker. Carolina should be expected to contend for another NFC South title in 2026 given these improvements, especially with more reinforcements to come in the draft.
More:Panthers sign Jaelan Phillips to massive free agent contract, per reports
Chicago Bears
Even after leading the NFL in interceptions in 2025, the Bears were comfortable making a reset on defense. As The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov pointed out, Chicago allowed five defensive backs to walk in free agency, all on one-year deals: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens. To replace them, the Bears signed safetyCoby Bryantand versatile cornerback Cam Lewis to multi-year deals.
Chicago should also be expected to reinforce its defense further in the draft. Outside of the turnovers, the NFC North champions' defense struggled, finishing in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring defense and fourth-worst in yards allowed.
DJ MOORE TRADE:Bears trade WR to Bills in pre-NFL free agency move
Cincinnati Bengals
Defense is a priority – as it should be. The Bengals ranked 30th in average points allowed per game in 2025. They have already committed over $125 million to three defensive players: edge rusherBoye Mafe, safetyBryan Cookand defensive linemanJonathan Allen.
Time will tell if Cincinnati's bet on Mafe's pass-rush upside will pay off – he had a career-low two sacks last year – but Allen adds upside there up the interior. Cook is a strong tackler that can be a plug-and-play starter to replace Geno Stone in the secondary.
Cleveland Browns
Offensive line is a priority – as it should be. As good as Cleveland's defense was in 2025 – ranking fourth in average yards allowed per game, EPA/play allowed and success rate allowed – its offense was far less successful. The Browns' offensive line was a part of that, with a pass-block win rate that ranked 20th and run-block win rate that ranked 24th in 2025, per ESPN.
As the Browns still work to determine their future at quarterback, and whether second-yearsShedeur SandersandDillon Gabrielare part of that equation, building a strong infrastructure around their signal-callers should be a priority. Cleveland signedElgton Jenkins,Zion JohnsonandTevin Jenkinsto start free agency, committing over $75 million to improve its offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys
Owner/general manager Jerry Jones loves wheelin' and dealin' on the trade market, but free agency seemed to remain a low priority in 2026.
Dallas largely only added on the margins in the first wave of free agency. The Cowboys signed safetyJalen Thompsonto a three-year, $33 million deal. CornerbackCobie Durantand safetyP.J. Lockeprovide some upside in a potential nickel role. But the rest of Jones' free agency moves have largely been additional depth rather than full-time starters. Even Pro Bowl edge rusher Rashan Gary,the Cowboys' big trade acquisition, is underwhelming with the knowledge that Maxx Crosby was(/is) available to trade for.
More:Jerry Jones confident Cowboys can make playoff run with improved defense
Denver Broncos
The Broncos must believe strongly in their 2025 squad, which clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Denver has exclusively re-signed their own players through the first wave of free agency.
Running backsJ.K. Dobbinsand Jaleel McLaughlin are back. So are linebackersJustin StrnadandAlex Singleton, wide receiver Lil'jordan Humphrey and fullback Adam Prentice. The only move the Broncos have made outside of re-signing their own former players wastrading two picks and a fourth-round pick swap for Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle.
Detroit Lions
Free agency in Detroit was all about adding depth. The Lions already have tried-and-true starters at most key positions, including quarterback, lead receiver, three offensive line spots and edge rusher. Building extra depth was a stronger priority than signing veteran starters.
The one exception to the rule was centerCade Mays,who will replace Frank Ragnow/Graham Glasgow in the middle of the Lions' offensive line. Outside of Mays, Detroit added tackle Larry Borom, re-signed linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske, signed tight end Tyler Conklin as extra insurance behind Sam LaPorta and brought inIsiah Pachecoto replace David Montgomery. Expect the Lions to add more starting help at key positions like cornerback and offensive tackle in the draft.
DAVID MONTGOMERY TRADE:Texans acquire RB in trade with Lions
Green Bay Packers
The Packers beefed up the thinnest spots on their roster. Skyy Moore joins Green Bay to be its new return specialist, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave reunites with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to strengthen the interior of the Packers' D-line and Benjamin St-Juste adds cornerback depth.
Meanwhile, Green Bay let free agents walk if it already had suitable replacements on the roster already. Examples include backup quarterback (Malik Willis signed with the Dolphins), center (Elgton Jenkins left for Cleveland) and wide receiver(Romeo Doubs signed with the Patriots). The Packers did not need to replace any of those players with free agent signings of their own.
Houston Texans
Houston made its excellent defense even better and got to work overhauling its offensive line after a rough 2025. SafetyReed Blankenshipjoins a Texans secondary that is already the best in the sport, and edge rusher Domonique Robinson gives the front seven an extra pass-rusher to rotate in.
On the offensive line, Wyatt Teller and Evan Brown will bolster the Texans' interior, while tackle Braden Smith should replace Tytus Howard at right tackle.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts committed a lot of money to their top two returning free agents, and it's forced them to make more marginal (read: less significant) moves elsewhere on the roster.
Bringing back quarterback Daniel Jones on a two-year dealandwide receiver Alec Pierce on a four-year dealwill keep Indianapolis' offense steady. The rest of their free agent signings are not significant upgrades on paper. It's unclear how much the Jones and Pierce signings hamstrung the Colts, but they certainly chose an interesting strategy for a team that collapsed down the stretch last year and doesn't have first-round picks for the next two years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Free agency signings are not high on Jaguars general manager James Gladstone's list of priorities. Instead, he's looking ahead to the draft. Gladstone made that clear with his lack of aggressiveness in the first wave – Jacksonville signed only two new players: running backChris Rodriguezand edge rusher Dennis Gardeck – and he also said it.
"We're at a stage now where a higher volume of draft capital is what we're hunting up in those compensatory picks," Gladstone said on March 12.
As a result, the Jaguars let running backTravis Etienneand linebacker Devin Lloyd walk. The extra comp picks Jacksonville will receive for not re-signing them will allow the team to be more aggressive in trades in training camp and at the trade deadline, Gladstone said.
Kansas City Chiefs
After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Chiefs needed to make a big splash (or several) to improve their roster and to avoid wasting another year of quarterbackPatrick Mahomes' prime. Kansas City made several splashes.
Running backKenneth Walker was the biggest splash. His signing was proof the Chiefs were committed to improving a run game that was among the league's worst last year. Defensive tackleKhyiris Tongawas the second-biggest splash, giving Kansas City another monster on the defensive interior next to Chris Jones. Safety Alohi Gillman was not quite a splash, but he's another savvy signing that improves the Chiefs' secondary after so many departures there this offseason.
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Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are clearing the way for quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Givingcenter Tyler Linderbaum an offer he couldn't refuse– a three-year deal that is essentially fully guaranteed – was a significant first step.Trading away veteran quarterback Geno Smithwas the next piece of the puzzle. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor was another nice signing that gives Las Vegas more depth at the position, and the handful of defensive signings the Raiders made showed they're readying up for a window of contention.
Los Angeles Chargers
Keeping quarterbackJustin Herbertupright is something the Chargers are committed to doing.
After a disastrous 2025 season for the offensive line, Los Angeles didn't just sign centerTyler Biadaszand guardCole Strange, it also brought in a blocking tight end in Charlie Kolar. Trey Pipkins is also back on a two-year deal to provide additional depth in case of further injuries to starting tacklesRashawn SlaterandJoe Alt.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams did not need to do much to improve their roster in free agency, but they went hard to improve the biggest area of need: cornerback.
Less than two months after Los Angeles fell just shy of a Super Bowl appearance, general manager Les Snead signed just three new players: long snapper Joe Cardona, special teamer Grant Stuard and cornerbackJaylen Watson. Snead alsotraded for Watson's former Chiefs teammate and secondary partner, Trent McDuffie, in the offseason, giving the Rams' cornerback room a complete new look entering 2026.
TYLER DRAGON:How the Rams have won the NFL offseason, even before the draft
Miami Dolphins
New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is tearing the whole thing down. After back-to-back losing seasons in which Miami missed the playoffs, team owner Stephen Ross pursued a complete reset: new general manager (Sullivan), new head coach (Jeff Hafley) and a new starting quarterback (Malik Willis). Sullivan has taken it a step further by stripping Miami's roster for parts.
Sullivan released former starter Tua Tagovailoa and former top receiverTyreek Hill, and he traded another star wideout, Jaylen Waddle, to the Broncos. The new GM also signed 20 free agents in the first wave – more than any other team – with only Willis signing a multi-year deal. A dozen former Dolphins have signed with other teams, and 22 former Dolphins remain free agents on the open market. It is abundantly clear that 2026 will be a rebuilding season in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy's time is running out in Minnesota. The Vikings have signed just three new players in the first week of free agency, but thesigning of quarterback Kyler Murrayreveals more about the team's 2026 vision than any other transaction.
Murray, whom the Arizona Cardinals released, will play on a veteran minimum salary for the Vikings and is the latest reclamation project for head coach/quarterback whisperer Kevin O'Connell. McCarthy, the former first-round pick by Minnesota in 2024, struggled last year in his first season as the starter. The Vikings' Murray signing presents the team with a possible off-ramp from the McCarthy experiment. Murray and McCarthy will compete for the starting job in 2026, with the season serving as a longer audition for a long-term hold on the lead role in future seasons.
KIRK COUSINS LANDING SPOTS:Best fits for QB after Vikings sign Kyler Murray
New England Patriots
The Patriots hit all the right notes in improving the neediest spots on their roster after winning an AFC title.
Lead wide receiver? Romeo Doubs comes over from Green Bay to fill that role. Edge defender? Welcome toDre'Mont Jones, coming off a year with a career-high seven sacks and 24 quarterback hits. And extra blockers on the offensive line? Say hello to versatile linemanAlijah Vera-Tuckerand blocking tight end Julian Hill.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints think they've found their quarterback in second-yearTyler Shough, and free agency this year was all about building around him.
GuardDavid Edwardsimproves the interior of New Orleans' offensive line, and running back Travis Etienne is the Saints' long-term, future replacement forAlvin Kamara. Tight end Noah Fant adds another target for Shough and can be a strong additional run blocker for Kamara and Etienne.
More:Travis Etienne reveals people have been saying his name wrong for years
New York Giants
John Harbaugh is rebuilding the Giants in his image.
Of the 11 new players New York has signed this offseason, four of them are former Ravens, sticking with Harbaugh as he moves north to his new head coaching gig.Tight end Isaiah Likely is the most significant signingas an additional offensive playmaker for quarterbackJaxson Dartto work with. Don't sleep on punterJordan Stoutas a notable improvement to the Giants' special teams unit as well.
New York Jets
The Jets must have a plan to improve their offense in next month's draft, because they have spent most of their offseason so far working on upgrading the defense.
Head coach Aaron Glenn reunites with a couple of his former players from a previous stop with the Saints: defensive tackleDavid Onyemataand linebackerDemario Davis. Edge rushersJoseph OssaiandKingsley Enagbarewill likely join whichever pass-rusher the Jets prefer at the top of the draft in improving New York's ability to get after the quarterback. The secondary got the biggest influx of new players after the Jets failed to record a single interception in 2025 – safetyDane Beltoncomes over from the Giants,safety Minkah Fitzpatrick arrived via tradewith the Dolphins and cornerbackNahshon Wrightsigned with New York after leading the NFL with five interceptions last year.
Look for the Jets to bring in additional receiver and offensive line help come April.
Philadelphia Eagles
No long-term commitments in Philadelphia for the 2026 free agent class.
Only punter Braden Mann, who re-signed with the Eagles, has received a multi-year deal from the team so far in free agency. Every other player general manager Howie Roseman has signed is only under contract for 2026. CornerbackRiq Woolen is an upgradeat his position, wide receiverHollywood Brown adds solid depthand tight end Johnny Mundt is the blocking tight end the Eagles needed.
Expect general manager Howie Roseman to continue placing more emphasis on building up the roster via the draft, including with some extra picks he may or may not acquire in apossible A.J. Brown trade.
More:Carolina Panthers trade QB Andy Dalton to Eagles for 2027 draft pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are inAaron Rodgerslimbo again.
Pittsburgh did not make any quarterback moves in the early wave of free agency despite Malik Willis, Kyler Murray,Kirk Cousinsand Tua Tagovailoa all available as potential options to start. As things currently stand, the Steelers will enter the 2026 season with one of their 2025 backups –Mason RudolphorWill Howard– starting under center.
At least they'll haverunning back Rico Dowdleandwide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.joining them on offense.
AARON RODGERS:QB doesn't have Steelers contract offer, decision on future
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco is bracing itself for a future withoutBrandon Aiyukand Jauan Jennings.
The 49ers' two most significant signings so far have been veteran receiversMike EvansandChristian Kirk.They'll join a powerhouse group of offensive playmakers in the Bay Area, a group that includes running backChristian McCaffrey, fullbackKyle Juszczyk, tight endGeorge Kittleand third-year receiverRicky Pearsall.
The biggest concern for both players is their injury history, especially given how bad San Francisco's injury luck has been in recent years. Evans lost his 1,000-yard season streak in 2025 thanks to hamstring and collarbone injuries, and Kirk hasn't played in all 17 games of a season since 2022.
GEORGE KITTLE INJURY UPDATE:49ers TE gives latest on recovery process
Seattle Seahawks
The reigning Super Bowl champions appear mostly content to run things back.
Of the 10 free-agent signings Seattle has made so far, per Spotrac, seven are returning players from the 2025 team. Edge rusher Boye Mafe, running back Kenneth Walker, safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen are significant departures, but general manager John Schneider alsobrought back wideout Rashid Shaheedand cornerback Josh Jobe. He'll need to draft wisely to fill the other holes in the roster during April's draft since Seattle only has four picks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans will not be easily replaced.
The former Buccaneers receiver was the model of consistency over his 12-year tenure in Tampa Bay, recording at least 1,000 yards per season in each of his first 11 seasons. With his departure for San Francisco, the Buccaneers are left with a gaping hole at wide receiver.Emeka Egbukaslowed down in the back half of his rookie season.Chris Godwinshowed flashes of his formerself coming back from an ankle injury, but also left questions about whether he can be that player more consistently in the future.
Tampa Bay added in the margins to round out their roster in free agency without any big splashes, so the departure of Evans looms larger than any signing the Buccaneers made.
Tennessee Titans
Have you or a loved one ever played for Titans head coach Robert Saleh or offensive coordinator Brian Daboll? If so, you may be entitled to a new contract with Tennessee's NFL team.
Defensive linemenJohn Franklin-Myers,Jordan Elliottand (trade acquisition) Jermaine Johnson all played under Saleh during a previous stop in their careers. Center Austin Schlottman, cornerbackCordale Flott, tight endDaniel Bellingerandwide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson all move to Tennesseewith Daboll after playing under the former Giants head coach in New York.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are sneakily one of the most improved teams in the NFL through the first wave of free agency.
Edge rusherOdafe Oweh, tight endChig Okonkwoand linebackerLeo Chenalare all significant upgrades at their respective positions for Washington, a team that featured more than a handful of aging players in 2025. Running backRachaad White is a nice complementary pieceforJacory Croskey-Merrittin the backfield as well, given his abilities as a pass-catcher.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL free agency takeaways for all 32 teams