The 2026 NFL free agency period launched Monday with the legal tampering window officially opening. Teams wasted no time making moves, and several major transactions have already reshaped the league landscape heading into the new year.
Maxx Crosby trade falls apart between Ravens and Raiders
Tuesday night delivered one of the most surprising developments of the early free agency period. The Las Vegas Raiders officially announced that the Baltimore Ravens had backed out of the agreed trade that would have sent pass rusher Maxx Crosby to Maryland. The Raiders’ statement was blunt and brief, simply stating the Ravens had withdrawn from the deal.
According to The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini, Crosby failed his physical with Baltimore. That detail instantly sparked debate across NFL front offices. Sources speaking to Yahoo Sports painted a divided picture. One high-ranking NFC executive noted that a trade of this magnitude should have included a full exchange of medical documentation — pre-surgery MRIs, post-operation notes, and rehabilitation records — all reviewed before any agreement in principle. An AFC front-office source found the apparent disconnect between the two franchises frankly suspicious.
Meanwhile, another NFC source offered the Ravens more benefit of the doubt, suggesting that extensive medical testing may have revealed something Las Vegas chose not to disclose. The situation puts the Raiders in an awkward position, though multiple teams have already placed calls inquiring about Crosby’s availability. For now, Las Vegas intends to have Crosby return healthy and suit up for the Raiders, while remaining open to listening to interested parties.
This episode raises broader questions about due diligence in high-profile trades, particularly when a player is recovering from surgery. When millions of dollars and roster construction are at stake, the medical evaluation process clearly carries enormous weight.
Daniel Jones close to landing in Indianapolis
While the Crosby deal collapsed, positive news emerged for the Indianapolis Colts. According to NFL Network, Daniel Jones is nearing a two-year contract with the franchise. Negotiations between Jones’ representatives and the Colts made significant progress, with the deal potentially becoming official as early as Wednesday. The agreement would give Indianapolis flexibility at the quarterback position as the new league year gets underway.
On other quarterback moves, the Raiders shipped Geno Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, with Las Vegas also receiving a seventh-round pick. Smith returns to the city where he began his NFL career back in 2013. The Lions, meanwhile, restructured Jared Goff’s contract, converting $40 million of his base salary into a signing bonus and adding a void year to free up $32 million in 2026 cap space. Goff, 31, threw 34 touchdowns against just eight interceptions last season.
Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is also returning to Detroit, likely serving as a backup to Goff. Bridgewater finished 2025 with Tampa Bay and previously spent time away from professional football coaching high school ball at Miami Northwestern.
Key signings and trades across the league
Free agency’s opening days produced a flurry of moves beyond the Crosby situation. Here is a snapshot of the most notable transactions completed so far :
- Kenneth Walker III reached an agreement to join the Kansas City Chiefs, linking up with Patrick Mahomes after his Super Bowl MVP performance with Seattle.
- Mike Evans departed Tampa Bay for the Bay Area, marking a significant shift for the veteran wide receiver.
- Romeo Doubs agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with the New England Patriots after four seasons in Green Bay.
- Riq Woolen signed a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Kaden Ellis returned to the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $33 million deal after stints with Atlanta.
- Isiah Pacheco signed with the Detroit Lions, stepping into a backfield alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also secured two notable deals. Running back Rico Dowdle officially signed with Pittsburgh, while Cameron Heyward agreed to a one-year extension worth $32.25 million in total value, with $16.25 million fully guaranteed. The seven-time Pro Bowler enters his 16th season with the franchise.
On the offensive line, the Houston Texans agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with former Colts lineman Braden Smith, bolstering protection for C.J. Stroud. Cleveland is expected to land Elgton Jenkins on a two-year, $24 million contract after Green Bay released the two-time Pro Bowl center in a cap-saving move.
| Player | New team | Contract details |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 year / $32.25M ($16.25M guaranteed) |
| Romeo Doubs | New England Patriots | 4 years / $80M |
| Elgton Jenkins | Cleveland Browns | 2 years / $24M ($20M guaranteed) |
| Riq Woolen | Philadelphia Eagles | 1 year / up to $15M |
| Braden Smith | Houston Texans | 2 years / $20M (max $25M) |
The Miami Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa, who is reportedly set to sign with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal. Miami wasted no time addressing the kicker spot, agreeing with Zane Gonzalez on a one-year contract after releasing Jason Sanders. Sanders himself headed to the New York Giants on a one-year deal. Travis Kelce confirmed his return to Kansas City for 2026.
More moves reshaping rosters ahead of the new season
Cornerback Nahshon Wright, who recorded five interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2025, joins the Jets on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million. Safety P.J. Locke is heading to Dallas on a one-year, $5 million contract after six seasons with Denver, where he contributed key playoff moments including an interception against Buffalo in the divisional round.
Houston also extended kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn for two years and $13 million, making him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL. Fairbairn made a league-high 44 field goals on 48 attempts during the 2025 season. With ten teams having hired new head coaches this offseason, the NFL roster shuffle is just getting started, and the pace of moves shows no sign of slowing down.