Updated March 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m. ET
The NFL free agent market officially opened March 11. Now? It pretty much looks like it’s been raided by hurricane preppers right before landfall.
And maybe that’s an appropriate metaphor given the way the league has been upended in recent days – particularly so in the wake of the figurative storm generated by the now-infamous Maxx Crosby trade that was arranged but never consummated by the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders … never consummated by the Ravens anyway. That was far and away the biggest story in a frenzied few days of constant developments – pending free agents entering into negotiations on Monday, while the Crosby trade and others were framed up last week.
So now? Let’s sort through the aftermath as we declare this year’s free agency winners and losers:
LOSERS
Maxx Crosby
You have to feel for the guy. He’s still injured, two months out from meniscus surgery. Yet he now carries the stigma of a failed physical from the Ravens, that after being offloaded by the Raiders – a wayward organization Crosby had been fiercely loyal to and taken unabashed pride in ever since former GM Mike Mayock made him a fourth-round pick in 2019. It had to be a 100-hour emotional roller coaster for Crosby, one of the league’s very best players kicked to the curb twice in that span, sandwiched around the hope he might finally play for a contender. But he vowed anew “Im (sic) A Raider” in a social media post late Wednesday night. For how long? Who’s to say. The NFL, man – almost strictly business.
Baltimore Ravens, GM Eric DeCosta
The team and its general manager took a big swing – check swing? – on Crosby, the first player the 30-year-old organization had ever attempted to acquire with first-round draft capital, and DeCosta had committed to spending this year’s Round 1 selection and next year’s. Until he didn’t. It all fell apart Tuesday night, when the Raiders announced the Ravens had stunningly “backed out” of the trade. DeCosta, seemingly trying to govern his emotions, said Wednesday that he was “gutted” by the decision but was simply acting in the franchise’s best interests. In the meantime, several of his best players walked out the door – Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum notably defecting to the Raiders and TE Isaiah Likely reuniting with former Ravens coach John Harbaugh in New York – while DeCosta was left in scramble mode, signing DE Trey Hendrickson, something of a Crosby-lite, on Wednesday. History will eventually judge the Crosby non-trade, but DeCosta may also have to repair his reputation among his peers, to some degree, in the meantime.
Las Vegas Raiders, GM John Spytek
The Silver and Black’s second-year general manager appeared to generate quite a win by leveraging Crosby for those two first-rounders that were going to add jet fuel to the organizational rebuild as it lays the groundwork to welcome presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza next month. And given how upset Crosby was when Spytek and the team shut him down late last season, even after the five-time Pro Bowler had gutted through his knee injury for most of the season, this was probably the optimal time for a divorce. And with Crosby off to Baltimore, Spytek went to work spending the Raiders’ mountain of cap space and executing a forward-looking plan. Then Crosby (and his fully guaranteed $30 million salary for 2026) boomeranged back on to the cap, necessitating an altered approach and, at this point, likely major repairs to the bridge between the player and his once and future home. Tough deal all the way around.
Indianapolis Colts, GM Chris Ballard
They managed to retain WR Alec Pierce and QB Daniel Jones, who received the transition tag before being extended. But that happened at exorbitant cost given Ballard couldn’t get those deals done until the 11th hour – and really after the 11th hour. Pierce, who has all of 157 receptions in four seasons, landed the largest contract (4 years, $114 million) any receiver entering free agency ever had (not to be confused with the even richer extensions players like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb struck with their original clubs over the years). Bottom line, a team that started 7-1 in 2025 but fell apart after that – a good chunk of that before Jones’ season-ending Achilles tear – is largely moving laterally. And even that isn’t fully accurate given Ballard lost DE Kwity Paye and RT Braden Smith and was compelled to trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. while also basically being precluded from targeting a quality pass rusher like Hendrickson. And whether or not Jones is ready to play in Week 1 is yet to be determined.
Jacksonville Jaguars
A 13-4 team that won the AFC South in 2025 was as big a stunner as any last season. But the Jags, who have no first-round draft pick in 2026 due to their still-questionable trade for WR/CB Travis Hunter last year, also weren’t able to retain key players like LB Devin Lloyd and RB Travis Etienne Jr. Work to do here – maybe things aren’t so bad in Indy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, GM Jason Licht
A team that just said goodbye to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 also had to say goodbye to longtime WR Mike Evans – and CB Jamel Dean and DL Logan Hall. Licht did manage to add LB Alex Anzalone, RB Kenneth Gainwell, DL A’Shawn Robinson and keep TE Cade Otton. But it was largely a departure for a team that typically takes so much pride in drafting, developing and retaining its core players. And it was certainly a personal blow to Licht, who lamented losing Evans, the first player he drafted as the Bucs newly installed GM back in 2014.
Los Angeles Chargers
Anything behind door No. 2? The Bolts – who were (and still are) awash in cap space – didn’t appear to make a high-impact move aside from retaining OLB Khalil Mack. But they couldn’t keep OLB Odafe Oweh, who’s eight years younger than 35-year-old Mack. The Chargers were probably never going to be in the market for intra-divisional headache Crosby … and now they apparently still have to face him twice per season. But maybe new FB Alec Ingold and blocking TE Charlie Kolar can negate Mad Maxx. Maybe.
Dallas Cowboys
Anything behind door No. 2? Owner Jerry Jones – as he does – signaled, “I can see us being aggressive in free agency” during the scouting combine. But the Cowboys – as they typically don’t this time of year – haven’t done a whole lot … unless you consider signing safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, adding pass rusher Rashan Gary in a trade and exporting DTs Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas in other deals as “aggressive.” Beating the Ravens to Crosby or re-engaging that pursuit after Baltimore threw him back? That would have been aggressive.
Jahmyr Gibbs
He lost his “Sonic & Knuckles” wingman, RB David Montgomery traded by the Detroit Lions to the Houston Texans. Oft-injured Isiah Pacheco arrives as Montgomery’s replacement, yet Gibbs may be taking on a bigger workload – which could be good, but less can often be more when it pertains to NFL running backs (just ask Christian McCaffrey).
Geno Smith
He reportedly wanted to go to Miami. He wound up back where he started, with the New York Jets. And maybe Smith’s second stint as QB1 of the NYJ goes better than the first. And maybe he’s been set up as the fall guy for a team that’s seemed focused on 2027 ever since its talent purge during last year’s trade deadline.
2024 first-round quarterbacks
The Atlanta Falcons’ (injured) Michael Penix Jr.? Likely losing his starting job in 2026 to Tua Tagovailoa. The Minnesota Vikings’ (injured?) J.J. McCarthy? Likely losing his starting job in 2026 to Kyler Murray. The Denver Broncos’ (injured?) Bo Nix? He’s probably OK, even though his defense took some hits and the re-signing of oft-injured RB J.K. Dobbins and blocking TE Adam Trautman are the most notable moves on offense.
NFL superstars
In the era of the ever-expanding salary cap, it seems like the league’s best players just never get the opportunity to gauge their worth in the free agency market. Doesn’t mean anyone needs to shed a tear for the likes of Chase or Micah Parsons or Josh Allen, for instance − all of them getting plenty rich while landing extensions from their current teams. But imagine if a player of that ilk actually got to incite a bidding war on the open market at a time when the salary cap fiscal spigot is wide open.
TBD
Kyler Murray
Every expectation the No. 1 pick of the 2019 NFL draft will land a golden new opportunity to be a franchise QB with the Vikes. Allegedly. Apparently. Seemingly. Stay. Tuned.
A.J. Brown
No expectation the No. 1 receiver of the Philadelphia Eagles will fulfill that role elsewhere − at least not until after June 1, at which a point a trade wouldn’t have a crippling effect on Philly’s salary cap. Stay. Tuned.
George Pickens
The explosive wideout currently saddled with a $27.3 million franchise tag for the 2026 season, Pickens would like a lot more money and a lot more job security from Jones … who ultimately granted Parsons neither a year ago. Stay. Tuned.
Washington Commanders
They’ve earmarked more than $200 million for a free agency haul that included Oweh and other lesser-known lights like TE Chig Okonkwo, LB Leo Chenal, DT Tim Settle, CB Amik Robertson, S Nick Cross and OLB K’Lavon Chaisson. Washington is definitely getting younger. How much better the Commanders are with several players who still aren’t necessarily proven commodities remains to be seen. Stay. Tuned.
Ty Simpson
The Alabama product is widely regarded as the 2026 draft’s No. 2 quarterback prospect behind Mendoza, it not necessarily a first-round slam dunk. Simpson has been linked, via the mock draft crowd anyway (raises hand), to teams like the Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams. But the Jets now have Geno Smith, the Rams no longer have their second first-round pick, and it seems like Aaron Rodgers will return to the Steelers. What does it mean for Simpson’s draft outlook next month? Stay. Tuned.
WINNERS
NFL sorta stars
Dudes like new Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis, Pierce, Linderbaum and new Panthers OLB Jaelan Phillips all got paid − big bags − even though Linderbaum is the only one among them who’s even gotten a Pro Bowl nod. Timing (and a massive salary cap) can mean everything in life − maybe especially so for fringe stars who timed this market perfectly.
2024 first-round quarterbacks
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams lost WR DJ Moore, who was largely a hood ornament (in non-Packers games, anyway) at the end of the 2025 season, but the NFC North champs got some valuable − and needed − draft currency in return, capital that may serve Da Bears much better than Moore probably would have in 2026. Washington’s Jayden Daniels is seeing an expensive youth movement around him with a top-10 pick inbound next month. And 2025 league MVP runner-up Drake Maye may have lost WR Stefon Diggs, but the New England Patriots have picked up WR Romeo Doubs, OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, All-Pro S Kevin Byard and OLB Dre’Mont Jones … and may not be done yet.
Shedeur Sanders and other QBs drafted in 2025
The Tennessee Titans loaded up defensively around last year’s No. 1 pick, QB Cam Ward, and also secured a new target for him with the arrival of WR Wan’Dale Robinson. Second-year New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart also welcomes new defensive reinforcements − while retaining RT Jermaine Eluemunor and picking up the ever-dangerous Likely as his new tight end. In New Orleans, Tyler Shough gets a new bodyguard in G David Edwards and a new weapon amid Etienne’s homecoming.
But Sanders might be the big winner here as the Cleveland Browns did precisely what first-year coach Todd Monken wanted − pouring into their offensive line. G Teven Jenkins re-signed, OL Tytus Howard arrived via trade and Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins are both on the way to further fortify the interior. And more offensive upgrades are likely coming in the draft, were GM Andrew Berry owns a pair of first-round picks, including Jacksonville’s. It should mean a magnificent opportunity for Sanders to assert himself as QB1 in 2026.
New York Jets
Aside from Geno Smith, they’ve brought in a lot of vets – S Minkah Fitzpatrick, LB Demario Davis and pass rusher Joseph Ossai among them. Heck, maybe even new CB Nahshon Wright will pilfer a few passes (he had five INTs in 2025 for Chicago), just a year after the Jets didn’t pick off one … collectively. If nothing else, the NYJ has added experience – Davis a reputed leader who’s played here before – that can help lay the groundwork for the future, even if the contracts suggest these imports may not ultimately be a part of it.
Jahmyr Gibbs
He may not have sidekick Montgomery anymore, nor be running behind former LT Taylor Decker. But you can almost certainly bet Gibbs is on the cusp of landing a market-setting contract extension for running backs, which will doubtless assuage any grief he might harbor for his former teammates.
Patrick Mahomes, face of the NFL
The rehab for his torn ACL maybe won’t feel quite so grueling amid news that TE Travis Kelce is back, while RB Kenneth Walker III represents something of a ground game cavalry − and will give the Kansas City Chiefs four Super Bowl MVP awards in their backfield moving forward.
Fernando Mendoza, future face of the NFL
It may have been a turbulent few days for the Raiders, but the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback should benefit greatly. Linderbaum is one of the league’s best centers. Newly signed WR Jalen Nailor is a home-run hitter. And Spytek added several experienced vets to a tattered defense, which now apparently has Crosby back, too. Hardly an empty cupboard ahead of Mendoza’s arrival.
Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll
The Titans’ new head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively – and previously the HCs of the Jets and Giants, respectively – managed to build quite a pipeline from New York to Nashville. Robinson, TE Daniel Bellinger and CB Cordale Flott followed Daboll, while ex-Jets like DE Jermaine Johnson II, Thomas and DL John Franklin-Myers have reunited with Saleh. Keep an eye on the Titans – a lot of players around the league clearly are.
Trey Hendrickson
He lobbied the Cincinnati Bengals for a lucrative long-term extension for years. It never came. It also didn’t materialize instantly this week even as the negotiating period opened Monday. But Hendrickson, who’s 31 and coming off an injury-marred season, finally cashed in in a big way, landing that four-year, $112 million windfall in Baltimore. Really good money for a really good player.
Aaron Rodgers
Pittman, Dean and RB Rico Dowdle are part of the new-look Steelers, who also feature a familiar face – to Rodgers, anyway – in the form of first-year coach Mike McCarthy. The quarterback could well drag his decision out for a while, as is his wont, but this team may have a higher ceiling in 2026 than it did in ’25, especially if the defense shows up this year.
Carolina Panthers, GM Dan Morgan
They’re still looking to win their first playoff win in a while but a nice haul Morgan reeled in for the reigning NFC South champs – Phillips and Lloyd, two of this year’s marquee free agents, both choosing Charlotte.
Buffalo Bills, GM Brandon Beane
They’re still looking to reach their first Super Bowl in a while but nice work by Beane, who obtained Moore on the trade market, kept C Connor McGovern and added OLB Bradley Chubb and CB Dee Alford. Go mad, Mafia.
San Francisco 49ers, GM John Lynch
They’re still looking to win their first Super Bowl in a while, but Lynch signed Evans, dealt for Odighizuwa, purged malcontent WR Brandon Aiyuk and still has LT Trent Williams.
Los Angeles Rams, GM Les Snead
They’re still looking to win their first Super Bowl after, uh, a four-year “drought” … but what a job by Snead, who pried CBs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson out of Kansas City and hung on to S Kam Curl. You know what to do with “them picks.”
Seattle Seahawks, GM John Schneider
They haven’t won a Super Bowl in more than a month, so … rough stretch there. Seattle lost some key players, namely Walker, OLB Boye Mafe and S Coby Bryant, but championship teams typically find themselves raided by competitors willing to pay – and overpay – for players still covered in Lombardi pixie dust. Schneider also managed to re-sign WR/KR Rashid Shaheed, who had a tremendous impact during Seattle’s stretch drive, and CB Josh Jobe. In addition, Schneider should have a good shot at extending cornerstones like WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, and CB Devon Witherspoon − not to mention hunting reinforcements in the draft, a forte of his. All seems well here, the Rams’ upgrades notwithstanding.
All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.
Leave a Reply