NFL Free Agency Day 1: Grading the Biggest Deals & Moves (2026)

The NFL offseason officially kicked into high gear Wednesday, though teams were already actively shaping their rosters during the opening day of the league’s negotiating period. This period, established in 2012, allows teams to agree to terms with free agents before the official start of the league year, creating a flurry of activity that marks one of the busiest times on the NFL calendar.

Day one of the negotiating period lived up to the hype, with rebuilding franchises and contenders alike maneuvering to improve their teams. Several teams, possessing significant cap space, were aggressive in pursuing top talent, while others focused on maximizing value with more limited resources. The result was a whirlwind of transactions across the league.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest deals from Day 1 of free agency, with a grade for each move:

Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders: A

At 25, center Tyler Linderbaum was widely considered the best offensive lineman available in free agency, and the Raiders clearly agreed. The contract—a staggering $27 million per year—shattered the previous record for a center, exceeding the previous high of $18 million annually. While a substantial investment, the Raiders entered the offseason with the most cap space in the NFL, a pressing need to upgrade the line around presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, and a clear void at the center position. Linderbaum’s proven performance, durability (having missed only two games in four seasons), and ability to excel in both run and pass blocking make him a cornerstone addition to the Raiders’ offense. The stability and experience he provides Mendoza will be invaluable.

Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams: A

The Rams addressed a significant need at cornerback with the signing of Jaylen Watson. After a strong 2025 season, the Rams made a series of moves to bolster their secondary, including a trade for and extension of Trent McDuffie. Adding Watson, along with Quentin Lake (extended last season) and Kamren Curl, creates a potentially formidable defensive backfield. Watson brings excellent size—a quality the Rams lacked last year—and a willingness to contribute in run support.

Mike Evans to the San Francisco 49ers: A-

At 32, Mike Evans isn’t the same explosive player he once was, but he remains a significant receiving threat. His size, ability to win contested catches, and consistent production in the red zone make him a valuable addition to the 49ers’ offense. While health is a concern, the fit is ideal. Brock Purdy frequently targets receivers downfield, and Kyle Shanahan is adept at creating opportunities for players like Evans to exploit mismatches.

Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers: A-

The Panthers made a splash by adding Devin Lloyd, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, racking up five interceptions and excelling against both the run and the pass. Lloyd’s versatility, including his ability to rush the passer (recording 10 quarterback hits), makes him a valuable asset. The Jaguars’ decision not to exercise his fifth-year option created an opportunity for the Panthers to acquire a promising young linebacker.

Coby Bryant to the Chicago Bears: A-

The Bears’ defensive turnaround in 2025 was fueled by improved playmaking and a knack for creating turnovers. Coby Bryant adds versatility and physicality to the secondary. He’s a willing tackler and capable of covering deep, providing the Bears with another dynamic defender.

Bryan Cook to the Cincinnati Bengals: B+

Of the two defensive additions made by the Bengals on Monday, Bryan Cook is the more impactful. Cook is a reliable safety who consistently makes sound plays in both run and pass coverage. For a Bengals team that has struggled with blown assignments, Cook’s dependability is a welcome addition.

John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans: B+

The Titans are building a formidable defensive line, and the addition of John Franklin-Myers complements the existing presence of Jeffery Simmons. Franklin-Myers has demonstrated the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and offers versatility as both an interior and edge rusher.

David Edwards to the New Orleans Saints: B+

David Edwards has been a consistent performer on the offensive line for the Buffalo Bills, and his addition provides the Saints with a solid presence. The Saints are building around quarterback Tyler Shough, and Edwards’ experience and reliability will be valuable assets.

Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers: B

Jamel Dean’s statistics in 2025 were impressive, allowing a low passer rating and recording three interceptions. However, his injury history and age (29) raise some concerns. The Steelers are betting on Dean’s ability to stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level.

Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers: B

The Panthers aggressively pursued Jaelan Phillips, reportedly outbidding several other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles. Phillips is a disruptive pass rusher, but his injury history is a concern. He has torn his ACL and Achilles in consecutive seasons. The Panthers are hoping he can stay healthy and grow a key contributor to their defense.

Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders: B

The Commanders are undergoing a rebuild, and Odafe Oweh provides them with a young, athletic edge rusher. Oweh showed flashes of potential with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, but consistency has been an issue. The Commanders are hoping he can develop into a consistent threat off the edge.

Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs: B

The Chiefs’ running game struggled in recent seasons, and Kenneth Walker III brings explosiveness and versatility to the backfield. Walker ranked second in the NFL in explosive rush rate in 2025, and his ability to make plays in both the running and passing game will be a valuable asset for the Chiefs.

Alec Pierce to the Indianapolis Colts: B-

Alec Pierce is a talented receiver, but the Colts may have overpaid to acquire him. The trade also involved sending Michael Pittman Jr. To the Steelers, creating another hole in the Colts’ receiving corps. The Colts are hoping Pierce can become a consistent threat, but the cost was significant.

Boye Mafe to the Bengals: B-

Boye Mafe has shown flashes of potential as a pass rusher, but he needs to become more consistent. The Bengals are hoping he can develop into a reliable contributor to their pass rush.

Travis Kelce to the Chiefs: B-

While Travis Kelce is no longer in his prime, he remains a valuable target for Patrick Mahomes. His experience, route-running ability, and chemistry with Mahomes make him a key part of the Chiefs’ offense.

Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks: B-

Rashid Shaheed is an explosive returner and deep threat. His ability to make big plays on special teams and in the passing game will be a valuable asset for the Seahawks.

Travis Etienne Jr. To the Saints: B-

Travis Etienne Jr. Is a versatile running back who can contribute both as a runner and a receiver. He provides the Saints with a much-needed upgrade at the position.

Isaiah Likely to the Giants: C+

Isaiah Likely has shown flashes of potential, but he has yet to consistently produce at a high level. The Giants are hoping he can develop into a reliable target in the passing game.

Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean to the Raiders: C+

The Raiders overhauled their linebacker corps by signing Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. Both players have shown potential, but they also have limitations. The Raiders are hoping they can become consistent contributors to their defense.

Wan’Dale Robinson to the Titans: C+

Wan’Dale Robinson is a versatile receiver who can contribute in a variety of ways. However, the Titans may have overpaid for his services.

Tua Tagovailoa to the Falcons: C

The Falcons are taking a gamble on Tua Tagovailoa, hoping he can rediscover his form in a new environment. However, his injury history and inconsistent performance raise concerns.

Zion Johnson to the Browns: D+

The Browns may have overpaid for Zion Johnson, who has been a below-average offensive lineman in recent seasons. This is a risky move that could backfire.