The NFL offseason has featured significant activity at the annual combine, during the free agency negotiating period, and through various player transactions. Discussions among team personnel and agents at the combine focused on strategies for upcoming free agency and future draft classes, with a particular emphasis on the 2027 quarterback class. Key developments include major free agent signings, trades, and team-specific roster adjustments, alongside insights from NFLPA team report cards and combine athletic performances.
Quarterback Market and Draft Outlook
The 2027 NFL Draft class is reportedly considered strong, particularly for quarterbacks, with projected top prospects including Arch Manning (Texas), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Jayden Maiava (USC).
This outlook, combined with a perceived weaker top-end quarterback pool in the 2026 draft, may prompt some teams to trade veteran players or current draft selections for 2027 draft capital.
Immediate Quarterback DevelopmentsFernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, is widely anticipated to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the upcoming draft. Mendoza (6'5", 225 lbs) led Indiana to a national championship in 2026, recording 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.
Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins following the release of Tua Tagovailoa. Willis previously started three games over two years with the Tennessee Titans and served as a backup for the Green Bay Packers under Matt LaFleur, completing 78.7% of 89 attempts for an average of 10.9 yards per attempt. The Arizona Cardinals were previously considered a potential destination due to General Manager Monti Ossenfort's history with Willis in Tennessee and new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur's connection to his brother, Matt LaFleur.
Kyler Murray, previously with Arizona, remained on the market, reportedly drawing interest from teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings.
Tua Tagovailoa, released by the Dolphins in a post-June 1 designation to spread his $99 million cap hit over two years, signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum with the Atlanta Falcons. He is expected to have an opportunity to start the season as Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers from an ACL injury.
The Indianapolis Colts faced an impasse in negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones, who was transition tagged at $37.8 million. Jones reportedly sought over $50 million annually, while the Colts' offer was closer to $33.5 million.
Veterans Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins had not secured new contracts in the initial free agency period.
Running Back Acquisitions and Strategies
Teams are actively addressing their running back positions. The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to a $14 million per year deal, prioritizing significant improvement to their run game for the 2026 season. General Manager Brett Veach indicated the team's pursuit of increased explosiveness, noting the Chiefs recorded only three runs over 20 yards last season. Earlier, the team had explored a trade for Breece Hall with the Jets.
Other key free-agent running backs included Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker III, with Tyler Allgeier or Kenneth Gainwell considered as second-tier options. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was also identified as a potential draft target for the Chiefs at their No. 9 pick. The Broncos and Texans were also mentioned as teams that might consider Walker.
Some NFL teams have increased investment in the running back position, viewing devalued backs as potentially valuable assets, citing Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Josh Jacobs (Packers), and Derrick Henry (Ravens) acquisitions in previous offseasons.
Wide Receiver Market
Several wide receiver movements and speculations surfaced. A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, 29 years old with four 1,000-yard seasons, may be considered for trade by General Manager Howie Roseman. A comparable trade involved Stefon Diggs in 2024, where the Bills traded Diggs (30, four 1,000-yard seasons), a sixth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-rounder to the Texans for a 2025 second-round pick. Roseman would reportedly seek a first-round pick or more for Brown.
The San Francisco 49ers signed Mike Evans to a three-year, $60 million contract with low guarantees, maintaining financial flexibility.
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million deal, despite his 47 receptions last season. The Colts also traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh.
The Los Angeles Chargers have prioritized acquiring a playmaker at wide receiver to complement Ladd McConkey.
Defensive Player Movements and Edge Rushers
Significant defensive player transactions have occurred. The Baltimore Ravens acquired edge rusher Maxx Crosby (28) in a trade, parting with two first-round draft picks. Crosby has a history of high snap counts.
The Los Angeles Chargers are considering re-signing defensive end Odafe Oweh, who recorded 10 sacks in 2024 and 7.5 sacks in 12 games in 2025, as a potential replacement for Khalil Mack.
The Chicago Bears are exploring trade partners for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (almost 28, approaching ninth NFL season) to manage salary cap. Edmunds' contract includes a $15 million salary for the current year and a $15 million team option for the subsequent year. His market value is estimated to be an early Day 3 pick, partly due to typical NFL hesitation in paying high salaries for off-ball linebackers without substantial pass-rush capabilities.
The Dallas Cowboys traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary.
The Tennessee Titans acquired edge rusher Jermaine Johnson in a player-for-player trade, sending defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets. Johnson, drafted by current Tennessee coach Robert Saleh, is in a contract year. Sweat has two years remaining on his rookie contract and was noted for his talent and previous reputation within the Titans organization.
The New York Jets also signed edge rushers Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai.
Kwity Paye was allowed to leave the Colts in free agency and was subsequently signed by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Secondary and Defensive Backfield Changes
Several teams focused on bolstering their secondary. The Los Angeles Rams acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie (25) via trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and signed Jaylen Watson (also a former Chiefs teammate) to a three-year, $51 million deal. McDuffie also signed a $124 million extension over five years. These additions aim to address a previous weakness in the team's secondary.
The Kansas City Chiefs defense is projected to see declines due to the departures of McDuffie, Watson, and safety Bryan Cook.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to address future extensions for defensive back Derwin James Jr. and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, both entering their final contract year.
The Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Taron Johnson. The Tennessee Titans added defensive backs Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott. The New York Jets traded for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29).
Offensive Line and Other Roster Adjustments
The Las Vegas Raiders signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal, reportedly fully guaranteed. The Baltimore Ravens had previously offered Linderbaum a market-setting contract, but he remained unsigned. The New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans were anticipated suitors if he had become a free agent.
The Los Angeles Chargers prioritize adding assistance to their interior offensive line, potentially leveraging General Manager Joe Hortiz's prior connection to Linderbaum from his time with Baltimore.
The San Francisco 49ers showed limited progress in negotiations for a new deal with left tackle Trent Williams.
The New York Jets experienced the departure of guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, necessitating an overhaul of their offensive line's interior.
The Raiders also signed linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, and receiver Jalen Nailor. The Titans added defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers. The Jets acquired linebacker Demario Davis (37) and defensive tackle David Onyemata (33) for starting roles. The Cowboys signed safety Jalen Thompson.
Team-Specific Strategies and Financial Posture
- Los Angeles Chargers: With approximately $81.8 million in cap space, the Chargers are positioned for significant free agency activity, with an expectation of increased investment in new talent after a less aggressive 2025 offseason.
- Tennessee Titans: Focused on defensive improvements, aiming to support quarterback Cam Ward.
- Indianapolis Colts: Faced challenges in contract negotiations and had limited draft capital due to a previous trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
- San Francisco 49ers: Demonstrated restraint, relying on an established offensive core and coaching staff.
- Dallas Cowboys: Adopted a "no weakness" strategy, trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary and signing safety Jalen Thompson, while retaining draft capital.
NFLPA Report Card Insights
NFLPA team report cards, which detail player satisfaction with facilities and operations, were released with key observations:
The Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively, for the second consecutive season, partly attributed to modern practice facilities.
The Washington Commanders achieved a 3rd-place ranking, marking a turnaround under new owner Josh Harris, moving from last place in 2023 and 2024 to 11th place the previous year.
Additional Combine Highlights
Ohio State's Sonny Styles recorded a 43.5-inch vertical jump, which is the highest by a prospect 6'4" or taller at the combine in 23 years.
Anthony Richardson's eye injury will require thorough inspection by interested teams, with the Colts expected to receive limited return for him.