NFL free agency officially begins when the new league year opens on Tuesday, but as usual, the news cycle has already been turned upside down.
In the days leading up to the start of free agency, teams across the league have begun reshaping their rosters through trades, veteran releases, and early agreement reports that signal where the market is heading. Quarterbacks are on the move, established veterans are suddenly hitting the open market, and contenders are positioning themselves for another run while rebuilding teams search for foundational pieces.
What follows is the annual NFL offseason scramble — a fast-moving stretch where signings, rumors, and surprises arrive by the minute.
This live tracker will keep tabs on the biggest developments throughout the day, from blockbuster deals to under-the-radar roster moves. Check back frequently as we update this page with the latest signings, trades, rumors, and quick analysis of what each move means across the league and for the Washington Commanders.
Latest NFL Free Agency Updates
49ers sign WR Mike Evans in free agency
Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans is heading west, agreeing to terms with the San Francisco 49ers as he prepares for his 13th NFL season.
Evans spent the first 12 years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he established himself as one of the most productive receivers of his generation and a cornerstone of the franchise’s offense. The move marks the first time in Evans’ career that he will suit up for a team other than Tampa Bay.
The veteran wideout now joins a 49ers offense loaded with playmakers as San Francisco looks to add another proven receiving threat for the upcoming season.
From Bay to Bay: Future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans has agreed to terms with the #49ers, his agents @DerykGilmore of @Day1SportsEnt and Darren Jones of @MavenSports tell The Insiders.
The Atlanta Falcons have added another weapon to their offense, agreeing to terms with wide receiver Jahan Dotson on a two-year contract worth $15 million, with incentives that could raise the total value to $17 million.
The deal includes $10 million fully guaranteed, according to reports.
Dotson most recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles and now joins an Atlanta offense looking to add playmaking ability to its receiving corps. The former first-round pick brings big-play potential and route-running ability as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Falcons.
Former Eagles WR Jahan Dotson reached agreement today with the Falcons on a 2-year $15M deal worth up to $17M including $10M fully guaranteed, per source.
Commanders sign CB Amik Robertson to two-year deal
The Washington Commanders have made their first move of the 2026 free-agent period, agreeing to terms with cornerback Amik Robertson on a two-year, $16 million contract that includes $9.3 million guaranteed, according to reports.
Robertson arrives in Washington after spending last season with the Detroit Lions and brings valuable experience and versatility to the Commanders’ secondary. The veteran defensive back will turn 28 in July and remains firmly in his prime as he joins a defense looking to strengthen its cornerback depth.
The signing could also signal that Washington plans to add multiple defensive backs during free agency. With cornerback Mike Sainristil having struggled at times in the slot last season, Robertson provides another option in the secondary as the Commanders continue reshaping their defense ahead of the 2026 season.
Panthers sign DE Jaelan Phillips to four-year deal
The Carolina Panthers are bolstering their defensive front, agreeing to terms with pass rusher Jaelan Phillips on a four-year, $120 million contract that includes $80 million in guaranteed money, according to reports.
Phillips enters his sixth NFL season widely regarded as one of the top defensive players available in this year’s free-agent class. The veteran edge rusher brings 28 career sacks and now joins a Carolina defensive line that already features standout tackle Derrick Brown and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton.
Originally drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins, Phillips later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles after being traded ahead of last season’s deadline. His arrival in Carolina gives the Panthers another disruptive presence off the edge as the team looks to strengthen its defense heading into the 2026 season.
Jaelan Phillips will join a DL room in Carolina that includes Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton, bringing his 28 career sacks. https://t.co/CERublu2M8
The New York Giants are adding a new weapon to their offense, agreeing to terms with tight end Isaiah Likely on a three-year contract worth $40 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $47.5 million.
Likely spent the first four seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens and was considered one of the more intriguing tight ends available in this year’s free-agent class. The 25-year-old showed his playmaking ability in 2024 when he stepped into a larger role and produced several big performances while filling in for veteran tight end Mark Andrews.
His 2025 season was more challenging, however. After missing the first three games with a foot injury, Likely finished with 27 receptions for 307 yards and one touchdown, all career lows, while also enduring a couple of costly fumbles in critical moments.
Despite the down year, the Giants are betting on Likely’s athletic upside and ability after the catch as they look to add another dynamic option to their passing attack heading into the 2026 season.
The Miami Dolphins appear to have found their next starting quarterback, agreeing to terms with Malik Willis on a three-year contract worth $67.5 million in free agency.
According to reports, the deal includes $45 million in guaranteed money and comes shortly after Miami announced it will move on from longtime starter Tua Tagovailoa at the start of the new league year.
Willis earned the opportunity following an impressive two-year stretch with the Green Bay Packers, where he served as the backup to quarterback Jordan Love. In limited action, Willis started three games and went 2–1, completing 78.7 percent of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns without throwing an interception.
After spending the first four seasons of his career in a reserve role, Willis now arrives in Miami with a clear opportunity to take over as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback heading into the 2026 season.
Sources: The #Dolphins are signing #Packers QB Malik Willis, as a new QB has landed in Miami.
Commanders extend LT Laremy Tunsil with record-setting deal
The Washington Commanders have secured a cornerstone of their offensive line, agreeing to a two-year, $60.2 million contract extension with Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
According to reports, the deal includes $61.5 million in guarantees and a $32.5 million signing bonus, the largest signing bonus ever given to an offensive lineman. The extension also makes Tunsil the first offensive lineman in NFL history to earn $30 million per year, continuing a trend in which he has repeatedly reset the market at his position.
Washington acquired Tunsil last offseason in a trade and quickly made him a centerpiece of its offensive line. The veteran left tackle remains widely regarded as one of the league’s top pass protectors, and locking him up long term ensures the Commanders keep a critical protector in place as they continue building around their offense.
Commanders Pro Bowl Lt Laremy Tunsil reached agreement on a 2-year, $60.2M contract extension with Washington, per his business manager Laolu Sanni of Divine Tree.
There are $61.5M in guarantees, including the biggest signing bonus for an offensive lineman at $32.5M. Tunsil was… pic.twitter.com/u3ij9pVjUB
Chiefs sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to three-year deal
The Kansas City Chiefs are adding a major offensive weapon in free agency, agreeing to terms with running back Kenneth Walker III on a three-year contract worth up to $45 million.
According to reports, the deal carries a base value of roughly $14.35 million per year with $28.7 million fully guaranteed, giving Walker the biggest contract of his NFL career after a breakout 2025 season.
Walker enters free agency fresh off a remarkable year that included winning Super Bowl MVP while helping lead the Seattle Seahawks to a championship in Super Bowl LX. The 25-year-old running back finished the regular season with 1,309 scrimmage yards, playing all 17 games for the first time in his career.
Widely viewed as the top running back available in the 2026 free-agent class, Walker now joins a Kansas City offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, giving the Chiefs another dynamic playmaker as they look to remain among the AFC’s elite contenders.
Former Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III is signing with the Chiefs, sources tell The Insiders.
Colts re-sign WR Alec Pierce to record-setting deal
The Indianapolis Colts are keeping one of their top offensive weapons in place, agreeing to a four-year contract worth up to $116 million with wide receiver Alec Pierce.
The deal reportedly includes $84 million in total guarantees and $60 million fully guaranteed at signing, making Pierce the highest-paid free agent wide receiver in NFL history.
Pierce entered the market widely viewed as the top available receiver in a relatively thin free-agent class, allowing the former second-round pick to command a massive contract while ultimately choosing to remain in Indianapolis.
By locking up Pierce long term, the Colts secure a key piece of their passing attack and avoid losing their top receiver to the open market as teams across the league aggressively search for offensive playmakers.
Free agent WR Alec Pierce has agreed to terms to remain in Indianapolis on a historic 4 year $114M deal that will make him the highest paid free agent receiver in NFL History.
The deal negotiated by agents Mike Swenson and CJ LaBoy, came together overnight and contains $84m in… pic.twitter.com/Op9qCpsNYq
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Travis Kelce returning to Chiefs for 14th NFL season
Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce has informed the Kansas City Chiefs that he will return for a 14th season, ending any speculation that he might test the open market as free agency begins.
Kelce, who turns 36 this season, was set to become an unrestricted free agent but opted to remain in Kansas City, where he has spent his entire career. The veteran tight end continues to play at a high level, earning another Pro Bowl selection last season while remaining one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted targets.
Since entering the league in 2013, Kelce has helped lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl championships under head coach Andy Reid, cementing his legacy as one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history. By returning for another season, Kelce keeps the core of Kansas City’s championship roster intact as the team looks to remain among the AFC’s top contenders.
Back for more: #Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him.
At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay. pic.twitter.com/3yiT63vvYp
Jets acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick in trade with Dolphins
The New York Jets have acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, according to reports.
As part of the deal, Fitzpatrick is also receiving a three-year, $40 million contract extension, solidifying his place in the Jets’ secondary for the foreseeable future.
Originally selected 11th overall by Miami in the 2018 NFL Draft, Fitzpatrick began his career with the Dolphins before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. During his time in Pittsburgh, he developed into one of the league’s premier defensive backs, earning three First-Team All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl nods while recording 18 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick returned to Miami last offseason in a deal that sent veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. Now, the veteran safety heads to New York, where the Jets add an experienced playmaker to their defense as they continue reshaping their roster heading into the upcoming season.
The Dallas Cowboys have added another pass-rushing piece to their defense, acquiring defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, according to reports.
Dallas had previously pursued a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby but pivoted to Gary after Crosby was ultimately dealt to the Baltimore Ravens. Gary, who signed a four-year, $96 million extension with Green Bay in 2023, is scheduled to earn $18 million this season and remains under contract through 2027.
The move gives the Cowboys another experienced edge rusher as they continue to reshape their defensive front. Gary recorded 46.5 career sacks during his time in Green Bay and produced 7.5 sacks last season, though his impact slowed in the second half of the year.
For the Packers, the trade clears nearly $11 million in salary cap space and creates additional questions along the defensive line as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Trade: the Green Bay Packers are finalizing a deal that would send DT Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a late-round 2027 draft pick, per ESPN sources. pic.twitter.com/1s2qXSvFeu
The Miami Dolphins have informed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that he will be released, bringing an end to his tenure as the franchise’s starting quarterback since 2020.
According to reports, Miami will still be responsible for roughly $54 million in fully guaranteed money, though the deal includes offsets. That means Tagovailoa is expected to sign with another team for the veteran minimum, with the Dolphins effectively covering the rest of the salary.
The move marks a significant shift for the organization, which built its offense around Tagovailoa after selecting him with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now entering free agency, the former Pro Bowler immediately becomes one of the most intriguing quarterback options on the market as teams evaluate potential short-term starters or experienced depth heading into the 2026 season.
The #Dolphins have informed QB Tua Tagovailoa that they are releasing him, saying goodbye to their starting QB since 2020.
Miami is on the hook for $54M fully guaranteed with offsets, meaning Tagovailoa will play for the minimum next season for someone else. pic.twitter.com/l8tmQU7q0q
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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