NFL Free Agency Buzz: Latest WR/RB Moves

The National Football League’s free agency discussion period commences this Monday at 12 PM ET, with franchises diligently engaging in player exchanges and gearing up for the anticipated rush.

Front office personnel and coaching staff across the league are highly anticipating a substantial potential contract for Alec Pierce and observing the market dynamics for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. Additionally, we possess information concerning the Eagles’ bold strategies and their valuation for A.J. Brown, alongside the offer the Cowboys extended for Maxx Crosby prior to the Ravens successfully completing a trade for the standout pass rusher.

This report presents the most recent updates as of Sunday morning. Ensure you refer to our free agency tracking tool consistently over the week to monitor all the latest player movements across the NFL.

Navigate to:
Crosby’s aftermath | Philadelphia’s continued activity
Wide receiver landscape | Running back landscape
Defensive emphasis | Washington’s assertive approach

Consequences of the Maxx Crosby Trade

The Las Vegas Raiders skillfully played the top bidding teams against each other to secure the most significant draft assets from the competition for Maxx Crosby, which left the Dallas Cowboys disheartened yet ultimately understanding their choice to withdraw.

Dallas maintained a firm stance consistently. The organization was unwilling to surrender two first-round draft selections, anticipating that its 12th overall pick in the upcoming April draft, combined with a future second-round pick, would be sufficient to sway Las Vegas. Dallas also expressed readiness to include an experienced player to enhance the proposal, but Las Vegas showed no interest in such an addition, preferring draft picks above all else.

Having previously exchanged first- and second-round picks for Quinnen Williams by the trade deadline, Dallas established strict boundaries on how far it would proceed in acquiring Crosby, notwithstanding the regret of missing out. “He was highly regarded by us,” a Dallas insider commented regarding their pursuit of Crosby, noting he was a player the Cowboys had admired for an extended period.

The Chicago Bears observed the developing circumstances, but the consensus was that they ultimately did not emerge as serious contenders.

The fact that Baltimore, a franchise known for its strategic draft focus, agreed to forfeit two first-round picks is somewhat astonishing. However, Green Bay, sharing a comparable methodical approach and guiding principle, previously yielded two first-round selections for Micah Parsons in August, underscoring the vital importance of premier pass rushers for franchises aiming for immediate success.

Dallas is now compelled to shift its focus towards the free agency market to secure a pass rusher. The team has been tracking Trey Hendrickson since the trade deadline, who is now an unrestricted free agent. Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe will be prominent targets for Dallas in the forthcoming days.

A party involved in the transaction highlighted a notable observation regarding the Patriots’ prospects for Crosby: “Tom [Brady] would absolutely not have sent Maxx to [Mike] Vrabel.”

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Philadelphia’s Engagements in the New Season

The Philadelphia Eagles warrant attention for considerations extending beyond A.J. Brown. Philadelphia is demanding a substantial compensation for Brown – a league official indicated they seek both a first-round and a second-round selection for him. This valuation may, however, change. New England is reportedly among the interested parties.

Although I never detected a strong pursuit of Crosby by Philadelphia, the Eagles are actively participating in the market for pass rushers. Insiders within the league anticipate that Philadelphia is attempting to secure Phillips with a new contract offering compensation significantly exceeding $20 million annually. Nevertheless, Phillips is expected to command considerable interest if he opts for free agency.

As a fallback, the Eagles are believed to have explored the possibility of acquiring Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard. The Vikings have received numerous inquiries regarding Greenard, who would be considerably less expensive to obtain than Crosby; a Day 2 draft pick would likely finalize such a transaction. A complicating factor, however, is Greenard’s contract situation, as teams report he desires a new agreement, with his existing deal set to pay him $38 million over the forthcoming two years. Mafe is also being considered as a feasible edge option should an agreement with Phillips not materialize.

With defensive lineman Jordan Davis having recently signed an extension, Philadelphia must now also evaluate whether to offer a new deal to Jalen Carter, who is now eligible for one. I’ve been informed that Philadelphia has received inquiries about trading Carter.

Furthermore, Brown is not the sole wide receiver who might be available. Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman, Los Angeles’ Quentin Johnston, and Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks have surfaced in my discussions. Teams have expressed interest in Green Bay’s Jayden Reed, but I do not currently perceive the Packers as being willing to trade him.

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The Future for Elite Wide Receivers

Anticipate that discussions between Alec Pierce and the Colts will extend to the final moments as the franchise endeavors to prevent him from entering Monday’s unrestricted market.

This situation presents a considerable hurdle. Pierce appears poised to command at least $27 million annually under a new agreement, with the Patriots, Commanders, Raiders, and Titans identified as some of the involved organizations.

What strengthens Indianapolis’ position is Pierce’s close relationship with Colts signal-caller Daniel Jones, and, assuming all other factors are equivalent, his preference to remain with Indianapolis. Hope still exists for Indy, but Pierce’s ultimate destination will be determined by his market value. His potential and propensity for generating significant yardage gains are highly appealing to interested teams.

Packers wideout Romeo Doubs intends to test the open market, as negotiations with Green Bay failed to produce a new contract. He is expected to attract multiple prospective teams, with the Patriots, Commanders, and Titans closely monitoring his situation, alongside the 49ers. Doubs is considered by certain talent evaluators to be the most versatile receiver among the available group.

I foresee the Raiders pursuing Rashid Shaheed, contingent on how developments unfold in the receiver market and his eventual asking price. The new head coach, Klint Kubiak, holds him in high regard; however, Las Vegas’s more pressing requirement lies with its offensive line.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still making aggressive efforts to re-sign Mike Evans. Buffalo would have represented an optimal destination for Evans before the D.J. Moore trade utilized a portion of their available financial resources. The Commanders could emerge as an unexpected contender for Evans, keeping in mind his desire for a competent quarterback and consistent targets. Tampa Bay maintains a favorable standing with Evans, but his re-signing is not yet guaranteed.

Tennessee has been associated with Wan’Dale Robinson. There is mutual interest, though Robinson is expected to attract other interested parties.

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Shifts in the Running Back Market

The market for running backs is more dynamic than typical, following the New York Jets’ placement of a franchise tag valued at $14.3 million on Breece Hall, which established an early benchmark.

Kenneth Walker currently appears to be defining the market’s value, with Travis Etienne Jr. positioned closely behind. Several teams I’ve consulted are projecting the upper limit of the market at approximately $12 million, a figure that could escalate with broader team participation.

Information suggests that Walker will evaluate the Giants and Commanders as potential destinations, with the Titans also presenting a viable option. Etienne is garnering significant interest from the AFC West, specifically from Denver and Kansas City. Both franchises might also explore opportunities with Walker and other players, contingent on their respective financial demands.

A majority of league observers anticipate Kansas City will acquire a running back, whether a premier talent or an athlete from the mid-tier category.

The forceful runner Rico Dowdle has been connected to the Commanders by various league sources.

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Investment in Defense

The Chicago Bears generated approximately $17 million in salary cap flexibility from the D.J. Moore trade, an amount they will need in free agency to reinforce their defensive unit. While they could certainly use additional pass-rushing talent, I do not perceive Chicago as being in urgent need of a blockbuster pass rusher; the ultimate decision will largely depend on the cost. Strengthening the interior rush might prove to be their chosen approach. As a potential replacement for Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to keep an eye on, having previously played under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in New Orleans and demonstrating proficiency in coverage. In the safety position, my understanding is that the Bears will endeavor to re-sign Kevin Byard III during the weekend but will permit Jaquan Brisker to explore other opportunities.

Cincinnati is poised to be the most assertive team in the defensive free agent landscape, as they are actively evaluating almost every position. Edge rusher Rashan Gary is a noteworthy individual in this context, should the Packers opt to part ways with him. Jerry Montgomery, the Bengals’ new defensive line coach, previously worked with Gary in Green Bay. Cincinnati has also been associated with safety Nick Cross and multiple defensive linemen.

Carolina is observing various segments of the market, likely seeking assistance at pass rusher and linebacker. Players such as edge rusher Odafe Oweh and linebacker Devin Lloyd are regarded as excellent matches for the Panthers’ defensive system. Furthermore, General Manager Dan Morgan was part of the Buffalo organization when they selected now-free agent linebacker Edmunds.

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Leading Free Agency Efforts

The Commanders appeared frequently in our previous analyses of running backs and receivers. The sentiment within the league indicates that this year could mark Washington’s most bustling offseason since the Adam Peters era commenced in 2024. The Commanders are also exploring other positions, including cornerback, edge rusher, and potentially tight end. Washington possesses a roster with notable vacancies, nearly $90 million in available salary cap funds, and star quarterback Jayden Daniels operating under a rookie contract. Consequently, while the Commanders may not allocate significant funds to every single position, their influence will certainly be felt.

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Brief Updates

• Last season, the Ravens successfully finalized a contract extension with left tackle Ronnie Stanley merely two days prior to the beginning of the tampering period. Can they achieve a similar outcome with center Tyler Linderbaum? He is set to dominate the center market, so if his contract extends until Monday, retaining him will prove challenging. The Raiders, Giants, and Titans could exhibit some level of involvement. His annual compensation is expected to comfortably exceed $20 million.

• The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent quarterback Kyler Murray may opt for a deliberate approach in selecting his next team. Upon his anticipated release around the start of the new league year, he will likely seek discussions with prospective clubs and potentially undertake several visits. Minnesota stands out as a viable option. Both the Colts and Falcons possess talent, yet their current quarterbacks might not be prepared to commence the season, a factor that could influence veteran quarterbacks considering their choices.

• The Seahawks are expected to try and secure safety Coby Bryant with a new deal, as he is one of the most sought-after names on the defensive side of the market. While he has expressed willingness to return to Seattle, he is also drawing interest from other teams.

• The Jets and Bengals frequently emerge in discussions concerning safeties who are positioned at or near the top of the market. Bryan Cook of Kansas City continues to be a significant player in this segment. The Chiefs might also aim to replenish the position if they were to lose Cook.

• I continue to gather intelligence suggesting that John Franklin-Myers will secure a lucrative contract in free agency. He is recognized as the premier interior pass rusher available, and the draft class is not particularly robust at his specific position. Several organizations are currently vying for his services.

• Time is running out for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, whose $38 million salary cap charge poses a significant obstacle. San Francisco faces a critical decision, and other teams are speculating whether he might become available as a result. Conventional wisdom suggests that San Francisco will endeavor to negotiate a solution with the 12-time Pro Bowler.

• The Jaguars are keen on re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown before the free agency period commences. If they are unable to do so, San Francisco is among the teams anticipated to show interest.

• Linebacker Kaden Elliss enjoys strong support across the league among previous coaching staffs he has played for, including San Francisco (defensive coordinator Raheem Morris) and Cleveland (defensive coordinator Mike Rutenburg), among others, although Cleveland is also interested in re-signing Devin Bush at linebacker.

• Regarding backup quarterback news, Mitchell Trubisky has attracted attention as a reliable second-string option. The Titans, Bills, and Jets are among the teams reportedly considering him. One individual to potentially monitor as a backup in Carolina is Kenny Pickett.