The official start of NFL free agency is finally here.
Yes, plenty of movement has already taken place over the first two days of the league’s negotiating period, with a bulk of the top unrestricted free agents already spoken for. But contracts and trades cannot become official until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and the stunning dissolution of the Maxx Crosby swap served as a reminder of the difference between an agreement and a finalized pact.
USA TODAY Sports will have all the latest news from around the league on Wednesday, so check back often for updates on all the latest deals and moves:
Commanders find a playmaker for Jayden Daniels
The Washington Commanders aren’t limiting their splashy spending to the defensive side of the ball.
Former Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $30 million, according to multiple reports.
The Maryland product will look to rediscover his big-play ability for Jayden Daniels. Okonkwo averaged 14.1 yards per catch as a rookie but was relegated to more of an underneath target last season for rookie Cam Ward, with 360 of his career-high 560 yards coming after the catch.
Patriots add Pro Bowl selection to secondary
The New England Patriots are scooping up a ballhawk.
Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is joining the team on a one-year, $9 million deal, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
He reunites with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him on the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23.
Byard, 32, led the NFL with seven interceptions last year. With 36 career interceptions, he trails only the Minnesota Vikings’ Harrison Smith among active players.
His former team, the Chicago Bears, had already been preparing for a shift at safety after agreeing to a three-year deal with Coby Bryant.
Dolphins add low-cost pass-rush help with LB Josh Uche
In what’s shaping up to be a transition year, the Miami Dolphins are taking a low-cost flier on some pass-rush help.
Outside linebacker Josh Uche is joining the team on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Uche, 27, filtered into the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass-rush rotation last season, playing 21.7% of the team’s defensive snaps and recording 15 pressures. The designated pass rusher hasn’t been able to match the highs of his breakout 2022 campaign with the New England Patriots, during which he notched 11 ½ sacks. In Miami, however, he could provide an occasional spark opposite Chop Robinson.
Colts hammer out extension with QB Daniel Jones
After keeping Alec Pierce in the fold with a sizable extension, the Colts locked in their other marquee player in need of a new deal.
Quarterback Daniel Jones on Wednesday agreed to a two-year, $88 million deal with Jones, according to multiple reports.
Jones, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 14, received the transition tag from Indianapolis to prevent him from becoming a true unrestricted free agent. But instead of playing on a one-year pact, he lands a deal that could be worth up to $100 million and will pay him $50 million in 2026, per multiple reports.
Ravens move on from Maxx Crosby trade, strike deal with Trey Hendrickson
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t take long to shift their focus after withdrawing from the Maxx Crosby trade.
Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson agreed to a four-year, $112 million deal with the team on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles had also been interested in Hendrickson, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
The former NFL sack king had held firm even as his desired market didn’t materialize at the beginning of the league’s negotiating window, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His market shifted significantly in the aftermath of the Crosby trade falling through, Russini reported, with the Ravens making a late entrance.
Commanders boost pass rush further with K’Lavon Chaisson
Two days after forking over a massive contract to Odafe Oweh, the Washington Commanders are continuing to upgrade their edge rush.
The team agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with K’Lavon Chaisson, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported.
Chaisson enjoyed a career year in New England, where he posted personal bests with 7 1/2 sacks and 52 pressures. But the Patriots opted to move in a different direction with their pass rush, agreeing to a three-year deal with Dre’Mont Jones early in the negotiating window.
Lions restructure QB Jared Goff’s contract, free up cap space
The Detroit Lions are getting compliant with the league’s salary cap ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline.
The team restructured quarterback Jared Goff’s contract to create $32 million in cap space, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press and USA TODAY Network confirmed the news.
The Lions lowered Goff’s 2026 base salary from $55 million to $15 million by converting the difference to a signing bonus while adding a void year in 2030.
All eyes on Kyler Murray starting Wednesday
The start of the new league year means that several players will finally be hitting the open market. Among the most notable names: Kyler Murray.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback’s expected release is already in motion, but it won’t become official until Wednesday. At that point, Murray will be free to sign with a new team.
The Minnesota Vikings have been widely reported to be a potential front-runner for Murray’s services, though it remains unclear when a deal with the team – or any other franchise – might materialize.
Who are top free agents still remaining?
There are still a few marquee figures among the best remaining players on USA TODAY Sports’ ranking of the top 100 free agents, including:
- 1. Trey Hendrickson, DE/OLB
- 2. Rasheed Walker, OT
- 3. Kyler Murray, QB
- 4. Jauan Jennings, WR
- 5. Aaron Rodgers, QB