Official 2026 Free Agency/Offseason/Non-Draft Thread

[Joemailman]

Jeremy Fowler
@JFowlerESPN

The Vikings are expected to release DT Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints, per sources.

The former Pro Bowler had 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts. The Vikings are $40-plus million over the cap and need to get under, thus the move.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

I wish it had been Wilson instead of Brooks, but whatever.

I read separate articles saying maybe the Packers go after Marshon Lattimore and/or Eric Stokes. I'd be happy with either, happier with both. Getting at least one proven FA Corner as well as drafting a good one is about what we need - the top need IMO.

Aaron Jones is apparently getting cut. Let’s welcome the “Little Engine That Could” back to cold, dark and dull Green Bay.

[texaspackerbacker]

I wish it had been Wilson instead of Brooks, but whatever.

I read separate articles saying maybe the Packers go after Marshon Lattimore and/or Eric Stokes. I'd be happy with either, happier with both. Getting at least one proven FA Corner as well as drafting a good one is about what we need - the top need IMO.

[Joemailman]

A solid move and less expensive than the tenders would be on a per year basis.

Yeah, Wilson just never figured out pass pro. Brooks is excellent there, and should get more opportunities to carry the ball. Won't create a lot of wow plays, but solid.

[pbmax]

The Green Bay Packers and restricted free agent running back Chris Brooks have agreed to a two-year contract worth $4.85 million, according to One West Sports Group, who represents Brooks.

The two-year deal will tie Brooks to the Packers through the 2027 season. It's possible he'll be elevated into a bigger role in 2026 considering Emanuel Wilson was not tendered as a restricted free agent and has an uncertain future with the Packers.

A solid move and less expensive than the tenders would be on a per year basis.

[Joemailman]

The Green Bay Packers and restricted free agent running back Chris Brooks have agreed to a two-year contract worth $4.85 million, according to One West Sports Group, who represents Brooks.

The two-year deal will tie Brooks to the Packers through the 2027 season. It's possible he'll be elevated into a bigger role in 2026 considering Emanuel Wilson was not tendered as a restricted free agent and has an uncertain future with the Packers.

[Joemailman]

Detroit took Houston to the cleaners on that one. Sheesh. Montgomery is good but he's getting older.

I see Chicago looking to poach that former Wisconsin center now after Dalton retired.Also I'm reading rumors that they're looking to trade for Maxx Crosby.

A lot will depend on how good Scruggs is. He's a former 2nd round pick who was a disappointment in Houston. Only started 1 game last year for a team that didn't have a good offensive line. Montgomery's role was diminishing, but he was still a tough, physical back who took a toll on a defense. I'm sure the Lions will be fine, but time will tell on who won the trade.

[Bretsky]

Detroit took Houston to the cleaners on that one. Sheesh. Montgomery is good but he's getting older.

I see Chicago looking to poach that former Wisconsin center now after Dalton retired.Also I'm reading rumors that they're looking to trade for Maxx Crosby.

I actually thought the former Badger Center would be a great fit in GB because we would not have to give up draft compensation and if we don't hit FA heavy we are going to get loaded with draft picks next year. I also think he's 28 so he's not "automatically eliminated" but that also means Shitbag would probably want him to a 1 year or 2 year deal. However, Green Bay hates Badgers

[Fritz]

Tom Pelissero
@tompelissero.bsky.social

Compensation update: The Texans are sending OL Juice Scruggs, a 4th-rounder and a 7th-rounder to Detroit for David Montgomery.

Detroit took Houston to the cleaners on that one. Sheesh. Montgomery is good but he's getting older.

I see Chicago looking to poach that former Wisconsin center now after Dalton retired.Also I'm reading rumors that they're looking to trade for Maxx Crosby.

[Fosco33]

Why wouldn’t we try and shift Jenkins back to Guard and sign Tyler Biadasz (former badger) to center. Is it just a cap casualty? I thought Jenkins was decent.

What’s the Oline actually look like post cuts, pre-draft? Seems like shambles.

[Joemailman]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter

Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.

Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for 2027. He now will be moving on.

Could this be a spot for Willis?

[Joemailman]

Adam Schefter

ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire.

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit, source said. The former #Commanders starter was recently released and now is available before the frenzy begins.

[Joemailman]

Tom Pelissero
@tompelissero.bsky.social

Compensation update: The Texans are sending OL Juice Scruggs, a 4th-rounder and a 7th-rounder to Detroit for David Montgomery.

[Joemailman]

1 week from today, March 9 is the start of the "legal tampering" period for free agency. Players can be officially signed starting at 3 PM March 11.

[pbmax]

Malik Willis got some pushback news about his new contract. Recently Rap Sheet and someone were guessing a team would cough up $30 mil per season as that is the going rate for a non-top tier QB with questions (Baker Mayfield, etc.).

But Jermey Fowler of ESPN says that not a guarantee with only six starts for Willis, though interest from multiple teams could change that if they start to compete with offers.

The reasoning is Justin Fields deal (2 years/20 mil per) is more likely the comp teams see, though even that number will rise with QB inflation and the new cap rising.

Also Acme Packing points out that neither the Dolphins nor Cardinals can easily afford either deal without finding a way to clean up the previous QB's cap number. Which might limit his options at developing a market and its going to be hard to unload those deals before FA begins.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48045815/2026-nfl-combine-latest-buzz-news-rumors-free-agency-draft-qbs-trades-offseason#willis