NFL Teams Spend $2.3 Billion in Free Agency Kickoff

Raiders and Titans lead the way with massive spending sprees on first day of negotiations

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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NFL teams spent roughly $2.3 billion in the first wave of the 2026 free agent negotiating window, led by the Raiders' $281.5 million and the Titans' $270 million. Nine players signed contracts with a per-year average of $20-plus million, setting new positional records for free agents. However, five playoff teams from 2025 - the Broncos, Eagles, Jaguars, Packers, and Seahawks - have yet to sign any outside free agents so far.

Why it matters

The massive spending by teams like the Raiders and Titans highlights the importance of free agency in the NFL, as clubs look to quickly improve their rosters and become immediate contenders. However, the lack of activity from some playoff teams suggests a more measured approach, potentially focusing on retaining their own talent rather than splashing the cash on the open market.

The details

In the first wave of free agency, NFL teams spent a total of $2.3 billion on new contracts, with the Raiders and Titans leading the way with over $270 million each in spending. Several players, including Jaelan Phillips, Alec Pierce, Tyler Linderbaum, and Alontae Taylor, signed deals that set new positional records for the largest average per year by a free agent. Meanwhile, five playoff teams from 2025 - the Broncos, Eagles, Jaguars, Packers, and Seahawks - have yet to sign any outside free agents so far.

  • The free agent negotiating window opened on March 10, 2026.
  • By 8 p.m. ET on March 10, 2026, NFL teams had already spent $2.3 billion in total contracts.

The players

Jaelan Phillips

A defensive edge player who signed a $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, setting a new positional record for the largest average per year by a free agent.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who signed a $114 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, setting a new positional record for the largest average per year by a free agent.

Tyler Linderbaum

A center who signed a $27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, setting a new positional record for the largest average per year by a free agent.

Alontae Taylor

A cornerback who signed a $20 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, setting a new positional record for the largest average per year by a free agent.

Denver Broncos

One of five playoff teams from 2025 that have yet to sign any outside free agents so far.

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The takeaway

The massive spending by teams like the Raiders and Titans in the early stages of free agency highlights the importance of roster-building through the open market, as clubs look to quickly improve and become contenders. However, the more measured approach taken by some playoff teams suggests a focus on retaining their own talent rather than splashing the cash, underscoring the different strategies teams employ to build winning rosters in the NFL.