NFL Free Agency 2026: Top Players, Rumors & Latest News

Blockbuster Crosby trade, wide receiver market, and running back signings highlight the early action

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The NFL's free agency negotiation window has opened, and the league is already buzzing with activity. A blockbuster trade involving Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens has sent shockwaves through the league, signaling a willingness among teams to spend big to secure elite talent. Beyond Crosby, key names like Alec Pierce and Kenneth Walker III are poised to command significant contracts, while teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are maneuvering for strategic advantages.

Why it matters

The Crosby trade underscores the premium placed on elite pass rushers, with teams like the Ravens and Cowboys demonstrating a willingness to part with significant draft capital to acquire game-changing defensive players. The wide receiver and running back markets are also heating up, with several high-profile players expected to command lucrative deals, indicating a shift in team-building strategies across the league.

The details

The Ravens' acquisition of Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders for two first-round picks highlights the value of elite pass rushers in the NFL. The Cowboys were interested in Crosby but were unwilling to meet the Raiders' asking price, signaling a clear line drawn in the sand. The Eagles are exploring multiple avenues, including potentially trading A.J. Brown, while also actively pursuing Jaelan Phillips and other wide receivers. The running back market is surprisingly robust, with Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr. expected to set the market at around $12 million annually. Teams like the Giants, Commanders, and Titans are expected to be in the mix for these top backs.

  • The NFL's free agency negotiation window opened on Monday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Maxx Crosby

An elite pass rusher who was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster deal.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who is poised to command a significant contract in free agency.

Kenneth Walker III

A running back who is expected to set the market for running back contracts, with potential deals reaching $12 million annually.

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who is reportedly being explored in trade talks, with the asking price set at a first and second-round pick.

Jaelan Phillips

A defensive player who the Eagles are actively pursuing, potentially offering him a deal exceeding $20 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The NFL's free agency period is off to a fast start, with teams demonstrating a willingness to spend big to acquire elite talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The wide receiver and running back markets are also heating up, indicating a shift in team-building strategies across the league as they look to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.