Maryland Terrapins in the NFL: 2026 Free Agency Recap

A trio of top receiving options are among the former Terps on the move this offseason.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:35pm

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Several former Maryland Terrapins football players have switched teams during the 2026 NFL free agency period. Wide receivers D.J. Moore and Stefon Diggs have found new homes, while tight end Chig Okonkwo and safety Nick Cross have returned to the DMV area to play for the Washington Commanders. The article also highlights other Terps who remain with their current NFL teams.

Why it matters

The Maryland Terrapins football program has a strong pipeline to the NFL, with 25 active alumni currently on NFL rosters. This free agency period saw some high-profile moves for former Terps, showcasing the talent that has come out of the program in recent years.

The details

Wide receiver D.J. Moore, who had over 1,000 all-purpose yards in five of the previous six seasons, was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots released veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is currently dealing with legal issues. On the offensive line, Corey Bullock of the Baltimore Ravens is competing to replace Tyler Linderbaum at center. Tight end Chig Okonkwo and safety Nick Cross signed with the Washington Commanders, reuniting the former Terrapins teammates in the DMV area.

  • D.J. Moore was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Buffalo Bills on March 15, 2026.
  • The New England Patriots released Stefon Diggs following the 2025 season.
  • Chig Okonkwo and Nick Cross signed with the Washington Commanders on March 18, 2026.

The players

D.J. Moore

A wide receiver who spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills. He is coming off a down year in 2025 but is expected to bounce back as the Bills' new top receiving threat.

Stefon Diggs

A veteran wide receiver who was released by the New England Patriots following the 2025 season. He is currently dealing with legal issues off the field.

Corey Bullock

An offensive lineman who spent two seasons as a backup with the Baltimore Ravens and is now competing to replace Tyler Linderbaum as the team's starting center.

Chig Okonkwo

A tight end who signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Commanders after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans.

Nick Cross

A safety who signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Washington Commanders after spending the first two seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, and it remains to be seen if any additional Maryland Terrapins will be selected and join the growing list of Terps in the pros.

The takeaway

The Maryland Terrapins football program continues to produce talented players who are making an impact at the NFL level. This free agency period saw several former Terps find new homes, including some high-profile moves, showcasing the depth of the program's pipeline to the pros.