Browns Free Agency Tracker: Who's Staying and Who's Going Around the NFL

Keep track of Browns and NFL free agency as the new league year approaches.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The NFL's legal tampering period has opened, and the Browns are not expected to be major players in the free agency market. However, they have freed up cap space by restructuring Deshaun Watson's and Denzel Ward's contracts. Significant moves and rumors across the league include quarterback Malik Willis signing with the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa drawing interest from the Falcons, and several other high-profile players changing teams.

Why it matters

Free agency is a critical time for NFL teams to retool their rosters and make moves that can impact their competitiveness in the upcoming season. The Browns' approach to free agency will be closely watched as they look to build around Deshaun Watson and improve their roster.

The details

The Browns have freed up around $36 million in cap space by restructuring Deshaun Watson's contract, and they also did a small restructure of Denzel Ward's deal. Across the league, some of the notable moves include quarterback Malik Willis signing a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins, wide receiver Alec Pierce staying with the Colts on a four-year, $114 million contract, and defensive end Jaelen Phillips joining the Panthers on a four-year, $120 million deal. Cleveland native Dre'Mont Jones is heading to the Patriots, and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker is signing with the Chiefs.

  • The NFL's legal tampering period opened on Monday at noon, 52 hours ahead of the start of the new league year, which officially begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

The players

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' quarterback, whose contract was restructured to free up cap space.

Denzel Ward

The Browns' cornerback, whose contract was also restructured to free up cap space.

Malik Willis

The quarterback who is signing a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins' quarterback, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Falcons.

Alec Pierce

The wide receiver who is staying with the Colts on a four-year, $114 million contract.

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The takeaway

The Browns' approach to free agency will be closely watched as they look to build around Deshaun Watson and improve their roster. While they may not be major players in the market, the team has freed up cap space through contract restructures, which could allow them to make targeted additions to address needs on the offensive line and at skill positions.