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Former Mountaineers Poised for NFL Free Agency
Several ex-West Virginia players could earn big contracts as free agents this offseason
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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As the NFL's legal tampering period opens on March 9, several former West Virginia Mountaineers football players are set to hit the open market as free agents. This includes defensive back Rasul Douglas, wide receiver David Sills V, and long snapper Rex Sunahara, all of whom have NFL experience. Additionally, quarterback Geno Smith's future with the Las Vegas Raiders is uncertain as the team looks to draft a new signal-caller.
Why it matters
The upcoming free agency period represents an important career milestone for these former Mountaineers, who will have the opportunity to potentially earn lucrative new contracts and find new homes in the NFL. Their success or struggles could also impact the pipeline of talent flowing from West Virginia's football program to the professional ranks.
The details
Rasul Douglas, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, is coming off a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins and is projected to command around $4 million per year on his next contract. Wide receiver David Sills V is looking to build on a breakout 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons, while long snapper Rex Sunahara faces an interesting situation as an exclusive rights free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, quarterback Geno Smith's future with the Raiders is murky after the team fired his head coach and holds the first overall pick, which they are expected to use on a new QB.
- The NFL's legal tampering period opens on Monday, March 9th at 12 p.m.
- The 2026 NFL season will begin in September.
The players
Rasul Douglas
A defensive back who was an integral part of West Virginia's secondary and is a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles.
David Sills V
A wide receiver known for his connection with quarterback Will Grier, Sills is coming off the best season of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Rex Sunahara
The former Mountaineers long snapper will be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, meaning his future with the Cleveland Browns is uncertain.
Geno Smith
The former West Virginia quarterback has had a career resurgence in the NFL, but his future with the Las Vegas Raiders is murky as the team looks to draft a new QB.
What they’re saying
“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)
What’s next
The Raiders will have to decide whether to keep Geno Smith or part ways with him this offseason as they prepare to draft a new quarterback with the first overall pick.
The takeaway
This free agency period represents an important career juncture for several former West Virginia Mountaineers, who will look to parlay their NFL experience into lucrative new contracts and opportunities with new teams. Their success or struggles could impact the pipeline of talent flowing from the Mountaineers program to the professional ranks.
