NFL free company has began to decelerate since formally opening March 11, so it is a good time to take inventory of the strikes.
Some groups have made splash signings, such because the Ravens including edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Vikings bringing in quarterback Kyler Murray and the Chiefs signing working again Kenneth Walker III. However what have been one of the best strikes to date in free company? What about probably the most puzzling strikes? Which groups improved probably the most, and which could have taken a step backward?
We requested 15 of our NFL consultants to weigh in with their picks from the previous two weeks. Let’s begin with the highest signings and trades of March.
Soar to:
Finest strikes | Head-scratching strikes
Most improved groups | Least improved groups
What was one of the best general transfer to date?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The Rams signing cornerback Jaylen Watson. After buying and selling for Kansas Metropolis’s Trent McDuffie, the Rams added one other Chiefs cornerback. Together with his bodily protection traits and talent to align in press, Watson suits because the boundary matchup versus the X receiver. That can enable McDuffie to play to center of the sphere in coordinator Chris Shula’s protection.
Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL author: The Giants signing tight finish Isaiah Seemingly. A decent finish who will get open is a pleasant addition for a younger quarterback, and Seemingly will likely be that for Jaxson Dart. His presence permits New York to lean into two tight finish units, and at $40 million over three years, Seemingly’s contract is cheaper than that of former Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who signed a four-year, $78 million cope with Tennessee.
Pamela Maldonado, sports activities betting analyst: The Chiefs signing working again Kenneth Walker III. He fixes one space of inconsistency for the Chiefs: the run sport. When you have already got quarterback Patrick Mahomes and an offense constructed across the move, what stresses a protection probably the most is a again who can flip a routine carry right into a 20-yard achieve. That is Walker’s sport.
Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: The Titans signing defensive finish John Franklin-Myers. They’ve been determined for an out of doors move rush, and Franklin-Myers is a dream scheme match within the Robert Saleh protection. His capacity to line up inside, head-up on a deal with or play broad in a 6-technique provides the Titans most versatility up entrance. This draft class would not have a surefire move rusher for the Titans to draft at No. 4, so checking this field in free company was key.
Jason Reid, senior NFL author: The Rams buying and selling for McDuffie. Seattle broad receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba tormented the Rams this season, capping his Offensive Participant of the Yr marketing campaign with 10 receptions, 153 yards and a landing within the NFC Championship Recreation. The Rams gave up numerous draft capital for McDuffie after which made him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, however he could possibly be excellent for L.A. within the slot and on the boundary. Cincinnati All-Professional broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase can attest to that.
Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Quarterback Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Solely two years in the past, Murray performed a full season with a 63.4 QBR, ninth within the NFL. However extra importantly, the language in Murray’s contract with Arizona signifies that the Vikings signed Murray for the veteran minimal of $1.3 million. That is a ridiculous cut price for a struggling beginning quarterback, not to mention a QB who could possibly be above common.
Mike Tannenbaum, NFL entrance workplace insider: Murray to the Vikings. Minnesota gained 9 video games final season regardless of poor QB play from J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer. If Murray is nice — or no less than higher than these gamers — the Vikings have an actual probability to win the loaded NFC North.
Lindsey Thiry, nationwide NFL reporter: Murray to the Vikings. Coach Kevin O’Connell has a noteworthy observe document of growing and enhancing the play of his quarterbacks. In Minnesota, Murray has the prospect to problem McCarthy for the beginning function. Murray will get a much-needed recent begin after stagnating in Arizona. Second possibilities for quarterbacks do not come round typically, however this seems to be a legit alternative for Murray to revive his profession.
What was probably the most head-scratching signing of free company?
Stephania Bell, harm and fantasy soccer analyst: Operating again Jerome Ford signing with the Commanders. Granted, it seems the Commanders are making low-risk strikes as they add to their RB room. However this match was puzzling. Rachaad White got here in on an affordable deal to enhance Jacory Croskey-Merritt and reconnect along with his school pal Jayden Daniels. Ford, whose greatest season with the Browns was three years in the past, had extra catches than carries final season, when his function dwindled. Washington then re-signed Jeremy McNichols, who, along with his particular groups contributions, nonetheless notched extra carries than Ford in 2025.
Mike Clay, fantasy soccer analyst: The Colts re-signing broad receiver Alec Pierce. I used to be shocked to see all of the pre-free company hype — and eventual four-year, $116 million deal — for Pierce. I wasn’t shocked due to his capacity, however due to how little he was utilized in Indianapolis. Even in a breakout 2025 season, Pierce ranked forty eighth amongst receivers in goal share (18%). In all 4 of his NFL seasons, he has completed no higher than forty second in targets, forty fifth in catches, 18th in yards and 18th in touchdowns. The Colts not solely made Pierce one of many highest-paid receivers, however they then traded Michael Pittman Jr., who has had 200 extra catches than Pierce since 2022.
Liz Loza, fantasy soccer author: The Falcons signing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Given Michael Penix Jr.’s ACL harm and Kirk Cousins’ launch, including Tagovailoa made sense for the Falcons. Nevertheless it’s removed from a flex. In any case, the Dolphins willingly incurred an NFL-record $99.2 million useless cap hit to launch him. That speaks volumes. Although the Falcons’ funding in Tagovailoa is comparatively low (one-year, $1.3 million deal), it is from inspiring as a transfer.
1:58
Orlovsky on Tua in Atlanta: That is one of the best choice for each events
Dan Orlovsky and Domonique Foxworth talk about whether or not Tua Tagovailoa is an effective match for the Atlanta Falcons.
Eric Moody, fantasy soccer author: The Seahawks signing working again Emanuel Wilson to a one-year deal. It provides depth, but it surely would not remedy their greater downside within the backfield. Shedding Walker to the Chiefs hurts, particularly with Zach Charbonnet coming off a significant harm and no clear short-term resolution. With questions in regards to the run sport and a brand new playcaller in Brian Fleury, the Seahawks’ offensive identification out of the blue feels far much less sure.
Ben Solak, NFL analyst: The Cowboys buying and selling for edge rusher Rashan Gary. I do not thoughts the match for Gary within the Cowboys’ protection. He is a cumbersome edge rusher on a crew that wants extra run-stuffing energy. However the Cowboys traded a fourth-round choose for Gary’s deal, which is able to common out at a $19.5 million cap hit over the subsequent two seasons. Was that actually crucial when Boye Mafe and Bradley Chubb signed near that quantity? When Jonathan Greenard, a equally sturdy run defender with a much better move rush profile, was additionally accessible through commerce? I am shocked Dallas selected this selection in a wealthy class of free agent edge rushers.
Area Yates, NFL analyst: The Payments signing edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Buffalo had a big have to improve at edge rusher, and Chubb helps that trigger. However the quantity was stunning; Chubb’s deal consists of $29 million assured over three years. He’s a stable participant who piled up 8.5 sacks final season, however that is a steep determine for a soon-to-be 30-year-old rusher. I assumed his market could be lighter than that, however Buffalo acted quick with most of the coveted move rushers unavailable.
Seth Walder, NFL analyst: The Bengals signing defensive deal with Jonathan Allen. The aforementioned Chubb signing and Kwity Paye’s cope with the Raiders are additionally nice contenders for this superlative. However Allen getting as a lot as he did — two years, $26 million — as a 31-year-old coming off two straight years of declined efficiency (leading to his launch from the Commanders and Vikings) was actually stunning. It additionally was a break for the Vikings. Allen had $8 million assured from after they minimize him — and so they may get all of that cash again relying on how the contract is structured.
Which is probably the most improved crew after free company and different strikes over the previous week?
Bell: The Chiefs. Typically, the wealthy get richer within the NFL, and Kansas Metropolis did simply that after lacking the postseason for the primary time since 2014. The Chiefs lacked an explosive run sport and addressed that with Walker. They retained a quarterback’s greatest security valve in tight finish Travis Kelce, who may show distinctive for newly signed quarterback Justin Fields whereas Mahomes works again from ACL surgical procedure. They usually signed defensive deal with Khyiris Tonga to bolster the inside alongside Chris Jones. Cha-ching.
Clay: The Jets. They nonetheless have a methods to go, however the Jets are headed in the proper route after inexpensively steadying the quarterback scenario (Geno Smith) and retaining working again Breece Corridor. They added much-needed influence gamers at each degree of coach Aaron Glenn’s protection, together with defensive deal with T’Vondre Sweat, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Demario Davis, underrated cornerback Nahshon Wright and security Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Loza: The Panthers. Normal supervisor Dan Morgan did a superb job of figuring out the crew’s biggest wants in an try to capitalize on the Panthers’ turnaround in 2025. From an offensive standpoint, quarterback Bryce Younger figures to be higher protected and supported because of the additions of offensive deal with Rasheed Walker, middle Luke Fortner and broad receiver John Metchie III (his teammate at Alabama). However the Panthers’ most spectacular upgrades got here on protection. They spent large on edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, whereas additionally producing depth with defensive finish Patrick Jones II.
Moody: The Steelers. They took a significant step towards fixing their passing sport by including Pittman and signing him to an extension. The transfer lastly gave DK Metcalf a legit working mate at receiver. Operating again Rico Dowdle additionally provides depth and adaptability to the backfield alongside Jaylen Warren, giving Pittsburgh extra choices within the run sport. The most important query now could be quarterback, which in all probability will decide how a lot noise the revamped Steelers offense could make in 2026.
Solak: The Raiders. Typically, probably the most improved crew in free company is the crew with tons of cash and tons of wants. Such was the case right here, because the Raiders crammed large holes with middle Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, defensive finish Kwity Paye and nickel again Taron Johnson. Quietly, among the finest signings was ex-Vikings broad receiver Jalen Nailor. He brings high quality field-stretching as a WR3 however may turn into a higher-volume participant out of the shadows of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Thiry: The Rams. They have been one rating from advancing to the Tremendous Bowl, and with the commerce for McDuffie and signing of Watson, they created a crucial increase for his or her secondary. That change may allow them to return to the Tremendous Bowl in what is perhaps the ultimate season of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford’s profession.
Yates: The Titans. There’s an outdated axiom to not confuse exercise with achievement, however {dollars} depend in free company, and I imagine that the Titans are a lot additional alongside than they have been earlier than free company. Coach Robert Saleh is reunited with three front-seven members from his Jets tenure, led by Franklin-Myers. Saleh’s defenses throughout his time in New York have been typically glorious, so I anticipate this protection to assault instantly.
Walder: The Vikings. Forgive the simplicity, however a crew’s greatest offseason change goes from zero starting-caliber quarterbacks to at least one starting-caliber quarterback. That is what the Vikings achieved, shifting them from a noncontender to a crew with an actual shot on the postseason.
Which crew has taken a step backward over the previous week, and what’s one transfer you’d prefer to see it make?
Bowen: The Lions. They added some offensive gamers who match the identification of coach Dan Campbell’s program: middle Cade Mays and working again Isiah Pacheco. However Detroit’s protection continues to be lacking an edge rusher reverse of Aidan Hutchinson. Veteran Joey Bosa continues to be accessible, or the crew may look to deal with this within the draft.
Fowler: The Seahawks. They’d six key free brokers and misplaced 4 of them, retaining wideout Rashid Shaheed and cornerback Josh Jobe. The step again was calculated. As an alternative of overpaying to maintain the Tremendous Bowl roster intact, the Seahawks can replenish by drafting high quality gamers with their compensatory picks. Seattle additionally should price range for a Jaxon Smith-Njigba megadeal. Nonetheless, including yet one more key participant for coach Mike Macdonald — maybe a 3rd security — would assist the secondary.
Maldonado: The Seahawks. Walker’s explosiveness is gone from Seattle, Boye Mafe is lacking from the pass-rush rotation and the secondary misplaced Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant. None of these strikes breaks the crew, however they collectively skinny out the Seahawks’ depth. Seattle stored the core intact, however this seems extra like roster upkeep than enchancment. The crew ought to look to signal one other edge rusher to interchange the pass-rush depth misplaced and preserve Macdonald’s defensive entrance rotating recent.
Miller: The 49ers. Including a 33-year-old broad receiver (Mike Evans) would not remedy any of the crew’s issues on the offensive line, defensive position or secondary. That is one other transfer that reeks of attempting to fill holes as a substitute of constructing for the long run. With Trent Williams’ future unsure, the weaknesses on each traces will quickly be uncovered in San Francisco. Drafting a left deal with of the long run within the first spherical is the proper transfer, and I like Utah’s Caleb Lomu or Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor as suits.
1:28
Schefter: Mike Evans is veteran presence 49ers have been in search of
Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee how Mike Evans ended up signing with the 49ers.
Reid: The Chiefs. Though they acquired 4 picks within the McDuffie commerce, they misplaced a cornerstone 25-year-old. The Rams additionally signed Watson, who’s solely 27. The Commanders lured beginning linebacker Leo Chenal (25), and the Bengals signed security Bryan Cook dinner (26). Discover a development? The Chiefs did not simply lose defensive starters — they misplaced key gamers getting into their prime. The Chiefs want main assist at edge rusher and offensive deal with, however cornerback is now their greatest want. With the No. 9 choose, the Chiefs ought to choose LSU’s Mansoor Delane.
Schatz: The Eagles. Woolen will assist the Eagles remedy their CB2 downside, however they misplaced a number of different gamers. Phillips helped rework their protection at midseason. Security Reed Blankenship was an necessary a part of the secondary. They might afford to lose linebacker Nakobe Dean as a result of they’ve Jihaad Campbell, however the depth took a success. Arnold Ebiketie was a great addition to make up for the lack of Phillips, however with the highest free agent safeties on new groups, the Eagles ought to enhance that place by way of the draft.
Tannenbaum: The Texans. Final yr, they misplaced left deal with Laremy Tunsil. And this yr, they traded proper deal with Tytus Howard and changed him with Braden Smith. I am undecided how these O-line adjustments assist additional quarterback C.J. Stroud’s improvement. Ideally, they need to signal a veteran corresponding to Joel Bitonio if he performs in 2026. He’ll be 35 in October however has began 178 video games. The Texans may additionally draft an offensive lineman at No. 28 — Alabama’s Proctor or Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor are potentialities.
