The NFL's version of the stock market bell has rung. At 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, 2026, the league's legal tampering period officially commenced, launching the 2026 free agency cycle. This 52-hour window before the new league year begins is when the groundwork for blockbuster deals is laid, framework agreements are reached, and the landscape of the upcoming season begins to take dramatic shape.
While contracts cannot be formally signed until 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, the flood of reports and confirmations has begun. This tracker serves as your hub for the notable departures, signings, and trades reshaping rosters across the league. The flux we are seeing in these initial hours often sets the narrative for the entire offseason.
The Significance of the Legal Tampering Period
For the uninitiated, the "legal tampering" period is a negotiated window within the NFL's collective bargaining agreement allowing teams to begin contacting and negotiating with the agents of players set to become unrestricted free agents. All dialogue must involve the player's representative, not the player directly. It's a controlled chaos designed to create a more orderly start to free agency, though the pace of news can feel anything but orderly for fans.
This is the period where "agreed to terms" deals are commonly reported. These are handshake agreements in principle, contingent on players passing physicals once the new league year turns over. It's also a key time for trades involving players under contract, as teams look to clear cap space or acquire assets before the market fully develops.
League-Wide Overview: Early Trends Emerge
The early hours of the 2026 tampering period have revealed several clear trends. With the salary cap increasing significantly again this offseason, teams have more spending power than ever, leading to aggressive pursuits of top-tier talent. The offensive line market, particularly tackles, is moving with breathtaking speed and record-setting dollar figures. Conversely, the running back market reflects ongoing valuation shifts, with many veterans now signing shorter, "prove-it" deals rather than long-term contracts.
A continuation of the "win-now" push is evident from perennial contenders, leveraging restructures and void years to create immediate cap space. Meanwhile, rebuilding teams are targeting younger ascending players, signaling a strategic shift in evaluating free agency value.
Below is a breakdown of confirmed and reported major moves from the NFL as the tampering period unfolds.
AFC East: A Division in Flux
Buffalo Bills
The Bills, perennially pressed against the salary cap, started the period with hard decisions. They confirmed that veteran edge rusher Gregory Rousseau will not return, having priced himself beyond their budget following a career-best season. In response, Buffalo quickly agreed to terms on a four-year contract with former Houston Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, adding much-needed pass-rush depth. Additionally, longtime safety Jordan Poyer announced his retirement, closing a chapter on one of the league's premier safety duos.
New York Jets
The Jets doubled down on supporting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Their first splash was confirming the signing of premier guard Kevin Dotson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, on a lucrative deal that resets the guard market. To address the loss of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who declined to extend and is departing, New York signed veteran run-stuffer D.J. Reader to a two-year contract.
New England Patriots
Under a new coaching staff led by Head Coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots made their first major move by trading edge rusher Josh Uche to the Chicago Bears for a mid-round draft pick. The team has expressed interest in adding mid-tier wide receivers but has not yet confirmed any skill position signings.
Miami Dolphins
Cap constraints forced Miami into a difficult offseason stance. They officially released veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a salary-saving move. To fill the void, Miami is closing in on a deal with former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. The team also saw center Connor Williams depart in free agency, creating a significant hole on the offensive line.
NFC West: The Arms Race Continues
San Francisco 49ers
Facing cap difficulties after years of future commitments, the 49ers executed a seismic trade, sending defensive end Nick Bosa to the New York Giants in exchange for a package of draft picks. This hard decision was driven primarily by financial realities. To mitigate Bosa's loss, San Francisco agreed on a contract with former Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen, featuring lucrative incentives.
Los Angeles Rams
Creative with contracts, the Rams re-signed wide receiver Cooper Kupp to a restructuring deal that lowers his 2026 cap hit. Meanwhile, they confirmed the departure of right tackle Rob Havenstein in free agency. To fill the vacancy, LA signed former first-round pick Evan Neal to a one-year reclamation contract.
Seattle Seahawks
With new head coach Mike Macdonald emphasizing defense, Seattle signed linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens to a top-tier contract. To free salary cap space for such acquisitions, the Seahawks released veteran safety Jamal Adams.
Arizona Cardinals
Flush with cap space, the Cardinals signed former Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary to a three-year deal, bolstering their secondary. Additionally, they are negotiating to add a veteran running back to complement their young offensive core.
Key Moves Around the League
- Cleveland Browns: Signed veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a one-year deal to serve as backup to starter Deshaun Watson.
- Chicago Bears: Locked down defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on a record-setting contract and finalized the trade for edge rusher Josh Uche from New England.
- Carolina Panthers: Seeking to protect quarterback Bryce Young, Carolina signed former Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata to a four-year, high-value deal.
- Green Bay Packers: Released longtime running back Aaron Jones; quickly agreed to terms with former Dallas Cowboy running back Tony Pollard on a two-year contract.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton to a four-year extension to keep their defensive core intact despite losing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in free agency.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 legal tampering period will continue through Tuesday evening, with many more verbal agreements anticipated. All deals must be signed starting at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, officially adding players to their new teams. The first wave of free agency is always the most dramatic, but subsequent waves--featuring value signings and veteran minimum deals--will be equally important for shaping complete rosters.
This tracker will be updated continuously throughout the period with the latest confirmed moves, signings, and trades defining the 2026 NFL offseason. The chessboard is being reset, and the decisions made in these critical 52 hours will resonate throughout the fall campaign.
Stay tuned as the NFL free agency frenzy unfolds.