The NFL’s 2026 free agency frenzy kicked off today (March 9, 2026) with the legal tampering period opening at noon ET. Teams wasted no time locking in deals with top unrestricted free agents (and some key re-signings), setting the stage for a wild offseason. While contracts can’t officially begin until the new league year starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, agreements poured in throughout the day.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest and most notable signings announced today, sorted by total contract value (descending, using reported base/max figures from sources like NFL Network, Spotrac, ESPN, and Bleacher Report). I’ve focused on confirmed deals with dollar amounts—many more moves (especially lower-tier or details-pending ones) are still trickling in.
Top NFL Free Agent Signings from March 9, 2026 (by Total Value)
- Jaelan Phillips (EDGE) — Dolphins → Panthers 4 years, $120 million ($80 million guaranteed) The former Miami standout pass rusher lands a massive payday with Carolina, becoming one of the day’s headline splashes.
- Alec Pierce (WR) — Colts → Colts (re-signed) 4 years, $114 million (max $116 million; $84 million guaranteed, $60 million fully at signing) Indy keeps their young receiver talent in-house with a blockbuster extension.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) — Giants → Titans 4 years, $78 million ($38 million guaranteed in some reports) Tennessee continues their aggressive rebuild by adding the speedy ex-Giant.
- Malik Willis (QB) — Titans → Dolphins 3 years, $67.5 million ($45 million fully guaranteed) Miami bets big on the former first-rounder as their QB future.
- John Franklin-Myers (DT) — Jets → Titans 3 years, $63 million ($42 million guaranteed) The Titans load up on the defensive line with this solid interior addition.
- Mike Evans (WR) — Buccaneers → 49ers 3 years, $60.4 million A stunning end to Evans’ long Tampa tenure—he heads west to bolster San Francisco’s offense.
- Alontae Taylor (CB) — Saints → Titans (implied in reports; value aligns with similar deals) 3 years, $60 million (approx.; details emerging) Tennessee’s spending spree continues on the secondary.
- Travis Etienne Jr. (RB) — Jaguars → Saints 4 years, $52 million New Orleans adds a dynamic back to their backfield mix.
- Rashid Shaheed (WR) — (Re-signed or similar; cross-reports vary) 3 years, $51 million ($34.7 million guaranteed in some trackers) Speedy receiver stays put or lands similar value.
- Cor’Dale Flott (CB) — Giants → Titans 3 years, $45 million ($32 million fully guaranteed) Another piece for Tennessee’s secondary overhaul.
Other Notable Deals (Lower Value or Partial Details)
- Devin Bush (LB) — Steelers → Bears: 3 years, $30 million
- Reed Blankenship (S) — Eagles → Texans: 3 years, $24 million ($16.5 million guaranteed)
- Charlie Kolar (TE) — Ravens → Chargers: 3 years, $24.3 million
- Keith Allgeier (RB) — Falcons → Cardinals: 2 years, $12.25 million
- Travis Kelce (TE) — Chiefs → Chiefs (re-signed): 1 year, $12 million
- Kendrick Bourne (WR) — Patriots → Cardinals: 2 years, $10 million
- Austin Schlottman (C) — Giants → Titans: 2 years, up to $9 million
Additional Buzzworthy Moves (Values Reported Variably or Pending Full Confirmation)
- Tyler Linderbaum (C) reportedly headed to Raiders on a 3-year, ~$81 million deal (highest-paid center).
- Kenneth Walker III (RB) to Chiefs: 3 years up to $45 million ($28.7 million guaranteed).
- Tremaine Edmunds (LB) and others in the $30-40M range.
- Lower-tier adds like Austin Hooper (TE → Falcons), Olamide Zaccheaus (WR → Falcons), Mitchell Trubisky (QB → Titans), and even a surprise 1-year, $1.3M for Tua Tagovailoa (to Falcons? Reports mixed).
The Tennessee Titans were the most aggressive spenders early, adding multiple high-profile pieces to flip their roster. Other teams like the Panthers, Dolphins, and Saints made splashy upgrades too.
