NFL free agency buzz: Latest on WRs, RBs on the move

The National Football League’s free agency negotiation period commences this Monday at noon ET, and teams have been actively engaged in making trades and gearing up for the anticipated flurry of activity.

Reports from league executives and coaches suggest significant interest in the potential large contract for Alec Pierce and the highly sought-after market for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. We also possess insights into the Eagles’ ambitious strategies and their asking price for A.J. Brown, alongside details of the Cowboys’ offer for Maxx Crosby before the Ravens ultimately secured a trade for the standout edge rusher.

Below is the latest information as of Sunday morning. Remember to check our free agency tracker throughout the week for continuous updates on league transactions.

Jump to:
Post-Crosby impact | Eagles’ continued activity
Wide receiver landscape | Running back market
Defensive priorities | Commanders’ bold moves

Maxx Crosby Trade Aftermath

The Las Vegas Raiders skillfully played potential suitors against each other, extracting maximum draft compensation in the Maxx Crosby trade saga, which left the Dallas Cowboys disappointed but ultimately confident in their decision to withdraw from negotiations.

Dallas maintained a firm stance throughout the process. The franchise was unwilling to relinquish two first-round draft picks, hoping that their 12th overall pick in the April draft, combined with a future second-rounder, would be sufficient to sway Las Vegas. Dallas also considered including a veteran player to enhance their offer, but the Raiders were exclusively focused on acquiring draft picks.

Following their acquisition of first- and second-round picks for Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, Dallas established clear boundaries on how far they would go for Crosby, despite their genuine desire for him. “We truly admired him,” a Dallas source commented on their pursuit of Crosby, a player the Cowboys had been eyeing for an extended period.

The Chicago Bears monitored the situation, but it was generally understood that they were not serious contenders in the end.

Baltimore, a team renowned for its draft-centric approach, making an unexpected move by surrendering two first-round picks, was quite surprising. However, Green Bay, operating with a similar philosophy, traded two first-round selections for Micah Parsons in August, serving as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of elite pass rushers for teams aiming for immediate contention.

Dallas must now shift its focus to free agency to secure a pass rusher. They have been keeping tabs on Trey Hendrickson since the trade deadline, and he is now available as a free agent. Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe will be prominent names on Dallas’ radar in the upcoming days.

A notable comment from someone involved in the trade provided an interesting perspective on the Patriots’ chances of acquiring Crosby: “There was no way Tom [Brady] was letting Maxx go to [Mike] Vrabel.”

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Eagles Anticipating Active New League Year

The Philadelphia Eagles warrant close attention for reasons extending beyond A.J. Brown. Philadelphia is demanding a significant return for Brown – one executive mentioned their asking price as a first- and second-round draft pick. This might, however, change. New England is reportedly in contention.

While I never perceived Philadelphia to be heavily pursuing Crosby, the Eagles are certainly active in the pass-rush market. League insiders suggest Philly is attempting to secure Jaelan Phillips with a new contract valued at well over $20 million annually. Nevertheless, Phillips is expected to attract considerable interest if he opts for free agency.

As a backup plan, the Eagles are thought to have inquired about Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard. The Vikings have fielded numerous calls regarding Greenard, who would be significantly more affordable to acquire than Crosby. A Day 2 draft pick would likely finalize a deal. However, Greenard’s contract situation adds complexity; teams indicate he is seeking a new agreement, with his current contract valued at $38 million over the next two years. Boye Mafe is also being considered as a viable edge rusher option if a deal for Phillips doesn’t materialize.

With defensive tackle Jordan Davis having already signed an extension, Philadelphia must now also evaluate whether to extend Jalen Carter, who is eligible for a new contract. I’ve been informed that Philly has received trade inquiries regarding Carter.

Furthermore, Brown is not the sole receiver potentially available. Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman, Los Angeles’ Quentin Johnston, and Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks have been mentioned in my discussions. While teams have expressed interest in Green Bay’s Jayden Reed, I don’t believe the Packers would consider trading him at this juncture.

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The Trajectory for Top Wide Receivers

Anticipate that negotiations between Alec Pierce and the Colts will extend to the very last moment as the team endeavors to prevent him from reaching Monday’s open market.

This will undoubtedly be a difficult task. Pierce appears poised to command a new deal worth at least $27 million annually. The Patriots, Commanders, Raiders, and Titans are among the teams reportedly in the running.

What strengthens Indianapolis’ position is Pierce’s close relationship with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, and his preference to remain in Indianapolis, assuming comparable terms. Hope still exists for Indy, but Pierce’s ultimate destination will be determined by his market value. His potential for big plays and high upside make him a desirable asset for many teams.

Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs intends to explore the free agency market, as discussions with Green Bay did not result in a new contract. He is expected to have multiple interested parties. The Patriots, Commanders, and Titans are closely observing his market, along with the 49ers. Some evaluators consider Doubs to be the most well-rounded receiver available in this group.

I foresee the Raiders pursuing Rashid Shaheed, depending on how the wide receiver market develops and the final price point. New coach Klint Kubiak is reportedly a big admirer of his. However, Las Vegas’ more pressing need lies in strengthening its offensive line.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still aggressively working to re-sign Mike Evans. Buffalo would have been an ideal destination for Evans before the D.J. Moore trade consumed a portion of their available funds. The Commanders could emerge as a dark-horse candidate for Evans; it’s important to remember his desire for a strong quarterback and consistent targets. Tampa remains in a favorable position with Evans but is not guaranteed to sign him.

Tennessee has been linked to Wan’Dale Robinson. While there’s mutual interest, Robinson is anticipated to have other potential suitors.

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Running Backs Poised for Movement

The running back market is proving to be more dynamic than usual, with the New York Jets setting the benchmark by applying a $14.3 million franchise tag to Breece Hall.

Kenneth Walker currently appears to be the player defining the market’s value, with Travis Etienne Jr. expected to be closely behind. Some teams I’ve consulted are estimating the market’s upper limit for running backs to be around $12 million, a figure that could escalate if a sufficient number of teams become involved.

I’m receiving information that Walker is considering the Giants and Commanders among his prospective teams, with the Titans also being a possibility. Etienne is drawing interest from the AFC West, specifically Denver and Kansas City. Both of these teams might also explore options with Walker and other running backs, depending on their salary expectations.

Most within the league anticipate Kansas City will ultimately acquire a running back, whether it’s one of the top-tier players or someone in the mid-range.

Power back Rico Dowdle has been mentioned in connection with the Commanders by several league sources.

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Investment in Defense

The Chicago Bears freed up approximately $17 million in cap space through the D.J. Moore trade, a sum they will require in free agency to bolster their defense. While pass-rush assistance could be beneficial, I don’t get the impression that Chicago is desperate for a high-profile pass rusher. Much will depend on the cost. Strengthening the interior rush might be their preferred approach. As a replacement for Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a player to watch, given his history with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in New Orleans and his strong coverage skills. At safety, I anticipate the Bears will try to re-sign Kevin Byard III this weekend but will allow Jaquan Brisker to depart.

Cincinnati could emerge as the most aggressive team in the defensive free agent market, as they are reportedly evaluating nearly every position group. Edge rusher Rashan Gary is a name to keep an eye on if the Packers decide to move him. The new Bengals defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, previously worked with Gary in Green Bay. Cincinnati has also been linked to safety Nick Cross and several defensive linemen.

Carolina is active in various markets, likely seeking assistance at pass rusher and linebacker. Players like edge rusher Odafe Oweh and linebacker Devin Lloyd are considered strong fits for the Panthers’ defensive scheme. General Manager Dan Morgan also has a connection, having been with Buffalo when the franchise drafted free agent linebacker Edmunds.

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Washington’s Free Agency Strategy

The Commanders were frequently mentioned in our previous discussions about running backs and wide receivers. The prevailing sentiment within the league is that this year could mark Washington’s most active offseason since the Adam Peters era commenced in 2024. The Commanders are expressing interest in other positions, including cornerback, edge rusher, and potentially tight end. Washington possesses a roster with notable gaps, nearly $90 million in cap space, and a star quarterback, Jayden Daniels, on a rookie contract. Therefore, while the Commanders might not make blockbuster signings at every position, they are expected to be a significant presence in free agency.

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Rapid Updates

• Last year, the Ravens successfully finalized an extension with left tackle Ronnie Stanley two days before the tampering period began. Can they achieve a similar outcome with center Tyler Linderbaum? He holds a commanding position in the center market, so if he reaches Monday, he will be challenging to retain. The Raiders, Giants, and Titans could show some level of interest. His annual salary is expected to easily exceed $20 million.

• Soon-to-be free agent quarterback Kyler Murray may opt for a deliberate approach in selecting his next team. Once released around the start of the new league year, he will likely want to engage with potential suitors and possibly make several visits. Minnesota will be a viable option. The Colts and Falcons possess talent and quarterbacks who might not be ready to start the season, which could influence veteran quarterbacks evaluating their choices.

• The Seahawks are expected to try and re-sign safety Coby Bryant, one of the more sought-after defensive players on the market. He is interested in returning to Seattle but will also attract attention from other teams.

• The Jets and Bengals frequently come up in discussions concerning safeties at or near the top of the market. Bryan Cook of Kansas City remains a key figure in this segment. The Chiefs might also look to fill the position if they lose Cook.

• I continue to hear strong indications that John Franklin-Myers will command a substantial contract in free agency. He is considered the premier interior rusher available, and the draft class isn’t particularly strong at his position. Several teams are reportedly in contention for his services.

• The deadline is approaching for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, whose $38 million cap hit presents a significant challenge. San Francisco must make a decision, leading teams to wonder about his potential availability. Conventional wisdom suggests San Francisco will attempt to work out a new arrangement with the 12-time Pro Bowler.

• The Jaguars are hoping to re-sign cornerback Montaric Brown before free agency begins. If they are unable to do so, San Francisco is among the teams anticipated to show interest.

• Linebacker Kaden Elliss has garnered admirers around the league from previous coaching staffs he’s played under, including San Francisco (defensive coordinator Raheem Morris) and Cleveland (defensive coordinator Mike Rutenburg). Cleveland, however, is also interested in re-signing linebacker Devin Bush.

• Regarding backup quarterback news, Mitchell Trubisky has attracted interest as a competent No. 2 option. The Titans, Bills, and Jets are among the teams reportedly on his radar. A name to potentially watch as a backup in Carolina is Kenny Pickett.