How has every team fared in 2026 NFL free agency to kick off the latest league new year?
All 32 teams have different levels of spending power to remain salary-cap compliant, making the splurging and splicing relative to their status as either contenders or rebuilders. For some, being aggressive was the right objective; others needed to get rid of hefty contracts.
In the end, it’s about how much a team improved itself in the short term ahead of the draft with its signings, re-signings, trades, and releases. Here’s grading them all, based on how much better or worse they are coming down from the early free-agent waves:
NFL FREE AGENCY 2026: Live tracker | Winners and Losers | Best still available
NFL free agency grades 2026
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: A
- Key additions: RB Kenneth Walker III, S Alohi Gilman, DT Khyris Tonga,
- Key re-signings: TE Travis Kelce, WR Tyquan Thornton, LS James Winchester
- Key losses: CB Trent McDuffie, CB Jaylen Watson, CB Joshua Williams, S Bryan Cook, LB Leo Chenal, OT Jawaan Taylor, RB Isiah Pacheco, RB Kareem Hunt WR Marquise Brown
Andy Reid and Brett Veach were expecting to lose all three cornerbacks and did well to get good first-round draft pick return for McDuffie at a position they draft well every year. Walker gives their running game a new more powerful and explosive look and Gilman was a good recovery from losing Cook. Getting Kelce and Thorton back in the mix also wil help for Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL and seeing the team tilt toward offense strong again.
MORE: Travis Kelce breaks silence on postponing retirement
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A
- Key additions: WR Michael Pittman Jr., CB Jamel Dean, RB Rico Dowdle, S Jaquan Brisker, S Darnell Savage, OT Jack Driscoll
- Key re-signings: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
- Key losses: TE Jonnu Smith, WR Calvin Austin III, RB Kenneth Gainwell, G Isaac Seumalo, S Kyle Dugger, CB James Pierre, S Jabrill Peppers;, TE Connor Heyward, S Miles Killebrew
The Steelers did their most imprortant things in free agency, other than the eventual re-signing of Aaron Rodgers to remain their starting quarterback for Mike McCarthy. Pittman and Dowdle are good boosts to DK Metcalf and jaylen Warren. Dean was a strong defensive get for GM Omar Khan.
IYER: Michael Pittman Jr. trade grades
3. Washington Commanders
Grade: A
- Key additions: EDGE Odafe Oweh, RB Rachaad White, LB Leo Chenal, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, CB Amik Robertson, QB Marcus Mariota, DT Tim Settle, S Nick Cross, EDGE Charles Omenihu
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: WR Deebo Samuel Sr., EDGE Von Miller, CB Marshon Lattimore, C Tyler Biadasz
The Commanders did well with GM Adam Peters to load up Dan Quinn’s defense with disruptive upfield players in Oweh, Chenal and Chaisson. They also locked up more of their offensive line for Jaydean Dnaiels, secured his backup, added a running back and got him a potential young breakout target.
MORE: Commanders sign tw-time Super Bowl champ
4. Carolina Panthers
Grade: A
- Key additions: EDGE Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, QB Kenny Pickett, C Luke Fortner, WR John Metchie III
- Key re-signings: LB Isaiah Simmons, WR David Moore, CB Robert Rochell
- Key losses: C Cade Mays, RB Rico Dowdle, DT A’Shawn Robinson, OT Yosh Nijman, S Nick Scott
Phillips and Lloyd filled big needs as two of the best available defensive player in fre agency, so that shot up their grade alone, giving GM Dan Morgan major props for high quality vs. quantity.
MORE: Panthers outbit Eagles for Jaelan Phillips
5. Baltimore Ravens
Grade: A-
- Key additions: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, QB Tyler Huntley, G John Simpson
- Key re-signings: CB Chidobe Awuzie
- Key losses: C Tyler Linderbaum, TE Isaiah Likely, RB Keaton Mitchell, S Alohi Gilman, DT Dre’Mont Jones, TE Charlie Kolar; WR DeAndre Hopkins EDGE Kyle Van Noy, FB Patrick Ricard
The Ravens saw the Maxx Crosby trade fall through but GM Eric DeCosta still was able to get Hendrickson for their pass rush needs without giving up draft picks. Hawkins was the top safety available and the Ravens planned on losing Linderbaum and Likely from the defense.
MORE: What caused Maxx Crosby to fail physical?
6. Los Angeles Rams
Grade: A-
- Key additions: CB Trent McDuffie, CB Jaylen Watson
- Key re-signings: S Kamren Curl
- Key losses: CB Cobie Durant, CB Roger McCreary, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Tutu Atwell, CB Darious Williams
Les Snead is back to being aggressive with their cap money, spending enough along with giving up draft picks to land the Chiefs‘ starting corners from 2025 as major upgrades. Keeping Curl insures their weakness in the secondary flipped into the strength.
MORE: Most overpaid players of 2026 NFL free agency
7. San Francisco 49ers
Grade: A-
- Key additions: WR Mike Evans, DT Osa Odighizuwa, OT Vederian Lowe
- Key re-signings: K Eddy Pineiro, TE Jake Tonges, LS Jon Weeks
- Key losses: WR Jauan Jennings, WR Skyy Moore, RB Brian Robinson Jr.
There’s not much spending here with the draft being key for rebooting the 49ers, but John Lynch’s house-cleaning at wide receiver set it up well for Evans to leave the other bay. Odighizuwa is a sneaky good defensive pickup. The 49ers did it again with more quantity than quality.
MORE: Is Mike Evans free agency’s biggest bargain?
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: A-
- Key additions: C Tyler Linderbaum, LB Nakobe Dean, LB Quay Walker, WR Jalen Nailor, EDGE Kwity Paye, CB Taron Johnson, TE Connor Heyward
- Key re-signings: CB Eric Stokes
- Key losses: QB Geno Smith, G Dylan Parham, EDGD Malcolm Koonce, G Alex. Cappa
John Spytek would have seen his team grade higher had the Maxx Crosby trade gone through and added two first-round picks, but there’s a good chance Crosby still moves for good draft compensation. If not, Dean, Walker, Paye and Johnson give him plenty of help on every part of the defense. Linderbuam is huge for Ashton Jeanty ahead of snapping for Fernando Mendoza.
MORE: Comparing Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson
9. New Orleans Saints
Grade: A-
- Key additions: RB Travis Etienne Jr., G David Edwards, TE Noah Fant, LB Kaden Elliss, DT John Ridgeway
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: DE Cameron Jordan, LB Demario Davis, CB Alontae Taylor, C Luke Fortner, QB/TE Taysom Hill
The Saints didn’t go nuts because of familiar cap issues and did lose a couple of long-time veteran defensive leaders along with the rising coverage star in Taylor. But they did do well to recover with Ellis and boosted the running game to support Tyler Shough with Etienne and Edwards.
MORE: What Travis Etienne signing means for Alvin Kamara
10. Tennessee Titans
Grade: A-
- Key additions: WR Wan’Dale Robinson, DT John Franklin-Myers, CB Cor’Dale Flott, CB Alontae Taylor, QB Mitchell Trubisky, TE Daniel Bellinger, C Austin Schlottmann , DT Jordan Elliott, P Tommy Townsend, DT Solomon Thomas, S Tony Adams
- Key re-signings: K Joey Slye
- Key losses: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, G Kevin Zeitler, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, EDGE Arden Key, S Xavier Woods, C Lloyd Cushenberry
The Titans had the most money to spend under the salary cap in free agency and GM Mike Borgonzi went to work giving Cam Ward some weapons to help the offense and adding good supporting defensive and special teams players.
MORE: Biggest bargain contracts of 2026 NFL free agency
11. Chicago Bears
Grade: B+
- Key additions: S Coby Bryant, LB Devin Bush, C Garrett Bradbury, DT Neville Gallimore, OT Jedrick Wills Jr., WR/KR Kalif Raymond, CB Cam Lewis
- Key re-signings: OT Braxton Jones, LB D’Marco Jackson
- Key losses: WR D.J. Moore, LB Tremaine Edmunds, C Drew Dalman, S Kevin Byard, CB Nahshon Wright, S Jaquan Brisker, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The Bears remixed their secondary with Bryant and not bringing back Byard, Brisker or Wright. Bush is a big get in coverage to upgrade over Edumunds. Bradbury was a nice recovery for Ryan Poles after losing Dalman. Wills is an intriguing flyer for left tackle, too.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Bears
12. Houston Texans
Grade: B+
- Key additions: RB David Montgomery, S Reed Blankenship, OT Braden Smith, EDGE Logan Hall
- Key re-signings: G Ed Ingram, DT Dominique Robinson
- Key losses: OT Tytus Howard, G Juice Scruggs, RB Joe Mixon, WR Christian Kirk, DL Denico Autry, DT Sheldon Rankins, DT Tim Settle
The Texans did well to get Montgomery to upgrade their backfield and should feel better about their offensive line with their remix that includes Smith. Blankenship also gives DeMeco Ryan a strong playmaker to play off the pass rush and top corners.
MORE: David Montgomery trade details
13. Buffalo Bills
Grade: B+
- Key additions: WR D.J. Moore, EDGE Bradley Chubb, CB Dee Alford, QB Kyle Allen, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- Key re-signings: G Connor McGovern
- Key losses: DE Joey Bosa, CB Taron Johnson, S Taylor Rapp, QB Mitchell Trubisky, WR Brandin Cooks, WR Curtis Samuel, CB Dane Jackson, G David Edwards
Getting Moore gives Josh Allen a durable No. 1 target for the outside. Chubb still can give something good rushing the passer leaving Miami. They did take some secondary hits but it was good keep McGovern while losing Edwards.
MORE: D.J. Moore trade grades
14. Minnesota Vikings
Grade: B
- Key additions: QB Kyler Murray, CB James Pierre, LS Andrew DePaola
- Key re-signings: RB Aaron Jones
- Key losses: DT Javon Hargrave, DT Jonathan Allen, LB Eric Wilson; S Harrison Smith, C Ryan Kelly, WR Jalen Nailor
The Vikings improve their grade greatly with a Kyler Murray, a major quarterback addition of note to likely displace J.J. McCarhty as the starting QB and rev up the offense with another running dimension for Kevin O’Connell. there’s not much to see here expect clearing a good chunk of money as needed.
MORE: What Kyler Murray signing means for J.J. McCarthy
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B
- Key additions: EDGE Boye Mafe, S Bryan Cook
- Key re-signings: G Dalton Risner
- Key losses: DE Trey Hendrickson, QB Joe Flacco, TE Noah Fant, EDGE Joseph Ossai
The Bengals knew Hendrickson was gone and went smart for the upside of Mafe to replace him. Cook is also the playmaking safety they have’ needed since Jessie Bates III left.
MORE: Trey Hendrickson could haunt Bengals twice a year
16. Miami Dolphins
Grade: B
- Key additions: QB Malik Willis, K Zane Gonzalez, LB Josh Uche, S Lonnie Johnson, CB Darrell Baker
- Key re-signings: TE, Greg Dulcich, K Riley Patterson, CB AJ Green
- Key losses: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Tyreek Hill; EDGE Bradley Chubb, TE Darren Waller, K Jason Sanders, B Alec Ingold, G James Daniels, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
The Dolphins channeled the Marlins with a fire sale in clearing some big contracts, led by Tagovailoa, Chubb and Hill. Willis can give them more efficient production in the new offense for much cheaper. This is working to be a run-oriented, defensive-minded team for the former Packers combination of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley.
MORE: Malik Willis cashes in with Dolphins
17. New York Giants
Grade: B-
- Key additions: TE Isaiah Likely, P Jordan Stout, LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Greg Newsome II, FB Patrick Ricard, WR Calvin Austin III,
- Key re-signings: OT Jermaine Eluemunor, G Evan Neal, LB Zaire Barnes
- Key losses: WR Wan’Dale Robinson, QB Russell Wilson, LB Bobby Okereke, CB Cor’Dale Flott, G Greg Van Roten, TE Daniel Bellinger, RB Emmanuel Wilson
Joe Schoen improved the weaponry for Jaxson Dart a little with Likely and needs more work in the draft after losing Robinson and Bellinger. The Giants kept the needed offensive linemen and invested just OK in versatility and special teams help.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Giants
18. Dallas Cowboys
Grade: B-
- Key additions: EDGE Rashan Gary, S Jalen Thompson, DE Sam Williams, S P.J. Locke, DT Otito Ogbonnia, QB Sam Howell
- Key re-signings: WR George Pickens
- Key losses: DT Osa Odighizuwa, EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, S Donovan Wilson, DT Solomon Thomas, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., LB Logan Wilson
In relation to Jerry Jones’ spending power, the Cowboys did OK keeping Pickens and sitll getting Gary and Thompson as good starters without the big pass-rush coup.
MORE: Rashan Gary trade grades
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: B-
- Key additions: CB Riq Woolen, TE Johnny Mundt
- Key re-signings: TE Grant Calcaterra, P Braden Mann
- Key losses: TE Dallas Goedert, EDGE Jaelan Phillips, LB Nakobe Dean S Reed Blankenship
The Eagles were expecting to see Dean, Phillips and Blankenship leave the defense but it was still significant for Vic Fangio’s defnse. GM Howie Roseman, however, still came up with a top big-play cornerback to help Quinyon Mitchell and slot ace Cooper DeJean.
MORE: Will the Eagles trade A.J. Brown?
20. New England Patriots
Grade: B-
- Key additions: WR Romeo Doubs, S Kevin Byard, DT Dre’Mont Jones, FB Reggie Gilliam, G Alijah Vera-Tucker
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: WR Stefon Diggs, TE Austin Hooper, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, DT Khyiris Tonga, C Garrett Bradbury
The Patriots were hard-pressed to come through in free agency like they did last year with all their spending power based on Drake Maye’s rookie contract. Doubs, Byard and Jones help recover from moving on from Diggs, Hawkins and Chaisson.
MORE: What Romeo Doubs signing means for Drake Maye
21. Indianapolis Colts
Grade: B-
- Key additions: EDGE Arden Key, DT Michael Clemons, DT Colby Wooden
- Key re-signings: QB Daniel Jones, WR Alec Pierce
- Key losses: WR Michael Pittman Jr., LB Zaire Franklin, EDGE Kwity Paye, OT Braden Smith, S Nick Cross
Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard went “all in” on Jones and Pierce being the leaders of their passing game at the cost of keeping Pittman. They also lost their right tackle, Smith and saw a little defensive drain without replacing the voice. The Colts did OK to try to stay where they were but still had to sacrifice.
MORE: Daniel Jones signs largest 2-year deal in NFL history
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: C
- Key additions: RB Kenneth Gainwell, LB Alex Anzalone, QB Jake Browning, DT A’Shawn Robinson, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, S Miles Killebrew
- Key re-signings: TE Cade Otton
- Key losses: WR Mike Evans, RB Rachaad White, CB Jamel Dean, EDGE Logan Hall, P Riley Dixon
Gainwell, Anzalone and Robinson are a good collective trio of a addition, not being able to retain either Evans or Dean in concerning.
MORE: Mike Evans on why he signed with the 49ers
23. Seattle Seahawks
Grade: C
- Key additions: RB Emmanuel Wilson
- Key re-signings: WR Rashid Shaheed, CB Josh Jobe
- Key losses: RB Kenneth Walker III, CB Tariq Woolen, S Coby Bryant, EDGE Boye Mafe
This is about what one would expect from the reigning Super Bowl champions, having personnel drain as young prime players cashed in elsewhere. They took some expected hits and may have been rash to pay Shaheed.
MORE: Did the Seahawks overpay for Rashid Shaheed?
24. Denver Broncos
Grade: C
- Key additions: None
- Key re-signings: RB J.K. Dobbins, LB Alex Singleton, LB Justin Strnad, TE Nate Adkins,, FB Adam Prentice, OT Alex Palczewski, QB Sam Ehlinger
- Key losses: DT John Franklin-Myers, TE Adam Trautman, LB Dre Greenlaw
The Broncos weren’t expected to be that active for GM George Paton, but they took care of the notable in-house concerns at running back and linebacker. It’s about as average as a free-agent haul can get.
MORE: Why Broncos will regret releasing Dre Greenlaw
25. Detroit Lions
Grade: C
- Key additions: C Cade Mays, G Juice Scruggs, OT Larry Borom, RB Isiah Pacheco
- Key re-signings: QB Teddy Bridgewater, CB Rock Ya-Sin
- Key losses: RB David Montgomery, OT Taylor Decker, LB Alex Anzalone, G Graham Glasgow, OT Dan Skipper, DT Roy Lopez, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
GM Brad Holmes is making rebooting much of the offensive line next to Penei Sewell a priority with some big changes in store for the new Drew Petizing offense. There’s more that needs to be done to really improve either offensively or defensively.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Lions
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: C
- Key additions: C Tyler Biadasz, FB Alec Ingold, TE Charlie Kolar, G Cole Strange, RB Keaton Mitchell
- Key re-signings: EDGE Khalil Mack, OT Trevor Penning, OT Trey Pipkins, LB Del’Shawn Phillips (re-signed, LS Josh Harris
- Key losses: EDGE Odafe Oweh, RB Najee Harris, G Zion Johnson, WR Keenan Allen, G Mekhi Becton, C Bradley Bozeman, TE Will Dissly, S Tony Jefferson, DT Da’Shawn Hand, OT Jamaree Salyer
The Chargers weren’t able to get a big-ticket free agent despite plenty of cap space, including Linderbaum or Hendrickson, to fill big needs. They got mostly role players except for Biadasz GM Joe Hortiz should do a lot more for Jim Harbaugh in the draft.
MORE: Chargers add high-upside RB in free agency
27. Atlanta Falcons
Grade: C-
- Key additions: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, TE Austin Hooper, K Nick Folk, WR Jahan Dotson, EDGE Cameron Thomas, P Jake Bailey, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, LB Christian Harris
- Key re-signings: TE Kyle Pitts
- Key losses: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Darnell Mooney, LB Leonard Floyd, DT David Onyemata, OT Elijah Wilkinson, LB Kaden Elliss
Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. don’t inspire vs. just keeping Cousins. Zaccheaus and Dotson are odd minus Mooeny and so is bringing back Hooper for Matt Ryan. Allgeier takes away key depth for Bijan Robinson. Ellis and Onyemata not staying will hurt the defensive front seven.
MORE: Kyle Pitts receives franchise tag
28. Cleveland Browns
Grade: C
- Key additions: OT Tytus Howard, DT Sheldon Rankins, G Zion Johnson, LB, C/G Elgton Jenkins, TE Jack Stoll, P Kai Kroeger
- Key re-signings: G Teven Jenkins
- Key losses: TE David Njoku, LB Devin Bush, G Joel Bitonio, G Wyatt Teller, OT Cam Robinson, C Ethan Pocic, DT Shelby Harris
The Browns have gutted their offensive line and trying to make it work now with Howard, Johnson and Jenkins. They weren’t able to do much else to help their offense or defense.
MORE: Browns free agency tracker
29. Arizona Cardinals
Grade: C-
- Key additions: RB Tyler Allgeier, QB Gardner Minshew, WR Kendrick Bourne, OT Matt Pryor, DT Roy Lopez, LS Casey Kreiter; S Andrew Wingard
- Key re-signings: K Chad Ryland, P Blake Gillikin, EDGE L.J. Collier
- Key losses: QB Kyler Murray, DT Calais Campbell, OT Jonah Williams, S Jalen , DT Dalvin Tomlinson, RB Michael Carter
The Cardinals added Allgeier well to the backfield, only to still keep aging and oft-injured James Conner. Minshew means it’s him and Jacoby Brissett at QB instead of a returning Murray. Most everything here is underwhelming.
MORE: Why Cardinals signed RB Tyler Allgeier
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: C-
- Key additions: RB Chris Rodriguez
- Key re-signings: CB Montaric Brown
- Key losses: RB Travis Etienne, LB Devin Lloyd, CB Greg Newsome II
The Jaguars may have been smart to not pay for Eitenne and Lloyd, but they still are tough players to replace. This should be a quiet offseason overall for James Gladstone and Jacksonville after not having a first-round pick, either.
MORE: NFL free agency winners and losers
31. Green Bay Packers
Grade: D
- Key additions: DT Javon Hargrave, CB Benjamin St-Juste
- Key re-signings: DT/DE Brenton Cox Jr.
- Key losses: EDGE Rashan Gary, QB Malik Willis, WR Romeo Doubs, OT Rasheed Walker, LB Quay Walker, DE Kingsley Enagbare, C/G Elgton Jenkin, RB Emanuel Wilson, CB Trevon Diggs, CB Nate Hobbs
The Packers are down a receiver, a backup QB and have seen their offensive line gutted. Their defense took mutilple hits on the pass rush and second level. Hargrave and St-Juste do only a little to help the new scheme of Jonathan Gannon.
MORE: Javon Hargrave leaves Vikings for rival Packers
32. New York Jets
Grade: D
- Key additions: QB Geno Smith, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, EDGE Joseph Ossai, LB Demario Davis, S Dane Belton, CB Nahshon Wright, K Cade York, G Dylan Parham
- Key re-signings: RB Breece Hall, OT Max Mitchell
- Key losses: EDGE Jermaine Johnson, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, G John Simpson QB Tyrod Taylor, WR John Metchie III, LB Quincy Williams, S Tony Adams, K Nick Folk
What are the Jets doing? Between them and the Packers, it’s not easy being green and spending the green well in 2026. Going back to Smith in a trade with the Raiders is off the wall. Davis is also an aging original Jet. They splurged on Hall and and still spent on a fading Fizpatrick and a more volatile secondary player in former Bears corner Wright. There’s obvious volume but little vibe of real improvement for a bad team.
