Key NFL Moves Anticipated Ahead of Free Agency

Emerson Raymont

Published: March 8, 2026 3:24 PM ET

As the NFL’s offseason approaches, significant roster changes are unfolding ahead of free agency. The legal tampering period opens on March 9, 2024, leading into free agency on March 11, 2024, at 4:00 PM ET. Teams are already making moves to solidify their rosters for the upcoming season.

Key NFL Moves Anticipated Ahead of Free Agency

Maxx Crosby Trade

The Baltimore Ravens have finalized a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This trade includes two first-round picks, slated for 2026 and 2027. The Philadelphia Eagles, initially interested in Crosby, opted out of the pursuit due to the high cost.

Daniel Jones Transition Tag

The Indianapolis Colts have placed the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, providing them with an opportunity to gauge his market value. Jones had a promising season but was sidelined by injuries. The Colts aim to avoid overpaying for a player who has shown inconsistency in the past.

Player Swaps Between Packers and Colts

In a rare player swap, the Green Bay Packers traded defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin. This move highlights the strategic roster adjustments both teams are making.

Lions-Ravens Trade and Running Back Changes

The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. In return, they received a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.
Following Montgomery’s addition, the Texans released running back Joe Mixon, who had missed the previous season due to an undisclosed injury.

Retirements and Center Moves

Several centers are retiring this offseason, prompting teams to adjust their strategies. Drew Dalman of the Chicago Bears announced his retirement at just 27 years old. This led to a trade for center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round pick.

The Los Angeles Chargers signed Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal worth $30 million after his release from the Washington Commanders. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills re-signed center Connor McGovern to a four-year deal worth $52 million.

Trent McDuffie Trade

The Kansas City Chiefs made headlines when they traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams gave up three draft picks in 2026 (first, fifth, and sixth rounds) and a third-round pick in 2027. This trade marks a significant move for both franchises as they reshape their rosters.

Upcoming Free Agency Decisions

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing challenges in retaining tight end Dallas Goedert amid approaching free agency. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings restructured T.J. Hockenson’s contract, saving over $5 million against the salary cap.

Other Notable Contract Extensions

Dalton Schultz signed a one-year contract extension with the Texans worth $12.6 million.
Tyler Higbee signed a two-year extension with the Rams valued at $8 million.
Jelani Woods extended his stay with the Jets, while Quintin Morris secured a one-year extension with the Jaguars worth $3 million.
Kyle Pitts of the Falcons received the franchise tag valued at $15.045 million.

As teams finalize their strategies, the activities leading up to free agency illustrate the competitive landscape of the NFL. The decisions made now will impact each team’s performance in the upcoming season.