NFL Free Agency 2026: Kenneth Walker to Chiefs, Tua Released, Record Contracts Fly on Day One
The 2026 NFL free agency legal tampering period officially opened Monday, March 9, at 12:00 p.m. ET, and the first hours delivered a historic wave of transactions. For the first time in NFL history, teams are permitted to directly contact up to five free agents during the tampering window, and franchises wasted absolutely no time exploiting the new rule.
Kenneth Walker III to Kansas City Chiefs Headlines NFL Free Agency Day One
The single biggest splash of the opening hours belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs. Kenneth Walker III agreed to join Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, giving the defending conference champion one of the most explosive running backs on the market.
With the free agency tampering period open, the Chiefs also have interest in San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams. If a trade happens, Williams would suddenly fix everything at a very key position for Kansas City.
Meanwhile, Trent McDuffie, days after being acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, agreed to terms on a four-year, $124 million extension. The total value and $31 million average per year each set NFL records for the cornerback position.
Tua Tagovailoa Released, Dolphins Sign Malik Willis as QB Replacement
One of the most stunning quarterback moves of the offseason came out of Miami. The Miami Dolphins informed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that they are releasing him, but are still set to pay his $54 million fully guaranteed salary.
The Dolphins simultaneously moved quickly to replace Tagovailoa, agreeing to sign Malik Willis as their new starting quarterback heading into the 2026 season.
Kyler Murray, released by the Arizona Cardinals, emerged as a second notable quarterback circulating the market. The Vikings are the early favorite to sign Murray, with the Browns, Jets, and Falcons also monitoring the situation.
Record NFL Free Agency Contracts: Linderbaum, Phillips, Pierce Lead the Way
Center Tyler Linderbaum agreed to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $81 million deal, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history after quickly establishing himself as a top-10 player at his position during his time in Baltimore.
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai signed with the New York Jets on a three-year, $36 million deal, while defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains one of the most coveted pass rushers still finalizing his landing spot.
The Green Bay Packers traded defensive lineman Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Miami Dolphins also traded cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets for a 2026 seventh-round pick, with the Jets signing Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million extension.
Seahawks Reload as Kenneth Walker Exits to Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle faces an immediate backfield void following the Kenneth Walker III departure to Kansas City. The Seahawks were among the teams monitoring the top running backs on the market, with Travis Etienne also generating significant interest from multiple NFC teams.
The New Orleans Saints agreed to a deal with Etienne, landing the former Jacksonville running back closer to his Louisiana roots. The Saints also agreed to a four-year, $61 million contract with guard David Edwards out of Buffalo, addressing two major roster needs in one afternoon.
More NFL Free Agency Moves: Bears, Steelers, Jets Active Early
The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed cornerback Asante Samuel to a one-year, $4 million deal, adding secondary depth alongside their new wide receiver tandem of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
The Houston Texans locked up right guard Ed Ingram on a new three-year extension before he could test the open market, while the Las Vegas Raiders acquired Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson via trade in exchange for a sixth and seventh-round draft pick swap.
The top ten free agents entering Monday included center Tyler Linderbaum, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, wide receiver Alec Pierce, cornerback Jaylen Watson, linebacker Odafe Oweh, tight end Kyle Pitts, and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. Most of those names are expected to have agreements in place before Wednesday's official league year opening at 4:00 p.m. ET.
