The first week of 2026 NFL free agency delivered shocking developments that reshaped team rosters across the league. The Ravens shocked the football world Tuesday evening when medical reasons caused them to pull out of a blockbuster trade agreement to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Raiders in exchange for a pair of first-round picks. The Ravens weren't without a star pass rusher for long, however, as they agreed to a four-year, $112 million deal with former Bengal Trey Hendrickson on Wednesday morning.
Quarterback Malik Willis is signing with the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa is signing with the Falcons, and Kyler Murray is signing with the Vikings. Mike Evans is now in San Francisco, and Kenneth Walker III will lead the backfield in Kansas City. Rather than letting him walk in free agency -- as arguably the top wide receiver on the market -- they signed the 25-year-old to a megadeal and traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, ostensibly clearing the way for Pierce to be their WR1.
CB Trent McDuffie: Acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 29), fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick, as well as a 2027 third-rounder. McDuffie signed a four-year, $124 million contract extension with the Rams. The move addresses a critical need for Los Angeles after losing key secondary players.
Denny Carter breaks down which teams won and which teams lost during the first week of 2026 NFL free agency. The opening wave of free agency provided some stunning moves -- and non-moves -- as NFL teams continued to build their rosters for the 2026 NFL season. With many top players still available, teams continue making moves to improve their championship chances.
