NFL Free Agency Update
The first week of NFL free agency is nearly wrapped up, and a majority of the top players have secured new contracts extending into 2026 and beyond.
Interestingly, though, some highly skilled players are still in search of new deals.
Here’s a look at potential destinations for the top nine unsigned free agents, as outlined in pre-free agency rankings.
Take Rasheed Walker, for example. He likely anticipated a significant contract as free agency kicked off.
But the NFL has a peculiar way of shifting expectations.
While several young left tackles, such as Jaylon Moore with a two-year, $30 million deal from the Kansas City Chiefs and Dan Moore Jr. with a four-year, $82 million contract from the Tennessee Titans, have found lucrative offers, Walker still hasn’t signed as Week 2 of free agency approaches.
A return to the Green Bay Packers isn’t out of the question; however, if reports from Adam Schefter at ESPN are accurate, Walker might be leaning toward a one-year “prove it” contract. Some teams expected to need offensive line support, like the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, have already found different paths.
If Walker doesn’t stay with Green Bay, where could he end up? Maybe a move to a divisional foe would make sense. The Detroit Lions are seeking a left tackle after parting ways with Taylor Decker. There are whispers about moving Penei Sewell to that side, but they might keep him at right tackle—he’s been an All-Pro three times—and let Walker take the left tackle role.
Meanwhile, Jauan Jennings is still on the hunt for a team after nursing multiple broken ribs and other serious injuries last year.
Those injuries could explain why he’s still a free agent. Jennings hasn’t managed a full 17-game season since entering the league as a rookie at 23, but he did accumulate more than 700 receiving yards during one year and is nearing his 29th birthday.
However, perhaps the Las Vegas Raiders could be an ideal fit for him. Recently, it looked like they might have two picks in the top 15 for the 2026 NFL Draft, one possibly being a first-round draft for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They were also set to gain another wide receiver through a trade with the Baltimore Ravens involving Maxx Crosby.
Yet, with that trade now off the table, the Raiders won’t pick until No. 36, which could open up options for them in free agency to better support Mendoza. They recently added Jalen Naylor, but Jennings could complement Mendoza well, having played alongside others like Charlie Becker and Elijah Surratt at Indiana.
Shifting gears, the Cleveland Browns are poised to reshape their roster by releasing three players: tight end David Njoku, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, and offensive guard Wyatt Teller.
While all three are expected to find new teams shortly, let’s focus on Teller. Several teams are on the lookout for offensive line assistance, making him a sought-after option, with the Houston Texans and New York Giants named as potential suitors.
But could there be other teams in the mix? The Los Angeles Chargers might be one. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alto back from injury, their offensive line looks promising, but reinforcing the interior is crucial for the team. Draft analysts are mentioning the Chargers may target players like Penn State’s Olaiba Vega Ioane or Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnone, yet Teller would undoubtedly bolster the inside running game for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
The fit seems pretty clear, doesn’t it?
Meanwhile, Joey Bosa, who played with the Buffalo Bills last season, might be eyeing a new place now that Bradley Chubb has moved to upstate New York.
Could the San Francisco 49ers be the right fit? It seems likely.
With the retirement of Bryce Huff and free agency affecting Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos, the younger Bosa, recovering from a knee injury, would benefit from the support of his older brother if he joins the team.
Also, since the Miami Dolphins let Tyreek Hill go, it seems like a reunion with Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce has always been in the cards.
That feeling persists.
The Chiefs have brought in running back Kenneth Walker III, which should help ease Mahomes’ recovery from his knee injury. Meanwhile, Kelce is set to return to Kansas City after rumors of retirement surfaced in recent offseasons. With Hill currently rehabilitating from a serious knee injury, the Chiefs could certainly use a player like him once he’s back.
And Hill would indeed elevate an offense striving for more explosive plays in 2026.
Additionally, Joey Bosa isn’t the only defensive player possibly leaving Buffalo; AJ Epenesa could also make a switch.
Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager, is searching for defensive reinforcements after losing Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers. They’ve been rumored to have an eye on Trey Hendrickson and could also be looking into a trade for Maxx Crosby, but signing Epenesa might be exactly the type of move Roseman is keen on.
Just yesterday, it seemed DJ Reeder might reunite with the Cincinnati Bengals, but that idea has likely fallen through since Cincinnati has now made a deal for veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Instead, Reeder might end up with the Atlanta Falcons.
Similar to Cincinnati, the Falcons’ defensive front needs a boost, and Reeder would bring a valuable veteran presence. While the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft has intriguing prospects, like Peter Woods and Caden McDonald, Atlanta currently lacks a first-round pick, making veteran acquisitions the more viable option.
As of now, Reeder stands out as the most viable choice available.
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has a few key tasks ahead of him.
But what’s at the top of that list? Maximizing Justin Herbert’s potential.
Adding Deebo Samuel could be a game-changer. Not only would Samuel mesh well with McDaniel’s passing strategies—especially with the crossers and shallows he’s expected to implement—but his contribution would enhance the running game too. Plus, McDaniel has worked with Samuel before in San Francisco, so he’ll know how best to utilize him in the coming season.
It’s tempting to make a joke about Aaron Rodgers potentially taking a post in health services alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after his release. Many might find that amusing, really.
However, it seems likely that if Rodgers returns to the NFL, he’ll spend another year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and new coach Mike McCarthy.
