Grading the 20 Biggest NFL Free Agent Signings of 2026 — Who Won & Who Failed?
With most of the top NFL free agents of 2026 finding a new home this offseason, report card season is now in order. Without further ado, let’s dive into our final grades for the 20 biggest NFL free agent signings of 2026. Which offseason signings have the highest remarks in the NFL? Trey Hendrickson: A-Trey Hendrickson (Photo via Imagn Images) $112 million over four years is a lot of money for an injury-prone defensive end who turns 32 next season. But if you’re the Baltimore Ravens, it was simply a deal that had to be done this NFL offseason. In case you missed it, the Ravens nixed a blockbuster trade that would have netted them Maxx Crosby for two first-round picks. So, they keep those two selections and get another elite pass-rusher anyway. No harm, no foul. The Ravens haven’t had an elite edge rusher since Matt Judon left in 2021. Hendrickson fills the void for a team that’s built to win now. Malik Willis: B+Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images After releasing Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quickly pivoted to Willis. The ex-Green Bay Packers backup agreed to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million, immediately taking over as Miami’s new QB1. It’s a lot of money for a guy with six career starts, yet. But Willis was excellent as Jordan Love’s understudy in 2024 and 2025. He had a 78.7 completion percentage, six touchdowns, zero interceptions, 261 rushing yards, and three rushing scores. Based on where the QB market is these days, it’s a fair contract for Willis. Miami had to move on from Tua, and they’re not in a position to draft a quality QB prospect this year. With plenty of cap space to spare, they can afford to take a big swing here. Kenneth Walker III: A+Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs had one of the league’s worst rushing offenses last season. Ageing veteran Kareem Hunt led the team with 611 yards and a lousy 3.7 yards per carry. Coming off the most disappointing season in franchise history, the Chiefs didn’t want to play around in the NFL offseason. GM Brett Veach inked the Super Bowl 60 MVP and hero on a three-year deal worth $43.05 million. So, Patrick Mahomes finally gets some help on offense with a game-changing running back. Remember, KC hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, when rookie Mahomes was Alex Smith’s backup. The Chiefs get a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and big-game machine at a very reasonable rate. There is nothing to dislike about this deal, folks. Jaelan Phillips: B-Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks off the field after win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images We won’t blame any Carolina Panthers fans who jumped for joy when their team landed Phillips on a four-year deal worth $120 million. He makes their defense better. He’s also a giant overpay. Both things can be true. Phillips has never topped 8.5 sacks in a season, so the contract is overly generous. But he immediately slots in as their new lead pass-rusher and will also shore up a leaky run defense. Coming off a surprise NFC South division crown, the Panthers had to be aggressive — and Phillips unquestionably improves the unit. It’ll just be hard to live up to his $30 million average salary. Tyler Linderbaum: AJun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders landed the top free agent offensive lineman available, inking the former Raven to a three-year deal worth $81 million this NFL offseason. The Raiders’ offensive line was dreadful last year. Linderbaum can single-handedly change the dynamic, which is vital for both incoming No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and running back Ashton Jeanty after a tough rookie year. Linderbaum ranked fourth in ESPN’s pass-rush win-rate for interior offensive linemen in 2025. Pro Football Focus also gave Linderbaum a run-blocking grade of 80 or better in three seasons with Baltimore. Yeah, Mendoza and Jeanty are going to love this guy. Mike Evans: A+Mike Evans (Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) After spending his first 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans stunned the NFL by leaving for the NFC rival San Francisco 49ers. The future Hall of Famer signed a three-year deal worth $42.4 million to join Kyle Shanahan’s star-studded offense. We know Evans is 33 and coming off the first major injury of his career. But he’ll get plenty of favorable matchups with opposing teams having to focus on Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall. Evans will stretch the field and should rack up the touchdowns in the red zone. He’s the ideal fit for Shanahan’s offense and will have a golden opportunity to catch a second Super Bowl ring. Odafe Oweh: C-Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates his sack with linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images One of our biggest pet peeves in free agency and the offseason is when a desperate NFL team overpays superstar money to a player who’s never been close to a superstar. Case in point: Odafe Oweh. The Washington Commanders gave Oweh a four-year contract worth $96 million after a strong finish to the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. That’s too much cash for a guy who’s logged double-digit sacks once in his career. The other issue? Washington’s defense is more than an Odafe Oweh away from becoming elite. How much is he really gonna move the needle? They would have been better off spreading that $96 million across various areas of need. Wan’Dale Robinson: C-Oct 6, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) tackles New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) following a reception by Robinson during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Yes, the Tennessee Titans had to overpay to upgrade the league’s worst pass-catching corps. It doesn’t mean they get a full pardon for giving Robinson an outrageous four-year, $70 million deal. Robinson had a career year in his final season with the New York Giants, catching 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. But folks, the guy was targeted 140 times for crying out loud. He’d better have good numbers. Also, his production didn’t spike until after superstar wideout Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 4. The Titans regrettably gave Calvin Ridley big money in 2024 free agency. How has that worked out? And he’s a better receiver than Robinson. The only reason for optimism here is that new Titans OC Brian Daboll was Robinson’s coach in New York. Maybe that familiarity will help? But we’re not counting on it. Devin Lloyd: A+Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) runs on the field before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images We may have our questions on the Jaelan Phillips signing this NFL offseason. But good luck finding a legitimate complaint about the bargain three-year, $42 million deal the Panthers agreed to with Lloyd in free agency. Lloyd had five interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 81 combined tackles in his final season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He might not repeat that production in Carolina, but Lloyd nevertheless provides Carolina with the do-it-all linebacker they haven’t had since Luke Kuechly retired. Lloyd will instantly bolster Carolina’s pass rush, run defense, and coverage in the middle of the field. And he only cost $42 million. Perhaps the most underrated move in free agency. Travis Etienne Jr.: C+Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images The New Orleans Saints stunned everyone by winning the Etienne Jr. sweepstakes, landing the ex-Jacksonville star on a four-year deal worth $47.4 million. But only $24 million of it is guaranteed, all through the first two seasons. So if Etienne doesn’t pan out, the Saints have an easy out of his contract in 2028. It’s a risk worth taking. Tyler Shough had a superb rookie year and needs more weaponry. Alvin Kamara is past his best-before date. So the contract is fair for a three-time 1,000-yard rusher, though it might be difficult to sustain that type of production on a rebuilding New Orleans squad. Romeo Doubs: AGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) rides a bicycle to practice in the DreamDrive before the eighth practice of training camp on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin The New England Patriots released top receiver Stefon Diggs in a cap-saving move, opting to land a new No. 1 pass-catcher in free agency and/or the NFL offseason. They signed ex-Packers standout Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract. It seems like a lot of money for a non-superstar receiver. But Doubs should have no issue slotting in as Drake Maye’s new favorite target. Doubs put up good numbers on a Green Bay team loaded with playmakers, namely Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. He led the Pack with 724 yards in 2025, so imagine what he’ll do in an expanded role with his new team. 2026 is the year Doubs emerges as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. And that’s why we love this signing for both parties. Boye Mafe: BDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals had to move quickly after losing Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson in free agency. They found a suitable replacement in Boye Mafe, who helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season. Mafe’s playing time was reduced in Seattle thanks to their deep group of pass rushers in 2025. But he had nine sacks in 2023 and six in 2024. The potential is there, and now he’ll get starter’s playing time in Cincinnati. Jamel Dean: ADec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A longtime mainstay in the Bucs’ secondary, Dean left Tampa after seven seasons to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Super Bowl 55 champion signed a three-year contract worth $36.75 million with Mike McCarthy’s squad. Dean finished as PFF’s third-graded cornerback for 2025 at 80.6. He allowed a passer rating of just 63.1 and a completion percentage of 49.2 last season, per Pro Football Reference. Dean has also allowed just three touchdowns in coverage since 2024. In other words, he’ll significantly bolster a Steelers secondary that already has a quality cornerback tandem of James Pierre and Joey Porter Jr. John Franklin-Myers: B+Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts after a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Titans may have overpaid the likes of Wan’Dale Robinson and Alontae Taylor in NFL free agency, but we can totally get behind the JFM deal this offseason. After two strong seasons with the Denver Broncos, Franklin-Myers signed a three-year deal with Tennessee for $63 million. That’s a very fair contract for a player who logged 14.5 sacks over his two years in Denver. The Titans have one of the league’s premier defensive tackles in Jeffery Simmons. Now he has a running mate to help him off the edge. Bradley Chubb: CJul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) looks during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The first big move for Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane was trading for Chicago Bears star wideout DJ Moore. The second was signing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million. It’s nice to see Beane being aggressive after winning a power struggle with Sean McDermott. But it’s odd that he chose to pay top dollar for a player with an injury history as long as Chubb’s. Chubb missed 12 games in 2019, 10 in 2021, and all of 2024. He’s not young anymore at 30. And he’s hit double-digit sacks once since 2019. There’s a lot of risk in Chubb, but we suppose he at least bolsters a pass rush devoid of real playmakers. Riq Woolen: ARiq Woolen (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) After winning his Super Bowl 60 ring with the Seahawks, Woolen stayed in the NFC to take a one-year, $12 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Woolen hasn’t returned to that All-Pro form we saw in his 2022 rookie year. But this is a guy who’s allowed a career completion percentage of just 54.2 and a 70.6 passer rating through four seasons. Borderline elite. Woolen joins a lights-out secondary featuring the young cornerback tandem of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. This is a great deal for both sides. If Woolen proves to be a good fit in Philly, he’ll score a lucrative multi-year deal next year. Quay Walker: CJan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Raiders had money to spend in the NFL offseason, we get it. But $40.5 million for three years? That’s a little much for a player who’s never put it all together. If Walker couldn’t unlock his potential on a well-coached Packers team…how sure are the Raiders that they’ll get it out of him? Elite athleticism has always been there, but this is a guy who posted a 48.5 PFF grade last year. A one-year “prove-it” deal would have been better. Tua Tagovailoa: CTua Tagovailoa (Photo Via Imagn Images) After he was released by the Dolphins, Tagovailoa quickly signed a one-year pact with the Atlanta Falcons for the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million. The signing is cheap, but it boggles us. Atlanta has poured all these resources into Michael Penix Jr. Now they want to make it an open competition between him and one of the league’s worst starting QBs of the last two years? Not sure what message that sends to Penix and the Atlanta locker room. If you’re Tagovailoa, it would have been wiser to go to a more QB-desperate team like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, or even the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. Jaylen Watson: A+Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) returns an interception against Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images After completing a blockbuster trade for former Chiefs superstar cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Los Angeles Rams reunited the super-duo by signing Watson to a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency. Not sure about you, but that seems totally unfair to us. As if the NFC runner-ups weren’t already scary enough. The two-time Super Bowl champion has allowed a passer rating of under 80 in consecutive seasons. Throw in superb ball-hawking skills, and Watson will help significantly in reshaping the Rams’ secondary. It won’t just be McDuffie. Kyler Murray: A+Kyler Murray. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Everyone knew the Minnesota Vikings would find competition for JJ McCarthy. Mission accomplished. Thanks to his release from the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota was able to sign the No. 1 pick of 2019 to the veteran’s minimum: A one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Worst-case for Minnesota, McCarthy plays well enough to keep the QB1 job. And then they have the league’s best backup. Best-case: Murray wins the QB competition and gets to take over one of the league’s most star-studded offensive units. No risk, and a potentially very high reward here.
