How has every team fared in 2026 NFL free agency to kick off the latest league new year?
All 32 teams have different levels of spending power to remain salary-cap compliantmaking the splurging and splicing relative to their status as either contenders or rebuilders. For somebeing aggressive was the right objective; others needed to get rid of hefty contracts.
In the endit's about how much a team improved itself in the short term ahead of the draft with its signingsre-signingstradesand releases. Here's grading them allbased on how much better or worse they are coming down from the early free-agent waves:
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NFL free agency grades 2026
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: A
- Key additions: RB Kenneth Walker IIIS Alohi GilmanDT Khyris Tonga
- Key re-signings: TE Travis KelceWR Tyquan ThorntonLS James Winchester
- Key losses: CB Trent McDuffieCB Jaylen WatsonCB Joshua WilliamsS Bryan CookLB Leo ChenalOT Jawaan TaylorRB Isiah PachecoRB Kareem HuntWR Marquise Brown
Andy Reid and Brett Veach were expecting to lose all three cornerbacks and did well to get good first-round draft pick return for McDuffie at a position they draft well every year. Walker gives their running game a new more powerful and explosive look and Gilman was a good recovery from losing Cook. Getting Kelce and Thorton back in the mix also wil help for Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL and seeing the team tilt toward offense strong again.
MORE: Travis Kelce breaks silence on postponing retirement
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: A
- Key additions: WR Michael Pittman Jr., CB Jamel DeanRB Rico DowdleS Jaquan BriskerS Darnell SavageOT Jack DriscollDT Sebastian Joseph-Day
- Key re-signings: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
- Key losses: TE Jonnu SmithWR Calvin Austin III, RB Kenneth Gainwell, G Isaac SeumaloS Kyle DuggerCB James Pierre, S Jabrill Peppers;TE Connor HeywardS Miles KillebrewP Corliss Waitman
The Steelers did their most imprortant things in free agencyother than the eventual re-signing of Aaron Rodgers to remain their starting quarterback for Mike McCarthy. Pittman and Dowdle are good boosts to DK Metcalf and jaylen Warren. Dean was a strong defensive get for GM Omar Khan.
IYER: Michael Pittman Jr. trade grades
3. Washington Commanders
Grade: A
- Key additions: EDGE Odafe OwehRB Rachaad WhiteLB Leo ChenalEDGE K’Lavon ChaissonTE Chigoziem OkonkwoCB Amik Robertson, QB Marcus Mariota, DT Tim Settle, S Nick CrossEDGE Charles Omenihu
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: WR Deebo Samuel Sr.EDGE Von MillerCB Marshon LattimoreC Tyler Biadasz
The Commanders did well with GM Adam Peters to load up Dan Quinn's defense with disruptive upfield players in OwehChenal and Chaisson. They also locked up more of their offensive line for Jaydean Dnaielssecured his backupadded a running back and got him a potential young breakout target.
MORE: Commanders sign two-time Super Bowl champ
4. Carolina Panthers
Grade: A
- Key additions: EDGE Jaelan PhillipsLB Devin LloydOT Rasheed WalkerQB Kenny PickettC Luke FortnerWR John Metchie IIIRB A.J. Dillon
- Key re-signings: LB Isaiah SimmonsWR David MooreCB Robert RochellS Nick Scott
- Key losses: QB Andy DaltonC Cade MaysRB Rico Dowdle, DT A'Shawn Robinson, OT Yosh Nijman
Phillips and Lloyd filled big needs as two of the best available defensive player in fre agencyso that shot up their grade alonegiving GM Dan Morgan major props for high quality vs. quantity. Walker was a good second-wave move to bolster the offensive line.
MORE: Panthers outbid Eagles for Jaelan Phillips
5. Baltimore Ravens
Grade: A-
- Key additions: EDGE Trey HendricksonS Jaylinn HawkinsQB Tyler HuntleyG John Simpson
- Key re-signings: CB Chidobe Awuzie
- Key losses: C Tyler LinderbaumTE Isaiah LikelyRB Keaton Mitchell, S Alohi GilmanDT Dre’Mont JonesTE Charlie Kolar; WR DeAndre Hopkins EDGE Kyle Van NoyFB Patrick RicardEDGE David Ojabo
The Ravens saw the Maxx Crosby trade fall through but GM Eric DeCosta still was able to get Hendrickson for their pass rush needs without giving up draft picks. Hawkins was the top safety available and the Ravens planned on losing Linderbaum and Likely from the defense.
MORE: What caused Maxx Crosby to fail physical?
6. Los Angeles Rams
Grade: A-
- Key additions: CB Trent McDuffieCB Jaylen Watson
- Key re-signings: S Kamren Curl
- Key losses: OT Rob HavensteinCB Cobie DurantCB Roger McCrearyQB Jimmy GaroppoloWR Tutu AtwellCB Darious Williams
Les Snead is back to being aggressive with their cap moneyspending enough along with giving up draft picks to land the Chiefs' starting corners from 2025 as major upgrades. Keeping Curl insures their weakness in the secondary flipped into the strength.
MORE: Most overpaid players of 2026 NFL free agency
7. San Francisco 49ers
Grade: A-
- Key additions: WR Mike EvansWR Christian KirkDT Osa OdighizuwaOT Vederian LoweP Corliss Waitman
- Key re-signings: K Eddy PineiroTE Jake TongesLS Jon Weeks
- Key losses: WR Jauan JenningsWR Skyy MooreRB Brian Robinson Jr.DT Kalia Davis
There's not much spending here with the draft being key for rebooting the 49ersbut John Lynch's house-cleaning at wide receiver set it up well for Evans to leave the other bay. Odighizuwa is a sneaky good defensive pickup. The 49ers did it again with more quantity than quality.
MORE: Is Mike Evans free agency's biggest bargain?
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Grade: A-
- Key additions: C Tyler LinderbaumLB Nakobe DeanLB Quay WalkerWR Jalen NailorEDGE Kwity PayeQB Kirk CousinsCB Taron JohnsonTE Connor Heyward
- Key re-signings: CB Eric Stokes
- Key losses: QB Geno Smith, G Dylan ParhamEDGD Malcolm KoonceG Alex. Cappa
John Spytek would have seen his team grade higher had the Maxx Crosby trade gone through and added two first-round picksbut there's a good chance Crosby still moves for good draft compensation. If notDeanWalkerPaye and Johnson give him plenty of help on every part of the defense. Linderbuam is huge for Ashton Jeanty ahead of snapping for Fernando Mendoza.
MORE: Comparing Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson
9. New Orleans Saints
Grade: A-
- Key additions: RB Travis Etienne Jr.G David Edwards, TE Noah FantLB Kaden Elliss, DT John RidgewayQB Zach Wilson
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: DE Cameron JordanLB Demario Davis, CB Alontae Taylor, C Luke FortnerQB/TE Taysom Hill
The Saints didn't go nuts because of familiar cap issues and did lose a couple of long-time veteran defensive leaders along with the rising coverage star in Taylor. But they did do well to recover with Ellis and boosted the running game to support Tyler Shough with Etienne and Edwards.
MORE: What Travis Etienne signing means for Alvin Kamara
10. Tennessee Titans
Grade: A-
- Key additions: WR Wan’Dale RobinsonDT John Franklin-MyersCB Cor’Dale FlottCB Alontae TaylorQB Mitchell TrubiskyTE Daniel BellingerC Austin Schlottmann DT Jordan ElliottP Tommy TownsendDT Solomon Thomas, S Tony Adams
- Key re-signings: K Joey Slye
- Key losses: TE Chigoziem OkonkwoG Kevin ZeitlerCB La'Jarius SneedDT Sebastian Joseph-DayEDGE Arden KeyS Xavier WoodsC Lloyd CushenberryP Johnny Hekker
The Titans had the most money to spend under the salary cap in free agency and GM Mike Borgonzi went to work giving Cam Ward some weapons to help the offense and adding good supporting defensive and special teams players.
MORE: Biggest bargain contracts of 2026 NFL free agency
11. Chicago Bears
Grade: B+
- Key additions: S Coby Bryant, LB Devin Bush, C Garrett Bradbury, DT Neville GallimoreOT Jedrick Wills Jr.WR/KR Kalif RaymondCB Cam Lewis
- Key re-signings: OT Braxton JonesLB D’Marco Jackson
- Key losses: WR D.J. MooreLB Tremaine Edmunds, C Drew Dalman, S Kevin ByardCB Nahshon WrightS Jaquan BriskerS C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The Bears remixed their secondary with Bryant and not bringing back ByardBrisker or Wright. Bush is a big get in coverage to upgrade over Edumunds. Bradbury was a nice recovery for Ryan Poles after losing Dalman. Wills is an intriguing flyer for left tackletoo.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Bears
12. Houston Texans
Grade: B+
- Key additions: RB David MontgomeryS Reed BlankenshipOT Braden SmithEDGE Logan HallG Evan BrownG Wyatt Teller
- Key re-signings: G Ed IngramDT Dominique Robinson
- Key losses: OT Tytus HowardG Juice Scruggs, RB Joe MixonWR Christian KirkDL Denico AutryDT Sheldon Rankins, DT Tim Settle
The Texans did well to get Montgomery to upgrade their backfield and should feel better about their offensive line with their remix that includes Smith. Blankenship also gives DeMeco Ryan a strong playmaker to play off the pass rush and top corners.
MORE: David Montgomery trade details
13. Buffalo Bills
Grade: B+
- Key additions: WR D.J. MooreEDGE Bradley ChubbCB Dee Alford, QB Kyle Allen, S C.J. Gardner-JohnsonS Geno Stone
- Key re-signings: G Connor McGovern
- Key losses: DE Joey BosaCB Taron JohnsonS Taylor RappQB Mitchell TrubiskyWR Brandin CooksWR Curtis SamuelCB Dane JacksonG David EdwardsEDGE A.J. Epenesa
Getting Moore gives Josh Allen a durable No. 1 target for the outside. Chubb still can give something good rushing the passer leaving Miami. They did take some secondary hits but it was good keep McGovern while losing Edwards.
MORE: D.J. Moore trade grades
14. Minnesota Vikings
Grade: B
- Key additions: QB Kyler MurrayCB James PierreLS Andrew DePaolaP Johnny Hekker
- Key re-signings: RB Aaron JonesQB Carson Wentz
- Key losses: DT Javon Hargrave, DT Jonathan AllenLB Eric Wilson; S Harrison SmithC Ryan Kelly, WR Jalen Nailor
The Vikings improve their grade greatly with a Kyler Murraya major quarterback addition of note to likely displace J.J. McCarhty as the starting QB and rev up the offense with another running dimension for Kevin O'Connell. there's not much to see here expect clearing a good chunk of money as needed.
MORE: What Kyler Murray signing means for J.J. McCarthy
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B
- Key additions: EDGE Boye MafeS Bryan Cook
- Key re-signings: G Dalton RisnerQB Josh Johnson
- Key losses: DE Trey HendricksonQB Joe FlaccoTE Noah FantEDGE Joseph OssaiS Geno Stone
The Bengals knew Hendrickson was gone and went smart for the upside of Mafe to replace him. Cook is also the playmaking safety they have' needed since Jessie Bates III left.
MORE: Trey Hendrickson could haunt Bengals twice a year
16. Miami Dolphins
Grade: B
- Key additions: QB Malik WillisK Zane Gonzalez, LB Josh Uche, S Lonnie JohnsonCB Darrell BakerOT Jamaree SalyerEDGE David OjaboP Bradley Pinion
- Key re-signings: TEGreg DulcichK Riley PattersonCB AJ Green
- Key losses: S Minkah FitzpatrickQB Tua TagovailoaWR Tyreek Hill; EDGE Bradley ChubbTE Darren Waller, K Jason SandersB Alec IngoldG James DanielsWR Nick Westbrook-IkhineWR Jaylen WaddleQB Zach Wilson
The Dolphins channeled the Marlins with a fire sale in clearing some big contractsled by TagovailoaChubbHill and Waddle. Willis can give them more efficient production in the new offense for much cheaper. This is working to be a run-orienteddefensive-minded team for the former Packers combination of GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley.
MORE: Malik Willis cashes in with Dolphins
17. New York Giants
Grade: B-
- Key additions: TE Isaiah LikelyP Jordan StoutLB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Greg Newsome IIFB Patrick Ricard, WR Calvin Austin IIIWR Darnell Mooney
- Key re-signings: OT Jermaine EluemunorG Evan NealLB Zaire Barnes
- Key losses: WR Wan’Dale RobinsonQB Russell WilsonLB Bobby OkerekeCB Cor’Dale FlottG Greg Van RotenTE Daniel BellingerRB Emmanuel WilsonG James Hudson
Joe Schoen improved the weaponry for Jaxson Dart a little with Likely and needs more work in the draft after losing Robinson and Bellinger. The Giants kept the needed offensive linemen and invested just OK in versatility and special teams help.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Giants
18. Dallas Cowboys
Grade: B-
- Key additions: EDGE Rashan GaryS Jalen Thompson, CB Cobie DurantDE Sam Williams, S P.J. LockeDT Otito OgbonniaQB Sam Howell
- Key re-signings: WR George Pickens
- Key losses: DT Osa OdighizuwaEDGE Jadeveon ClowneyS Donovan WilsonDT Solomon ThomasEDGE Dante Fowler Jr.LB Logan WilsonEDGE Payton Turner
In relation to Jerry Jones' spending powerthe Cowboys did OK keeping Pickens and sitll getting Gary and Thompson as good starters without the big pass-rush coup.
MORE: Rashan Gary trade grades
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: B-
- Key additions: CB Riq WoolenQB Andy DaltonTE Johnny MundtEDGE Arnold EbiketieWR Elijah Moore
- Key re-signings: TE Dallas GoedertTE Grant CalcaterraP Braden Mann
- Key losses: EDGE Jaelan PhillipsLB Nakobe Dean S Reed BlankenshipS Sydney BrownRB A.J. Dillon
The Eagles were expecting to see DeanPhillips and Blankenship leave the defense but it was still significant for Vic Fangio's defnse. GM Howie Rosemanhoweverstill came up with a top big-play cornerback to help Quinyon Mitchell and slot ace Cooper DeJean.
MORE: Will the Eagles trade A.J. Brown?
20. New England Patriots
Grade: B-
- Key additions: WR Romeo DoubsS Kevin ByardDT Dre’Mont JonesFB Reggie GilliamG Alijah Vera-TuckerG James Hudson
- Key re-signings: None
- Key losses: WR Stefon DiggsTE Austin HooperEDGE K’Lavon ChaissonS Jaylinn HawkinsDT Khyiris TongaC Garrett BradburyQB Josh Dobbs
The Patriots were hard-pressed to come through in free agency like they did last year with all their spending power based on Drake Maye's rookie contract. DoubsByard and Jones help recover from moving on from DiggsHawkins and Chaisson.
MORE: What Romeo Doubs signing means for Drake Maye
21. Indianapolis Colts
Grade: B-
- Key additions: EDGE Arden KeyDT Michael ClemonsDT Colby WoodenLB Akeem Davis-GaitherWR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
- Key re-signings: QB Daniel JonesWR Alec PierceTE Mo Alie-Cox
- Key losses: WR Michael Pittman Jr.LB Zaire FranklinEDGE Kwity PayeOT Braden SmithS Nick Cross
Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard went "all in" on Jones and Pierce being the leaders of their passing game at the cost of keeping Pittman. They also lost their right tackleSmith and saw a little defensive drain without replacing the voice. The Colts did OK to try to stay where they were but still had to sacrifice.
MORE: Daniel Jones signs largest 2-year deal in NFL history
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: C
- Key additions: RB Kenneth GainwellLB Alex Anzalone, QB Jake BrowningDT A'Shawn Robinson, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, S Miles Killebrew
- Key re-signings: TE Cade Otton
- Key losses: WR Mike EvansRB Rachaad WhiteCB Jamel DeanEDGE Logan Hall, P Riley Dixon
GainwellAnzalone and Robinson are a good collective trio of a additionnot being able to retain either Evans or Dean in concerning.
MORE: Mike Evans on why he signed with the 49ers
23. Seattle Seahawks
Grade: C
- Key additions: RB Emmanuel Wilson
- Key re-signings: WR Rashid ShaheedCB Josh Jobe
- Key losses: RB Kenneth Walker IIICB Tariq WoolenS Coby BryantEDGE Boye Mafe
This is about what one would expect from the reigning Super Bowl championshaving personnel drain as young prime players cashed in elsewhere. They took some expected hits and may have been rash to pay Shaheed.
MORE: Did the Seahawks overpay for Rashid Shaheed?
24. Denver Broncos
Grade: C
- Key additions: WR Jaylen Waddle
- Key re-signings: RB J.K. Dobbins, LB Alex SingletonLB Justin StrnadTE Nate AdkinsFB Adam PrenticeOT Alex PalczewskiQB Sam Ehlinger
- Key losses: DT John Franklin-MyersTE Adam TrautmanLB Dre Greenlaw
The Broncos weren't expected to be that active for GM George Patonbut they took care of the notable in-house concerns at running back and linebacker. It's about as average as a free-agent haul can get and the Waddle trade was a little pricey.
MORE: Why Broncos will regret releasing Dre Greenlaw
25. Detroit Lions
Grade: C
- Key additions: C Cade MaysG Juice ScruggsOT Larry BoromRB Isiah PachecoTE Tyler ConklinCB Roger McCrearyEDGE D.J. WonnumWR Greg DortchEDGE Payton Turner
- Key re-signings: QB Teddy BridgewaterCB Rock Ya-Sin
- Key losses: RB David MontgomeryOT Taylor DeckerLB Alex AnzaloneG Graham GlasgowOT Dan Skipper, DT Roy LopezEDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
GM Brad Holmes is making rebooting much of the offensive line next to Penei Sewell a priority with some big changes in store for the new Drew Petizing offense. There's more that needs to be done to really improve either offensively or defensively.
MORE: How free agency unfolded for Lions
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Grade: C
- Key additions: C Tyler BiadaszFB Alec IngoldTE Charlie KolarG Cole StrangeRB Keaton Mitchell
- Key re-signings: EDGE Khalil Mack, OT Trevor Penning, OT Trey PipkinsLB Del’Shawn Phillips (re-signedLS Josh HarrisQB Trey Lance, S Tony Jefferson
- Key losses: EDGE Odafe OwehRB Najee HarrisG Zion JohnsonWR Keenan AllenG Mekhi BectonC Bradley Bozeman, TE Will Dissly, DT Da’Shawn HandOT Jamaree SalyerTE Tyler Conklin
The Chargers weren't able to get a big-ticket free agent despite plenty of cap spaceincluding Linderbaum or Hendricksonto fill big needs. They got mostly role players except for Biadasz GM Joe Hortiz should do a lot more for Jim Harbaugh in the draft.
MORE: Chargers add high-upside RB in free agency
27. Atlanta Falcons
Grade: C-
- Key additions: QB Tua TagovailoaWR Olamide ZaccheausTE Austin HooperK Nick Folk, WR Jahan DotsonEDGE Cameron ThomasP Jake BaileyEDGE Azeez OjulariLB Christian HarrisDT Da'Shawn HandRB Brian Robinson Jr.S Sydney BrownP Bradley PinionQB Trevor Siemian
- Key re-signings: TE Kyle Pitts
- Key losses: QB Kirk CousinsRB Tyler AllgeierEDGE Arnold EbiketieWR Darnell Mooney, LB Leonard FloydDT David Onyemata, OT Elijah Wilkinson, LB Kaden Elliss
Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. don't inspire vs. just keeping Cousins. Zaccheaus and Dotson are odd minus Mooeny and so is bringing back Hooper for Matt Ryan. Allgeier takes away key depth for Bijan Robinson. Ellis and Onyemata not staying will hurt the defensive front seven.
MORE: Kyle Pitts receives franchise tag
28. Cleveland Browns
Grade: C
- Key additions: OT Tytus HowardDT Sheldon RankinsG Zion JohnsonLBC/G Elgton JenkinsTE Jack StollP Kai KroegerDT Kalia DavisEDGE A.J. Epenesa
- Key re-signings: G Teven Jenkins
- Key losses: TE David NjokuLB Devin BushG Joel BitonioG Wyatt TellerOT Cam RobinsonC Ethan PocicDT Shelby Harris
The Browns have gutted their offensive line and trying to make it work now with HowardJohnson and Jenkins. They weren't able to do much else to help their offense or defense.
MORE: Browns free agency tracker
29. Arizona Cardinals
Grade: C-
- Key additions: RB Tyler AllgeierQB Gardner Minshew, WR Kendrick BourneOT Matt PryorDT Roy Lopez, LS Casey Kreiter; S Andrew Wingard
- Key re-signings: K Chad RylandP Blake GillikinEDGE L.J. Collier
- Key losses: QB Kyler MurrayDT Calais CampbellOT Jonah Williams, S Jalen DT Dalvin TomlinsonRB Michael CarterG Evan BrownLB Akeem Davis-Gaither
The Cardinals added Allgeier well to the backfieldonly to still keep aging and oft-injured James Conner. Minshew means it's him and Jacoby Brissett at QB instead of a returning Murray. Most everything here is underwhelming.
MORE: Why Cardinals signed RB Tyler Allgeier
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: C-
- Key additions: RB Chris Rodriguez
- Key re-signings: CB Montaric Brown
- Key losses: RB Travis Etienne, LB Devin LloydCB Greg Newsome II
The Jaguars may have been smart to not pay for Eitenne and Lloydbut they still are tough players to replace. This should be a quiet offseason overall for James Gladstone and Jacksonville after not having a first-round pickeither.
MORE: NFL free agency winners and losers
31. Green Bay Packers
Grade: D
- Key additions: DT Javon HargraveCB Benjamin St-Juste
- Key re-signings: DT/DE Brenton Cox Jr.
- Key losses: EDGE Rashan Gary, QB Malik WillisWR Romeo DoubsOT Rasheed Walker, LB Quay WalkerDE Kingsley EnagbareC/G Elgton Jenkins, RB Emanuel WilsonCB Trevon DiggsCB Nate Hobbs
The Packers are down a receivera backup QB and have seen their offensive line gutted. Their defense took mutilple hits on the pass rush and second level. Hargrave and St-Juste do only a little to help the new scheme of Jonathan Gannon.
MORE: Javon Hargrave leaves Vikings for rival Packers
32. New York Jets
Grade: D
- Key additions: QB Geno SmithS Minkah FitzpatrickEDGE Joseph Ossai, LB Demario DavisS Dane BeltonCB Nahshon WrightK Cade YorkG Dylan Parham
- Key re-signings: RB Breece HallOT Max MitchellS Andre Cisco
- Key losses: EDGE Jermaine JohnsonG Alijah Vera-TuckerG John Simpson QB Tyrod TaylorWR John Metchie IIILB Quincy WilliamsS Tony Adams, K Nick Folk
What are the Jets doing? Between them and the Packersit's not easy being green and spending the green well in 2026. Going back to Smith in a trade with the Raiders is off the wall. Davis is also an aging original Jet. They splurged on Hall and and still spent on a fading Fizpatrick and a more volatile secondary player in former Bears corner Wright. There's obvious volume but little vibe of real improvement for a bad team.
MORE: Complete Geno Smith teams timeline