# NFL 2026 Offseason Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [February 13, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644 "2026-02-13T18:22:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/61 "2026-03-01T21:33:37Z")
The Vikings are currently way over the salary cap after two years of signing free agents; they have let RB Aaron Jones Sr. and DT Javon Hargrave know that they will be cut later this month, if the team is unable to trade them. Jones came to Minnesota as a free agent in 2024, after an excellent career with the Packers; he was a strong producer in his first year as a Viking, but a hamstring injury limited him in '25. Hargrave had just finished his first season in Minnesota. Both of them are over 30. > **[Sources: Vikings to trade or cut Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48073269/sources-vikings-trade-cut-aaron-jones-javon-hargrave)** > > The Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/62 "2026-03-02T15:12:23Z")
We had a rare straight player swap over the weekend. Won’t be official for a couple weeks yet, but still a fun nugget. > **[Jets-Titans trade grades: New York deals Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for...](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-titans-trade-jermaine-johnson-tvondre-sweat/)** > > Johnson will be reunited with Robert Saleh in Tennessee I really, really like T’Vondre Sweat as a player. Just a beast of a man who gobbles up blockers. Not a super disruptive pass rusher, but in the right scheme he can be a game changer. I had hoped he’d be released and the Bears could go and get him. There really should be more straight player swaps like this. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/63 "2026-03-02T19:26:05Z")
Lions RB David Montgomery goes to the Texans for OL Juice Scruggs plus 4th and 7th round picks. It sucks to lose Montgomery as a second threat with Gibbs, but Gibbs is the better option so not the worst thing in the world. > **[David Montgomery trade grades: Texans secure much-needed help in backfield,...](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/david-montgomery-trade-grades-texans-lions/)** > > Grading Monday's big running back trade as Houston lands David Montgomery from Detroit ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/64 "2026-03-02T19:29:45Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > It sucks to lose Montgomery as a second threat with Gibbs, but Gibbs is the better option so not the worst thing in the world. And Gibbs is five years younger than Montgomery. It’s the smart move for the Lions. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/65 "2026-03-02T20:01:21Z")
That’s honestly a pretty good haul for Monty I’m not super familiar with Scruggs game, but getting a player and 2 picks is a nice return for an aging RB whose going to need a new contract soon. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/66 "2026-03-02T20:13:25Z")
I find it interesting that Packer’s ownership was an A-, though I’m curious if that means the owners (shareholders) or the Board of Directors… Brian ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/67 "2026-03-02T20:14:32Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > That’s honestly a pretty good haul for Monty I’m not super familiar with Scruggs game, but getting a player and 2 picks is a nice return for an aging RB whose going to need a new contract soon. Definitely agree. It was nice having two elite running backs, but we didn’t really need both. And Montgomery’s elite status is probably in his rear-view mirror anyway. Overall a good move, but still a little sad. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/68 "2026-03-02T20:35:40Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > There really should be more straight player swaps like this. Are you kidding? That’s far too logical for the NFL. 😜 ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/69 "2026-03-02T22:09:48Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Lions RB David Montgomery goes to the Texans for OL Juice Scruggs plus 4th and 7th round picks. I’ve seen some conflicting reports on the draft pick component of this deal. Some reports have suggested the Lions got back only a 5th. Then I also saw a report that the Lions gave a 7th and received a 4th. Guess this will all shake out in a day or two. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/70 "2026-03-03T00:53:29Z")
Couple other OT moves to track. > **[Browns agree to acquire Tytus Howard from Texans in trade, sign OT to...](https://www.nfl.com/news/tytus-howard-browns-texans-trade-three-year-63m-extension)** > > The first steps toward Cleveland employing an offensive line in 2026 include a trade for an established starter. The Browns and Texans have agreed to terms on a trade to send Tytus Howard to Cleveland in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. > **[Chiefs releasing OT Jawaan Taylor, clearing $20M in cap space ahead of new...](https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-releasing-ot-jawaan-taylor-clearing-20-million-in-cap-space)** > > Kansas City's march toward salary cap compliance continues. The Chiefs are releasing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per sources informed of the decision. Will be worth watching to see what kind of interest Taylor commands in Free Agency. He’s not a blue chipper these days, but he has some pedigree and he’s not exactly old yet. With Mahomes potentially out for the start of the year following the ACL tear, the Chiefs could be in trouble up front one year after losing Thuney last year and Taylor this one. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/71 "2026-03-03T22:41:34Z")
Arizona has informed Kyler Murray that [will be released next week](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091996/sources-cardinals-tell-kyler-murray-released-next-week). Indianapolis is using the little-used [transition tag on QB Daniel Jones.](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091610/colts-place-rarely-used-transition-tag-qb-daniel-jones) Bears C Drew Dalman is [retiring at 27.](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091684/bears-center-drew-dalman-retiring-nfl-age-27) ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/72 "2026-03-03T22:55:12Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Indianapolis is using the little-used [transition tag on QB Daniel Jones.](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091610/colts-place-rarely-used-transition-tag-qb-daniel-jones) I don’t know how I ended up on the timeline where keeping Daniel Jones as a starting QB seems like a no-brainer, but here we are. The Colts are wise to try to make that work. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/73 "2026-03-03T23:02:33Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > I’ve seen some conflicting reports on the draft pick component of this deal. Some reports have suggested the Lions got back only a 5th. Then I also saw a report that the Lions gave a 7th and received a 4th. Guess this will all shake out in a day or two. The 5th round pick was wrong, thanks to the rush to get out the info: > **[Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport both got David Montgomery trade details wrong in...](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/adam-schefter-ian-rapoport-both-163132457.html)** > > This is the game they're playing. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/74 "2026-03-04T00:59:16Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Bears C Drew Dalman is [retiring at 27.](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091684/bears-center-drew-dalman-retiring-nfl-age-27) There’s apparently not yet been any announcement as to why he’s chosen to suddenly retire. He’s had a couple of ankle injuries (a high ankle sprain cost him eight games in 2024), but nothing major, as far as I can tell, with the caveat that nearly all football players play with some level of injury (but not enough to keep them off the field). He started every game for the Bears last year, and played every offensive snap count, while being named to the Pro Bowl. I might hypothesize that he might be concerned about current or future neurological issues, similar to what led Niners linebacker Chris Borland to retire after one season. Dalman’s father Chris, who played on the offensive line for the Niners for seven seasons, is now 55, and it could be that Drew is seeing his father dealing with issues (but I’m entirely hypothesizing). It could also be that he’s just not feeling a fire for playing any longer. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/75 "2026-03-04T01:50:56Z")
I had the same thought about CTE and other neurological issues, though I’m speculating as much as you are. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/76 "2026-03-04T16:24:08Z")
IIRC, centers are the most vulnerable to it. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/77 "2026-03-04T16:24:43Z")
Rich Bisaccia, who suddenly resigned from his role as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach with the Packers last week – more than a month after the end of the Packers’ season – has taken a job at Clemson, again as special teams coordinator. The strange timing of it all, and the Packers’ stance that Bisaccia was leaving on his own terms, suggests to me that Bisaccia wasn’t happy in Green Bay, and might have not been on great terms with Matt Lafleur and/or management. > **[Clemson hires former Packers special teams coordinator Bisaccia](https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/48099957/clemson-hires-former-packers-special-teams-coordinator-bisaccia)** > > Former Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will take on the same role at the college ranks with Clemson. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/78 "2026-03-04T18:55:58Z")
Another sign that the Chiefs are in rebuild mode: they’ve traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams for four draft picks, including a first-rounder next month. McDuffie was an All-Pro in '23 and '24, and will be a free agent after this upcoming season. > **[Sources: Chiefs trade Trent McDuffie to Rams for four draft picks](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48100518/sources-chiefs-trade-trent-mcduffie-rams-four-draft-picks)** > > The Chiefs have agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Rams to send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles for four draft picks, including the 29th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/79 "2026-03-05T18:28:27Z")
Bears Trade DJ Moore and a 5th to the Bills for a 2nd. I’m sad to see DJ go but Caleb’s got a good amount of weapons and that seems like a crazy good return. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/80 "2026-03-05T19:57:09Z")
Saints DE Cameron Jordan, who is the team’s all-time sack leader, will become a free agent next week. > [@](#): > > Jordan’s contract will automatically void if he does not have a new deal in place before the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. If that happens, the Saints will absorb $18.76 million of dead money against their 2026 salary cap. If the Saints sign him to a new contract after that deadline, the dead money from the previous contract and any money from the new contract would both count against the salary cap. He’ll turn 37 this summer, but is still playing well (he had 10.5 sacks in '25), and I imagine that someone will pick him up. Also, TIL that he’s the son of Steve Jordan, who was a Pro Bowl tight end for the Vikings in the '80s and '90s. > **[Sources: Saints franchise sack leader Jordan to be free agent](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48112815/sources-saints-sack-leader-cameron-jordan-hit-free-agency)** > > Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan will become a free agent when the new league begins next week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644.md?page=5)