# 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:** 7
**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 9, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/121 "2026-03-09T20:44:17Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > One more random thought on KW3 going to the Chiefs, pretty much every Mock Draft had the Chiefs drafting Jeremaih Love in the 1st. The odds of him dropping enough for the Chiefs to get him were pretty slim, and the Chiefs seemed to realize that. Rich Eisen had the same opinion. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/E3kGMGKxJjE/maxresdefault.jpg "Rich Eisen Reacts to Kenneth Walker III Signing with the Chiefs & Travis Kelce’s Return to KC") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3kGMGKxJjE) ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/122 "2026-03-09T20:44:34Z")
And there it is. > Will be interesting to see where we are when that 1 year deal runs out. ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/123 "2026-03-09T20:50:33Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > The odds of him dropping enough for the Chiefs to get him were pretty slim, and the Chiefs seemed to realize that. I mean, Daniel Jeremiah is generally considered the gold standard. > **[Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 2.0: Giants one of six teams to pick WR;...](https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2026-nfl-mock-draft-2-0)** > > In his second mock of the 2026 NFL Draft, Daniel Jeremiah forecasts the Giants to kick off a receiver run that goes six deep in the first 32 picks. Check out the full Round 1 projection. Say what you will about Kiper, but he’s he’s still pretty relevant. > **[2026 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's pick predictions for Round 1](https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47989848/2026-nfl-mock-draft-kiper-32-picks-pre-combine-predictions-round-1)** > > As the NFL gets ready for this week's combine workouts, let's project where the best players in the 2026 NFL draft class will get picked in April. I’m not sold on the idea that a RB is going top 10. Bijan went 8th. Gibbs went 12th. Beyond that you have to go back to Saquon. Edit: @Atamasama edited out a comment about competent mock drafters while I was composing, so this had more context when I wrote it. ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/124 "2026-03-09T20:55:35Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Edit: @Atamasama edited out a comment about competent mock drafters while I was composing, so this had more context when I wrote it. I decided to soften my criticism after I first posted. ---
**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 9, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/125 "2026-03-09T20:56:21Z")
No worries, made sense. Side note, I’m a little surprised that Discourse updated the quoted comment after I posted it. Your critique was in my draft window inside the quote block but then when I posted it was gone and instead your new comment was replaced. Not sure if that a bug or some weird race condition, but it’s an odd behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/126 "2026-03-09T21:20:56Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Will be interesting to see where we are when that 1 year deal runs out. It’s an interesting question. Sunday (March 15) triggers a fair amount of 2027 guaranteed money and a roster bonus if he’s signed for 2028. Much less than the $54 million this season but $17 million is not nothing. If one year as a backup is not quite enough, that’s another year a team could sign him for league minimum with Miami picking up the rest of the tab. It’ll be interesting to see how he approaches it, depending on if he plays at all and how well. ---
**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 9, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/127 "2026-03-09T21:57:39Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > And now, every NFC North team will be rolling out a new Center to start 2026. The Bears are the first to find a replacement, but the Lions, Viking and now Packers all have a hole at the position. Before the draft is here as many as 16 teams might be changing Centers. It’s sad that the Packers have parted ways with Elgton Jenkins, who was their best (and most flexible) offensive lineman for a number of years. But, he’s 30, missed half of last season with a leg injury, and had a cap number of $24.3 million for 2026. Yesterday, the Packers also signed OL Sean Rhyan to a three-year extension (through 2028), and it looks like they plan to slot him at center for 2026. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/128 "2026-03-09T23:01:36Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > my Dynasty team Man, I opened up this thread with ~20 new replies and got immediately inundated with news regarding my dynasty team: Kenneth Walker, Michael Pittman and Travis Kelce, oh my! Not thrilled to see Pittman leave Indy; he and Jones had a good thing going until Jones’ injury. Not sure how I feel about Walker going to the Chiefs, as my dynasty team has historically been a graveyard for Chiefs not named Kelce. ---
**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 9, 2026, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/129 "2026-03-09T23:33:21Z")
Were I a betting man, I’d say that Walker’s fantasy stats in KC will probably match those in Seattle. Same usage frustrations and same goal line challenges. But definitely will be some week winning explosions mixed in there. In Dynasty he’s probably a must-start, but in redraft he’s probably that annoying flex guy you debate for 20 minutes every Thursday and ultimately guess wrong on half the time. ---
**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 9, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/130 "2026-03-09T23:42:19Z")
> **[Saints signing ex-Jaguars RB Travis Etienne, ex-Bills OL David Edwards](https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-signing-ex-jaguars-rb-travis-etienne-ex-bills-ol-david-edwards)** > > The Saints are signing running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Etienne’s deal is for four years, $52 million, while Edwards gets a pact paying upwards of $15 million per year. This might be worst case scenario for Etienne and my Dynasty team. I don’t think Etienne is a $13M/year player at all, and I don’t expect the Saints to be frequent visitors to the end zone this season with a pretty spartan WR crew. I had hoped he’d ring chase a little and land someplace fun. > **[Packers agree to trade Rashan Gary to Cowboys](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/packers-agree-to-trade-rashan-gary-to-cowboys)** > > Green Bay and Dallas have agreed to another trade. Also, fuck off Jerry Jones. What are you doing sending a 4th round pick to Green Bay in exchange for this bum? They don’t need the extra help you clown. > **[NFL News Poster (@nflnewsposter.bsky.social)](https://bsky.app/profile/nflnewsposter.bsky.social/post/3mgnxcdhb342i)** > > \[Fowler\] Left tackle Braxton Jones back to the Bears on a one-year deal worth up to $10M, per source. https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/2031142061529780630 This was not on my bingo card. After they refused to play him after Trapilo got hurt I figured he was untrusted by the coaching staff. This either means Poles and the coaches aren’t on the same page or Jones was not healthy enough to go. Honestly, both are possible. ---
**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 10, 2026, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/131 "2026-03-10T00:31:31Z")
Rashid Shaheed, the WR that Seattle traded for midseason from the Saints last year (and who was extremely dangerous, especially in the return game where he had multiple returns for TD) was re-signed to Seattle. > **[Seahawks to re-sign Rashid Shaheed to three-year, $51M deal](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48156916/seahawks-re-sign-rashid-shaheed-three-year-51m-deal)** > > The Seahawks are bringing back wide receiver Rashid Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal that includes $34.7 million guaranteed, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. > Shaheed, 27, scored three touchdowns on special teams, including a 58-yard punt return that ignited Seattle’s rally from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit against the [Los Angeles Rams](https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams) in Week 16. I was expecting him to get signed elsewhere just as Kenneth Walker III was, but I guess he was just too good to give up. Last season, rookie WR Tory Horton was doing an awesome job in the return game, including a 95 yard punt return for a TD (the longest in Seahawks franchise history), and was showing real promise as a receiver, but got hurt in November and was on IR the rest of his rookie season. Seattle traded for Shaheed literally 2 days after Horton went on IR. I thought they’d let Shaheed go, with Horton expected to return, and Horton would be on a really cheap rookie contract, but apparently no. I guess they want to make sure Darnold has all of his weapons in the passing game. Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are still on contract (and there is some chatter about possibly giving JSN an extension after his OPOY season). ---
**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 10, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/132 "2026-03-10T19:28:23Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > Meanwhile, the Patriots - with the 10th most cap space - are busy signing…fullbacks? They re-signed FB Jack Westover and signed FB Reggie Gilliam from the Bills. > > Not the big free agent splash one might hope for! 🤣 😬 The Patriots finally did some stuff. > **[Patriots 2026 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48084019/new-england-patriots-2026-free-agency-tracker-offseason-moves-signings-contract-trades)** > > Keep track of all the Patriots' moves throughout the 2026 offseason, including free agent signings, contracts and more. > [Romeo Doubs](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4361432/romeo-doubs), WR > > Doubs is signing a four-year deal, worth up to $80 million – per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. > [Alijah Vera-Tucker](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4259646/alijah-vera-tucker), G > > Vera-Tucker agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal the Patriots, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. > [Dre’Mont Jones](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3915525/dremont-jones), Edge > > The Patriots agreed to [a three-year, $39.5 million contract](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48153569/sources-patriots-reach-deal-pass-rusher-dremont-jones) with Jones, according to NFL Network. So they added a pass catcher, though an uninspiring one, and an OG which is desperately needed. Vera-Tucker comes from the division rival Jets and will backfill the vacancy left by Jared Wilson’s move to Center. So this is a knock on effect of that Bears-Pats trade earlier. Vera-Tucker should help the Pats sort out the left side of the line alongside Campbell. Jones feels a lot like Doubs in that he’s a competent player but probably not a difference maker. Also, paying Doubs $20M/year is wild, that what they paid Diggs. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/133 "2026-03-10T19:34:30Z")
OL is going to be an interesting place to look in the draft. There’s always more demand for quality linemen but even more so this year. Can’t wait to see how high free agent OL contracts go for this season for teams in ‘win now’ mode ---
**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 10, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/134 "2026-03-10T20:41:41Z")
The Raiders, who seem destined to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza #1 overall, have [traded Geno Smith to the Jets](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48164552/sources-jets-get-their-qb-trade-raiders-geno-smith) in exchange for a 6th round pick. The Raiders also sent a 7th round pick as part of the deal. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/135 "2026-03-10T21:31:09Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > The Patriots finally did some stuff Those are all areas of need, so I can’t complain too much even though we’re not talking about superstars here. I agree that Doubs is uninspiring, but he’s 7 (I think) years younger than Diggs and doesn’t have an assault case pending against him, so there’s that. I guess they are hoping that Kayshon Boutte continues to develop, which is not crazy - he took a big leap last year, and also that Kyle Williams, who had shown minor occasional flashes, takes that leap this year. And of course relying on TE Hunter Henry for red zone TDs. ---
**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 10, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/136 "2026-03-10T21:38:51Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > The Raiders, who seem destined to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza #1 overall, have [traded Geno Smith to the Jets](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48164552/sources-jets-get-their-qb-trade-raiders-geno-smith) in exchange for a 6th round pick. I listened to local sports radio, where they talked about how awkward that call might have been, where Geno’s agent had to tell him that he’s going back to the Jets. ---
**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 10, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/137 "2026-03-10T21:59:18Z")
> **[Source: Jets add more help on defense in CB Nahshon Wright](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48165545/source-jets-add-more-help-defense-cb-nahshon-wright)** > > The Jets and cornerback Nahshon Wright have agreed to a one-year contract worth a maximum of $5.5 million, sources told ESPN. The former Bear gets a new home in New York. I’m frankly surprised at how small that contract is. While Wright definitely had his ugly moments in coverage, he was also a plus run defender and a turnover machine in addition to being consistently available to play. The Jets had zero INTs on the year, so he obviously fills a gap, but it’s amazing to me that he didn’t command a multi-year deal. Hope he balls out. > **[Source: WR Kalif Raymond reaches 1-year deal with Bears](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48163475/source-wr-kalif-raymond-reaches-1-year-deal-bears)** > > Kalif Raymond has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Bears, reuniting the wide receiver with Ben Johnson, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Bears poach a divisional rival for a depth WR and return specialist. I suspect that he’s going to take Devin Duvernay’s roster spot and he seems like he’ll give us more in the passing game than Duvernay did. Certainly his familiarity with Ben Johnson will be an asset. > **[Chicago Bears to sign DB Cam Lewis](https://bearswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bears/2026/03/10/bears-sign-cam-lewis-free-agency/89085331007/)** > > The Chicago Bears are signing former Buffalo Bills defensive back Cam Lewis in free agency. Don’t know much about Lewis, but he’s clearly a replacement for Wright. He’s not expected to start with Johnson, Stevenson and Gordon slotted in as the 3 corners but it’s possible he could displace Stevenson. Having a versitile veteran presence back there will help, especially if Terrell Smith can’t recover from him patellar tendon injury. ---
**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 10, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/138 "2026-03-10T23:19:19Z")
It could turn into a fun story if he returns to his Seattle form in NY. I wouldn’t bet money on it happening, but Jets fans are starved for some feel good news. ---
**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 10, 2026, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/139 "2026-03-10T23:23:16Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Jets fans are starved for some feel good news. Hah. From [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/10/nfl-free-agency-winners-and-losers-ravens-shine-and-what-were-the-jets-thinking-again) this morning on winners and losers of the first day of free agency (the Jets were losers): > The Jets spent money and draft picks revamping their moribund defense. Yet incredibly, they made the unit older _and_ slower… Whereas the Raiders and Titans spent their money on players at, or near, their peaks, the Jets are relying on savvy vets on the downside of their careers, slotting into an ill-fitting scheme for the modern game. Maybe they can grind out an extra win or two, but it’s a road leading to nowhere. ---
**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 11, 2026, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644/140 "2026-03-11T00:34:15Z")
Wow. Crosby resolived his physical and the trade is cancelled. That’s gotta be the biggest cancelled trade ever right? > **[Dianna Russini (@diannarussini.bsky.social)](https://bsky.app/profile/diannarussini.bsky.social/post/3mgqltf3qlc2w)** > > Maxx Crosby did not pass his physical today, per sources. > > The Ravens get their first-round picks back. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-offseason-thread/1027644.md?page=8)