The NFL offseason opened with major free agency signings and trades, including wide receiver Mike Evans joining the San Francisco 49ers and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson signing with the Baltimore Ravens. These moves, part of 10 highlighted transactions, set the stage for the 2026 NFL Draft and Super Bowl 61 race. Analysts note impacts from superstar shifts and under-the-radar deals.
The first week of the NFL's new league year brought significant roster changes through free agency and trades. CBS Sports ranked the 10 biggest moves, emphasizing their potential to influence team rosters and playoff contention ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft and Super Bowl 61. Superstar relocations drew attention, alongside strategic fits for contenders and rebuilding teams. Under-the-radar signings could prove equally vital once the season starts. Here are the key transactions: - San Francisco 49ers sign Mike Evans: After 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 32-year-old receiver joined the NFC West team on a three-year, $42.4 million contract. This adds a top wideout for Kyle Shanahan's squad seeking a first Super Bowl. - Baltimore Ravens sign Trey Hendrickson: The team rejected a trade for Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby, which would have cost two first-round picks, and instead added Hendrickson via free agency for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. - Los Angeles Rams acquire Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson: Trading for the former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback McDuffie on a four-year deal making him the highest-paid at his position, plus signing Watson, rebuilds the secondary after losing players. - Kansas City Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker III: The running back from the Seattle Seahawks received the fourth-largest contract at his position to bolster the ground game post Patrick Mahomes' ACL recovery. - Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray: Available cheaply with $36.8 million still owed by the Arizona Cardinals, the veteran quarterback joins Justin Jefferson. - Buffalo Bills trade for DJ Moore: Sent a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for the receiver and another second-rounder. - Cincinnati Bengals sign Bryan Cook: The safety had the second-best missed tackle rate (4.5%) among qualifiers per Pro Football Focus. - Carolina Panthers sign Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd: Phillips posted an 18.8% pressure rate; Lloyd had five interceptions. - Tennessee Titans sign John Franklin-Myers: Reunites with coach Robert Saleh, coming off career-high sacks (7.0 in 2024, 7.5 in 2025 with Denver Broncos). - Las Vegas Raiders sign Tyler Linderbaum: The center reset the market at $27 million per year.
