The NFL's 2026 free agency negotiating window has significantly reshaped projections for the first round of the upcoming draft. Key moves, including a failed trade for edge rusher Maxx Crosby and several high-profile signings, have shifted team needs. Running back Jeremiyah Love now enters the top five in mock drafts.
The NFL's two-day negotiating window for 2026 free agency produced what has been described as the wildest opening ahead of the new league year. Eight players became the highest-paid at their position or as free agents in terms of average annual salary. These include cornerback Trent McDuffie with the Rams, tackle Laremy Tunsil with the Commanders, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips with the Panthers, and center Tyler Linderbaum with the Raiders.
A major storyline involved edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The Baltimore Ravens backed out of a proposed trade sending two first-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders due to concerns over Crosby's surgically repaired knee. Crosby returns to the Raiders, who spent an NFL-high $281.57 million this offseason. The Ravens quickly signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal.
These transactions have altered the composition of the 2026 NFL Draft's first round, as outlined in recent mock drafts. Running back Jeremiyah Love now projects in the top five. Broader projections across three rounds consider team strategies post-free agency. For instance, four teams lack a first-round pick: the Jaguars, Falcons, Colts, and Packers.
In Round 2 projections, the Arizona Cardinals may target quarterback Ty Simpson amid uncertainty after moving on from Kyler Murray. The Tennessee Titans could select wide receiver Denzel Boston to complement Wan'Dale Robinson and Elic Ayomanor following Calvin Ridley's eventual departure. The Pittsburgh Steelers, after trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and losing Calvin Austin III to the Giants, might draft wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
Round 3 notes highlight selections like wide receiver Chris Bell for the Raiders, edge rushers Joshua Josephs and Akheem Mesidor for the Seattle Seahawks to replace Boye Mafe and DeMarcus Lawrence, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as insurance for Baker Mayfield. The Minnesota Vikings add linebacker Jaishawn Barham amid potential trade talks for Jonathan Greenard, while the Los Angeles Rams seek a backup quarterback behind Matthew Stafford.
The actual 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
