2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Good thing we will have lots of cap space, because we have way more holes than picks.

Upgrades needed off the top of my head:

CB (at least 1)
S (at least 1)
LB (at least 2)
DE (at least 2)
DT (I think Payne is gone after the season)
WR (at least 2)
TE (at least 1)
RB (at least 1)
QB (just kidding)

That is 11 guys. I think we could use an upgrade at C and LG too, but that would be more of a luxury than a definite need imo.

List of 2026 FA list (sortable):

[url]https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents[/url]

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

The top young guys shouldnt hit the market and honestly this years FA class doesn't do much for me. We could be in for another trying year next year without some changes that may not be largely personnel based. Guess we will see

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Some early names for if they make it to free agency:

Jaylen Watson CB Chiefs

Cobe Bryant S/DB Seattle

Either one of the Devins at LB Bush/Lloyd

Alec Pierce WR Indy would pair perfect with Terry. If Aiyuk comes free, I think a prove it deal makes sense here.

Jalen Redmond DL Minny….he fucking destroyed us. He’s a lil light at DT, but he is a beast.

Outside of Bill, everyone else is a FA at RB. I’d pair a FA and another mid-late draft pick here. Develop Bill. I like Rico Dowdle. Breece hall possibly.

TE Isaiah Likely Baltimore. Check on Pitts, but Likely has that look imo.

Armstrong back, I’d like my pass rusher to come out the first round.

My initial list.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;1378845]Some early names for if they make it to free agency:

Jaylen Watson CB Chiefs

Cobe Bryant S/DB Seattle

Either one of the Devins at LB Bush/Lloyd

Alec Pierce WR Indy would pair perfect with Terry. If Aiyuk comes free, I think a prove it deal makes sense here.

Jalen Redmond DL Minny….he fucking destroyed us. He’s a lil light at DT, but he is a beast.

Outside of Bill, everyone else is a FA at RB. I’d pair a FA and another mid-late draft pick here. Develop Bill. I like Rico Dowdle. Breece hall possibly.

TE Isaiah Likely Baltimore. Check on Pitts, but Likely has that look imo.

Armstrong back, I’d like my pass rusher to come out the first round.

My initial list.[/quote]

100% except Aiyuk, though I'd consider him on a reasonable 'prove it and don't be a cancer' deal.

I'd add CB Greg Newsome. We maybe draft another starter, but a solid young former 1st rounder makes sense if he's available.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Ayuk will give one good year. He’ll be on his best behavior and get that contract. Then he’ll revert to his usual self. Probably do something off field that gets him suspended for some games. I also think he’ll be a bad influence on Jayden as we enter early negotiations on a new deal in 2027; the first year Jayden can sign an extension.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Yeah the prove-it deal would be a 1 year deal in my above statement. I think the risk would be worth the reward.

I’m of the mindset to spend a little this year versus the 1 year older vet deals

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Whatever they do please do not spend money on RB's. Way too many needs and the guys you have are pretty good.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=skinsfan69;1378910]Whatever they do please do not spend money on RB's. Way too many needs and the guys you have are pretty good.[/quote]

With the cap space I'd be looking at Breece Hall and Travis Etienne. Either would make a really good 1-2 punch with Bill. Keep CRod, maybe McNichols too and see who wins the #3 job, as we need depth and a go to short yardage back. Bill needs to improve his passing game performance, receiving and blocking, so having a proven talent alongside him could be a real difference maker.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

I don’t think we need to do a lot on offense, defensively though we need a ton, an overhaul of personnel and obviously a proven DC

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=MTK;1378928]I don’t think we need to do a lot on offense, defensively though we need a ton, an overhaul of personnel and obviously a proven DC[/quote]

DQ will not go outside his familiarity zone. He will not hire someone, he’s never worked with before.

Someone like Al Harris or Raheem Morris, when he gets fired.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

DQ is going to be on a serious hot seat with another down year in 26. So he may be open to any and all ideas especially if it’s strongly suggested by those at a higher pay grade.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=88Commanders00;1378935]DQ will not go outside his familiarity zone. He will not hire someone, he’s never worked with before.

Someone like Al Harris or Raheem Morris, when he gets fired.[/quote]

I'm curious, what made you so certain of this claim?

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=MTK;1378928]I don’t think we need to do a lot on offense, defensively though we need a ton, an overhaul of personnel and obviously a proven DC[/quote]

I do think we need some TE help. We haven't seen enough from Sinnott yet, and Bates remains more of a blocker. I was surprised the Ravens extended Andrews, and if Likely were available, that would be intriguing. But other than that, I do agree with you. D needs help everywhere -- literally everywhere.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=calia;1378953][B]I do think we need some TE help[/B]. We haven't seen enough from Sinnott yet, and Bates remains more of a blocker. I was surprised the Ravens extended Andrews, and if Likely were available, that would be intriguing. But other than that, I do agree with you. D needs help everywhere -- literally everywhere.[/quote]

THIS! I swear Zach losing a step was a big part of this season being bad

Look at Maye he has Hunter and Hopper, they are always his safety valves when in trouble

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Team needs a lot of help on offense at the skill positions WR, RB and TE

Defense does need a complete overhaul from coaching on down.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=calia;1378953]I do think we need some TE help. We haven't seen enough from Sinnott yet, and Bates remains more of a blocker. I was surprised the Ravens extended Andrews, and if Likely were available, that would be intriguing. But other than that, I do agree with you. D needs help everywhere -- literally everywhere.[/quote]

Yeah TE and WR are needs, but just getting guys like JD and Terry back healthy will go a long way.

The defense is just a disaster.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[url]https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47734163/2026-nfl-free-agency-top-50-ranking-hendrickson-pickens-hall-willis[/url]

Outstanding list and rankings by Bowen. I think this year free agency class is the deepest with in prime talent that I can remember. Doesn’t have super star power at top but I see a lot of glue guys who can come in and perform really help a team.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;1379628][url]https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47734163/2026-nfl-free-agency-top-50-ranking-hendrickson-pickens-hall-willis[/url]

Outstanding list and rankings by Bowen. I think this year free agency class is the deepest with in prime talent that I can remember. Doesn’t have super star power at top but I see a lot of glue guys who can come in and perform really help a team.[/quote]

We need to sign all of them.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;1379628][url]https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47734163/2026-nfl-free-agency-top-50-ranking-hendrickson-pickens-hall-willis[/url]

Outstanding list and rankings by Bowen. I think this year free agency class is the deepest with in prime talent that I can remember. Doesn’t have super star power at top but I see a lot of glue guys who can come in and perform really help a team.[/quote]

if u sign george p that team is going be sad ; he will go back to his pitt days and collect his paycheck ; he hustle last year for a payday

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=mredskins;1379630]if u sign george p that team is going be sad ; he will go back to his pitt days and collect his paycheck ; he hustle last year for a payday[/quote]

Hes talented, but give me Pierce from Indy. Doubbs from GB is solid no 2 as well.

Bowen putting Isiah Likely ahead of Pitts should raise eyebrows. Likely would be a great pickup at TE.

There some really solid cover guys at Corner too, really good man and zone guys

Decent options at LB

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

For me the guys we must pursue would be this list. Signing at least 4 or 5 of them would fill holes (at least partially) and free up picks to go BPA. Aside from stupidly expensive deals, money should be no object.

Pierce
Hall
Oweh
Etienne as an alternate to Hall
Likely do we go after him AND Pitts?
Doubs as an alternate to Pierce
Pitts blocking is ? but we need a real pass threat TE
Walker III as an alternate to Hall
Cook if we're not going after Downs...
Williams as an alternate to Hall

I'd consider Hendrickson or Bosa as a 1-2 year boost to the pass rush opposite a rookie Edge from the draft. Money would be a factor though at their age.

I'd consider Pickens and Shaheed, but not for stupid contracts. I'd also add Willis to the above list if MM goes, but I expect Willis to seek a starting job.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

The Tunsil deal is the great unknown. We just know he will hold out to be the top paid LT in the league, and not knowing what that figure will be will hamper their plans I would think.

I really like Likely, he is a YAC animal. Don't want Deebo signed even though I liked that trade and he gave them about what I had expected. He was the only productive receiver they had but you don't put a lot of money into 2 WRs over 30.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Darrell Green Fan;1379662]The Tunsil deal is the great unknown. We just know he will hold out to be the top paid LT in the league, and not knowing what that figure will be will hamper their plans I would think.

I really like Likely, he is a YAC animal. Don't want Deebo signed even though I liked that trade and he gave them about what I had expected. He was the only productive receiver they had but you don't put a lot of money into 2 WRs over 30.[/quote]

I’m with you on Likely. The dude just looks the part as that security blanket, move the chains TE that JD5 needs

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=mredskins;1379630]if u sign george p that team is going be sad ; he will go back to his pitt days and collect his paycheck ; he hustle last year for a payday[/quote]

I don’t think Dallas lets him leave anyways. Hearing an additional 30 million to salary cap so a lot of these players might have deals with their current teams. We’ll see.

In TE I think I’d take the flyer on Likely over Pitt. He would probably be cheaper but one thing that makes me anxious about Pitt is his receptions-target ratio he has 284 receptions on 451 targets. I haven’t done research on TE averages but that is less than 2/3 of targets being caught. Am I reading too much into that?

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Odafe Oweh
Alec Pierce
Isiah Likely
Quay Walker
And draft Caleb Downs

Please.

Not that this would be enough, but it would mark major improvements in areas of need. Still need CB and RB help, and I’d like to see more OL depth because we were remarkably healthy at OL last year and can’t take it for granted.


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Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

The NFL has informed teams that the 2026 salary cap will be in the range of $301.2M to $305.7M per team, via @TomPelissero

A significant jump in the salary cap 👀

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=calia;1379667]Odafe Oweh
Alec Pierce
Isiah Likely
Quay Walker
And draft Caleb Downs

Please.

Not that this would be enough, but it would mark major improvements in areas of need. Still need CB and RB help, and I’d like to see more OL depth because we were remarkably healthy at OL last year and can’t take it for granted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/quote]

Would you consider Likely and Pitts? To me it would show a lack of faith in Sinnott, but a definite ambition.

What about that RB in FA, like Hall or Walker, instead of the draft? A CB in FA?

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=AnonEmouse;1379674]Would you consider Likely and Pitts? To me it would show a lack of faith in Sinnott, but a definite ambition.

What about that RB in FA, like Hall or Walker, instead of the draft? A CB in FA?[/quote]

Signing both Likely and Pitts feels like you're giving upon Sinnott completely, as I don't see Bates going anywhere (and he shouldn't). I would lean more towards Likely for the simple fact that I expect he'd be a lot cheaper, and while Pitts is the better player, a combo of Likely, Sinnott and Bates with a bit more $$ to spend on D where we really need the help would be my preference.

For RB, Hall would be great, but he'll be the most expensive FA RB, I think. I think Rico Dowdle is underrated, and he'd love to stick it to Dallas 2X per year. And I think he's a decent pass catching back too.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=calia;1379675]Signing both Likely and Pitts feels like you're giving upon Sinnott completely, as I don't see Bates going anywhere (and he shouldn't). I would lean more towards Likely for the simple fact that I expect he'd be a lot cheaper, and while Pitts is the better player, a combo of Likely, Sinnott and Bates with a bit more $$ to spend on D where we really need the help would be my preference.

For RB, Hall would be great, but he'll be the most expensive FA RB, I think. I think Rico Dowdle is underrated, and he'd love to stick it to Dallas 2X per year. And I think he's a decent pass catching back too.[/quote]

I think RB is need. I don’t know what to make of Breece Hall. I’m unsure if he is legit. I like Rico, but his price just soared.

I really believe our new OC is going to want the run the ball at a more consistent clip…I’m really interested who he believes is RB1 next year. It’s as important as who he chooses is TE1.

Just think, he gets reset RB1, TE1 and WR2. Skill position choices on offense are gonna be super interesting this offseason

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;1379686]I think RB is need. I don’t know what to make of Breece Hall. I’m unsure if he is legit. I like Rico, but his price just soared.

I really believe our new OC is going to want the run the ball at a more consistent clip…I’m really interested who he believes is RB1 next year. It’s as important as who he chooses is TE1.

Just think, he gets reset RB1, TE1 and WR2. Skill position choices on offense are gonna be super interesting this offseason[/quote]

Do you think that brings Love into the conversation with the #7 pick? Any other year I'd be happy with a freak at RB or WR, but with so many needs on D...

I'd like to see Hall, Dowdle or Walker signed. Whichever would make a real 1-2 punch with Bill. I only have slight reservations on Dowdle and Walkers injury histories, but they've both been good last season.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=AnonEmouse;1379696]Do you think that brings Love into the conversation with the #7 pick? Any other year I'd be happy with a freak at RB or WR, but with so many needs on D...

I'd like to see Hall, Dowdle or Walker signed. Whichever would make a real 1-2 punch with Bill. I only have slight reservations on Dowdle and Walkers injury histories, but they've both been good last season.[/quote]

Honestly no. I don’t see a team taking at RB in the top 10 with so many needs

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;1379725]Honestly no. I don’t see a team taking at RB in the top 10 with so many needs[/quote]I love Love but tend to agree. Kid is crazy athletic and talented, but he's definitely not a bulldozer NFL back who can carry the rock 30x plus a game for an extended period of time. Think he goes 1st round though. Think Jadarian Price will be a good pro also.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=WCommandersfan99;1379749]I love Love but tend to agree. Kid is crazy athletic and talented, but he's definitely not a bulldozer NFL back who can carry the rock 30x plus a game for an extended period of time. Think he goes 1st round though. Think Jadarian Price will be a good pro also.[/quote]

I agree with all this. I cannot see AP using #7 on a RB -- not with premium D players available and the train wreck that was our D last year.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Njoku saying he won't be back in Cleveland next year. Is he too old/injury prone to consider as a replacement for Ertz, assuming Sinnott doesn't have a break out? I've always liked the way he plays but we need to go youth...

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=AnonEmouse;1379804]Njoku saying he won't be back in Cleveland next year. Is he too old/injury prone to consider as a replacement for Ertz, assuming Sinnott doesn't have a break out? I've always liked the way he plays but we need to go youth...[/quote]

I think he would be good back up option if we cannot sign Likely. I'm not fan of Pitts.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

I'm not a fan of paying Pitts a fortune for what is effectively a 2 year sample (1st & 5th), but I'm a fan of his ability if he can be more consistent. Somebody will pay him that fortune and gamble on his production. Shouldn't be us.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

Tress re-signed, hopefully retires here. This is the Way.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[quote=AnonEmouse;1379823]Tress re-signed, hopefully retires here. This is the Way.[/quote]

I'm not fan of 1 year deals for important players like Way tho.. It feels as if the team is operating in good faith that Way will not be interested in signing with new team in the future.

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

He's 36 in 2 months. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually happy with the extension. He's going to hit the point of diminishing returns (pun intended) soon...

Re: 2026 NFL Free Agency Thread
 

[QUOTE=AnonEmouse;1379825]He's 36 in 2 months. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually happy with the extension. He's going to hit the point of diminishing returns (pun intended) soon...[/QUOTE]


I’m good with diminishing returns.

Actually, I suspect he’d be able to play more than another year said he wants - he was excellent again this year and is justifiably beloved. Very glad he’s back.


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