2026 NFL Offseason Rumors: Top Free Agents, Draft Impact & Key Contract Updates

The 2026 NFL offseason is in full swing, with organized team activities (OTAs) kicking off across the league, but the Arizona Cardinals’ offseason has already hit a snag. Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett is not in attendance for the team’s Monday OTA sessions, as he continues to hold out in pursuit of a new contract and a pay raise for the upcoming season. Brissett, who is 33 years old, is currently under a two-year, $12.5 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. His absence comes after a career year in 2025, where he led the Cardinals to a 12-5 record after taking over for Kyler Murray in Week 6. During that stretch, Brissett completed 64.9% of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, proving his value as a reliable starter.

Brissett’s holdout is not an isolated incident in the NFL. Several other notable free agents and pending contract negotiations are shaping the league’s offseason landscape. In New Orleans, wide receiver Chris Olave remains in contract talks with the Saints, despite both sides expressing a desire to reach an agreement sooner rather than later. Olave had a career year in 2025, recording 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns. Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis acknowledged the progress but noted that negotiations are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints’ roster shakeup continues to raise questions about the future of All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara. The addition of Travis Etienne in free agency has shifted the dynamic of the backfield, and Loomis remains noncommittal about Kamara’s long-term future. Kamara’s 2025 season was marred by injuries, with career lows in rushing yards (471) and touchdowns (one), but he still contributed 33 receptions for 186 yards. The Saints are evaluating how Kamara fits into their roster moving forward, with resource management being a key factor in their decision-making process.

Over in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers has wasted no time getting his 22nd NFL season started. The four-time NFL MVP signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, reuniting with first-year coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers, who guided Pittsburgh to an AFC North title in 2025, is eager to help the Steelers end their nearly decade-long playoff victory drought. The 42-year-old quarterback completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 starts last season, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level even at his age.

Rodgers’ signing is part of a broader trend of veteran quarterbacks finding new homes. Russell Wilson, who will turn 38 in November, is reportedly deciding between joining the New York Jets as Geno Smith’s backup or transitioning into a career in television. Wilson’s decision comes after a mixed 2025 season, where he appeared in six games (three starts) for the Giants, throwing for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. His future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his experience and leadership could be valuable to a team in need of a veteran presence.

In Atlanta, the Falcons have made significant moves this offseason, including the signing of second-round pick Avieon Terrell to a four-year, $10.3 million fully guaranteed contract. Terrell, the lowest-drafted player in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed rookie deal, joins his brother A.J. Terrell in Atlanta’s revamped secondary under coach Kevin Stefanski. The Falcons are also navigating the aftermath of edge rusher James Pearce Jr.’s offseason arrest, which was resolved with a pretrial intervention program. Pearce Jr. Remains focused on his football future, but his long-term status with the team is still uncertain.

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $68 million, including $32 million guaranteed. Achane, who led the NFL in yards per carry (5.7) in 2025, is now the third-highest-paid running back in the league, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. The extension solidifies Achane’s role as the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. Achane’s absence from the start of the Dolphins’ offseason program has raised questions, but his contract extension should provide clarity moving forward.

The New York Jets are expected to sign wide receiver Tim Patrick, who has spent six NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Patrick, an undrafted free agent in 2017, has appeared in 87 career games, hauling in 191 receptions for 2,590 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Jets already have Garrett Wilson and first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. Alongside Adonai Mitchell in the wide receiver room, so Patrick will likely compete for the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver spot.

In Philadelphia, the Eagles have extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million deal, with $65 million guaranteed. Davis, who has not missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign, recorded a career-high in sacks (4.5), passes defended (six), and combined tackles (72) in 2025. The Eagles are also exploring a trade for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who has been a central figure in trade talks this offseason. Greenard’s production dipped in 2025 due to injuries, but he remains a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their pass rush.

As the offseason continues, several other notable developments are shaping the league’s landscape. The Minnesota Vikings are inducting Adrian Peterson into their Ring of Honor, recognizing his contributions as the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards (11,747) and rushing touchdowns (97). Peterson’s induction comes as the Vikings also begin a sweeping search for their next general manager following the departure of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended kicker Chris Boswell to a four-year contract worth $28 million, tying him as the NFL’s highest-paid kicker at $7 million annually. Boswell has become one of the league’s most reliable kickers since his resurgence in 2023, connecting on 90.6% of his field goals during that span. His extension reflects his consistent performance and value to the Steelers’ offense.

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed veteran tight end David Njoku to a one-year, $8 million deal. Njoku, who spent his entire pro career with the Cleveland Browns, provides the Chargers with a proven veteran presence and Pro Bowl experience. Despite navigating multiple injuries over the past two seasons, Njoku remained productive, recording 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 2025.

In Houston, the Texans are expected to pick up the fifth-year options for edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. And quarterback C.J. Stroud. Both players have been key to Houston’s rebuild under coach DeMeco Ryans since entering the league. Anderson has put together a strong showing, winning the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award and being named a First Team All-Pro in 2025. Stroud, meanwhile, has shown enough for Ryan and his staff to pick up his option and give him a chance at a long-term deal.

As the NFL Draft approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and making key decisions about their futures. The Arizona Cardinals’ holdout situation with Jacoby Brissett highlights the ongoing challenges of contract negotiations and roster management in the league. With OTAs underway and the draft just around the corner, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, filled with new opportunities and challenges for teams across the NFL.