The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Dah-Dee]

Can anyone think of a mid season trade that immediately made an impact?

CMC to SF in 2022 = Super Bowl LVIII

First one I thought of, though, although it wasn't 'immediate' impact, was Herschel to Vikings, which set the Cowboys up for 3 SB wins. Freaking Cowboys.

 

[DieselPwr44]

CMC to SF in 2022 = Super Bowl LVIII

First one I thought of, though, although it wasn't 'immediate' impact, was Herschel to Vikings, which set the Cowboys up for 3 SB wins. Freaking Cowboys.

Yeah,the Herschel trade was a great move long term. I'm thinking more immediate,like the same year they were acquired.

 

[Conn]

Can anyone think of a mid season trade that immediately made an impact?

Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers. Hockenson when initially dealt to the Vikings. Amari Cooper after being dealt to the Cowboys.

These are top of mind for me because they’re fantasy football relevant in recent years. I’d have to actually research to come up with non-skill player examples

 

[Faithful Fan]

Yeah Walker and McCaffery are probably the most successful. Speaking of midseason trades, I’ll bet the Bengals are feeling pretty good about trading for Joe Flacco right now, they look like a different team.

 

[Conn]

Just a workout, probably nothing

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

Wagner is racking up tackles, but it’s mostly because our D is giving up long drive and spending an insanely long time on the field. He’s getting targeted in coverage and wrecked. He needs to be a part time player but it’s like they’re afraid of hurting his feelings, or fear the communication on D will get even worse if he’s not out there.

I think it's probably more the latter than the former. None of the other LBs have shown they can take over or stay healthy.

Though it might be time to find out if they can, because necessity is the mother of invention, and what they are doing isn't working, so you have to try something else.

 

[Conn]

I’ve liked Deebo when healthy but yeah, now that he’s showing he’s still struggling with injuries I’m not re-signing him at his age unless it’s team-friendly. They thought we could make a run and sacrificed the 5th for Deebo (and the picks for Lattimore last year), it is what it is. Tunsil they’ll re-sign and I’m happy with that. Paul hopefully too.

But I’d let Deebo go and use that money to sign someone younger in FA, not necessarily at WR unless the right guy was there. But keep drafting athletic (preferably productive) WR’s in the mid rounds, while keeping ready to slam the draft button on a true prototypical WR1 in the 1st or 2nd if one falls to you. Otherwise keep stacking athleticism and talent at the position like the Packers have.

Stop gap vet WR signings in FA are fine too, for now, until that depth chart is stacked with young guys. Adams, Diggs, hell even Deebo types on one year deals can bridge the gap

But just keep drafting speed and talent at the position

 

[skinsinparadise]

With Armstrong gone. Maybe?

 

[skinsinparadise]

or

 

[method man]

I’ve liked Deebo when healthy but yeah, now that he’s showing he’s still struggling with injuries I’m not re-signing him at his age unless it’s team-friendly. They thought we could make a run and sacrificed the 5th for Deebo (and the picks for Lattimore last year), it is what it is. Tunsil they’ll re-sign and I’m happy with that. Paul hopefully too.

But I’d let Deebo go and use that money to sign someone younger in FA, not necessarily at WR unless the right guy was there. But keep drafting athletic (preferably productive) WR’s in the mid rounds, while keeping ready to slam the draft button on a true prototypical WR1 in the 1st or 2nd if one falls to you. Otherwise keep stacking athleticism and talent at the position like the Packers have.

Stop gap vet WR signings in FA are fine too, for now, until that depth chart is stacked with young guys. Adams, Diggs, hell even Deebo types on one year deals can bridge the gap

But just keep drafting speed and talent at the position

That's a fair approach. I think Carnell Tate would be great for us if we land a top 15 pick given where things stand currently.

 

[method man]

Back to FA itself, I've identified the following positions as positions of need for us as of now for starters:

TE1, WR2, DE2, S, CB2, ILB

I think the good news is that FA will have clear solutions to a number of these roles and I think we can find a starting WR or DE with what will probably be a top 15 pick in this coming draft. My thoughts:

TE1 - There are more names out there but Njoku and Andrews will probably be available, given the presence of Fannin and Likely. Njoku is the better receiver but lacks a bit as a blocker. Andrews is the better all around player but his receiving production has dropped the past few years. Either guy is still an upgrade over Ertz and what we have gotten out of him. Given the presence of Bates and Sinnott, I would go Njoku here

WR2 - As of now, Shaheed, Wan'Dale Robinson, Meyers, Doubs and J. Jennings are some of the guys set to hit free agency. Obviously, some of these guys will be resigned by their teams but some of them such as Jennings will also come available. I am on the boat of letting Deebo go unless he comes back on a reasonable 1 year deal or a cheap multiyear deal but someone will overpay him. I think you have to sign one of the above group. Even if we sign one of these guys, I am also still looking at rd 1 of the draft for another guy to potentially give ourselves a strong trio.

DE2 - I think Armstrong showed this year he is a DE1. He took a big leap up and it is a shame he got hurt because he was heading to the Pro Bowl this year. We could make the big splash and go for Hendrickson and we really should take that risk despite Hendrickson's age to make the DL a real strength next season. However, several other teams will chase him too and odds are someone else will sign him. It is not often an elite player comes available in FA. If we don't sign him, Joey Bosa is balling out in Buffalo and he will get himself a big deal - not sure I want him though given the injury history and what he will command. There is also a nice crop of other promising DEs who will hit FA like Jaelan Phillips, K'Lavon Chiasson, AJ Epenesa, Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh who will hit FA. If we are looking at this tier and he is available, I really like Boye Mafe. He had a 9 sack 2023 campaign but that fell to 6 last year and he hasn't had any this year despite a decent number of pressures. I'd be open to bringing Wise back as depth and we'll have JJB back. This is also another position I'd take a deep look at in the draft and there will be some good options available to us in rd 1.

S - Savage has played better and better and at least shows coverage ability. I'd bring him back to compete with Quan and Will Harris for a starting spot next year but we absolutely do need another piece. Maybe it's the draft. Maybe it is FA. If we go the FA route, I am sure DQ is taking a close look at Donovan Wilson. I believe we tried to grab him a couple years ago but he went back to the Cowboys. He's had a bad year for the Cowboys so far but he is a playmaker in the box who has had a couple great years with DQ. I think this is a position we have over-optimized for special teams ace types who can't actually play defense at a good level. I think one or two of the Reaves/Owens/Butler combo has to go. Quan and Harris are cut candidates for me in camp next year if we bring in Savage and someone else. As Jay Gruden said, you don't need superstars at safety but you can't have bad safeties starting for you.

CB2 - I hope we move on from Lattimore and move Sainristil outside and evaluate him there. We have seen Sainristil enough at nickel the past year and a half and he is just not good there. We did see a half season of solid play on the outside last year. Yes, he has size deficiencies playing outside but perhaps he is better able to stick with outside receivers in man coverage and isn't going to have to tackle as much. If he can prove he is a solid starter on the outside, then finding a starting nickel corner is way easier. A plus starter like Roger Mcreary is not going to break the bank and is likely looking at a Nate Hobbs type 4 yr/$48M deal. We should also note that the Giants found Dru Phillips in rd 3 last year and the Falcons found Billy Bowman Jr in rd 4 this year and both guys are starting and playing at a high level for their teams. On the other hand, if Sainristil doesn't cut it, I will say that outside CB is really slim pickings and it is possible that Greg Newsome may be the best outside CB who will hit FA. After spending 2 2nds, a 3rd, a 4th and a 6th on CBs the past two drafts, it would be a very tough call to spend the 1st rd pick on yet another one this draft.

ILB - Let's hope Magee sticks and shows he is the green dot guy for next year. I think Luvu would look better next to a faster younger linebacker like Magee. I wouldn't count on them to be starters but let's also hope that Kaho and Medrano continue improving and don't meet the same fate that Hampton met this past training camp. If Magee is looking good, this is another position that I would target to add another athletic young guy in the draft to add to the depth of the room. There are a lot of good young linebackers set to hit FA. I would bet most of them will be resigned but who knows. This is the position to go after for an impact starter if we decide we need one. This group includes Kaden Elliss, Matt Milano, Quincy Williams, Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd, Nate Landman, Jerome Baker and Malcolm Rodriguez.

A bonus one for everyone...

K - We need to add someone to our practice squad and elevate that person later in the year if Gay is not cutting it. I pointed to Lucas Havrisik in another thread who just had a nice run with the Packers while subbing in for McManus. I doubt we bring Gay back next year so why not try to figure out a long term solution now?

 

[commva2]

Not sure if it was shared or if we'll have any interest but he will be available.

 

[RedWolf]

I'm 60 can't run the 40 and only have my left hand available to catch balls, my right hand always has a drink in it. Not asking for a lot of money but I don't quit I'm a hard worker and don't take any shit. No major injury history since my twenties

 

[Faithful Fan]

I’ve liked Deebo when healthy but yeah, now that he’s showing he’s still struggling with injuries I’m not re-signing him at his age unless it’s team-friendly. They thought we could make a run and sacrificed the 5th for Deebo (and the picks for Lattimore last year), it is what it is. Tunsil they’ll re-sign and I’m happy with that. Paul hopefully too.

But I’d let Deebo go and use that money to sign someone younger in FA, not necessarily at WR unless the right guy was there. But keep drafting athletic (preferably productive) WR’s in the mid rounds, while keeping ready to slam the draft button on a true prototypical WR1 in the 1st or 2nd if one falls to you. Otherwise keep stacking athleticism and talent at the position like the Packers have.

Stop gap vet WR signings in FA are fine too, for now, until that depth chart is stacked with young guys. Adams, Diggs, hell even Deebo types on one year deals can bridge the gap

But just keep drafting speed and talent at the position

I disagree on Deebo. He has been our most productive offensive weapon by far, and he has been a great culture guy. He’s 29 years old, not especially expensive, working hard, and in good shape. I’d call him a keeper, and I don’t see how a bruised heel changes that.

 

[skinsmarydu]

I'm 60 can't run the 40 and only have my left hand available to catch balls, my right hand always has a drink in it. Not asking for a lot of money but I don't quit I'm a hard worker and don't take any shit. No major injury history since my twenties

D, because I hadn't worked in so long...all those stairs at the game kicked my ass!

 

[method man]

I disagree on Deebo. He has been our most productive offensive weapon by far, and he has been a great culture guy. He’s 29 years old, not especially expensive, working hard, and in good shape. I’d call him a keeper, and I don’t see how a bruised heel changes that.

The guy has suffered like 3x the ailments of the typical receiver. He is an old 29

 

[Conn]

I disagree on Deebo. He has been our most productive offensive weapon by far, and he has been a great culture guy. He’s 29 years old, not especially expensive, working hard, and in good shape. I’d call him a keeper, and I don’t see how a bruised heel changes that.

Hey if he stays not especially expensive, I’m on board

 

[DWinzit]

Hey if he stays not especially expensive, I’m on board

For sure, as long as it's cheap, short term and gives the team an out. He is a great player and influence for the team. Also method man is correct, he plays hard and has been banged up a lot

 

[method man]

I did a deep dive earlier but, from a personnel standpoint this offseason, it boils down to two things. 1) Get JD more weapons & 2) infuse the D with younger proven talent

 

[DWinzit]

I did a deep dive earlier but, from a personnel standpoint this offseason, it boils down to two things. 1) Get JD more weapons & 2) infuse the D with younger proven talent

Agreed, we also need to keep relevant this season or players won't be intrigued to play in Washington. Last year our team and staff showed the league lots of talent, potential and excitement. We can't afford to lose that edge. We need to end the season showing what offense can really do, be explosive and score a will

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