The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Commander Wraith]

Some of those one year deals are actually the least efficient in terms of current cap space, which can eat into what we’ve had in past years. Whatever the contract is for (for instance, $10M for a Wagner or whatever) just hits at that flat number, period. Whereas a 3-5 year contract usually has a smaller footprint. So while I want AP to care about future cap health, we could arguably add more talent by taking swings on multi-year deals for 26-28 year olds that are a bit overpaid, rather than 1-year deals for “cheaper” vets that all hit the cap immediately

Very true. I was more so thinking of the Sheldon Day/Jalyn Holmes/Darnell Savage level 1 year deals though (although I don’t recall their contracts, I’m just assuming they were pretty cheap, lol).

 

[Darrell Green Fan]

I have no problem with AP continuing to sign old vets on one year deals. Some worked, like Ertz and Wagner to a lesser extent. Some like Von Miller did not but was worth a shot. The problem of course was bring back Ertz and Wagner.

I would expect more vet signings. Mark Andrews is a guy I have on my radar.

 

[Conn]

I mean if he was the 4th/5th rotational EDGE for obvious passing situations like he was supposed to be, Miller would be a fine signing for what he’s bringing. He’s on pace for 8-9 sacks which would be his best in years and would fulfill that Fowler role he’s basically filling. He’s pretty washed up other than that but it was supposed to be a bit role. He’s playing more (and getting washed out of the play more) than he was supposed to be

 

[Riggo44]

Doing some cross referencing with potential free agent targets and extensions:

• Quenten Lake: I am sure the Rams love his versatility and they have more cap room than we do. Likely extended.
• Klaivon Chiasson: Pats have $42m in Effective Cap Space (ECS). He's played well for them, most of their roster is locked up (47 under contract). Likely extended.
• Travis Jones & Isiah Likely. Ravens have $28m in ECS, with these two significant free agents, and only 36 players under contract, and need a lot of help. If we let Payne go, Jones would be a possible replacement. Likely would be a nice get to replace Ertz. One or Both Likely Available, Jones probably the more likely to get extended.
• Jaylon Jones: Bears have -$12m in ECS. Jones has an injury history--might be a good, lower-cost add to compete with Martin, see if he actually sucks or if the coaching staff was inept. Likely available.
• Alec Pierce. This is interesting. Colts have $35m in ECS, but they have to overpay Daniel Jones. I don't see them paying both, but the cap is very manipulatable. 50/50 shot.
• Quay Walker & Romeo Doubs. Packers are right at the Cap in ECS -$435K which is easily created. Walker is a big part of their D. Guessing Walker is extended; Doubs Available.
• Devin Lloyd. Same as the Packers above. Guessing he's extended.
• Kyle Pitts. Atlanta is a shit show. No QB for most of next year, no 1st round pick, $12m OVER in ECS. Probably a new coaching staff. Almost definitely available.
• Cordelle Flott. Giants are a mess too. I have little faith in Dart, new coaching staff as well, $3 OVER in ECS. Likely available.
• Jaylen Nailor. Vikings are $51m OVER in ECS, he's their 4th most targeted receiver, behind Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson (also name does not end in -son, so therefore he's out). Almost definitely available

All cap figures here: https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space

 

[method man]

Doing some cross referencing with potential free agent targets and extensions:

• Quenten Lake: I am sure the Rams love his versatility and they have more cap room than we do. Likely extended.
• Klaivon Chiasson: Pats have $42m in Effective Cap Space (ECS). He's played well for them, most of their roster is locked up (47 under contract). Likely extended.
• Travis Jones & Isiah Likely. Ravens have $28m in ECS, with these two significant free agents, and only 36 players under contract, and need a lot of help. If we let Payne go, Jones would be a possible replacement. Likely would be a nice get to replace Ertz. One or Both Likely Available, Jones probably the more likely to get extended.
• Jaylon Jones: Bears have -$12m in ECS. Jones has an injury history--might be a good, lower-cost add to compete with Martin, see if he actually sucks or if the coaching staff was inept. Likely available.
• Alec Pierce. This is interesting. Colts have $35m in ECS, but they have to overpay Daniel Jones. I don't see them paying both, but the cap is very manipulatable. 50/50 shot.
• Quay Walker & Romeo Doubs. Packers are right at the Cap in ECS -$435K which is easily created. Walker is a big part of their D. Guessing Walker is extended; Doubs Available.
• Devin Lloyd. Same as the Packers above. Guessing he's extended.
• Kyle Pitts. Atlanta is a shit show. No QB for most of next year, no 1st round pick, $12m OVER in ECS. Probably a new coaching staff. Almost definitely available.
• Cordelle Flott. Giants are a mess too. I have little faith in Dart, new coaching staff as well, $3 OVER in ECS. Likely available.
• Jaylen Nailor. Vikings are $51m OVER in ECS, he's their 4th most targeted receiver, behind Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson (also name does not end in -son, so therefore he's out). Almost definitely available

All cap figures here: https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space

I doubt Likely makes it to FA. The likelier path is that the Ravens let Andrews leave. Of the to be free agent TEs, I think Andrews is the likeliest guy to land here

 

[Riggo44]

I doubt Likely makes it to FA. The likelier path is that the Ravens let Andrews leave. Of the to be free agent TEs, I think Andrews is the likeliest guy to land here

Ah I didn't realize they're both free agents. Yeah I amend my statement. They'll have to keep one...

And if we end up with Andrews, I'll be annoyed. One, it's another 30+ declining player, and two, it shows Peters learned nothing.

 

[method man]

Ah I didn't realize they're both free agents. Yeah I amend my statement. They'll have to keep one...

And if we end up with Andrews, I'll be annoyed. One, it's another 30+ declining player, and two, it shows Peters learned nothing.

As of now, looking like Andrews, Njoku, Pitts and Otton. Otton is a JAG so meh. Of the remaining three, I’m sure most here want Pitts but there is something clearly lacking when it comes to his love of football. He should be a multiple time All Pro despite the QBs he has played with given his tools.

Despite being the least explosive receiver out of the three, Andrews can still block

 

[RedWolf]

My son knows Njoku from the U, could have should have would have if he concentrated and really focused on football

 

[Riggo44]

He should be a multiple time All Pro despite the QBs he has played with given his tools.

I took that into account as well--he played under Arthur Smith and Zac Robinson...

 

[DWinzit]

Adding Likely, Pierce and Nailor would be a great and doable haul for our offense

Devin Lloyd would be an awesome addition to the D along of course with decent Edge, DT, S and CB

 

[method man]

My son knows Njoku from the U, could have should have would have if he concentrated and really focused on football

I’m guessing he spent a lot of time in Brickell, Wynwood and in South Beach

 

[method man]

I took that into account as well--he played under Arthur Smith and Zac Robinson...

Robinson isn’t special but he is still a McVay disciple and London hasn’t needed that excuse to use

 

[RedWolf]

I’m guessing he spent a lot of time in Brickell, Wynwood and in South Beach

Njoku? I don't know

My son was the head equipment manager for 4 years for the hurricanes, and did a double degree in 4 years with a 3.86 GPA. He really didn't have a lot of time

💪

 

[SkinsFTW]

My son knows Njoku from the U, could have should have would have if he concentrated and really focused on football

And you can say that about 95% of the players who actually made it into the NFL. Njoku ended up on the Browns and stayed for 9 years and still put up some stats.

I'd say he has done pretty well considering what he has been with all this time.

 

[method man]

Njoku? I don't know

My son was the head equipment manager for 4 years for the hurricanes, and did a double degree in 4 years with a 3.86 GPA. He really didn't have a lot of time

💪

Good for your son!

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[Whiskeypeet]

Interesting development. Will see if he is damaged goods, but a guy that may want to be here and could come cheap given the injury history.

 

[CuredFromBatteredFanSyndrome]

Feels like destiny that he’s going to come here. Whether he’s broken or not, remains to be seen. But I expect him to be a Commander.

 

[method man]

Feels like destiny that he’s going to come here. Whether he’s broken or not, remains to be seen. But I expect him to be a Commander.

We are the odds on favorite to get him. He is probably looking at 1 yr $15m. Could be cheap enough for him + Deebo

 

[skinsinparadise]