The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[HTTR]

It seems like there is going to be a big focus on running the ball this year, and on play action. Jennings would seem to be a great scheme fit.

For all the people talking about not wanting to pay Jennings 23 million dollars, he’s not going to cost that. Or he would already have received that contract. He will be lucky to get 15 million this year IMHO.

However, we currently have 50 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Next year we have 100 million. But, we don’t have a lot of guys signed for 2027, will need to add a lot of players to the roster, and Jayden is eligible for an extension next year. I can see the wisdom in rolling our money over.

Maybe that’s why they are thinking about rolling with what we have, plus Aiyuk.

Agree for sure. Totally understand putting some cap space aside for Jayden’s big contract. But signing Jennings for 15–20 isn’t going to hamper that effort very much. Still plenty of cap to roll over and of course the total cap will be much higher by the time we extend Jayden. With all the hand wringing over the receiver room and giving Jayden weapons, makes sense to me to invest in what I think is the best guy currently available who just happens to be a good fit as well.

 

[Faithful Fan]

The more I look at it, the less I think we sign anyone of note at receiver; the only caveat being injury. I heard someone talking about this, I don't remember who, but if Blough wants to emulate Ben Johnson' offense, who is the big, tall receiver in Detroit? This last year, it was Isaac TeSlaa; a 3rd round rookie, had 27 targets. Their top targets were St. Brown, Williams, Gibbs, and LaPorta.

I think Burks a 40-rec, 500 yrd, 5-6 TD 3rd/4th targeted receiver behind Terry, Williams, and Konk as the primary targets; with White and Bill mixed in. I know Bill did nothing in the passing game last year but I would be flabbergasted if that was not in the plan for him. Just a hunch, we shall see how it goes.

I agree there’s a good chance we stick with what we have at WR, but as I’ve said elsewhere, Dyami is more likely to be that third guy behind Terry and Williams than Burks.

Dyami has real rapport with Jayden. He had a career-high 75% catch percentage in 2024 (up from a 57% career average), and he was money in the playoffs with 14 catches for 229 years. I always said we kept the wrong Brown, but at least we corrected that mistake.

Everyone remembers Burks’ highlight touchdown, but that was really his only contribution last year, when he had 10 catches and a sub 50% catch percentage. Not that he couldn’t do it, he was a first round pick, but people have higher than warranted expectations of him.

We also have LMC, Lane, Jefferson, and a bunch of UDFA in the mix. Should be good competition in camp.

 

[Riggo44]

Dyami has real rapport with Jayden. He had a career-high 75% catch percentage in 2024 (up from a 57% career average), and he was money in the playoffs with 14 catches for 229 years. I always said we kept the wrong Brown, but at least we corrected that mistake.

Catch percentage is misleading, because it doesn't take into account for off-target throws. However:

Burks: 0 drops on 22 targets.
Brown: 5 drops on 37 targets.

Likewise, Burks came in halfway through the season and was getting acclimated; Brown was with Jacksonville all year and was a healthy scratch and a total non-factor down the stretch--playing just 10% of the offensive snaps, garnering 3 targets and 1 reception. He did not play in the playoffs for Jacksonville. Maybe he comes here and reignites the rapport with Daniels, but he's bottom of the barrel on the depth chart for me.

 

[Faithful Fan]

Catch percentage is misleading, because it doesn't take into account for off-target throws. However:

Burks: 0 drops on 22 targets.
Brown: 5 drops on 37 targets.

Likewise, Burks came in halfway through the season and was getting acclimated; Brown was with Jacksonville all year and was a healthy scratch and a total non-factor down the stretch--playing just 10% of the offensive snaps, garnering 3 targets and 1 reception. He did not play in the playoffs for Jacksonville. Maybe he comes here and reignites the rapport with Daniels, but he's bottom of the barrel on the depth chart for me.

Fair enough, Dyami had a bad time in Jacksonville last year, but they really aren’t that different in terms of drops for their career’s: Burks’ career drop percentage is 7% and Dyami’s is 7.2%.

I think we will get the 2024 Dyami, sounds like you think we will get the 2025 version, time will tell.

 

[KDawg]

We’re arguing about a slew of unknowns. We just have no idea. Burks could absolutely explode. Sometimes people figure it out. But the likelihood of that isn’t worth hoping for going into the season.

The same could be said for all of these guys. Each has potential in their own ways. But we have no idea because they haven’t really ever done it. Even Dyami who had a strong playoff run, hasn’t really done it.

We are trotting out an entire receiving corps of unknowns, including Terry given his health/production from last year.

I don’t love the gamble. But I hope it pays off.

 

[Dah-Dee]

Fair enough, Dyami had a bad time in Jacksonville last year, but they really aren’t that different in terms of drops for their career’s: Burks’ career drop percentage is 7% and Dyami’s is 7.2%.

I think we will get the 2024 Dyami, sounds like you think we will get the 2025 version, time will tell.

I'm not happy with relying on Burks or Dyami or anybody else on the roster for anything other than depth, excepting possibly Williams; we need at least one more unquestionably-starting-caliber WR added before camp (i.e. not counting on Aiyuk either), and if any of our gaggle of JAGs pops, it'll be a bonus just like with Aiyuk.

I haven't heard anything, like ever, indicating Commanders have any interest in Jennings, although I think he'd be the perfect complement to Terry with his elite blocking, route running and contested catch ability. I really don't think he's a realistic possibility here.

So if we're not in on Jennings, who actually is a realistic possibility? I think Diggs is out on character, which rightfully seems to be a big deal to this regime. Hill is a total unknown at this point after a horrific knee injury, would be really surprised if he plays in 2026 and even more surprised if he plays and makes any significant impact. Allen at this point in his career seems very likely to either retire or sign a 1-year deal in SD. Does Hopkins have anything left, didn't look like it last year. Doesn't leave a whole lot, although this guy named Deebo had 72 catches last year in a crippled offense and is younger than any of the prior names except Jennings. Any hey, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, Noah Brown, Chris Moore are all unsigned, yay!

 

[heisenberg]

I think we will get the 2024 Dyami, sounds like you think we will get the 2025 version, time will tell.

They're pretty much the same person.

He had the same amount of touchdowns (1) and 90 more yards in 2024 than he did in 2025.

Dyami had a good two game stretch in the playoffs in 2024 when we were all playing beyond ourselves because of house money and team chemistry but came right back to earth afterwards just like we did.

The Jaguars have made some head scratching moves under Cohen and one of them was paying dyami 10 million for two decent games, they gambled and lost and dyami won.

I wouldn't expect too much from him but id be thrilled if I was wrong.

 

[Commander Wraith]

From what I’ve digested, it looks like there’s a chance that Williams becomes our best Z option, and an excellent chance he’s our best slot receiver right now.
Which puts the depth chart as
X - Terry (backup unknown)
Z - Williams/Dyami/Burks/Luke/Jefferson (quite possibly not in that order, though I’d think Luke and Jefferson are more likely to be backups there)
F - Williams (backups Lane/Luke/Jefferson)
Note: doubtful all 7 make it, and obviously if we sign a quality FA, we probably cut 2

The two obvious problems IMO - 1) no clear, quality backup for Terry. 2) If Williams is indeed our top Z and F, that’s putting a lot on Williams, and potentially 2 spots are downgraded if he were hurt.

Jennings helps with that 2nd problem (being able to play Z and F), though money’s a question, he might block Williams, Burks, Dyami and Luke from getting a chance to grow/prove themselves there, and he doesn’t really help the 1st problem. Either he signs a 1 year deal, and we’re turning over the position again next year, or he signs for longer with the potential for him (with what’s probably likely to be a substantial salary) getting pushed to the bench next year if we land a quality z. Also a question of scheme reliance.

Aiyuk potentially addresses both questions, but there’s some overlap with the concerns with Jennings, along with some others specific to him (when could we sign him, does he still have it?).

I’d probably lean towards the higher risk/reward in Aiyuk. As is, we’ve upped our floor with our additions (even if that floor, at least at the z position, is below what Jennings provides), and should have a somewhat higher ceiling (than ‘24/‘25, and than what Jennings provides) with a bunch of younger guys competing. Aiyuk at least gives us a chance at insurance for Terry, and a more proven z (with a significantly higher ceiling than Jennings and our current guys).

Worth mentioning that there’s a risk that Jennings goes elsewhere as we wait on Aiyuk, and then Aiyuk doesn’t pan out. I think, though far from ideal, I’m ok with that… partially because of our current potential and competition/depth in that room, partially because we also have the upside from Okonkwo, and White as a proven pass catcher.

 

[Faithful Fan]

I’m not opposed to adding a vet WR. Keenan Allen would be my preference, but I expect him to re-sign with LA. I am a fan of Deebo, and he may be the best option, but we have others who play a similar role. Aiyuk seems most likely because of his connection with Jayden, but I worry about the off the field stuff. Diggs is probably the best available talent, but his off the field stuff is even worse. I guess Jauan Jennings would be okay too if the cost comes down.

On the other hand, I really like the upside of the group we have, and I would have a hard time cutting any of them besides Jefferson. We were talking about this in the Antonio Williams thread. As it is, you have to cut 1 or 2 of the following (ranked in my preferred order):

1. Terry McLaurin
2. Antonio Williams
3. Luke McCaffery
4. Dyami Brown
5. Jaylin Lane
6. Treylon Burks
7. Van Jefferson

Add Aiyuk or another vet, and you have to cut another.

 

[burgold]

I think I'm leaning towards Keenan Allen, too.

1. Terry McLaurin
2. Keenan Allen
3. Antonio Williams
4. Luke/Jaylin/Burks
5.Luke/Jaylin/Burks
6. Luke/Jaylin/Burks

4-6 will be determined based on competition. Frankly, I probably should make it a foursome with Antonio in that cluster. My hope is that those flashes we saw from McCaffrey before he got hurt turn into a steady light. If so, we might be okay. I do think we need at least one more steady vet presence. To be honest, that's what worries me about Aiyuk. I just don't know what we get out of him: star receiver, solid receiver getting his mojo back, bust who's lost it, other.

 

[prodigy]

The Wr I could see being out on. I dont know where u get a CB other then Diggs.

from things I have read and heard, cornerbacks are not as premium of a position in a Flores/Daronte defense in Minnesota - where he needs superstar type corners. just well rounded, aggressive/physical, and has good communication. I think we can find plenty of depth for that profile not named diggs. I'm not sure trevon diggs's high risk style would actually fit.

 

[burgold]

I think we just need bodies at corner. We're one injury away from claiming people off the street.

 

[Faithful Fan]

They're pretty much the same person.

He had the same amount of touchdowns (1) and 90 more yards in 2024 than he did in 2025.

Dyami had a good two game stretch in the playoffs in 2024 when we were all playing beyond ourselves because of house money and team chemistry but came right back to earth afterwards just like we did.

The Jaguars have made some head scratching moves under Cohen and one of them was paying dyami 10 million for two decent games, they gambled and lost and dyami won.

I wouldn't expect too much from him but id be thrilled if I was wrong.

I guess the yardage and touchdowns are comparable, but 2024 Dyami had a much higher catch percentage, much lower drop percentage, way more YAC, and those two playoff games.

I don’t want to oversell it, but I think he clicked with Jayden and that’s why he’s back.







If I had to pick which of our many wideouts with unrealized potential would break out, then I would bet on him.

 

[Faithful Fan]

I think I'm leaning towards Keenan Allen, too.

1. Terry McLaurin
2. Keenan Allen
3. Antonio Williams
4. Luke/Jaylin/Burks
5.Luke/Jaylin/Burks
6. Luke/Jaylin/Burks

4-6 will be determined based on competition. Frankly, I probably should make it a foursome with Antonio in that cluster. My hope is that those flashes we saw from McCaffrey before he got hurt turn into a steady light. If so, we might be okay. I do think we need at least one more steady vet presence. To be honest, that's what worries me about Aiyuk. I just don't know what we get out of him: star receiver, solid receiver getting his mojo back, bust who's lost it, other.

I agree about Allen, but Dyami doesn’t get to compete with LMC, Lane, and Burks?

 

[ES1974]

Here are the available corners:

Marshon Lattimore (oof) - We all know Marshon.

Trevon Diggs - People say he's aging... but he's just about 29. Playmaker that gets beat as often as he makes a big play. If we want excitement, in both directions, he is probably the guy. But I'm not sure I want excitement

L'Jarius Snead - Had 10 INTs/40 PD in 4 years in Kansas City. He went to Tennessee and fell off the face of the planet playing in only 12 games and registering zero INTs and only 3 PD. 6-1, 192. Probably off his best years. Not sure this is a route I'd go.

Tre'Davious White - Probably too old. 31.

Jeff Okudah - It just never materialized for him. 6-1, 205, coming from Minnesota. But he just has not played a lot of football in his career. So, he's a big time risk and likely unavailable. He's played in 50 games in 6 seasons. Been on four teams, and a different one every season for the last four. I could see a vet min flier, but this dude isn't going to help much unless something clicks.

Kyu Blu Kelly - Youngest available corner. He's 24 going into his 4th year in the league and fifth team. He was with us previously. Young - the kind of guy you throw a dart at the wall for. But you probably miss the entire target.

Jalyn Armour-Davis - Entering his fifth year, team 3. Stat sheet in 30 games is 4 PD, 54 tackles. He DID start 10 games last year for Tennessee, 26 years old, 34 tackles, 2 PD, 34 tackles and a TFL. Best season of his career. 6-1, 200 lbs. This is the guy I'd go after in this group. I wouldn't be thinking he's going to save us. But he has SOME production, SOME experience, fairly young.

There's more, but this is from: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/_/year/2026/position/cb/type/ufa

Sorted by age
Everyone under 30.

View attachment 14818

Slim pickings indeed.

Rasul Douglas not listed as he’s heading towards the grand old age of 32 looks the best option available to me.

Kenny Moore also available for trade too, late round pick, although not sure that fits the specific need.

 

[burgold]

I agree about Allen, but Dyami doesn’t get to compete with LMC, Lane, and Burks?

If Dyami didn't get it going well enough to earn a second contract here and the Jags were eager to let him go and then we re-sign him for basically vet min plus a ham sandwich, I just don't think he's going to get it going.

I do love that he went down to LA to work out with Terry and Jayden so maybe I'm wrong (that would be great) but I just don't have much faith in him. Not that I really have that much faith in McCaffrey or Burks to be fair.

 

[Riggo44]

Dyami Brown has been in the league 5 years and shown nothing. Burks can be blamed partially on injuries, at least, and LMC has kick return capabilities. Of our lottery tickets, Brown is the longest shot.

 

[CapsCommies]

Dyami played his best ball with Jayden in '24 so we can expect him to be decent IMO. If we have Terry drawing double coverage and Williams/Chig pressuring underneath and between the hashes then it should open up targets for Dyami

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[bowhunter]

Training camp Competition is always good! Looking at Moody and Stevens college careers, I would still place my money on Jake. Great move however