It’s been an interesting first week of free agency for the New York Giants under their new head coach John Harbaugh. The Giants have made quite a few additions while losing quite a few players as well. The number depends on how you treat different free agents. To be sure, re-signing right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, linebacker Micah McFadden, and several others, and at a reasonable average annual value, is a win. That hasn’t made the team better, though, it’s just avoided making it worse than it was in 2025 by running it back from last season. For this post I want to address a different question – how good are the 2026 Giants, at the moment, compared to the 2025 Giants? The answer to that also depends on how you’re thinking about it. Most people feel that John Harbaugh will be a big upgrade over Brian Daboll as a head coach (although it remains to be seen whether Matt Nagy is an upgrade over the Daboll/Mike Kafka offensive coordinator tandem). Everyone believes that Dennard Wilson will be a big improvement over Shane Bowen as defensive coordinator. Let’s instead just focus on the players and ask the question in the title of this post. It’s of course premature to definitively answer it with more of free agency to come plus the NFL Draft next month. This post simply asks whether free agency and the draft can indeed address the remaining roster holes and give the Giants a better roster than they had in 2025. It’s convenient after the first week of free agency to just punt and say, oh we can fix what’s left to do in the draft. This year, though, the Giants only have two Day 1 and Day 2 picks, and you don’t want to depend on Day 3 draftees becoming impact players at the NFL level. So, barring Ty Simpson having an Anthony Richardson-like ascension into the Top 10 and Joe Schoen being able to exploit that with a trade-down that nets a second or third round 2026 pick, they will only have two chances in this draft to address remaining immediate needs. The problem with that of course is that drafting for need alone is poor strategy. One note: The Giants do indeed seem to have upgraded on special teams with punter Jordan Stout, and with either late-2025 incumbent Ben Sauls or newly acquired Jason Sanders. I doubt the Giants will use a draft pick on either position. Thus, the best time to address remaining needs, at least at the “remedial” level of plugging holes with capable starters, is now. That allows you to swing for the BPA (best player available) fences in the draft. What are those needs at the moment? I’d say interior defensive and offensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver, plus linebacker. Let’s look at each, with my assessment of whether a given position has improved, stayed the same, or gotten worse relative to 2025. Interior defensive line 2026 vs. 2025: No change The Giants have done nothing here in free agency to date, despite the IDL being one of main culprits in their run defense being among the league’s worst. D.J. Reader, most recently a Detroit Lion, would provide the run-stuffing that the Giants desperately need inside. He doesn’t give you much in the pass rush, but that’s not what the Giants need. Alternatively, the Giants might be a great fit for the NFL’s Dorian Gray, the ageless Calais Campbell. It’s not known whether Campbell is going to play another year, and he’s not the elite defender he once was, but he is still above average and gives you something in the pass rush as well as run defense. Campbell only made $6M last season. He played for Harbaugh from 2020-2022. How about a reunion for a year? Longer term, No. 5 seems to be too rich for this year’s IDL crop, but someone like Caleb Banks might be in play if he lasts until Round 2. Interior offensive line 2026 vs. 2025: Worse There is considerable buzz about the Giants using the No. 5 pick on running back Jeremiyah Love. In my opinion that would be a mistake for reasons that have nothing to do with Love, who looks like the best running back prospect to enter the league since…Saquon Barkley. You remember Barkley – great running back who’d break long runs and make highlight reel jukes that embarrassed defenders, but who also was often indecisive and unproductive at the line of scrimmage, because of an offensive line that couldn’t open holes for him. Barkley’s 2024 renaissance as an Eagle had everything to do with the gigantic holes the Eagles’ offensive line created that let him get to the second level untouched, where he could perform his magic. When the Eagles’ line declined last season, so did Barkley’s production. The Giants’ 2025 offensive line, while much improved over previous years in pass protection, was still at best mediocre at run-blocking other than Andrew Thomas. The Giants have done nothing yet in free agency, and miracle worker Carmen Bricillo and valuable backup center Austin Schlottman are now Tennessee Giants, er, Titans. Greg Van Roten, their best IOL in 2025, remains unsigned. Perhaps Harbaugh is simply counting on newly-signed fullback Patrick Ricard to solve the problem, but you wouldn’t want to assume that is enough. Barring an Easter-like resurrection of Evan Neal under new offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren, the Giants need to do something about the IOL. Van Roten should be brought back, but as depth rather than as a starter. The free agent pool by now is getting thin; former Brown Wyatt Teller is probably the best they can hope to do in free agency, but he’s declined in recent years due to injuries. This may be a problem they just have to solve in the draft, but unless they do it by Day 2, don’t expect any draftee to just step in and start. It follows then that if
NFL free agency: Are the 2026 NY Giants more talented than the 2025 Giants?
NY Giants news, 3/16: Cam Skattebo injury update — ‘A little over a jog’
Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View “I can get away from like a baby hippo, maybe,” Skattebo said this week of his recovery on The Rich Eisen Show. “That’s about it. But, yeah, a little bit over a jog. Just kind of striding out, not exploding yet and getting into that part of the game, but the jog and the striding.” Seven overlooked free-agent signings that could pay serious dividends in 2026 NFL season | NFL.com John Harbaugh might have tipped his hand on his offensive approach with the signing of the six-time Pro Bowl fullback. Over nine seasons, the knockdown specialist known as “Pancake Pat” has served as the lead blocker for the Ravens’ dominant ground game. He’ll now join his former head coach in New York, where the Giants appear to be transitioning into a power running attack with Cam Skattebo positioned as the featured back. Ricard, a defensive former defensive tackle-turned-fullback, could further elevate an offense that was fifth in rushing yards last season, serving as the pivotal piece to the puzzle in 2026 and beyond. Eagles Lose Out as Former Falcons WR Picks Giants | Eagles on SI The Eagles reportedly were in the mix for former Falcons receiver Darnell Mooney, but missed out as the New York Giants were able to get a deal over the finish line. BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_Ed | Threads: @ed.valentine Bluesky: @edvalentine BBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page BBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel BBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page See More: New York Giants News
2026 NFL Draft: 5 most versatile prospects
Daire Carragher details the five most versatile prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. 2026 NFL Draft: 5 most versatile prospects Versatility defines the 2026 class: Prospects such as Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq showcase the modern NFL’s demand for players who can fill multiple roles, aligning across the formation or defense without forcing personnel changes. Scheme flexibility raises draft value: Clemson’s Avieon Terrell could provide coordinators with lineup versatility that can create matchup advantages and disguise intentions, making him valuable a chess piece on draft weekend. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Versatility has become one of the most valuable traits in modern NFL roster construction. With offenses constantly shifting personnel groupings and defenses relying more heavily on disguised coverages and sub-packages, players who can comfortably handle multiple roles are increasingly attractive to teams on draft weekend. The 2026 NFL Draft class features several prospects whose value extends beyond a single position or assignment. Whether it’s offensive weapons who can line up all over the formation or defenders capable of filling multiple roles within a scheme, these players offer coordinators the flexibility to adapt without substituting personnel. Here are five of the most versatile prospects in the 2026 class. RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska PFF Big Board Rank: 131 (RB6) Johnson was much more than just a pure rushing threat during his three years in Nebraska. His upside as a receiving back will appeal to NFL teams seeking greater diversity in their backfield. Johnson led all Power Four draft-eligible running backs in receptions and receiving yards in 2025. He also played the second most snaps in the slot and out wide among this group. Johnson caught five touchdown passes over the past two seasons as Nebraska’s starter. Johnson’s production wasn’t just the result of screen passes and dump-offs; head coach Matt Rhule drew up diverse routes for his starting running back, including some plays where Johnson was the primary read out of the backfield for quarterback Dylan Raiola. Johnson dropped just one of his 36 catchable targets last season, and his elusiveness shone in open space — he led all FBS running backs with 21 missed tackles forced after the catch. Paired with his quick feet, sufficient speed and buckets of competitive toughness, Johnson is one of a handful of day three running back prospects who could easily grow into an every-down starting role at the next level in a similar vein to Aaron Jones or Alvin Kamara. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon PFF Big Board Rank: 14 (TE1) It won’t come as a surprise to anyone to see Sadiq on a list of versatile prospects. Despite growing into the focal point of Oregon’s receiving game in 2025, Sadiq’s versatility stood out even more in his final season of college football. Make no mistake, Sadiq isn’t just a glorified big-bodied slot receiver carrying the tight end moniker; he’s also an entirely capable in-line tight end in the traditional sense. It might come as a surprise to learn that Sadiq spent over 10% of his overall passing snaps involved in some form of pass protection for his quarterback this past season. He didn’t surrender any pressures in the process. While the brunt of Sadiq’s workload came from the slot, he has more than enough experience in-line (30.5% of his total snaps) and out wide on the perimeter (12.8% of his total snaps). Only recently turned 21 years old, Sadiq is one of the most athletic tight ends we’ve ever seen. No tight end has ever run a faster 40-yard dash at the combine. Meanwhile, only one has ever jumped higher. The speed and explosion packed into his 241-pound frame are truly otherworldly. Sadiq’s former offensive coordinator, Will Stein, used his athletic tight end in a multitude of roles, from stretching the field to running across the formation at the snap and everything in between. While some detractors rightfully question Sadiq’s functional strength against front-seven defenders and lack of dynamic playmaking after the catch, he can be deployed in just about any role an offensive playcaller wishes. OL Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M PFF Big Board Rank: 136 (OT14) This year is not a banner draft for versatile offensive line prospects. While I’m sure many of the top linemen in the upcoming class would feel confident playing in a variety of positions, the truth is that we haven’t exactly seen any of the top prospects taken out of their home position. Trey Zuhn III is an intriguing Day 2 or 3 prospect who some teams view as an offensive tackle, while others believe his home is at center. The numbers suggest he can do both. Zuhn played 13 games in 2025, playing at left tackle in all of them, but he also took snaps at center for a drive or two in 10 of his 13 games. His pass protection numbers are mouth-watering. Zuhn finished with the highest single-season PFF pass-blocking grade in collegiate history (96.8). He allowed just ten pressures and two sacks on his 435 pass blocking snaps. Various NFL teams have flagged Zuhn’s 32.5-inch arms as a reason why he doesn’t project as an offensive tackle at the next level, but Zuhn’s 3,000-plus reps protecting the Texas A&M quarterbacks’ blind side begs to differ. Zuhn committed just one penalty on 776 snaps last season, highlighting that despite sometimes being outmatched from a reach perspective, he rarely ever panics. Bear in mind that Texas A&M faced an onslaught of high-quality pass-rushers in 2025 from Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Missouri’s Zion Young. Not to mention facing off against Cashius Howell every day in practice. CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson PFF Big Board Rank: 24 (CB3) The younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon may be a little smaller, but his play style is strikingly similar. What Avieon lacks
Raiders free agency 2026: Defensive targets
The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional […] The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional moves with fullback Connor Hayward and receiver/special teams ace Dareke Young as well to lower value contracts. Las Vegas currently sits with roughly 35 million in cap space, not including Quay Walker, Connor Hayward, Dareke Young, and Matt Gay’s contracts though Las Vegas should have around 24 million after these signings accounted and additional room to make moves if they restructure Maxx Crosby or Kolton Miller. Las Vegas’ roster sits at 63 of 90, and they have plenty of room to add additional players to lower value deals as veterans look to sign before the draft. I recently made the same article for offensive skill positions, which can be found on Silver And Black as well: NT DJ Reader Reader, 31 years old, is not the same player he was with the Bengals from 2021-2023 but he’s remained a strong nose tackle and coming off a 2025 season with 17 starts, 28 tackles, six QB hits, 20 pressures, and 15 stops while also posting a 10.5% pass rush win rate and finishing 19th in run stop win rate. Reader has struggled with injuries in his career, playing a full season in just three of his 10 seasons. He’s shown to be a productive pass rusher, while also showing strong run defense traits. Las Vegas is needing a true nose tackle, and Reader at 6’3, 335-pounds has a career 1641 snaps as a true 0 or 1 technique in his 5654 snaps, while traditionally being a run focused defensive tackle. NT Andrew Billings Similar to Reader, the Raiders need a nose tackle and Billings would fit that mold well. The former Bengals 4th rounder, has experience working with DL Coach Travis Smith who worked with him in Oakland, and in Chicago. The 31 year old, saw a breakout 2022 season with 39 tackles, a sack, and finished top 10 in run stop win rate and run stops. After missing half the season in 2024, Billings bounced back in 2025 with 31 tackles, 7 TFL, eight quarterback hits, a sack, 14 pressures, and 20 stops. Billings did decline at times with his run stop win rate, and he struggled to find consistency, but the former Raiders and Bears nose tackle has a strong track record which is something to note for a veteran nose tackle. Las Vegas needs a proven nose tackle, and Billings experience with both the Raiders and Smith could be a smart veteran addition. It’s also worth noting that Billings four best seasons have all come under Smith, and his worst came with Smith in Tennessee. DL Jihad Ward I promise this whole list isn’t former Raiders, but the 6’5/290 pound Ward is coming off a 2025 season with 47 pressures, 31 tackles, five TFL, 22 QB hits, 5 sacks, and 4 PBU. Additionally, Ward finished with a 9% pass rush win rate, and 24% run stop win rate. He logged majority of his time at EDGE, but also has spent a strong portion of his career as a 2, 3, and 4 technique splitting time nearly 50/50 at EDGE and inside the tackle. Coming off his best career season, Ward has experience with DL coach Travis Smith working with him in Oakland during the 2017 season, and working with him in Tennessee for the 2025 seasons where he had a career best year. Ward has proven to be a versatile defender, working well in a 3-4 system and also showing the ability to play as a 4-3 option also. The Raiders are deep at EDGE with Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, and Malcolm Koonce but could use more versatility on their defensive line where Ward plays in. ILB Matt Milano For all these linebackers, the same statement will remain true. Las Vegas did sign Quay Walker & Nakobe Dean, with the two of them clearing being the top two options for Las Vegas on their second level. Despite that, Dean has struggled with injures missing nearly one third of his career games, and the team is also likely to rotate linebackers regardless in order to keep the defense fresh. Milano, 31 years old, is not the same player he was during the peak of his career, but he’s coming off a 2025 with 67 tackles, seven for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 starts. Additionally, Milano has dipped in coverage allowing 299 yards, two touchdowns, and 39 receptions on 50 targets with a 104.9 QBR. He’s struggled with injuries, but does play a key weakside role, which would allow Las Vegas to keep Dean at MIKE and Walker at SAM where both will succeed. Milano has experience with Raiders senior assistant Al Holcomb, and he’ll likely be a cheap veteran signing to help Las Vegas provide depth and a quality third linebacker to their unit. ILB Jack Gibbens Gibbens, 27, was non-tendered by the Patriots making him a free agent, and he should be a quality option to serve as a depth role. In 2025 he started 8 games for New England logging 81 tackles, eight TFL, a sack, four breakups, and a forced fumble with another 2 starts, 19 tackles, 2 TFL, and PBU in the playoffs. Gibbens added 36 stops though he struggled in coverage allowing 32 of 39 targets for 247 yards, three touchdowns, and a 110.1 QBR. Gibbens is a
Dolphins team needs after roster additions – The Splash Zone 3/16/26
Teams were able to sign free agents last week and after the initial signings, where do the Miami Dolphins still need help. Despite signing plenty of guys, this Dolphins roster is far from complete. The team still needs pass rush help despite the signings of Josh Uche and David Ojabo. Both guys should help out […] MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 21: Chop Robinson #44 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images Teams were able to sign free agents last week and after the initial signings, where do the Miami Dolphins still need help. Despite signing plenty of guys, this Dolphins roster is far from complete. The team still needs pass rush help despite the signings of Josh Uche and David Ojabo. Both guys should help out in a situational role, but don’t be surprised if the Dolphins invest heavily in this position during the NFL Draft. After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety is also a concern area. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. Top 5 remaining needs for the Miami Dolphins after first wave of free agency, and the best options to address themWith the first week of free agency in the books, what do the Miami Dolphins still need the most? Dolphins Offense Projecting a Dolphins Offensive Depth Chart After First Week of Free AgencyThe Miami Dolphins signed a lot of players over the past few days, but how many could become major contributors? Dolphins Quarterbacks New Malik Willis contract details reveal how Dolphins created some extra wiggle room against the cap with a controversial toolThe Dolphins tapped into a controversial tool with their Malik Willis contract. Dolphins Defense Projecting a Dolphins Defensive Depth Chart After First Week of Free AgencyThe Miami Dolphins signed a lot of players over the past few days, but how many could become major contributors? Dolphins Offseason How the Dolphins Continue to Massage the Salary CapThe Miami Dolphins have managed to sign a large group of players despite a bad cap situation Phinsider News You May Have Missed Dolphins continue adding to roster – The Splash Zone 3/14/26Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. Dolphins sign three more free agents late FridayThe Miami Dolphins have signed three more players as they continue to grow their 90-man roster. Dolphins add Darrell Baker as free agency kicks off – Salary updateThe Miami Dolphins add another cornerback to the roster with an early free agency signing. Malik Willis signing with Dolphins: Breaking down the contract – Void Years updateTaking a closer look at the Miami Dolphins’ new contract with quarterback Malik Willis. Miami Dolphins Fans Thoughts On Still Drafting A QB After Signing WillisMiami Dolphins fans sound off on whether the teams should still draft a QB following the signing of Malik Willis. What is the Dolphins’ top offseason need? You respondedOur SB Nation Reacts survey results are in and you let us know what you think the Miami Dolphins need this offseason.
Chiefs Free Agency: Recapping 5 external signings from first week
The Kansas City Chiefs were active in the first week of free agency, addressing needs at running back, nose tackle, and in the secondary. The organization has put itself in a more favorable drafting position by filling some of those needs before the draft. It feels like the Chiefs found fair deals, making the most […] The Kansas City Chiefs were active in the first week of free agency, addressing needs at running back, nose tackle, and in the secondary. The organization has put itself in a more favorable drafting position by filling some of those needs before the draft. It feels like the Chiefs found fair deals, making the most of limited salary-cap space. Let’s dive into each player and what they are bringing to Kansas City: Running back Kenneth Walker KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 24: George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)Getty Images To read more about Walker’s potential role in the offense, check out our analysis from earlier this week. In summary, I like the signing of Walker a lot. Walker isn’t a perfect player; his vision is up-and-down, and so is his overall performance depending on the game. However, his speed and explosiveness give him a high ceiling, since he can create explosive plays from thin air. Walker provides a level of variance that the Chiefs need. Kansas City’s offense has gotten too safe over the past few years. The unit has chased efficiency on offense, but it needs players who can take that over the top. Walker may not always be a reliable workhorse like he was in Super Bowl LX, but that is mitigated by his ability to get big runs. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, your offense will always have a high floor, so ceiling-raising players like Walker will always make a difference. It will be interesting to monitor how much the offense changes with the Walker signing. The offense should most certainly be leaning more into the run game, but we don’t know what that looks like yet. The Chiefs’ decision to address running backs before the draft seems like the right call. General manager Brett Veach doesn’t want to rely on needing to draft an immediate-impact running back like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at pick No. 9. There’s a good chance he will not be available. The running back class beyond that isn’t deep, so free agency was going to be the best way for the Chiefs to upgrade the position. With the team arguably signing the best available NFL back, it feels like a win. Nose tackle Khyris Tonga FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 13: Khyiris Tonga #95 of the New England Patriots looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Getty Images Tonga isn’t a flashy player, but the signing is very much welcome. The Chiefs’ defensive coaching staff knows exactly what it’s getting with Tonga. He’s a massive nose tackle that can eat blocks and play multiple gaps. He won’t contribute to the pass rush, but he’ll help reset the line of scrimmage. His run defense will get Kansas City to more favorable pass-rush situations. The 29-year-old Tonga is also in his prime, so he theoretically could be the team’s nose tackle for the entirety of his contract (or longer); nose tackles can play well into their 30s. The Chiefs haven’t had a long-term solution at nose tackle since Dontari Poe. Tonga gives stability. This is the best nose tackle the Chiefs have had in a long time, and he was seemingly acquired at a great price. Preferably, the team adds one more defensive tackle to the room, but having a starting nose tackle eliminates an immediate need to consider in the draft. Safety Alohi Gilman Inglewood, CA – December 18: Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman, #32, right, pressures Titans wide receiver Robert Woods during an incomplete pass in end zone in the second half at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)A few weeks ago, I mentioned Gilman as a free agent option, so the signing was exciting to hear. Gilman is a similar-level player to former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, and Kansas City got him for roughly 60% of the deal Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s a great process in free agency: finding cheap replacements for starters, allowing other positions of need to be addressed. Gilman isn’t a perfect player, but he’s good in deep coverage. Compared to Cook, he’s a rangier athlete to cover the back end. He’s not as good as Cook at tackling, which leads to a legitimate concern about Gilman against the run. Still, he’s a perfectly good starting safety on a good contract. That being said, the Chiefs need to add another safety. If Gilman is the top player in the room for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, then that position group isn’t talented enough. Kansas City needs to find a safety who’s more reliable at tackling in the run game. Fortunately, this is a good draft class of safeties, so the organization will have options through the weekend. Running back Emari Demercado ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: Emari Demercado #31 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 3, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)Getty Images Demercado was a good signing for cheap, and one factor is that he is best on runs similar to Walker. Demercado is best on outside-zone runs, where he can build up speed with his long runs. He’ll double-up the addition of explosiveness to the room. A room of Walker and Demercado
Chiefs Free Agency: Recapping 5 external signings from first week
The Kansas City Chiefs were active in the first week of free agency, addressing needs at running back, nose tackle, and in the secondary. The organization has put itself in a more favorable drafting position by filling some of those needs before the draft. It feels like the Chiefs found fair deals, making the most […] The Kansas City Chiefs were active in the first week of free agency, addressing needs at running back, nose tackle, and in the secondary. The organization has put itself in a more favorable drafting position by filling some of those needs before the draft. It feels like the Chiefs found fair deals, making the most of limited salary-cap space. Let’s dive into each player and what they are bringing to Kansas City: Running back Kenneth Walker KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 24: George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)Getty Images To read more about Walker’s potential role in the offense, check out our analysis from earlier this week. In summary, I like the signing of Walker a lot. Walker isn’t a perfect player; his vision is up-and-down, and so is his overall performance depending on the game. However, his speed and explosiveness give him a high ceiling, since he can create explosive plays from thin air. Walker provides a level of variance that the Chiefs need. Kansas City’s offense has gotten too safe over the past few years. The unit has chased efficiency on offense, but it needs players who can take that over the top. Walker may not always be a reliable workhorse like he was in Super Bowl LX, but that is mitigated by his ability to get big runs. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, your offense will always have a high floor, so ceiling-raising players like Walker will always make a difference. It will be interesting to monitor how much the offense changes with the Walker signing. The offense should most certainly be leaning more into the run game, but we don’t know what that looks like yet. The Chiefs’ decision to address running backs before the draft seems like the right call. General manager Brett Veach doesn’t want to rely on needing to draft an immediate-impact running back like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at pick No. 9. There’s a good chance he will not be available. The running back class beyond that isn’t deep, so free agency was going to be the best way for the Chiefs to upgrade the position. With the team arguably signing the best available NFL back, it feels like a win. Nose tackle Khyris Tonga FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 13: Khyiris Tonga #95 of the New England Patriots looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Getty Images Tonga isn’t a flashy player, but the signing is very much welcome. The Chiefs’ defensive coaching staff knows exactly what it’s getting with Tonga. He’s a massive nose tackle that can eat blocks and play multiple gaps. He won’t contribute to the pass rush, but he’ll help reset the line of scrimmage. His run defense will get Kansas City to more favorable pass-rush situations. The 29-year-old Tonga is also in his prime, so he theoretically could be the team’s nose tackle for the entirety of his contract (or longer); nose tackles can play well into their 30s. The Chiefs haven’t had a long-term solution at nose tackle since Dontari Poe. Tonga gives stability. This is the best nose tackle the Chiefs have had in a long time, and he was seemingly acquired at a great price. Preferably, the team adds one more defensive tackle to the room, but having a starting nose tackle eliminates an immediate need to consider in the draft. Safety Alohi Gilman Inglewood, CA – December 18: Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman, #32, right, pressures Titans wide receiver Robert Woods during an incomplete pass in end zone in the second half at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)A few weeks ago, I mentioned Gilman as a free agent option, so the signing was exciting to hear. Gilman is a similar-level player to former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, and Kansas City got him for roughly 60% of the deal Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s a great process in free agency: finding cheap replacements for starters, allowing other positions of need to be addressed. Gilman isn’t a perfect player, but he’s good in deep coverage. Compared to Cook, he’s a rangier athlete to cover the back end. He’s not as good as Cook at tackling, which leads to a legitimate concern about Gilman against the run. Still, he’s a perfectly good starting safety on a good contract. That being said, the Chiefs need to add another safety. If Gilman is the top player in the room for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, then that position group isn’t talented enough. Kansas City needs to find a safety who’s more reliable at tackling in the run game. Fortunately, this is a good draft class of safeties, so the organization will have options through the weekend. Running back Emari Demercado ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: Emari Demercado #31 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 3, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)Getty Images Demercado was a good signing for cheap, and one factor is that he is best on runs similar to Walker. Demercado is best on outside-zone runs, where he can build up speed with his long runs. He’ll double-up the addition of explosiveness to the room. A room of Walker and Demercado
Rams should have easier time shopping Davante Adams now
The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly been trying to trade Davante Adams to no avail, which isn’t that surprising from a practical standpoint because of his age, his injury history, and his lack of significant value outside of the 10-yard line. But those odds of the Rams being able to trade Adams actually went up […] The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly been trying to trade Davante Adams to no avail, which isn’t that surprising from a practical standpoint because of his age, his injury history, and his lack of significant value outside of the 10-yard line. But those odds of the Rams being able to trade Adams actually went up — not down — after Sunday’s news that they’ve paid a $6 million roster bonus. That’s now $6 million that another team does not have to pay. ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio took the opposite approach of saying that L.A. is now likely to keep Adams because of paying the bonus, but I think that overlooks two important probabilities: 1) The Rams don’t care about $6 million like you and I would care about $6 million. It’s a small amount. 2) Other teams can now see Adams as “affordable” at an $18 million base salary instead of “over-budget” at $24 million. It’s really that simple. Adams is still overpaid…and I mean, he’s DRAMATICALLY overpaid. But at $18 million he will cost the same as Terry McLaurin instead of what the Rams are paying him as which is like he’s still a top-4 wideout. He’s not even a top-20 wideout. But at $18 million with the chance to cut that down a little bit more, another team might actually find Adams to be financially viable after Sunday. How many teams could have afforded Adams? Prior to Sunday, more than half of the NFL had less cap space than the $24 million that Adams has been owed in 2026. That’s a non-starter for them and it includes some of these WR-needy teams: Bills (worst cap situation) Browns Dolphins Chiefs Raiders Giants Saints Broncos Buffalo was able to trade for D.J. Moore. The Raiders probably aren’t going to trade for Adams again. But L.A.‘s options are that much more limited when not only does a team have to trade a pick for Adams, they also have to find $18 million to pay him including a $6 million roster bonus on March 15th. As of Sunday, that second thing isn’t true anymore: -The acquiring team would pay Adams an $18 million base salary paid out during the season. That’s more attractive trade asset as a 34-year-old receiver than the premise that a team is supposed to trade for Adams last week, pay him $6 million immediately, and then just pray that he gets to Week 1 without any new or old injuries popping up. Most teams just don’t have $24 million of cap space (this is including what they are supposed to pay their rookie class) and adding Adams is complicated. The most logical reason for the Rams not trading Adams prior to Sunday, similar to why the Eagles haven’t traded A.J. Brown, is that: It was not financially sound. The Eagles are more likely to trade Brown after June 1st and the Rams… Well, now the Rams could potentially trade Adams at any point between now and the 2026 trade deadline. In fact, if Adams gets to the regular season and plays decently for two months but for whatever reason isn’t helping the Rams that much, then his salary cap will have been cut in half by making $1 million per game. Every day between now and the deadline makes it that much more likely that Adams could be traded. Or a trade could come much sooner. What would it cost the Rams to trade Adams? If the Rams had found a taker before Sunday, they would have saved $14 million against the 2026 salary cap. Now that the $6 million bonus is paid, those numbers change: $8 million in dead money $20 million in savings The major sticking point for teams will be the $18 million base salary for a 34-year-old receiver who had 789 receiving yards last season. However, there are two obvious ways to combat that roadblock: 1) Trade an overpaid player back to the Rams. 2) Extend Adams by adding a year or two to the deal but not guaranteeing future money. Adams might accept because 0% of his 2026 base salary is guaranteed and this contract could give him a guarantee. “Hey, we’ll guarantee you $15 million but we need to bring down your base salary to $6 million.” By the Rams eating that $6 million bonus — which is $4 million less than what they paid Tutu Atwell last year — they make it much easier for a team to trade for Adams and workout a new deal. When could the Rams trade Adams? Whenever. At any time. Here’s a scenario: It’s Day 1 of the draft The Rams draft WR Jordyn Tyson It’s Day 2 of the draft Around pick 50-60, a team accepts that they didn’t get a WR in the draft Rams and Team A talk on the phone Team A trades pick 90ish and 200ish to the Rams for Adams Let’s say you are the L.A. Chargers and you didn’t pick a WR. You’ve got Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris. You’ve got the 2nd-most cap space in the NFL. Why not trade picks 86 and 204 to the Rams for Adams to give Justin Herbert a red zone weapon, maybe you throw in Johnston, and Adams doesn’t even have to move. He stays in L.A.. On the Rams side, they save $20 million in cap space and they add a couple of picks, which Les Snead will want because of previous trades and a gap between rounds 3 and 6. Not needing to pay the $6 million bonus and being able to afford the $18 million, the Chargers would be a
How the defensive line operates in Las Vegas Raiders’ 3-4 defense
The Sunday before the free agency foray — legal tampering period began on March 9 — I explored how the linebackers will operate in the Las Vegas Raiders’ 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. General manager John Spytek went to work on Day 1 of free agency to provided Leonard with two standout linebackers […] The Sunday before the free agency foray — legal tampering period began on March 9 — I explored how the linebackers will operate in the Las Vegas Raiders’ 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. General manager John Spytek went to work on Day 1 of free agency to provided Leonard with two standout linebackers in Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker and brining in and back edge rushers Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce, and Maxx Crosby respectively, to facilitate the Silver & Black’s transition from a four-down linemen front to the three-down lineman look with four linebackers behind them. But in order for those aforementioned names to do what they do best, that group will need the trio in front of them to execute its respective roles. The two defensive ends and the nose tackle in the middle are the tone setters in a 3-4 defense and that trio’s ability to occupy attention is focal point No. 1. But within that though, is the ability to make plays of their own against the run and pass while freeing up the linebackers behind them to create controlled chaos. In essence, the three-down linemen in the Raiders new front will be doing the “dirty work”. The Nose Tackle The big daddy in the middle that controls the line of scrimmage. That’s the simplest of terms to describe this defensive tackle. This role has evolved over time from the classic space eater in the middle to a more athletic one in the one-gap scheme (more on this below), however, the prototype remains a defender that’s north of the 325-pound mark — even eclipsing 350 pounds. The nose tackle combines brute strength — both upper and lower body to latch and control and to anchor against double teams without being pushed back — and length to keep blockers and shed them to make tackles. The two-gap nose tackle lines up directly over the center and is responsible for the spaces between the center and guards (A-gaps). The one-gap tackles are pocket pushers who can provide interior pressure by collapsing the pocket in the middle. The prototype two-gap nose tackles include: Ted Washington, Vince Wilfork, Dexter Lawrence, and Dontari Poe. The one-gap type see Jay Ratliff and Ed Oliver as smaller, more athletic nose tackles that shoot the gap and get in the backfield instead of simply occupying blocks and standing their ground. The Defensive Ends Like their much bigger counterpart inside at nose, the defensive ends in a 3-4 front are physical specimens who combine power and length. Unlike a 4-3 front where the ends tend to be more sleek and speed rushers coming off the edges, the 3-4 defensive end controls the offensive linemen and focus on styming the run rather than rushing the passer. Size wise, the ends combine height and bulk to generate both upper- and lower-body strength, to control and anchor. These defenders tend to be 6-foot-4 or taller and weight north of 285 pounds, upwards of 310-plus pounds. Think of the ends being traditional defensive tackles in a 4-3 front on the edge, instead. The ends typically line up over the offensive tackle and must control the gaps inside and outside of said tackle. When the end executes properly, they tie up one or more offensive linemen preventing them from reaching the linebackers — a shield if you will. Run containment is of utmost importance to the defensive ends but on obvious passing downs, these defenders are given the opportunity to collapse the pocket inside in a pincher move alongside the nose tackle. The prototype defensive ends include: J.J. Watt, Bruce Smith, Justin Smith, Calais Campbell, and Aaron Smith. Who Fits Fortunately for the Las Vegas, the current roster boasts a slew of defenders who can compete for the defensive end and nose tackle role — albeit the one-gap version. Veteran Adam Butler has experience in a 3-4 defense playing end while primarily playing tackle in the 4-3 front in the desert. Standing 6-foot-4 and 301 pounds, Butler has shown the ability to anchor and rush inside and out and is a good lead-by-example type if placed on the edge or inside. Jonah Laulu provides a young presence that can line up at end as the 25-year-old stands 6-foot-5 and 289 pounds. Like Butler, he’s shown flashes of controlling the line of scrimmage, stopping the run, and getting after the quarterback. Another fit at end is Tonka Hemingway who heads into Year 2. Standing 6-foot-2 and 284 pounds with a solid motor, the South Carolina product has the strength and energy to be an active defensive end. Then there’s Tyree Wilson, who is still finding his footing in the NFL after being taken seventh overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, Wilson has shown the strength and length to play inside at tackle or end. And he’d be a hybrid option — as his get-off appears to slow to operate as a rush outside linebacker in the 3-4. Nose tackle is where the Raiders need reinforcements. Las Vegas do have Brodric Martin on the roster and he has prototypical nose size at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds. Then there’s JJ Pegues — 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds — who heads into Year 2 as a draft classmate of Hemingway. Then there’s Laki Tasi, the intriguing physical specimen at 6-foot-6 and 373 pounds that the previous coaching staff moved to offensive line. This Raiders staff should give serious consideration of moving the International Pathway Program add back to defense as a nose tackle. There remain veteran nose tackle options on the open market for Las Vegas: Andrew Billings (31 years old and
Miami Dolphins Fans Give You Their Best And Worst Free Agent Signings Thus Far
Following the initial flurry of free agent signings during the “legal tampering” period and the first days of the NFL League year, I asked the following question: Given the flurry of free agent signings around the NFL thus far, which NFL team do you think made the best overall free agent signing, and which made […] Following the initial flurry of free agent signings during the “legal tampering” period and the first days of the NFL League year, I asked the following question: Given the flurry of free agent signings around the NFL thus far, which NFL team do you think made the best overall free agent signing, and which made the worst signing? This can be based on who the player actually is, based on their production, or it can be based on the contract that they received, which can be perceived as either a bargain for the level of talent or a huge mistake based on the player being unlikely to ever produce at the level that would justify their new massive payday. Below are some of your thoughts and answers- MiamiItaliano says the Dolphins made the best signing with Willis, and the Bills’ signing of Chubb and the Jets’ trade for Geno were the worst deals. Best signing: Dolphins getting Willis for only $45 million guaranteed. I thought there would be some other bids from desperate QB teams. So if it doesn’t work out after 2 years, par for the course for this franchise but not too bad of a dead cap hit in 2028. If it works out and Willis turns out to be the guy, hooray. Worst signing: Chubb getting $29 million guaranteed from the Bills. The guy is done. Honorable mention (because technically this was a trade and not a FA signing): Jets getting Geno Smith back. Darren Moughey should be fired and Aaron Glenn along with him after this year. CluelessNFLfan says the worst signing was the Carolina Panthers’ four-year, $ 120 million deal for former Dolphin Jaelen Phillips. Worst was Jaelen Phillips. All that money for an injury prone edge who’s never had more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and only 5 last year Phoenix6 says we had the best while the hated New York Jets had the worst deal with their trade for Geno. Which NFL team do you think made the best overall free agent signing, and which made the worst signing? Best: Miami w/Malik. Worst: Jets w/Geno. MIAMI235 says both answers could be Malik, depending on how it turns out. Just to start the discussion…. Best Signing. Malik Willis Worst Signing. Malik Willis * Yes, it sounds like a fun joke….but, however this plays out could fit the Answer. THEphinz points out the Ravens’ shadiest move thus far this offseason. Most bonehead? Whatever swindle, backdoor, fishy, no good, rotten thing the Ravens did with the crosby deal. Talk about a way to make sure other GMs never trust you again tvegas897 believes the front office is building a very under-the-radar defense. Shhh… don’t tell anyone but the FO is building the next No Name defense! Molly Polly II says the best signing was the Chiefs getting a new running back, and the worst was the Lions signing a not-so-great backup QB. My vote goes to Chiefs signing Walker Worst…it’s gotta be Lions sign Teddy 2 gloves…he should stick with Progressive commercials. JUK says Miami had the best signing, and the Bills made more than one bad move. Best (Dolphins). Willis, obviously. A low cost/high upside deal for a potential quality starter. Also a great guy who took less money to join us over the Jets. Best (others). Unfortunately I’ll say the Bills getting McGovern for 4/52 just before the raiders threw a bomb into the Center market. They also got James cook for a ridiculous deal at the start or 2025. The good news is I don’t like their other deals. 29m guaranteed for Chubb is a hell of a lot for a 30 year old who didn’t generate consistent pressure and his injury history. Worst (dolphins). Nothing really to complain about, but I would have liked to bent Borom back at 1/5m, and while I get we had to do it to make the cap room a 7th for Minkah stung. Worst (others). I’ve got to go with Lindebaum. He’s a top 3 center in the league (with brewer and Humphries) but that contract is insane. A 50% increase on the previous record AAV at your position is completely unprecedented for a reason. NeenerWhacker thinks the Bills are slipping and overpaid for Chubb and didn’t need to trade for DJ. I like Chubb, thought he was a true professional and another unlucky with injuries. But the Bills gave him a lot of money. He is not close to an elite pass rusher, just a solid DE … And that trade for DJ Moore left me scratching my head. Second Highest paid receiver room and they have Moore, Shakir and Keon Coleman (on a rookie deal), not good. I think Buffalo is slipping – and quite frankly wasting a generational talent. I think Beane’s over his head and is another bad draft away from taking them down. madcitydave never thought the Dolphins had any real chance of signing Willis, and now here we are. Malik. I thought there was no way that the Dolphins had a chance to get Malik. Figured Arizona or the Jets would get him. Living in Wisconsin most of my friends are Packer fans and a lot of them would rather have Willis than Love. I think that’s a win for Miami. The Earl says Miami’s best move was signing Uche and the worst was letting Minkah go for only a 7th. Best deals for Dolphins: Josh Uche – gonna be a sneaky depth addition. I’m gonna say 4-5 sacks in 2026. Greg Dulcich is target #2 right now. He may go over 1000 yards. Worst deal for the Dolphins: Minkah – it