AFC Free Agency Tracker: Early Deals Pour In During Legal Tampering Window (Part 1)

Teams across the AFC moved quickly during the legal tampering period, agreeing to major contracts and roster moves ahead of the official start of free agency on March 11.

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With the start of the NFL’s new league year set for March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, teams have already begun reshaping rosters through the league’s legal tampering period. The negotiating window, which opened Monday at noon ET, allows clubs to reach preliminary agreements with unrestricted free agents before contracts can officially be signed once the new league year begins.

Several AFC franchises moved quickly during the opening hours of negotiations, securing extensions, retaining key players, and agreeing to significant deals across multiple position groups. The activity underscores how aggressively front offices are positioning their rosters before the market formally opens.

Across the league, early agreements reportedly reached $2.3 billion in total contract value during the first day of negotiations. While not all of that money is guaranteed, the figure reflects the scale of financial commitments being made as teams compete for talent and stability entering the 2026 season.

This report represents Part 1 of a four-part free agency breakdown, beginning with the first wave of AFC teams that made moves during the opening phase of the legal tampering window. Additional AFC activity will be covered in Part 2, followed by two reports later in the week covering NFC moves.

Baltimore Ravens

• QB Tyler Huntley re-signed on a two-year, $11 million contract.

• OL John Simpson agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal.

• RB Keaton Mitchell will not receive a restricted free agent tender.

Cincinnati Bengals

• LB Boye Mafe agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract.

• S Bryan Cook is expected to sign a three-year deal worth $40.25 million with $18 million guaranteed in Year 1.

Cleveland Browns

• G Zion Johnson agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract.

Denver Broncos

• QB Sam Ehlinger agreed to a one-year, $2 million extension.

• RB J.K. Dobbins signed a two-year deal worth $20 million with $8 million guaranteed at signing.

• LB Alex Singleton re-signed on a two-year deal worth up to $15.5 million with $11 million guaranteed.

• LB Dre Greenlaw released after one season.

Houston Texans

• G Ed Ingram agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract.

• DT Sheldon Rankins signed a two-year deal that includes $12 million guaranteed.

• S Reed Blankenship agreed to a three-year deal worth $24.75 million with $16.5 million guaranteed.

Indianapolis Colts

• WR Alec Pierce re-signed on a four-year, $114 million contract extension.

• LB Arden Key agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with $11 million guaranteed.

• K Blake Grupe re-signed with Indianapolis.

• WR Michael Pittman traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a late-round pick swap.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• LB Dennis Gardeck re-signed with Jacksonville.

• CB Montaric Brown re-signed on a three-year, $33 million deal.

• TE Johnny Mundt released after one season.

Kansas City Chiefs

• RB Kenneth Walker III, Super Bowl LX MVP, is expected to sign a three-year deal worth up to $45 million.

• TE Travis Kelce is expected to return for his 14th NFL season and could earn $12 million in 2026 with incentives up to $15 million.

• WR Tyquan Thornton re-signed on a two-year deal worth $11 million (maximum value $14 million).

• DL Khyiris Tonga agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with $14 million guaranteed.

• S Alohi Gilman agreed to a three-year contract worth $24.75 million.

The legal tampering period allows clubs to negotiate with free agents before deals become official once the new league year begins. Agreements reached during this window cannot be finalized until March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, when teams are permitted to formally sign contracts.

With several AFC teams already committing significant financial resources and reshaping their depth charts, the early wave of agreements represents only the first phase of the free agency cycle. Part 2 will continue the AFC breakdown, while Thursday and Friday will shift to NFC activity in a two-part series, providing a full leaguewide overview of the opening days of NFL free agency. Let's Talk About It!