NFL Roster Shuffle Intensifies Ahead of March 11 Free Agency Opening

Teams across the league accelerate contract restructures, releases, tags, and trades as the new NFL league year approaches.

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With the start of the new NFL league year set for March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, front offices across the league have intensified roster activity over the past several days. Contract restructures, tenders, tags, releases, and trade agreements are all taking place as teams adjust salary caps and position themselves for the upcoming free agency window.

Among the most significant cap adjustments came in Dallas. The Cowboys restructured contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and left guard Tyler Smith, creating approximately $47 million in salary cap space ahead of next week’s free agency period. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones indicated earlier that additional restructures could follow involving wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and defensive linemen Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa as Dallas prepares to be active in the market.

As teams prepare for the opening of free agency, roster moves have occurred across the league.

Arizona Cardinals

• QB Kyler Murray officially informed of his release.

• Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio.

Carolina Panthers

• WR Jalen Coker received an exclusive rights tender.

• WR Brycen Tremayne received an exclusive rights tender.

Chicago Bears

• C Drew Dalman is expected to retire after five NFL seasons.

• OL Tyler Biadasz hosted on a free-agent visit after being released by Washington.

Cincinnati Bengals

• DE Trey Hendrickson was not franchise tagged and is expected to enter free agency.

Cleveland Browns

• WR Malachi Corley received an exclusive rights tender.

• WR Jamari Thrash received an exclusive rights tender.

• TE Brenden Bates received an exclusive rights tender.

• LB Winston Reid received an exclusive rights tender.

• K Andre Szmyt received an exclusive rights tender.

• LS Rex Sunahara received an exclusive rights tender.

Dallas Cowboys

• QB Dak Prescott and LG Tyler Smith restructured contracts creating roughly $47 million in cap space.

Green Bay Packers

• RB Chris Brooks agreed to terms on a two-year, $4.85 million contract after recording 449 yards and a touchdown on 87 touches since joining Green Bay in 2024.

Houston Texans

• CB Ja’Marcus Ingram re-signed with the team.

• S Jimmie Ward released after three seasons.

Indianapolis Colts

• QB Daniel Jones received the transition tag for the 2026 season.

Kansas City Chiefs

• CB Trent McDuffie traded to the Los Angeles Rams for four draft picks (No. 29 overall, a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick).

New England Patriots

• WR Stefon Diggs will be released when the new league year begins on March 11.

New York Giants

• LB Bobby Okereke released after leading the team in tackles during the 2025 season.

New York Jets

• RB Breece Hall received the non-exclusive franchise tag for the 2026 season.

Philadelphia Eagles

• TE Dallas Goedert is expected to reach free agency for the first time, though negotiations with Philadelphia remain ongoing.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• QB Aaron Rodgers stated there is “no deadline” for a decision regarding playing in Pittsburgh during the 2026 season.

• TE Jonnu Smith has been informed he will be released.

Seattle Seahawks

• Super Bowl LX MVP RB Kenneth Walker III did not receive the franchise tag ahead of the deadline.

Washington Commanders

• OL Andrew Wylie signed a contract extension.

• OL Tyler Biadasz officially released.

With the new league year approaching, teams across the NFL are continuing to finalize salary cap adjustments and determine which veterans remain part of their long-term plans. Contract restructures, exclusive rights tenders, and transition tags have become essential roster tools during this period as front offices prepare for free agency negotiations and potential trade opportunities.

The activity seen over the past several days reflects the league’s shift from offseason evaluation to active roster construction. Once the new league year officially opens on March 11, pending free agents will be eligible to sign new contracts and previously agreed-upon trades can become official. The next phase of the offseason will rapidly transition from preparation to execution as clubs reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. Let's Talk About It!