The 2026 NFL free agency period is underway, giving teams across the league the opportunity to reshape their rosters ahead of the upcoming football season. Each season, players whose contracts have expired can negotiate new contracts with any team, leading to a flurry of signings, trades and franchise tag decisions. This year’s group includes several veteran players and younger stars, some of whom have already signed new deals while others remain available on the open market.
One of the most newsworthy names during the free agent period is Tua Tagovailoawho was released by the Miami Dolphins. He will reportedly sign with the Atlanta Falcons. In the meantime Travis Kelseyone of the biggest names in the league, is expected to play one more season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce’s return to the team came months after rumors spread about his future retirement.
During the March 2026 episode of him and his brother Jason KelseyOn the “New Heights” podcast, Travis discussed what he misses most when he hangs up his gear.
“Man, I think it’s just those moments in big games, man,” the tight end said. “Feeling the need to rise to the occasion, and being out there, you know, 70,000, it’s all based on you out there, except for the guys you go to war with, you guys go to war with, man. Those moments of rising to the occasion in the heat of battle, you know, in the playoffs and all the big games out there, man, that’s a feeling I know I’ll never get again. And those are the things you cherish the most.”
Below, see some of the notable free agents who have reportedly signed with different teams so far.
Quarterback
- Danielle Jones
- Kyler Murray
- Malik Willis (reportedly signed with Miami Dolphins)
Running backs
- Bryce Hall (Tagged Franchise)
- Kenneth Walker III (reportedly signed with Kansas City Chiefs)
Wide receivers
- Tyreek Hill
- Mike Evans (reportedly joined the San Francisco 49ers)
- George Pickens (franchise marked)
- Romeo Dobbs
- Rashid Shahid (re-signed with Seattle Seahawks)
Tight ends
- Kyle Pitts (franchise tagged)
Offensive line
- Tyler Linderbaum (signed with Las Vegas Raiders)
- Rasheed Walker
Defensive players
- Trey Hendrickson
- Marshawn Lattimore
- Trevon Diggs
- Khalil Mac
- Devin Lloyd (signed with Carolina Panthers)
When does football season start?
The 2026-2027 NFL season will officially begin on September 10, 2026.
