2026 NFL free agency: Five most improved teams, best signings

Did we all enjoy the first week? nfl free agency? Deals moved fast and furious once negotiations began on Monday, with several top free agents being linked to new teams within the first few hours. By Wednesday, when free agency officially began, several players were listed in our top 100 ranking The 2026 free agent group was already put on hold.

Some teams signed more top players than others. And now that a few crazy days have passed, we thought it would be a good time to crown the early winners of free agency. We have named the five teams who have improved the most and picked the best and most underrated players from each team.

Which rosters could look different in 2026 due to early success in free agency? Let’s start with a franchise that made its biggest steps forward on defense. (Teams are listed alphabetically.)

Best Signature: jalen phillipsLB

There was some debate as to whether Phillips or trey hendrickson Was the best edge rusher in this free agent class, but at 26, Phillips is the younger of the two and still has some room for development. Eagles defense improved once on film Phillips added in midseasonAnd although he only had two sacks for Philadelphia, he had 27 pressures.

The edge rusher was a major need for a Panthers team that ranked just 28th in sacks (30) and 24th in pass rush win rate (34.4%) last season. Signing Phillips was too expensive, with a Four years, $120 million contract, but the Panthers had cap space to move on.

Most underrated signature: devin lloydLB

Lloyd matured into a top linebacker over the last few seasons with the Jaguars. Since 2024, he has recorded 3.5 sacks, 194 total tackles and 11 passes defensed. The “underrated” part here is the cost of adding it. The Panthers caught Lloyd on a Three years, $45 million Bargain, actual discount compared to expected cost. A contract forecasting model ESPN’s Seth Walder had Lloyd listed with a potential $22.5 million per year.

Other tricks: Signed O.T. Rasheed Walker (Packers), QB kenny pickett (Raiders), C luke fortner (Saints) and WR John Mechie III (Jets); lost c cad mess (to Lions) and R.B. Rico Dowdle (To the Steelers).

Best Signature: Kenneth Walker IIIRB

The Chiefs offense needed Walker, even Three years, $43.05 million. Last season, Chiefs running backs Kareem Hunt And isia pacheco Combined for only one rush of more than 20 yards. Walker had 12 such runs, including in the postseason.

A good running back – and more importantly, an explosive one – matters when you have an offensive line that can create rushing lanes. and led by creed humphrey And Trey SmithThe Chiefs have a line that can do that.

Most underrated signature: Khyiris TongaDT

This was a player the Patriots wanted to bring back, but could not get an extension during the regular season. Tonga was a key part of the New England run defense in 2025 as a nose tackle. His stop rate was 83%; In other words, 83% of his run tackles prevented a successful play for the offense. The league average for interior linemen last season was about 71%. he agreed to a Three years, $21 million Contract. Oh, and he can also play fullback if the Chiefs need it.

Other tricks: TE re-signed travis kels; signed s alohi gilman; QB lost Gardner Minshew (for Cardinals), LB leo chanel (to Commanders), RB Isiah Pacheco (to Lions), CB jaylen watson (to Rams) and S brian cook (For Bengalis).

Best Signature: Romeo Doubswr

Doubs gives the Patriots a strong receiver who can replace the stefon diggs And run all types of routes: intermediate, over the middle, outside and sometimes even deep patterns. Doubs ranks 20th among wide receivers espn receiver score Last season and I also finished 20th dvoa (Defense-Adjusted Value Above Average) metric. If that doesn’t work out, he could be a top option for the Patriots aj brown business, so don’t be surprised if he surpasses 1,000 yards passing for the first time.

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What Romeo Doubs means to the Patriots for AJ Brown

Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee that Romeo Doubs is headed to the Patriots and explains what it means for AJ Brown’s chances of going to New England now.

Most underrated signature: reggie gilliamfb

Coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense in New England has always utilized fullbacks, from Heath Evans to James Devlin. Last season, the Patriots were stuck trying to use the converted tight end jack westover. Gilliam gives them one of the top fullbacks in the league to lead the way blocking from the I-formation. He’s not going to catch passes – he has three receptions over the past three seasons – but they don’t need that in Foxborough anyway.

Other tricks: signed edge dre’mont jonesS Kevin Byrd III And yes Eliza Vera-Tucker; lost shore K’Lavon Chaisson (To Commanders), DT Khyiris Tonga (for Chiefs), TE Austin Hopper (for the Falcons) and O.T. wedrian lowe (For 49 people).

Best Signature (or Business Actually): Michael Pittman Jr..,wr

The Steelers got a strong WR2 at just one price here sooner or later pick swapGiving up a sixth rounder and bringing back a seventh rounder. The Steelers then signed Pittman to a three-year, $59 million extension. I’m a fan of business but not really expansion. However, in the short term, this is a good player and a strong addition to the Steelers’ wide receiver room.

Pittman still had a positive DVOA last season in what otherwise looked like a down year, as he dropped from 11.7 to 9.8 yards per reception. But he is still 28 years old, so there is scope for a comeback. Whereas, that would be a medium range target DK Metcalfe Spreads the field.

Most underrated signature: jamel deanCB

Dean led the NFL in my cornerback coverage DVOA metric last season, like ahead of superstars derek stingley jr. And Quinyon Mitchell. Cornerback stats are extremely inconsistent season-to-season, so you can’t count on Dean to have another excellent season in 2026. But he was still above average in 2024 and will turn 30 in October. The Steelers signed him to a contract. Three years, $36.75 million deal.

Other tricks: Signed RB Rico Dowdle (Panthers), S Jaquan Brisker (bear) and s darnell savage (Bill); lost my life isaac seumalo (for Cardinals), CB james pierre (for Vikings) and RB kenneth gainwell (To the Buccaneers).

Best Signature: mike evanswr

The 49ers only made one major signing, but he was In fact It was good. Evans is exactly the type of receiver the 49ers were lacking in some ways. He’s a big (6-foot-5, 231-pound) perimeter threat who can win on 50-50 balls, and he’s a seasoned veteran who can be a valuable locker room presence. The 49ers, who have been battling injuries, will have to hope they are getting the Evans he has had for most of his career (consecutive 1,000-yard seasons) instead of last year’s Evans (who was dealing with hamstring and collarbone issues). Sports injuries and played only eight games).

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Schefter: Mike Evans is the veteran presence the 49ers were looking for

Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee how Mike Evans signed with the 49ers.

Most underrated signature: wedrian loweot

Lowe isn’t the best player out there; Last season he had a pass block win rate of 89.2%, which is below average, although his run block win rate was above average at 75.7%. However, he would fit in well as a swing tackle in San Francisco in case something were to happen. trent williams‘ contract status Or if the 37-year-old Williams returns but is injured during the 2026 season.

Other tricks: traded for DT Osa Odighizuva (from Cowboy); signed lb dre greenlaw (Broncos); lost wr kendrick bourne (for Cardinals) and DT Jordan Elliott (For Titans).