Three NFL Free Agent Signings That Could Impact the 2026 Season
NFL free agency is in full swing. On March 9th, the legal tampering window opened, revealing many background talks. When free agency officially started on March 11th, some of the biggest names in free agency were already off the market. Let’s look at three of the biggest and most impactful signings after the first week.
Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum spent three years anchoring the Ravens' offensive line. He’s made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2023 to 2025. The Ravens decided not to exercise his fifth-year option, allowing the big man to hit free agency. He was immediately one of the biggest names in free agency with multiple teams seeking his services. The Raiders won out by signing Linderbaum to a three-year, $80 million contract with $80 million in guaranteed money. The contract reset the center market, with Linderbaum becoming the highest-paid center in the league. A massive get for the Raiders, who had one of the worst offensive lines in 2025. The Raiders are predicted to take their franchise quarterback with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Acquiring a player of Linderbaum’s caliber leading the charge, the Raiders' first steps in their rebuild are extremely hopeful.
Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce was the biggest receiver’s name to hit free agency. Despite only eclipsing 1,000 yards once, Pierce has shown what he is capable of. Paired with a weak receiver class in free agency, the stars aligned for the elite deep threat to get a big payday. Receiver-needy teams lined up to sign Pierce, but he ultimately decided to return to the Colts. The two parties agreed to terms for a contract worth $114 million and $84 million in guaranteed funds. A huge contract for both sides. The Colts lock up one of their cornerstones on the offense, and Pierce gets a massive payday. The Colts will be looking to stay competitive, and keeping Pierce makes that much easier.
John Franklin-Myers
John Franklin-Myers is a reliable big body defensive end. Myers is coming off one of his best seasons in Denver, where he recorded his career-best sack total at 7.5. He became highly coveted by teams needing more firepower on their defensive lines. In the end, the Titans locked up the sack machine on a massive contract. The Titans and Myers reached a contract worth $63 million over three years, with $42 million guaranteed. Myers is a huge get for the Titans in their first year of the rebuild. New head coach Robert Saleh is a defensive guru who loves his linemen. Myers will fit in perfectly with what they are building in Tennessee.
