Every spring, the NFL landscape changes. Free agency, which officially opens in March, is the period when teams sign, cut and trade players to turn their rosters around. Some teams have great free agencies, gearing them up for a Super Bowl run, while others make moves that set their franchise back years. These are some of the free agency winners and losers of the 2026 season.
New England Patriots (Winner)
The New England Patriots entered free agency looking to strengthen their roster after losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. One of their biggest needs was a powerful wide receiver after losing Stefon Diggs early in the offseason, and they addressed that by acquiring Romeo Doubs from the Packers. Doubs will be a big boost to an already explosive offense that desperately needed help at the receiver position.
Another significant need on the offensive side was the offensive line, which the Patriots addressed by signing Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Patriots also made numerous notable acquisitions on the defensive side with Edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, Fullback Reggie Gilliam, linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Kevin Byard, who led the league in interceptions last year with seven. Overall, the Patriots did a great job addressing multiple needs to hopefully return to the Super Bowl and win it next year.
Washington Commanders (Winner)
The Washington Commanders had a lot to fix in the offseason coming off an underwhelming 5-12 season, and so far they have delivered. Defense has been a big focus, as last season they ranked among the worst in the league. To address this, they signed numerous big names, including edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K’lavon Chaisson. They also added linebacker Leo Chenal, corner Amik Robertson, safety Nick Cross and others. The Commanders have done a great job of addressing needs at all levels of the defense, and their moves did not stop there.
Washington also made many notable moves on offense, signing running backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, receivers Dyami Brown and Treylon Burks, tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and re-signing one of the best tackles in the league, Laremy Tunsil. Even after making all of these moves, the Commanders still have the second-most cap space in the league, with $50 million, and the number seven pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, making it clear they are not done.
Denver Broncos (Loser)
The Denver Broncos fell one game short of the Super Bowl last season, making it clear they were close to being a true Super Bowl-caliber team. Many thought they would go all in this offseason, ready to make the changes needed to get over the hump, but so far, they have largely disappointed. Other than re-signing some of their players to small deals, the only move they have made is trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. While this move does add some explosiveness to an offense that desperately needed it, they gave up a first, third, and fourth round pick for him, which I don’t think is worth it for the talent of Waddle.
The Broncos have also lost numerous key defensive players, including defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, safety P.J. Locke and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. When looking at how much the Broncos have lost and how little they have added, it is clear that they are losers in free agency so far.
Los Angeles Rams (Winner)
After losing in the divisional round last season, the Los Angeles Rams had to nail their offseason to get over the hump and make it back to the Super Bowl. They have been active so far, making a big trade for Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie and also making multiple big signings such as Jaylen Watson and resignings like Kameron Curl. The Rams have completely overhauled their secondary and have turned what was once a weakness into a strength. They also re-signed tight end Tyler Higbee, who is one of the most reliable and trusted weapons in this explosive offense. On top of all of this, the Rams have seven total picks in the upcoming NFL draft, including the 13th overall pick, giving them a great opportunity to improve their roster.
Baltimore Ravens (Loser)
The Baltimore Ravens started fast in free agency, trading two first-round picks for All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby. This move quickly fell through four days later after a failed physical reversed the trade. The Ravens, now left without an edge rusher, quickly signed Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals, who is a very talented player but is not close to the same level as Maxx Crosby. Other than that, the Ravens have been largely quiet in free agency, making only small moves like signing offensive lineman John Simpson and defensive back Chidobe Awuzie. On top of all of this, the Ravens have lost many key pieces on both sides of the ball, such as tight end Isah Likely, center Tyler Linderbaum, fullback Patrick Ricard and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones. If the Ravens were able to secure Crosby, they would have been big winners, but with that trade falling through, many of their key players leaving, and no big signings to replace them, they are undoubtedly losers of free agency.
