The NFL’s two day negotiating window opened March 9 at noon ET, kicking off the annual stretch that everyone calls “legal tampering” even though the league itself calls it the negotiating period. The rules are simple: teams can negotiate with the certified agents of players whose contracts expire at the start of the new league year, and agreements can be reached now, but nothing becomes official until March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
This year’s window also comes with a tweak: teams can conduct one video or phone call (up to one hour) with up to five free agents, with the agent on the call, rather than communicating strictly through agents the entire time.
With the paperwork still waiting for Wednesday, the first wave of deals and trades still arrived fast, and the early themes were clear: quarterback spending, trench upgrades, and teams using every available lever to buy certainty before the market gets messy.
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Miami starts the post Tua era with Malik Willis money
Miami’s first big step after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa was to lock in Malik Willis on a three year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million fully guaranteed, including a $22.5 million signing bonus. The contract also includes a $2 million roster bonus in March 2028 and a $20.5 million salary in 2028.
Miami also kept tight end Greg Dulcich on a one year, $3.25 million contract.
The Colts pick the rare tag and pay Alec Pierce like a centerpiece
Indianapolis took the uncommon route at quarterback by placing the transition tag on Daniel Jones, setting a one year $37.8 million figure and giving the Colts the right to match any offer sheet.
Then the Colts moved to keep a major piece of their passing game, agreeing to a four year, $114 million extension with Alec Pierce that includes $84 million in guarantees and $60 million fully guaranteed at signing.
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The Jets go defense heavy and tag Breece Hall
The Jets used the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall, a $14.293 million number for 2026 while still working toward a long term deal.
They also loaded up on defensive pieces, including a trade for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat in exchange for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, plus a trade for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for a 2026 seventh round pick, paired with a three year, $40 million extension.
The Ravens swing big for Maxx Crosby
Baltimore made one of the loudest moves of the opening window, agreeing to acquire Maxx Crosby in a trade with the Raiders for a 2026 first round pick (No. 14 overall) and a 2027 first round pick.
The Raiders spend like a team that got tired of waiting
Las Vegas didn’t just send out Crosby. It also stacked up additions, headlined by center Tyler Linderbaum on a three year, $81 million deal.
The Raiders also reached agreements with linebacker Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million with $20 million guaranteed) and linebacker Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million with $28 million guaranteed).
New England starts rebuilding the front
New England’s early action leaned heavily into the line of scrimmage. The Patriots agreed to terms with offensive lineman Alijah Vera Tucker on a three year deal and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones on a three year, $39.5 million deal that pays $14.5 million in Year 1.
They also signed fullback Reggie Gilliam to a three year deal worth up to $12 million, with $6 million fully guaranteed.
The fine print that matters
Even with all the numbers flying, the league’s reminder is the same every year: verbal agreements are not binding until contracts are signed, and trades and signings in this period do not become official until March 11.
But the early scoreboard is already visible: quarterbacks are getting paid, premium linemen are moving, and teams are treating March like the start of the season even if the paperwork says otherwise.
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