NFL Free Agent Window Opens / Closes this Week

The NFL Free Agent window opens this Monday, March 9, at 12 p.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. It’s pretty much business as usual this year with no mega-stars in the conversation, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of specific demand and/or supply quality. Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know, free takes, and predictions, to stay up-to-date in your NFL convo at work or school:

Top Five Free Agents In 2026:

1. Tyler Linderbaum (Center) – Most reports have him re-signing with the Ravens as a free agent, but my bet is on the Raiders, where he can have a fresh start with an early pick and a rookie quarterback.
2. Jaelan Phillips (Linebacker)– It’s a toss-up between the Commanders or the Eagles re-signing, both of whom should have enough space to add the dominant defender.
3. Malik Willis (QB)– Cardinals are the obvious landing point, but it’s really up in the air depending on how he interviews and team preference. As the top QB in this free agency class, there is a rumor that the Raiders could choose to skip the QB lottery in Willis’ favor, but it’s VERY unlikely.  
4. Alec Pierce (WR)– Titans, Pats, or Raiders. I don’t see him anywhere other than those, especially given the cap space of the Titans. New England will do everything it can, though, given their scheme and style. He does appear to be a fit in the mold of Troy Brown, Wes Welker, and Julian Edelman, stylistically, and could prove to be a great fit for Drake Maye’s leadership style.
5. Trey Hendrickson (Edge)– He is dynamic enough to attract many teams, but I’d bet on the Commanders or the Colts. The Titans will also take a look at him. Keep in mind, Hendrickson is no stranger to being a free agent, and that might give pause to traditionalist coaches looking for guys with a proven focus on putting the team first.

Top 5 Team Salary Caps In 2026

1. Las Vegas Raiders – $121 million – Fans assume that the Raiders will pick up Heisman Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but with so much cap space, they can go hunting as well. They’ll try to build the offensive line with all that cash and provide some WR targets for the rookie QB.
2. Tennessee Titans – $94 million – The Titans have rather routine holes to fill on the defensive line and WR core. Look for them to add both before all is said and done. They will definitely make a few moves that will define their season over the next 3 days.
3. Los Angeles Chargers – $92 million – Look for the Chargers to make some moves on the offensive line. They’ve got the playmakers to succeed, but need to open holes inside the tackles.
4. Washington Commanders – QB Jayden Daniels is looking for a TE to target inside the hashes, and the defense needs similar support, requiring more off the tackle and at the linebacker position.
5. New York Jets – $74 million – The Jets need speed and are looking at the outside to increase offense and defensive viability. Exciting players mean ticket sales, so things are looking up, with all the cash they have on reserve.

Final Word On NFL Free Agents

For many casual fans, this is the point of no return for the Fernando Mendoza draft bid. If the Raiders pass on Willis, they might as well start printing Jerseys in Vegas. There are no really blockbuster names in this year’s free agent player pool, but there’s no shortage of quality, specifically on the defensive side.