{"id":524387,"date":"2026-03-07T09:37:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T09:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/524387\/"},"modified":"2026-03-07T09:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T09:37:17","slug":"2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-maxx-crosby-garrett-bradbury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/524387\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL free agency grades: Maxx Crosby, Garrett Bradbury"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC \"><br class=\" \"\/><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/nfl-free-agency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NFL free agency<\/a>begins March 9 with the legal negotiating window, but the action has already started.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Rams <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48100518\/sources-chiefs-trade-trent-mcduffie-rams-four-draft-picks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">sent four draft picks<\/a> to the Chiefs for star cornerback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426405\/trent-mcduffie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trent McDuffie<\/a>, and the Bills <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48111983\/bills-agree-trade-acquire-bears-wr-dj-moore-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">landed<\/a> a standout WR in <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915416\/dj-moore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DJ Moore<\/a> in a deal with the Bears. The biggest trade so far? The Ravens sent two first-round picks to the Raiders for edge rusher<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916655\/maxx-crosby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Maxx Crosby<\/a>. Signings have started, too, with the Chargers inking former Commanders center<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035788\/tyler-biadasz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Biadasz<\/a>to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48121833\/chargers-reach-deal-c-tyler-biadasz-source-says\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">a three-year deal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder is grading the biggest signings and trades of the offseason, putting each deal into perspective for teams and players. To determine each grade, Walder is evaluating moves based on multiple factors, including on-field impact, salary cap implications, compensation, player value\/age, and the context of a team&#8217;s short- and long-term outlooks. How large is the effect of this decision, and how sure are we it&#8217;s a good or bad choice? How does this affect a team&#8217;s chance to win the Super Bowl, this season or in the future?<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Follow along as Walder evaluates and grades each move, with the most recent grades at the top. Let&#8217;s start with the Crosby deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">More coverage:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48022963\/nfl-free-agency-2026-top-players-fits-teams-bold-predictions-quarterbacks-sleepers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Free agency primer<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48043945\/2026-nfl-free-agency-top-100-players-ranking-available-hendrickson-willis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Top 100 free agents<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jump to a notable deal:<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#crosby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Crosby<\/a> |<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#bradbury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bradbury<\/a> |<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#biadasz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Biadasz<\/a> | <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#moore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Moore<\/a> |<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#mcduffie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">McDuffie<\/a>|<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#dethou\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Montgomery<\/a>| <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47911726\/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook#tennyj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Johnson-Sweat<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/_end_rule.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876232_590_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876233_801_lv.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Ravens get:Edge <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916655\/maxx-crosby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Maxx Crosby<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Raiders get:2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Ravens grade: C<\/p>\n<p>Raiders grade: A<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">I did not think the Ravens would be the team that dealt for Crosby. And I also did not think it was going to cost this much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">I want to be clear about this: Crosby is an exceptional player who, even though he is considered a star, is perhaps even a little underrated. He has recorded double-digit sacks in three of the past four years, is a five-time Pro Bowler and has played in 110 career regular-season games out of a possible 117 over his seven-year career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">His pass rush win rate is slightly lower than one might expect for a star: 17.2% over the past four years at edge, which is in the 79th percentile. But at the same time, he has 222 pass-rush wins over that span &#8212; the fourth most in the league &#8212; because he never comes off the field. Crosby has played at least 94% of defensive snaps in games played over the past four years. He is also excellent against the run, which is part of the reason he never leaves the field and also what makes him remarkable given his aforementioned pass-rushing chops.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Ravens evidently felt they had to do something to try to break through and take advantage of their time with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916387\/lamar-jackson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Lamar Jackson<\/a> at quarterback. But it&#8217;s a surprise on two fronts. First, it&#8217;s unlike the usually restrained Ravens, who are known for compensatory picks rather than dealing away first-round draft capital. It&#8217;s also a team that hasn&#8217;t typically prioritized star edge rushers, choosing instead to focus on the secondary and rotate in talent at edge through the years. But Crosby fills a clear need.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/16772\/kyle-van-noy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kyle Van Noy<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915525\/dremont-jones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dre&#8217;Mont Jones<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426507\/david-ojabo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">David Ojabo<\/a> are pending free agents. That had left<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4683188\/mike-green\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mike Green<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4690179\/tavius-robinson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tavius Robinson<\/a> at the top of the depth chart at edge. Clearly, Baltimore had to add someone. And the Ravens opted for an elite player in Crosby.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">So was it worth it? Despite everything I wrote above, I don&#8217;t think so. Crosby is a star who might be worth around $40 million per year on the open market. His salary-laden contract that has four years left will cost Baltimore $30 million in 2026 and $29 million in 2027. That surplus value &#8212; the difference between his market value and what Baltimore has to pay him &#8212; is real and helps the Ravens&#8217; cause here. But the surplus value of two first-round picks is almost certainly higher. First-round picks are no guarantee to hit, but when they do, they result in plus-players at highly discounted prices for four years (with a fifth year of team control). And Baltimore&#8217;s first-round pick that they just dealt is earlier than normal at No. 14.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Crosby will turn 29 prior to next season. That means we should expect he&#8217;s in the tail end of his prime; he should have a couple very good years left but decline could start to set in soon. He won&#8217;t be the same forever for Baltimore. The Ravens are better today than they were yesterday, and the fact that they are Super Bowl contenders &#8212; and increased their chance to win it by making this move &#8212; helps. But there is a cost here that they&#8217;ll pay for years to come.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">And the history of teams trading two first-round picks for non-quarterbacks is not great.<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/16710\/khalil-mack\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Khalil Mack<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051890\/laremy-tunsil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Laremy Tunsil<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3115373\/jamal-adams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jamal Adams<\/a> come to mind there. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045373\/jalen-ramsey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jalen Ramsey<\/a> worked out better. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361423\/micah-parsons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Micah Parsons<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427250\/sauce-gardner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sauce Gardner<\/a> remain to be seen, but the team that traded each away is probably feeling better about those deals at the moment. As tempting a move as it is to make &#8212; and fully understanding Crosby could be the player who puts the Ravens over the top &#8212; I have a hard time thinking this is the optimal move for Baltimore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">For the Raiders, this is about the best result they could have imagined. Their time with Crosby had run its course, and I truly thought they had missed their opportunity to maximize their return for him. I thought they might get a first- and a third-round pick. Instead, it&#8217;s two firsts (including No. 14 this year) &#8212; a superb return. And the fact that Crosby&#8217;s deal is almost all salary means they get to offload the money owed to Baltimore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Even with Crosby and<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4837248\/fernando-mendoza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fernando Mendoza<\/a>,whom the Raiders are expected to select with the No. 1 pick in the draft, Las Vegas was not going to be contending this season. But by dealing Crosby now, the Raiders can jump-start their rebuild to create a roster around Mendoza that can support the rookie QB. It&#8217;s a worthwhile move and then some.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876233_422_chi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ne.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bears get: C <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116729\/garrett-bradbury\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Garrett Bradbury<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Patriots get: 2027 fifth-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bears grade: B-<\/p>\n<p>Patriots grade: B+<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">When Drew Dalman <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48091684\/bears-center-drew-dalman-retiring-nfl-age-27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">suddenly retired<\/a> earlier this week, the Bears were thrust into the center market. They opted to address the need via trade instead of waiting to see how the free agent market would shake out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bradbury is an experienced center, albeit one with a middling track record. Over the past two seasons combined between the Vikings and Patriots, Bradbury ranked in the 41st percentile in pass block win rate at center and 52nd percentile in run block win rate. That&#8217;s fine, but a step down from Dalman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bradbury is cheap &#8212; he&#8217;ll cost $4.7 million this year but is a free agent after 2026. But for the Bears to give up a fifth-round pick for a single season of him is not trivial and seems like a slight overpay. I can understand not wanting to dish out $20 million plus for <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360499\/tyler-linderbaum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Linderbaum<\/a> in free agency, but could Chicago have afforded <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2577367\/connor-mcgovern\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Connor McGovern<\/a>? Or <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361788\/cade-mays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cade Mays<\/a>? Those players would not have cost a draft pick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This trade likely means 2025 third-round pick <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4599198\/jared-wilson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jared Wilson<\/a> will take over at center for the Patriots. In 13 games at left guard last season, Wilson recorded a pass block win rate in the 58th percentile and a run block win rate in the 16th percentile. Having a young successor already in place makes this a nice return for Bradbury, especially since he is on the last year of his deal.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lac.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The deal: <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48121833\/chargers-reach-deal-c-tyler-biadasz-source-says\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Three years, $30 million<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Grade: B<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">It was a bit of a surprise when the Commanders <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48047630\/commanders-release-starting-center-tyler-biadasz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">cut Biadasz<\/a> in late February. He had been a good player for them and was slated to make only $8.3 million. It turns out the market thought he was worth a little more than that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Our metrics indicate that Biadasz was solid last season, ranking in the 57th and 52nd percentile in pass block win rate and run block win rate, respectively. But that was down from the season before, when he was in the 57th (PBWR) and 77th (RBWR) percentiles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Biadasz fills a clear need for the Chargers. Their previous center, Bradley Bozeman, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48017391\/chargers-c-bradley-bozeman-announces-retirement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">recently announced his retirement<\/a> but even if he hadn&#8217;t, Los Angeles was going to need to find a replacement after Bozeman ranked second-to-last in pass block win rate at the position.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This does close the door on what seemed like a fun and logical free agent-team pairing &#8212; <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360499\/tyler-linderbaum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Linderbaum<\/a> to the Chargers. But from Los Angeles&#8217; perspective, there&#8217;s no guarantee that Linderbaum will be available come Monday, and spending $10 million per year on Biadasz &#8212; instead of somewhere in the mid-$20 millions that Linderbaum might require &#8212; is probably more responsible given that center is a non-premium position. Signing Biadasz now ensures the Chargers don&#8217;t find themselves without a seat in a game of center musical chairs later.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876234_916_buf.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876233_422_chi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bills get:WR <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915416\/dj-moore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DJ Moore<\/a>, 2026 fifth-round pick<\/p>\n<p>Bears get: 2026 second-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Bills grade: D<\/p>\n<p>Bears grade:A<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">A year ago, Brandon Beane <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44901919\/bills-gm-gets-testy-radio-hosts-nfl-draft-criticism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">got testy and mocked critics<\/a> of the Bills&#8217; lack of wide receiver investment in a radio appearance. Eleven months later, it seems he has changed his mind given his choice to overpay for Moore with a two-five swap.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Moore looked like a likely trade candidate heading into the offseason after he had failed to really produce in Ben Johnson&#8217;s offense and appeared to show lackadaisical route-running effort on what ended up being Chicago&#8217;s last offensive play of the season, a <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431611\/caleb-williams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Caleb Williams<\/a> overtime interception in Chicago&#8217;s <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772985\/rams-bears\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">divisional-round loss<\/a> to the Rams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In his first season as a Bear in 2023, Moore looked like one of the NFL&#8217;s best receivers. He delivered 2.5 yards per route run, which increased to an almost unbelievable 3.4 yards per route run vs. man coverage. His 85 overall score in <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fespnanalytics.com%2Freceivers&amp;data=05%7C02%7CTheodore.Berka%40espn.com%7C27d2974d49bb466aedcb08de7ae300de%7C56b731a8a2ac4c32bf6b616810e913c6%7C1%7C0%7C639083312539958125%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=UGes5v45JJ%2BeXxnjuZYWX0wCikdHwdqpMsHDhQWqHRE%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ESPN&#8217;s receiver scores<\/a>was tied for fourth among all wide receivers. His play earned him an extension with Chicago. But since that season, the production has not been close to the same.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">His yards per route run and overall score dropped to 1.6 and 57, respectively, in 2024. And then in 2025, his first season with Johnson, those numbers fell even further, to 1.3 and 45. Essentially Moore, who turns 29 next month, produced like a below-average player.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Moore&#8217;s aforementioned extension is just getting started, and he will cost the Bills $24.5 million in cash this year if the deal is not altered. Plus, remaining on the roster will fully guarantee $15.5 million of his 2027 salary, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/player\/dj-moore\/6909\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">per OverTheCap.com<\/a>. Then, in a bizarre decision, the Bills opted to also fully guarantee $15.5 million of Moore&#8217;s 2028 salary, per <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AdamSchefter\/status\/2029613515904794811\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">ESPN&#8217;s Adam Schefter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Dealing Moore was probably a pretty easy choice for Chicago. Their future in the receiving game is <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431299\/rome-odunze\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Rome Odunze<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685278\/luther-burden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Luther Burden III<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4723086\/colston-loveland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colston Loveland<\/a>. And they get to offload a substantial amount of guaranteed money that they can redistribute to other parts of the roster that need help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Assuming the Bears didn&#8217;t take on any additional money, I think this part is sort of remarkable: Moore&#8217;s stock seems to have fallen precipitously since signing his extension that had a $27.5 million average per year. Despite that, the Bills will be taking on only a slightly cheaper contract: $90 million over four years ($22.5 million APY) though with all the guarantees this will be a one-year deal for $40 million, two years for $64.5 million or three for $73.5 million if they choose to end it early. Not only that, but the Bills gave up what ESPN&#8217;s draft pick values would consider a late-third round pick to do it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In my view, that makes this a much better result for the Bears than I would have expected heading into the offseason and makes the deal worth criticizing for the Bills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">You can understand how the Bills got to this point. They have an all-world quarterback but have failed to surround him with enough receiving talent and wanted to rectify that issue. And there&#8217;s some history here: Moore played for Joe Brady in Carolina in 2020 and 2021 and was fairly productive, with 2.4 and 1.9 yards per route run in those seasons, respectively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">There are alternative options in free agency like <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/16737\/mike-evans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mike Evans<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360078\/alec-pierce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Alec Pierce<\/a>, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4032473\/rashid-shaheed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Rashid Shaheed<\/a> or <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361432\/romeo-doubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Romeo Doubs<\/a> that would not have immediately cost Buffalo a pick (though with the Bills&#8217; tight cap situation and some pending free agents, signings like that might have cost them a comp pick). There&#8217;s also no guarantee on how much those free agents would have cost, though Moore is pricey himself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Ultimately I think the Bills&#8217; instinct at wide receiver is correct. But to pay real draft capital for the right to take on what is likely an overpriced contract and add extra guarantees is far from optimal.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876234_157_lar.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1772876235_172_kc.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Rams get: CB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426405\/trent-mcduffie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trent McDuffie<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chiefs get: Rams&#8217; 2026 first-round pick (No. 29), 2026 fifth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick, 2027 third-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Rams grade: C+<\/p>\n<p>Chiefs grade: A-<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Cornerback was the weakness of the Rams&#8217; defense last season. So Les Snead did what Les Snead does &#8212; address the problem by adding a star via trade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">And McDuffie is a star. When I sought feedback for my <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/43412108\/nfl-top-100-rankings-mvp-candidates-2024-regular-season-jackson-allen-barkley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">100-player MVP ballot<\/a> a year ago, folks in the league told me that McDuffie was in the mix for the best cornerback in the NFL that season. Over the course of his four-year career he has allowed 0.9 yards per coverage snap, per NFL Next Gen Stats, and has never had a season where he fared worse than the average for a cornerback in that category (1.1). That high-level consistency is rare at corner, a notoriously volatile position.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">McDuffie, 25, allowed 1.0 yards per coverage snap last season along with a 16.9% target rate (slightly higher than average and the highest of McDuffie&#8217;s career). He comes with inside-out flexibility, having spent most of the past two seasons out wide but a substantial amount of time in 2023 at nickel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">You can understand why the Rams are making this deal. They have a 38-year-old quarterback in <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/12483\/matthew-stafford\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matthew Stafford<\/a> coming off <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47845508\/matthew-stafford-wins-nfl-mvp-closest-vote-2003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">an MVP season<\/a> and don&#8217;t want to waste their current championship window. They saw the opportunity to add a star in the prime of his career to fill a major need and took it. Obviously, they are better now with McDuffie on the team. And there is no shutdown corner available in free agency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But the cost is substantial. The addition of the other picks to the late first-rounder move the value up to a mid first-rounder at minimum (and there&#8217;s a good argument they gave up more than that), depending on the relative valuation of those picks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The surplus value going back to Kansas City is large. Draft picks are never a guarantee, but when teams hit on them they end up with players on undervalued contracts with four (or five) years of team control.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">By contrast, while McDuffie is currently a value for 2026 at $13.6 million, my assumption is that the Rams will extend him at something akin to a market rate for a player among the top cornerbacks. In that case, they are giving up a package that includes a first-round pick for the right to pay McDuffie. This format of trade is always hard to justify for the acquiring team given that fact. And a trade like this for a cornerback is particularly scary given how wild the swings at that position can be from season to season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">I am more sympathetic to the acquiring team than I usually, though, given the closing-window argument and the lack of an obvious alternative. But I would not have made this deal if I was running the Rams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">For the Chiefs, this continues a pattern of letting corners walk out the door under the assumption that they&#8217;ll be able to draft and develop players who can perform under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The history here &#8212; most notably<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4040432\/ljarius-sneed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">L&#8217;Jarius Sneed<\/a>&#8216;slack of success in Tennessee and the Chiefs&#8217; ability to be fine without the departed corners &#8212; is another reason for the Rams to be wary. Any Chiefs cornerback probably comes with a drop-off risk once they leave Spagnuolo. We&#8217;ll see how far they want to push that strategy with impending free agent <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4697639\/jaylen-watson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jaylen Watson<\/a> &#8212; will they let him walk, too?<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Either way, Kansas City must reload its roster. As of this writing the Chiefs are more than $6 million over the 2026 cap and are below average in terms of 2027 cap room. But they need a new infusion of talent, particularly to help an offense which has been quixotically stuck in the mud considering that <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3139477\/patrick-mahomes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a> is their quarterback.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The extra draft capital will let the team get younger and add players while keeping costs low. And if the Chiefs truly believe in their ability to keep replenishing at corner, then that makes a deal like this even more rational.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hou.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Texans get: RB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035538\/david-montgomery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">David Montgomery<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lions get: G <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361425\/juice-scruggs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Juice Scruggs<\/a>, 2026 fourth-round draft pick, 2027 seventh-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Texans grade: D<\/p>\n<p>Lions grade: A<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">At some point this offseason, the Texans needed to add a running back to team up with second-year man<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429059\/woody-marks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Woody Marks<\/a>. They opted to do that early by acquiring Montgomery. Houston&#8217;s running game was abysmal in 2025, ranking 31st in EPA per designed carry. Their running back play wasn&#8217;t ideal, but the biggest culprit of that poor performance was an offensive line that ranked 32nd in run block win rate. Though Marks averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, he still recorded 31 rush yards over expected, another sign that the offensive line was the problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In Montgomery, the Texans acquire a reliable veteran who recorded 125 rush yards over expected with Detroit in 2025, per NFL Next Gen Stats. But his role has steadily decreased in recent years with the emergence of<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429795\/jahmyr-gibbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jahmyr Gibbs<\/a>. In the 14 games Montgomery played in 2023, he was featured on 48% of snaps and carried the ball 219 games. By 2025, those numbers dropped to 37% and 158, respectively, despite playing in 17 games. Montgomery&#8217;s receiving work was also limited because of Gibbs &#8212; as his 24 receptions last season were nowhere close to the 54 he once caught with the Bears in 2020.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Montgomery&#8217;s contract is reasonable: It&#8217;ll cost Houston $6 million in cash this year (and $9 million nonguaranteed next year) if left untouched. But that does not mean this was a smart acquisition. An aging (29 years old in June), early-down back whose prior team had been phasing him out is not worth spending real resources on. It surprises me that Detroit was able to lure a four-seven swap here since the Texans could have found comparable expected production for far less.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Scruggs is a reclamation project throw-in for Detroit. The 2023 second-round pick has bounced around the interior of Houston&#8217;s offensive line. At guard, he has been in the 24th and 26th percentiles in pass block win rate and run block win rate, respectively. The results at center in 2024 were even worse, as he was third percentile in both metrics. Scruggs has one year left on his rookie deal, but the draft picks should be more than enough here for the Lions. They can use that capital to find another running back to complement Gibbs late in the draft or find a low-cost veteran in free agency. It&#8217;s as easy a win as the Lions will find all offseason.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cle.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/hou.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Browns get: OT <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3131498\/tytus-howard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tytus Howard<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Texans get: 2026 fifth-round pick<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Browns grade: D+<\/p>\n<p>Texans grade: A-<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">One starting offensive lineman down, four more to go for the Browns. In acquiring Howard, an offensive tackle who has occasionally kicked inside to guard in his seven NFL seasons, Cleveland starts the massive rebuild of its offensive line. But was it worth it? I have a hard time seeing how.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">With six offensive line free agents, the Browns are going to look significantly different in the trenches in 2026, and they&#8217;re right to jump on this right away. There&#8217;s a good chance the Browns will have a young, developing player at quarterback &#8212; be it <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432762\/shedeur-sanders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Shedeur Sanders<\/a> or someone else &#8212; and it&#8217;s critical to keep that player upright.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Howard&#8217;s exact role is unknown due to his flexibility and how the Browns&#8217; address their other holes upfront, but right tackle seems like the safest bet since it&#8217;s where he has most frequently played.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Howard ranked in the 24th percentile in pass block win rate at tackle and the 31st percentile in run block win rate at tackle last season. He was also below average in both in 2024. That hasn&#8217;t always been the case &#8212; Howard ranked in the top 10 overall in pass block win rate at tackle in 2021 and 2022. But we&#8217;re several seasons removed from that, and he scored poorly in run blocking in each of those seasons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">So the Browns are likely getting a below-average starter. And he isn&#8217;t cheap. Howard is slated to make $17.5 million in 2026 (the final year of his deal) and is now signing a two-year, $45 million extension, per ESPN&#8217;s Adam Schefter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Browns sat at less than $1 million under the 2026 cap prior to this deal, per <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/salary-cap\/cleveland-browns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">OverTheCap.com<\/a>, though their cap obligations lighten quite a bit in 2027. But is this where they want to spend their resources, dealing a fifth-round pick to pay what might be an over-market deal for a below-average starter? That&#8217;s not how I&#8217;d want to kick off the offseason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">This continues a recent pattern of offensive line turnover for the Texans, but I don&#8217;t mind this move for them. Houston needs better blocking, both to protect quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432577\/cj-stroud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">C.J. Stroud<\/a> and generate a running game to support him. It was last in the NFL (32nd) in run block win rate, 30th in pass block win rate and 26th in yards gained before contact on running back rushes last season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Howard played both right tackle and left guard for the Texans, who have plenty of open spots along the offensive line, with both <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242227\/ed-ingram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ed Ingram<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3043109\/trent-brown\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trent Brown<\/a> set to be free agents. They&#8217;ll need to add offensive line help at some point and must set aside money to pay edge rusher <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685724\/will-anderson-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Will Anderson Jr<\/a> &#8212; and probably Stroud, too. So getting a fifth-round pick to not pay Howard seems like good business.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/nyj.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ten.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jets get:DT <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428617\/tvondre-sweat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">T&#8217;Vondre Sweat<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Titans get: Edge <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567962\/jermaine-johnson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jermaine Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jets grade:A-<\/p>\n<p>Titans grade:C-<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">For all their faults, the Jets came out of <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46848422\/sources-jets-trade-quinnen-williams-cowboys\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">last year&#8217;s trade deadline<\/a> with two of <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46847491\/sources-jets-trade-sauce-gardner-colts-2-first-rounders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">the very best deals<\/a> in that period. While hardly on the same scale, they kicked off the 2026 trade season with another shrewd move in swapping out Johnson for Sweat in a one-for-one swap.<br class=\" \"\/>The last of the Jets&#8217; three 2022 first-round picks, Johnson put together one decent sack season in 2023, with 7.5 sacks en route to a Pro Bowl nod. That came while playing for current Titans head coach Robert Saleh, which I assume is a critical factor in why this deal was made.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">But Johnson managed only 5.5 sacks over his other three seasons in New York, though he played just three games in 2024 due to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41288246\/jets-de-jermaine-johnson-announces-torn-achilles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">an Achilles injury<\/a>. Advanced pass-rushing metrics have not been kind to Johnson in his four-year career. His career pass rush win rate is only 8.4% (8.9% last season), while the average for a starting edge in that span is 15.6%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Sweat, a 2024 second-round pick, has been a solid starting nose tackle for Tennessee. He should help the Jets&#8217; run defense and provide some pass rush from the nose. While his 6.5% pass rush win rate at defensive tackle is below average for the position, it&#8217;s not bad considering where he lines up. He&#8217;ll join a Jets interior group that includes <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3117255\/harrison-phillips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Harrison Phillips<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426676\/jowon-briggs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jowon Briggs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">As for Johnson, the Titans need help at edge. But that need doesn&#8217;t make it worth the cost.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Johnson is playing on his fifth-year option and will cost Tennessee $13.4 million, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/overthecap.com\/player\/jermaine-johnson-ii\/10071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">per OverTheCap<\/a>. By contrast, Sweat has two years left on his rookie deal and will cost the Jets just $1.6 and $2.1 million in each of those years, respectively. Sweat is also younger and, in my view, has a better chance to be a plus contributor than Johnson. That makes this deal well worth it for New York, especially considering the Jets will get a player with another year of team control for less money.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ten.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN \">]<\/p>\n<p>Copyright \u00a9 2026 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NFL free agencybegins March 9 with the legal negotiating window, but the action has already started. The Rams&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":524388,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[261105,261095,64,63,631,261097,261098,1261,1248,1238,261096,12063,3055,794,9848,197566,1255,261100,261104,1240,1250,3052,1263,261103,261102,261099,1231,1235,593,140918,85,261101,1253,80055],"class_list":["post-524387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-261105","tag-2026-offseason","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-biadasz-tyler","tag-bradbury-garrett","tag-buffalo-bills","tag-chicago-bears","tag-cleveland-browns","tag-crosby-maxx","tag-daily","tag-detroit-lions","tag-espn","tag-free-agency","tag-grades","tag-houston-texans","tag-howard-tytus","tag-johnson-jermaine","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-los-angeles-chargers","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-mcduffie-trent","tag-montgomery-david","tag-moore-dj","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-free-agency","tag-sports","tag-sweat-tvondre","tag-tennessee-titans","tag-trades"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=524387"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/524387\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/524388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=524387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=524387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=524387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}