There are still plenty of intriguing players still available, but we can already determine which NFL teams “won” the first wave of free agency.
NFL teams didn’t wait until the start of the new league year to get active. Immediately after the legal tampering period opened up on Monday, the Miami Dolphins agreed to terms on a contract with quarterback Malik Willis, the Carolina Panthers spent $120 million on pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, and the Indianapolis Colts dropped $116 million on an extension with wide receiver Alec Pierce.
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While things could change in the coming weeks, we believe there are three clear winners this NFL free agency.
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)It’s a new era for the Raiders.
Everyone expected the Las Vegas Raiders to be aggressive this offseason, but we weren’t sure how successful their spending spree would be. Well, let’s just say general manager John Spytek did a great job addressing key needs.
For starters, the Raiders bolstered their offensive line by signing three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract. They also acquired a pair of play-making linebackers in Nakobe Dean (three-year, $36 million deal) and Quay Walker (three-year, $40.5 million deal).
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Of course, the biggest acquisition for the Raiders won’t come until April. They’re expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
(© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)Kevin O’Connell gets a huge upgrade.
The Minnesota Vikings desperately needed an upgrade at quarterback this offseason. Although they invested a top-10 draft pick in J.J. McCarthy, they can’t sit around and wait for him to develop.
That being said, Minnesota acquired a proven playmaker in Kyler Murray this Thursday. Not only is he a better option than McCarthy, he’s cheaper too. Since the Arizona Cardinals still owe Murray $36.8 million for the 2026 season, the Vikings were able to sign him to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. You won’t find a better bargain at the quarterback position this offseason.
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As for Murray’s talent, we’re talking about a player who had 20,460 passing yards, 3,193 rushing yards and 153 total touchdowns during his run in Arizona. He should have no trouble operating Kevin O’Connell’s system.
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images© Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(© Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)Shedeur Sanders has to feel good about Cleveland’s offseason.
The Cleveland Browns could’ve pursued a quarterback like Kyler Murray or Malik Willis this offseason. Instead, they signed offensive guards Zion Johnson (four-year, $49.5 million) and Elgton Jenkins (two-year deal worth $24 million). They also acquired offensive tackle Tytus Howard in a trade with the Houston Texans.
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Sanders was sacked 23 times despite only appearing in eight games last season. While he deserves blame for some of the hits he took, the Browns clearly had to get better in the trenches.
If Sanders wins Cleveland’s quarterback competition this offseason, he should have much better protection around him.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.