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The Las Vegas Raiders have made a major roster move as they begin a new era under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, agreeing to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. According to reports, the Ravens will send their No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a 2027 first-round selection, to Las Vegas in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. Although the agreement has been reached, the trade will not become official until the new NFL league year begins on Wednesday.

Crosby has been one of the Raiders’ most reliable and dominant players since entering the league in 2019. Selected in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan, he quickly developed into one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Over 110 career games with Las Vegas, Crosby recorded 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles for loss, 164 quarterback hits, and one interception. Despite multiple coaching changes during his tenure, he remained a consistent defensive cornerstone for the franchise and a leader for the Silver and Black.

Ravens Win Crosby Sweepstakes Despite Raiders’ Earlier Commitment To Retain Him

Interest in Crosby around the league had been building for some time, with several teams reportedly exploring trade possibilities. The Baltimore Ravens ultimately secured the deal, outbidding other suitors. The Dallas Cowboys were among the teams that expressed interest, but they were reportedly unwilling to part with two first-round picks to acquire the veteran defender.

The move comes despite earlier statements from Raiders general manager John Spytek, who had suggested during the NFL Scouting Combine that the team expected Crosby to remain on the roster. Spytek emphasized the importance of retaining elite players while building a competitive team. However, the significant draft capital offered by Baltimore appears to have convinced the Raiders to change direction.

Maxx Crosby Bolsters Ravens’ Pass Rush While Raiders Begin Rebuilding Phase

For the Ravens, the acquisition addresses a key weakness on defense. Baltimore struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks during the 2025 season, finishing with only 30 total sacks and ranking 24th in total yards allowed. Crosby’s arrival provides an immediate upgrade to the pass rush. Last season, he recorded 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in just 15 games while frequently facing double-team blocking schemes.

Crosby’s 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to a knee injury that required surgery after he missed the final two games of the regular season. Despite the injury setback, he remained frustrated about not being able to finish the year, even though the Raiders were already eliminated from playoff contention.

The trade signals a clear rebuilding phase for Las Vegas. With the team already holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Raiders now possess four first-round selections across the next two years. The franchise is widely expected to use the top pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as it begins reshaping its roster for the future.

The Houston Texans have rewarded star defensive end Danielle Hunter following an outstanding 2025 season, agreeing to a one-year contract extension worth $40.1 million. According to reports from NFL Network insiders, the deal includes a $30.7 million signing bonus and keeps Hunter under contract with Houston through the 2027 season.

Hunter’s new salary places him among the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. His annual value ranks fourth behind Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and T. J. Watt, while slightly surpassing reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner Myles Garrett. The agreement reflects Houston’s commitment to maintaining one of the NFL’s most productive defensive units.

Since signing with the Texans as a free agent in 2024, Hunter has delivered elite production. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 27 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback hits. His impact was especially significant during the 2025 campaign, when he registered 15 sacks and helped power Houston to the league’s top-ranked total defense.

Hunter’s Career Excellence and Partnership With Anderson Elevates Texans’ Elite Defense

Hunter, now 31, entered the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and spent eight seasons with the franchise before moving to Houston. During his time in Minnesota, he accumulated 87.5 sacks and built a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent edge rushers. His career total now stands at 114.5 sacks, reinforcing his status as one of the most productive pass rushers of his era.

In Houston, Hunter has formed a formidable partnership with Will Anderson Jr.. The duo has combined for double-digit sack seasons in each of their two years together, creating one of the NFL’s most dangerous edge rushing tandems. Their pressure has been a key factor in the Texans’ defensive dominance.

With Hunter’s extension finalized, attention may soon turn to Anderson. The young star and former first-round pick is also expected to be a priority for a future contract extension as the Texans continue building around their elite defense.

The Buffalo Bills are set to acquire veteran wide receiver D. J. Moore from the Chicago Bears once the new NFL league year officially begins. The trade, first reported by Adam Schefter, sends Moore to Buffalo in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick, No. 60 overall. Chicago will also send a 2026 fifth-round pick to Buffalo as part of the agreement.

The move provides Chicago with financial relief. According to OverTheCap analyst Jason Fitzgerald, the Bears will clear about $16.5 million in cap space once the trade is processed. However, that relief will not arrive until the new league year begins, meaning Chicago must still make additional roster or contract adjustments to become cap compliant before the upcoming deadline.

Bills Commit Major Money To Moore Despite Recent Statistical Decline And Contract Guarantees

Buffalo will assume the remainder of Moore’s contract, which runs through the 2029 season. The deal pays him $24.5 million per year with identical cap numbers throughout the contract. His 2026 salary is already fully guaranteed, and $15.5 million of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed on March 13. Reports also indicate the Bills are guaranteeing $15.5 million of Moore’s 2028 salary as part of the trade, though it remains unclear whether Buffalo will extend full guarantees to the rest of his 2027 pay.

Moore has built a reputation for securing strong guarantees throughout his career. Each of his first nine NFL seasons featured fully guaranteed compensation, and the latest deal structure could push that streak to eleven years.

Despite the major commitment, Moore is coming off a noticeable decline in production. He posted career-low efficiency numbers in recent seasons, including 1.44 yards per route run in 2024 and 1.24 in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. Some of that drop has been linked to a crowded Chicago offense that featured emerging pass catchers such as Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden III.

Bills Reunite Moore With Coach Joe Brady While Seeking Immediate Offensive Receiving Boost

Buffalo had been actively searching for help at receiver. Reports from Sports Illustrated indicated the team explored potential trades for A. J. Brown and Alec Pierce before settling on Moore. His arrival also reunites him with Bill’s head coach Joe Brady, who previously coached Moore during their time together with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and 2021. During those seasons, Moore recorded 2,350 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 159 receptions.

Buffalo hopes that familiarity can help revive Moore’s production. The Bills’ receiving corps struggled for depth last season, with Khalil Shakir standing as the only Buffalo wideout to surpass 40 receptions or 500 receiving yards.

The trade signals Buffalo’s determination to strengthen its passing attack. Yet the sizable financial commitment and Moore’s recent decline raise questions about the long-term value of the move.

The Dallas Cowboys have positioned themselves well financially ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period. Through strategic contract restructures of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and guard Tyler Smith, the team cleared roughly $66 million in salary cap space and now has around $11 million in room before free agency begins, according to ESPN.

These adjustments primarily shifted each player’s 2026 base salary into signing bonuses, lowering the immediate cap hit while leaving player earnings intact. For example, Prescott, originally scheduled to earn $40 million in 2026, is now set to make $1.8 million this season, with the remainder converted to a signing bonus.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has indicated that further restructuring is likely, particularly for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa. The strategy trades future salary flexibility for immediate cap relief, giving Dallas the resources to pursue impactful free-agent additions and potentially bolster the roster for a playoff push after consecutive seasons of missing the postseason.

Cowboys Prioritize Retaining Key Players Brandon Aubrey And George Pickens Strategically

One of the Cowboys’ top priorities this offseason is retaining kicker Brandon Aubrey. Considered one of the league’s most reliable kickers, Aubrey is a restricted free agent and reportedly seeking a $10 million deal, surpassing the $6.4 million annual salary of Kansas City’s Harrison Butker. Dallas has reportedly offered the largest kicker contract in NFL history to secure him, and tenders estimated at around $8 million could help dissuade interest from other teams if a long-term deal isn’t reached before free agency begins on March 11.

Wide receiver George Pickens is another focal point for the Cowboys’ offseason. Having been franchised tagged, Pickens’ long-term contract negotiations remain ongoing, aiming to pair him with CeeDee Lamb to maintain one of the league’s most explosive receiving tandems. The team has the flexibility to finalize a deal once cap savings are maximized, but the option to trade Pickens remains viable given the non-exclusive tag, allowing other teams to negotiate with him.

Cowboys Focus on Defensive Upgrades While Maintaining Cap Flexibility For 2026

The Cowboys’ most pressing needs lie on the defensive side. The 2025 defense allowed 30.1 points per game, ranking last in the NFL and second-worst in franchise history. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker taking charge, Dallas plans to prioritize spending on strengthening all three defensive levels.

Parker’s prior connections could influence personnel choices, with safeties like Reed Blankenship and linebacker Nakobe Dean being potential fits. Other defensive options include linebacker Quincy Williams and cornerback Cobie Durant, both of whom could provide cost-effective contributions.

Dallas’ combination of restructured contracts and smart cap management gives them the ability to pursue high-value free agents, retain cornerstone players, and address deficiencies on defense. The team now has flexibility to allocate resources where needed most, whether keeping elite talent like Aubrey and Pickens or adding defensive impact players to improve a unit that struggled last season. This strategic financial maneuvering sets the stage for a proactive approach in free agency, positioning the Cowboys to strengthen key positions while remaining under the salary cap.

By leveraging contract adjustments, the Cowboys can balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster planning, making the 2026 offseason a pivotal moment for both retaining talent and improving team depth across critical areas.

The anticipated release of Kyler Murray by the Arizona Cardinals creates several potential landing spots for the former first-round pick. With the Cardinals absorbing most of the $36.8 million in guaranteed money, any new team would likely owe Murray only the veteran minimum in 2026. In a quarterback market with limited options during both free agency and the draft, acquiring a player with starting experience at such a low cost is highly appealing.

Murray’s career has experienced highs and lows. After being drafted first in 2019, he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and made two Pro Bowls early in his career. However, injuries and inconsistency have hampered him in recent seasons. His performance in 2024, though, demonstrated his continued ability: a 68.8% completion rate, 3,851 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. These statistics highlight that, when healthy, Murray remains a dynamic playmaker capable of contributing immediately.

Minnesota, New York, and Miami Could Use Kyler Murray for Experienced Quarterback Depth

One logical fit could be the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings finished 9–8 in 2025 and have uncertainty at quarterback with J. J. McCarthy. Murray would bring proven experience to compete for the starting role or provide high-level backup support.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has successfully helped quarterbacks regain confidence before, as seen with Sam Darnold, and Murray’s completion rate and ability to make plays downfield could be immediate improvements. With Justin Jefferson as a clear No. 1 target, Murray would have a reliable weapon to utilize. A short-term contract would allow Minnesota to maintain flexibility at quarterback without committing long-term.

The New York Jets are another potential destination. After a 3–14 season in 2025, the Jets remain uncertain about Justin Fields. Murray could stabilize the position for a season while allowing New York to invest in supporting offensive pieces. With talented players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, Murray would have weapons to succeed without costing draft assets.

Similarly, the Miami Dolphins may find Murray appealing. With $99.2 million in dead money tied to Tua Tagovailoa, Miami needs a low-cost option capable of handling starting responsibilities. Murray brings experience and upside, and pairing him with dynamic offensive talent like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane could produce a competitive attack despite concerns about his size.

Falcons, Steelers, Rams Could Benefit from Kyler Murray’s Experience and Dynamic Skillset

The Atlanta Falcons might pursue Murray to challenge Michael Penix Jr., who has struggled with injuries. New head coach Kevin Stefanski could utilize Murray’s mobility and playmaking ability in the offense, alongside weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. A one-year deal would limit financial risk while providing competition at quarterback.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may consider Murray if veteran Aaron Rodgers retires. Historically, the team has added experienced quarterbacks at minimal cost, such as Russell Wilson after his release from Denver. Murray could provide a versatile, exciting option in a Steelers offense that has struggled to create big plays, particularly for DK Metcalf.

Finally, the Los Angeles Rams could serve as a landing spot if Murray accepts a backup role. With Matthew Stafford still starting but aging, Murray could spend a year under head coach Sean McVay to regain form. Familiarity with Kliff Kingsbury, now on McVay’s staff, would aid in the transition.

Kyler Murray’s potential release gives teams a chance to acquire an experienced, talented quarterback at minimal cost. Whether as a starter or short-term solution, Murray could make an immediate impact on whichever team signs him, shaping the 2026 season for several franchises.