NFL 2026 Free Agency Kicks Off with Major Player Movements
The new league year officially commenced on March 11, but the action had already begun days earlier with a flurry of cap-saving maneuvers, player releases, and significant contract signings that continue to unfold. This period has been marked by blockbuster trades, some of which were even reversed, adding to the drama and excitement. For fans eager to keep up with the highest-profile transactions, here is a detailed overview of the top-paid edge rushers in the 2026 NFL free agency class.
Carolina Panthers Secure Jaelan Phillips with Record-Breaking Deal
Jaelan Phillips, a first-round pick in 2021, spent his initial five seasons with the Miami Dolphins until 2025. In a surprising midseason move, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, where he played eight games after nine with Miami. Over his 63 career games, Phillips has amassed impressive stats: 205 total tackles (119 solo and 86 assisted), 28.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one interception. In 2025, he generated 63 pressures, ranking 11th in the NFL.
What particularly caught the attention of teams was his pressure-to-sack percentage, which stood at 12.9% from 2022 to 2024 and is projected to rise to 13% in 2026. This potential improvement made the Carolina Panthers optimistic, leading them to sign Phillips to a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract. The deal includes $80 million in guaranteed money, establishing him as the highest-paid outside linebacker or edge rusher in the 2026 free agency market.
Baltimore Ravens Sign Trey Hendrickson After Maxx Crosby Trade Falls Through
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals were highly sought-after defensive ends this offseason. Despite recently signing a substantial contract extension, Crosby requested a trade and was initially dealt to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks. However, the trade was unexpectedly canceled due to a failed physical, leaving the Ravens to pivot quickly.
In response, Baltimore secured Trey Hendrickson, a 31-year-old superstar pass rusher, with a four-year, $112 million contract. This agreement includes $60 million in guaranteed money, positioning Hendrickson among the highest-paid defensive ends in 2026. Last season, Hendrickson's play was limited to seven games because of core muscle surgery for a severe hip and pelvis injury. During that time, he recorded 16 tackles, 4.0 sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble, showcasing his talent despite the setback.
Washington Commanders Gamble on Odafe Oweh with $100 Million Contract
Odafe Oweh, another 2021 first-round pick, played five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens until 2025. Similar to Jaelan Phillips, he was traded midseason in 2025, this time to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Chargers, Oweh joined forces with quarterback Justin Herbert and made a notable impact: in 12 games, he recorded 28 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss, compared to 10 combined tackles and one tackle for loss in five games with Baltimore.
According to Spotrac's market value projections, Oweh was expected to sign a three-year, $57 million contract with an average annual salary of $19 million. However, the Washington Commanders defied these estimates by offering him a four-year, $100 million deal, which includes $68 million in guaranteed money. USA TODAY analyst Jacob Camenker has labeled this contract a gamble, citing Oweh's limited career starts—only 27—and his struggles against the run throughout his career.
As the 2026 NFL free agency period progresses, these signings highlight the intense competition for elite defensive talent and the strategic risks teams are willing to take to bolster their rosters. The landscape continues to evolve, promising more surprises and high-stakes moves in the coming weeks.
