Home / Sports / NFL Combine Buzz: Free Agents Weigh Options
NFL Combine Buzz: Free Agents Weigh Options
27 Feb
Summary
- Teams are evaluating free agents at the NFL combine.
- Some teams have placed franchise tags on key players.
- Contract negotiations and future plans are being discussed.
NFL general managers, coaches, and personnel have convened in Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine. Amidst evaluations of top draft prospects, considerable discussion surrounds the upcoming NFL free agency period, which begins in less than two weeks. Several teams have already placed franchise or transition tags on key players, such as the Falcons with tight end Kyle Pitts and the Jets with running back Breece Hall.
Teams are actively assessing their own impending free agents. For instance, the Falcons are evaluating linebacker Grady Jarrett's future, considering their cap situation and the market depth. The Ravens have extended a market-setting offer to center Tyler Linderbaum, though an agreement is pending. The Panthers, despite Rico Dowdle's productive 2025 season, are open to him exploring the market, while Chuba Hubbard has secured an extension. The Bengals are open to re-signing defensive end Hendrickson, while the Browns are prioritizing David Njoku's future and addressing guard Joel Bitonio's potential retirement.
Other teams are also navigating complex free agency decisions. The Broncos aim to retain linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, emphasizing their value to the defense. The Lions are focused on extending younger stars like Gibbs and LaPorta, while also discussing running back David Montgomery's return. The Colts are engaged in positive discussions with quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce about new deals. The Chargers are considering re-signing key free agents like Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh, and the Eagles face tough decisions, potentially letting Dallas Goedert depart while seeing value in re-signing Phillips.
Further north, the 49ers are in discussions with wide receiver Jauan Jennings and hope to retain kicker Eddy Piñiero, who will not receive a franchise tag. The Seahawks expressed a desire to bring back running back Ken Walker, who was instrumental in their Super Bowl LX victory. Finally, the Buccaneers are making it clear they want Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, a cornerstone of their franchise for 12 seasons, to return, though they acknowledge his right to explore free agency.
