NFL free agency is a very exciting time for fans; you get to see very talented players switch teams that you never would have thought would trade. This time also means your favorite teams are losing players to other organizations. This year’s free agency saw many talented players transfer teams.
Fresno Christian student Tyler Sisemore, ’28, is an avid New Orleans Saints fan and loves to follow the details of the NFL free agency.Â
“It’s always fun to keep track of free agency because of all the player moves and deals made,” Sisemore said.Â
Kenneth Walker to the Chiefs
Last year’s Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, sent the Super Bowl MVP running back, Kenneth Walker III, to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 3-year, $45 million deal with $28 million guaranteed. I think the Chiefs desperately needed a running back because over the last two to three years, their run game has been nonexistent. Kenneth Walker should help the ground game exponentially, and the Chiefs haven’t had a running back like this since 2014, when it was Jamaal Charles.Â
Mike Evans to the 49ers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to let go of Mike Evans, who has been with the Buccaneers for the last 12 seasons. In 11 of those seasons, he finished with over 1,000 receiving yards. The only other player to accomplish that feat was Jerry Rice. The 49ers signed him to be their top receiver. They will pay him $60 million over the next three years. I think the 49ers truly need a wide receiver, especially one who can go long and get you 60+ yards a game.
David Montgomery to the Texans
The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Texans. The Texans’ overall offense was why they could not get past the divisional round in the playoffs last year. Montgomery is a strong, physical back who can get seven yards on any given carry. He had to split carries in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs, which stopped him from reaching his full potential. The trade also included the Texans giving up a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick and an offensive lineman, Juice Scruggs. The Texans needed a physical running back, and they got one in Montgomery.
Kevin Byard to the PatriotsÂ
The New England Patriots received former Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard, who led the league in interceptions with seven in the 2025-26 season. Before the singing, the Patriots released their other safety, Jaylinn Hawkins, who the Baltimore Ravens picked up from free agency. They signed Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal. I thought the Patriots’ safeties were good last season, but Kevin Byard III is definitely an upgrade that will solidify their backfield as one of the best in the league. Diehard Patriots fan, Max Watson, 28, follows his team’s every move throughout the year.
“He was the best safety when he came to getting interceptions last year,” Watson said. “Byard III and Christian Gonzalez will become a great secondary pair and be dangerous for the rest of the league.”
Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders
The best and most expensive O-linemen, Tyler Linderbaum, left the Ravens to sign a 3-year $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, who really needed offensive line help to block for Ashton Jeanty. Linderbaum was the most expensive offensive lineman on the market, and the Raiders made a home run deal in my opinion. Lifelong Raiders fan Elijah Corrao, ’28, is excited about the signing.
“I think it was a really good pickup for the Raiders because they needed a stronger offensive line for Jeanty,” Corrao said.
Trey Hendrickson to the Ravens
The Ravens originally tried to get Maxx Crosby from the Raiders, and it actually went through, but he failed his physical, sending him back to the Raiders. They decided to get the second-best pass rusher in Free agency, Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals, who released him weeks before. The Ravens signed Hendrickson to a 4-year, 112 million dollar contract. I think the Ravens needed a better pass rusher, and Hendrickson definitely will help the Defensive line of Baltimore.
Malik Willis to the Dolphins
After the Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa, he then signed with the Falcons. The Dolphins signed former Packers back up QB Malik Willis. He started a couple of games for the Packers last season and played well for them. Willis signed a 3-year, 67 million dollar contact. I think the Dolphins needed a refresh at the quarterback position after Tua, and Malik Willis was the right move.
Trent Mcduffie to the RamsÂ
Trent McDuffie was one of the biggest reasons why the Chiefs won Super Bowl 58 against the 49ers in 2023. McDuffie had a down year last season, missing the last 4 games of the season with an injury. The Rams had a very good team last season, with talent on the board at every position except the cornerback position. The Rams signed Trent McDuffie to a 4-year, 124 million contract, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. I think it makes the Rams Super Bowl favorites again because they fixed their weakness with the Corner position, and they have talent all around the board.
Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos
The Dolphins and the Broncos made a deal where the Dolphins sent speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos for the 30th pick in this year’s draft and a fourth-round pick. Waddle is a very fast receiver, and I think last year the Broncos receiver room wasn’t great, and Waddle adds speed and is a true wide receiver one for the Broncos.
DJ Moore to the Bills
Former Bears receiver, who got many clutch passes last season, signed a deal worth 22 million dollars with the Bills. The Bills desperately needed a true wide receiver one last season for Josh Allen to throw to, and now Josh Allen has his best receiver in 2022, Stefon Diggs. I think this makes the Bills a better offensive threat.
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