Free agency in the National Football League is already moving fast, with teams making big decisions before the offseason really settles in. It feels like every day there’s a new signing or trade that could shift how teams look next season.
Even though it’s still ongoing, a few moves have already stood out. Some teams are being aggressive early, trying to improve right away, while others are making smaller changes that could still have a big impact.
It’s too early to say who “won” free agency, but the early moves are already giving a glimpse of how the league is starting to take shape.
Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs
One of the biggest moves so far is Kenneth Walker III signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker isn’t just another running back — he’s a proven playmaker who made a name for himself in Seattle, earning Super Bowl MVP honors against the Patriots after a season that showcased his speed, vision, and ability to make big plays out of nothing. That kind of explosiveness is exactly what the Chiefs have been missing in their backfield.
Kansas City has leaned on Patrick Mahomes for years, often expecting him to carry the offense almost single-handedly. Last season, though, it became clear that relying on Mahomes alone isn’t enough — the team finished 15th in scoring, and their run game ranked at the bottom of the league when it came to explosive plays.
In fact, the Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt’s rookie season in 2017, when he rushed for 1,327 yards. Walker’s addition changes that dynamic. He can turn a routine handoff into a 20-yard gain, which gives defenses another threat to account for and opens up Mahomes’ options in the passing game.
Walker tested the free-agent market, but Kansas City’s pitch clearly won him over. Head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ staff are banking on him to bring that Seattle magic to Arrowhead.
While he doesn’t need 300 carries to make a difference, just having a back who can consistently stretch the field and force defenses to respect the run game immediately makes the Chiefs offense more balanced.
For a team that’s been trying to fix holes in the backfield for years, Walker could be the missing piece that pushes them back toward contender status.
Hendrickson Brings the Heat to Baltimore
Another standout move is Trey Hendrickson joining the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has struggled at times to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, and Hendrickson brings the kind of pass-rushing skill they’ve been missing. In Cincinnati, he recorded at least 14 sacks in three of five seasons, showing a knack for creating chaos in the backfield.
Last year was quieter — only four sacks — but that was largely because Hendrickson was limited to seven games after core muscle surgery. The good news is the procedure isn’t expected to affect him this fall. Baltimore doesn’t need him to stop the run; the team already has solid depth there. What they do need is someone who can consistently pressure the quarterback, and Hendrickson fits that role perfectly.
If he can hit double-digit sacks, the Ravens’ defense could return to being one of the league’s top units. His presence also gives Baltimore flexibility in matchups, allowing other defenders to focus on stopping the run or covering receivers.
For a team that flirted with elite defensive status in previous seasons, Hendrickson could be the difference-maker they’ve been chasing.
Willis Gets a Fresh Start in Miami
The Miami Dolphins made a bold move by signing Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. Willis showed flashes of potential when he got limited gametime behind Jordan Love, impressing coaches with his athleticism and ability to make plays under pressure. That upside is exactly what Miami is betting on as they try to build a more dynamic offense.
A former third-round pick, Willis now gets the chance to step into a bigger role and prove he can be a long-term solution at quarterback. The Dolphins are moving on from Tua Tagovailoa and retooling around a younger, high-upside QB, giving Willis the space to develop while surrounded by a talented supporting cast.
Head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan are hoping his combination of mobility and arm strength can make the Dolphins offense more unpredictable and explosive.
With this new opportunity, Willis has the chance to prove his potential, while Miami gains a quarterback who could become a key piece of their rebuild.
Tua Brings Experience To Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons made a smart, low-risk move by signing Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year deal. With Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL and the Falcons in need of a more reliable option at quarterback, Tua gives head coach Kevin Stefanski another capable option under center.
Tagovailoa has shown he can be effective when healthy, but he comes with some injury risk — something the Falcons are clearly weighing against the upside of his experience and mobility.
For Atlanta, it’s less about a long-term solution and more about stabilizing the QB room while giving the offense a proven player to lean on alongside stars like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts Sr.
This move gives Tua a chance to step into a starting role and contribute immediately, while the Falcons add flexibility without committing big money or long-term resources. If he stays healthy, he could provide the consistency Atlanta has been searching for at quarterback and help the team make its first playoff appearance since 2018.
Kyler Murray Brings Competition to Vikings QB Room
The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a savvy move by signing Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Coming off a down season and a foot injury that limited him to just five games with the Arizona Cardinals, Murray now gets a chance to prove he can still perform at a high level while giving the Vikings a proven option at quarterback.
Minnesota’s previous starter, J.J. McCarthy, struggled in his first full season, raising questions about whether he’s ready to lead the franchise long-term.
Murray’s arrival adds healthy competition to the QB room and gives head coach Kevin O’Connell flexibility to evaluate both options heading into 2026. For the Vikings, it’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity: Murray carries minimal salary obligations while potentially providing a big upgrade under center.
If healthy and back to form, Murray could help stabilize Minnesota’s offense and give the team a shot at contending in a competitive NFC North. This move isn’t just about filling a spot; it’s about creating a quarterback battle that could define the team’s season.
