NFL

NFL free agency chaos: Mike Evans to 49ers, Tua to Falcons, Kenneth Walker to Chiefs

JOHN G. MABANGLO

Estados Unidos Update: Mar 10th, 2026 06:44 EDT

Once the league’s legal tampering period began at noon ET on Monday, March 9, teams wasted no time making aggressive moves. Big-name players switched teams, surprise trades emerged, and several franchises made major commitments to reshape their rosters.

Here are some of the most impactful moves from the first day of NFL free agency.

The @Chiefs add another Super Bowl champ to the offense 🏆 @Copilot pic.twitter.com/6jy4uINE7Z
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026

The biggest moves of NFL free agency day 1

Kenneth Walker III - Kansas City Chiefs

The star running back is headed to Kansas City after winning Super Bowl LX MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. Walker signed a three-year, $43.05 million contract, giving the Chiefs a major boost in the backfield.

Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the legendary tight end, who had been considering retirement this offseason.

Michael Pittman Jr. - Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh acquired the wide receiver from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a late-round draft pick (details still undisclosed). Pittman now joins DK Metcalf to form an intriguing receiving duo in the Steelers’ passing attack.

Tua Tagovailoa - Atlanta Falcons

After parting ways with the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million with Atlanta, giving the Falcons an experienced option at quarterback.

Falcons signing QB Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal. (via @tompelissero, @mikegarafolo, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/k3I4NM910Q
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2026

Kenneth Gainwell - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gainwell arrives in Tampa Bay after spending time with the Steelers, where he split backfield duties with Jaylen Warren.

Rico Dowdle - Pittsburgh Steelers

Following Gainwell’s departure, the Steelers quickly filled the gap by signing Dowdle from the Carolina Panthers. He agreed to a two-year, $12.25 million contract.

Steelers, RB Rico Dowdle agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.25 million deal. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/bHkKh2bQMX
— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2026

Malik Willis - Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins made a big investment at quarterback, signing Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal after his stint with the Green Bay Packers, where he showed promise in his most recent start.

Mike Evans - San Francisco 49ers

One of the biggest surprises of the day: Evans left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign with San Francisco. The star receiver agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million contract with the 49ers.

Travis Etienne - New Orleans Saints

The Saints added a major weapon to their offense, signing the former Jacksonville Jaguars running back to a four-year, $52 million deal.

Rashid Shaheed - Seattle Seahawks

Seattle retained one of their key offensive pieces, re-signing Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract.

J.K. Dobbins - Denver Broncos

Denver kept their running back in place with a two-year, $16 million extension.

Alec Pierce - Indianapolis Colts

The Colts locked up their receiver long term, agreeing to a four-year, $116 million extension.

Minkah Fitzpatrick - New York Jets

The Jets acquired the star safety from Miami in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

Raiders Begin Major Roster Overhaul

The Las Vegas Raiders are in the middle of a major rebuild after recently confirming the departure of star defender Maxx Crosby. The team made several additions as part of their roster reset:

C Tyler Linderbaum - 3 years, $81 million
LB (Pierce Muelle) - 3 years, $40.5 million
LB Nakobe Dean - 3 years, $36 million
WR Jalen Nailor - 3 years, $35 million
DE Kwity Paye - 3 years, $48 million
DE Malcolm Koonce - 1 year, $11 million
CB Eric Stokes - 3 years, $48 million
CB Taron Johnson (trade) - 2 years, $18.7 million