2026 NFL free agency: Experts debate best, worst signings - ESPN

NFL free agency has started to slow down since officially opening March 11, so it's a good time to take stock of the moves.

Some teams have made splash signings, such as the Ravens adding edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Vikings bringing in quarterback Kyler Murray and the Chiefs signing running back Kenneth Walker III. But what were the best moves so far in free agency? What about the most puzzling moves? Which teams improved the most, and which might have taken a step backward?

We asked 15 of our NFL experts to weigh in with their picks from the past two weeks. Let's start with the top signings and trades of March.

Jump to:
Best moves | Head-scratching moves
Most improved teams | Least improved teams

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The Rams signing cornerback Jaylen Watson. After trading for Kansas City's Trent McDuffie, the Rams added another Chiefs cornerback. With his physical coverage traits and ability to align in press, Watson fits as the boundary matchup versus the X receiver. That will allow McDuffie to play to wide side of the field in coordinator Chris Shula's defense.

Jeremy Fowler, national NFL reporter: The Giants signing tight end Isaiah Likely. A tight end who gets open is a friendly addition for a young quarterback, and Likely will be that for Jaxson Dart. His presence allows New York to lean into two tight end sets, and at $40 million over three years, Likely's contract is cheaper than that of former Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, who signed a four-year, $78 million deal with Tennessee.

Pamela Maldonado, sports betting analyst: The Chiefs signing running back Kenneth Walker III. He fixes one area of inconsistency for the Chiefs: the run game. When you already have quarterback Patrick Mahomes and an