Table of Contents
NFL free agency isn’t here quite yet — but the NFL news cycle never sleeps. Coming out of the 2026 NFL combine, with less than a week to go before the start of the legal tampering period, the news cycle is heating up .
Texans Shake Up Roster with Two Big Trades
The Houston Texans were the busiest team on Monday, executing two significant trades to reshape their roster .
Texans Acquire RB David Montgomery
Houston addressed their running game by acquiring veteran David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. In exchange, the Lions will receive offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and fourth- and sixth-round picks . Montgomery, who turns 29 in June, sought a trade after his role diminished behind Jahmyr Gibbs in 2025, recording a career-low 716 rushing yards . He is owed $6 million for the 2026 season and will join a Houston backfield that finished 22nd in rushing last year .
Tytus Howard Traded to Browns, Signs Extension
Houston also traded starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick . Immediately after the trade, Howard agreed to a lucrative three-year, $63 million extension with Cleveland, keeping him under contract for the next four seasons . The 29-year-old brings position flexibility to a Browns offensive line facing major free-agent losses .
Key Dates and Salary Cap Set
The NFL has set the 2026 salary cap at a record $301.2 million per club . As teams work to get under this number, the following dates are critical :
- Franchise Tag Deadline: Today, March 3, at 4 p.m. ET
- Legal Tampering Period: Begins Monday, March 9, at 12 p.m. ET
- Start of Free Agency: Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET
Veteran Cuts on the Horizon
As teams scramble for cap compliance, several notable veterans are expected to be released. Among players reportedly set to be let go are :
- Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings
- Javon Hargrave, DT, Minnesota Vikings
- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Washington Commanders
Releasing Jones would save the Vikings $7.75 million in cap space .
🏈 What to Watch Next
With the franchise tag deadline passing today, attention will turn to which players receive the tag and which ones hit an increasingly deep free-agent market. The legal tampering period on Monday will then bring the first wave of major signings and trades .
