• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 20, 2026

NFL Free Agency Hits Record Pace After Billion-Dollar Weekend

NFL free-agent spending started quickly Monday afternoon, led by a major deal for Sam Darnold and a surprising one for Justin Fields.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The NFL’s free agency frenzy is off to a fast start, with multiple NFL franchises already handing out new deals worth more than $100 million each.

Following a billion-dollar weekend of extensions, trades, and new signings, that eye-popping 10-figure total was quickly surpassed Monday afternoon after the league’s “legal tampering” period opened at noon ET. Free agent contracts and trades can’t be officially completed until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, but parties can now come to terms on any deals they want.

Here are the most expensive—and most surprising—NFL free-agent deals so far:

  • The Seahawks won the Sam Darnold sweepstakes with a $100.5 million deal.
  • Former Bears and Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is signing with the Jets for $40 million over two years.
  • The Panthers made Jaycee Horn the league’s highest-paid defensive back with a $100 million extension averaging $25 million per season.

Two of the most active teams Monday were the Buccaneers and Patriots. 

New England landed defensive tackle Milton Williams with a four-year, $104 million deal, cornerback Carlton Davis (three years, $60 million), and several other players. Tampa Bay spent more than $100 million bringing back receiver Chris Godwin and guard Ben Bredeson, and adding pass rusher Hasaan Reddick.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix

Netflix Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, With Boost From NFL Games

Record-setting NFL games were a highlight during the quarter.
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils score a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.

Duke Sues Darian Mensah After QB Enters Portal

He announced his decision on the last day of the portal window.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

CFP Faces 3 Big Questions About Its Future

The CFP could still expand to 16 teams in 2026.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
Dec 8, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; MLB Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Kent takes questions from the media during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings at Signia by Hilton Hotel

Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class Size Impacts the Shrine’s Bottom Line

The full impact of its 2026 induction class is taking shape.
exclusive
January 16, 2026

WNBA Exploring Buying Back 16% Stake Sold in 2022

The league sold the $75 million stake when it badly needed capital.
May 13, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; A PGA of America flag during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club
January 19, 2026

PGA of America Sees More Leadership Churn Ahead of Show

A third high-profile departure has hit the PGA of America.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Apr 12, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Fans cheer for Bryson DeChambeau on the no. 18 green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club
January 16, 2026

SeatGeek Is First Reseller to Drop Masters Tickets After Crackdown

Last year, ticket resellers were hit hard by Augusta National.
Jan 25, 2012; Melbourne, AUSTRALIA; A general view of Rod Laver Arena during the match between Novak Djokovic (SRB) and David Ferrer (ESP) on day ten of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
January 15, 2026

Australian Open’s Rising Popularity Also Brings Growing Pains

As attendance soars at the tennis major, so have fan complaints.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver attends the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena.
January 15, 2026

Silver Says NBA Europe Won’t Be ‘Viable Commercial Enterprise’ for a While

He also addressed EuroLeague’s legal warning, saying a clash is not “inevitable.”
Jan 14, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the first half at Intuit Dome.
January 15, 2026

Clippers Suddenly NBA’s Hottest Team As Cap Investigation Continues

The Clippers have the NBA’s best record since Christmas.