Friday, May 29, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; BYU Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) tackles Texas Tech Red Raiders tight end Terrance Carter Jr. (7) during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium.

Big 12 Spring Meetings: CFP Expansion and Private-Capital Deal

Most Big 12 leaders support a 24-team CFP, though its execution is still unclear.

Big 12 Coaches Unanimously Back 24-Team CFP Expansion

Every coach voted for a 24-team playoff on Thursday.
December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates a first down against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

George Kittle Shares 2 Changes NFL Should Make for 18th Game

Kittle believes an 18th game should come with new benefits for players.

Big 12 Commish Already Eyeing Next Media Deal, Bigger Payday

The conference’s media deals with Fox and ESPN run through this decade.

Featured Today

Frances Cabral-Delaney

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field
May 28, 2026

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
May 26, 2026

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 27, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) after the win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

MLB Labor Talks Face Long Road and Certain Change

The initial salvos reinforced how differently owners and players view the sport.
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; General view of the field during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium.
May 28, 2026

MLB Labor Talks Escalate With Owners’ Salary Cap Pitch to Union

Eight teams would need to shed payroll under the proposed structure.
May 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) talks with New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) prior to the opening tip-off at Entertainment & Sports Arena.
exclusive
May 29, 2026

New WNBA CBA Will Pay $14M to Retired Players

The WNBA and WNBPA announced the full CBA was finalized Friday.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Rehearsal before the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery at Navy Pier. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
May 28, 2026

NBA Approves New ‘3-2-1’ Draft Lottery System

The new system will go into effect for the 2027 draft.
May 28, 2026

Sacramento’s Bid Intensifies MLB’s Complex Expansion Derby

The California capital city formally unveils its bid to land a club.
May 27, 2026

NBA, NHL, WNBA Leaders: AI Will Change Officiating, Impact Games

Several sports commissioners spoke on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday.
May 27, 2026

MLBPA’s Initial Proposal Sets Stage for High-Stakes Labor Fight

The union, as expected, wants to preserve the sport’s market-based system.