• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 12, 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

Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates with safety Donovan McMillon (31) following a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. The play set a new NFL single season sack record by Garrett.

Browns President: We’re ‘Easy to Pick On Right Now’ but Trust Our..

Dave Jenkins oversees a portfolio featuring the NFL, NBA, and MLS teams.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

Iowa Bears? Lawmakers Propose Bill for NFL Team

A new proposal seeks to have the Bears move to Iowa.
Feb 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack JROTC does the National Anthem before dribbles the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lenovo Center.

NCAA Refuses Settlement Talks in Athlete Employment Lawsuit

The NCAA and defendant schools have tried several times to get the case thrown out.

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 

Featured Today

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
February 6, 2026

Milan’s Olympic Village Is Built for Performance—and Partying

Making Milan’s Olympic Village was a five-year sprint.
February 5, 2026

Welcome to the Prediction-Market Super Bowl

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being traded across many platforms.
Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
February 3, 2026

Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl

The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.

Grand Slam Track’s Bankruptcy Plan: Paying Athletes and Stiffing Vendors

The plan heavily favors athletes over vendors, but it isn’t final.
February 9, 2026

NFL Players Push Back on 18th Game: ‘Stop Lying to People’

Discussion on the 18th game has been ongoing for over a year.
February 10, 2026

PWHL Still Laser-Focused on Next Round of Expansion

The PWHL is leaning on its Takeover Tour to inform next moves.
Sponsored

From AUSL to Women’s Hoops: Jon Patricof on Building Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
February 9, 2026

NFL Opening-Night Decision Starts in Seattle: Chiefs, Bears in Play

The Super Bowl champions have a stacked 2026 home schedule.
February 9, 2026

Goodell Says Adding NFL Teams Abroad Is ‘Very Possible Someday’

The league has been aggressively expanding its international footprint. 
February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Is Preparing for a Very Different Super Bowl in 2027

The Southern California sports market is very different compared to four years ago.
February 8, 2026

Super Bowl LX Ends With Seahawks on Top—and at Crossroads

The Seahawks claim their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.