Cowboys’ Rashan Gary Accepts Pay Cut
One of the many defensive additions made by the Cowboys last week was the trade for Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary. The veteran agreed to a pay cut to help facilitate the deal. 
Gary reduced his compensation for 2026 and ’27 to $16MM, as detailed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He was originally owed $19.5MM this season and $22.5MM for the final year of his contract, but none of that was guaranteed. Gary received a signing bonus of $13.2MM, per Pelissero, locking in most of his pay for his debut Cowboys campaign.
$1MM in active roster bonuses are present in both years of this new pact, ESPN’s Todd Archer adds. Gary’s 2026 cap charge has dropped to $5.4MM as a result of the restructure, which includes the addition of void years. The 28-year-old is on course to receive a $15MM base salary in 2027, but without any of that figure guaranteed at signing Gary’s future in Dallas will depend solely on how he performs next season.
Adding in the pass rush department was seen as a key priority for the Cowboys as part of their overall renovations on defense. Gary was acquired for a fourth-round pick, a sign of Green Bay’s willingness to move on from the remainder of his contract but also the former first-rounder’s poor finish to the 2025 campaign. A rebound would help Dallas’ production along the edge while also increasing the chances of Gary’s Cowboys stint lasting more than one season.
The team heavily pursued a Maxx Crosby trade leading up to free agency, and the Raiders All-Pro is still available at this point. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not closed the door to renewed Crosby interest, but Dallas has been busy on multiple fronts with respect to defensive contracts. That includes the re-signing of Sam Williams, one of the team’s many edge rushers whose contracts recently expired. Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler and Payton Turner remain unsigned at this point.
With nearly $19MM in cap space, the Cowboys have the ability to make more defensive additions during the second wave of free agency. Regardless of what happens on that front, though, Gary will be counted on to serve as a key EDGE presence. It will be interesting to see if he can play his way into an extended Dallas tenure.
Rams Considered Trading Davante Adams
The Rams have been one of two teams showing considerable interest in A.J. Brown this offseason. Had Los Angeles managed to swing a deal for the Eagles All-Pro, another wideout trade likely would have taken place. 
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that during discussions about a Brown acquisition, the Rams were “pursuing the possibility” of a Davante Adams swap. Dealing Adams to another team would have helped make a Brown trade more feasible from a financial standpoint, similar to how the Colts’ decision to deal away Michael Pittman Jr. eased the cap implications for Alec Pierce‘s new contract. Nevertheless, Adams remains on course for a second Los Angeles campaign.
As detailed in Sam Robinson’s Rams Offseason Outlook, Adams is due a $6MM roster bonus today. Any trade in his case obviously would have been more attractive for the team prior to that payment being made. The 33-year-old is also owed a base salary of $18MM in 2026. That represents the final year of his contract. A trade would create $20MM in cap savings against $8MM in dead money, but head coach Sean McVay said last month he expected Adams to be retained for next season.
Added in free agency last spring as a Cooper Kupp replacement, the six-time Pro Bowler proved to be an effective signing for the Rams. Adams caught a league-leading 14 touchdown passes in 2025 and played a key role in helping Los Angeles reach the NFC title game. Expectations will be high in his case provided no trade winds up being worked out later in the offseason.
The Rams have Puka Nacua eligible for an extension, one which will presumably move him near the top of the receiver market. A new deal in that case, not to mention the latest adjustment to quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s pact, will add to the team’s costs on offense. Adams is set to carry a cap charge of $28MM in 2026. Especially if no Brown acquisition is made, though, keeping him could be worthwhile.
Los Angeles sent a package including the No. 29 pick in April’s draft to Kansas City for cornerback Trent McDuffie. The Rams still have a first-rounder (No. 13), but no team has been willing to meet Philadelphia’s asking price (a Day 1 selection and more) for Brown yet. With a key checkpoint on Adams’ pact now having been reached, he is increasingly likely to remain in place regardless of what happens on the Brown front.
Eagles Re-Sign TE Dallas Goedert
11:31pm: According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, Goedert’s new one-year deal in Philly will be for $7MM. McManus adds that at least $4.25MM of that figure will be guaranteed as he receives that amount as a signing bonus.
3:05pm: Efforts between Dallas Goedert and the Eagles to work out a new arrangement have proven successful. Team and player are in agreement on a one-year deal, as first reported by Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The move is now official. 
The Eagles pushed back Goedert’s void date multiple times recently to keep buying time for negotiations. Monday afternoon represented the latest deadline on that front. With time to spare, a one-year contract agreement has now been reached.
Instead of reaching free agency for the first time in his career, Goedert will play a ninth season for the Eagles. GM Howie Roseman said at the Combine his desire was to finalize a re-signing in this case. With that having been accomplished, Philadelphia will avoid taking on $20.49MM in dead money for 2026.
Goedert has yet to play a full season in his career, but in 2025 he managed 15 appearances. During that time, the 31-year-old set a new personal mark with 60 catches and 11 touchdowns. A notable offensive role will no doubt await him once again with this new pact in hand. Goedert agreed to a pay cut last year, one in which he received $10MM. It will be interesting to see how this pact shakes out from a financial standpoint.
Garafolo notes Goedert had an outside market, which comes as no surprise given his strong 2025 showing. The former second-rounder would have represented a notable addition for any number of teams, but he will still be counted on as a key pass-catching presence for the Eagles at least one more time. Philadelphia will have a new offensive coordinator (Sean Mannion) for 2026 although plenty of stability on the roster is currently in place.
Of course, any potential A.J. Brown trade could change that. The Eagles’ situation with respect to Brown has not changed based on this Goedert news, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. A swap ending Brown’s Philadelphia tenure prior to June 1 would lead to major cap implications for the team, so Roseman could remain patient since the opening wave of free agency is in the books. Nevertheless, a trade involving the All-Pro wideout is viewed as inevitable at some point.
A Brown trade could elevate Goedert’s target share for 2026. Even if that does not prove to be the case, though, the latter should reprise his role as a productive secondary option in the passing game. The Eagles have already retained Grant Calcaterra while adding fellow tight end Johnny Mundt. Those two will offer depth next season, but Goedert will be counted on to lead the way at that position.
Jaguars GM James Gladstone Addresses Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Speculation
As the opening days of the new league year unfolded, Brian Thomas Jr.‘s name was once again mentioned in trade speculation. Follow-up reporting stated the Jaguars do not intend to deal the third-year wideout, something general manager James Gladstone has since confirmed. 
Gladstone described rumors about a Thomas trade as “fraudulent”, adding, (via NFL.com) “there hasn’t been a ton of dialogue around that front as teams check in simply because it seems like — I know the word reputable came up earlier — I don’t think there’s been any reputable statement. We don’t have any real action on any of those fronts.”
Gladstone confirmed no offers have been made at this point. Indeed, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports (video link) a recent call made by an AFC team “went nowhere” with respect to trade talks. Thomas was the subject of interest leading up to the 2025 trade deadline, but no deal was made. His rookie contract runs through 2027 with a fifth-year option covering 2028 needing to be made next spring.
Thomas enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, racking up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Jaguars were successful overall during the first year with Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen in place, but Thomas himself saw his production (albeit not his efficiency with a 14.7 yards per catch average) suffer a drop. Upon returning to full health, Travis Hunter is on track to be used primarily as a cornerback. That will leave Thomas, Jakobi Meyers – who landed a three-year, $60MM deal after a strong post-trade showing in Jacksonville – and Parker Washington atop the full-time WR depth chart.
The Jags ranked 12th in the NFL in passing in 2025, leaving plenty of room for improvement moving forward. The team’s efforts to build off a 13-4 campaign could include a heavy reliance on Thomas, 23, next season. As the offseason market continues to take shape, the possibility of other offers in this case will of course remain. Based on the latest Thomas updates, though, a swap would come as a surprise.
Falcons OLB James Pearce Jr. Now Faces Three Felony Charges
In the latest update to the legal situation surrounding Falcons rookie outside linebacker James Pearce Jr., ESPN’s Marc Raimondi and Michael Rothstein note that Pearce’s five pending felony arrest charges will be reduced to three. Pearce has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, while the arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was reduced to a misdemeanor. 
The fifth original arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped from his slate. According to Andy Slater of Fox Sports South Florida, the charge was dropped because prosecutors determined “there wasn’t enough evidence” on police body cam footage to charge Pearce with a felony that could carry a prison sentence of five years.
An arrest was made in February after an incident in which Pearce crashed his car while fleeing police. The episode stemmed from an alleged domestic dispute between Pearce and WNBA player Rickea Jackson. An NFL investigation was opened shortly thereafter, and it remains ongoing at this time.
As Raimondi and Rothstein detailed earlier this month, Pearce was the subject of at least seven 9-1-1- calls regarding Jackson and allegations of domestic disturbances prior to the incident which resulted in his arrest. Police records indicate numerous instances when Jackson reported feeling unsafe with respect to stalking and harassment on the part of Pearce in the months leading up to his arrest. A petition for a protective order was filed shortly after Pearce’s arrest, per the ESPN’s pair.
According to the court filing, Pearce “verbally and physically abused” Jackson on multiple occasions. It also states Pearce “threatened to kill, harm and injure” Jackson and “place a bag over her head.” The initial protection request was granted. A permanent injunction hearing is scheduled for April 21.
“Those are concerning, to say the least,” new Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said of the allegations (via Raimondi) during his latest remarks on the Pearce situation. ” Outside of that, I’ll keep it similar to what we said at the Combine. We’re not going to comment on an ongoing investigation.”
After selecting Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 draft, the Falcons traded back into the Day 1 order to select Pearce. The 22-year-old was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist with 10.5 sacks as part of a substantial turnaround in terms of pass rush production for Atlanta. Pearce’s rookie contract runs through 2028.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/14/26
Saturday’s lone minor move around the NFL:
Seattle Seahawks
- Re-signed: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
Jean-Charles did not see any playing time in 2025, a season which he spent on Seattle’s practice squad. The 27-year-old will remain a depth option in the secondary through training camp as he attempts to carve out a roster spot with the Super Bowl champions.
Seahawks To Sign CB Noah Igbinoghene
Noah Igbinoghene has lined up his next NFL opportunity. The veteran cornerback has agreed to a one-year deal with the Seahawks, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports. 
Seattle managed to re-sign Josh Jobe earlier this week. Riq Woolen departed by landing a deal with the Eagles, however, creating a vacancy in the Super Bowl champions’ secondary. Igbinoghene will be tasked with providing depth at that spot for 2026.
The former first-rounder spent his first three seasons with the Dolphins. Igbinoghene failed to establish himself as a full-time defensive presence during that time, and ahead of roster cuts in 2023 he was traded to the Cowboys. After a Dallas campaign which was limited to just five games, the Auburn product joined the Commanders in free agency.
Following Dan Quinn from Dallas to Washington proved to be a worthwhile decision. Igbinoghene logged 10 of his 17 career starts in 2024. He remained a part-time contributor this past season despite being shopped as a trade chip in August. Coverage statistics proved to be an issue during Igbinoghene’s Commanders tenure, and with the team undergoing numerous defensive changes it comes as little surprise he will not be retained.
Seattle’s elite defense ranked 10th against the pass en route to winning the championship. Strong play in the secondary will be expected as part of the team’s title defense. Igbinoghene may not be counted on to play a major role in that regard with Jobe back in the fold and Devon Witherspoon still attached to his rookie contract. Nevertheless, expectations will certainly be high upon arrival.
The Seahawks had roughly $44MM in cap space prior to today’s news. Igbinoghene will no doubt be playing for close to the league minimum in 2026, so Seattle will still have plenty of financial flexibility during the second week of free agency.
Panthers, S Nick Scott Agree To Deal
Nick Scott will remain in place with the Panthers for a third season. The veteran safety is re-signing with Carolina, per his agents (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic). The team has since announced the deal. 
This will be a one-year deal. Scott can earn up to $3.25MM in 2026, which would be a notable raise compared to his previous Carolina contracts (both of which were also one year in length). His guarantee figure will be worth watching for, but in any case Scott is in position to remain a full-time defensive starter.
After playing out his rookie contract with the Rams, Scott inked a three-year Bengals deal. The former seventh-rounder was released after just one season with Cincinnati, however. That set up his debut Panthers campaign in 2024, which included a regular role on special teams along with a part-time defensive workload. Scott became a staple in the secondary in 2025, handling a career-high 1,035 snaps on defense.
The Penn State product totaled 111 tackles this past season, comfortably the most in his career. Scott added one interception, three pass deflections and one fumble recovery along the way. Coverage proved to be an issue, with three touchdowns and a passer rating of 117 allowed as the nearest defender. Scott and the Panthers will look for stronger play in that regard moving forward. Carolina ranked 15th against the pass in 2025 under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who will return next year.
Improved play in general will be the expectation for the Panthers on defense given their free agent investments. Big-ticket deals with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd were worked out shortly after the negotiating window opened. Stronger showings in the front seven could of course help Carolina’s secondary and Scott’s individual performance in 2026. That could boost the 30-year-old’s market next spring.
The Panthers entered Saturday with nearly $25MM in cap space. As a result, plenty of room will remain for other outside additions even with Scott on the books once more.
Colts To Re-Sign TE Mo Alie-Cox
Mo Alie-Cox will remain in place with the Colts in 2026. The veteran tight end agreed to yet another Indianapolis deal on Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. 
To no surprise, Schultz notes this will be a one-year pact. Alie-Cox has played 128 combined regular and postseason games since entering the NFL in 2018. All of them have come as a member of the Colts. Team and player will continue this long-running relationship through 2026.
Alie-Cox spent much of his Colts tenure on a string of low-cost contracts while establishing himself as a key blocking presence on offense. The former UDFA’s most notable pact was signed in 2022; he inked a three-year, $17.55MM contract at that point. After playing out that deal, a one-year agreement was reached last offseason. The same has now taken place this spring.
On only two occasions in his career has Alie-Cox recorded more that 20 receptions in a season. His snap share checked in at 39% in 2025, so an uptick in offensive production should not be expected moving forward. As 2025 first-rounder Tyler Warren continues to develop, though, Alie-Cox will no doubt remain an important contributor as a run blocker.
Much of the Colts’ offense will remain intact from 2025 thanks to the new contracts worked out with quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce in recent days. Alie-Cox, 32, will be another familiar face for head coach Shane Steichen and Co. as the team looks to bounce back from its late-season collapse. This latest pact will no doubt be another low-cost deal, so the Colts – who entered Saturday with roughly $42MM in cap space – will still have plenty of financial flexibility as free agency continues.
49ers Signing P Corliss Waitman
It appears the 49ers will not be returning their entire special teams battery. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that former Steelers punter Corliss Waitman will sign to be the new punter in San Francisco in 2026. 
Thomas Morstead operated as the team’s punter this past season. The 17-year-veteran remains unsigned, and today’s news certainly suggests he will need to look elsewhere for a new opportunity if his NFL career is to continue. Waitman is coming off a pair of campaigns with the Steelers.
An injury one game into the 2024 season left Cameron Johnston unavailable for Pittsburgh. Waitman stepped in for the rest of the year and remained the Steelers’ punter in 2025. During his second straight Pittsburgh campaign, Waitman outperformed Morstead in a number of key categories (h/t ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). The 49ers will hope the younger of the two will serve as an upgrade in 2026.
Johnston agreed to terms with the Steelers earlier this week, leaving Waitman’s future in doubt. The 30-year-old has quickly pivoted, and the 49ers will be his next NFL team. Waitman has seen time in five different organizations to date, but his only game action has come with Pittsburgh (across two separate stints) and Denver (2022). In all, he has made 52 appearances during the regular season.
Long snapper Jon Weeks signed a new San Francisco deal in February, ensuring his Bay Area stint will continue in 2026. The same is also true for kicker Eddy Pineiro, who re-signed with the 49ers one week ago. The presence of those two will give the team plenty of third phase stability. However, Morstead has confirmed he will not be returning next year. It will be Waitman looking to offer an upgrade at the punter position and in doing so earn himself an extended look with the 49ers.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.