The Bills, Rams and more teams already made major moves. Here's how each trade grades out.
By Jordan Dajani Mar 17, 2026 at 6:11 pm ET • 11 min read 
Getty Images This NFL offseason has already been a wild one, as we witnessed an uptick in trades during free agency. Certain teams were looking to shed salary in order to get under the set cap number, while other teams were looking to buy talent ahead of the free agency firestorm.
Perhaps the amount of trades is an indicator of how executives view this free agency class -- and the incoming draft class as well. Just in the past few weeks, we've seen teams swap young players for young players, and contenders take big swings in pursuit of a Lombardi Trophy. It's fair to say we're not done either, as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown could be next.
Below, we revisit every trade that's been made over the last month and check out how the CBS Sports staff graded each move.
Dolphins trade Jaylen Waddle to Broncos
- Broncos receive: WR Jaylen Waddle, 2026 fourth-round pick
- Dolphins receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), 2026 third-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick
Jaylen Waddle MIA • WR • #17 TAR100REC64REC YDs910REC TD6FL0 View Profile The Broncos were uncomfortably quiet during free agency, but George Paton found a way to shatter that silence Tuesday by trading for Jaylen Waddle. A first-round pick, third-round pick and a fourth-round swap is a pretty high price to pay for Waddle. I mean, what are the Eagles now expecting for A.J. Brown? But upgrading Bo Nix's weaponry was something Denver had to do this offseason. The Broncos' Super Bowl window is open, so it's easy to appreciate this big swing.
Trade grades (via Carter Bahns)
- Broncos: A-
- Dolphins: B+
Jets trade Justin Fields to Chiefs
Justin Fields NYJ • QB • #7 CMP%62.7YDs1259TD7INT1YD/Att6.17 View Profile - Chiefs receive: QB Justin Fields
- Jets receive: 2027 sixth-round pick
The Chiefs have a new backup quarterback, as they acquired Justin Fields from the Jets for a future sixth-round pick. New York will pay a large portion of Fields' salary this season after trading for Geno Smith, while the former No. 11 overall pick will star anew with a contender. Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL on Dec. 14, so there's no guarantee he will be ready for Kansas City's season opener. Who knows, it could be Fields under center Week 1.
Fields' one season in New York was disappointing, but Kansas City is a great landing spot. Not only does he get to learn from Andy Reid and Mahomes, but you have to wonder if the Chiefs will utilize his dual-threat ability. Back in 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. It marked the second-best rushing season for a quarterback in NFL history behind Lamar Jackson in 2019, and Fields also set an NFL record by rushing for 178 yards during a November matchup against the Dolphins. Fields even received an MVP vote that year! If Fields is no longer considered an NFL starter, the Chiefs are a fantastic place to land. He just went from one of the least-experienced coaching staffs, to one of the most experienced NFL staffs. Fields just turned 27-years-old. His NFL career isn't over yet.
Trade grades (via Zach Pereles)
- Chiefs: B
- Jets: C+
Cowboys deal Osa Odighizuwa to 49ers
Osa Odighizuwa DAL • DT • #97 View Profile The 49ers struck gold (pun intended) by landing Odighizuwa, a talented 27-year-old who still has three years left on his current contract. His 112 quarterback pressures since the start of the 2024 season are the third-most at his position over that span. Making this extra sweet for the 49ers is that they took a talented player away from an historic rival.
Dallas probably didn't want to get rid of Odighizuwa but likely felt compelled to given their logjam at defensive tackle with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams already in place. Clark and Williams are the more established players, but one could argue that Odighizuwa is the best of the three.
Trade grades (via Garrett Podell)
- 49ers: B+
- Cowboys: C+
Cowboys trade Solomon Thomas to Titans
Solomon Thomas DAL • DE • #90 View Profile - Late-round pick swap
Dallas cleared a little more cap space by releasing Thomas, but in the process lost even more depth on their defensive line. Dallas' loss is the Titans' gain as Thomas may be asked to help replace free agents Sebastian Joseph-Day and James Lynch. Thomas' acclimation to Nashville should be smoother given the fact that he spent 2.5 seasons with Titans coach Robert Saleh with the Jets.
Trade grades (via Jordan Dajani)
- Cowboys: C
- Titans: C+
Raiders trade Geno Smith to Jets
Geno Smith LV • QB • #7 CMP%67.4YDs3025TD19INT17YD/Att6.75 View Profile - Late-round pick swap
Geno Smith is heading back to where it all began. The Jets will acquire the veteran quarterback in a late-round pick swap, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, as Smith will embark on a second stint with the franchise that drafted him in 2013.
The Raiders will eat a bulk of Smith's 2026 salary, which is set for $26.5 million. In turn, the Jets will pay their new quarterback on a deal worth around the league minimum, per multiple reports.
The move paves the way for projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to step in as the Day 1 starter for the Raiders next season. It also provides the Jets with a potential bridge starter as they once again seek a potential franchise quarterback through the draft either this year or next.
Trade grades (via Jared Dubin)
- Jets: B
- Raiders: B
Saints trade punter Kai Kroeger to Texans
Kai Kroeger NO • P • #32 View Profile - Late-round pick swap
You don't see trades involving punters very often, especially on the first day of free agency. But that's exactly what went down on Wednesday when the Saints dealt Kroeger and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Texans in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. Kroeger -- a 23-year-old who averaged nearly 45 yards per punt last season for New Orleans -- was expendable after the Saints signed former Vikings punter Ryan Wright to a four-year, $14 million contract.
Give credit to Houston for getting something for a player they were probably planning to release. Furthermore, the Texans deserve some kudos for acquiring Kroeger without having to give up much.
Trade grades (via Bryan DeArdo)
- Saints: B+
- Texans: B
Colts trade Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers
Michael Pittman IND • WR • #11 TAR111REC80REC YDs784REC TD7FL0 View Profile - Late-round pick swap
The Steelers landed a starting wideout to pair opposite of DK Metcalf on the first day of the league's two-day negotiation period -- although they did so via trade! The Steelers have acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts in a late-round pick swap, per CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Pittsburgh is also signing Pittman to a new three-year, $59 million extension. Last season, Pittman caught 80 passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. The former second-round pick has recorded two 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his six years, including a 1,152-yard campaign in 2023.
This was more of a financial move for Indy, as the Colts just agreed to terms with Alec Pierce on a four-year, $116 million deal that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in free agency history. He's their new WR1.
Trade grades (via Jordan Dajani)
- Steelers: B+
- Colts: C
Packers trade Rashan Gary to Cowboys
- Cowboys receive: EDGE Rashan Gary
- Packers receive: 2027 fourth-round pick
Rashan Gary GB • LB • #52 View Profile After a weird Friday, which included Rashan Gary claiming his social media had been hacked, the Packers are finally parting ways with the pass rusher. Instead of releasing him, Green Bay found a trade partner in the Cowboys, who are sending a future fourth-rounder for the 28-year-old. Gary reunites with defensive tackle Kenny Clark and defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who was the Packers' defensive quality control coach during Gary's rookie season. Gary has base salaries of $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027, but none of that money is guaranteed, according to Over the Cap. Gary has recorded at least 7.5 sacks in each of the last three years, but is still searching for that first double-digit sack season.
Trade grades (via Jared Dubin)
- Cowboys: C+
- Packers: A- Rashan Gary trade grades: Cowboys get needed help on the edge, Packers get a draft pick Jared Dubin
Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets
- Jets receive: S Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Dolphins receive: 2026 seventh-round pick
Minkah Fitzpatrick MIA • FS • #29 View Profile The Dolphins are tearing it down. Just hours after they announced they were parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami traded five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the rival Jets. New York is also signing Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million extension. This marks the second offseason in a row Fitzpatrick has been traded. In his one season back with Miami in 2025, he recorded 82 tackles, one sack, six passes defensed and one interception in 14 games played. Fitzpatrick is now 29 years old, but the Jets have holes to fill in the secondary.
Trade grades (via Bryan DeArdo)
- Jets: B+
- Dolphins: C-
Bills trade Taron Johnson to Raiders
- Raiders receive: CB Taron Johnson, 2026 seventh-round pick
- Bills receive: 2026 sixth-round pick
Taron Johnson BUF • CB • #7 View Profile It was reported last week that the Bills were set to release longtime cornerback Taron Johnson, but the Raiders came calling with a late-round pick swap to acquire the veteran. While he will turn 30 years old this summer, Aaron Rodgers recently called Johnson, "one of the best players in the league" and "one of the most underrated players in the league." Johnson can line up really anywhere defensively, and is three years removed from an All-Pro selection.
Trade grades (via Jordan Dajani)
- Raiders: A-
- Bills: B
Colts trade Zaire Franklin to Packers
Zaire Franklin IND • OLB • #44 View Profile - Packers receive: LB Zaire Franklin
- Colts receive: DT Colby Wooden
It was reported the Colts were interested in moving linebacker Zaire Franklin ahead of free agency, and unlike the Bears with Tremaine Edmunds, Indy actually found a trade partner in the Packers. Franklin has recorded at least 125 tackles in each of the last four seasons, and his 644 total tackles in that span are more than any other player. His 173 combined tackles in 2024 led the league, and earned him his first Pro Bowl bid as well. This was an important move for Green Bay, as linebacker Quay Walker is set to hit free agency. As for Colby Wooden, he's a young defensive tackle that has lined up over the center and been effective against the run.
Trade grades (via Jordan Dajani)
- Packers: B-
- Colts: C+
Patriots trade Garrett Bradbury to Bears
Garrett Bradbury NE • C • #65 View Profile - Bears receive: C Garrett Bradbury
- Patriots receive: 2027 fifth-round pick
Drew Dalman's surprise retirement spurred the Bears into action, and in Bradbury, they acquire a veteran center to mesh with Caleb Williams. Bradbury, a 2019 first-round pick of the Vikings, spent his first six seasons in Minnesota before heading to New England as part of its 2025 free agency shopping spree. He will enter the final season of his contract.
The Bears also have questions at left tackle, but coach Ben Johnson has a strong ability to bring out the best in his linemen. The Patriots, meanwhile, will move Jared Wilson back to his natural position of center and look to upgrade the position he departs, left guard.
Trade grades (via Zach Pereles)
- Bears: B-
- Patriots: B
Bears trade DJ Moore to Bills
DJ Moore CHI • WR • #2 TAR85REC50REC YDs682REC TD6FL1 View Profile Joe Brady is bringing in a veteran wide receiver to help Josh Allen, as Buffalo sent a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Moore and a fifth-round pick. Moore was always viewed as a trade candidate this offseason, but not many expected the Bears to net this kind of return given the wideout's contract.
Moore is signed through 2029. As part of the trade, the Bills will guarantee $15.5 million of his 2028 base salary, his agents told ESPN. Moore's $23.5 million salary for 2026 is already fully guaranteed, and his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed next week.
Trade grades (via Zach Pereles)
- Bills: B-
- Bears: B
Chiefs trade Trent McDuffie to Rams
Trent McDuffie KC • CB • #22 View Profile - Rams receive: WR Trent McDuffie
- Chiefs receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), 2026 fifth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick, 2027 third-round pick
Star cornerback Trent McDuffie goes from one Super Bowl contender to another. The Los Angeles Rams are sticking by their "F them picks" mantra, sending a 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 25-year-old defensive back, who has a case to become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history soon. McDuffie is set to play the 2026 season on his fifth-year option.
The Rams needed to upgrade their secondary this offseason, while the Chiefs needed to shed some cap. This isn't the first time Kansas City has elected to trade one of its top corners, as it sent L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans just a couple years ago.
Trade grades (via John Breech)
- Rams: A
- Chiefs: B+
Lions trade David Montgomery to Texans
David Montgomery DET • RB • #5 Att158Yds716TD8FL1 View Profile - Texans receive: David Montgomery
- Lions receive: OL Juice Scruggs, 2026 fourth-round pick, 2026 seventh-round pick
The Houston Texans have a new running back after trading a fourth-round pick, a seventh-round pick and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs to the Detroit Lions for Montgomery, who turns 29 this summer. Montgomery recorded the eighth-most rushing touchdowns over the past three seasons with Detroit (33), but had a career-low 158 rushing attempts and 716 rushing yards in 2025.
He now has a chance to establish himself as RB1 in Houston, while Jahmyr Gibbs loses his "Knuckles," his power-running partner in Detroit's "Sonic and Knuckles" backfield.
Trade grades (via Tyler Sullivan)
- Texans: B
- Lions: B-
Texans trade Tytus Howard to Browns
Tytus Howard HOU • OT • #71 View Profile - Browns receive: OT Tytus Howard
- Texans receive: 2026 fifth-round pick
All five starters on the Cleveland Browns' offensive line are set to hit free agency. No team since 1970 has lost all five starters on the offensive line in the same offseason, according to CBS Sports Research.
That's why Cleveland swung a trade for a versatile blocker in Tytus Howard, who has played every spot on the offensive line except center. The Texans receive a fifth-round pick in the deal.
Trade grades (via Jordan Dajani)
- Browns: A
- Texans C-
Titans trade T'Vondre Sweat to Jets for Jermaine Johnson II
T'Vondre Sweat TEN • DT • #93 View Profile 
Jermaine Johnson II NYJ • DE • #11 View Profile The first trade that will become official in the new league year is a rare player-for-player deal, as the Titans sent defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the Jets for pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
Sweat is a massive man with massive potential, while Johnson fills a big need for the Titans at pass rusher and has familiarity with new coach Robert Saleh.
Trade grades (via Zach Pereles)
- Jets: B+
- Titans: B-
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