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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, March 9

Sam Williams Returns to Dallas Cowboys on One-Year, $3 Million Deal

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Defensive end Sam Williams has agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract to remain with the Dallas Cowboys. A 2022 second-round pick, Williams appeared in all 17 games in 2025 after missing the previous season with an ACL tear, participating in 43 percent of defensive snaps. He provides crucial depth and special teams value for the Cowboys' pass-rushing rotation under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker as he looks to solidify his role in the team's defensive scheme.

Steelers Re-sign Defensive Lineman Esezi Otomewo

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are re-signing defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo to a one-year deal. The 27-year-old totaled nine tackles and one sack in 12 games last season, logging 173 defensive snaps. Otomewo, a 2022 fifth-round pick by the Vikings, has recorded 18 tackles and 1.5 sacks over his 21-game career. He will continue to provide depth for the Steelers' defensive front in the upcoming season.

Kristian Welch Returning to Green Bay Packers

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Special teams contributor Kristian Welch is returning to the Green Bay Packers for the 2026 season on a one-year deal. Welch, who turns 28 next month, totaled three tackles in eight games during the 2025 season. He began his career with the Ravens in 2020 and has also played for the Broncos. His return adds depth to a linebacker corps that includes Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, and Nick Niemann.

Raiders Sign Veteran Kicker Matt Gay

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The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran kicker Matt Gay to a contract in free agency. Gay, a seven-year veteran who played for the Commanders and 49ers in 2025, has a career field goal percentage of 84.3 percent. He replaces Daniel Carlson, who had been with the organization for eight seasons.

Matt Gay Signing Signals End of Daniel Carlson's Raiders Tenure

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The Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran kicker Matt Gay in free agency, a move that effectively ends the tenure of long-time kicker Daniel Carlson. Carlson had served as the Raiders' kicker since 2018, recording an 86.9 percent career field goal percentage and setting a career-long of 60 yards during the 2025 season.

All-Pro Linebacker Devin Lloyd Signs $45M Deal with Panthers

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Former Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd has signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, including $25 million guaranteed. A 2025 Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro, Lloyd recorded 81 tackles and five interceptions last season. He is expected to serve as the Panthers' defensive signal-caller, bringing elite coverage skills and playmaking ability to Ejiro Evero's defense after four seasons in Jacksonville.

Raiders Sign Tyler Linderbaum to Record $81M Contract

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The Raiders have signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. The contract includes $60 million guaranteed, with a 2027 vesting date making the full value practically guaranteed. Linderbaum, 25, earned an 80.3 PFF grade in 2025 and will anchor the Raiders' interior line for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, providing elite run-blocking and durability.

Panthers Sign Edge Jaelan Phillips to Massive $120M Contract

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Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips has agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, including $80 million in guarantees. Phillips split the 2025 season between the Dolphins and Eagles, recording 73 pressures. Despite past Achilles and ACL injuries, the 26-year-old logged 63 combined pressures last year. He becomes the league's eighth-highest-paid edge defender and is expected to anchor the Panthers' defensive front.

Former NFL Tight End Hayden Hurst Announces Retirement

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Former NFL tight end Hayden Hurst announced his retirement on Monday. Hurst, a 2018 first-round pick by the Ravens, played for Baltimore, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Carolina, and the Chargers over his career. He appeared in 88 games, recording 195 receptions for 1,902 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had not played in the NFL since 2024.

Buccaneers Sign Kenneth Gainwell to Two-Year, $14M Contract

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed running back Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million deal with $10 million guaranteed. Gainwell, the 2025 Steelers team MVP, recorded a career-high 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns last season. He is expected to serve as the primary pass-catching complement to Bucky Irving, filling the void left by Rachaad White and providing stability to a backfield that struggled with injuries in 2025.

Lions Sign Center Cade Mays to Three-Year, $25M Contract

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The Detroit Lions have signed center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old, who started 13 games for the Panthers in 2025, has not allowed a sack in two seasons. Standing 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Mays is expected to fill the void at center following Frank Ragnow's retirement. Analysts view the signing as strong value, providing the Lions with a durable, physical anchor for their interior offensive line.

Rams Sign Veteran Long Snapper Joe Cardona to Two-Year Deal

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The Los Angeles Rams have signed veteran long snapper Joe Cardona to a two-year deal to bolster their special teams unit. Cardona, 34, spent last season with the Dolphins after a 10-year tenure with the Patriots, where he won two Super Bowls. He is expected to replace Jake McQuaide on the unit coached by Bubba Ventrone. Cardona, a 2015 fifth-round pick out of Navy, brings significant experience to the Rams as they look to solidify their special teams for the 2026 season.

Chargers Sign Offensive Lineman Cole Strange to Two-Year Deal

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Offensive lineman Cole Strange has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Strange, a 2022 first-round pick, played 14 games for the Dolphins last season. After suffering a torn patellar tendon in 2023, he returned to action late in 2024 and started every game he appeared in for Miami in 2025. He now joins his third team in five seasons.

Fullback Alec Ingold Joins Chargers for 2026 Season

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Fullback Alec Ingold has joined the Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with new offensive coordinator and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The move is part of an active free agency period for the Chargers, who are looking to bolster their roster under McDaniel's leadership.

Broncos Re-sign Running Back J.K. Dobbins to Two-Year Deal

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The Denver Broncos have re-signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $20 million contract with $8 million fully guaranteed. Dobbins, who maintains a career average of 5.2 yards per carry, rushed for 772 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season before a foot injury ended his campaign. He will return to a backfield rotation with 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, continuing his role as a primary offensive contributor for the Broncos.

Bills Re-sign Punter Mitch Wishnowsky to One-Year Deal

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The Buffalo Bills are re-signing punter Mitch Wishnowsky to a one-year contract. Wishnowsky, who joined the team mid-season in 2025, averaged 45.3 yards per punt across 38 attempts with a 41.3-yard net, placing 18 inside the 20-yard line. He also handled kickoff duties late in the year following an injury to Matt Prater. A veteran of six seasons in San Francisco, he provides stability and dual-threat ability to the Buffalo special teams unit.

Dolphins Sign Malik Willis to Three-Year, $67.5M Contract

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The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract, featuring $45 million guaranteed and a $22.5 million signing bonus. Willis, 26, joins Miami after a successful 2025 stint in Green Bay, where he completed 85.7% of his passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns. He reunites with head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan to replace the released Tua Tagovailoa as the team's new starter under offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Falcons Sign Former Texans Linebacker Christian Harris

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The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with linebacker Christian Harris. A 2022 third-round pick, Harris spent four seasons in Houston, recording 206 tackles and four sacks. His 2025 season was limited, and he missed most of 2024 due to a calf injury. The Falcons are betting on his athleticism and coverage upside to bolster their inside linebacker depth, viewing him as a high-potential rotational piece or backup who provides youth and affordability to the defensive unit.

Titans Sign Former Chiefs Cornerback Joshua Williams

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The Tennessee Titans have signed former Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams to a two-year deal. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Williams has appeared in 65 regular-season games with 12 starts over four seasons. He also brings significant postseason experience, having played in 10 playoff games and three Super Bowls. Williams is the third cornerback signed by the Titans on Monday.

Bills Sign Quarterback Kyle Allen to Reunite with Josh Allen

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The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran quarterback Kyle Allen to a two-year, $4.1 million deal, reuniting him with his close friend, Bills starter Josh Allen. The contract, which can reach $6.1 million, adds depth to a quarterback room that also features Shane Buechele. Kyle Allen spent the 2025 season with the Detroit Lions and previously played for the Bills in 2023.