NFL free agency always brings surprises, but 2026 felt even more unpredictable. Big-name players switched teams. Some accepted smaller deals to rebuild their careers, while others signed contracts that left fans confused.

Quarterbacks were the main story. Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones show how quickly things can change. Murray once looked like a franchise star in Arizona. Now, he’s on a cheap deal, trying to prove himself again. Jones signed a big extension with the Giants earlier, but injuries and poor form have put him in a tough spot.

Teams also changed how they spent money. Instead of chasing expensive stars, many focused on value. They looked for players who can help right away without hurting their salary cap. That approach led to some smart signings.

Here are the best value deals from 2026 NFL free agency from Sports Illustrated:

MORE: 2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team

5. Chargers: Tyler Biadasz (3 years, $30 million)

The Los Angeles Chargers made a practical choice by signing Tyler Biadasz.

They missed out on Tyler Linderbaum, who got a huge deal from the Raiders. Instead, they picked a cheaper but reliable option.

Biadasz played well last season and can stabilize the middle of the line. This helps quarterback Justin Herbert. With strong tackles like Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the Chargers’ offensive line could become a strength.

4. Panthers: Rasheed Walker (1 year, $4 million)

The Carolina Panthers made a quiet but smart move by signing Rasheed Walker. He didn’t get full trust in Green Bay, but he showed he can step in and perform.

A good left tackle is hard to find, and Carolina got one at a low price. This move is even more important because Ikem Ekwonu is dealing with a knee issue. Walker gives them solid depth and starting backup if needed.

Compared to similar deals, this is a bargain. Last year, Cam Robinson earned $12 million for one season.

3. Falcons: Tua Tagovailoa (1 year, $1.3 million)

The Atlanta Falcons took a low-risk chance on Tua Tagovailoa.

At first, it looked strange because they already have Michael Penix Jr., who also has injury concerns. But the low price makes this deal interesting.

Tagovailoa led the league with 4,624 passing yards in 2023. If he stays healthy, he could perform well. He also has great weapons like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.

The risk is low, but the upside is high.

MORE: Top 10 highest graded quarterbacks from the 2025 season

2. Buccaneers: Cade Otton (3 years, $30 million)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers paid for consistency. Otton may not have huge stats, but he is very reliable. He averages around 500 receiving yards per season.

His real strength is his all-around game. He blocks well and helps both the run and passing attack. Tampa Bay pays him $10 million per year, which is fair for what he offers.

Compare that to Isaiah Likely, who got $40 million over three years. Otton provides similar value at a lower cost.

1. Vikings: Kyler Murray (1 year, $1.3 million)

The Minnesota Vikings landed the best value deal by signing Kyler Murray.

He joined on a very cheap one-year deal because the Arizona Cardinals are still paying most of his salary.

Murray has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, but his talent is still clear. He now joins a good system under Kevin O’Connell and gets to play with star receiver Justin Jefferson.

This gives him a chance to rebuild his career while rookie J.J. McCarthy develops. It’s a win for both sides.

MORE: Top 10 most surprising league MVP in NFL

Conclusion

This year showed that smart spending matters more than big spending. Teams that focused on value made better moves.

Players like Cade Otton and Kyler Murray could easily outperform their deals. Others like Walker and Biadasz fill key roles without huge costs.

If these signings work out, they could have a big impact on the 2026 NFL season.

Before the Easter break, teams around Texoma hit the diamond. Tobin McDuff has scores and highlights from games played on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

High School Softball:

City View vs Vernon | Lady Lions def. Lady Mustangs | 10-9

College Softball:

Vernon College vs Hill College | Lady Chaparrals def. Lady Rebels | 3-0

High School Baseball:

Henrietta vs Bowie | Bearcats def. Jackrabbits | 1-0

No. 4 Iowa Park vs No. 15 Jacksboro | (4)Hawks def. (15)Tigers | 4-3

City View vs Vernon | Lions def. Mustangs | 5-4

Saint Jo vs Bryson | Panthers def. Cowboys | 7-2

Seymour vs Olney | Panthers def. Lions | 9-7

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.

After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Carolina Panthers rallied to reach the playoffs behind record-setting production from Rico Dowdle and improved consistency from quarterback Bryce  Young. 

Carolina’s season ended with a close Wild Card loss to the Rams, but the run set the stage for a  2026 push. GM Dan Morgan attacked free agency, adding high-end defensive talent with linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. 

Panthers Draft Picks:

• Round 1: No. 19
• Round 2: No. 51
• Round 3: No. 83
• Round 4: No. 119
• Round 5: No. 158 (from Vikings)
• Round 5: No. 159
• Round 6: No. 200

Morgan now turns to the draft with several picks available to use. While he has emphasized“flexibility”in the draft, there are still several positions that the Panthers need to fill.

Panthers Positions of Need:

• S
• LB
• TE
• C

Panthers Key Draft Targets:

Dillon Thieneman – Safety – Oregon 

In a safety-rich class, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could fill Carolina’s biggest hole: a fast,  physical defender with strong tackling and explosiveness. If he’s available at No. 19, he should be a top option, though some projections have him going one pick earlier to Minnesota. 

If the Panthers don’t get Thieneman, there is a boatload of options at safety that they can still find great success with. However, Thieneman should be priority number one.

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Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech

Even after reshaping the linebacker room in free agency, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez remains a strong Day 2 target for the Panthers to go and get. He’s already met twice with Panthers staff and had great things to say about the organization. Rodriguez could certainly be in play for the  Panthers to snatch in the second round.

Max Klare – TE – Ohio State 

Ohio State tight end Max Klare stands out if Carolina waits until later in the draft to fill their need at tight end. At 6-foot-5, he offers a big target who can stretch the field and line up in multiple spots across the line. Drafting Klare would certainly be a risk due to his size, but one that the Panthers could be inclined to take.

Jake Slaughter – C – Florida 

With Cade Mays gone, center is a clear priority for the Panthers. Florida’s Jake Slaughter, an experienced, five-year starter and Second-Team All-American, could challenge for snaps immediately, while also offering a long-term answer beyond the team’s one-year Luke Fortner addition. 

For the Panthers, it will be a matter of how long they can wait to snatch up Slaughter, with several teams sure to be eyeing him as a potential successor to their aging centers.

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