NFL Free Agency Market Shifts

The National Football League's (NFL) free agency market has shifted towards teams by Day 3 of the new league year, which began on Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 2026. While high-demand players secured deals early, several notable players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Brian Robinson, remain unsigned, indicating a change from initial player expectations.

Kirk Cousins, 37, became officially available after the Atlanta Falcons released him. Despite a career earnings exceeding $321 million, Cousins is seeking a new team. In 2025, playing for the Falcons, he achieved a 47.6 Total QBR over 269 pass attempts, improving to 57.1 with wide receiver Drake London on the field. His 2025 performance included a 1.9% interception rate and a 4.6% sack rate, both better than league average. Cousins excelled in play-action, recording a 73.8 Total QBR in such situations, ranking fifth in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers are a potential landing spot, needing a backup quarterback after Malik Willis's departure.

Brian Robinson, a running back, is also available due to a specialized skill set. While not a strong pass-catcher or blocker, Robinson is an efficient runner between tackles. His success rate has increased over the past three years, with a 43.3% success rate on 400-plus carries, ranking 11th among 34 backs. In 2025, with the San Francisco 49ers, 10.9% of his touches resulted in gains of 10+ rushing yards or 20+ receiving yards, and he did not fumble on 100 touches. The Seattle Seahawks are a potential fit, requiring a replacement for Kenneth Walker III.