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That’s a brutal blow for a Pittsburgh team that is relying heavily on its defense to win games. The Steelers have been outgained in six straight games, but they continue to pull out wins with defense and controlling the clock. Now they might have to do it without one of their key defenders. Coming into Sunday, Alexander was fifth on the team in tackles and second in tackles for a loss while also forcing a fumble and intercepting one pass. 2022 seventh-round pick Tariq Carpenter figures to take over for Alexander.

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the deal is worth up to $12 million and includes $6 million fully guaranteed. Jack Westover, a former tight end, handled fullback duties for New England last year. Pro Football Focus graded Gilliam as their No. 1 back in pass protection last year. He also earned a top-10 mark in run-blocking. Though the fullback is a dying breed, Gilliam will be a solid upgrade for the Pats this year.

Anzalone has spent the last five seasons with the Lions, amassing 490 tackles, 33 pass breakups, and three interceptions over that span while also forcing two fumbles. The veteran linebacker is a versatile chess piece who lined up over 700 times in the box last season while playing another 174 snaps in the slot, per PFF. The addition of Anzalone gives head coach Todd Bowles a much-needed addition to a defense that allowed 25 or more points in seven of their 17 games last season, and finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed.

New Giants coach John Harbaugh must really love this guy, as he was in Baltimore when the Ravens made him a fourth-round pick in 2022. This is the richest deal in NFL history for a punter. 27-year-old Stout was indeed a first-team All Pro in 2025, while the field position game is more important than ever with short kickoff fields and punters growing ever more talented and sophisticated. The G-Men also have a rookie quarterback contract. That’s the long way of saying they can afford this kind of splurge at a non-premium position.

Rachaad White is a free agent and the Bucs chose not to tender Sean Tucker, a restricted free agent, so the team entered free agency without a backup to Bucky Irving. Gainwell will take on that role and a $14 million contract suggests he could earn more than just backup duties. After catching 73 passes for 486 yards and three scores in 2025, Gainwell would be a natural replacement for White’s role as the team’s primary option on passing downs. Bucky Irving should still be in line for the bulk of the carries, but Gainwell could take the PPR floor out from under him.

Kyle Pitts has a caddy for 2026. Hooper spent the first four years of his career with Atlanta, but has not started more than 10 games since 2021 and is likely just a backup barring some sort of shocking Pitts trade. At 32, Hooper will be well off the fantasy radar. It’s a fine depth signing for Atlanta.

This is a logical landing spot for both sides, as Trubisky spent the 2021 season in Buffalo when the current Titans OC, Brian Daboll, was the Bills’ offensive coordinator. Trubisky hasn’t started a game since 2023, and has thrown for 492-6-0 while appearing in 13 games over the last two seasons. He’ll serve as a good mentor for Cam Ward and will be a reliable option in a pinch of Ward were to ever miss time.

37-year-old Davis is taking home $15 million guaranteed. If that seems like a princely sum for a linebacker closer to 40 than 30, it’s because Davis remains not only an every-down player, but an effective one. That will be put to the test on the rebuilding Jets, but his veteran presence and leadership should be a big asset for a team that was rudderless in 2025. Davis has appeared in at least 16 games every season since 2012. Remarkable at a position that takes as many hits as running back.

The Saints made a late-round pick swap with the Commanders to acquire Ridgeway two years ago. He missed most of the season after suffering a pec injury in August. Ridgeway totaled 11 combined tackles, one TFL, and one QB hit in his four appearances in 2025. The Saints clearly think he can contribute more after a healthy offseason.

26-year-old Evans mixes in sporadically on defense, but is primarily a core special teamer. Signing at this stage of the offseason suggests the Panthers like him enough that his 53-man roster spot should be secure heading into training camp.