Friday Frenzy Sees Key Veterans Hit the Market

"10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was... I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it." — Ryan Kelly via X

As the 2026 league year approaches, Friday has turned into a "transaction tornado" across the NFL. From veteran mainstays requesting releases to big-money secondary extensions, the landscape of the league shifted significantly today.

Here is the breakdown of the major moves shaking up the league.

The Big Releases: Cap Casualties and Fresh Starts

Several contenders and rebuilding squads alike made the difficult decision to part ways with established veterans to clear cap space or pivot to younger talent. 

• Geno Smith (QB, Raiders): After a rocky 1,200-yard, league-high interception season in Las Vegas, the Raiders are officially moving on. This move clears the path for the Raiders to likely target Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. 

• Joe Mixon (RB, Texans): Following a 2025 season lost to a foot injury, Mixon requested his release. Houston, having already acquired David Montgomery via trade, granted the veteran’s wish. 

• Taylor Decker (LT, Lions): A franchise staple for a decade, Decker requested his release after contract negotiations hit a stalemate. His departure marks the end of an era for the Detroit offensive line. 

• Buffalo Bills Fire Sale: Buffalo was the busiest team on the "cut" list, releasing WR Curtis Samuel, CB Taron Johnson, and S Taylor Rapp. These moves follow the Bills’ massive trade for star wideout DJ Moore, signaling a major defensive and auxiliary offensive reshuffle. 

• The Rest of the Field: The Cardinals released DT Dalvin Tomlinson, while the Dolphins shaved costs by moving on from K Jason Sanders and FB Alec Ingold. 

Major Signings: Rams and Chargers Bolster the West

While many were heading out the door, a few players secured their futures with significant new deals. 

• Kamren Curl (S, Rams): In perhaps the biggest signing of the day, Curl stays in Los Angeles on a 3-year, $36 million deal. Following the Rams' trade for CB Trent McDuffie, their secondary is suddenly looking like one of the most formidable in the NFC. 

• Tyler Biadasz (C, Chargers): Jim Harbaugh continues to prioritize the trenches, snagging the veteran center for 3 years and $30 million to anchor the line for Justin Herbert. 

• Tommy DeVito (QB, Patriots): "Tommy Cutlets" heads to New England on a 2-year, $7.4 million deal, likely serving as a high-energy backup or bridge option. 

• Treylon Burks (WR, Commanders): Washington takes a flyer on the former first-rounder with a 1-year, $4 million "prove-it" deal.

End of an Era: Ryan Kelly Retires

After 10 standout seasons and four Pro Bowls, Vikings Center Ryan Kelly has officially announced his retirement. 

Kelly spent the majority of his career with the Colts before a final stint in Minnesota. His departure leaves a massive hole in the Vikings' interior offensive line heading into the draft.