2026 NFL Free Agency: The 10 Best Under-the-Radar Deals So Far This Offseason
#NFL #free agency #under-the-radar #contracts #defense #bargains #2026 season
📌 Key Takeaways
- Alohi Gilman's signing brings experience and versatility to the Chiefs' defense after key departures.
- Cobie Durant's one-year deal provides the Cowboys with a versatile, playmaking cornerback at a team-friendly cost.
- The article highlights 10 under-the-radar free agency deals that could significantly impact the 2026 NFL season.
- These signings focus on value and addressing team needs rather than high-profile, expensive contracts.
📖 Full Retelling
Most of the splashy deals in NFL free agency have already been executed, with billions of dollars in contracts being dished out through the first two-plus weeks. But as some of those contracts approached or went over the $100 million mark, there were some that weren't as pricey that might shape how the 2026 NFL season plays out. Which signings were bargains? Which moves received less fanfare than they should've? Let's take a look at our top 10 under-the-radar signings so far in free agency before we start to turn our attention to the NFL Draft. 10. Alohi Gilman, S, Kansas City Chiefs (Three years, $24.75 million) Kansas City had a lot of institutional knowledge and talent on the defensive side of the football leave the building this offseason. Slot corner Trent McDuffie was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, with teammate and fellow cornerback Jaylen Watson following him in free agency. Safety Bryan Cook also departed, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Signing Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million deal from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency brings some experience and versatility to Kansas City’s defense. The former Los Angeles Charger returns to the AFC West and should provide some leadership for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as he attempts to remake the defense with more additions through the draft. 9. Cobie Durant, CB, Dallas Cowboys (One year, $4 million) A versatile, playmaking cornerback who mostly fills a need as a slot defender, Durant will not only be an upgrade to the Cowboys' secondary, but he'll improve the backend of their defense on a pretty valuable contract. Dallas signed Durant to a team-friendly deal that includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money. Durant has seven career interceptions, including two returned for four touchdowns in four NFL seasons. Durant played in a multiple, 3-4 base scheme with the Rams, and should help as the Cowboys transition to a 3-4 scheme with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The Cowboys also signed A
🏷️ Themes
NFL Free Agency, Team Strategy, Value Signings
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Original Source
Most of the splashy deals in NFL free agency have already been executed, with billions of dollars in contracts being dished out through the first two-plus weeks. But as some of those contracts approached or went over the $100 million mark, there were some that weren't as pricey that might shape how the 2026 NFL season plays out. Which signings were bargains? Which moves received less fanfare than they should've? Let's take a look at our top 10 under-the-radar signings so far in free agency before we start to turn our attention to the NFL Draft. 10. Alohi Gilman, S, Kansas City Chiefs (Three years, $24.75 million) Kansas City had a lot of institutional knowledge and talent on the defensive side of the football leave the building this offseason. Slot corner Trent McDuffie was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, with teammate and fellow cornerback Jaylen Watson following him in free agency. Safety Bryan Cook also departed, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. Signing Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million deal from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency brings some experience and versatility to Kansas City’s defense. The former Los Angeles Charger returns to the AFC West and should provide some leadership for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as he attempts to remake the defense with more additions through the draft. 9. Cobie Durant, CB, Dallas Cowboys (One year, $4 million) A versatile, playmaking cornerback who mostly fills a need as a slot defender, Durant will not only be an upgrade to the Cowboys' secondary, but he'll improve the backend of their defense on a pretty valuable contract. Dallas signed Durant to a team-friendly deal that includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money. Durant has seven career interceptions, including two returned for four touchdowns in four NFL seasons. Durant played in a multiple, 3-4 base scheme with the Rams, and should help as the Cowboys transition to a 3-4 scheme with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The Cowboys also signed A
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