Overview
- Kansas City reached a three-year agreement with running back Kenneth Walker III reported at up to $45 million with about $28.7 million guaranteed, addressing a glaring need in the Chiefs’ ground game.
- Running backs commanded premium deals on Day 1, highlighted by Walker to the Chiefs and Travis Etienne Jr. to the Saints on a four-year, $52 million pact, with several other backs securing strong two-year contracts.
- Teams committed extraordinary sums within minutes of the window opening, with more than $1 billion reportedly spent in the first 90 minutes and the Raiders and Titans leading Day 1 outlays.
- Miami moved to reset at quarterback by agreeing with Malik Willis after releasing Tua Tagovailoa, taking on a record $99 million dead-cap charge, according to reports.
- Some defensive markets lagged despite the rush elsewhere, with top edge rusher Trey Hendrickson still unsigned and linebacker and cornerback prices settling below recent expectations.