The NFL offseason hasnāt officially opened yetābut the league is already exploding with shocking moves, surprise releases, and blockbuster trades.
In just a few hours, several teams have completely reshaped their futuresā¦ and the chaos is only beginning.
NFL Offseason Erupts: Crosby Blockbuster, Geno Smith Exit, and a Wave of Shocking Releases Rock the League
The 2026 NFL offseason hasnāt even reached the start of free agency, yet the league is already in full-blown chaos. With the legal tampering period just days away, franchises across the league are making aggressive moves, releasing big-name veterans, reshaping rosters, and preparing for what could become one of the most dramatic offseasons in recent memory.
At the center of the storm is a stunning blockbuster trade that has instantly shifted the balance of power in the AFC.
Ravens Land Maxx Crosby in Massive Trade
The biggest headline of the day belongs to the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens, who reportedly agreed to a blockbuster deal sending star defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore.
In return, the Raiders will receive Baltimoreās first-round picks in both the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draftsāa massive haul for one of the leagueās most relentless defenders.
Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, has been the heart of the Raidersā defense for years. Even while battling injuries during the 2025 season, he still delivered elite production with 73 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.
For Baltimore, the move signals a bold new era after the team made a stunning leadership change earlier this offseason by moving on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens appear determined to reassert their defensive dominance, and Crosby instantly becomes the centerpiece of that mission.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are clearly embracing a rebuild. With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft and multiple first-round selections, Las Vegas is stockpiling assets to reshape its roster from the ground up.
Raiders Also Part Ways With Geno Smith
Crosby isnāt the only major name leaving Las Vegas.
Reports indicate the Raiders are also releasing quarterback Geno Smith, barring a last-minute trade. Smith spent just one season with the franchise after signing a two-year, $75 million extension.
His lone season in Vegas was rough. Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions, and the Raiders finished with a disastrous 2ā13 record in his 15 starts.
By moving on from Smith, Las Vegas will free up $8 million in salary cap space, though the team will absorb $18.5 million in dead money.
With the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Raiders are widely expected to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, though the team reportedly plans to bring in a veteran quarterback rather than rushing the rookie into the starting role.
Texans Release Joe Mixon
The roster shakeups arenāt limited to Las Vegas.
The Houston Texans have reportedly released veteran running back Joe Mixon, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury. The move came at Mixonās request and will save Houston approximately $8 million in salary cap space.
Houston already appears to have planned for the transition after reportedly acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions earlier in the week.
Major Moves Across the League
The flurry of transactions didnāt stop there.
Across the NFL, teams are clearing cap space and reshaping rosters ahead of free agency:
The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for the 29th pick in the 2026 draft, plus multiple future selections.
The Chicago Bears reportedly traded star wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills, giving Buffalo another explosive weapon.
The New England Patriots reportedly traded center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears for a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Meanwhile, a wave of veteran players across the league are being released or restructuring contracts as teams scramble to create salary cap flexibility.
The Minnesota Vikings, for example, restructured contracts for Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, and Byron Murphy, potentially creating up to $38 million in cap space ahead of free agency.
Elsewhere, teams like the Bills, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Lions have also begun cutting or parting ways with veteran players in order to prepare for the next phase of the offseason.
NFL Chaos Is Just Getting Started
And the most remarkable part?
Free agency hasnāt even started yet.
The NFLās legal tampering period begins March 9, with the official start of the new league year coming shortly after. If the last 48 hours are any indication, the league could be heading toward one of the wildest offseasons fans have seen in years.
Blockbuster trades, shocking releases, and franchise-altering decisions are already flying across the league.
And the next wave of chaos may be just hours away.
Leave a Reply