NFL Free Agency Approaches as Trade Activity Intensifies The NFL news cycle is accelerating as teams prepare for the start of free agency on March 12, with multiple trades and player releases shaping the landscape. With less than a week remaining before the legal tampering period begins on March 9, teams are making strategic moves to adjust to the salary cap, which is set at $301.2 million per club. Among the most significant developments is the reported trade of star wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears to the Buffalo Bills. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills will send a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Bears in exchange for Moore, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick. Moore, who struggled under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, posted career lows in catches and receiving yards despite playing all 17 games for the Bears. The Las Vegas Raiders are also expected to release quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade, to free up $8 million in salary cap space while assuming $18.5 million in dead money. Smith’s lone season with the Raiders was marked by a league-high 17 interceptions, and his performance contributed to the team’s 3-14 record. The move aligns with the Raiders’ efforts to address cap constraints, as they will also reportedly release other veterans, including Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Vikings’ Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave, and Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Other notable transactions include the Houston Texans acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft picks. The Texans also plan to trade starting right tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns, who have agreed to a $63 million, three-year extension for Howard.#buffalo_bills #chicago_bears #nfl_free_agency #d_j_moore #ben_johnson
