NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agents can be made official after that. The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Last week, the Houston Texans traded right tackle Tytus Howard to Cleveland, and the Browns agreed to a new two-year, $45 million deal with Howard that starts in 2027, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by the Cleveland Browns and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Jump to a player:
Johnson | E. Jenkins
T. Jenkins | Williams | Stoll
The guard and Cleveland reached agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million deal that includes $32.4 million guaranteed, agents Alan Herman and Jared Fox told Schefter.
What it means: The Browns were going to spend this offseason retooling their offensive line with four Week 1 starters hitting free agency. A week after agreeing to terms with the Texans on a trade for tackle Tytus Howard, Cleveland addresses its interior line with Johnson.
The 26-year-old struggled this past season as a pass blocker — fifth-lowest pass block win rate among guards — but registered the second-best run block win rate. The latter should be a welcome sight to first-year coach Todd Monken, who wants to replicate the elite run game he produced while he was offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Browns have agreed to terms with the former Packers offensive lineman on a two-year deal worth $24 million, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Browns made their third external acquisition in Jenkins, quickly agreeing to terms with him after his release from the Packers. Jenkins made two Pro Bowl teams at left guard in 2020 and 2022, but he most recently played at center in 2025 before sustaining a season-ending leg fracture in November.
With left guard Zion Johnson already on board, Jenkins could slot into the center position vacated by Ethan Pocic, who is a free agent. Jenkins registered a pass block win rate (94.4%) this past season that was tied for 16th out of 31 centers. His run block win rate (70.6%) ranked 15th among centers.
The Browns have re-signed the 28-year-old.
What it means: The Browns re-signed Jenkins, who started four games at right guard late in the 2025 season. Jenkins also logged snaps at left tackle, left guard and right tackle.
In his limited action, Jenkins registered a pass block win rate at guard (94.4%) that would have ranked 17th last season if he had enough snaps to qualify. His run block win rate at guard (65.6%) would have been fifth worst. Jenkins took over for Wyatt Teller, who will not return to Cleveland next season, after a midseason benching. Now, there’s a chance Jenkins, a 2021 second-round pick, could be the Browns’ full-time starter at right guard in 2026.
The Browns are signing the linebacker to a two-year deal.
What it means: The Browns moved quickly to replace Devin Bush, the lone defensive starter hitting free agency, after he agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears. In signing Williams, Cleveland reunites him with new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who coached Williams in New York and Jacksonville. That relationship should allow for an easy transition next to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger.
The Browns and the former Saints tight end have agreed to a one-year deal.
What it means: With longtime stalwart David Njoku not returning to Cleveland in 2026, the Browns found another tight end to pair with Harold Fannin Jr., who led the team in receiving as a rookie.
Stoll, 28, has not recorded more than 123 receiving yards in a season, and he is known more for being a blocker; 81% of his snaps have come from an inline alignment. First-year coach Todd Monken uses a lot of two-tight-end sets, so Stoll can take over the inline snaps vacated by Njoku and continue to allow Fannin to move around on the field.
