The free agency negotiation period will commence at noon ET on March 9, with official signings starting at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. This marks the beginning of an urgent competition among teams for top free agents. It serves as a reminder that such urgency can often result in poor decisions within the NFL. This year, more than ever, Matthew Berry from NBC Sports emphasizes in his “Most Interesting Things I Heard At 2026 NFL Combine” column that the situation will be particularly chaotic.
A noteworthy comment from an agent: “This free agency is going to be really intriguing. With 10 new head coaches and 20 new coordinators, there’s so much turnover that staff members haven’t had sufficient time to evaluate players thoroughly.”
I inquired if this could lead to postponed signings or more blunders as teams rush due to the fear of losing out. The agent replied, “I can’t say, but it’s going to be wild and unpredictable.”
On March 9, numerous free agents will become available, each sharing a common trait: their previous team did not attempt to re-sign them. This could be due to various reasons—financial demands, age, injuries, or poor performance. Regardless of the reason, the fact that their former teams opted to let them go should give prospective teams pause. The Cowboys should particularly be cautious of eight common free agency pitfalls in 2026:
1. Pursuing the Pass Rusher After a Big Season
Historically, pass rushers who excel in one season tend to regress the following year. Thus, when teams pay top dollar for free agent pass rushers coming off strong performances, it rarely ends well. A detailed summary of the highest-paid free agents from 2024 shows that only five improved their performance, while ten experienced significant declines.
2. Considering Veteran Defenders from Strong Defenses
While it might be tempting to acquire players from successful defenses, there is uncertainty whether they can maintain effectiveness when transitioning to a new team with different systems. It’s often wiser to target players from struggling defenses, who might offer better value and insight.
3. Ignoring Reasons Behind Their Release
In the NFL, what one team discards may not be seen as treasure for another. Teams often choose not to re-sign players for valid reasons that could hint at future struggles for the player. Thorough research and analytics should guide decision-making processes for potential acquisitions.
4. Prioritizing Physical Traits Over Intelligence
The physical demands of football can overshadow the importance of mental acuity. Many players struggle with grasping their roles, leading to costly mistakes, which can significantly impact overall performance. NFL teams nowadays require smart players who can adapt quickly.
5. Hiring Players for Roles Outside Their Strengths
Acquiring a player for a specific skill set means ensuring that your scheme accommodates their abilities. If a player is expected to perform in an area where they lack proficiency, then the team risks overpaying for a mismatch.
6. Accepting Overpaying as Inevitable
Even with due diligence, teams often overestimate a player’s value, leading to inflated contracts that don’t reflect their true worth. It’s crucial to recognize that this is common and seek out exceptions where new environments can yield better performance.
7. Avoiding Free Agency Altogether
Though caution is wise, free agency remains vital for building competitive rosters. Waiting until the initial frenzy subsides can help teams secure better value as prices tend to drop when initial excitement wanes.
8. Assessing Own Free Agents is Crucial
Lastly, these cautionary points also apply to a team’s own free agents. Strategies should be focused on future potential rather than past achievements to avoid large-scale mistakes during contract renewals.
For instance, the Cowboys made a strategic decision when they let DeMarco Murray go after his record-breaking season; he later struggled in Philadelphia.
