NFL free agency tracker 2026: Live news updates, rumors, trade buzz on Tuesday

NFL free agency is off to a rousing start, even if it hasn't yet officially begun in earnest.

Monday's opening of the league's negotiating window brought about a slew of moves, with the overwhelming majority of top-tier players on the open market settling on their landing spots. But more than a handful of big names still have yet to make up their minds on their destinations, which means Tuesday could still be a busy day.

USA TODAY Sports will have updates and analysis on all the most notable moves throughout the day, so check back often for all the latest news:

The New England Patriots identified a key puzzle piece that could help them settle their tumultuous outlook up front.

The team struck an agreement with former New York Jets offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year, $42 million deal.

Vera-Tucker, who missed all of last season due to a torn triceps injury, projects as a critical figure in the protection of NFL MVP runner-up finisher Drake Maye. With the quarterback taking 21 sacks in four playoff games, including six in Super Bowl 60, New England was in the market for an additional asset to bolster its front.

Vera-Tucker figures to step in at left guard, where he can serve as a buffer between left tackle Will Campbell and center Jared Wilson as they enter their second seasons. Wilson played at left guard as a rookie, and the pair lining up next to each other created some complications for the Patriots' line.

The opening to NFL free agency saw a bulk of the Kansas City Chiefs' starting secondary heading elsewhere. At the end of the first wave of moves, however, the team did manage to reload a bit.

The Chiefs agreed to a three-year, $24.75 million contract, according to multiple reports.

Gilman helps replace Bryan Cook, who left to join the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $40.25 million deal. The Chiefs also lost starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams, with the latter being sent to the team via a trade.

The first wave of free agency claimed a good portion of the league's top talent. But several big names are still have yet to settle on a landing spot. Here are the best players available, as ranked by USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis (initial top 100 ranking in parentheses):

• 1. Trey Hendrickson, OLB/DE (4)
• 2. Rasheed Walker, OT (9)
• 3. Breece Hall, RB (12)
• 4. Kyler Murray, QB (13)
• 5. Jauan Jennings, WR (19)

In practical terms, the deals are already flying - though all of them are unofficial until the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. That's a reflection of the league's negotiating window, which opened at noon ET on Monday and allows unrestricted free agents to enter into agreements with other clubs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL free agency tracker 2026: News, rumors, trade buzz on Tuesday