The Athletic Football Show: Free Agency Wrap—Taking Stock of a Busy Start to the New League Year
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Robert Mays
Co-hosts: Derrik Klassen, Dave Helman

Episode Overview

This episode offers a comprehensive, fast-paced wrap-up of the first four days of 2026 NFL free agency. Hosts Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman dissect the most impactful moves and trends, breaking them down into categories such as favorite fit, best value, high-risk gambles, signings you didn’t know you needed, and perplexing moves. Their dynamic conversation draws on detailed league knowledge, rapport, and a healthy dose of humor, ensuring fans get both expert analysis and entertainment.

Key Discussion Points by Category

Favorite Fit (03:00–12:45)

1. Titans Rebuilding their Defensive Line (03:18–04:09)

• Dave loves the Jets-to-Titans D-line pipeline, especially the Solomon Thomas trade. He finds value in Robert Saleh’s attempt to build around Jeffrey Simmons, noting the returning defensive contributors (Jermaine Johnson, JFM, Solomon Thomas) still play quality football.
  • "I just, I really love it...that fits and they're back with Robert Saleh and I find it very funny and, and I think it's going to work." — Dave (03:18)

2. Kenneth Walker to the Chiefs (04:29–06:04)

• Derek calls Kenneth Walker to KC “awesome,” filling the explosive playmaker void. He balances injury risks against the scarcity in this year’s free-agent and draft RB classes.
  • "They need somebody who can get explosives. I think Ken Walker obviously brings that to them, so long as he can stay healthy, which this year he did finally..." — Derek (04:29)

3. Draymond Jones to the Patriots (04:41–05:20)

• Derek sees Jones as a perfect “ass kicker” for Mike Vrabel’s defense, doubling down on New England’s new, tougher defensive attitude.

4. Jalen Thompson to the Cowboys (11:09–12:57)

• Robert calls Jalen Thompson at $11M for Dallas his favorite fit, citing versatility and the sweet spot of “mid-tier” safety contracts.
  • "That’s one where the more and more that I think about it, I'm just like, I like that...I think he's the perfect sort of player for that sort of mindset." — Robert (12:19)

Best Value Signings (13:29–22:10)

1. Reed Blankenship to the Texans (13:45–14:31)

• Derek highlights Blankenship as a cheap, quality safety addition within an already strong Houston secondary: "$8.5 million for what they're going to get for him is really not that much for quality level safety play..." — Derek

2. Jalen Hawkins to the Ravens (15:34–16:49)

• Robert loves the $5M price for a late-blooming starting-caliber safety and likens it to the successful, bargain deals for similar second-tier safeties.
  • "You lose $5 million in the couch cushions in free agency. Like there's just very little risk associated with that sort of move." — Robert (16:25)

3. Cade Mays & Tyler Biadasz at Center (17:16–18:53)

• Dave: Cade Mays for Detroit at $8M/year; Robert: Biadasz at $10M/year both praised for delivering quality starting reps at a fraction of the Linderbaum ($27M) price tag.
• They stress the value of “floor” at center, mirroring their safety philosophy.

4. Mike Evans to 49ers (19:00–19:52)

• Dave and Derek marvel Evans agreed to $14M: "He just has to be good for one year...back half is probably the wrong way to say it...but he's worth $14 million a year." — Robert

5. Luke Fortner/Stone Forsythe to Panthers (21:18–21:54)

• The pair of linemen were signed to cheap, short-term deals to cover a battered offensive line, praised for prudent budget patchwork.

High-Risk, High-Reward Moves (25:03–32:58)

1. Elijah Vera-Tucker to Patriots (25:19–26:12)

• Derek points to medical concerns (multiple triceps, Achilles injuries) but the potential for a massive payoff if healthy: "There's not a guarantee that he's ever really going to be that healthy again...but if he is healthy...he could very clearly overshoot the value here if he just stays on the field." — Derek

2. Jalen Phillips to the Panthers (29:06–32:05)

• Dave lauds the boldness, acknowledging Phillips’ injury risk but top-10 pass-rush impact when healthy. Robert compares it to Montez Sweat’s Chicago deal, noting “impact edge” rarity in free agency.
  • "When he's on the field...there is no doubt in my mind he's going to be awesome." — Dave

Signings “You Didn’t Know You Needed” (33:23–39:03)

1. Quay Walker & Nakobe Dean Reunited (33:33–34:35)

• Derek is excited for the former elite Georgia LB duo to reprise their partnership in the pros.

2. Reek Woolen to the Eagles (34:43–36:05)

• Dave admits surprise at the fit and price, noting Woolen is the most talented CB in a volatile Philly environment.

3. Keaton Mitchell to the Chargers (37:01–37:31)

• Robert: "I did not know I needed that and now I desperately need it." — highlighting the fun of McDaniel’s offense with Mitchell's speed.

4. David Edwards to Saints (37:47–38:22)

• Both Robert and Derek love this addition to an already strong Saints O-line; excited for the running game’s potential with Travis Etienne.

Most Perplexing Moves & Markets (39:05–54:33)

1. Isaac Seumalo to Cardinals (39:05–40:39)

• Hosts baffle at why a rebuilding Arizona invests $10M in a 32-year-old guard; they empathize with Seumalo chasing the best paycheck, but not the team’s logic.

2. Bradley Chubb to Bills (41:04–48:55)

• All surprise at Buffalo paying $14M/year and giving $29M guaranteed to Chubb with an injury history, even as the “old expensive edge rusher” move fits the Bills’ MO.

3. Cornerback Market (49:45–52:22)

• Robert shocked by top CB contracts: Alontae Taylor (Tennessee, $19M), Cordale Flott ($15M), and Jalen Watson ($17M) all exceed expectations.

4. Fourth-contract DT Market (53:03–54:33)

• The rapid signings and rich guarantees for veteran DTs (Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen) after being cut also surprise.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On undervalued positions:

  • "Running back, it’s still positional value, still matters, but it doesn't need to be as much of an afterthought as it was four or five years ago." — Dave (09:59)

• On mid-tier safety contracts:

  • "...when you're paying just middle of the road money for starting safeties in free agency, it typically is a good aisle to be shopping in." — Robert (11:19)

• On the 'signing you didn’t know you needed':

  • "I did not know I needed Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean reunited. That is so sick..." — Derek (33:38)

• On veteran guards still unsigned:

  • "A lot of the old, like, capable guards are still out there. Like, Kevin Zeitler is unsigned. Wyatt Teller is unsigned. Joel Bitonio is still unsigned..." — Derek (27:28)

Remaining Free Agents of Interest (62:16–66:53)

Still on the Market:

• AJ Epenesa (DE): Versatile edge fit for contenders needing a third run-defending DE.
• Al-Quadin Muhammad (DE): Productive rotational rusher rumored with Bucs.
• Jaquan Brisker (S): Waiting, likely for health/concussion clearance.
• Juwan Jennings (WR): Surprisingly without a new team.
• David Njoku (TE): Could be a post-draft value signing.
• Juwan Taylor (RT): Right tackle market is thin; Detroit, Cleveland, or Raiders possible.

Breaking News (67:30)

Dre Greenlaw returns to the 49ers:
One year, $7.5M. Hosts see it as a great “if healthy” value for a defense that could now field three above-average linebackers.

Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

• The hosts will ramp up draft coverage later in March after wrapping free agency analysis.
• Themes: Positional value shifting (e.g., RB, center, safety), free agent “market shocks,” and the importance of team/fit over simply chasing price or headline names.
• The podcast blends deep league intel, wit, and candid opinions, useful for fans wanting a clear sense of winners, losers, and the ripple effects of this year’s free agency.