Trump says war could be over soon, as Iran rallies behind new hardline leader

By Parisa Hafezi, Maayan Lubell and Nandita Bose

Iran names Khamenei's son Mojtaba as new supreme leader

DUBAI/JERUSALEM/DORAL, Florida, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday predicted the war in the Middle East could be over soon, even as Iran's hardliners staged a show of loyalty to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a sign that it was not prepared to back down any time soon.

The conflicting signals sent markets on a rollercoaster, with oil prices ‌surging and stock markets nosediving before swinging in the other direction after Trump's comments and reports of a possible ease in sanctions on Russian energy.

Khamenei, 56, a Shi'ite cleric with a power base among the security ‌forces and their vast business empire, has been declared unacceptable by Trump, who has demanded Iran's unconditional surrender.

Trump said the war would continue until Iran is "totally and decisively defeated," but predicted it would be over soon.

"It's going to be finished pretty quickly," he told Republican lawmakers. "We've already won in many ways, ​but we haven't won enough," he said.

Trump did not, however, define exactly what victory in the war would look like.

Iranian state media showed large crowds in several cities rallying behind the new leader, waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of his father Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader killed by an Israeli strike on the war's first day.

In Isfahan, state TV reported the sound of nearby explosions from apparent airstrikes as loyalists gathered in the historic Imam Square, chanting "God is the Greatest" below a stage with portraits of Ali and Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a further sign of defiance, Iran's military said it would step up its missile strikes.

POLITICAL SYSTEM RALLIES BEHIND NEW LEADER

Politicians and institutions issued pledges of loyalty to the new supreme leader, whose wife, son and mother also died at the ‌start of the U.S.-Israeli air onslaught according to Iranian state media.

"We will obey the ⁠commander-in-chief until the last drop of our blood," a defence council statement said.

Iranians reached by telephone were divided, with supporters of the authorities hailing the choice as a declaration of defiance and opponents fearful it would dash their hopes for change.

"I am so happy that he is our new leader. It was a slap in the face to our enemies that thought the system ⁠will collapse with the killing of his father. Our late leader's path will continue," said university student Zahra Mirbagheri, 21, from Tehran.

Many Iranians had initially celebrated the elder Khamenei's death, weeks after his security forces killed thousands of anti-government protesters in the worst domestic unrest since the era of Iran's 1979 revolution. But there has since been little sign of anti-government activity, with activists fearful of taking to the streets while Iran is under attack.

"The (elite Revolutionary) Guards and the system are still powerful. They have tens of thousands of forces ready to ​fight ​to keep this regime in place. We, the people, have nothing," said Babak, 34, a businessman in the central city of Arak who ​asked to keep his family name confidential.

Advertisement

Israel says its war aim is to overthrow Iran's ‌system of clerical rule. U.S. officials mainly say Washington's aim is to destroy Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear programme, but Trump has said the war can end only with a compliant Iranian government.

Israel had said it would kill whoever succeeded the elder Khamenei unless Iran ended its hostile policies.

OIL SURGES, THEN DIPS BACK

The war has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, leaving tankers unable to sail for more than a week and forcing producers to halt pumping as storage fills.

Brent crude futures jumped about 7% to settle at their highest price since 2022 after soaring by as much as 29% during the session, as Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members cut supplies. But prices fell in post-settlement trade.

The price of gasoline has particular political resonance in the United States, where voters cite rising costs as a top concern ahead of the November midterm elections, when Trump's Republicans will try to keep control of Congress.

A Reuters/Ipsos ‌poll released Monday found 67% of Americans expect gas prices to rise over the coming months, and only 29% approve of the war.

After ​speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said the United States will waive oil-related sanctions on "some countries" to ease the shortage. According to multiple ​sources, that could mean a further easing of sanctions on Russian oil, which could complicate efforts to punish Moscow ​for its war in Ukraine.

Other options include a possible release of oil from strategic reserves or restricting U.S. exports, sources said.

OIL REFINERY HIT

Tehran was choked in black smoke after an oil refinery ‌was hit, an escalation in strikes on Iran's domestic energy supplies. World Health Organization chief ​Tedros Ghebreyesus warned the fire risks contaminating food, water and air.

Turkey ​said on Monday NATO air defences had shot down a ballistic missile that was fired from Iran and entered Turkish airspace, the second such incident of the war. Iran did not immediately comment on the report.

Turkey, Iran's neighbour with NATO's second-largest army, had warned Tehran on Saturday against attacking again, but it has not suggested it wants to formally call on bloc members for further protection.

Israel's military said it had launched new attacks in central ​Iran and struck the Lebanese capital Beirut, where Israel has extended its campaign after the ‌Iran-backed militia Hezbollah fired across the border.

U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands, according to Iran's U.N. ambassador. Lebanon has reported more than 400 people killed there, with nearly ​700,000 people fleeing their homes.

In Israel, ambulance workers said one man died from shrapnel wounds at a construction site near Tel Aviv's international airport, raising to 11 the death toll from Iranian strikes.

(Reporting by ​Reuters bureaux, Writing by Peter Graff, Andy Sullivan and Crispian BalmerEditing by Timothy Heritage, Aidan Lewis, Rosalba O'Brien and Cynthia Osterman)

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 09, 2026

Trump says war could be over soon, as Iran rallies behind new hardline leader

By Parisa Hafezi, Maayan Lubell and Nandita Bose Iran names Khamenei's son Mojtaba as new supreme lead...

Read More

Signal and WhatsApp users face sweeping Russian phishing push, Dutch agencies warn

Russia is "engaged in a large-scale global attempt" to take over Signal and WhatsApp accounts,two Dutch intelligence agenciessaid Monday, adding to warnings issued by several groups about the security risk to the messaging apps.

According to the agencies, hackers are using phishing techniques to target high-profile people, posing as accounts with names like "Signal support" and securing details from users that would give them account access.

Signal is believed to be one of the most secure messaging platforms available. It is a common battlefield messaging tool among theUkrainian militaryand last year it became the subject of aWhite House scandalwhen a group of top officials accidentally added a journalist to a group chat discussing military strikes in Yemen.

Now, according to the Dutch report, Russian intelligence has launched a vast campaign to break into Signal and WhatsApp accounts,. The scheme has already compromised the messages of Dutch government employees, the report said, adding that it is "probable that targets include other persons of interest to the Russian government, such as journalists."

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment.

Advertisement

The warning follows a similar one issued byGermany in February, saying that unidentified hackers were trying to phish high-profile Signal users in German military and politics.

Last year, Google said it had identifiedRussian actors trying to phish Signal accountsassociated with the Ukrainian military, and warned that the tactic would likely spread.

"We are aware of recent reports regarding targeted phishing attacks that have resulted in account takeovers of some Signal users, including government officials and journalists. We take this very seriously," the companypostedon social media, alongside an example phishing message.

Hackers havelong targeted WhatsApp, owned by Meta, which as of last year claimed to have more thanthree billion active monthly users. But Signal,operated by a nonprofit, is far less popular and uses a complex type of encryptiondesigned to be unbreakable, even by a theoretical advanced quantum computer.

While Signal verifies a new user's account by texting their phone number, the app deliberately does not show users' phone numbers to each other as a way to better protect their privacy. However, that can make a scam message seem more convincing, since a user who receives a message that comes from "Signal support" — not a real service Signal offers — can't check the phone number associated with the account to see if it's suspicious.

A WhatsApp spokesperson declined to comment but recommended users never share their login information with other people and recommended itsscam protection guide.

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 09, 2026

Signal and WhatsApp users face sweeping Russian phishing push, Dutch agencies warn

Russia is "engaged in a large-scale global attempt" to take over Signal and WhatsApp accounts,two Dutch intelli...

Read More

World leaders eye oil reserves, but so far hold off on tapping them

NEW YORK (AP) — A widening war in Iran has halted oil tankers, made targets of refineries and spooked investors worried about the cascading impact of spiking energy prices.

Oil Prices

If it might seem like the ideal time to dip into the world's emergency oil stockpiles, global leaders have so far responded with reluctance.

Here is a look at the energy supplies that countries hold and when they tap them:

Many countries have reserves of oil

Since war erupted in the Middle East on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, the flow of oil tankers through theStrait of Hormuzhas all but stopped, cutting off a vital passageway for a huge amount of the world's oil.

That has sent prices of oil soaring.

Brent crude oil, the international standard,surged to nearly $120 a barrelMonday, about 65% higher than when the war started, before retreating toward $90.

Countries around the world hold vast quantities of oil that they can use in the event of a crisis, including the U.S., which holds a massive emergency supply — known as theStrategic Petroleum Reserve— in underground salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana.

Because oil is a global commodity and flooding the market with a sudden stream of new supply has international implications, countries often talk to one another before tapping reserves. That includes coordinating with the International Energy Agency, an organization created in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis.

But opting to use oil reserves is never a simple calculation, particularly when linked to a war with constantly shifting parameters and no clear timeline.

"The key question on drawing down these reserves remains one of, 'How long will this conflict last?'" says Tom Seng, an energy finance professor at Texas Christian University. "And, more importantly, 'How long with the Strait of Hormuz remain blocked?'"

Timing a release is tricky

Oil reserves have been tapped when the market has faced major disruption in the past, including wars in Iraq, Libya and, most recently,in Ukraine.

Advertisement

Kenneth Medlock, senior director of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University, says it's not a matter of whether the current conflict is serious enough to merit intervention, but whether the precise moment has arrived.

"The price is up but it could get worse," Medlock says. "What happens if this drags on for two, three months? Then you run into a situation where you lose your buffer."

Each of the 32 member countries of the IEA promises to have a reserve at least equivalent to what they import in a 90-day period. The U.S. exports more than it imports, maintaining its reserve despite there being no requirement. But for other countries, tapping their reserves will result in them eventually needing to replenish what was taken.

"Because of that, countries tend to keep reserves for a last-resort scenario, should the disruption be prolonged," says Maksim Sonin, an energy executive who works with Stanford University's Hydrogen Initiative.

Discussions can cool markets

So far, leaders have been reticent to tap reserves.

Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the idea of turning to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, saying supplies were ample and prices would soon fall.

Representatives from the Group of Seven major industrialized powers discussed the issue Monday, but likewise decided against using strategic reserves.

"We're not there yet," French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said after chairing the G7 meeting. Still, he told reporters in Brussels that the group was "ready to take necessary and coordinated steps in order to stabilize markets, such as strategic stockpiling."

Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA, took part in the meeting, noting afterwards the "significant and growing risks for the market." IEA member countries have more than 1.2 billion barrels of emergency oil on hand, the organization says.

Though leaders have so far held off from using their reserves, energy expert Brenda Shaffer says the fact that they are even discussing the option could ease markets.

"As long as the market keeps hearing about these possibilities," says Shaffer, a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, "I think that will have a smoothing effect on the global oil market."

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 09, 2026

World leaders eye oil reserves, but so far hold off on tapping them

NEW YORK (AP) — A widening war in Iran has halted oil tankers, made targets of refineries and spooked investors worried a...

Read More

Ravens, Eagles and Steelers get 4 comp picks, and Vikings get a 3rd-rounder for losing Sam Darnold

Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh each were awarded a league-high four compensatory picks in next month's NFL draft based on their losses and signings in last year's free agency.

The NFL announced on Monday the 33 compensatory picks for the draft that will be held in Pittsburgh on April 23-25, including a third-rounder for Minnesota after losingSuper Bowl-winning quarterback Sam Darnoldto Seattle in free agency last offseason.

Picks are awarded to teams in the third through seventh rounds with 32 of the picks based on teams losing more or better free agents than they acquired last offseason and the other given for minorities hired as head coaches or general managers for other organizations.

Detroit was awarded a third-round pick for Aaron Glenn being hired as head coach last year by the New York Jets. That pick, which will be the final one in the third round at No. 100 overall, has been subsequently traded to Jacksonville.

There were three third-round picks handed out with Minnesota getting the 97th overall pick for losing Darnold, Philadelphia getting the 98th pick for losing defensive tackle Milton Williams to New England and Pittsburgh getting the 99th pick for losing Dan Moore to Tennessee.

Advertisement

The Eagles also got picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds. Pittsburgh got an additional fourth-round pick and two sixths. Baltimore got two picks in the fifth round and two in the seventh.

The Ravens have received a league-high 64 comp picks through free agency since the program started in 1994.

The San Francisco 49ers got three picks — all in the fourth round — while Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets each got two picks.

Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 09, 2026

Ravens, Eagles and Steelers get 4 comp picks, and Vikings get a 3rd-rounder for losing Sam Darnold

Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh each were awarded a league-high four compensatory picks in next month's NFL dr...

Read More

2026 NFL free agency live tracker: Rumors, news, trade buzz, Monday moves

NFL free agencyis about to start ... sort of.

In official terms, the league's window for signings won't truly begin until Wednesday. But noon on Monday marks the opening of the league's negotiating window in which other teams are allowed to contact the representation of pending unrestricted free agents and hammer out a deal.

The action is likely to come together quickly, with news breaking on agreements for top players not long after the so-called legal tampering period begins. And the movement likely won't end there, with more trades potentially materializing after the likes ofMaxx Crosby,Trent McDuffie,DJ MooreandDavid Montgomerywere shipped off last week.

USA TODAY Sports will have updates on all the latest rumors, news, agreements and trades throughout Monday, so check back often for more:

Steelers add bruising back Rico Dowdle

The Pittsburgh Steelers are rounding out a busy day by adding a forceful presence to their backfield.

The team is signing running back Rico Dowdle, according to multiple reports.

Dowdle enjoyed his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 as a grinding ground threat for theCarolina Panthers.

In Pittsburgh, he should spell leading option Jaylen Warren in new coach Mike McCarthy's attack.

Seahawks re-up speedy WR Rashid Shaheed

It's only fitting that Rashid Shaheed would run it back with theSeattle Seahawks, given that's what the speedy receiver is known for.

Shaheed is re-signing with the Seahawks on a three-year, $51 million deal that includes $34.7 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

After arriving in a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed caught just 18 passes in 12 games including the postseason for Seattle. But he returned a punt and kick for scores, and defenses were forced to account for his field-streching speed.

Raiders continue adding to defense with Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker

While the massive payout to Tyler Linderbaum was theLas Vegas Raiders' marquee move on Monday, the Silver and Black continue to reshape their defense with veteran additions.

The Raiders on Monday reached agreements with linebackers Nakobe Dean (three years, $36 million) and Quay Walker (three years, $40.5 million).

Both are poised to take over in the middle of new coordinator Rob Leonard's 3-4 scheme. Former sarters Elandon Roberts and Devin White are both free agents.

Dean, 25, proved particularly disruptive as a blitzer for thePhiladelphia Eagles, recording four sacks in 10 games last season. Walker had an uneven four-year run with the Green Backers, who opted to trade for former Pro Bowler Zaire Franklin over the weekend as a likely replacemen at linebacker.

The Raiders also added nickel corner Taron Johnson and defensive end Kwity Paye on Monday while re-signing cornerback Eric Stokes and defensive end Malcolm Koonce.

Broncos' LB room comes into focus with Alex Singleton in, Dre Greenlaw out

TheDenver Broncos' linebacker group isn't headed for a shake-up after all.

Alex Singleton is re-signing with the team on a two-year deal worth $15.5 million, according to multiple reports. Meanwhile, Dre Greenlaw is being released.

Singleton's return, alongside with Justin Strnad gives Denver a sense of continuity at the second level of its defense.

Greenlaw's time with the Broncos was short-lived after he played in just eight games in his lone season with the organization.

Falcons land QB Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa hasn't been officially released yet, but thesoon-to-be former Miami Dolphins quarterbackalready has found his next home.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to sign Tagovailoa to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, according to multiple reports.

Tagovailoa will not officially be released until the start of the new league year on Wednesday. But the Dolphins have already informed him of his fate, and the passer was able to quickly land on his feet with the Falcons.

Tagovailoa could challenge incumbent starter Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and has yet to receive coach Kevin Stefanski's full endorsement as his QB1.

"Yeah, not big on giving out positions in February," Stefanski told local reporters at the NFL scouting combine. "I think you guys know how I feel about Michael, and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do."

Steelers claim a cornerback in Jamel Dean

After taking care of the positional problem that loomed over their offense by trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers turned their focus to a key spot on the other side of the ball.

Cornerback Jamel Dean and the Steelers agreed to a three-year, $36.75 million deal, according to multiple reports.

Dean, 29, is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high three interceptions and allowed the fewest yards per target (4.7) and second-lowest catch rate (43.1%) of any player with at least 50 targets, according to Next Gen Stats.

He slides into the starting role opposite Joey Porter Jr., which had been a stubborn spot for Pittsburgh after Darius Slay Jr. didn't pan out last year.

Commanders pony up for pass rush with Odafe Oweh

So far, this year's biggest and most surprising deals have been reserved for pass rushers.

That trend continued later Monday when the Washington Commanders reached a four-year, $100 million deal with Odafe Oweh that included $68 million guaranteed.

It's a major payout for a player who only started four games last season. But Oweh led the Los Angeles Chargers in pressure (37) after being traded to the team in Week 6, according to Next Gen Stats.

Washington had been searching for ways to electrify a pass rush that didn't generate much heat off the edge last season, though the team still could be on the market for a defensive end in the first round of the draft.

Packers moving on from Elgton Jenkins

TheGreen Bay Packersare going ahead with an expected shift at center.

The team is releasing two-time Pro Bowl selection Elgton Jenkins, according to multiple reports.

The Packers saved $19.5 million by parting ways with Jenkins, whose season was cut short in November when he suffered a fractured fibula.

On Sunday, the Packers re-signed Sean Rhyan, Jenkins' replacement last season, to a three-year, $33 million deal.

Bengals get needed defensive help with Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe

The Cincinnati Bengals are patching up one of their biggest defensive vulnerabilities, while the Kansas City Chiefs continue to lose key figures in the secondary.

Safety Bryan Cook agreed to a three-year, $40.25 million deal, with the Bengals, according to multiple reports.

Cook's addition shores up a Bengals defense that was repeatedly burned by tight ends in the pass game and trampled by running backs.

The Cincinnati native, who also starred for the University of Cincinnati after transferring from Howard, now gets the chance to make his mark on his hometown team.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs' secondary has lost its third starter with starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson headed to the Rams.

The Bengals also added edge rusher Boye Mafe on a three-year deal, his agent Mike McCartney confirmed.

Mafe was stuck in the Seahawks' deep rotation of pass rushers last season but still made his mark with a career-bes 13.2% pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats.

In Cincinnati, he'll shoulder a considerable load for a pass rush poised to lose former NFL sack king Trey Hendrickson as well as Joseph Ossai, who agreed to a deal Monday with the New York Jets.

Titans' spending spree continues with John Franklin-Myers, Cordale Flott, Alontae Taylor

The Tennessee Titans continue to shell out big money at the start of free agency.

Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers agreed to a three-year, $63 million deal with the team, according to multiple reports.

The former Denver Broncos standout notched a career-best 7½ sacks in 2025. With inside-outside versatility, he affords new coach Robert Saleh plenty of flexibility along a line that also added edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II.

The Titans also added formerNew York Giantscornerback Cor'Dale Flott on a three-year, $45 million deal and former New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor on a three-year, $60 million contract.

Flott and Taylor help solidify one of the more unsettled areas on Saleh's defense, with L'Jarius Sneed remaining a cut candidate.

Browns bulk up with Zion Johnson

The Cleveland Browns continue to spend big to overhaul their offensive line.

Offensive guard Zion Johnson agreed with the team to a three-year, $49.5 million contract that includes $32.4 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

Johnson is the second major addition to the Browns' offensive front this offseason after the team also traded for right tackle Tytus Howard, who then struck a three-year, $63 million extension with the team.

With guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio as well as center Ethan Pocic all no longer under contract, the Browns could have four or five new starters up front.

Mike Evans leaves Bucs, joins 49ers

One of the NFL's longest-tenured receivers is headed to a new setting.

Six-time Pro Bowl selection Mike Evans is leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the San Francisco 49ers, his agent, Deryk Gilmore, confirmed Monday. Per multiple reports, Evans has agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $60.4 million.

Gilmore wrote in a statement that the Buccaneers "presented a strong offer" but said that Evans wanted to try something new after spending his entire 12-year career in Tampa.

"In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game," Gilmore wrote. "Tampa Bay will always be a special place for Mike Evans, and his respect and gratitude for the organization and its fans will never change."

Evans will work opposite Ricky Pearsall in a San Francisco passing attack that could prove much more potent next season, so long as George Kittle returns from a torn Achilles and the team isn't saddled with the same level of injury losses it faced in 2025.

Titans spend big at receiver with Wan'Dale Robinson

One of the more widely speculated deals in NFL free agency has come to fruition.

The Tennessee Titans reached an agreement with wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson on a four-year, $78 million contract, according to multiple reports.

Robinson links back up with Brian Daboll, the former New York Giants coach and new Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator. Daboll coached Robinson for his entire career until being fired last November.

Coming off a career-best 1,014 receiving yards in 2025, Robinson figures to be a distinct run-after-catch weapon for No. 1 pick Cam Ward, who struggled at times as a rookie to compensate for blocking breakdowns and a lack of skill-position support.

Travis Etienne Jr. heads to Saints

The New Orleans Saints could be instituting a changing of the guard in their backfield.

Running back Travis Etienne Jr. agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, according to multiple reports.

Etienne last season re-established himself as a dynamic all-purpose threat for theJacksonville Jaguars, rushing for 1,107 yards for an offense rejuvenated by Liam Coen's scheme.

The Saints had seemed due for a jolt to their ground game after ranking 31st in yards per carry. Though New Orleans has stuck by Alvin Kamara, the five-time Pro Bowl ball carrier turns 31 in July.

New Orleans also added offensive guard David Edwards on a four-year, $61 million contract.

Tyler Linderbaum hits jackpot with Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders opened their free agency war chest and shelled out a record deal.

Center Tyler Linderbaum agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal with the team that includes $60 million, according to multiple reports, making him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Linderbaum had been considered by many to be the biggest prize on the market, as he came in as the top unrestricted free agent onNate Davis' top 100 rankings.

Now, ahead ofFernando Mendoza's expected arrival as the No. 1 pick, Linderbaum will be counted on to be the linchpin of a line that surrendered a league-worst 64 sacks last season - though a good number of those could be attributed to since-dispatched starting quarterback Geno Smith.

Bears secure a safety in Coby Bryant

The Chicago Bears are embracing some change in the secondary.

Safety Coby Bryant has agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with the team, according to multiple reports.

Bryant, who was ranked as the No. 14 overall player on USA TODAY Sports' free agent rankings, found his footing for the Seahawks in the last two years under coach Mike Macdonald, recording 13 passes and seven interceptions defensed in that span while establishing himself as a versatile coverage piece.

With both Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard hitting the open market, Chicago opted to retool at safety.

Bryan could be the first of several notable departures in the secondary for Seattle, which could also lose cornerbacks Riq Woolen.

Isaiah Likely teams back up with John Harbaugh on Giants

John Harbaugh is turning to a familiar figure to help Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants chart a new course.

Tight end Isaiah Likely is joining the team on a three-year, $40 million deal, according to multiple reports.

The move reunites Likely with Harbaugh, who was coach for the dynamic pass catcher's four-year career with theBaltimore Ravens. Likely will be looking for a fresh start after posting personal lows in receptions (27), receiving yards (307) and touchdowns (one).

New York's offense could provide him a big opportunity in the passing gam, however, with few established weapons for Dart outside of Malik Nabers, who is working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus. Wan'Dale Robinson is a free agent and widely expected to depart.

Colts trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers

Shortly after securing the future of their receiving corps by re-signing Alec Pierce, the Indianapolis Colts further clarified their outlook at the position by shipping off a former top target.

The Colts are trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of a deal involving a late-round pick swap, according to multiple reports.

Pittman will also sign a three-year, $59 million extension with the Steelers, per reports.

Advertisement

Indianapolis clears $24 million in cap space by moving on from Pittman, whose 784 yards last season were his fewest since his rookie season.

In Pittsburgh, Pittman should serve as a complement to top target DK Metcalf, working the intermediate area and middle of the field.

Dolphins snag their QB in Malik Willis

On the same day they bid farewell to the passer they once envisioned as their long-term answer at quarterback, theMiami Dolphinsturned to a new figure behind center.

The Dolphins agreed to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million that includes $45 million guaranteed, according to muliple reports.

The move reunites general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley with Willis, who showcased his immense potential in three starts for the Green Bay Packers over the last two years.

Sullivan spoke highly of Willis at the NFL scouting combine.

"Very happy for Malik on a personal level, the situation that he's put himself in," the GM said. "Malik's a very, very good kid. It's a testament to him and how he played and the opportunities that he got. As it pertains to the Miami Dolphins, listen, I think I'd be lying to you -- any team that is potentially in a quarterback situation, a needy quarterback situation, if they tell you they're not talking about Malik Willis, that would be a lie. But we've talked about a lot of people, a lot of free agents. Malik's just one of them."

Panthers make a big splash with Jaelan Phillips

The Carolina Panthers have made one of the boldest moves so far this offseason.

The team agreed to a edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal that features $80 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

Still only 26, Phillips notched 63 quarterback pressures last season, when he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Philadelphia Eagles at midseason.

The Eagles had been trying to bring Phillips back, but the Panthers' bid won out.

In Carolina, Phillips will serve as the game-changing pass rusher the team had lacked since trading away Brian Burns. The Panthers ranked 24th in pass rush win rate last season, when they counted heavily on rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Rams grab another ex-Chiefs CB in Jaylen Watson

The Los Angeles Rams are remaking their secondary by importing the Kansas City Chiefs' starting cornerbacks.

After last week trading for Trent McDuffie and on Sunday handing him a record-setting extension, the Rams on Monday agreed to a three-year deal with fellow Chiefs standout Jaylen Watson.

At 6-2 and 197 pounds, Watson adds the physical presence against bulkier receivers that had been missing for Los Angeles last year.

With McDuffie and Watson joining a secondary that also features Quentin Lake, Kam Curl and Kamren Kichens, the Rams have transformed one of their biggest vulnerabilities into a potential point of strength.

Kansas City, meanwhile, faces major questions on the back end, with little beyond Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams at corner. Either the No. 9 overall pick or the No. 29 pick could be used to bring aboard more help in coverage.

Chiefs land their big-ticket RB in Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl 60 MVP is heading to another former Lombardi Trophy winner.

Running back Kenneth Walker III agreed the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year, $45 million deal, according to multiple reports.

Walker, who ran for 1,027 yards last season for the Seahawks and 135 yards against the New England Patriots, will be tasked with rejuvenating a ground attack that cratered last season. Kansas City ranked 25th in the NFL with 106.6 rushing yards per game. Explosive plays were particularly hard to come by, with the offense posting a league-worst three carries of 20-plus yards. Walker was tied for third in the NFL with 10 last year.

Walker becomes the fourth Super Bowl MVP to leave his former team for a new one after winning the award.

The Seahawks now have a sizable hole at running back, where backup Zach Charbonnet is facing an uncertain recovery timeline after suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs.

Raiders keep CB Eric Stokes

The Las Vegas Raiders can check off another box on their lengthy offseason to-do list.

Cornerback Eric Stokes is re-signing with the team on a three-year, $30 million deal, according to multiple reports.

Stokes, 27, had been the veteran presence on a secondary that featured several young corners in Kyu Blu Kelly, Decameron Richardson and Darien Porter. With Stokes back and the team trading with theBuffalo Billsfor slot defender Taron Johnson, the Raiders further solidified their outlook on the back end.

Patriots get a pass rusher in Dre'Mont Jones

The New England Patriots missed out on a top free agent target in wide receiver Alec Pierce, but they added another piece at a critical area of need.

Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones is joining the team on a three-year, $39 million deal, Jordan Schultz reported Monday.

Jones notched a career-high seven sacks last season, when he was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Baltimore Ravens.

In New England, he'll be counted on to help bolster a pass rush that had to drastically dial up its blitz rate late in the season to compensate for a lack of edge pressure. Outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson is a free agent after his breakout season.

Alec Pierce re-ups with Colts

It went down to the wire, but the Indianapolis Colts got a deal done with their top target.

Wide receiver Alec Pierce is set to return to the team on a four-year, $116 million extension, according to multiple reports.

Coming off his first 1,000-yard season and his second campaign leading the NFL in yards per catch, Pierce was viewed by many as the top receiver on the open market. He did not receive the franchise tag from Indianapolis, which instead issued the transition tag to Daniel Jones.

Now, however, the Colts have a key weapon back in the fold.

Trent Williams trade now a possibility?

Things could be reaching a boiling point between Trent Williams and the San Francisco 49ers.

The team is open to moving the 12-time Pro Bowl if his contract standoff can't be resolved, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported.

Williams will turn 38 in July but remains one of the league's premier offensive tackles. If made available, he could be a captivating possibility for several contenders looking to upgrade the protection for their quarterback.

Travis Kelce headed back to Chiefs for 14th NFL season

Travis Kelce won't be entertaining retirement or a change of scenery anytime soon.

The tight end isexpected to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefsfor his 14th NFL season, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported.

Kelce's return adds an additional degree of comfort to an attack that will be looking to recapture its previous form after last season's tumble to 6-11. Kelce already spoke of his fondness for Eric Bieniemy, who is returning as the team's offensive coordinator.

Texans bring back DT Sheldon Rankins

With offensive line questions potentially shaping their offseason, theHouston Texansturned their focus to their other front ahead of NFL free agency.

The Texans are re-signing defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a two-year, $12 million contract, according to multiple reports.

Rankins started all 31 games for the Texans last season and had three sacks.

Packers finalizing trade to send Rashan Gary to Cowboys

The Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are once again partnering up for a notable trade. This time, however, the veteran at the center of the deal is headed to Dallas.

The Packers are finalizing a deal to send Rashan Gary to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gary, 28, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and recorded 7 ½ sacks last season. But he struggled to generate pressure down the stretch after Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt were lost for the season, with his pressure rate reaching a career-low 12.1%, according to Next Gen Stats.

In Dallas, he'll be reunited with defensive tackle Kenny Clark on a defense seeking to establish a more formidable pass rush for new coordinator Christian Parker after the Parsons trade last August.

Green Bay, meanwhile, clears nearly $11 million in cap space.

Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets

Minkah Fitzpatrick is on the move once again, this time to another AFC East rival.

The Miami Dolphins agreed to send the safety to the New York Jets in exchange for the team's 2026 seventh-round pick from the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Jets will also sign Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million contract.

Fitzpatrick, 29, joined the Dolphins last offseason as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In New York, he fills a notable void in a secondary that's still reshuffling in the post-Sauce Gardner era.

He becomes the latest Dolphins castoff, joining Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, Tyreek Hill and Alec Ingold, among others.

Jaguars keep CB Montaric Brown

The Jacksonville Jaguars are hanging on to one of the standouts of their opportunistic defense.

Montaric Brown is re-signing with the team on a three-year, $33 million contract, according to multiple reports.

Brown, a seventh-round pick out of Arkansas in 2022, rose to a starting role on the outside early in the year and delivered two interceptions and 12 passes defensed. He and Travis Hunter Jr. could be the top cover men for Jacksonville in 2026, with midseason trade acquisition Greg Newsome II ticketed for free agency.

Dolphins releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins' new regime is officially enacting a new era behind center for the team.

The Dolphins are releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, the team announced Monday.

"As I shared with Tua, I have great respect for the person and player he is," new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said in a statement. "On behalf of the Miami Dolphins, I expressed our gratitude for his many contributions, both on the field and in the community, during his six seasons in Miami."

The record dead-cap hit of $99.2 million will be spread out over two seasons, per reports, with $67.4 million hitting in 2026 and $31.8 million carried over to 2027. That tops the previous high of $85 million, set by the Denver Broncos in 2024 when theyreleased quarterback Russell Wilson.

Sullivan said at theNFL scouting combinethat the team had been keeping its options open on the passer.

"We've had conversations with Tua and his representation," the GM said. "Everything's on the table, including the potential of a trade. We don't know which way that's going to go. There's a lot of different factors at play, a lot of conversations being had. ... Tua, I thought, even though things didn't go well at the end of the year, did some good things along the way. And it's my job to infuse competition into that room along with every other room as we go down the road."

More cornerback depth for Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers liked what they saw from Asante Samuel Jr. enough to sign up for another go-around.

Samuel on Monday agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the team, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Samuel signed to the Steelers in late November after taking an extended recovery from an April spinal fusion surgery. He started three games for Pittsburgh, collecting 10 tackles and one interception.

Texans keep G Ed Ingram before NFL free agency starts

The Houston Texans prevented one of their key pieces from hitting the open market.

Offensive guard Ed Ingram agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal in advance of the legal tampering period on Monday, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

Ingram, 27, was traded from theMinnesota Vikingsto the Texans last March in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. He responded with a strong campaign andhad come in at 55th on USA TODAY Sports' top 100 free agent rankings.

Vikings the favorite for Kyler Murray?

J.J. McCarthy could be feeling some heat in short order.

With theArizona Cardinalsset to officially release Kyler Murray on Wednesday,NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported Sundaythat the Minnesota Vikings had emerged as the front-runner to sign the veteran quarterback.

Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said in February that the team was "exploring all possibilities" to improve quarterback play in 2026. McCarthy struggled in his first year at the helm, sparking questions about whether the team could forge on with the 2024 first-rounder.

Murray, 28, is set to receive $36.8 million in guarantees from Arizona in 2026, so he could be a one-year bargain for a team as he looks to revive his career.

Vikings re-up breakout LB Eric Wilson

At 31, Eric Wilson found his place in the NFL. Now, the linebacker is set to stick around with the Minnesota Vikings.

Wilson agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract with Minnesota that includes $12.5 million guaranteed, NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported on Sunday night.

Wilson had a breakout season for the Vikings in 2025, recording career highs with 6 ½ sacks and four forced fumbles. He's the only linebacker since 2020 to have 40 or more quarterback pressures and 20 or more run stuffs,according to Next Gen Stats.

The move gives some degree of continuity for a Vikings defense in flux. The team is parting with defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, while edge rusher Jonathan Greenard's name has popped up in trade talks.

What time does NFL free agency start?

The NFL's negotiating window - or legal tampering period - officially opens at noon ET on Monday, March 9. Teams are permitted to contact the agents of pending unrestricted free agents and reach agreements with them, though contracts can not become official until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. That is also the first time that trades can officially be processed.

What is the legal tampering period in NFL free agency?

The NFL's legal tampering period precedes the official start of free agency on Wednesday. It also marks the window in which a majority of the deals are completed for big-name players.

From Monday through Wednesday, any news broken will come in the form of agreements rather than signings, as players can not officially reach new contracts until the start of the new league year.

One new wrinkle this year: PerNFL Media's Tom Pelissero, "For the first time, clubs may conduct one video or phone call (maximum 1 hour) with up to five free agents, rather than communicating strictly through their agents as in past years."

NFL free agency rankings: Top 100 players on the market

Franchise tags, extensions and trades have a way of thinning out the market. But there are still several big names onNate Davis' top 100 free agent rankings for USA TODAY Sports(we'll exclude Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, who received the non-exclusive franchise tag):

• 1. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

• 2. Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals

• 3. Jaelan Phillips, OLB/DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Take a spin through the entire listhere.

Buyer beware: Who could be some of the riskiest free agents?

In NFL free agency, spending sprees almost inevitably produce some degree of buyer's remorse.

And while dead-cap hits are no longer the source of immense shame they were in previous years, teams can still be weighed down by whiffing on a veteran or two.

Which players could fit the bill this year around? Ourrundown of the riskiest free agentshad several cornerbacks, a marquee left tackle and some notable second-level defenders.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL free agency tracker: Rumors, news, trades, Monday moves

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

March 09, 2026

2026 NFL free agency live tracker: Rumors, news, trade buzz, Monday moves

NFL free agencyis about to start ... sort of. In official terms, the league's window for signings won'...

Read More