Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, file)2026-03-12T14:30:04Z Winning free agency doesnt guarantee success.Its still a good start.NFL teams have committed billions of dollars in free agency, hoping the players theyve added can help them win a Super Bowl.Some of the more aggressive teams the Raiders and Titans would be happy if new players just make them more competitive after futile seasons.There have been several surprises, including a voided blockbuster trade that sent star edge rusher Maxx Crosby back to the Raiders.Heres some early winners and losers:WINNERS: Carolina PanthersThe NFC South champion Panthers added edge rusher Jaelan Phillips ($120 million) and linebacker Devin Lloyd ($45 million), two of the best players available at their positions. Phillips and Lloyd join interior lineman Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn to give Carolina top players at each level on defense.The Panthers lost defensive lineman AShawn Robinson, running back Rico Dowdle and center Cade Mays. WINNERS: San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers snagged six-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans from Tampa Bay on a three-year deal that could be worth $60.4 million but only includes $16.3 million guaranteed over one year, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the details werent public. San Francisco also acquired defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from Dallas for a third-round pick; added swing tackle Vederian Lowe and center Brett Toth; and re-signed tight end Jake Tonges and kicker Eddy Piniero.The 32-year-old Evans can still be an elite player in coach Kyle Shanahans system, giving Brock Purdy a top target.The Niners lost wideout Kendrick Bourne. WINNERS: New England PatriotsAn excellent offseason last year helped the Patriots win 10 more games and reach the Super Bowl. Theyve followed up with another strong spending spree, adding wideout Romeo Doubs ($70 million), guard Alijah Vera-Tucker ($42 million), Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard ($9 million), edge rusher DreMont Jones ($39.5 million), fullback Reggie Gilliam, tight end Julian Hill, safety Mike Brown and linebacker K.J. Britt.They traded center Garrett Bradbury and lost defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, tight end Austin Hooper and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. WINNERS: New York JetsGeno Smith is back in New York and the Jets strengthened their defense by acquiring veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman TVondre Sweat in other trades and signing two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Demario Davis and edge rusher Joseph Ossai ($34.5 million).They also signed defensive tackle David Onyemata, edge Kingsley Enagbare, safety Dane Belton and cornerback Nashon Wright, giving Aaron Glenn several new players to bolster the defense. Left guard Dylan Parham fills a vacancy on the offensive line and backup tackle Max Mitchell returns.The Jets lost linebacker Quincy Williams, guards Vera-Tucker and John Simpson and kicker Nick Folk. WINNERS: Los Angeles RamsAfter trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Rams signed cornerback Jaylen Watson and re-signed safety Kam Curl to further boost the secondary.Tight end Tyler Higbee returns to provide depth and long snapper Joe Cardona arrives to help on special teams. LOSERS: Tampa Bay BuccaneersThey lost Evans not over money but because he wanted a new challenge and views the 49ers as closer to winning. The defense lost a pair of starters in cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive lineman Logan Hall.The Buccaneers signed Robinson to improve the defensive line, linebacker Alex Anzalone, running back Kenneth Gainwell and backup quarterback Jake Browning.LOSERS: Philadelphia EaglesThe two-time defending NFC East champions make this list because they lost three starters on defense: Phillips, linebacker Nakobe Dean, safety Reed Blankenship.The Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen and tight end Johnny Mundt and re-signed tight end Grant Calcaterra.They gave defensive tackle Jordan Davis a contract extension and have to extend several young stars on a defense that dominated Kansas City in the Super Bowl two years ago. Philadelphia cant pay everyone, and general manager Howie Roseman always finds a way to compensate for losing talented players. LOSERS: Jacksonville JaguarsThe AFC South champions lost Lloyd, running back Travis Etienne and cornerback Greg Newsome.Theyve signed backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and retained cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck.The Jaguars have more work to do in the offseason.___On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. For more On Football analysis, head here.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl ROB MAADDI Maaddi is senior NFL writer for The Associated Press. Hes covered the league for 24 years, including the first two decades as the Eagles beat writer. mailto