The first El Clasico of 2016-17 will not be shown live on British TV
Polish Women’s Volleyball champions Chemik Police beat BKS Bielsko-Biała 3-1
Lewis Hamilton: Nico Rosberg says debate over rival's tactics is 'pointless'
The first El Clasico of 2016-17 will not be shown live on British TV
Polish Women’s Volleyball champions Chemik Police beat BKS Bielsko-Biała 3-1
Lewis Hamilton: Nico Rosberg says debate over rival's tactics is 'pointless'
ESPN staff
Welcome to 2023 NFL free agency week. Free agency officially starts Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which coincides with the start of the new league year. Teams and free agents can agree to terms on new deals before officially signing them, though, with the legal tampering period going on now. We are tracking all of the action, including free agent signings, notable trades, cap-saving releases and more.
First, a few quarterback updates: Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo have new homes, Geno Smith and Daniel Jones have re-signed with their respective teams, and Aaron Rodgers‘ status is still up in the air. Meanwhile, the free agent class is loaded with playmakers on offense (Dalton Schultz and Jakobi Meyers) and defense (Jordan Poyer and James Bradberry). We’re through the first day of the negotiating window, and Javon Hargrave, Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor, Cameron Sutton, Jamel Dean, Dre’Mont Jones and Jessie Bates III headline a group of players who have already agreed to new contracts. And we’ve seen a few trades, including Jalen Ramsey going to Miami and the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft going to Carolina.
Which teams will be the most active? Who will be the next star to sign with a new team? And which player on the open market will be the next to break the bank with a huge new contract? Follow it all right here throughout March, with the most recent updates on top.
coverage:
Grades for 25-plus signings and trades
Ranking the top 100 free agents
Here are the best unsigned free agents from Matt Bowen’s ranking of the top 100:
1. OT Orlando Brown Jr.
6. TE Dalton Schultz
7. CB James Bradberry
8. S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
14. LB Lavonte David
The Cowboys have kept safety Donovan Wilson on a three-year agreement, a source confirmed to ESPN Dallas Cowboys reporter Todd Archer. This keeps the three safeties together: Wilson, Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker.
New England Patriots free agent wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has agreed to a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $33 million, including $21 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move reunites Meyers with Raiders coach Josh McDaniels, who was Meyers’ offensive coordinator with the Patriots from 2019 to ’21.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trading veteran guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal will include the teams flipping late-round draft picks, per source.
Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce and the Philadelphia Eagles have reached an agreement on a one-year, $14.25 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
From ESPN New York Jets reporter Rich Cimini: Another player to watch today is defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. The Jets want him back, but he has interest from others. The defensive tackle market was busy on Day 1.
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to re-sign quarterback Nick Mullens, who backed up Kirk Cousins last season, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New York Jets are actively working to reach an agreement with Green Bay Packers free agent wide receiver Allen Lazard. There is another team involved. Signing Lazard would reunite him with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who served as the Packers’ OC from 2019 to 2021.
The Atlanta Falcons plan to sign quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, adding the former Washington Commanders fan favorite to a quarterback room that once again will be in transition in 2023. A source told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein that Heinicke is expected to enter training camp as the backup to Desmond Ridder, who started the final four games of his rookie season in 2022.
Linebacker Luke Gifford has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Gifford led the Cowboys in special-teams tackles in 2022, and coaches believed he could handle larger role on defense.
Here’s how five teams created cap space through reworked contracts, from ESPN’s Field Yates:
On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons finally showed what the “next phase” of their rebuilding process was going to look like. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., through a trade, a contract extension, some re-signings and agreeing to terms with free agents, the franchise spent at least a reported $233 million in life-of-the-contract money on six players.
Former Los Angeles Rams kicker Matt Gay plans to sign a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, according to his agent, David Canter.
Edge rusher Marcus Davenport has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, sources confirmed to ESPN. He has 21.5 sacks, 60 quarterback hits and seven forced fumbles in five seasons.
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
The Chicago Bears have agreed to sign former Titans defensive end DeMarcus Walker to a three-year deal worth $21 million with $16 million guaranteed, a source confirmed to ESPN.
A source confirms to ESPN’s Field Yates that the New York Jets are converting $6 million of defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers‘ base salary into a signing bonus, opening up $4.8 million in cap space.
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with former Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss, which ESPN confirmed.
Free agent defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones is signing a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, he told CBS Sports on Monday night.
The Buffalo Bills have restructured the contracts of quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Von Miller to free up $32 million of cap space, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates.
The Houston Texans have agreed to sign former 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward, ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime confirmed.
The New Orleans Saints will re-sign quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year, $4 million deal with incentives bringing the worth of the deal up to $8 million, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed.
The Denver Broncos will sign former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Zach Allen to a three-year, $45.75 million deal with $32.5 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Los Angeles Chargers and former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks have agreed to terms, Kendricks announced on Instagram.
The Miami Dolphins will re-sign linebacker Duke Riley to a two-year deal, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Carolina Panthers will re-sign center Bradley Bozeman through at least the 2024 season, reports ESPN’s David Newton.
The Denver Broncos have agreed to re-sign linebacker Alex Singleton to a three-year, $18 million deal with $9 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The New York Giants are signing Indianapolis Colts ILB Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million deal, a source told ESPN. Okereke had 151 tackles in 2022.
The Miami Dolphins will sign former Tennessee Titans linebacker David Long Jr. to a two-year, $11 million deal, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with Jacksonville Jaguars TE Chris Manhertz on a two-year, $6 million deal with $3.334 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Matt Breida will return to the Giants on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a deal with Eagles safety Marcus Epps, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The New York Jets have re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
The Tennessee Titans are signing free agent left tackle Andre Dillard, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. Dillard is a former Philadelphia first-round pick.
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a three-year deal with DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo will likely replace Jadeveon Clowney as Cleveland’s defensive end starter opposite Myles Garrett.
Linebacker Cody Barton has agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The Detroit Lions are re-signing LB Alex Anzalone to a three-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
The Dallas Cowboys have restructured the contract of WR Michael Gallup, creating roughly $7 million in cap room. With an $11 million base salary, this was always the design of the five-year contract he signed last year. The team believes Gallup will be much improved in his second year removed from ACL surgery.
The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed OT Brett Toth, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The New York Jets have cut OL Dru Samia, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with former Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He bolsters the 49ers’ depth at quarterback with Jimmy Garoppolo‘s exit to the Las Vegas Raiders and both Brock Purdy and Trey Lance returning from injuries.
The Washington Commanders have claimed CB Cam Dantzler off waivers from Minnesota. He was a 2020 third-round draft pick by the Vikings.
After a flurry of salary cap-saving moves last week, the Buccaneers are re-signing one of their top free agents in cornerback Jamel Dean, who will stay in Tampa on a four-year deal worth $52 million, sources told ESPN.
The New York Giants are signing DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, a source told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Nunez-Roches, entering his ninth season, has played for the Chiefs and Bucs.
The Dallas Cowboys have contacted LB Bobby Wagner about their interest in signing him for the second time in as many years. And the Seahawks are interested too. A source told ESPN’s Ed Werder that the Wagner decision is not imminent as both seek to determine his current value.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an agreement with Pro Bowl CB Patrick Peterson on a two-year deal, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Atlanta Falcons continued their free agency spending spree Monday, agreeing to terms with Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates, sources told multiple ESPN reporters. The deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is for four years and $65.02 million, including $23 million in the first year and $36 million over the first two years of the contract.
A key member of the Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense is returning for 2023. Linebacker Germaine Pratt has agreed to terms on a three-year deal, he confirmed to the team’s website on Monday.
The Chicago Bears agreed to sign G Nate Davis to three-year deal, sources told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. Davis started 54 games at right guard for the Tennessee Titans over the past four seasons.
The Denver Broncos are expected to sign backup QB Jarrett Stidham. Stidham, who spent last season with the division rival Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to receive a two-year deal worth $10 million, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold.
The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed defensive tackle Kevin Givens to a one-year deal that a source told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner is worth up to $2.1 million.
The Buffalo Bills have signed Cam Lewis to a one-year deal. He was a restricted free agent. The Bills officially announced him as a cornerback after he spent time at safety last season but primarily played special teams.
The Chicago Bears are giving LB Tremaine Edmunds a four-year, $72 million deal that includes $50 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It is the largest four-year contract for an inside linebacker in the NFL.
The Cleveland Browns are re-signing center Ethan Pocic, sources told ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
The Washington Commanders have agreed to a deal with Chiefs OL Andrew Wylie for three years, $24 million, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
Niners’ DT Hassan Ridgeway is expected to sign a one-year, $4 million deal that includes $3 million fully guaranteed with the Houston Texans, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Veteran safety Vonn Bell is signing with the Carolina Panthers, a source told ESPN’s Fowler on Monday.
Bell, who started 48 games for the Cincinnati Bengals over the past three seasons, can match up against tight ends, and he plays with a physical demeanor in the box. He’s a dependable and tough veteran safety who can play top-down from split-field alignments and make plays on the ball.
Ravens TE Josh Oliver is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, sources told ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
The New York Giants re-signed OL Wyatt Davis. He was set to be an exclusive rights free agent. Davis played one game for them this past season.
The Buffalo Bills are beginning to fill some of the holes on the roster in free agency, agreeing to terms with former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Connor McGovern on a three-year, $23 million deal on Monday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor reached agreement on a four-year, $80 million deal — including $60 million guaranteed — with the Kansas City Chiefs, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. Taylor, 25, showed marked improvement in the 2022 season and was considered the Jaguars’ most consistent offensive lineman. That coincided with the arrival of offensive line coach Phil Rauscher.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Case Keenum plans to sign with the Houston Texans, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports. He started his NFL career with the Texans in 2013 and started 10 games for the franchise between 2013 and 2014. The Texans are also signing linebacker Chase Winovich and running back Mike Boone, per ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton plans to sign with the Detroit Lions, a source told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. Sutton agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $33 million, the source told Woodyard.
The Miami Dolphins and former New York Jets quarterback Mike White have agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $16 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. White will back up Tua Tagovailoa, who had the fifth-year option on his rookie deal picked up, sources told ESPN on Friday.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo plans to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, sources told ESPN’s Dianna Russini and Adam Schefter. Garoppolo agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal, including $34 million guaranteed, a source told Schefter. He played for Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels with the New England Patriots and they now will reunite in Las Vegas.
The Carolina Panthers took their first step toward rebuilding their defensive front by reaching an agreement with former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed Monday to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Tuttle, who grew about an hour from Charlotte in Midway and attended North Davidson High, got a three-year deal worth $19.5 million, with $13 million guaranteed.
Former New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates is signing with the Washington Commanders, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. He goes to the division rivals with a chance to play center again. Gates made the amazing comeback from a broken leg that happened in Washington.
Punter Bradley Pinion is heading back to the Atlanta Falcons, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. The two sides agreed to three years, $8.65 million.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini is reporting that right tackle Mike McGlinchey is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has reached agreement on a four-year, $84 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed at signing with the San Francisco 49ers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Hargrave, who turned 30 in February, posted a career-high 11 sacks for the Eagles this past season. He helped pace a unit that generated 70 sacks overall in 2022 — the third-most in NFL history. He added 16 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Cornerback Danny Johnson has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Washington Commanders, per ESPN’s John Keim.
The Indianapolis Colts announced that they have signed defensive end Tyquan Lewis to a contract extension.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing defensive tackle David Onyemata to a three-year deal.
The Green Bay Packers are re-signing their All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon, a source told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
Philadelphia Eagles and longtime captain Jason Kelce announced he will return to the team for a 13th season.
“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” Kelce tweeted Monday. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me.”
Sources with multiple teams tell ESPN’s Dan Graziano that they believe the Denver Broncos could trade a wide receiver. Denver has had talks with teams about Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Teams say the Broncos are asking high prices — not just dumping — but it’s not out of the question one gets moved.
Baltimore Ravens free agent guard Ben Powers plans to sign with the Denver Broncos, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday.
Powers, 26, is a two-year starting left guard who improved as much as anyone on the Ravens’ roster over that span. At the end of the 2022 season, general manager Eric DeCosta said Powers had a “phenomenal” season and predicted that Powers would be sought after in free agency.
The Baltimore Ravens released six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell on Monday, which allowed the team to get quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s franchise tag under the salary cap. The Ravens created $7 million in much-needed cap space by cutting Campbell, who had the fifth-highest cap figure ($9.44 million) on the team.
The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to pursue safety John Johnson III, who will be released by the Cleveland Browns this week, per source.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are exploring trade possibilities with guard Shaq Mason, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Mason carries a $9.6 million cap hit for the cap-strapped Bucs. A quality guard appears ready to enter the market.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini is reporting that the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos are targeting right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
Philadelphia Eagles free agent linebacker T.J. Edwards plans to sign with the Chicago Bears, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. Edwards, 26, signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin in 2019 and exceeded expectations year over year during his four seasons with the team.
The New England Patriots and cornerback Jonathan Jones have agreed on a two-year deal for him to return to the team, according to a source. Jones, who turns 30 in September, filled the unexpected role of No. 1 cornerback for the Patriots in 2022. He started 16 games, missing one, and finished tied for the team high with four interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension failed to progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Ekeler, 27, is entering the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract and is scheduled to earn $6.25 million.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest in free agent quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines‘ cap hit of $4.79 million in 2023 will be reduced to $3.5 million, per ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, saving the team about $1.3 million. He will receive a $1 million signing bonus, spread out over this year and next.
The NFL’s legal tampering period has begun, with teams permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of unrestricted free agents.
The Atlanta Falcons are giving Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom a five-year extension, the franchise announced Monday. The deal is for five years and $105 million, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler, making Lindstrom the NFL’s highest-paid guard and will now keep him with the club through the 2028 season.
From ESPN’s Adam Schefter: When the negotiating window for free agency opens in under an hour, the Texans and Raiders are expected to pursue former 49ers’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per league sources. Jets also could get in, but they’re in wait-and-see mode right now.
Defensive end Cameron Jordan and the New Orleans Saints are reworking his contract to save the team $10 million against this year’s cap, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with scheduled free agent quarterback Easton Stick. He’ll return as a backup to Justin Herbert.
The New England Patriots are trading tight end Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2023 seventh-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. The trade reunites Smith with coach Arthur Smith, who coached Smith with the Tennessee Titans. The trade will be processed Wednesday, when 2023 league year officially begins.
The Cincinnati Bengals brought safety Michael Thomas back on a one-year deal. He is a key veteran and presence on special teams.
From ESPN’s Rob Demovsky: We’re an hour away from the start of the free agent negotiating period, and I’m told neither the Packers nor the Jets know what Aaron Rodgers is going to do.
Per ESPN’s David Newton, the Carolina Panthers have offers out to RB D’Onta Foreman and C Bradley Bozeman. They have had preliminary discussions with QB Sam Darnold. Finding a vet QB and help at WR, because DJ Moore was traded to the Chicago Bears, are priorities.
The Bills are re-signing punter Sam Martin to a three-year deal and linebacker Tyler Matakevich to a one-year deal, the team announced.
The Detroit Lions kept Isaiah Buggs in the fold by re-signing him Monday. “We’re going to build something great here, and I want to be a part of it when it happens,” Buggs said, adding he “always wanted to be back.”
The Cleveland Browns have restructured the record-setting contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, clearing $36 million in cap space ahead of free agency, a source told ESPN.
The Browns signed Watson last offseason to a new five-year deal worth an NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed. Before restructuring Watson’s deal, the Browns were roughly $14 million over the salary cap. Now, Cleveland has cap space heading into the free agency negotiating window.
From ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler: Running back Gus Edwards‘ reworked contract in Baltimore reduces his pay by about $1 million (from $4.38 million) but includes incentives to earn that money back and more, per source.
The New York Giants are re-signing punter Jamie Gillan, who averaged a career-best 46.8 yards per punt in 2022. The team is also re-signing long-snapper Casey Kreiter to a one-year deal, according to sources.
The 2023 NFL free agent class is loaded, especially at defensive line, offensive line, defensive back and running back. We updated our ranking of the top 100 players on the open market — which originally posted last week — and included a few late additions to the pool.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio knows things are different going into the upcoming season. Heading into Year 3 on the job, Caserio isn’t fazed by the heightened pressure to accelerate a complete rebuild of an organization that has won just 11 games in his past three seasons, and he also isn’t allowing the higher expectations to change his approach to how he envisions building his team.
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Safety Tashaun Gipson joined the San Francisco 49ers just 20 days before the start of the 2022 season and claimed the starting free safety job when Jimmie Ward was lost to a training camp injury. Now Gipson is set to hold it for at least another season after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $2.9 million on Sunday, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.
While they wait on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets locked up linebacker Quincy Williams with a three-year, $18 million contract, a source told ESPN on Sunday. The deal can be worth as much as $21 million and it includes $9 million in guarantees, the source said.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has reached agreement on a four-year, $90 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday. Payne had received the franchise tag from the Commanders before reaching agreement on his new deal.
The New York Giants are expected to sign wide receiver Sterling Shepard to a new deal, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Sunday.
Shepard has dealt with injuries the past few years with the New York Giants. He tore the ACL in his left knee back in September, after tearing his Achilles the previous season. He’s also dealt with knee, concussion, ankle, quad and hamstring injuries throughout his career.
The Los Angeles Rams are trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a 2023 third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The trade will be processed Wednesday, when 2023 league year officially begins.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the New Orleans Saints are not expected to tender restricted free agent wide receiver Marquez Callaway. Returning to New Orleans is still an option, but he’s now set to hit unrestricted free agency. Callaway had 1,069 yards and seven TDs in three years with the Saints.
The Buffalo Bills made a move for now and the future, locking down All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano with a two-year contract extension through the 2026 season, the team announced on Sunday. The move also helps the Bills by creating approximately $6 million in cap space, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The team entered the weekend $19 million over the 2023 cap. Defensive tackle Tim Settle‘s contract was restructured to open up $600,000 space as well, ESPN’s Field Yates reported.
The start of the legal tampering period means conversations between agents and teams can begin in earnest on Monday afternoon, with deals becoming official starting on Wednesday. If history is any indication, the next few days will be a frenzy. ESPN’s NFL Insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler will be there every step of the way, as weeks of buzz give way to a more official round of business.
When agent Drew Rosenhaus took his annual visit to New England Patriots training camp in late July of 2022, checking in with coach Bill Belichick and his various clients on the team, he had a strategic decision to make with receiver Jakobi Meyers.
He could push for a contract extension. Meyers was coming off a season in which he led the team with 83 catches and had been tendered at the second-round level as a restricted free agent ($3.9 million). He was underpaid and worthy of a bump. Or Rosenhaus could preach patience, reminding Meyers that he was one year away from hitting the open market, which is the ideal situation for players to land the most lucrative contract in a competitive bidding situation.
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is ready to reinvent himself. The Saints introduced Carr in a news conference that spanned 45 minutes on Saturday. Carr sat next to Saints coach Dennis Allen, with his family and the Saints front office in attendance. He talked about his nine-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, how the Saints convinced him to join their team and what’s next.
Preparing for free agency and the possible addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets created $13.1 million in salary cap room by restructuring three veteran contracts. They reworked the contracts of three players from their 2022 free agent class — guard Laken Tomlinson, cornerback D.J. Reed and tight end Tyler Conklin, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Chargers have solved their salary cap woes without having to release any formidable playmakers ahead of the new league year that starts on Wednesday, enabling them to keep together the pillars of a roster that the organization hopes can challenge in the AFC West and make a deep playoff run.
For the past two years, the Cincinnati Bengals have enjoyed the luxury of having two of the NFL’s top young wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have produced big plays when Cincinnati needed them. In seven playoff games over the last two seasons, the duo has combined for 1,045 receiving yards and six touchdowns. But of the Bengals’ top three young offensive players, Higgins is the most expendable.
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About a dozen NFL teams seeking flashes of the Odell Beckham Jr. of old attended his free-agency workout Friday in Arizona, a source told ESPN. According to the source, coaches and scouts from the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens were among the estimated 12-14 teams on hand to see Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who sat out last season while recovering from a torn ACL.
The Houston Texans signed wide receiver Robert Woods to a two-year contract worth $15.25 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Houston will be Woods’ fourth team, as he played for the Bills and Rams before spending last season with the Tennessee Titans, where he caught 53 passes for 527 yards and two touchdowns.
Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Chicago Bears are trading the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for 2023 No. 9 overall, 2023 No. 61 overall, a 2024 first-round pick in 2024, a 2025 second-round pick and WR DJ Moore.
Bailey has been the punter for the New England Patriots since the 2019 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released cornerback William Jackson III, creating $12,187,500 in cap space. The team also released defensive back Carlins Platel.
The Washington Commanders announce signing of T Drew Himmelman. He signed with team last offseason and was later cut.
The Denver Broncos are releasing RB Chase Edmonds, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. His release will save Denver $5.92 million against its cap. Denver also released cornerback Ronald Darby and guard Graham Glasgow on Friday.
The Carolina Panthers have released LB Damien Wilson. Saves the team about $3.6 million in cap space.
The Minnesota Vikings have waived CB Cameron Dantzler Sr.. He’ll clear $2.74 million from the salary cap.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have restructured Vita Vea‘s contract, reducing his salary cap hit for 2023 by about $9 million, per source.
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after 13 seasons, which included three Super Bowl championships.
The Green Bay Packers have restructured left tackle David Bakhtiari‘s contract, converting $9.5 million into a March roster bonus and $5.5 million of his 2023 base salary into a guaranteed signing bonus, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Miami Dolphins have told quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that they will pick up his fifth-year option. He is guaranteed a $23.4 million salary for 2024.
The Los Angeles Rams are planning to release outside linebacker Leonard Floyd on Friday, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The New York Jets are not tendering running back James Robinson, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He will be a free agent.
The Dallas Cowboys have restructured the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and guard Zack Martin, creating nearly $30 million in cap space.
The Tennessee Titans are releasing center Ben Jones, saving the Titans $3.7 million in cap space.
Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham has agreed to terms on a one-year deal to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles, declining to enter free agency out of loyalty to the organization, he told ESPN on Friday. The deal is worth up to $6 million, according to a source.
The New Orleans Saints have offered quarterback Jameis Winston a restructured deal to stay with the team, sources told ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Friday. Winston has until Wednesday, the start of the new league year, to accept the offer or he will be released, sources said.
The Philadelphia Eagles have allowed cornerback Darius Slay‘s agent Drew Rosenhaus to seek a trade, sources tell ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
Slay did not ask to be traded, the sources added, and the Eagles are still hopeful to find a solution where Slay remains an Eagle. Slay, 32, is entering the final year of his three-year, $50 million deal. He is slated to make a base salary of $17 million in 2023 with a cap hit of over $26 million, per Spotrac.
From ESPN’s Adam Schefter: The Miami Dolphins are converting wide receiver Tyreek Hill‘s $10 million roster bonus and $16 million salary into a $24.835 million bonus and an $1.165 million salary, saving the team about $18 million against their salary cap, per sources.
The Minnesota Vikings will release receiver Adam Thielen on Friday, according to a source, concluding a storied tenure for the native Minnesotan that captured the hearts of fans throughout the region.
A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, who played collegiately at Minnesota State, Mankato, Thielen signed with the team in 2013 after serving as a tryout player at rookie minicamp. By the end of the 2022 season, he had more career catches (534) than any player in team history other than Cris Carter and Randy Moss, both of whom are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
From ESPN’s Dianna Russini: The New Orleans Saints are giving All-Pro Special teamer J.T. Gray a three-year extension, per sources.
With only days remaining before free agency commences, let’s find free agents whose reputations either over or underrate them. We’ll tackle one of each by position and, as always, we’ll rely heavily on our quantitative metrics largely from ESPN and NFL Next Gen Stats to help in our player evaluation.
The Dallas Cowboys have not made a financially significant outside signing in free agency since signing cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50 million deal in 2012. They attempted to make one a few years ago in receiver Sammy Watkins, but he joined the Kansas City Chiefs instead on a deal that averaged $16 million a year. They have been content to scrape around free agency’s edges, getting players at the Cowboys’ price.
While they want to avoid megacontracts in free agency, their stated goal every year is to retain their own with long, megacontracts before the player can hit free agency. Except that’s not exactly happened lately.
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According to sources, Odell Beckham Jr., the No. 19 available free agent in ESPN’s top 100 rankings, will hold a workout Friday in Arizona, reports ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan. The 30-year-old Beckham missed last season after tearing his left ACL in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVI while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Tennessee Titans plan to release outside linebacker Bud Dupree at the start of the new league year next week, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. The move will save the Titans $9.35 million against their salary cap. Dupree was set to hold a $17 million cap hit if he remained with Tennessee in 2023. Once Dupree’s release becomes official, the Titans will have around $23 million in cap space at the start of the free agency period.
The Seattle Seahawks releasing veteran guard Gabe Jackson creates $6.5 million in 2023 cap space, while leaving $4.7 million in dead money.
The Philadelphia Eagles have released offensive tackle Brett Toth.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL is taking a 2023 fifth-round pick from the Texans and fining them $175,000 for what the league believes is a salary-cap violation and what Houston believes is an accounting error that dates back Deshaun Watson‘s training during COVID. The Texans believe it gave them no salary-cap advantage and they were simply paying $26,000 for Watson to train at a local facility while theirs was closed during COVID.
The Texans appealed the league’s initial penalties, with some success. They had the NFL’s initial punishment reduced from a fourth-round pick and a $250,000 fine to a fifth-round pick and a $175,000 fine.
From ESPN’s Adam Schefter: There’s a real possibility the Minnesota Vikings and Adam Thielen will part ways in the coming days, allowing the two-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver to become a free agent, per sources. The two sides will talk in coming days, but his time in Minnesota could be coming to an end.
The New York Jets traded a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Ravens in exchange for Chuck Clark, a longtime starter who will add experience to the back end of an already strong defense. Clark, who turns 28 on April 19, spent six years with the Ravens, the last four as a starter. He became expendable because last offseason they signed Marcus Williams as a free agent and drafted Kyle Hamilton in the first round.
From ESPN’s Adam Schefter: The New York Jets will be releasing wide receiver Braxton Berrios at the start of the league year next week, per source. The two sides discussed a restructuring of his contract but were unable to reach agreement. His release will save $5 million against Jets’ cap.
The New York Jets are becoming more confident in their chances of landing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sources close to the situation told ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Thursday.
The Jets’ increasing optimism follows their meeting this week with the Green Bay Packers quarterback. A contingent of Jets team officials — including owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett — flew to California on Tuesday to meet in person with Rodgers, sources previously told ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Free agency is just a few days away, and the 2023 class is loaded. Who are the top free agents, and where will they sign? Which teams should be watched closely over the next few weeks? And which quarterbacks could find a new home? To get you ready for all the action, our NFL team is here to break down everything you’d ever want to know for free agent frenzy.
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From ESPN’s Mike Reiss: Veteran C/G James Ferentz has signed a 1-year deal to return to the New England Patriots. The deal includes a base salary of $1.165 million. He appeared in 12 games (three starts) last season. The 33-year-old provides depth behind the starting trio of Cole Strange (left guard), David Andrews (center) and Mike Onwenu (right guard).
When Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999, he swung big on free agents. His first free agent class 23 years ago included future Hall of Famers Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith. Later, Snyder gave out the first $100 million contract, to Albert Haynesworth in 2009. Snyder will not exit the NFL in the same fashion, assuming the team indeed is sold this offseason, as multiple sources still believe will happen.
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The Arizona Cardinals have released wide receiver Chosen Robbie Anderson. This move will save Arizona $12 million in cap space.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have cut cornerback Shaquill Griffin in a move that will save the team $13.15 million.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys are working on a resolution to bring eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith back for a 13th season, which could include a reworked contract. Smith is due $13.6 million in the final year of his contract.
Who represents the best match for each team? Our friends at Football Outsiders suggest one important free agent signing for all 32.
Minnesota arrived at the NFL combine on a mission, at least when it came to the media portion of the event. Beyond discussing the hiring of defensive coordinator Brian Flores and a host of impending salary cap cuts, the team’s leaders were determined to express how much they love receiver Justin Jefferson as negotiations for a contract extension loom.
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The Dolphins will not be pursuing Lamar Jackson or any other starting QBs this off-season, multiple team sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. As one source said, “Mike fully believes Tua is the perfect fit for his system.”
The New York Giants have agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal with quarterback Daniel Jones, sources told ESPN, and have used their nonexclusive franchise tag on star running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants made the moves just ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for NFL teams to use their franchise and transition tags.
Jones will make $82 million guaranteed at signing as part of the deal, which also includes up to $35 million in incentives, sources told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. Barkley will make make $10.091 million in 2023 under the nonexclusive franchise tender.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Atlanta Falcons will not be pursuing QB Lamar Jackson.
Defensive end Frank Clark, third on the list of all-time NFL postseason sack leaders, was released by Kansas City on Tuesday.
The Atlanta Falcons are not franchise-tagging RT Kaleb McGary, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. One of the top offensive linemen available is set to hit free agency.
The Baltimore Ravens have placed the $32.41 million nonexclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. He now is free to negotiate with other teams, but the Ravens have the right to match any offer sheet he signs or take two first-round picks in return for him. The Ravens and Jackson have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released left tackle Donovan Smith. The Bucs will save $7.95 million against their salary cap by releasing him.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins have informed cornerback Byron Jones that he will be released on March 15 and will have the opportunity to enter free agency. The Dolphins are expected to designate him a post-June 1 cut, saving Miami $13.6 million against its salary cap.
The New York Jets have had conversations with the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week regarding a potential trade of the four-time MVP, according to sources. The sources said some of those conversations were expected to take place Tuesday, but it was unclear as of Tuesday morning whether they will result in a trade.
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Lorenzo Carter is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Falcons after being their most productive player at the position last season, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks are finalizing a three-year, $105 million contract, sources told ESPN on Monday. The deal includes $52 million in the first year, sources said.
The Las Vegas Raiders are using their franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs. He finished the 2022 season with career highs in rushing yards (1,653) and carries (340).
The Chiefs and defensive end Frank Clark‘s agent Erik Burkhardt were unable to find common ground on a reworked deal during several conversations at the combine, and the expectation now is that Kansas City will release him. Clark is third on the list of all-time NFL postseason sack leaders.
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially placed their franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Engram led the team’s tight ends in yardage (766), touchdowns (4) and receptions (73).
The Kansas City Chiefs will not be franchise-tagging left tackle Orlando Brown Jr, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Brown is set to be a free agent.
The former Atlanta Falcons receiver, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is back in the NFL a year after being suspended.
The Cowboys will use the second-round tender on restricted free agent right tackle Terence Steele ($4.3 million), as others have reported, and will not tender RB Rico Dowdle. Dallas would like to sign Steele, who is ahead of schedule on rehab from ACL/MCL injuries, per Stephen Jones, long term.
The Dallas Cowboys have placed their franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard. He is guaranteed $10.09 million for 2023 under the tag. Pollard suffered a high ankle sprain and had surgery in January but is expected to be 100 percent before training camp.
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is signing with the New Orleans Saints, sources told ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Monday. The Saints, who finished 7-10 last season, were among three teams, including the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, to have pursued Carr for several weeks after the Raiders allowed the veteran quarterback to talk to teams to possibly facilitate a trade.
The Rams are expected to release outside linebacker Leonard Floyd if they cannot trade him first, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Floyd has a $22 million cap hit in 2023. If the Rams cut him before June 1, they’ll incur $19 million of dead money in 2023 and save just $3 million of salary-cap space.
The Minnesota Vikings released veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks on Monday as they work to get under the salary cap. Kendricks, 31, has spent all eight seasons of his NFL career with the Vikings, who selected him in the second round of the 2015 draft. Last season he started all 17 games and finished with 137 tackles to lead the team.
We asked ESPN NFL insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler to empty their notebooks from their week in Indianapolis. They hit the quarterback market — including the latest on Derek Carr, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers — free agent sleepers and some draft risers.
New York Jets left tackle Duane Brown, 37, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who underwent recent surgery to repair a torn left rotator cuff, has decided to return for his 17th season, his agent, Kennard McGuire, told ESPN on Sunday.
The New England Patriots informed veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer of their intention to release him before the start of free agency, league sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.
The Las Vegas Raiders are planning to use the franchise tag on reigning NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs for the 2023 season, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. The franchise tag for running backs for the 2023 season will cost $10.09 million.
At the end of the season, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said “it takes two to tango” when asked about the chances of getting a deal done with quarterback Lamar Jackson this year. Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell said this week that Jackson is a willing dance partner.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to place the franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. The tight end franchise tag is $11.345 million.
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco on Wednesday ended speculation that the organization could move on from 10-year veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen this offseason.
“Keenan Allen isn’t going anywhere,” Telesco told reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
The Cincinnati Bengals emphatically let the rest of the NFL know that wide receiver Tee Higgins isn’t on the trading block.
During his annual session at the NFL scouting combine, team executive Duke Tobin refuted any notion that the team could be interested in shopping the standout receiver this offseason. The team’s longtime director of player personnel said teams haven’t presented any offers, and if they did, trading Higgins wasn’t a thought.
The New York Giants are “cautiously optimistic” that they can reach long-term deals with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, who are both set to become free agents and are also candidates for the franchise tag. Barkley’s future remains more uncertain, but Giants general manager Joe Schoen reiterated Tuesday that Jones will return in some capacity — whether under a new deal or the tag.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to release running back Leonard Fournette, a key contributor in their Super Bowl LV victory. The move will happen before the start of the new league year on March 15, a source told ESPN.
The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday in a move to free up salary cap space and move on from a player who had lost his starting position.
The Washington Commanders released quarterback Carson Wentz in a move that had been long expected. The move saves Washington $26.176 million on the salary cap this offseason. Wentz had two years remaining on his contract but had no guaranteed money.
