Follow NFL free agency live: We're tracking every deal, big and small - 43 minutes read


Who's ready for 2021 NFL free agency? With Super Bowl LV in the rearview mirror, one of the strangest NFL offseasons ever is just getting started. We've already seen quarterback trades and other drama around star signal-callers, and the franchise tag window has come and gone with 10 players getting tagged.

Free agency is off and running. Teams can now negotiate with free agents and officially sign them Wednesday when the new league year starts, and they're already striking deals to re-sign (and release) players and rumors are flowing on all the latest news across the league. Teams have to cut under the salary cap -- $182.5 million -- by Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Which teams will sign the biggest free agents? Offensive tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Kenny Golladay are the top players available, but several players are already off the board a day into free agency. Which teams are most active in free agency? What are we hearing on the trade front?

We're tracking every notable NFL free-agent agreement, trade and cut of the offseason, with the most recent moves at the top.

More coverage:
Grades for every big move
Ranking the top 100 free agents
Fantasy football reaction to moves
NFL free agency landing page

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March 16







The New England Patriots are signing former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, including $25 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

He now joins a Patriots team that is undergoing a pass-catching overhaul. On Monday the team gave out a total of nearly $100 million worth of contracts to tight end Jonnu Smith and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.


After 135 games, 106 sacks, eight Pro Bowls and one glorious Super Bowl MVP award, linebacker Von Miller's dance-filled run with the Denver Broncos will go on for at least one more season. The Broncos elected to exercise an option clause in Miller's contract that guarantees $7 million of Miller's $17.5 million base salary for the 2021 season, sources told ESPN.


Six of our top 10 free agents already have agreed to deals, but there are still several good players on the board, including most of the top group of receivers. Kenny Golladay, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Curtis Samuel, A.J. Green and Will Fuller V are still unsigned.


The Lions are planning to release DT Danny Shelton, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday. Shelton had been a 2020 signing by Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia. Shelton started all 12 games he played for Detroit last year, with one sack as a run-stopping DT. This move will give the Lions $4 million more in cap space with a dead money hit of $1.25 million.

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Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer3h ago


The Dallas Cowboys are poised to do anything they want in NFL free agency. It just might not be what Cowboys fans want them to do. As the free-agency period opens and big-name signings flash in your head, the wiser move for Cowboys fans would be to enjoy the early signs of spring instead.


All we have of new Denver Broncos general manager George Paton are a selection of video snippets: early-morning arrivals, a trip to North Dakota for Trey Lance's pro day and a stroll through the team store posted on the team's website. But with free agency set to formally begin Wednesday, Paton will give his first real glimpse, at least with the team's checkbook in hand, of how he thinks it should all fit together.


New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was uncharacteristically active Monday, the first day he could negotiate with free agents from other teams. In a reflection of how out of character it is, consider this: The Patriots spent $51 million in bonuses and guarantees on free agents over the prior three offseasons combined. As for the sudden change, there are a couple of different ways to look at it.

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March 15

Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has reached an agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke, the source said.


The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a deal with former New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, his agency confirmed on Twitter. Tomlinson, who turned 27 in February, was a stalwart in the middle of the defensive line for the Giants this past season, finishing with 49 tackles (8 for loss), 3.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. He also batted down a team-high four passes at the line of scrimmage, and his 5.1% run-stuff rate was third best among interior linemen, according to NextGen Stats.

The Vikings also signed former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Nick Vigil to a one-year deal that includes $1.35 million guaranteed, a league source told ESPN's Courtney Cronin.


The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday. The deal with Hendrickson, the former New Orleans Saints standout, includes $32 million over the first two years, the source said.




The Jets agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with defensive end Carl Lawson, a source told ESPN. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed.


Quarterback Jameis Winston reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the New Orleans Saints, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former No. 1 overall draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner turned 27 in January. He spent his first five seasons as a starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing a one-year deal to be a backup with New Orleans last year.




The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a deal with linebacker Bud Dupree, the former Steeler told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday. The deal will pay Dupree more than $16 million per year.




The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a deal with former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry, a source confirmed to ESPN's Turron Davenport on Monday.


Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis reached agreement on a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New York Jets, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. The deal includes $27 million guaranteed, sources said.






The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to get the band back together. The latest to rejoin: Rob Gronkowski.

The star tight end and the Bucs have agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.


The Broncos agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract that includes $19.5 million guaranteed with cornerback Ronald Darby, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Darby, who turned 27 in January, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million to play for Washington last season. He started all 16 regular-season games for the first time in his six-year career.




The Los Angeles Rams are re-signing linebacker Leonard Floyd to a four-year contract, the team announced Monday. The deal is worth $64 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Floyd is coming off a career-best season with the Rams, starting all 16 games at outside linebacker while recording a career-high 10.5 sacks, 55 tackles and 19 quarterback hits on the NFL's top-ranked defense.


The New England Patriots are giving former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor a two-year, $26 million deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.


The Las Vegas Raiders and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue have agreed to a two-year, $26 million deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. The deal includes $22 million guaranteed, a source said.

Ngakoue, who turns 26 on March 31, is a highly regarded disruptive pass-rusher who had a hectic 2020 season, receiving the franchise tag from the Jacksonville Jaguars after contract talks broke down before getting traded to the Minnesota Vikings and, later, the Baltimore Ravens.




The Denver Broncos are re-signing defensive tackle Shelby Harris to a three-year deal worth as much as $27 million, sources told ESPN.

Harris has effectively carved out a significant place in the Broncos' defense over the past four seasons, but especially in the past two since coach Vic Fangio's arrival. Harris became the team's most consistent presence up front and tied for the league lead this past season when he knocked down seven passes.


Jamaal Williams posted a goodbye message to Green Bay and the Packers on his Instagram account. It comes one day after Aaron Jones re-signed with the Packers (four years, $48 million). Both running backs were headed toward free agent. Now, Williams will get there, saying "I'm looking forward to what's ahead ... but nothing by love ... GB it's been real."

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Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer21h ago


The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a five-year contract with free agent center Corey Linsley, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The deal is worth $62.5 million with $17 million fully guaranteed at signing, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Linsley earned first-team All-Pro honors for this past season, becoming the first Green Bay Packers center to do so since Jim Ringo in 1963.


The Steelers signed cornerback Cameron Sutton to a two-year, $9 million contract, a league source told ESPN. Sutton, 26, was drafted by the Steelers out of Tennessee in the third round of the 2017 draft and was set to hit free agency.



Former Los Angeles Rams DE Samson Ebukam has agreed to a two-year, $12 million pact with the San Francisco 49ers, a source told ESPN's Nick Wagoner.


The New England Patriots continue to be busy on Monday, coming to an agreement with Deatrich Wise Jr. on a return to the team for the defensive lineman.


The Lions re-signed linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a one-year deal, a source told ESPN's Michael Rothstein. Reeves-Maybin had been one of the team's top special-teams players since being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft out of Tennessee.


The Jacksonville Jaguars' first step in addressing their defensive line issues began with agreeing to terms on a three-year contract with former Chicago Bears tackle Roy Robertson-Harris on Monday.

A league source confirmed to ESPN that the sides agreed to a three-year deal worth $24.4 million with $14 million guaranteed.


The Cleveland Browns are signing former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III to a three-year contract. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $33.75 million with $24 million guaranteed.

Johnson will fill a major hole in the Browns defense at safety, where Cleveland juggled several players in and out of the lineup last season.


The Lions have cut OL Joe Dahl. The 27-year-old Dahl played in 44 games in Detroit, starting 21 of them. A fifth-rounder out of Washington State in 2016, Dahl had been a developmental project because he was moving inside and hadn't played in a conventional pro offense with the Cougars.
He did well and elevated to a full-time starter in 2019.

Cutting him saves at least $1.6 million against the cap, according to Roster Management System.

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Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer20h ago


The Kansas City Chiefs and free agent offensive lineman Joe Thuney have agreed to a five-year, $80 million deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

Thuney, the previous standout for the New England Patriots, gives the Chiefs' O-line an immediate boost in the wake of the team's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February's Super Bowl.






Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Jalen Mills has agreed to a four-year, $24 million deal, with $9 million guaranteed, sources have told ESPN's Adam Schefter.


Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon has reached an agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $56 million deal, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed.




Cornerback Jason Verrett is re-signing with the San Francisco 49ers, general manager John Lynch announced Monday. A league source told ESPN's Nick Wagoner that Verrett received a one-year, $5.5 million deal with incentives.




Kevin Colbert will remain the Pittsburgh Steelers general manager for at least one more season. Colbert, 64, agreed to a one-year extension that keeps him with the team through the 2022 NFL draft.

Colbert, who enters his 11th season as general manager and 22nd with the organization, has been working on year-to-year deals since the end of the 2019 season. His previous contract, agreed to after the 2020 season, kept him with the team through the 2021 draft.


The Patriots also agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $16 million that includes $9 million fully guaranteed with former Miami Dolphins nose tackle Davon Godchaux, Rosenhaus told Schefter.



Former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.


Romeo Okwara is staying in Detroit Lions after his breakout 2020 season, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $39 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Okwara will get $25 million when he officially signs the contract, a massive payday for a player the Lions claimed off the waiver wire after roster cutdowns in 2018 from the New York Giants.




The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Shaquil Barrett have agreed to a four-year deal worth up $72 million that keeps the star pass-rusher with the reigning Super Bowl champions, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.




The Philadelphia Eagles and defensive end Brandon Graham are working on a contract extension that will help with cap space, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The deal will likely be a one-year extension for the would-be 2022 free agent, a source told Fowler, that can re-arrange Graham's $17.9 million cap hit and $13 million salary while likely adding new money.






Former New York Giants guard Kevin Zeitler has reached an agreement on a three-year, $22.5 million deal, including $16 million guaranteed, with the Baltimore Ravens, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants released Zeitler in March in a move that cleared $12 million in salary-cap space.



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March 14

The San Francisco 49ers are re-signing fullback Kyle Juszczyk to a five-year, $27 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Juszczyk, 29, was one of the 49ers' first free-agent signings after coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch took over in 2017. At the time, San Francisco outbid a handful of other suitors, making Juszczyk the highest-paid fullback in league history.


One of the most prolific and powerful careers in NFL history has come to an end as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees announced Sunday on Instagram he has decided to retire after 20 seasons. Brees, 42, retires as the NFL's all-time leader in career passing yards (80,358) and ranks second all time in touchdown passes (571) and completion percentage (67.7%).








Running back Aaron Jones has reached an agreement with the Green Bay Packers on a four-year deal worth $48 million, including a $13 million signing bonus, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Packers decided not to use their franchise tag on Jones before the deadline to do so last Tuesday and instead continued talks on a long-term contract.



The New England Patriots have agreed to trade longtime right tackle Marcus Cannon to the Houston Texans in a deal that involves a swap of middle- to late-round draft picks, sources told ESPN. Cannon had opted out of the 2020 season, and sources said a catalyst for the trade was that he had not reported to the Patriots for a physical and workout -- due to COVID-19 considerations -- with the team's other players who opted out.




The Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans have agreed to a swap of starting linebackers, with Miami sending Shaq Lawson to Houston and receiving Benardrick McKinney in return, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The teams also are swapping late-round picks in the deal. Miami is sending out a 2021 sixth-round pick and receiving back a 2021 seventh-round pick, sources told ESPN.



The Chicago Bears and defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. are finalizing a three-year, $11.5 million deal, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Edwards, 27, had a career-high four sacks in 15 games for the Bears last season.


Trent Williams could cash in. The Seahawks are trying to help Russell Wilson. And the free-agent wide receivers are a mystery. Here's what we're hearing before free agency kicks off Monday.

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March 13

Offensive tackle Nate Solder is expected to return to the New York Giants on a reworked deal, a source told ESPN, with financial details still to be finalized. Solder, who opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns for his family, was scheduled to make $10 million in 2021, while costing $16.5 million against the salary cap this season.


Casey Hayward Jr. was released by the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. The cornerback spent five seasons with the franchise after signing as a free agent in 2016. Hayward, who was a team captain, played in 14 games with 13 starts last season, registering an interception and eight passes defensed.


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March 12


With free agency approaching, the San Francisco 49ers' top cornerbacks were all slated for some form of free agency. On Friday, that number dwindled to three as the Niners struck a deal with Emmanuel Moseley. Moseley agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $10.1 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. That means Moseley, who was slated to be a restricted free agent, will not have to go through the tender offer process and is signed for the next two seasons.


The Los Angeles Chargers have released offensive guard Trai Turner, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Turner was released after the Chargers first attempted to trade him. He was acquired by the Chargers during the 2020 offseason in a trade that sent veteran offensive tackle Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers.


The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to restructure quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract to provide some cap relief, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team is expected to convert Mahomes' $21.7 million roster bonus to a signing bonus in the coming days, which would save the Chiefs $17 million against the cap, sources said.


The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with starting right tackle Daryl Williams, according to a source. The deal is worth $28.2 million, with $14 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network.


The Pittsburgh Steelers are fortifying their offensive line with a familiar face. Veteran lineman B.J. Finney is signing a contract with the Steelers, a league source told ESPN.






Tom Brady reached agreement with the Buccaneers today on a four-year contract extension that voids to a one-year extension, locking him in with Tampa Bay through the 2022 season, sources tell ESPN. The extension saves the Buccaneers $19 million against the cap this year, per sources. The additional voidable years are there to defray the cost.



The New Orleans Saints plan to release linebacker Kwon Alexander, a source confirmed, as they continue to chip away at their massive salary-cap deficit. Alexander's release is not surprising since he tore his Achilles in Week 16 and was due $13.4 million this season. But it's not out of the question that the two sides could consider a reunion when he gets healthy.


Cam Newton is re-signing with the Patriots on a one-year deal, sources have confirmed to ESPN. The contract is worth close to $14 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Newton, who will turn 32 in May, hoped to return to New England after signing a modest one-year deal with them in 2020. On the "I Am Athlete" podcast in late February, he said he would be open to another one-year deal in New England.


Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The return of McPhee provides some stability to the Ravens' pass rush. McPhee was one of four Baltimore outside linebackers set to become unrestricted free agents who could begin to talk to other teams starting Monday.

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March 11

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a three-year contract extension with place kicker Cairo Santos worth up to $11 million, according to a source. Santos set a franchise record by connecting on 27 consecutive field goals in 2020, and finished the year 30-of-32.


The Atlanta Falcons have re-signed placekicker Younghoe Koo and three other exclusive rights free agents. The Falcons also announced they have re-signed cornerback Tyler Hall, wide receiver Christian Blake and defensive end Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. Koo earned Pro Bowl honors after making 37 of 39 field-goal attempts, including each of his eight kicks from 50 yards or longer.


The Buffalo Bills and linebacker Matt Milano have agreed to a four-year contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, keeping the unrestricted free agent in Buffalo through at least the 2024 season. The deal is reportedly worth $44 million with $24 million guaranteed.


Former Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram II has reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Houston Texans, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Ingram will join a Texans backfield led by starter David Johnson, who agreed to a restructured contract to remain with the team.


The Detroit Lions have informed slot cornerback Justin Coleman he will be released by the franchise, a source confirmed to ESPN. Coleman is the second Detroit defensive back to learn of his pending release this offseason, joining Desmond Trufant. Coleman had been scheduled to count $11.029 million against the cap in 2021 and depending how he's designated upon his release, the Lions may save up to $9 million if he's declared a post-June 1 release.

The Lions also told tight end Jesse James he would be released, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Moving on from James could save between $3.571 million and $5 million, depending how his release is designated, according to Roster Management System. He will account for $2.858 million in dead money this year.


Speaking for the first time since his introductory news conference, Houston Texans coach David Culley reiterated that the team is committed to quarterback Deshaun Watson. "We are very committed to Deshaun as our quarterback," Culley said. "He is our quarterback. He's the only guy we got under contract at this time, right now."


Ray-Ray McCloud's solid season with the Pittsburgh Steelers earned the wide receiver/returner a second stint with the team. The Steelers signed McCloud to a one-year deal on Thursday. McCloud had been a restricted free agent.


The Texans have restructured wide receiver Brandin Cooks' contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. According to a source, the restructure voids the final season of the deal Cooks signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, meaning he will now be a free agent after the 2022 season.


The Kansas City Chiefs released longtime starting tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, moves that will save the team more than $18 million against its salary cap but leaves it looking to rebuild at two key spots on the offensive line. The Chiefs' most obvious candidate to start at tackle next season is Lucas Niang, who was a third-round draft pick last season. Niang didn't play last year after opting out.


The New Orleans Saints will release veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins in their latest move to save money against the salary cap, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move will save the Saints $7 million against the cap, which is $182.5 million for the 2021 season -- an 8% decrease from last year.

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March 10

Riley Reiff became the first domino to fall for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and will allow the team more financial flexibility to go after unrestricted free agents. The left tackle was due a $5 million roster bonus on March 19, which was negotiated into his contract upon agreeing to a restructured deal last September. His release frees up $11.75 million in cap space to put Minnesota $8,730,584 under the cap.


The Tennessee Titans released safety Kenny Vaccaro and officially announced Malcolm Butler was being released. Releasing Vaccaro saves the team $3.9 million in cap space.


The Miami Dolphins released linebacker Kyle Van Noy just one year into his four-year, $51 million contract signed last March. The team tried to trade him over the last week but was unsuccessful and decided to move on.


The New York Giants released veteran guard Kevin Zeitler after two years with the team. Zeitler, 31, was the Giants' best and most consistent offensive lineman last season. But he was set to earn $12 million and count $14.5 million against the salary cap.


The Carolina Panthers restructured the deals of running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Shaq Thompson to clear more than $11 million in salary cap space. They saved $5.6 million in space on McCaffrey, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, by converting his 2021 base salary of just over $8 million into signing bonus.


The Bills have released wide receiver John Brown as well as defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson, the team announced Wednesday. Buffalo's decision to part ways with the 30-year-old receiver comes as little surprise; the Bills are $3.64 million under the NFL's $182.5 million salary cap for 2021, but releasing Brown clears $7.93 million in cap space for the upcoming season.


The New Orleans Saints are releasing veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders after just one season as they continue to trim their massive salary-cap deficit, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Sanders, who turns 34 next week, confirmed the move in an Instagram post.


The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed Wednesday to a salary cap of $182.5 million per team for 2021, a long-anticipated 8% decrease from last season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The drop-off will force teams to make difficult roster decisions in the coming days and weeks.

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March 9

The Tennessee Titans are releasing veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler, his agent, Derek Simpson, told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday. The seventh-year veteran would have held a $14.2 million cap number for the upcoming season. Releasing Butler clears $10.2 million in cap space.


Coach Bruce Arians made good on his word at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl boat parade, when he told inside linebacker Lavonte David, "Your ass ain't going nowhere." The Bucs agreed to terms with David on a two-year deal worth $25 million, with $20 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN, keeping one of the league's premier inside linebackers from hitting free agency.


The Green Bay Packers did not use the franchise tag to retain Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones, but they still have one more shot to retain him before he hits free agency. A source told Schefter that Green Bay is still attempting to re-sign Jones before he gets there. The team retains exclusive negotiating rights with him until Monday, when unrestricted free agents can begin talking to other teams. The tag would have cost the Packers about $8 million.


The Seattle Seahawks informed running back Chris Carson that they will not place their franchise tag on him, a source told Schefter. OverTheCap.com projected the franchise tag for running backs to cost just over $8 million. That was apparently too rich for the Seahawks.


The Cleveland Browns have released defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a move that will save the team $3 million against the cap. Clayborn, 32, who signed a two-year deal with Cleveland last offseason, had 3.5 sacks while backing up starters Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon.


The New York Giants placed the franchise tag on defensive lineman Leonard Williams after working on a long-term deal. Both parties wanted to get something done, and the franchise tag could still act as a placeholder. Williams, 26, played on the franchise tag last season at $16.126 million. A second tag comes at the cost of 120% of last year's number, or $19.351 million.


The Atlanta Falcons have saved almost $4 million from the 2021 salary cap by cutting veteran offensive guard James Carpenter.


The Minnesota Vikings released kicker Dan Bailey, the team announced. Bailey, 33, was at risk of becoming a salary-cap casualty this offseason after the Vikings signed kicker Greg Joseph off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in February. With $1.8 of Bailey's $2.7 million 2021 base salary set to become guaranteed on March 19, the Vikings released the kicker to yield $1.7 million in salary-cap savings.


The New Orleans Saints placed the franchise tag on safety Marcus Williams, the team announced. The only thing surprising about the Saints using their franchise tag on Williams is that it reduces their salary-cap flexibility -- and they were already about $50 million over the projected cap to start this week. But the Saints made it a priority to keep Williams, and the franchise tag cost for safeties is much cheaper than other positions.


The Chicago Bears placed the franchise tag on veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson, the team announced. The Bears and Robinson's agent failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal during last season, forcing Chicago to apply the tag or risk losing Robinson -- the club's top receiver the past three years -- in free agency.


Former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long plans to unretire and play in the NFL in 2021, ESPN confirmed. Long announced in January 2020 that he would retire after seven NFL seasons, all in Chicago.


The Detroit Lions did not use their franchise tag on wide receiver Kenny Golladay, clearing the way for him to enter free agency. Golladay heading to the open market means the Lions probably will overhaul their receiver corps completely. Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola and Jamal Agnew are also scheduled to be free agents, taking the majority of the team's receiver reps from a season ago.


The Los Angeles Chargers have informed tight end Hunter Henry that he will not receive the franchise tag for a second consecutive season, a source told Schefter. Henry, who turned 27 in December, clicked with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert and had a career-best 60 receptions last season. Henry played last season on the franchise tender, making $10.6 million.


The Jacksonville Jaguars are using the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson, coach Urban Meyer confirmed. "[Offensive line coach] George Warhop feels very strong about his future and the development," Meyer said. "We realize that he has a great future. His ceiling is very high."


The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed linebacker Bud Dupree that they will not use the franchise tag on him, a league source told Schefter. Dupree, who was franchised by the Steelers last year, will now head to free agency. After posting 11.5 sacks for Pittsburgh during the 2019 season, Dupree, who turned 28 in February, was on track for another strong season in 2020 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 12.


The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin, the team announced. The tag will cost the Bucs roughly $16.5 million and means they won't be able to tag outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who earned $15.8 million playing under the franchise tag last year. Tagging Barrett again in 2021 would have cost the Bucs $18.96 million -- 120% of what they paid last year.


The Carolina Panthers have used the franchise tag to lock down right tackle Taylor Moton. The offensive tackle franchise number is expected to be between $13.5 million and $14 million in 2021, and applying the tag allows Carolina to continue to negotiate a long-term deal, which was a priority heading into the offseason.


The New England Patriots will be acquiring offensive tackle Trent Brown from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade after agreeing to a restructured one-year contract worth up to $11 million with him, sources told ESPN's Field Yates. The Patriots are sending a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Brown and a 2022 seventh-round pick, a source told ESPN.

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March 8

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran defensive end Carlos Dunlap, the team announced. The move clears $14.1 million in badly needed cap space but leaves the Seahawks without their most accomplished edge rusher and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. The team is expected to attempt to re-sign Dunlap at a discounted rate once he tests the market.


The Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott have agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract, including $126 million guaranteed, a source told Schefter. The deal, which is technically for six years but voids to four so as to help Dallas against the salary cap, can be worth up to $164 million, a source said. Prescott's signing bonus is $66 million, the highest in NFL history.


Safety Marcus Maye, who turned 28 on Tuesday, received an early birthday present from the New York Jets: the franchise tag, a source told Schefter. Maye, poised to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time, is the first Jets player since defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson in 2016 to get the designation.


The Tennessee Titans have agreed to trade offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson, their first-round pick last year, to the Miami Dolphins, sources told ESPN. The Titans will send a seventh-round pick in 2022 and Wilson to Miami for a 2021 seventh-rounder to complete the deal, sources said.


Washington has placed the franchise tag on right guard Brandon Scherff for a second consecutive year, the team announced. Scherff will receive $18.03 million in the 2021 season -- a 20% increase over last season. But Washington still hopes to sign him to a long-term deal. It has until July 15 to do so.

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March 5

The Houston Texans have signed former Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, a source told Schefter. Britt, who did not play during the 2020 season after Seattle released him in April, indicated he is Houston-bound in an Instagram post.


The Cincinnati Bengals on Friday released guard B.J. Finney, ending a year of confusion, fear and physical limitations for the former $8 million player.


The Denver Broncos are placing the franchise tag on safety Justin Simmons for the second consecutive season, it was announced Friday. Simmons, who was poised to become an unrestricted free agent, becomes the first player to be tagged this offseason. The Broncos now have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal.


Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce announced that he will return for an 11th season and has restructured his contract for 2021. Kelce has been contemplating retirement the past several offseasons but has decided to play for at least another year even though the Eagles are going through a transition period.


Quarterback Alex Smith, who won the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in helping the Washington Football Team win the NFC East title, has been released by the franchise, it was announced Friday. Washington coach Ron Rivera said in a statement that the team granted Smith's request to be released after the two met this week.

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March 4

The Seattle Seahawks on Thursday officially released wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was suspended indefinitely, and retired tight end Greg Olsen. The moves were procedural, with Gordon having joined another league and Olsen having already announced his retirement on Jan. 24. Gordon posted on Twitter that he "personally asked" the Seahawks to be released, noting that his contract "was expired but still legally binding."


Ben Roethlisberger is officially back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2021 NFL season, the team announced Thursday. The Steelers did not disclose the terms, but a source told Schefter that Roethlisberger willingly reduced his pay to $14 million from $19 million in this final year of his contract and spread the cash payment through 2022. The move lowers the team's salary-cap hit by more than $15 million.


The New Orleans Saints have released Thomas Morstead, who has been one of the NFL's best punters over the past 12 years and was responsible for one of the most iconic moments in franchise history.


The Detroit Lions have told cornerback Desmond Trufant that he will be released at the start of the league year, which begins on March 17, a source told Schefter. Trufant signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lions before the 2020 season to be the team's replacement for Darius Slay, who was traded to Philadelphia. Detroit still owes Trufant $3.5 million in guaranteed money for 2021.

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March 3

Wide receiver Golden Tate has been released by the New York Giants in a cost-cutting move. The move creates $6 million in cap space for the Giants, $10 million if he is designated a post-June 1 cut. Tate was to make $8.5 million and count $11 million against the salary cap in 2021.


Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams has reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Detroit Lions, a source told Schefter on Wednesday. The Lions might have a revamped wide receiver corps in 2021, as Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola are set to become free agents later this month.


The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a two-year deal with special-teams standout and backup safety J.T. Gray. Gray, who was named second-team All Pro in 2019, was scheduled to be a restricted free agent after originally signing as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State in 2018.

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March 2

In a cost-cutting move, the New York Jets on Tuesday released veteran defensive end Henry Anderson, who started 24 games for them over the past three seasons. By cutting Anderson, who carried a $9.5 million cap charge, the Jets will save $8.2 million -- the amount of his non-guaranteed base salary. The remaining $1.3 million will remain as a "dead" charge.


The Minnesota Vikings have released veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph after 10 seasons, the team announced. The move saves Minnesota $5.1 million against the salary cap for 2021. Rudolph, 31, will become a free agent for the first time in his NFL career.


The Houston Texans restructured running back David Johnson's contract, which now will be worth up to $6 million in 2021, including $4.25 million fully guaranteed at signing, a source told ESPN. Johnson might have been a salary-cap casualty if he had not restructured his contract.


The Miami Dolphins are moving on from linebacker Kyle Van Noy just one year after he signed a four-year, $51 million deal in free agency. Van Noy released a statement Tuesday afternoon through NFL Network that he was informed of his release and was "surprised and disappointed" with the Dolphins' decision. He mentioned he gave his all to Miami in his one season there as a captain and fought through a painful hip injury.

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March 1

Free-agent pass-rusher J.J. Watt has agreed to a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Monday. Terms were not disclosed, but a source told Schefter that the deal is worth $31 million and includes $23 million guaranteed.

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Feb. 26

New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder intends to play in 2021 as long as the situation is right, he told ESPN in a phone conversation. Solder, who opted out this past season because of concerns for his family with COVID-19, has yet to have that conversation with the team about his future. He was considered a high-risk opt-out and his contract tolled. He is scheduled to make $10 million in 2021 while costing $16.5 million against the salary cap this season.

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Feb. 25

Quarterback Deshaun Watson met with new Houston Texans coach David Culley last Friday, according to sources, and informed Culley that he has no intention of suiting up for the team again. Upset over the way the organization has operated in recent years, Watson has asked the Texans to trade him and has had very little contact with the team since the season ended.


The Tennessee Titans waived wide receiver Adam Humphries in a move that saves about $4.47 million in cap space, it was announced Thursday. The sixth-year receiver missed four games last season after a vicious hit by Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates in Week 8 resulted in a concussion.


Representatives for Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown have started exploring trade possibilities as he eyes a full-time role at left tackle, a source told ESPN. The Ravens are aware of those plans, the source said, as they value the three-year starter and Pro Bowler but are open to discussions about his future.


Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has not demanded a trade, his agent Mark Rodgers told Schefter. Rodgers said Wilson has told the Seahawks that he wants to play in Seattle, but if a trade were considered, the only teams he would go to are the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears.


The Denver Broncos have released defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, the team announced. Casey, 31, played in only three games before suffering a season-ending torn biceps during the Broncos' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Casey had no guaranteed money left on his contract, which was set to run through the 2022 season. The move saves the Broncos $11.87 million against the salary cap in 2021.

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Feb. 19

Receiver DeSean Jackson has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced. "Looking forward to my next chapter," Jackson posted on his Instagram story before the announcement was made official. "Philadelphia it's always Love. Appreciate Everything." He played in just three games in '19 because of a core muscle injury, and he missed 11 games this past season with an injured ankle.


The Carolina Panthers cleared $19.9 million in salary-cap space this week with the release of four players, including three on Friday. The release of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short on Wednesday and of defensive end Stephen Weatherly, safety Tre Boston and punter Michael Palardy on Friday improved the team's cap space to $28.473 million heading into the start of free agency next month. Boston's release won't be official until the league year starts March 17, with a post-June 1 designation, according to a source.

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Feb. 18

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick that could turn into a first-rounder, league sources told ESPN. The Eagles will receive the 85th overall pick in this year's draft, and the conditional second-rounder can become a first-round pick based on Wentz's playing time, according to sources. Wentz needs to play at least 75% of the Colts' offensive snaps for the 2022 conditional pick to convey to a first-rounder, according to sources. The pick also could become a first-rounder if Wentz plays at least 70% of the snaps and the Colts reach the playoffs.


In moves that free up $10.75 million in salary-cap space, the Atlanta Falcons have released starting cornerback Ricardo Allen and defensive end Allen Bailey. The Falcons rank near the bottom of the NFL in salary-cap space.

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Feb. 16

The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jason Sanders to a five-year extension that ties him to the franchise through the 2026 season. Financial terms were not disclosed, but a source told Schefter that the contract is worth $22 million and includes $10 million guaranteed.

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Feb. 11

The Las Vegas Raiders plan to release wide receiver Tyrell Williams at the start of the new league year, a source confirmed to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Williams missed last season because of a torn labrum in his shoulder suffered in training camp that required surgery.

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Feb. 10

The Denver Broncos have released cornerback A.J. Bouye. The move is the first of several that will have to be made at cornerback as the Broncos rebuild their depth chart at the position after a season that saw four cornerbacks finish the year on injured reserve. Bouye also missed the last four games of 2020 due to a six-game suspension for violations of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.


It took less than two games to transform quarterback Taylor Heinicke from a guy whose NFL career appeared over to signing a multiyear contract. The Washington Football Team announced Wednesday that it re-signed Heinicke to a two-year deal, which is worth up to $8.75 million, a source confirmed. Heinicke would have been a restricted free agent, but Washington had made it clear it wanted to keep him based on how he finished the season.

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Jan. 31

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is heading to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and a multitude of draft picks, sources told Schefter. The Lions will receive a third-round pick in 2021, a first-round pick in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 in what is the first exchange of former No. 1 overall picks in the common draft era (since 1967). The deal cannot be made official until the start of the new league year on March 17.




Source: www.espn.com - NFL