NFL Free Agency 2022: Legal Tampering Live Updates, Rumors and Signings
The NFL has been turned upside down since the legal tampering period began Monday.
A bidding war is ongoing for Deshaun Watson's services. Baker Mayfield's time with the Cleveland Browns appears to be all but done. Andrew Whitworth retired. The Jacksonville Jaguars are throwing money everywhere despite paying inflation prices. Dozens of players around the league have already reached agreements to play for new squads.
Oh, Tom Brady decided to unretire Sunday too, which created a cascading effect.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been preparing for life without the GOAT for the last month-and-a-half, but now they need to redirect. Ryan Jensen, who would have been one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in free agency, re-signed with the Buccaneers shortly after Brady announced his decision. Carlton Davis did as well. Though Jensen's retention left little room for guard Alex Cappa, who agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals.
One move creates ripple effects, and Brady's return is the most obvious example. Plenty more will come with the new league year set to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The latest signings, rumors and rumblings can all be found here as NFL free agency reaches its boiling point.
Could Buccaneers Still Move On from WR Chris Godwin?
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After placing the franchise tag on Chris Godwin last week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers loaded up on more wide receiver talent. The organization agreed to terms with Russell Gage on a three-year, $30 million deal, per Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network, and they re-signed Breshad Perriman on another one-year contract, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
As Godwin recovers from a torn ACL, it makes sense for the Buccaneers to load up on other pass-catching talent. They had the league's best passing offense last season, and they ranked fifth in 11 personnel (three wide receiver) usage, per Sharp Football's Warren Sharp.
However, the additions of Gage and Perriman could make Godwin expendable.
The Athletic's Greg Auman speculated that Tampa Bay could trade the 26-year-old and use the $19 million currently allocated for his franchise tag elsewhere. He added that there's still "strong demand" for Godwin despite his knee injury.
The Buccaneers still need to get under the salary cap as the new league year looms. They currently lack the financial flexibility to bring back Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette or anyone else whom they might want to retain.
Godwin entered this offseason as one of the top free-agent wideouts, even as he recovers from last year's injury. The Buccaneers would lose an instrumental piece by trading him, but it might be a necessary evil so they can make the moves they need at other positions.
Browns Continue to Rework Roster After Disappointing Campaign
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The Cleveland Browns are undergoing some spring cleaning by ridding themselves of unnecessarily large contracts.
They already moved on from wide receiver Jarvis Landry and center J.C. Tretter earlier this week. On Wednesday, they decided to designate tight end Austin Hooper as a post-June 1 release, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. In total, the three moves save the Browns approximately $32.5 million toward the 2022 salary cap.
Hooper never lived up to his status as one of the game's highest-paid tight ends. He went to two consecutive Pro Bowls with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 and 2019, but he failed to replicate that success in Cleveland.
The Browns already franchise-tagged David Njoku, who outplayed his veteran counterpart last season. General manager Andrew Berry will likely attempt to negotiate a long-term extension for Njoku and make him a featured component of Kevin Stefanski's offensive scheme.
Cleveland does utilize a lot of 12 and even 13 personnel with multiple tight ends on the field. Harrison Bryant is capable of taking on a bigger role following Hooper's departure, and the front office might add another tight end either through free agency or the draft.
The added cap space may also help the Browns lure a new starting quarterback, since Baker Mayfield's time in Cleveland appears to be coming to an end. If nothing else, they aren't going to pay for veterans whose play isn't commensurate with their contracts.
Landry and Hooper were solid contributors—and they will be elsewhere—who were paid like elite players at their respective positions. The Browns underperformed in 2021, and these are the repercussions in their search to redefine the roster and the locker room.
Jacksonville Jaguars Continue Spending Spread with CB Acquisition
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have been the NFL's worst team over the last two years, and they decided to take drastic steps to change that this offseason. Their free-agent haul over the past few days has been staggering.
Cornerback Darious Williams is the latest player to agree on terms with Jacksonville. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars will sign the 28-year-old cornerback to a three-year, $30 million deal with $18 million in guarantees.
So far, the Jaguars have been the league's most active team in free agency. Beyond Williams, they've already added Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (who led the NFL in tackles last season), run-stuffer Foley Fatukasi, athletic tight end Evan Engam and wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.
Williams, a Jacksonville native, will provide a bookend to Shaquill Griffin. The former undrafted free agent can play over the slot, though Rudy Ford and Tyson Campbell may be better suited for that role.
Ultimately, the Jaguars are paying their way into competitiveness. New head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke clearly didn't think the team had the type of talent it needed to win, so they went out and addressed multiple need areas with proven veterans.
For Jacksonville to pull itself out of the league's basement, this group of free agents must live up to their respective contracts. At this point, it's hard to envision the Jaguars getting worse than they already were.
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QB Deshaun Watson Set to Take Visits to Potential Landing Spots
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Once a grand jury declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on any criminal charges stemming from the sexual assault allegations filed against him, it removed the biggest obstacle to a potential trade. Watson still faces 22 civil cases, and a league suspension remains a possibility. However, his long-term availability is no longer in question.
Needy teams around the league know Watson's value and what he brings even if he's rusty after not playing in 2021. However, his contract includes a no-trade clause, so he can dictate where he lands, which he'll decide at some point in the next few days.
Watson met with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers on Monday. Those visits included Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and new head coach Dennis Allen, as well as Panthers owner David Tepper and head coach Matt Rhule, per Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson.
The Texans' trade demands haven't wavered, as the organization still wants three first-round picks, "other draft capital and players" for Watson, according to Wilson. The Saints may go as far as including All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk in a deal.
The Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns are also believed to be interested in Watson. Cleveland is set to meet with the quarterback Tuesday, per Wilson. Clearly, the Browns' brain trust wants to upgrade at quarterback, which creates a dilemma with Baker Mayfield. But they're not the only team with an established starter in place that's trying to trade for Watson.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Atlanta Falcons have joined their NFC South brethren in pursuit of the quarterback. Schefter added that team owner Arthur Blank has been "fond" of Watson ever since he "worked multiple years as a Falcons ball boy and developed a relationship with Blank's family."
Watson also reportedly has interest in playing for the Falcons and "reached out to the franchise personally," per ESPN's Dianna Russini. They're set to meet with him on Wednesday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Saints, Panthers, Browns and Falcons appear to be the end of the waiting list since the quarterback-needy Seattle Sehawks haven't become a major player, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Still, the Panthers and Saints appear to be front-runners for Watson since they got the first crack at meeting with him. The Panthers can't go into another season with Sam Darnold as the starter, while the Saints don't even have a legitimate starting option on the roster.
Whichever franchise wins the bidding war for Watson will likely provide the Texans with a windfall in return.
Baker Mayfield Thanks Cleveland Amid 'Uncertainties'
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The Cleveland Browns are looking to upgrade at quarterback, according to Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson, but they may not be capable of doing so:
"The Cleveland Browns are not entirely satisfied with moving forward with Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback, and that has prompted them to explore trade scenarios for Houston Texans three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson. Additionally, they have fielded exploratory trade calls from other NFL teams about Mayfield, according to league sources not authorized to speak."
Clearly, Mayfield isn't happy either and vented on social media.
“The past four years have been nothing short of truly life changing since I heard my name called in the draft to go to Cleveland. This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me. We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through all the ups and downs. I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process. I can only control what I can control, which is trusting in God’s plan throughout the process."
The quarterback also mentioned giving his team everything he has "wherever" he takes his next snap. That may be with the Indianapolis Colts since the AFC South appears to be his preferred destination, according to Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline.
The Browns underwhelmed in 2021 after entering the season with Super Bowl aspirations. None did so more than Mayfield, who went from a stellar second half of the 2020 campaign to one of the league's worst starters while dealing with multiple injuries, including a torn labrum to his non-throwing shoulder, a heel bruise and a balky knee.
Right now, the Browns don't appear to have many viable alternatives. Has the franchise reached the point of no return, though?
Watson would be a clear upgrade over Mayfield in terms of talent, but the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints appear to be the front-runners for him. From there, the Browns would be looking to sign someone like Marcus Mariota unless they prefer to dip into the suspect quarterback draft class.
The bigger issue at this juncture is where all the pieces fall into play. Apparently, the Texans don't want Mayfield as part of any trade package, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. Houston prefers draft picks in return.
If the Browns aren't able to secure a deal for Watson, their relationship with Mayfield could be fractured beyond repair. A move under center may be coming one way or the other, with someone like Jimmy Garoppolo still available via trade.
850 ESPN's Cleveland's Tony Grossi speculated the Browns already have a deal in place to trade Mayfield and said "it sure looks like" the quarterback is done in Cleveland.
Yes, it does.
Buccaneers Continue to Load Up For Another Run With Trade
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When Tom Brady announced his retirement in February, it seemed like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl window had slammed shut.
Ryan Jensen and Carlton Davis were planning to test the free-agent waters. Rob Gronkowski openly wondered about joining the Cincinnati Bengals. Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul, Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones II and O.J. Howard are free agents as well.
Then Brady un-retired, and the Bucs immediately started to reload.
Although they re-signed Jensen, they lost guard Alex Cappa in free agency to the Cincinnati Bengals. To replace him, they traded a 2022 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for right guard Shaq Mason, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
As Breer noted, Mason’s salary-cap charges over the next two years are less than what Cappa will get once he officially signs with the Bengals.
The move only strengthens an already explosive offense. Bleacher Report offensive line scout Brandon Thorn views Mason as a top-five right guard in the NFL. Cappa is a fine player, but Mason is better. The 28-year-old piledriver, who has started 98 games in his seven seasons, should form a formidable right side with Tristan Wirfs.
Ali Marpet’s retirement does create questions at left guard. But Jensen showered praise upon Aaron Stinnie when he played during the Bucs’ Super Bowl run.
The Buccaneers had the league’s second-best offensive line last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Their second-ranked offense should continue chugging along after adding a top blocker in Mason and a versatile receiver in Russell Gage to an already potent unit.
Will Von Miller Return Home to Play for Dallas Cowboys?
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Von Miller played high school football less than 25 miles away from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. The future Hall of Fame pass-rusher might soon be headed home.
After the Cowboys flubbed Randy Gregory's contract situation NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported Tuesday that Miller has "very strong interest" in coming to Dallas. A team source told Slater that the Cowboys are doing "their due diligence" in the matter.
Miller left Super Bowl LVI with "mutual interest" in returning to the Los Angeles Rams, though he wanted to test free agency for the first time, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Adam Maya). The longtime Denver Broncos outside linebacker then hinted at a possible reunion with his old team.
The Cleveland Browns are a dark-horse option for Miller based on the type of free agents they’re pursuing. But Texas is home for him, who left Texas A&M 11 years ago.
The Cowboys now have a glaring need at defensive end after Gregory's deal fell through. Putting the eight-time Pro Bowler alongside Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons would give them a ferocious pass rush.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Swipe Receiver From NFC South Rival
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be in win-now mode with or without Tom Brady, but the quarterback's return after a short-lived retirement changed the math quite a bit. Players who looked to be on their way out, like Ryan Jensen and Carlton Davis, re-signed with the team despite significant markets for both of their services.
Brady also makes Tampa Bay an enticing landing spot for other free agents. We saw that Tuesday, when former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage agreed to a deal with the Buccaneers, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Tampa Bay already has star wideout Mike Evans under contract, and it franchise-tagged fellow receiver Chris Godwin last week. The addition of Gage should help the league's top-ranked passing attack on two fronts.
Godwin is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in December, so Gage could be the Bucs' No. 2 target to open the 2022 campaign. The 26-year-old is a flexible target who's able to line up anywhere and provide quality reps. As Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon noted, Gage posted a 71.3 percent success rate against man coverage last season.
Not only did the Buccaneers sign away their rival's top wide receiver, the Falcons are now a less desirable destination for quarterback Deshaun Watson as Atlanta tries to trade for him. Aside from phenom tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons don't have any other threats in their current passing attack.
Dallas Cowboys Whiff When Trying to Sign DE Randy Gregory
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The Dallas Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves for losing Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos.
Gregory initially agreed to terms on a five-year, $70 million contract with the Cowboys, only to back out of the deal and eventually choose the Broncos. This isn't an instance of a player finding a better contract or getting cold feet, though. The Cowboys botched these negotiations.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the organization insisted on contract language to protect itself after a series of suspensions earlier in Gregory's career. Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson followed with a report about the Cowboys "tinkering with contract language at the last moment."
Gregory got the original deal he wanted with the Broncos, and the Broncos landed a prized free agent. According to ESPN's Ed Werder, Denver's front office graded Gregory as the best available edge in the entire class.
The 29-year-old defender finally started to realize his immense potential last season. However, the Cowboys won't be able to capitalize on their previous investment with Gregory playing opposite Demarcus Lawrence or Micah Parsons. Instead, the silky smooth pass-rusher will now serve as Bradley Chubb's bookend.
Cleveland Browns Move Center to Clear More Salary-Cap Space
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JC Tretter has been a mainstay along one of the best offensive lines in football for the past half-decade. The 31-year-old center started 80 games for the Cleveland Browns after signing with them during the 2017 offseason.
However, Tretter's salary-cap figure exceeded $9.8 million this season. That caused the Browns to release him on Tuesday, saving $8.2 million in cap space.
After the moves the Browns already made this offseason—including the Amari Cooper trade, Taven Bryan's eventual signing and placing the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku—they're approximately $20.9 million under the NFL's salary cap, per The Dawgland's Jack Duffin. They could use that to help in a variety of manners.
The Browns are already in the thick of the Deshaun Watson trade market. If a deal doesn't materialize there, they could invest a significant chunk of their cap space in another premium pass-rusher to pair with Myles Garrett. They also need more help along the defensive interior and at wide receiver.
The Browns have groomed Nick Harris as Tretter's replacement over the last two years. They seemingly believe the 23-year-old is ready to take over the pivot, while they can reallocate the money they had tied up in Tretter elsewhere.
Top Tackle Keeping an Eye on Deshaun Watson Trade Market
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Terron Armstead is the top offensive tackle available in free agency. However, he's decided to stay patient and see how things unfold around the league before deciding upon his next team.
“Armstead is weighing options, including his desire to stay with the New Orleans Saints and the possibility of teaming up with Deshaun Watson as a potential Super Bowl contender,” Pro Football Network's Adam H. Beasley reported.
A Watson trade should shake out in the next few days once the quarterback finishes his meetings with potential suitors. The Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons remain hot on the trail for him. However, the Browns and Falcons don't need a left tackle, nor are they expected to invest in one. The Saints and Panthers clearly have holes on the blind side that Armstead could easily fill, especially if he remains in the Big Easy.
The rest of Armstead's market is limited due to his injury history, age and asking price. The soon-to-be 31-year-old has yet to play a full NFL season, and he dealt with knee and elbow issues last season. Tackle-needy teams haven't given him any firm offers, according to Beasley.
Despite being one of the league's best blockers when healthy, Armstead's market is limited by his own choice and circumstances.
Latest Dolphins Signing Is Beginning of End for Former 1st-Round Lineman
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The Miami Dolphins had the NFL's worst offensive line last season, according to Pro Football Focus. They've started their rebuild in the trenches by agreeing to a two-year, $14 million deal with guard Connor Williams, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Williams with a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and he started 51 games for them over the past four seasons. All but two of those starts came at left guard, which is fascinating considering the Dolphins' lineup coming out of last season.
Miami spent the No. 18 overall pick on USC left tackle Austin Jackson two years ago. Jackson's struggles as the Dolphins' blind-side protector forced the previous coaching staff to move him inside to left guard, where his performance didn't significantly improve.
Williams came into the league as a left tackle, so he could potentially move back to his natural position, but Miami already has Liam Eichenberg at that spot. If Williams stays at left guard with Robert Hunt on the other side, Jackson's future with the franchise appears bleak.
Jaguars Wide Receiver on Trade Block
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are receiving a major facelift this offseason.
The organization started a staggering spending spree Monday by agreeing to deals with guard Brandon Scherff, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, tight end Evan Engram and wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. On Tuesday, Jacksonville released leading tackler Myles Jack, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. After splurging on Kirk and Jones, he's reportedly open to moving wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., per ESPN's Michael DiRocco (h/t Mike Clay).
The 2020 second-round pick is a receiver who plays the position like a running back. According to CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso, Shenault finished seventh leaguewide last season with an average of 6.5 yards after the catch and ranked fourth among wideouts with 20 forced missed tackles.
Shenault started 22 games during his first two NFL seasons and caught 121 passes for 1,219 yards and five touchdowns. He never found the right fit in Jacksonville, though.
Wide receiver-needy teams capable of fully realizing Shenault's skill set should be all over the opportunity to acquire the 23-year-old. The Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints are obvious candidates.
Detroit Lions Land Their WR1
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The Detroit Lions featured the league's worst group of wide receivers last season. Had fourth-round rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown not played well above expectations, they wouldn't have had a single reliable option.
As such, the Lions front office entered this offseason knowing it had to find pass-catchers.
First, general manager Brad Homes re-signed Josh Reynolds, who played relatively well after the Lions scooped him off waivers in mid-November. Reynolds caught 19 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns during his six games with Detroit last season.
Then on Tuesday, the Lions agreed to terms with wideout D.J. Chark on a one-year, $10 million deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Chark suffered a fractured ankle in Week 4 last year, so he's on a short-term, prove-it deal. However, the 25-year-old posted a 1,000-yard campaign and earned a Pro Bowl bid during the 2019 campaign. If the Lions get that same vertical threat as their X receiver, he'll improve their entire position group.
The Chark signing also gives the Lions flexibility heading into the draft. They aren't likely to chose a wide receiver with the second overall pick, though a quarterback could be in the mix. Detroit also owns the 32nd overall selection thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade. Wide receiver is a more realistic target at this juncture, but value will depend on how the boards falls.
If one of the projected first-round wide receivers isn't available at No. 32, Holmes won't need to force things in what's considered a deep position class.
Browns Trade Likely Signals End of Jadeveon Clowney's Time in Cleveland
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The Cleveland Browns entered the NFL's tampering period with one starting-caliber defensive lineman on their roster. Myles Garrett is great, but he can't do it all by himself.
The Browns signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal last offseason, but they haven't been able to come to terms on a new contract over the last few months. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick isn't expected to return to Cleveland, according to The Orange & Brown Report's Brad Stainbrook.
Given Clowney's likely departure, the Browns needed a bookend to Garrett. General manager Andrew Berry responded by trading linebacker Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots for Chase Winovich, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Winovich excelled in 2020 with an impressive pass-rush win rate. However, he fell out of favor with the Patriots' staff while dealing with a balky hamstring last season, which limited his effectiveness. Winovich should immediately step into Cleveland's starting lineup while providing the team with some roster flexibility.
The Winovich trade doesn't necessarily prevent the Browns from making further moves to bolster their pass rush. They showed interest in Za'Darius Smith after the Green Bay Packers released the two-time Pro Bowler on Monday. A defensive end such as Purdue's George Karlaftis and Georgia's Travon Walker could be possibilities with this year's 13th overall pick, too.
Cleveland moved on from Wilson because it already has depth at linebacker with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jacob Phillips, Sione Takitaki and Tony Fields. Wilson immediately helps the Patriots at inside linebacker since Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley are free agents.
Leading Tackler’s Departure Possibly Signals First-Round LB for Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles chose not to tender restricted free agent Alex Singleton despite him being the team’s leading tackler in each of the last two seasons, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Singleton’s departure may finally signal an upcoming significant investment at the position.
Singleton combined for 257 total tackles of the last two seasons. But he struggled greatly in coverage.
Traditionally, the Eagles haven’t valued the linebacker position. General manager Howie Roseman loves adding to the defensive front, which he did Tuesday by reaching a free-agent agreement with Haason Reddick.
This year is different, though. The Eagles have three first-round picks, which creates the flexibility to select a linebacker far earlier than normal. In fact, the Eagles haven’t chosen a linebacker in the first round since Jerry Robinson in 1979.
As owners of the 15th, 16th and 19th selections in this year’s opening frame, Philadelphia sits in the sweet spot to land a top linebacker prospect. The Eagles may even be positioned to draft their No. 1 talent at the position.
Georgia’s Nakobe Dean, Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Alabama’s Christian Harris are considered the best in the class. If the Eagles choose to go this route, the front office will have upgraded the overall talent and athleticism along the second line of defense.
DeMarcus Lawrence Changes Market for Edge-Rushers
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Quarterbacks and first-round draft picks getting guaranteed contracts are now commonplace. A defensive end doing the same isn’t, unless his name is DeMarcus Lawrence.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Lawrence will stay with the Dallas Cowboys on a new three-year, $30 million contract, which is fully guaranteed. Upon officially signing the deal, Lawrence will become the first edge defender in NFL history with seven straight fully guaranteed seasons.
Could this become the norm as players look for certainty and teams want to make premium performers happy?
Lawrence could ultimately become a trendsetter.
Nick Bosa, Jeffery Simmons, Brian Burns and Josh Allen could enter free agency within the next two years. All four could demand fully guaranteed contracts now that Lawrence has shown that a team is capable of paying a premium position and not including offset language.
The practice isn’t too far away from regular operating procedure. Myles Garrett’s $125 million contract extension included $100 million in guarantees. Joey Bosa’s deal included $102 million in practical guarantees.
Top Free-Agent Corner Lands with Chargers
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J.C. Jackson was the top available cornerback on the free-agent market after proving himself as the NFL's premier ballhawk during his time with the New England Patriots. Now, the former undrafted free agent will take a cross-country trip to join his next team.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jackson and the Los Angeles Chargers on a five-year, $82.5 million deal with $40 million in guarantees.
In his four seasons with the Patriots, Jackson grabbed 25 interceptions and defended 53 passes. His 19 interceptions in single coverage since the 2019 began are the most of any player, per Pro Football Focus.
Jackson cashed in as one of the top available defenders after the Patriots weren't prepared to match. Instead, a "number of teams" pursued the defensive back, according to NFL Network's Mike Giardi.
The Chargers already have one of the league's best secondaries. Brandon Staley's defensive scheme is predicated on light boxes to drop more into coverage and force quarterbacks into mistakes. The defensive backs must make those signal-callers pay, though.
Jackson certainly does, which makes him an intriguing fit in L.A.
Market Heats Up For Top WR Allen Robinson II
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The free-agent wide receiver market started to dry up even before the tampering period began. The Green Bay Packers placed the franchise tag on Davante Adams, Mike Williams re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cleveland Browns traded for Amari Cooper, and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to re-sign Michael Gallup.
As such, there aren't many top-tier options left to help a passing game.
On Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms with Christian Kirk, who has yet to post a 1,000-yard season, on a four-year deal worth up to $84 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. At $21 million annually, his average salary currently ranks third among all wide receivers, trailing only DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones.
Allen Robinson II is the top remaining free-agent wideout. His asking price must be soaring considering where the market currently stands.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich, the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs are both interested in signing Robinson. The Detroit Lions are also in contention, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (h/t The Athletic’s Chris Burke).
Of the three franchises, the Lions have the biggest need and the most salary-cap space ($22.5 million) to make a move. Robinson is a Detroit native, so perhaps a homecoming is in order?
Philadelphia Eagles’ Plan to Improve Pass Rush
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Haason Reddick bet on himself last offseason. After accumulating a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2020 with the Arizona Cardinals, which was tied for the fourth-most among all defenders, he signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Carolina Panthers to prove his production wasn't a fluke.
The 2017 first-round pick backed up that production with another 11 sacks in Carolina. After proving his worth, he's about to get paid by the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Reddick and the Eagles agreed Monday to a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million in guarantees.
The eventual signing is a pivotal addition for a Philadelphia squad that’s positioned well this offseason. After a surprise playoff appearance under first-year head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles have three first-round picks to further address need areas.
However, Philadelphia desperately needed a boost to its pass rush after finishing 31st last season with 29 sacks. Reddick will provide the Eagles with more juice off the edge and flexibility in their defensive front as a run defender and athlete who's capable of dropping in space.
The 27-year-old will help the Eagles transition along the defensive line since Derek Barnett is a free agent and Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox will both be 32 or older by the end of the 2022 season.
Jaguars’ Plans to Protect Trevor Lawrence Change Draft Approach
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Alabama’s Evan Neal or North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu looked to be the favorites for this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars had other plans.
Last week, they franchise-tagged left tackle Cam Robinson for the second consecutive season. On Monday, the Jaguars then signed arguably the biggest-name blocker on the free-agent market.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars have reached an agreement with five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff.
Scherff will immediately slot in at right guard. With Robinson on the blind side and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, three of Jacksonville’s starting front five should be set for the 2022 campaign. Left guard remains open since Andrew Norwell is a free agent.
Both Neal and Ekwonu could slide inside to guard since both have previously played along the interior. Otherwise, the Jaguars’ early investments in the offensive front could signal a different plan of action for the draft.
Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux are both worthy of the top selection as premium edge-rushers with the ability to wreck game plans. The Jaguars are likely leaning toward one of them instead of the available offensive linemen, which explains why they prioritized blockers at the start of free agency.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence should be thrilled with how the Jaguars are building their front, while opposing signal-callers will have to worry about whichever edge-rusher could be chasing them whenever Jacksonville lines up on defense.
Steelers Find a Short-term QB Bridge in Mitchell Trubisky
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The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback succession plan should receive a vote of no confidence before it’s even implemented.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the organization agreed to a two-year deal with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The 2017 second overall pick will get a second chance to be a starter in the league while facing the unenviable task of replacing the greatest quarterback in Steelers franchise history, Ben Roethlisberger.
Trubisky shouldn’t be viewed as the solution unto himself.
Will the 27-year-old signal-caller get the opportunity to prove himself in a more stable situation than his previous setup with the Chicago Bears? Absolutely. But the Steelers should hedge their bet by also drafting their preferred quarterback prospect in the first round of April’s draft.
Malik Willis has been linked to the Steelers throughout the evaluation process. The Liberty product is a gifted natural athlete and passer, but he's much further behind the other top quarterback prospects on the developmental curve.
Trubisky can be the Steelers' short-term solution as a veteran with previous starting experience. Pittsburgh wouldn't have to rush Willis into the starting lineup and could bring him along slowly as he adapts to the NFL.
A secure future at quarterback can be Kevin Colbert’s final gift to the Steelers organization before he steps down as the team’s general manager after the draft.
A Pair of Potential Landing Spots for Former Browns WR Jarvis Landry
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Jarvis Landry landed with the Cleveland Browns at one of the lowest points in the franchise's history. After going a combined 1-31 across the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the Browns traded fourth- and seventh-round picks to the Miami Dolphins for Landry in 2018.
Landry provided Cleveland with legitimate juice for a while, but his salary-cap figure began to outweigh his production in recent years. The Browns couldn't afford his $16.4 million salary-cap charge in 2022 after they acquired fellow wideout Amari Cooper (and his $20 million base salary) from the Dallas Cowboys this past weekend.
As a result, the Browns released Landry on Monday after giving him permission to seek a trade throughout the weekend, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Much like his former teammate and best friend Odell Beckham Jr., Landry can still be a productive player in a different situation. His recent performance just wasn’t commensurate with his pay as an elite target.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are two teams to watch for Landry. He could serve as a complementary piece on either team, where other top targets would create the space for him to be an effective weapon working underneath.
Both the Bills and Chiefs are expected to take hits at wide receiver this offseason. Emmanuel Sanders is a free agent, and the Bills are expected to move on from Cole Beasley either through a trade or his eventual release. Meanwhile, Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle are free agents whom the Chiefs may not re-sign.
Cincinnati Bengals Find Joe Burrow a New Bodyguard
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Right after the tampering period began, the Cincinnati Bengals found a new right guard to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. They agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Alex Cappa, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Bengals' magical run to Super Bowl LVI ended sourly because of their inability to properly protect Burrow. The game ended with Aaron Donald pressuring Burrow, who feebly threw a pass attempt well short of its intended target.
Over the last two regular seasons, opponents have sacked Burrow 83 times, including a league-high 51 last year. Both campaigns ended with the quarterback suffering knee injuries.
Cappa will help solidify the right side of Cincinnati's offensive line. The 2018 third-round pick started 44 consecutive games for the Buccaneers, including the postseason. Cappa graded ninth overall among right guards last season, which is a huge improvement over last year’s starter, Hakeem Adeniji, per Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash.
Signing Cappa is a good start for the Bengals, but they need to continue reworking their porous offensive front.
They did so by agreeing to a three-year, $18 million deal with Ted Karras, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Karras started games at both guard spots and center with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots over the last two seasons.
With Trey Hopkins already in the fold, the Bengals appear set along their offensive interior. Right tackle remains a question mark, though.
Minnesota Vikings Extend QB Kirk Cousins for Another Season
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The Minnesota Vikings certainly made a choice when they decided to extend quarterback Kirk Cousins for one more season.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the organization and Cousins agreed to a one-year, $35 million fully guaranteed extension through the 2023 campaign, which includes a raise to $40 million this year, $55 million payable by next March and a no-trade clause.
The move is truly baffling considering the Vikings have a new general manager in Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, who has a limited history working with Cousins. However, Cousins put a "lot of time into getting O'Connell hired and put a lot of time behind the scenes with those who hire," according to KFAN's Paul Allen (h/t Jordy McElroy of Vikings Wire).
O'Connell served as Cousins' quarterbacks coach for one season when both were still in Washington. but two weeks ago, the new head coach remained non-committal about the future of his starting quarterback.
The Vikings decision to keep Cousins this season was practical. The 33-year-old is a proven veteran who can help stabilize the transition. Other teams made overtures as well, according to The Athletic's Chad Graff.
But Minnesota didn't need to commit to Cousins beyond the upcoming season. His new $40 million salary-cap charge is now among the top-three highest-paid quarterbacks in 2022, per Over the Cap.
The Vikings had an opportunity to reassess the quarterback position a year from now depending on how they played during O'Connell's first season. Now, they're saddled with Cousins for one more year when security doesn't automatically equate to success in a division that still features Aaron Rodgers.
Two Potential Landing Spots for Recently Released Za'Darius Smith
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When healthy, Za'Darius Smith is a game-changer. Unfortunately, the two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker missed all but one game in 2021 due to a back injury.
To complicate matters, Smith would have had a $27.6 million cap hit if he stayed with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers couldn't afford that, as they're already well over the 2022 salary cap.
As a result, the Packers released Smith on Monday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. In doing so, they freed up more than $15 million in cap space.
Smith's injury history and previous salary figures shouldn't have an effect on his market, though. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are both interested in him.
A reunion with the Ravens would make a lot of sense for Smith. They originally selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, and he spent four seasons in Baltimore before leaving as a free agent in 2019. The Ravens will likely lose Justin Houston in free agency, which would give them a need for a veteran pass-rusher to complement Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser.
Cleveland should be enticing, too. Jadeveon Clowney isn't expected to return to the Browns after one season with the squad, according to The Orange and Brown Report's Brad Stainbrook. Cleveland has significant needs alongside its defensive front and would offer Smith an opportunity to play alongside Myles Garrett in a top-10 unit.
Rapoport reported Smith is now healthy, which means his market should be red-hot following his release.
Growing 'Sense' RB Saquon Barkley Won't Return to New York Giants
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Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge are out as the brain trust of the New York Giants. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll are now in as the new general manager and head coach, respectively.
Both Schoen and Daboll arrived in the Big Apple from blustery Buffalo, where the Bills experienced plenty of success over the last three seasons. Daboll, who was the Bills' offensive coordinator, played a huge role in the development of Pro Bowl quarterback Josh Allen.
Daboll's biggest task this year is trying to do the same for fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones. While the Giants have tried to lean on running back Saquon Barkley to draw attention from Jones in years past, ESPN's Dan Graziano said he's "getting the sense" that Barkley won't be returning to the Big Apple next season.
During Daboll's four seasons as the Bills' offensive coordinator, no ball-carrier ran for more than 870 yards in a single season. He preferred a running-back-by-committee in Buffalo rather than a bell-cow.
If Barkley does return next season, Daboll could adjust to take advantage of his skill set. However, Barkley's injury history and $7.2 million base salary make him expendable if another team is willing to trade for him.
The Giants made a mistake when they spent the second overall pick in the 2018 draft on Barkley. The new regime may be looking to rectify that previous misstep.
Davante Adams Wants Nothing to Do with Franchise Tag
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Aaron Rodgers' return to the Green Bay Packers was only part of the solution. The Packers now must deal with Davante Adams' next contract, or they could be without the game's best wide receiver.
Green Bay already placed the franchise tag on Adams, which might have been a formality to continue negotiating a long-term extension. However, he wants far more than the team is currently offering.
Sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that "Adams has informed the team he won't play on the franchise tag, and the sides remain far apart on a long-term deal."
A long-term deal is in the Packers' best interests to make the accounting work properly.
Green Bay is nearly $44 million over the 2022 salary cap, per Spotrac. Adams' franchise tag accounts for $18.4 million.
While a long-term deal won't completely wipe away the Packers' financial woes, it could be a significant step in the right direction based on how the deal is structured. A low base pay this fall would lower his salary-cap hit, thus creating more space.
The Packers can't run the risk of alienating another star, particularly since they lack quality depth at receiver. Over the last four seasons, Adams averaged 153.5 targets per year. During that span, no other Packers wideout managed more than 73 targets in a single season.
Basically, Adams is the Packers' passing attack. That gives him all of the leverage in his contract negotiations.
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