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The primary week of free company featured some high-profile signings, even when it was a bit sluggish. Nonetheless, numerous intriguing choices can be found and will come at a reduction. Latest updates embody DeSean Jackson to the Rams, Kyle Fuller to the Broncos, Kenny Golladay to the Giants, Keanu Neal to the Cowboys and extra.
Comply with alongside right here as we’ll monitor the place the NFL’s largest names are headed.
The Athletic’s free company sources
Big board of best available players
Sheil Kapadia’s grades
Free agency predictions
Team-by-team needs
Salary cap space
Monday, March 22
Titans to signal WR Josh Reynolds
The Titans have discovered their Corey Davis alternative. In accordance with a number of stories, Tennessee is signing 26-year-old receiver Josh Reynolds to a one-year deal.
A 2017 fourth-round decide of the Rams, Reynolds ranked 76th on The Athletic’s free agent large board. The 6-foot-3 receiver set profession highs with 52 catches for 618 yards final season however ranked 66th out of 78 qualifying extensive receivers in yards per route run.
Sunday, March 21
DeSean Jackson heading to the Rams
DeSean Jackson goes residence to Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old receiver, restricted by accidents to simply eight video games over the past two years with the Eagles, is signing along with his hometown Rams, NFL Community reported.
Jackson, launched by Philadelphia final month, joins a gifted Rams receiving corps that already has Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, as a possible alternative for Josh Reynolds, who stays unsigned as a free agent. Jackson had simply 14 catches (on 26 targets) for 236 yards and one landing final yr with the Eagles.
Saturday, March 20
Colts re-sign Xavier Rhodes
The Colts are bringing again one other key defensive starter, re-signing cornerback Xavier Rhodes on a one-year deal.
Rhodes, 30, began all 16 video games final yr in his first yr with the Colts, intercepting two passes and getting 12 passes defensed. He made the Professional Bowl thrice within the earlier 4 years with the Vikings, who drafted him within the first spherical in 2013.
Rhodes was ranked as the No. 54 available free agent within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Kyle Fuller, Broncos agree on 1-year deal
It didn’t take lengthy for Kyle Fuller to seek out one other NFL job.
Two days after he was reduce by the Bears, Fuller has agreed to phrases with the Broncos on a one-year, $9 million contract. Fuller, 29, had 19 interceptions in six seasons taking part in in Chicago, however was due $14 million and have become a salary-cap reduce.
The Broncos get a beginning nook solely a yr faraway from two straight Professional Bowls. Chicago has already changed Fuller, signing former Falcons and Lions nook Desmond Trufant to a one-year deal.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+ | Nick Kosmider’s analysis
Kenny Golladay, prime WR in free company, headed to Giants
Receiver Kenny Golladay was the highest free agent obtainable coming into the weekend, based on The Athletic’s large board. Now he’s discovered a workforce.
Golladay, 27, is becoming a member of the New York Giants on a four-year, $72 million deal, together with $40 million assured, based on a number of stories.
Golladay, who beforehand performed for the Lions, visited with the Bears and Giants earlier than choosing a brand new workforce. He performed in simply 5 video games in 2020 however loved 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019. For his profession, Golladay has averaged 16.8 yards per reception.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C | David Lombardi’s analysis | Giants offseason preview
Cowboys to signal S Keanu Neal
Falcons security Keanu Neal, who bounced again in 2020 after lacking most of two seasons with accidents, is reportedly signing with the Cowboys on a one-year deal.
Neal, 25, can be reunited with Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who was his head coach in Atlanta. The previous first-round decide missed most of 2018 with a torn ACL after which a lot of 2019 with a torn Achilles tendon, however performed wholesome in 2020, ending with 100 tackles for the Falcons.
Neal was ranked No. 94 among available free agents within the newest rating from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Friday, March 19
Texans signal Phillip Lindsay to 1-year deal
Texans common supervisor Nick Caserio continues to be one of many busiest GMs in the course of the opening week of free company. On Friday, he agreed to a contract with working again Phillip Lindsay. It’s a one-year deal price $3.25 million, based on a number of stories.
After going undrafted out of Colorado, Lindsay ran for over 1,000 yards in every of his first two seasons however was restricted to 11 video games in 2020. Whereas splitting carries with Melvin Gordon, he ran for 502 yards with a 4.3 YPC common. He now joins a backfield that additionally consists of David Johnson and Mark Ingram. Like Lindsay’s contract, Johnson and Ingram’s offers are also up after the 2021 season.
Former Eagles’ DT Malik Jackson indicators with Browns
Defensive sort out Malik Jackson, reduce on Thursday by the Eagles, has landed shortly, signing a one-year cope with the Browns based on an NFL Community report.
Jackson, 31, had solely 2.5 sacks and 28 tackles in Philadelphia. He made the Professional Bowl in 2017 with the Jaguars, getting eight sacks and 4 fumbles, and scored a defensive landing within the Tremendous Bowl 5 years in the past for Denver within the Broncos’ win over Carolina.
Jackson was ranked No. 87 among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Chris Carson re-signs with Seahawks
The Seahawks are maintaining Chris Carson in Seattle on a brand new contract.
Carson, 26, has had two 1,000-yard speeding seasons and had a career-best 4.8-yard common in 2020. He was arguably the most effective again remaining in free company, and his new deal is reportedly for 2 years and value $14.6 million. He missed 4 video games this previous season with a foot damage, speeding for 681 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Carson was a seventh-round decide in 2017, so he’d earned about $3.7 million in 4 years earlier than this new deal. He was ranked No. 47 among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C+ | Michael-Shawn Dugar’s analysis
Eagles signing S Anthony Harris for 1 yr, $5 million
The Eagles are signing security Anthony Harris, who performed final yr on the franchise tag for the Vikings however is now signing for lower than half that on a reported one-year, $5 million deal.
Harris, 29, had a career-best six interceptions in 2019, with a seventh within the playoffs, drawing the franchise tag from Minnesota. However he had no interceptions in 2020 whereas totaling a career-high 104 tackles.
Harris, who got here to Minnesota as an undrafted rookie in 2015, now’s a part of a brand new secondary in Philadelphia. He was ranked 21st among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B- | Bo Wulf’s analysis
Bears signal Desmond Trufant
The Bears have discovered a alternative for cornerback Kyle Fuller, reaching a one-year settlement with veteran nook Desmond Trufant, per an ESPN report.
Trufant, 30, was simply launched by the Lions after one season, restricted by accidents to 6 video games and one interception. The previous first-round decide spent his first seven seasons in Atlanta, with one Professional Bowl look.
Fuller was launched Thursday in a salary-cap transfer, and Trufant can be more cost effective however with a corresponding dropoff possible. Trufant was ranked No. 59 among all available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
JuJu Smith-Schuster re-signs with Steelers for 1-year, $8 million
Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is staying in Pittsburgh. He’s signing a one-year deal price $8 million, based on a number of stories.
That is my residence, they’re gonna want a wrecking ball to take me outta right here! PITTSBURGH I LOVE YOU, LET’S GO!!!!! 💛🖤💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/SPFvCLUmFl
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 19, 2021
Smith-Schuster, 24, was the second-ranked receiver left on The Athletic’s free agent large board, behind solely Kenny Golladay. He had 111 catches for 1,426 yards in 2018, his final season taking part in with receiver Antonio Brown. Since then, the slot receiver has been far much less productive. He was harm by horrible quarterback play in 2019, and even a bounce-back 2020 season left him far wanting his profession highs. He recorded 97 catches for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns final season.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C | Mark Kaboly’s analysis
Broncos signal Justin Simmons to 4-year, $61 million extension
Broncos security Justin Simmons, who was to play on the franchise tag for a second straight yr, has agreed to a long-term extension that makes him the highest-paid security within the league at 4 years and a reported $61 million.
Simmons, 27, made the Professional Bowl for the primary time in 2020 after getting 5 interceptions, giving him 16 in his first years in Denver. The previous third-round decide from Boston Faculty has topped 90 tackles in every of the final three years.
He was to make $13.7 million, which is the 20 p.c elevate that comes with a franchise tag, however now will a lot simply over $15 million per yr, the primary security to cross that barrier.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+ | Nick Kosmider’s analysis
Geno Atkins launched by Bengals
Defensive sort out Geno Atkins, who was named to eight Professional Bowls in 11 seasons in Cincinnati, was launched by the Bengals on Friday morning.
Atkins, who turns 33 later this month, had two years left on a four-year, $62 million contract and was as a consequence of make $11.7 million in base wage this season. His launch frees up $9.1 million in cap house for the Bengals. He leaves Cincinnati with 75.5 sacks however was restricted final season by a shoulder damage, getting one sort out whole in eight video games earlier than he went on injured reserve.
Atkins is the second longstanding Bengals participant to maneuver on this offseason, following receiver A.J. Inexperienced, who simply signed with Arizona.
Bengals to signal sort out Riley Reiff
The Bengals knew they needed to defend quarterback Joe Burrow higher in his second NFL season, and that problem received a lot simpler with the addition of veteran sort out Riley Reiff.
Reiff, 32, agreed to phrases with Cincinnati on Friday, having been reduce by the Vikings final week in a salary-cap reduce. Reiff, a first-round decide of the Lions in 2012, has began a minimum of 13 video games in eight straight years, making him one of the vital skilled and confirmed choices for a brand new sort out for the Bengals.
The Bengals gave up 48 sacks final season, tying for the fifth-highest whole within the league. Reiff is ranked No. 38 among available free agents within the newest rating from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Thursday, March 18
Patriots re-sign heart David Andrews
The Patriots, so lively this week in including new free brokers, nonetheless had room for one among their core leaders, re-signing heart David Andrews on Thursday evening.
Andrews, 28, got here to New England as an undrafted rookie in 2015 and has began ever since, together with Tremendous Bowl wins after the 2016 and 2018 seasons. He missed 2019 after a pulmonary embolism however got here again wholesome this previous season.
Andrews, who reportedly signed a four-year deal to remain in New England, ranked forty fourth among the many obtainable free brokers within the newest rating from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Jeff Howe’s analysis
Bears reduce Kyle Fuller
Cornerback Kyle Fuller, as a consequence of make $14 million this season, has been reduce by the Bears in a salary-cap transfer.
Fuller, 29, has performed his complete profession in Chicago, totaling 19 interceptions in seven years. He had only one final season however made the Professional Bowl in 2018 and 2019. He was coming into the ultimate yr of a four-year, $56 million contract, and had a $20 million cap hit; reducing him saves $11 million, however he leaves $9 million in useless cash.
The previous first-round decide turns into probably the greatest corners obtainable in free company.
Texans including DB Desmond King
The Texans proceed to rebuild their cornerback depth, a significant want coming into this offseason. They’ve signed cornerback Desmond King to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, based on his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
King, a slot nook, ranked 68th on The Athletic’s up to date free agent large board. Drafted by the Chargers within the fifth spherical in 2017, he was an All-Professional in his second skilled season, however his efficiency has not returned to that stage. The Chargers traded him to the Titans halfway by means of final season, and he performed simply 40 p.c of defensive snaps for Tennessee, one of many NFL’s worst defenses.
Breshad Perriman to signal with Lions
Breshad Perriman is headed to his father Brett’s outdated workforce.
Perriman, 27, is signing with the Lions, the place his father performed from 1991-96. It’s the fifth workforce in 5 years for Perriman, who caught 30 passes for 505 yards and three touchdowns with the Jets final season. He performed for the Ravens and Browns earlier than breaking out with the Bucs in 2019, catching six landing passes. Three of them got here in a late-season win in Detroit.
It’s a one-year deal reportedly price $3 million. The Lions simply misplaced receiver Marvin Jones to the Jaguars. Perriman was ranked because the No. 81 obtainable free agent within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Will Fuller to signal with Dolphins
The Dolphins have agreed to a one-year contract with Will Fuller, The Athletic’s Josh Tolentino confirmed. The deal is price greater than $10 million, per NFL Community.
Fuller, a 2016 first-round decide of the Texans, has been injury-prone by means of 5 seasons, showing in simply 53 video games. He additionally obtained a six-game suspension for PED utilization that may even sideline him for Week 1 of the 2021 season. However when obtainable, there’s no doubting Fuller’s manufacturing. Amongst 66 extensive receivers with a minimum of 100 catches since 2018, Fuller ranks seventh in yards per route run.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B- | Josh Tolentino’s analysis
Payments signal Mitch Trubisky to again up Josh Allen
Mitch Trubisky is formally a backup quarterback, signing with the Payments on a one-year deal Thursday afternoon.
Trubisky, 26, spent 4 years because the starter in Chicago, throwing for 10,609 yards and 64 touchdowns in opposition to 37 interceptions. He went 29-21 as a starter and made a Professional Bowl in 2018, however the Bears declined to select up his fifth-year choice for 2021 and simply signed Andy Dalton as their anticipated starter for the upcoming season.
It’s one other high-drafted quarterback changing into a backup after his rookie contract, simply because the Bucs’ Jameis Winston (Saints) and Titans’ Marcus Mariota (Raiders) did final yr.
Trubisky was ranked 64th among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Joe Buscaglia’s analysis
Giants signal Kyle Rudolph for two years, $16M
Tight finish Kyle Rudolph, reduce by the Vikings two weeks in the past after a decade there, is headed to the Giants on a two-year, $16 million deal.
Rudolph, 31, spent 10 years in Minnesota, totaling 30 landing receptions from 2015-19 however catching solely 28 passes for 334 yards and a career-low one landing in 2020.
The Giants can pair him with Evan Engram, who made the Professional Bowl final yr and can play this season on his fifth-year choice.
Rudolph is ranked 80th among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C- | David Lombardi’s analysis
Kenyan Drake agrees to 2-year cope with Raiders
Kenyan Drake is taking a pay reduce from final yr, however he’s headed to Las Vegas.
The Raiders are signing the previous Dolphins and Cardinals working again to a two-year contract, reportedly price $11 million, with incentives that might push it to $14.5 million.
Drake, 27, made $8.48 million final yr on a transition tag in Arizona, however his speeding common dropped to a career-low 4.0 yards per carry as he rushed for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Las Vegas already has a stable working again in Josh Jacobs, and Drake can be an improve on Devontae Booker, who left the Raiders to signal with the Giants on a two-year deal.
Drake was ranked 78th among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: F | Vic Tafur’s analysis
Chargers signal Jared Prepare dinner for 1 yr, $6 million
The Chargers have discovered their new tight finish, agreeing to phrases with veteran Jared Prepare dinner on a one-year contract reportedly price as a lot as $6 million.
Prepare dinner, who turns 34 subsequent month, has had his greatest years a decade into his NFL profession, with 16 landing receptions within the final two years with the Saints. He made the Professional Bowl in 2018 and 2019 — his tenth and eleventh NFL seasons — however was reduce as a part of New Orleans’ salary-cap strikes. He’s now poised to step in for Hunter Henry, who signed for twice as a lot per yr with the Patriots.
Prepare dinner was ranked 79th amongst obtainable free brokers within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+ | Daniel Popper’s analysis
Broncos make Phillip Lindsay a free agent
The Broncos rescinded their restricted free agent tender on working again Phillip Lindsay, making him an unrestricted free agent who will now look to hitch a brand new workforce.
After going undrafted out of Colorado in 2018, Lindsay has already recorded two 1,000-yard seasons. However the Broncos have cash tied up in Melvin Gordon, who signed a two-year, $16 million cope with the workforce final offseason.
Lindsay can be 27 by Week 1.
Nick Kosmider’s analysis | Broncos free agent tracker
Wednesday, March 17
Larry Ogunjobi indicators with Bengals
Browns defensive sort out Larry Ogunjobi is staying within the state and within the division, signing a one-year cope with the Bengals on Wednesday evening.
Ogunjobi, 26, is a three-year starter in Cleveland, with 14.5 sacks within the 4 seasons since he was drafted within the third spherical in 2017. He’s been productive with 180 profession tackles, and is ranked because the 67th greatest obtainable free agent within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Kyle Van Noy returning to New England
Kyle Van Noy is headed again to the Patriots after one yr in Miami.
The Patriots introduced again the surface linebacker, who announced his return on Twitter, writing “We backkkk!!! #patsnation #LFG #private”
Van Noy, 29, had left New England final yr to hitch the Dolphins on a four-year, $52 million deal, and he had 69 tackles and 6 sacks in Miami. However he was abruptly reduce final week, and now goes again to New England, which received a fourth-round compensatory decide on this yr’s draft for dropping Van Noy final yr. NFL Community reported he’s getting a two-year deal price as much as $13.2 million.
He was ranked 33rd among available free agents within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B+ | Jeff Howe’s analysis
Browns re-sign Rashard Higgins
The Browns have re-signed receiver Rashard Higgins, who has agreed to return to Cleveland on a reported one-year, $2.38 million deal.
Higgins, 26, had a career-best 599 receiving yards in 2020, stepping up after Odell Beckham Jr. was misplaced to damage. The 2016 fifth-round decide had 37 catches and 4 touchdowns, and was deemed one of the league’s best free-agent steals by The Athletic’s Tim Nguyen.
Higgins additionally was ranked No. 75 among the many obtainable free brokers within the newest rating from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Zac Jackson’s analysis
Vikings signal Patrick Peterson to 1-year deal
The Vikings are signing cornerback Patrick Peterson to a one-year, $10 million deal, based on a number of stories.
Minnesota returns stable beginning corners in Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney however lacked depth on the place final season. Peterson, who can be 31 by Week 1, is now not in All-Professional, however he’s nonetheless a helpful participant. He ranked forty second on The Athletic’s up to date free agent large board.
Peterson was the Cardinals’ first-round decide in 2011 and has performed his complete profession in Arizona.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C | Chad Graff’s analysis | Vikings’ offseason needs
Raiders commerce guard Gabe Jackson to Seahawks
The Raiders have traded their second offensive lineman of the day, this time sending guard Gabe Jackson to the Seahawks for a fifth-round decide, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur confirmed.
Earlier Wednesday, the Raiders traded heart Rodney Hudson to the Arizona Cardinals.
Jackson addresses the Seahawks’ want for higher inside offensive line play, which is some extent of rigidity between the workforce and quarterback Russell Wilson. And for the Raiders, that is one other transfer to unfold out sources fairly than investing closely of their offensive line. Their collective 2021 cap hits have been set to depend for greater than $20 million on the Raiders’ books.
Associated: Analysis of Raiders’ earlier moves
Curtis Samuel to signal with Washington for 3 years
Curtis Samuel is reuniting with Ron Rivera, as the previous Carolina receiver is signing a three-year cope with Washington, reportedly price $34.5 million.
Samuel, nonetheless simply 24, was a flexible offensive weapon for the Panthers, with 19 whole touchdowns within the final three seasons. He set profession highs with 77 catches for 851 yards in 2020 whereas speeding for an additional 200 and two scores.
He’ll assist a Washington receiving corps that hasn’t had a lot behind Terry McLaurin, with no different receivers getting greater than 32 catches final yr. It’s been a sluggish week on the NFL receiver market, however Samuel received one of many larger paydays to date.
Samuel was ranked twenty fourth amongst obtainable free brokers within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Seahawks signing Gerald Everett to 1-year deal
Gerald Everett introduced his free-agent information excitedly: “12!!!!!!” he tweeted. That’s a nod to Seattle and the twelfth man because the Seahawks are signing the previous Rams tight finish to a one-year deal reportedly price $6 million.
Everett, 26, was a second-round draft decide in 2017 out of South Alabama, and he reset his profession highs in 2020 with 41 catches for 417 yards, but additionally totaled simply eight touchdowns in 4 years with Los Angeles.
He’s ranked No. 66 amongst obtainable free brokers within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B | Michael-Shawn Dugar’s analysis
Eagles launch WR Alshon Jeffery and DT Malik Jackson
As anticipated, the Eagles have launched two veterans in receiver Alshon Jeffery and defensive sort out Malik Jackson, a day earlier than their 2022 contracts would have been assured.
Philadelphia strikes on from each gamers — Jeffery, 31, noticed diminishing returns with accidents, going from 9 touchdowns in 2017 to 6 to 4 to only one in 2020. Jackson, 31, wasn’t the identical participant he was in Jacksonville, getting simply 2.5 sacks in two years.
Each gamers had adjusted their contracts to facilitate their launch and a few cap financial savings and now turn out to be unrestricted free brokers.
Raiders signal DT Quinton Jefferson
The Raiders introduced Wednesday that they’ve signed veteran defensive sort out Quinton Jefferson, who was reduce by the Payments in a salary-cap transfer final week.
Jefferson, who turns 28 later this month, spent his first 4 years in Seattle earlier than signing with the Payments final yr. He had 23 tackles and three sacks in Buffalo, largely off the bench. Jefferson has 10.5 profession sacks and was ranked 89th amongst obtainable free brokers within the latest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Chiefs add former Professional Bowl OL Kyle Lengthy on 1-year deal
The Chiefs proceed to reload their offensive line, luring former Professional Bowl guard Kyle Lengthy out of retirement with a one-year deal reportedly price as much as $5 million.
Lengthy, 32, performed seven seasons with the Bears from 2013-19, making the Professional Bowl his first three years however taking part in simply 30 of 64 video games in his final 4. He retired after the 2019 season, however has returned with Kansas Metropolis.
The Chiefs launched each of their beginning tackles in Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, and can permit heart Austin Reiter to signal elsewhere in free company. Now this week, they’ve added one of the top available linemen in Patriots guard Joe Thuney and now Lengthy as properly.
Panthers, Haason Reddick agree on 1-year deal price as much as $8 million
The Panthers have made a key signing for his or her protection, touchdown former Cardinals outdoors linebacker Haason Reddick on a one-year deal reportedly price as a lot as $8 million.
Reddick, 26, is reunited with Panthers coach Matt Rhule, who was his head coach at Temple from 2013-16. Reddick was a first-round draft decide of the Cardinals in 2017 and had a breakout yr in 2020, getting 12.5 sacks after totaling simply 7.5 in his first three years. He additionally compelled six fumbles this previous season, and helps a Panthers protection that totaled simply 29 sacks in 2020.
Reddick was ranked No. 18 amongst obtainable free brokers within the newest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Joe Person’s analysis
Rodney Hudson traded to Cardinals after Raiders change course
Fairly than launch three-time Professional Bowl heart Rodney Hudson, the Las Vegas Raiders are buying and selling him to the Arizona Cardinals. Hudson and a seventh-round decide will head to Arizona in change for a third-round choice, based on The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.
Even by buying and selling Hudson, the Raiders tackle a $12.1 million useless cap hit, the identical quantity they have been ready to eat by releasing him. However now they a minimum of get a third-round decide, and Arizona will get a veteran Professional Bowl heart for quarterback Kyler Murray. The Cardinals even have added defensive finish J.J. Watt and receiver A.J. Inexperienced in free company.
Lindsay Jones’ analysis | Tashan Reed’s Raiders analysis
Titans re-sign Jayon Brown to 1-year deal
After dropping two key free brokers to different groups, the Titans have re-signed linebacker Jayon Brown on a one-year deal, reportedly price $5.25 million.
Brown, 26, was a fifth-round decide in 2017 and has been a starter the previous three years. He missed six video games final yr with an elbow damage and nonetheless had 76 tackles. He’s ranked because the No. 25 obtainable free agent in the latest rankings from The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia.
Tennessee misplaced receiver Corey Davis to the Jets and tight finish Jonnu Smith to the Patriots. The Titans made a splash with the signing of pass-rusher Bud Dupree from the Steelers.
A.J. Inexperienced to signal with Cardinals
The Cardinals have added one other offensive weapon for Kyler Murray, agreeing to phrases with seven-time Professional Bowl receiver A.J. Inexperienced on a one-year contract, reportedly price $6 million.
Inexperienced, 32, has performed his complete profession with the Bengals, his numbers dropping off final season with simply 47 catches for 523 yards and two touchdowns. His 65 profession landing receptions are the sixth most amongst lively gamers.
The outstanding addition of Inexperienced results in the query of whether or not Larry Fitzgerald, 37, will return for a seventeenth season in Arizona, retire and even play elsewhere. Inexperienced joins a gifted group of receivers led by DeAndre Hopkins that features younger receivers Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella.
Former Lions DB Justin Coleman headed to Dolphins
The Dolphins have agreed to a one-year deal price as much as $2.75 million, The Athletic’s Josh Tolentino confirmed.
Coleman hit the open market as a cap casualty. He agreed to a four-year, $36 million cope with the Lions in 2019 however struggled this previous season. Nonetheless, he’ll solely be 28 this season and has been a productive participant prior to now. He ranked 61st on The Athletic’s up to date free agent large board.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Josh Tolentino’s analysis
John Brown, Raiders comply with 1-year deal
After dropping receiver Nelson Agholor to the Patriots, the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to phrases with receiver John Brown. It’s a one-year deal price as much as $5.5 million, based on SiriusXM’s Adam Caplan.
Brown, the No. 35 participant on The Athletic’s up to date free agent large board, spent the earlier two seasons with the Payments however turned a cap casualty this offseason. Following the arrival of Stefon Diggs, Brown noticed a lowered position in 2020, catching simply 33 passes in 9 video games. However in 2019, Brown loved the second 1,000-yard season of his profession.
Brown can be 31 by Week 1. The Raiders additionally have been linked to receiver Marvin Jones, who’s becoming a member of the Jaguars. Vegas needed to pair a veteran receiver with its youthful gamers on the place, Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards, each coming into their second NFL seasons.
Las Vegas also recently agreed to re-sign linebacker Nicholas Morrow, who’s one among The Athletic‘s under-the-radar free agents. That deal is for one yr and value as much as $5 million, based on NFL Community.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: A | Vic Tafur’s analysis
49ers land Trent Williams and Alex Mack
The 49ers made in a single day information by reaching offers with left sort out Trent Williams and heart Alex Mack, The Athletic confirmed. Mack swings over from the Falcons, the place he spent the previous 5 seasons. Williams, whose deal based on NFL Community is for six years and $138 million with $55 million assured, returns to the workforce he performed with final season.
Williams is the headliner. He was the No. 2 free agent on The Athletic’s large board. And whereas his return to San Francisco was possible, it wasn’t sure, particularly after the beginning of the authorized tampering interval as Williams remained unsigned. He joined the 49ers through commerce in the course of the 2020 NFL Draft and performed like one of many NFL’s greatest left tackles. He now’s the top-paid offensive lineman, and he’s 33.
Mack is reunited with Kyle Shanahan, for whom he performed in Cleveland and Atlanta. Mack, 35, is a three-time All-Professional and six-time Professional Bowler who went to school close by at Cal. He is also remarkably sturdy and had a streak of 90 consecutive video games snapped in December.
2014: Kyle Shanahan labored with Alex Mack in Cleveland
2015: Shanahan moved to ATL, no Mack, uneven yr for offense
2016: ATL acquired Mack, Shanahan’s offense surged to #1 in NFL
2021: Shanahan acquires Mack for the 49ers’ offense
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 17, 2021
Sheil Kapadia’s grade on Trent Williams deal: B- | Sheil Kapadia’s grade on Alex Mack deal: B+ | Matt Barrows and David Lombardi on Trent Williams | Lombardi on Mack | Roundtable reaction
Tuesday, March 16
Lions comply with phrases with RB Jamaal Williams, working to finalize commerce for DT Michael Brockers
Moments after it was introduced that the Lions had agreed to phrases with working again Jamaal Williams, phrase got here out that they have been near finalizing a commerce that might convey defensive sort out Michael Brockers from the Rams.
Williams, a high-end position participant, goes from backing up Aaron Jones in Inexperienced Bay to backing up D’Andre Swift. He figures to play a key position within the passing recreation after catching 25-plus passes in 4 straight seasons. The deal for the 25-year-old again is believed to be for 2 years and $7.5 million.
Brockers, in the meantime, has spent his complete nine-year profession with the Rams, who drafted him within the first spherical in 2012. The 30-year-old had 5 sacks (his most since 2013) and 51 tackles final season. He’ll reunite with quarterback Jared Goff, who was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford in January, and common supervisor Brad Holmes in Detroit.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B | Chris Burke’s analysis
William Jackson III to signal with Washington
William Jackson III, the highest cornerback obtainable, is becoming a member of the Washington Soccer Staff. The previous Bengal has agreed to a three-year, $42 million cope with Washington, based on The Athletic’s Ben Standig.
Jackson, 28, performed in 59 video games in 4 seasons with the Bengals, recording three interceptions and 41 move breakups. He’s a greater participant than Ronald Darby, who left Washington to signal with Denver earlier in free company.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: B | Ben Standig and Rhiannon Walker analysis
Texans, Terrance Mitchell agree on deal
The Texans are set to signal cornerback Terrance Mitchell, based on a number of stories.
Mitchell is the 106th ranked participant on The Athletic’s free agent large board. He broke up 13 passes with the Browns final season, his first as a full-time starter. He struggles in man protection however is an effective tackler, making him a logical slot in new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s zone-heavy scheme.
Cornerback was a significant place of want for the Texans coming into free company. Final season, the workforce had just one cornerback who was a minimum of common in Bradley Roby, and he missed the ultimate 5 video games due to a suspension for utilizing PEDs.
Payments to signal Emmanuel Sanders
The Buffalo Payments will signal receiver Emmanuel Sanders as soon as the New Orleans Saints formally launch him, based on a number of stories.
Sanders, who turns 34 this week, has already confirmed his launch from New Orleans in an Instagram put up. The transfer isn’t official but, however it’ll save the Saints a minimum of $4 million in opposition to the cap.
In a single season with the Saints, Sanders performed in 14 video games and caught 61 passes for 726 yards. He’ll be a part of a Payments receiving corps that lately misplaced John Brown, one other cap casualty.
Associated: How Patriots’ spending impacts Bills’ AFC East supremacy
Janoris Jenkins, Titans attain deal
Cornerback Janoris Jenkins has agreed to phrases with the Tennessee Titans, based on his agent, Neil Schwartz.
Jenkins, 32, got here to the Saints late within the 2019 season. He had a 2021 cap hit of $14.2 million, making him one among many cap casualties in New Orleans. He ranked 53rd on The Athletic’s up to date large board of free brokers.
Associated: Titans gamble, sacrificing offense to invest in defense
Jacoby Brissett headed to Dolphins
The Dolphins have a brand new quarterback to pair with Tua Tagovailoa, signing former Colts starter Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal.
Brissett, 28, is only a yr faraway from being the Colts’ preliminary alternative for Andrew Luck, throwing for two,942 yards and 18 touchdowns in opposition to six interceptions. However he was pushed apart with the signing of Phillip Rivers final yr and now takes Ryan Fitzpatrick’s position as veteran challenger to Tagovailoa. Fitzpatrick signed with Washington on Monday.
Brissett returns to his residence state, as he grew up in West Palm Seashore and began his faculty profession at Florida earlier than transferring to N.C. State.
Jaguars signal WR Marvin Jones, commerce for DT Malcom Brown
The Jaguars have by no means stopped including vital gamers.
The newest two additions in a wildly busy 48 hours to open free company: signing Lions receiver Marvin Jones to a two-year, $14.5 million contract and buying and selling for Saints defensive sort out Malcom Brown.
Jones, 31, simply completed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Lions, getting 9 touchdowns in every of the final two seasons. He joins a newly upgraded receiving corps, together with fellow signees Phillip Dorsett and Jamal Agnew.
Brown, 27, is a former Patriots first-round decide who began 29 video games within the final two years with New Orleans. The Saints have been reportedly releasing him as a part of their salary-cap cuts, however they discovered a taker in Jacksonville. The phrases of the commerce haven’t been disclosed, however NFL Community reported the Jaguars will give him a elevate from the $5 million he was as a consequence of make to 2 years and $11 million.
They’ve now within the final two days signed cornerback Shaquill Griffin, security Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive tackles Roy Robertson-Harris and Tyson Alualu, outdoors linebacker Jihad Ward, working again Carlos Hyde, tight finish Chris Manhertz, security Rudy Ford, Dorsett and Agnew.
Sheil Kapadia’s Marvin Jones grade: B
Texans, Tyrod Taylor agree on 1-year deal
Houston Texans coach David Culley recently said the team had no contingency plan if Deshaun Watson, the one quarterback on the roster, sat out the season.
Now that’s not the case. The Texans have agreed to a one-year cope with Taylor price as much as $12 million, as ESPN first reported.
Taylor, a 10-year veteran, has most lately performed for the Chargers and Browns. With each groups, he started seasons because the starter earlier than handing over the job to a rookie, Justin Herbert in Los Angeles and Baker Mayfield with the Browns. The identical may occur in Houston, if the Texans commerce Deshaun Watson, draft a quarterback and ease the rookie into the NFL.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C | Aaron Reiss’ analysis | QB roundtable
Bears to signal Andy Dalton
The Chicago Bears are signing quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year deal price $10 million, The Athletic’s Adam Jahns confirmed. The deal additionally consists of incentives.
Dalton ranked sixty fifth on The Athletic’s up to date free agent large board. The 33-year-old began 9 video games for the Cowboys final season and ranked twenty fifth in QBR, finishing 64.9 p.c of his passes and averaging 6.5 YPA. He’ll have an opportunity to start out for the Bears, who’re shifting on from Mitchell Trubisky.
Dalton spent 9 years with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier than signing with the Cowboys earlier than final yr.
Adam Jahns’ analysis | Sheil Kapadia’s grade: F
Steelers launch LB Vince Williams
The Steelers have launched linebacker Vince Williams, a transfer that frees up $4 million in salary-cap house.
Williams, 31, has been in Pittsburgh for eight years, the final 4 as a starter, getting 70 tackles and a career-best 14 tackles for loss in 2020. He was within the ultimate yr of a three-year contract, and his launch leaves $3 million in useless cash.
Pittsburgh could have former first-round decide Devin Bush returning after lacking 2020 with a torn ACL. Avery Williamson, acquired to switch Bush, is an unrestricted free agent.
Chiefs reduce RB Damien Williams
The Chiefs are reportedly releasing working again Damien Williams, a key a part of their Tremendous Bowl LIV win who opted out of the 2020 season.
Williams, 28, was as a consequence of make $2.25 million within the ultimate yr of a contract that carried over because of him opting out however as a substitute can be launched, based on an NFL Community report. He rushed for a career-best 498 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2019, stepping up within the postseason with six touchdowns in three video games, together with 104 speeding yards and two scores within the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl win over the 49ers.
Kansas Metropolis used its first-round decide final yr on working again Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had greater than 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 13 video games as a rookie.
Titans launch Adoree Jackson, Dennis Kelly
The Titans are shifting on from two former starters, asserting Tuesday they’re releasing cornerback Adoree Jackson and sort out Dennis Kelly. The strikes unlock about $13 million in cap house.
Jackson, 25, was their first-round decide in 2017 out of USC, and the workforce had exercised a $10.2 million fifth-year choice for 2021. That choice was solely assured in opposition to damage, and so they can transfer on with no cap penalties. Jackson missed most of final yr with a knee damage, taking part in solely three video games. He had simply two interceptions in 4 years with the Titans.
Kelly, 31, began each recreation at proper sort out for Tennessee final season and was as a consequence of make $4.5 million in 2021. His launch will end in $3.2 million in useless cash in opposition to the cap, from the signing bonus on a three-year deal he signed final yr.
Giants, Leonard Williams signal 3-year, $63 million deal
After putting the franchise tag on Leonard Williams for a second time, the Giants have agreed to a long-term cope with the defensive lineman. Williams is signing a three-year, $63 million cope with $45 million assured to remain in New York, based on a number of stories.
The Giants entered Tuesday projected to be barely over the cap, which added urgency to the negotiating course of as a result of New York wanted to cut back Williams’ 2021 cap hat, per The Athletic‘s Dan Duggan.
Giants needed to get this deal accomplished. Williams’ camp maximized leverage to make him the second-highest paid DT per yr within the league. This can clear up cap house instantly, though three-year deal limits capacity to unfold cash out. https://t.co/OTVDz4mbzJ
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) March 16, 2021
Williams is coming off the most effective season of his profession. He recorded 11.5 sacks on 30 QB hits in 2020. He additionally had a career-high 14 tackles for loss. In seven seasons with the Jets and Giants, Williams has missed only one recreation.
The long-term cope with the Giants gave New York some short-term cap aid, and the workforce instantly put it to make use of, signing receiver John Ross to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, based on NFL Community.
Ross, the No. 9 general decide in 2017, has to date been a disappointment. In 4 seasons with the Bengals, he performed in simply 27 video games and totaled 51 catches for 733 yards.
Sheil Kapadia’s grade: C+ | David Lombardi’s analysis
Falcons restructure Matt Ryan’s contract
The Falcons have restructured their cope with quarterback Matt Ryan, liberating up $14 million in cap house but additionally committing additional to him being their beginning quarterback.
Ryan, 35, has thrown for 4,000-plus yards in 10 straight seasons, throwing for 26 touchdowns in opposition to 11 interceptions final yr. He was as a consequence of have a $40.9 million cap quantity this season, and the workforce has lowered that to $26.9 million, based on Atlanta’s WSB-TV.
To try this, the Falcons took his $23 million base wage and transformed it to a $2 million wage and a $21 million signing bonus break up over the remaining three years on his contract. His cap quantity rises to $48 million in 2022 and $43 million in 2023, making it harder to chop or commerce him.
(Picture of DeSean Jackson: Eric Hartline / USA At the moment)
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