KC Warpaint 3,234 Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Man The Pats are spending right at the start TE Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, LB Matthew Judon has reached an agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $56 million deal. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC Warpaint 3,234 Posted March 15, 2021 Author Share Posted March 15, 2021 Leonard Floyd gets a four-year deal from Rams Patriots bringing in Nelson Agholor Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter Patriots are giving former Raiders’ WR Nelson Agholor a two-year, $26 million deal, per source. 6:26 PM · Mar 15, 2021 Raiders add Yannick Ngakoue Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter Former Ravens’ LB Yannick Ngakoue reached agreement on a two-year, $26 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, per source. Former Patriots S Terrence Brooks headed to the Texans on one-year, $2 million deal Barshop: Analysis of every Texans signing Saints agree to terms with OT James Hurst on three-year, $9 million deal riplett: Analysis of every Saints signing Broncos to re-sign DT Shelby Harris to three-year contract 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 last four seasons, but especially in the last 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. Legwold: Analysis of every Broncos signing RB Jamaal Williams exploring free agency 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." Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer3h ago Chargers land center Corey Linsley with five-year deal The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a five-year contract with free agent center Corey Linsley, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 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. CB Cam Sutton returns to the Steelers via two-year, $9 million deal 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 later this week. Pryor: Analysis of every Steelers signing Former Cowboys DT Maliek Collins stays in Texas, agrees to one-year pact with Houston Barshop: Analysis of every Texans signing 49ers agree to two-year deal with DE/OLB Samson Ebukam 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. Wagoner: Analysis of every 49ers signing DL Deatrich Wise agrees to return to the Patriots 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots signing Lions bring back LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin on one-year deal 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. Rothstein: Analysis of every Lions signing Jaguars begin to tackle defensive line needs, securing three-year deal with Roy Robertson-Harris 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. DiRocco: Analysis of every Jags signing Browns boost secondary by adding S John Johnson III 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. Trotter: Analysis of every Browns signing Lions cut OL Joe Dahl 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. Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer3h ago Rothstein: Analysis of every Lions signing Chiefs reach agreement with former Patriots OL Joe Thuney on five-year, $80 million deal 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. Teicher: Analysis of every Chiefs signing Dolphins, P Michael Palardy agree to terms Wolfe: Analysis of every Dolphins signing Jets agree to terms with former Lions LB Jarrad Davis via one-year, $7 million pact Cimini: Analysis of every Jets signing Patriots continue to spend, agreeing with DB Jalen Mills on a four-year, $24 million deal 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots signing LB Matthew Judon reached agreement with Pats on a four-year, $56 million deal 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots signing Rams placing a first-round tender on CB Darious Williams 49ers are re-signing CB Jason Verrett 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. Wagoner: Analysis of every 49ers signing WR Andre Roberts, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill set to join Texans Barshop: Analysis of every Texans signing Steelers extend vice president and GM Kevin Colbert 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. NT Davon Godchaux, Patriots agree on a two-year deal 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots signing OT Cam Erving, Panthers working on a two-year, $10 million deal Newton: Analysis of every Panthers signing Patriots, TE Jonnu Smith agree to a four-year, $50 deal 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots signing Lions, DE Romeo Okwara agree to 3-year, $39M contract 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. Rothstein: Analysis of every Lions signing OL Pat Elflein heading to Carolina Newton: Analysis of every Panthers signing DE Shaq Barrett returning to Bucs 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. Laine: Analysis of every Bucs signing OLB Markus Golden staying in Arizona Weinfuss: Analysis of every Cardinals signing DE Brandon Graham, Eagles working on extension 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. Russini: Titans won't bring back two high-profile free agents Cimini: Jets have interest in top offensive linemen G Kevin Zeitler to sign with Ravens 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. Hensley: Analysis of every Ravens signing G Andrew Norwell restructures contract with Jacksonville March 14 49ers re-sign FB Kyle Juszczyk to 5-year, $27 million deal 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. Saints QB Drew Brees announces retirement 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%). Triplett: What is the legacy of Brees? Take your pick Reaction: The sports world pays tribute to Brees' career G Jon Feliciano signs extension with Bills Packers re-signing RB Aaron Jones 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. Demovsky: Jones gave Packers plenty of reasons to play running back roulette Demovsky: Analysis of every Packers signing Patriots trading OT Marcus Cannon to Texans 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. Reiss: Analysis of every Patriots move Barshop: Analysis of every Texans move Russini: Top free-agent wide receivers could seek short-term deals Texans trading LB Benardrick McKinney to Dolphins for LB Shaq Lawson 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. DE Mario Edwards Jr. finalizing 3-year, $11.5M deal with Bears 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. Last-minute NFL free-agency nuggets: Everything we're hearing, plus teams and players to watch 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. March 13 OT Nate Solder expected back with Giants on reworked deal 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. Chargers release CB Casey Hayward Jr. 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. March 12 LB Preston Smith returns to Packers after cap reduction 49ers, CB Emmanuel Moseley reach two-year deal 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. Chargers release OL Trai Turner one year after trade 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. Chiefs to restructure QB Patrick Mahomes' contract 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. Bills agree to three-year extension with RT Daryl Williams 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. Louis-Jacques: Analysis of every Bills signing Steelers re-signing veteran OL B.J. Finney 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. Cardinals re-signing CB Robert Alford LB Christian Kirksey signing one-year deal with Texans QB Tom Brady gets four-year extension with Buccaneers, saves cap space 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. Saints plan to release LB Kwon Alexander 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. QB Cam Newton returning to Patriots on 1-year deal 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. Reiss: Newton's return gives Patriots options, could help lure free agents More: Patriots also bring back ST veteran Justin Bethel Ravens re-sign veteran OLB Pernell McPhee 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. March 11 Bears agree to three-year deal with K Cairo Santos 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. Falcons re-sign kicker Younghoe Koo after Pro Bowl season 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. Bills, LB Matt Milano agree on 4-year $44 million extension 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. Texans reach one-year deal with RB Mark Ingram 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. Lions plan to release slot CB Justin Coleman, TE Jesse James 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. Texans coach David Culley reaffirms commitment to Deshaun Watson: 'He is our quarterback' 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." Steelers re-sign WR Ray-Ray McCloud to one-year deal 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. Texans WR Brandin Cooks restructures deal 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. Kansas City releases OTs Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz 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. Teicher: Chiefs will need all of GM Brett Veach's creativity to protect Patrick Mahomes Saints to release veteran CB Janoris Jenkins in latest cost-cutting move 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. March 10 Vikings release LT Riley Reiff, free up $11.75 million 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. Kenny Vaccaro joins Malcolm Butler as a Titans cap casualty 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. Dolphins cut Kyle Van Noy after one season 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. Giants release G Kevin Zeitler to clear salary cap space 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. Panthers restructure RB Christian McCaffrey, LB Shaq Thompson deals 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. Bills release WR John Brown, DL Quinton Jefferson 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. Saints to release WR Emmanuel Sanders 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. NFL salary cap set at $182.5 million, down 8% 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. Graziano: Winners and losers from the franchise tag deadline Seifert: Ranking the best 100 players on the market this offseason NFL Nation: Tracking the players who got franchise tagged March 9 Titans releasing CB Malcolm Butler 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. Buccaneers bringing back LB Lavonte David on 2-year, $25M deal 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. Packers don't franchise RB Aaron Jones 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. Demovsky: Does no tag mean no future for Jones with the Packers? Seahawks won't franchise-tag RB Chris Carson 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. Browns release DE Adrian Clayborn, save $3M in salary cap space 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. Giants tag DT Leonard Williams after working on deal 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. Falcons release veteran G James Carpenter The Atlanta Falcons have saved almost $4 million from the 2021 salary cap by cutting veteran offensive guard James Carpenter. Vikings release veteran K Dan Bailey 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. Saints use franchise tag on S Marcus Williams 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. Bears franchise-tag star WR Allen Robinson 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 Bears OL Kyle Long to unretire 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. Lions don't use franchise tag on WR Kenny Golladay 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. Chargers tell TE Hunter Henry he won't be tagged again 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. Jaguars use franchise tag on LT Cam Robinson 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." Steelers won't use franchise tag on LB Bud Dupree 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. Buccaneers use franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin 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. Panthers use franchise tag on RT Taylor Moton 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. Raiders trade OT Trent Brown to Patriots 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. Reiss: Patriots' O-line shaping up as strength after trade March 8 Seahawks release DE Carlos Dunlap, create $14.1M in cap space 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. QB Dak Prescott, Cowboys reach four-year, $160 million deal, source says 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. Archer: With contract in hand, Prescott must deliver Social reaction: Prescott gets congratulations from other players after his big new contract Archer: Prescott's contract includes $1 million Super Bowl incentive S Marcus Maye receives franchise tag from Jets, source says 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. Cimini: Jets GM has money to spend, a team to build, a score to settle Sources: Titans shipping OT Isaiah Wilson to Dolphins 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. Wolfe: Success of Dolphins' trade for Wilson hinges on his desire to change Washington places franchise tag on Brandon Scherff 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. March 5 Texans sign ex-Seahawks C Justin Britt to one-year deal 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. Bengals release G B.J. Finney 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. Broncos placing franchise tag on S Justin Simmons 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. C Jason Kelce, Eagles reach new deal for 2021 season 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. Washington releases QB Alex Smith 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. Keim: After three memorable years with Washington, Smith starts new chapter March 4 Seahawks release WR Josh Gordon, TE Greg Olsen 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." QB Ben Roethlisberger signs with Steelers for 2021 season 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. Saints release P Thomas Morstead after 12 seasons 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. Lions tell CB Desmond Trufant he'll be released 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. March 3 Giants release veteran WR Golden Tate in cost-cutting move 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. Lions, WR Tyrell Williams reach deal 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. Saints re-sign special-teams ace J.T. Gray 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. March 2 Jets release DE Henry Anderson 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. Vikings release TE Kyle Rudolph after 10 seasons 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. RB David Johnson reworks deal for 2021 with Texans, source says 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. LB Kyle Van Noy 'surprised' as Dolphins plan to move on 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. March 1 DE J.J. Watt agrees to 2-year deal with Arizona 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. Weinfuss: How J.J. Watt can get better pairing with Chandler Jones Social media reax: Watt signed where? Feb. 26 OT Nate Solder intends to play after opting out in 2020 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. Feb. 25 QB Deshaun Watson met with Texans coach David Culley, still wants to be traded 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. Schefter: Sources: Texans insist they won't trade Watson Titans release WR Adam Humphries 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. Ravens OT Orlando Brown exploring trade possibility, source says 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. QB Russell Wilson hasn't demanded trade from Seahawks, agent says 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. Henderson: Wilson frustrated by 'getting hit too much,' wants more say in Seahawks' moves Broncos release veteran DT Jurrell Casey after one season 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. Feb. 19 Eagles release veteran WR DeSean Jackson 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. Panthers release three players to increase cap space to $28.5 million 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. Feb. 18 Eagles trade QB Carson Wentz to Colts for draft picks 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. McManus: Wentz no longer with Eagles: What went wrong, and what's next ESPN NFL experts: Debating and grading the Wentz trade Falcons release CB Ricardo Allen, LB Allen Bailey for salary-cap savings 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. Feb. 16 Dolphins sign All-Pro K Jason Sanders to 5-year extension 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. Feb. 11 Raiders release WR Tyrell Williams 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. Feb. 10 Broncos release CB A.J. Bouye one year after trade 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. Washington signs QB Taylor Heinicke to 2-year deal 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. Jan. 31 Lions deal QB Matthew Stafford to Rams for QB Jared Goff, picks 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. Thiry: Rams give Stafford long-awaited chance to compete for a title Rothstein: How the Lions' offense might change in the post-Stafford era ESPN NFL experts: Debating and grading the Stafford/Goff swap Terms of Use Privacy Policy Your California Privacy Rights Children's Online Privacy Policy Interest-Based Ads About Nielsen Measurement Do Not Sell My Info Contact Us Disney Ad Sales Site Copyright: © ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. EXCLUSIVE CONTENT NFL free agency: Grades for every big signing and trade of 2021 play Louis Riddick, Booger McFarland and Chris Mortensen weigh in on Bill Belichick's most recent offseason moves, including signing Matthew Judon to the roster. (2:36) 5:15 PM ET Multiple Contributors Facebook Twitter Facebook Messenger Pinterest Email print The first stage of NFL free agency is underway -- front offices can discuss contract terms with the agents of players on the market -- and teams are already re-signing players and making trades after last week's franchise tag deadline came and went. Once the the new league year opens on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, deals can be made official. Among the moves made on Monday: The New England Patriots splashed the cash on a few new signings, while the Kansas City Chiefs signed the best guard on the market. National NFL reporters Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Kevin Seifert are grading every big free-agent signing and trade for the next week, using our top 100 rankings as a guide. They'll grade each move from the team's perspective, using the contract terms, money numbers, player value and age, and history to assess the deal. Because the specific structure of contracts isn't always known when a deal is announced, they might delay grading a move until they know more about the guaranteed money. We'll start with the most recent grades at the top. This piece will continue to be updated. More coverage:Tracker: Latest signings, movesRanking the top 100 free agentsNFL free agency landing page Monday, March 15 Joe Thuney, G, Kansas City Chiefs The deal: Five years, $80 million, $32 million fully guaranteedTop 100 ranking: 12 Grade: B This is what happens when a clearly desperate team approaches the best player available at the position. Thuney's $16 million average per year blows away the previous high for a guard in a multiyear deal, which had been $14.1 million for the Eagles' Brandon Brooks. (Washington's Brandon Scherff's franchise tag in 2021 will be worth $18.036 million.) Editor's Picks Follow NFL free agency live: We're tracking every deal, big and small Top 100 NFL free agents for 2021: Ranking best players on market To be clear, the Chiefs needed to remake their offensive line after bidding farewell to tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. It is also quite possible that center Austin Reiter will sign elsewhere. They are better off today than they were yesterday. But when you're in that situation, you have to pay a premium for, in this case, a reliable and durable player who has never made a Pro Bowl or been named an All-Pro. That premium included not only the $16 million average but also the guarantees. Unless Thuney plays only one season with the Chiefs, a pretty unlikely scenario, he's guaranteed to earn at least $48 million over three seasons in the deal. -- Seifert John Johnson III, S, Cleveland Browns The deal: Three years, $33.75 million, $24 million guaranteedTop 100 ranking: 24 Grade: A Several teams had Johnson ranked as the best safety in free agency, which makes this nice value for Cleveland. In turn, Johnson gets higher guarantees but gives a manageable contract structure. Johnson is a valuable chess piece, with the ability to play strong or free safety. Cleveland was largely expected to work in the midrange markets but took its shot at an opportune time. And this fills a big need for the Browns defense. According to ESPN Stats & Info research, the Browns allowed 15 touchdown on passes thrown 15-plus yards downfield last season, which was tied with the Cowboys for most in the league. -- Fowler Matthew Judon, OLB, New England Patriots The deal: Four years, $56 million with $32 million guaranteedTop 100 ranking: 25 Grade: B 2021 Free Agency | Patriots What you need to know about the New England Patriots: • Patriots' free-agent signings » • Tracker: Latest signings and news » • Grading big moves » | Top 100 FAs » • Free-agency coverage » | More NFL » New England is in full get-right mode with a string of high-profile signings. Getting a pass-rusher coming off back-to-back Pro Bowls at $14 million per year is solid work, and with Shaq Barrett off the market, Judon was among the best available. If there's one knock, it's that the pass-rush market is deep enough where New England could have waited and gotten a good player for cheaper. But here's to assuming Bill Belichick knows how to maximize Judon in a unique way, and Judon was intent on going to a winner throughout the process. -- Fowler Jalen Mills, DB, New England Patriots The deal: Four years, up to $24 million Grade: C+ Although he is of prime age for a free-agent target (27 in April), Mills didn't land on our ranking of the top 100 free agents available. There are a lot of questions about his past three seasons. He missed eight games in 2018, seven games in 2019 and then returned to the Eagles on a one-year deal to play safety rather than cornerback. It's obvious that the Patriots saw something they liked in the 2020 version of Mills, who managed to start 15 games. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Mills did a better-than-average job in coverage from his new position. He allowed a minus-12% completion rate over expectation, the fifth-best mark among defensive backs with at least 300 snaps. We'll see where the final money lands, but has Mills shown enough to merit a first-day-of-free-agency plunge? That seems very far from a sure thing. -- Seifert Kyle Juszczyk, FB, San Francisco 49ers The deal: Five years, $27 million with $9.6 million fully guaranteed at signing Grade: C+ If anybody else but Kyle Shanahan pays a fullback like this, we'd be throwing an "F" on the board and screaming, "What are they thinking?" But the Niners view Juszczyk as more than just a fullback. He's a vital part of almost everything they do on offense, and they felt they couldn't afford to lose him. Other teams were interested, presumably including the Jets, whose new offensive coordinator is former Shanahan assistant Mike LaFleur. So the Niners had to pony up here. 2021 Free Agency | 49ers What you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers: • 49ers' free-agent signings » • Tracker: Latest signings and news » • Grading big moves » | Top 100 FAs » • Free-agency coverage » | More NFL » But we're grading these deals from the team's standpoint, and while it's great for the 49ers that they secured a player who's important to them, they got no bargain here. Juszczyk is getting a $4 million signing bonus, a fully guaranteed $2.155 million option bonus that gets paid on April 1, 2022, and fully guaranteed salaries of $1.075 million this year and $1.12 million in 2022. Plus, $1.25 million of his $4.75 million 2023 salary is fully guaranteed at signing. Do you know how hard it is to get any third-year guarantee in an NFL contract? Especially in a market like this? Nice work by Juszczyk and agent Joe Linta. -- Graziano Jonnu Smith, TE, New England Patriots The deal: Four years, up to $50 million, $31.25 million fully guaranteedTop 100 ranking: 6 Grade: B+ I had Hunter Henry one spot above Smith in ESPN's ranking of the top 100 available free agents, but the difference was more schematic than anything. As anyone who has seen him take carries from the backfield or run after the catch can attest, Smith is a phenomenal athlete who should spark all kinds of creativity from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has never jumped out and signed a pass-catcher like this before. But you don't need to be a historian to remember that his offenses in New England were never better than when his tight ends -- Rob Gronkowski, most notably -- were forcing mismatches all over the field. Belichick paid dearly in his effort to reestablish that approach, especially after drafting two tight ends in the third round of the 2020 draft. We'll see where Smith's final numbers settle, especially as it relates to average per year. But for now, the only tight end deals that rate higher are the ones signed by All-Pros George Kittle and Travis Kelce. -- Seifert Shaq Barrett, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers The deal: Four years, $68 million, plus possible $4 million incentives based on sacks and Super BowlTop 100 ranking: 9 Grade: A Look, Tampa Bay's mission is to keep together the team that won the Super Bowl. There are teams with far worse reasons for spending money this offseason than that one. This is a big contract, but it's not an out-of-control number for a player who was expected to lead the offseason pass-rush market whether he stayed in Tampa or left. It's a smaller number per year, and in terms of guarantees, than Trey Flowers got from the Lions when he left the Patriots as a free agent two years ago. 2021 Free Agency | Buccaneers What you need to know about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: • Bucs' free-agent signings » • Tracker: Latest signings and news » • Grading big moves » | Top 100 FAs » • Free-agency coverage » | More NFL » The Bucs got a nice deal here on a player they like a lot and who just helped them win the Super Bowl. Other pass-rushers around the league were watching this number, figuring Barrett might set the ceiling for free-agent edge rusher deals this offseason. Now we look to the likes of Carl Lawson, Bud Dupree and Matthew Judon to see whether they can get close to what Tampa gave Barrett, who had 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons. If one of them tops it, the Bucs will know they got a bargain. -- Graziano Romeo Okwara, DE, Detroit Lions The deal: Three years, up to $39 millionTop 100 ranking: 29 Grade: A Okwara picked the right time to have a career year. His 10 sacks in 2020 matched the cumulative total for his previous four seasons. But there is a near-universal belief around the league that Okwara is an ascending player at a key position. And despite five years in the league, he won't turn 26 until this summer. That's the kind of profile that can cause teams to fall over themselves to make audacious offers to in the open market, even in a year of relative austerity. The Lions did well to talk Okwara into this deal before he could test that theory. His $13 million average is a huge raise off the $3.2 million he earned in 2020, but it doesn't put him into the top 10 of 4-3 defensive ends in the league. -- Seifert Kevin Zeitler, G, Baltimore Ravens The deal: Three years, up to $22.5 millionTop 100 ranking: 42 Grade: A- This deal makes all kinds of sense for the Ravens, who never found a permanent replacement for Marshal Yanda after he retired following the 2019 season. In fact, 2020 was the first season in Ravens history without Yanda or Jonathan Ogden as part of their organization. And it showed: Ravens quarterbacks were pressured on 35% of their dropbacks, fourth-highest in the NFL. Zeitler won't have the same impact as Yanda or Ogden, obviously, but he'll without question elevate the consistency of the Ravens' line. And while there is always concern about signing a 31-year-old free agent, Zeitler has been exceptionally durable in his career: He has missed only one game in the past six seasons. The Ravens did well to jump on one of the two or three best interior linemen available in this market at a price that did not break the top 10 in average per year for guards. The first two seasons of the deal are fully guaranteed at $16 million, meaning Zeitler has an average of $8 million over that period. And while it wasn't a prime factor in his signing, Zeitler won't count against the Ravens' future compensatory-pick benefits because he was thrust into the market by a release (from the Giants) rather than the expiration of his contract. -- Seifert Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers The deal: Four years, $48 millionGrade: B+ Jones is a top-10 running back, so the Packers needed to put some splash on this deal. But the early buzz is they got much of what they wanted -- base payouts closer to $10 million annually with a manageable guarantee structure and incentives to push it higher. Otherwise, why would Green Bay turn down an $8.7 million franchise tag just to turn around and give Jones $12 million (other than angling for a compensatory pick if he walks)? So Jones gets closer to market value and Green Bay gets more control and flexibility than the franchise tag could provide. Perhaps most importantly, Green Bay gets an explosive playmaker whose toughness and versatility will keep Aaron Rodgers happy. In two years as the full-time starter, Jones has averaged 1,509 total yards and 15 total touchdowns per season. The Packers also like AJ Dillon, a second-round pick in 2020, and he'll likely fill the role Jamaal Williams has played behind Jones. This is going to be a great offense again in 2021. -- Fowler Dolphins trade Shaq Lawson to Texans for Benardrick McKinney Miami Dolphins get: LB Benardrick McKinney and a 2021 seventh-round pickHouston Texans get: LB Shaq Lawson and a 2021 sixth-round pick Dolphins grade: B-Texans grade: B On the surface, this deal might look like a swap of mostly interchangeable front-seven players. It's not. Instead, the deal is best viewed as an exchange of players neither team wanted. McKinney appears to be a replacement for Kyle Van Noy, a utility-role player whom the Dolphins released one year after giving him a free-agent contract. Lawson, meanwhile, will give the Texans a situational pass-rusher after a 2020 season in which their defense compiled the NFL's fourth-worst Total QBR (67.6). The Texans deserve credit after finding a landing spot for a player who missed 12 games last season and was due to earn $7.75 million with a salary cap number of $7.94 million. Lawson will be playing for his third team in three seasons and is due to make $17 million over the next two seasons. We're cutting the Dolphins a bit less slack here because it has been only 12 months since they signed Lawson to a big deal. They're doing a lot of work to fill a position that isn't generally considered one of the most important on a defense. -- Seifert Cam Newton, QB, New England Patriots The deal: One year, $5.1 millionGrade: A From a financial perspective, this deal was a no-brainer for the Patriots. They locked in what we can reasonably assume to be their fallback plan at the position for high-end backup money. Newton is guaranteed $3.5 million, via a $2 million signing bonus and a $1.5 million base salary, and would get to $5.1 million if he is active for every game and meets a preset threshold for offseason workouts. Keep in mind that the Lions are scheduled to pay backup Chase Daniel $4.55 million in 2021. It's reasonable to assume that the Patriots will continue shopping for quarterbacks, maybe through the draft or even free agency. But if nothing else, they now have Newton in their back pocket with a deal that would be a steal for a starter and fair market value for a backup of his skills. Even if he wins the Patriots' starting job and has a throwback-Cam kind of season, he can't earn more than $13.6 million. There are currently 15 quarterbacks set to earn more than that in 2021. -- Seifert Daryl Williams, OT, Buffalo Bills The deal: Three years, $24 millionGrade: A This is a home run for the Bills, as it's really just a one-year commitment at $9.75 million to a player who was one of their best and most reliable offensive linemen in 2020. There were market watchers who believed Williams would do well if he got to free agency and wonder why he took this deal with Buffalo, and it speaks to how well things are going in Buffalo that players would want to stay there rather than find out what they're worth on the open market. The Bills have the 28-year-old Williams for $7.125 million in 2022 and again in 2023 if they want to keep him. He has a $4.35 million injury-only guarantee in 2022 that becomes fully guaranteed if he's still on the roster on the fifth day of the 2022 league year. So as long as he's healthy, the Bills can see how he plays and whether they can upgrade before deciding whether to keep or replace him this time next year. This is a big win for the Bills as they try to keep their excellent roster together for another deep playoff run. -- Graziano Matt Milano, LB, Buffalo Bills The deal: Four years, $41.5 millionGrade: A- The Bills didn't get any kind of major bargain here -- Milano did well for a linebacker who didn't test the market. But they get to keep an important part of their defense without completely breaking the bank to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handswarmer 645 Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 ^Longest post in Coalition history^ oldtimer and KC Warpaint 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now