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The NFL free agency tampering period started at noon eastern on March 15th and ends in on Wednesday at 4pm. That 52-hour period is when teams are able to talk with agents and players, but we all know that many have already started discussions.
We’ve already seen some big names taken off the free agency list, as two of the top players, Dak Prescott and Aaron Jones have agreed to return to their respective teams. Those deals have been made official, but numerous deals over the past six weeks have not been formally announced. For example, the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff trade is technically not completed, nor is the Carson Wentz trade to the Indianapolis Colts. All teams involved will announce those deals Wednesday after the 4 p.m. start of the new league year.
There are still plenty of players who will be looking for new teams and a raise in free agency still. We will keep you up to date with all the news and rumors throughout the tampering period. Here’s to your team making all the right moves this offseason!
News and Rumors
JuJu Smith-Schuster has decided to stay in Pittsburgh for another season. He did end up giving the Steelers a discount, as he took an $8 million one-year deal when there was better money or better quarterbacks elsewhere. He’ll look to put up a good season in 2021 and raise his
The Denver Broncos have signed Justin Simmons, keeping him from playing on the franchise tag again this season. Simmons will become the highest paid safety in the league and anchor the Broncos secondary on a four-year, $61 million dollar deal.
In the end, the #Broncos and S Justin Simmons have a 4-year, $61M deal that is the second one done this offseason off a second tag. Good news for other safeties, including Jamal Adams, as the market has jumped again. https://t.co/sQRBahiVqV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2021
This one slipped by the tracker, but shouldn’t slip by you, as the Seahawks have signed tight end Gerald Everett, formerly of the Rams. Everett has flashed some upside, especially in a game against the Seahawks in 2019, but has mostly been on the wrong side of a committee with Tyler Higbee. The Seahawks do have Will Dissly and some serviceable backups, so Everett isn’t a lock to lead the way, but he does have sleeper appeal if he can.
The #Seahawks are signing TE Gerald Everett to a 1-year deal worth $6M, source said. The former #Rams TE finds a home.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
Kenny Golladay’s top suitors appear to be the Bengals and Giants, but now the Baltimore Ravens are making inquiries according to Adam Schefter. The Ravens have appeared to be out of the race for a top wide receiver, but they are at least doing their due diligence in a market that doesn’t look to be paying much for receivers this year.
Here’s a twist to the free-agent WRs: the Ravens have reached out to Kenny Golladay’s agent, Todd France, to inquire about the former Lions’ wideout.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2021
The Cincinnati Bengals biggest need this offseason was getting more protection for Joe Burrow and they’re off to a good start by signing ex-Vikings lineman Reilly Reiff. They should still add more to the line, but Reiff is a strong signing and good news for the Bengals 2021 offense.
Source: Bengals are signing Riley Reiff.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) March 19, 2021
The Detroit Lions are letting Kenny Golladay walk and Marvin Jones has already signed with the Jaguars. To replace those losses they’ve signed Breshad Perriman, formerly of the Ravens and Jets. They can of course bring in more receivers, but Perriman could end up being the de facto No. 1 this season. Jared Goff isn’t likely to be of much use in fantasy this year.
Like father like son: former Jets’ WR Breshad Perriman is signing with the Lions on a one-year, $3 million deal, per @DrewJRosenhaus. Perriman now will play for the same team that his dad Brett starred for.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
The Miami Dolphins will add Will Fuller to their receiver room, per Adam Schefter. This move gives Tua Tagovalia a strong group of receivers with Fuller as the likely No. 1 and DeVante Parker as the No. 2. Add in Preston Williams and Mike Gesicki to make for an offense that can win games in 2021.
Former Texans’ WR Will
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
Fuller reached agreement with the Miami Dolphins, per sources.
Mitchell Trubisky won’t get a chance to compete for a starting job in 2021, as he is heading to Buffalo to backup Josh Allen. He should be a competent backup and his ability to run fits the Allen mold. He’s a good pickup for a team looking to stay consistent as they work toward the playoffs and a Super Bowl run.
Former Bears' QB Mitchell Trubisky is signing with the Buffalo Bills, per @JFowlerESPN and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
The Las Vegas Raiders have asked Marcus Mariota to take a pay cut from the $10.7 million to $3 million, which he is unlikely to do. They will try to trade him, which could happen, but there’s little doubt he will be moving on to a new team and could compete for a starting job if the right spot presents itself.
Decision is coming: The #Raiders asked QB Marcus Mariota to take a paycut down to just $3M this year, source said, and if he refuses the team will move on. While a release is likely, the team has been able to trade players they would cut. That remains possible. He is due $10.725M
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
The Los Angeles Chargers will replace tight end Hunter Henry with Jared Cook, as he’s agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, per Josina Anderson. Cook should be a comparable player to Henry and serve as a field stretcher and big red-zone target for sophomore Justin Herbert. Unfortunately for Donald Parham truthers this is a big blow. The Saints will roll with Adam Trautman as their starter in 2021.
Former #Saints TE Jared Cook now with the #Chargers. https://t.co/q1bcl4Ar0p
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 18, 2021
The New York Jets might not be done adding receivers. After bringing in Corey Davis, they now have set their sights on JuJu Smith-Schuster. Adding him to Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder would give the Jets a formidable wide receiver crew.
UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t completely out of the JuJu sweepstakes just yet.
While @RapSheet says the #Jets have conversations with JuJu Smith-Schuster, the #Steelers haven't closed the door on a return and have remain engaged in the situation the last few days. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion...
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2021
Interesting development in the WR market: The #Jets have been having conversations with #Steelers FA WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, sources say, a potential target in their offense. Despite having signed Corey Davis, NYJ may not be done adding playmakers. Smith-Schuster is one to watch.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
The Denver Broncos have decided to rescind Phillip Lindsay’s RFA tender. This will give him a chance to find a new team and possibly a larger role in 2021. His ability has been evident on the field and he should find some interest in free agency.
After great conversations with the @Broncos, it's been mutually decided that rescinding the RFA Tender is best for both Phillip Lindsay and the team. It's been a great 3 years in Denver for @I_CU_boy. Nothing beats seeing @EmpowerField rocking as it did when #30 broke a long run.
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18, 2021
Curtis Samuel joins Ryan Fitzpatrick, Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin in Washington to form a strong offensive group. Add that to their already great defense and there should be some excitement in D.C. this season.
Curtis Samuel is signing with Washington, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2021
Marlon Mack will remain in Indianapolis after re-signing with the Colts, per Tom Pelissero. This isn’t the greatest news for Jonathan Taylor, but he proved himself enough last season to be the no-doubt lead back going into 2021 and should be able to hold off Mack as long as he’s healthy.
The #Colts are re-signing RB Marlon Mack, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
Kenny Golladay has been rumored to the Dolphins and Giants, but it looks like the Giants may be closing in on him. He’s the type of receiver they really need to fill out their wide receiver room and it looks like they are going to do their best to bring him into the fold.
A source tells me the #Giants are trying hard to close in on signing Kenny Golladay. We'll see soon if they get it done.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 17, 2021
...or if they whiff and he goes elsewhere.
Sounds like intense talks, though.
The Arizona Cardinals will add A.J. Green to their wide receiver room this season, per Ian Rapoport. At this point in his career, he likely won’t make a huge impact, but if he can stay healthy, he should be a solid player on the other side of DeAndre Hopkins.
The #AZCardinals have now agreed to terms with WR AJ Green, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
Touchdown maker Marvin Jones will land in Jacksonville to become one of Trevor Lawrence’s targets, per Ian Rapoport. Jones is a solid receiver, who can help any team, but his veteran presence should be extra helpful to the Jaguars as they work to get their passing offense going with their No. 1 pick.
The #Jaguars are expected to sign former #Lions WR Marvin Jones, source said, an accomplished, veteran offensive weapon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
The Buffalo Bills found their John Brown replacement by agreeing to terms with Emmanuel Sanders, per Dan Fete. He will get a one-year contract worth $6 million. Stefon Diggs should continue his big target numbers, as Sanders isn’t going to command more targets than Brown or Cole Beasley.
Breaking: Per source, the Buffalo #Bills are set to sign WR Emmanuel Sanders
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) March 16, 2021
The Tennessee Titans have re-signed tight end Anthony Firkser to a one-year deal, per Terry McCormick. This isn’t huge news, but with Jonnu Smith now in New England, Firkser could end up as TE1 in Tennessee. If so, he would have fantasy appeal on a good offense.
#Titans have agreed to terms on a deal with TE Anthony Firkser. Contract not yet finalized but should be later today.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 17, 2021
Jamaal Williams will join the Detroit Lions on a two-year deal. This is concerning for D’Andre Swift’s workload, but he is still the No. 1 back and unfortunately, he was never going to be a 25 touch per game player. Williams could see enough work to have some appeal in deeper leagues. Much like he had in Green Bay.
Former #Packers RB Jamaal Williams is signing a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with the #Lions, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
The 49ers have re-signed Trent Williams and added Alex Mack to their offensive line. Williams is the star of the group and will become the highest paid offensive lineman in the league.
DETAILS: The #49ers and LT Trent Williams have officially agreed to a 6-year, $138M contract extension making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history.
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) March 17, 2021
Williams deal comes with $55.1M guaranteed and a $30.1M signing bonus. pic.twitter.com/KzWbGyIb2b
The Las Vegas Raiders have found their Nelson Agholor replacement by adding the Bills John Brown, per Ryan Talbot. Brown should be a veteran presence on the team and be a good source of knowledge for Henry Ruggs. His fantasy upside isn’t great with Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow all in the mix on a team that likes to run the ball. He should end up being the top wideout, so the upside is there to be the lead guy, but there are obstacles.
Per source, it’s a one-year deal for John Brown with the #Raiders. Former #Bills WR finds a new home.
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) March 17, 2021
Andy Dalton is your new Chicago Bears starting quarterback! Maybe that doesn’t deserve an exclamation point. But here we are. Adam Schefter reports that Dalton will sign a one-year deal and at $10-13 million, he looks like the frontrunner to start for Chicago in 2021.
Former Cowboys' QB Andy Dalton is signing a one-year, $10 million deal, with the chance to earn another $3 million in incentives, with the Chicago Bears, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
The Giants and defensive end Leonard Williams have come to an agreement which will pay Williams a fully guaranteed $45 million in a three-years $63 million overall contract, per Adam Schefter. Williams had his best season last year when he upped his sack numbers to 11.5 while continuing to play the run at a high level.
Giants and twice-franchised DL Leonard Williams reached agreement on a three-year, $63 million deal that includes $45 million fully guaranteed, sources tell ESPN. Agent Roosevelt Barnes and Brandon Parker, and NYG exec Kevin Abrams put finishing touches on massive deal today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
Packers breakout tight end Robert Tonyan received a second-round tender, likely keeping him in Green Bay. There is always a chance another team goes after him, but a second round pick will likely keep teams away.
The #Packers have submitted a $3.384 million restricted free agent tender to TE Robert Tonyan, which sets the compensation at a 2nd-round pick if the team were not to match an offer, a source said. It pretty much guarantees Tonyan will be back and could lead to a long-term deal.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 16, 2021
Kenny Golladay remains the top free agent wide receiver on the market, and it appears the Dolphins and Giants are showing the most interest.
Dolphins have been in on Kenny Golladay, per sources. Giants as a top option, too. Jets were thought to be in but just signed Corey Davis.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 16, 2021
Miami does planning on signing a starting WR in FA. Will it be Golladay?
The New York Jets have agreed to a three-year deal with ex-Titans wide receiver Corey Davis. Davis played his best football last season and will start alongside Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder. Unfortunately, the Jets offense is likely to lag this season, making it tough for Davis to see much fantasy upside unless the team can somehow land a top-tier quarterback.
Former Titans’ WR Corey Davis reached agreement on a three-year, $37.5 million deal that includes $27 million guaranteed with the New York Jets, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Leonard Fournette is in the Seattle Seahawks sights, as they have lost Carlos Hyde to free agency and the Jaguars and Chris Carson is also a free agent. Albert Breer reports that the Buccaneers are still interested as well. Seattle still has Rashard Penny, but they won’t go into the season with just one main back, as they like to have multiple backs who can handle big chunks of work.
Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette is weighing an offer to remain in Tampa (Brady is recruiting him back), but the Seahawks have made a strong bid to poach him. Stylistically, Seattle would be an interesting fit.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2021
The New England vs. Tampa Bay drama has written itself as the Patriots have gone all out in free agency, but the Buccaneers might not be done with poaching Patriots. Former should have been Super Bowl MVP James White could end up with his old quarterback, as the Bucs are interested in him.
There are several teams inquiring about Patriots' free-agent RB James White, including...the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
The New England Patriots have gone free agency crazy! Their latest move involves their second top free agency tight end signing, as they’re bringing in ex-Chargers TE Hunter Henry, per Adam Schefter. He will join ex-Titan Jonnu Smith to be a focal point of their 2021 offense.
And New England strikes again: The Patriots are signing former Chargers' TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, including $25 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
Free agency's top two tight ends, Henry and Jonnu Smith, wind up in New England.
Ryan Fitzpatrick decided not to retire like some reports suggested. Instead, he has decided to give it another go after a strong 2020, but this time with the Washington Football Team, per Adam Schefter. He will be the starter going into camp.
Former Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick reached agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, per source. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a one-year incentive laden deal with quarterback Jameis Winston, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. He appears to be the frontrunner for the starting job, but Taysom Hill isn’t going away.
Breaking NFL Free Agency news: Free agent QB Jameis Winston has agreed to a deal to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 16, 2021
Gronk is back for one more year. Rob Gronkowski signed a one-year deal as the Bucs appear intent on bringing the band back for another Super Bowl run. He returned from retirement last year and finished the 2020 season with 45 catches for 623 yards and seven touchdowns.
The #Bucs are bringing back TE Rob Gronkowski, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $10M, per @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2021
The Patriots continue to make plays in the free agency market, signing WR Nelson Agholor to a two-year deal. In his single season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Agholor totaled 48 receptions for 896 receiving yards and 8 TDs — a career year. It’s not the big-time splash that New England is in need of, but it helps.
Patriots are giving former Raiders’ WR Nelson Agholor a two-year, $26 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
The Raiders look to beef up their defensive front against Patrick Mahomes in the NFC West. They’ve reached a deal with LB Yannick Ngakoue, per Adam Schefter. Ngakoue spent the first four years of his career with the Jaguars prior to being traded to the Vikings in 2020... and then being traded to the Ravens later in 2020.
Former Ravens’ LB Yannick Ngakoue reached agreement on a two-year, $26 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
The Houston Texans have added wide receiver Andre Roberts to their wide receiver room, per Tom Pelissero. Hopefully Roberts isn’t in any way a replacement for Will Fuller.
The #Texans agreed to terms with WR Andre Roberts on a two-year deal worth up to $5.95 million, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021
Sophomore quarterback Justin Herbert just got a new center, as the Packers Corey Linsley will join the Chargers, becoming the highest paid center in the league, per Tom Pelissero.
The #Chargers are expected to sign all-pro center Corey Linsley, per sources. The longtime #Packers standout has a new home on a deal expected to make him the NFL's highest-paid center.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021
The Cleveland Browns were looking for secondary help this offseason and have found it in safety John Johnson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, per Mary Kay Cabot. He was easily one of the best safeties on the market.
Breaking: #Browns have agreed to terms with former #Rams S John Johnson, league source tells https://t.co/o11vJSOExu
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 15, 2021
The Browns backed up the Brinks truck for Johnson:
#Browns deal for S John Johnson: Three years, $33.75 million with $24 million guaranteed, source says. Former third-rounder cashes in.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2021
After letting their left and right tackles go this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs have started the work of remaking their offensive line by signing Patriots OL Joe Thuney, per Mike McCartney.
Excited for @JosephThuney agreeing to a 5 year deal with the @Chiefs
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 15, 2021
And now the details on Thuney’s contract:
New #Chiefs guard Joe Thuney’s five-year, $80 million contract includes $32.5M fully guaranteed at signing over the first two years, plus an injury guarantee that converts to full in 2022, per source. That brings the practical guarantee at signing to a whipping $48 million.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021
The Patriots are going all in on free agency with yet another signing. This time OLB Matt Judon will join the team coming from Baltimore, per Tom Pelissero. Bill Belichick seems ready to get back to his usual winning ways.
The #Patriots are signing OLB Matt Judon to a four-year, $56 million contract including $32 million over the first two years, per source. A massive deal for the former #Ravens standout.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2021
The New England Patriots will get their Rob Gronkowski replacement, as the Titans TE Jonnu Smith will head to New England, per Adam Schefter.
Former Titans’ TE Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the Patriots on a 4–year, $50 million deals that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, @DrewJRosenhaus told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
The Carolina Panthers have a big chunk of their offensive line from last year in free agency. They needed to bring in some help on the line and they’ve started with the Jets Pat Elfein. He gets a nice contract to help whoever the Panthers have behind center, per Adam Schefter:
Former Jets' OL Pat Elflein reached agreement on a three-year, $13.5 million deal including $6 million fully guaranteed with the Carolina Panthers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Elflein's agent, @FeinsodJonathan, confirmed his player intends to sign with Carolina.
The Titans will be down a starting WR and TE as they will allow Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith to walk. Both will find suitors, with Smith being one of the top tight ends in free agency.
Both WR Corey Davis and TE Jonnu Smith are aware that the #Titans will not be bringing them back to Nashville. Both will hit the free agent market per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2021
Super Bowl champion edge rusher Shaq Barrett will return for another season in Tampa Bay. It looks like the Buccaneers are going to do their best to keep their Super Bowl core intact to try for a repeat in 2021.
Text from #Bucs LB Shaq Barrett just now: "I am going back to Tampa." #Donedecision.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2021
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has the details on his new contract:
Buccaneers are giving Shaq Barrett a four-year deal worth up $72 million that includes $36 million fully guaranteed, his agent @DrewJRosenhaus told ESPN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021