Tracking NFL free agency signings, rumors, trades and more

Tim Joy March 19, 2022 0

7:00 PM ETESPN staffNFL free agency officially started at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, which coincides with the start of the new league year. But teams and free agents had already started to agree to terms on new deals before officially signing them on Wednesday. Catch up on all the action.Many of the biggest names are…

Tracking NFL free agency signings, rumors, trades and more
7:00 PM ET

  • ESPN staff

NFL free agency officially started at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, which coincides with the start of the new league year. But teams and free agents had already started to agree to terms on new deals before officially signing them on Wednesday. Catch up on all the action.

Many of the biggest names are signing in new places, but we’re still awaiting new deals for top free agents like Terron Armstead and Tyrann Mathieu. Plus, the QB movement isn’t over, with more trade rumors around the league and free agency’s top signal-caller — Jameis Winston — still available.

Does more excitement await? Which teams will be most active? What else are we hearing on the trade front this week? Who will be the next star to sign with a new team? And which player on the open market will be the next to break the bank with a huge new contract? Stay tuned to see how it all unfolds.

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

More coverage:
Grading signings, trades
Ranking the top 100 free agents
Franchise tag tracker
NFL free agency landing page

MARCH 18

Strong safety Anthony Harris, the former Minnesota Vikings franchise player who spent last season with the Eagles, is returning to Philadelphia on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday. After joining the Eagles on a one-year, $4 million deal in 2021, Harris, who was limited by hand and groin injuries for part of the season, appeared in 14 games and finished with 72 tackles, an interception and three passes defensed.

The Kansas City Chiefs and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster have agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates and Jeremy Fowler on Friday. The moves provides yet another weapon on offense for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to go alongside Pro Bowlers Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with tight end Austin Hooper, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Friday.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has decided that he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Browns and Texans are still finalizing the trade compensation for Watson, but it is expected to include three first-round picks, a third-round pick and potentially a fifth-round pick, league sources told ESPN.

The Browns are set to give Watson a new five-year, $230 million contract, sources told Schefter. He would receive $184 million over the first four years of his new contract — a $48 million raise over what he was scheduled to make under his current contract. The full $230 million is guaranteed, sources said, setting a record for highest guarantee given to an NFL player.

The Seattle Seahawks are releasing Carlos Dunlap II and Kerry Hyder Jr. as they continue to transform their defensive line, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Brady Henderson. That transformation will also include the addition of former Seahawk Quinton Jefferson, who told NFL reporter Josina Anderson that he’s agreed with Seattle on a two-year, $9.5 million deal that can be worth up to $11 million.

After signing three defensive tackles in free agency, the Bills announced Friday the release of veteran defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.

Free agent defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, after agreeing to a three-year deal earlier this week, will not be signing with the Chicago Bears after failing his physical, the team announced Friday.

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, a source told ESPN.

Veteran safety Logan Ryan is rejoining his former Patriots teammate Tom Brady in Tampa Bay less than 24 hours after being released by the Giants, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. The move gives Ryan a chance to join a contending team after two rough years with the Giants. Ryan was a team captain and, at times, the defensive play-caller.

Who are the best players yet to sign deals at this point in 2022 NFL free agency? Kevin Seifert ranks the top talents still looking for a new team, including offensive tackle Terron Armstead and safety Tyrann Mathieu.

MARCH 17

The race to trade for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is down to the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints after the Carolina Panthers were informed on Thursday they were out of the running, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Cleveland Browns were also informed that they were out on Watson, a source said.

The Green Bay Packers are trading Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders for two 2022 draft picks, including the Raiders’ first-round pick (No. 22 overall), league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday night.

The Raiders are giving Adams a five-year contract, sources told Schefter. The Packers were willing to match what the Raiders are giving Adams with his new deal, but Adams preferred to play elsewhere, a source told ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. The Packers had used the franchise tag on Adams earlier this month.

The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox but hope to re-sign him on a reworked contract, a source confirmed to ESPN. Now that he’s a free agent, however, he also will be able to sign with another team if he and the Eagles can’t agree to a new deal.

The New York Giants have released veteran safety Logan Ryan, the team announced Thursday. The move saves the Giants a little less than $800,000 against the salary cap. It’s believed the release of the former team captain has more to do with the Giants being in the midst of a defensive reset than as a cap casualty.

The Los Angeles Rams and wide receiver Allen Robinson have agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Rams still have money left over for Odell Beckham Jr. and hope to re-sign him, sources told Schefter.

Baker Mayfield has requested a trade from the Browns, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter that it is “in the best interests of both sides” for Cleveland to split with the star quarterback.

“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on,” Mayfield told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “The relationship is too far gone to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”

The Browns, however, have informed Mayfield’s camp they are “not accommodating his request,” a source told ESPN’s Jake Trotter. Mayfield’s request comes on the same day that the Browns learned they were out of the running to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson in a trade from the Houston Texans.

There won’t be a reunion between outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith and the Baltimore Ravens, after all.

Smith became the latest NFL player to back out on an agreement Thursday, when he decided not to sign a four-year, $35 million deal with Baltimore. So, Smith becomes a free agent and the Ravens’ search for a pass-rusher continues.

Patriots have agreed to a two-year deal with Ty Montgomery.

After no success in finding a suitable trade, the Dallas Cowboys have decided to release right tackle La’el Collins and designated it a post-June 1 move, according to sources. The move will save the Cowboys $10 million, which will come off the books in June. However, he will count $8.7 million against the 2023 salary cap. Had the Cowboys opted to release Collins without the designation or traded him, they would have saved just $1.3 million.

The Buffalo Bills released wide receiver Cole Beasley on Thursday, the team announced. The Bills had granted Beasley permission to seek a trade in early March with the wide receiver set to account for $7.6 million in cap space on the final year of a four-year, $29 million contract.

The Cleveland Browns were informed Thursday that they are no longer in the running to land Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans, a team source told ESPN.

Browns met with Watson on Tuesday in Houston and attempted to convince the quarterback to waive his no-trade clause to play for them. But Watson instead eliminated the Browns from contention, leaving the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons as the remaining known contenders for Watson for the moment.

The Washington Commanders filled a hole at guard, agreeing to terms with free agent Andrew Norwell on Thursday, according to a source close to the situation.

MARCH 16

The Seahawks are releasing edge rusher Benson Mayowa, a source tells ESPN. That saves $1.45 million against the 2022 cap while leaving behind $2.25 million in dead money. The 30-year-old Mayowa had one sack in 15 games for Seattle last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise player Chris Godwin reached agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million fully guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jenna Laine on Wednesday.

Godwin wanted a three-year deal so he could become a free agent again at 29, and the Bucs were able to lower his first-year cap hit to just $5 million by adding void years to the deal, lowering it from the $19 million he’d have commanded with the tag, sources told ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

The Los Angeles Rams have released punter Johnny Hekker after 10 seasons. The Super Bowl champion Rams dropped their longest-tenured player Wednesday night in a move that creates just over $2 million in salary cap room.

The Miami Dolphins have made another move to boost their backfield, agreeing to a contract with free-agent running back Raheem Mostert on Wednesday.

It’s a one-year, $3.125 million deal for Mostert, according to his agent, Brett Tessler, who said his client received interest from multiple teams but wanted to continue working with new Dolphins head coach and former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on a six-year contract, the team announced Wednesday. Miller’s deal is worth $120 million, according to multiple reports.

The Bills also brought in the veteran tight end they were looking for, agreeing with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard on a one-year contract. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter it’s a $3.5 million deal that could be worth up to $5 million.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack is expected to sign a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Jaguars released Jack on Wednesday, a day after the team signed six players on the first day of the NFL’s free-agency negotiating window.

Former Green Bay Packers pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith is signing a four-year, $35 million deal that has a maximum value of $50 million with the Baltimore Ravens, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

Cornerback Jeff Gladney, who was found not guilty on a felony assault charge last week, has been signed to a two-year deal by the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Wednesday. The Cardinals also re-signed tight end Maxx Williams to a one-year deal.

The Tennessee Titans are planning to release wide receiver Julio Jones, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini on Wednesday. Jones was signed through the 2024 season. It is likely he will be released with a post-June 1 designation, giving the Titans $9.5 million in salary-cap savings.

The Las Vegas Raiders are trading veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Indianapolis Colts, sources told ESPN. The Colts are trading cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to Las Vegas in exchange for Ngakoue, according to sources. The news was first reported by NFL Network.

The Las Vegas Raiders have reached agreement on a contract with four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Chandler Jones. He had double-digit sacks in five of his six seasons with the Cardinals. The only year he didn’t was 2020, when his season ended with just one sack after five games because of a biceps injury.

Quarterback Joe Flacco is returning to the New York Jets on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday. Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, has bounced around the league in recent years. After an 11-year run with the Baltimore Ravens, highlighted by a Super Bowl championship for the 2012 season, he went to the Denver Broncos (2019) to the New York Jets (2020) to the Philadelphia Eagles (2021) and back to the Jets.

Former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu has agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks that includes $10.5 million guaranteed, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

Running back J.D. McKissic changed his mind about playing for the Buffalo Bills and will return to the Washington Commanders. Washington initially didn’t offer McKissic a deal — until he agreed to one with Buffalo on Tuesday during the NFL’s free-agent negotiating period, agents Doug Hendrickson and CJ LaBoy told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Once McKissic heard Washington was willing to match the offer, he didn’t want to leave, the agents said. McKissic will return to Washington on a two-year deal worth up to $7 million, similar to Buffalo’s offer, sources told ESPN.

The Washington Commanders will release defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and veteran guard Ereck Flowers, sources confirmed to ESPN, creating salary cap space but more positions to fill. The move weakens both of Washington’s lines, for now at least, but it saves Washington a combined $16.9 million vs. the salary cap. The Commanders, as was reported earlier this week, also are releasing safety Landon Collins, which will save them another $6.6 million in cap space.

The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing defensive end Carl Nassib, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Raiders will save just over $3 million on their salary cap by releasing Nassib. If they release him with a post-June 1 designation, the salary cap savings will increase to $8 million. His release will result in a $6.6 million dead-money charge.

The Cleveland Browns are releasing tight end Austin Hooper, a source tells ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. By releasing him with a post-June 1 designation, the Browns will save $9.5 million against the cap.

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darius Williams is expected to join the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract includes $18 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Dan Graziano. It will mark a homecoming for Williams, who was born in Jacksonville.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell runs through the first couple of days of 2022 free agency and tries to identify which organizations, players and positions have been winners or losers during the legal negotiating period. The specifics of some deals are still coming in, and there’s plenty more work to be done in the days to come. He begins breaking down who should feel good about the moves they’ve made so far or the place they find themselves in after 48 hours of free agency (ESPN+).

MARCH 15

The New Orleans Saints agreed to a three-year, $28.5 million contract with former New York Jets safety Marcus Maye on Tuesday night after losing longtime starting free safety Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the day, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal includes $15 million in guarantees, a source told Fowler.

With his future as the Browns’ starting quarterback uncertain, Baker Mayfield took to Twitter to express his gratitude toward Cleveland fans.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who played last season with the Houston Texans, intends to sign a two-year, $17 million deal with the New York Giants, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes $8.5 million in guaranteed money, the source said. Taylor, who turned 32 in August, joined the Texans last offseason on a one-year deal worth up to $12.5 million.

The Minnesota Vikings have reached a deal with free-agent linebacker Jordan Hicks, the team announced Tuesday.

The New York Jets addressed a major defensive need, agreeing to a three-year, $33 million contract with free-agent cornerback D.J. Reed, a source told ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The news of Reed’s agreement was first reported by The Athletic.

Reed is familiar with the Jets’ defensive system, having played for head coach Robert Salah with the San Francisco 49ers.

Russell Gage will remain in the NFC South next season but will be catching passes from Tom Brady instead of Matt Ryan. The free-agent receiver intends to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Instead of tendering kicker Younghoe Koo as a restricted free agent, the Atlanta Falcons decided to make a big commitment to him instead. The club is signing him to a five-year deal worth $24.25 million with $11.5 million guaranteed, a source confirmed to ESPN, keeping one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers in Atlanta. NFL Network first reported the deal.

The New England Patriots are re-signing veteran running back James White, a source tells ESPN’s Field Yates. White, who turned 30 in February, suffered a season-ending hip injury in the third game of the 2021 season. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Patriots, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 draft out of Wisconsin.

The Baltimore Ravens and safety Marcus Williams have reached agreement on a five-year, $70 million deal, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Williams, a full-time starter at free safety for the New Orleans Saints since he was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, played under the franchise tag last season ($10.612 million) after the two sides were unable to work out a long-term deal.

Andrew Whitworth is going out on top. The Los Angeles Rams’ 40-year-old left tackle announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 16-year NFL career that he capped with a Super Bowl victory against his former team.

Defensive end Randy Gregory agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, hours after he had agreed to a similar contract to return to the Dallas Cowboys, sources told ESPN. Gregory’s deal with the Broncos includes $28 million guaranteed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a three-year, $26.5 million contract with Chicago Bears guard James Daniels, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a sleeper team in pursuit of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, league sources told ESPN. The Falcons join the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns as teams that have met with or are interested in trading for Watson.

“All options are open … but it’s not going to be easy,” a Falcons source said regarding a potential Watson trade. Another source described the Falcons as a “long shot” to land Watson. However, the team still has not met with Watson but could have the chance to persuade him in person.

Center JC Tretter, who was recently reelected for a second term as president of the NFL Players Association, has been released by the Cleveland Browns in a move that clears $8.25 million against the salary cap, it was announced Tuesday.

Former Cowboys offensive lineman Connor Williams is signing a 2-year, $14 million deal with the Miami Dolphins that includes $7.5 million fully guaranteed, Williams’ agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Titans are releasing cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins, sources told ESPN. The move would save the Titans $6.9 million in cap space.

The Cowboys agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with Malik Hooker to deal to keep the veteran safety with the Cowboys, a source told Schefter on Tuesday.

After Monday’s spending spree during the first day of the free-agent negotiating window, the Jacksonville Jaguars are releasing linebacker Myles Jack, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Jack led the Jaguars in tackles last season with 108, despite missing two games because he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make about $150 million in guaranteed money over the first three years of his new deal with the Green Bay Packers, according to a copy of the contract obtained by ESPN. Rodgers, 38, signed the deal Tuesday after announcing last week, amid widespread speculation about his future, that he would return to the Packers.

The reigning two-time league MVP will make just under $41 million in 2022, $59 million in 2023 and $49 million in 2024. Due to the allocation of bonus money in the first year of the deal, the Packers will actually save close to $18 million against their salary cap for 2022.

The Cleveland Browns have traded linebacker Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots for outside linebacker Chase Winovich.

Winovich was a part-time starter for the Patriots in 2020, when he finished with 5.5 sacks and 48 tackles. Last year, he had no sacks and just 11 total tackles. Wilson started out his career as a full-time starter, finishing with 82 tackles for the Browns as a rookie. He posted 28 career starts in Cleveland, but was a backup behind rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah last season.

Former Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. intends to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is expected to be worth up to $12 million, according to the source.

MARCH 14

the Panthers and guard Austin Corbett agreed to a three-year, $29.25 million deal, per ESPN and multiple reports.

Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward intends to sign a three-year deal worth up to $42 million, including $26.7 million guaranteed, with the San Francisco 49ers, his agency, Universal Sports & Entertainment Management, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. Ward, who turns 26 on May 16, has been a regular in the Chiefs’ starting lineup since late in the 2018 season, when he joined the team as a rookie after a trade with the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive end Frank Clark and the Kansas City Chiefs have reworked his current deal with the team, which is now two years and worth up to $36 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Denver Broncos continued a measured approach through the first day of the early negotiating period in free agency as they agreed to terms Monday night on a three-year, $30 million deal with defensive tackle D.J. Jones, sources told ESPN. Jones, who played nose tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, fills a specific, early-down need in the Broncos defense.

Free-agent safety Xavier Woods has agreed to a three-year, $15.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday night. Woods, 26, spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in all 17 games. He started his career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent four seasons after being a sixth-round selection in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech.

DeMarcus Lawrence has agreed to a new three-year deal worth $30 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN, with the contract providing the Dallas Cowboys salary-cap relief this year. Lawrence’s future with the team had been in question with a $27 million salary-cap figure and the Cowboys needing to find room just to get under the cap, but the sides were able to work out a deal that keeps him in Dallas through at least 2024. Lawrence’s $27 million cap figure would have been the fifth-highest hit of any defensive player in 2022.

The Jaguars reached agreement with New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, who intends to sign a one-year, fully guaranteed $9 million deal that could go to $10 million, sources told Adam Schefter and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to re-sign cornerback Carlton Davis to a three-year, $45 million contract, a source told ESPN. Davis’ contract also includes $2.5 million for playing time/per game bonuses, the source said.

The Los Angeles Chargers are giving former New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson a five-year, $82.5 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

Center Brian Allen is returning to the Los Angeles Rams on a three-year deal, the team announced. The deal is worth $24 million, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Allen, who turned 26 last October, started 16 games for the Super Bowl-champion Rams last regular season and all four of their postseason games. The Rams also avoided a major hole at left tackle by agreeing to terms with longtime backup Joe Noteboom on a three-year deal before he hit the market. His deal is worth up to $47.5 million and includes $25 million in guaranteed money, a source told ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. Noteboom, who was a fill-in starter last season, is expected to assume a starting role in 2022.

Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell has agreed to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers on a five-year deal worth $50 million, agent Joe Panos told ESPN.

The Titans are re-signing center Ben Jones to a two-year contract worth $14 million, a source told ESPN.

Haason Reddick agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN.

The Jaguars agreed to terms with wide receiver Christian Kirk, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, sources told ESPN.

The New England Patriots have reached a deal with special teams ace Matthew Slater to return for his 15th season with the team, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates. The deal is for one year with $2.62 million fully guaranteed. Slater’s 10 Pro Bowl berths are the most in NFL history for a special teamer, besting former Buffalo Bills great Steve Tasker (seven).

San Francisco 49ers free-agent guard Laken Tomlinson intends to sign with the New York Jets, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Jets are giving Tomlinson a three-year deal worth up to $41.2 million, per the source.

Washington Commanders guard Brandon Scherff plans to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Seahawks have agreed to terms with free safety Quandre Diggs that keeps their top free agent and defensive playmaker in Seattle. Diggs’ deal is for three years and $40 million, a source tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He gets $28 million over the first two years. The $13.33 million average is more than what Diggs would have made in 2022 had Seattle applied the $12.9 million franchise tag.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi intends to sign with the Chicago Bears, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Bears are giving Ogunjobi a three-year, $40.5 million deal, including $26.35 million guaranteed.

Free-agent quarterback Mitch Trubisky plans to sign a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. In Pittsburgh, he will compete with Mason Rudolph for the starting quarterback position as the franchise begins the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a three-year contract with James Conner, keeping the running back who led the team in rushing last season with the franchise. The Cardinals did not disclose financial terms, but a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the deal is worth $21 million, including $13.5 million fully guaranteed, and could grow to a maximum of $25.5 million.

The Cleveland Browns have released wide receiver Jarvis Landry, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The two sides attempted to restructure his contract to keep him Cleveland, per a league source, but ultimately couldn’t work out a deal. Landry is now free to sign with any team.

Miami added free-agent running back Chase Edmonds to its backfield on Monday. Edmonds agreed to a two-year, $12.6 million contract that includes $6.1 million guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers free-agent guard Alex Cappa intends to sign a four-year, $40 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after free agency opens on Wednesday, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cappa’s addition will bolster the Bengals’ offensive line as the team tries to improve the protection for quarterback Joe Burrow.

The Miami Dolphins and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah have reached agreement on a four-year, $65 million deal that includes $32 million fully guaranteed at signing, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

NFC South rivals the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints will meet with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson over the next 48 hours, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Houston can agree to a trade at any time, but it could not be made official until the new league year starts at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Falcons are securing their starting left tackle, Jake Matthews, for the foreseeable future, having agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The extension will pay Matthews more than $18 million per season, the source told Fowler. The news was first reported by NFL Network.

The Packers are releasing Za’Darius Smith and Billy Turner. The release of Smith saves the Packers $15.75 million in salary-cap space. The Turner move will save them $3.142 million in cap space immediately or $5.8 million if they designate him a post-June 1 release.

The Bills are signing center Mitch Morse to a two-year, $19.5 million extension. This deal lowers his $11.25 million cap hit for 2022 to $9 million. The extension includes $12 million guaranteed and a $7.5 million signing bonus.

Preston Smith, who had one year and $12.5 million left on his existing deal, signed a four-year, $52.5 million extension, a source told ESPN. Smith will make $25 million over the next two seasons with the chance to earn $31 million with incentives in 2022 and 2023 combined.

The Bills release Daryl Williams and open over $6 million in cap space in the process.

Veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer has reached agreement on a two-year contract to return to the New England Patriots, his agent confirmed. The deal is worth $4 million with $3 million guaranteed and incentives, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

MARCH 13

Center Ryan Jensen has agreed to a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his agent, Mike McCartney, announced Sunday night. The deal is worth $39 million and includes $23 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

Tom Brady’s retirement lasted 40 days. Brady said Sunday he is returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd season in the NFL. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his decision on Twitter and Instagram, saying he has “unfinished business.”

The Minnesota Vikings on Sunday agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Kirk Cousins, the team announced, giving him an immediate raise and also fully guaranteeing an additional season in 2023 to help alleviate their tight salary cap. The deal ensures that Cousins will remain the Vikings’ quarterback as the franchise begins a new era with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell.

Tight end Zach Ertz, traded to the Arizona Cardinals from the Philadelphia Eagles last season, agreed to terms on a three-year contract to stay with his new club, the team announced Sunday night. The deal is worth $31.65 million with $17.5 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN. Ertz wanted to stay in Arizona and quickly received his wish, at $10.55 million per year.

The Dallas Cowboys have finalized a five-year, $62.5 million deal with wide receiver Michael Gallup, according to sources. The deal includes a $10 million signing bonus.

Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent this week, agreed to terms on a new two-year deal to stay with the Buffalo Bills.

Safety Devin McCourty is returning to the New England Patriots for his 13th season, and he announced the news on Sunday in a unique way. The deal is for one year and will pay McCourty $9 million, a source told ESPN.

MARCH 12

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to trade wide receiver Amari Cooper and a sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a 2022 fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.

The Atlanta Falcons are restructuring quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract, lowering the $48,662,500 cap hit he was initially going to be at for the 2022 season by $12 million, according to Roster Management System. The team converted $7.5 million of his base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus that was initially due next week into a signing bonus to spread it out over more years, which will give the Falcons more room to play with. Ryan’s new cap number for 2022 is $36,662,500, and his new base salary is $8.75 million.

MARCH 11

New York Giants starting middle linebacker Blake Martinez will return for the 2022 season after agreeing Friday to a reworked contract, a source told ESPN.

A grand jury on Friday declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.

Maxx Crosby agreed to a multiyear extension with the Raiders on Friday. It is a four-year, $98.98 million deal with $95 million in new money and $53 million guaranteed, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

The Dallas Cowboys have released kicker Greg Zuerlein and tight end Blake Jarwin, freeing up around $5 million and putting them under the salary cap before the start of the league year next week.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Jason Kelce have agreed to a new $14 million contract, a source confirmed, making him the highest-paid center in the league. Kelce, who had been mulling retirement, announced Thursday he would be returning for his 12th NFL season.

The Chicago Bears are releasing running back Tarik Cohen with an injury designation, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Houston Texans are signing linebacker Christian Kirksey to a two-year extension, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Friday.

MARCH 10

The Chicago Bears are finalizing a trade that will send six-time Pro-Bowl defensive end Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Chargers are expected to send their 2022 second-round draft pick and their sixth-round pick in 2023 to the Bears in return for the 31-year-old Mack, a source said.

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard is returning on a reworked one-year deal, a source told ESPN. The team’s longest-tenured player wanted to return. He was previously signed through 2023. Shepard, 29, was set to make $8.5 million in the 2022 season coming off a torn Achilles in his left leg. He suffered the injury while trying to make a cut in a December loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Washington Commanders are expected to release veteran safety Landon Collins, creating more salary-cap space but costing them a valuable defender, a source told ESPN. Collins, who had three years left on his contract, was scheduled to count $16.2 million against the salary cap this season. His release will save Washington $6.6 million against the cap, but he will still count $9.6 million in dead money. According to a source, Washington had tried to work out a deal to lower his cap number.

The Tennessee Titans announced the release of Pro Bowl guard Rodger Saffold. Saffold signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Titans in 2019. He was due a $1 million roster bonus at the end of this week. Releasing Saffold will save $10.4 million in salary-cap space for the Titans. He was set to hold a $12.8 million cap number this season if he wasn’t released.

The Detroit Lions have informed outside linebacker Trey Flowers that he will be released next week when the league year starts, a source told ESPN. In a tweet Thursday, Flowers wrote: “Truly grateful for the love and the lessons!!” In 2019, the Lions made the two-time Super Bowl champion one of the richest defensive players in football with a $90 million deal over five years with $56 million guaranteed, but Flowers couldn’t stay healthy over the past two seasons.

MARCH 9

The Indianapolis Colts are trading quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for a package of picks, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Colts will receive the Commanders’ third-round picks in 2022 and 2023, sources said. The 2023 third-rounder can become a second-round pick if Wentz plays 70% of Washington’s snaps. The teams also swapped second-round picks in 2022, with the Colts moving up from No. 47 overall to No. 42. Sources told Schefter that Washington will pay the full $28 million due to Wentz for the 2022 season, including a $5 million roster bonus due next week.

The Arizona Cardinals released veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks. Hicks, 29, played at a high level last season, registering 116 tackles and four sacks, but the Cardinals are making the move to give fellow inside linebacker Zaven Collins, drafted in the first round last year, more playing time.

Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva announced his retirement after seven NFL seasons, which followed his time serving in the U.S. Army. Villanueva, 33, reached two Pro Bowls as a left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side for six years. But Villanueva decided to call it quits after his one disappointing season in Baltimore. He struggled to replace injured All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley, allowing an NFL-worst 17 sacks last season.

MARCH 8

After weeks of negotiations, in one of the biggest trades in NFL history, the Broncos agreed to send a significant package of players and draft picks to the Seahawks in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, sources told ESPN. The Broncos agreed to trade quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick to the Seahawks for Wilson and a fourth-round pick, sources said.

A franchise-altering day for the Seahawks continued Tuesday evening with the team informing All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner that he is being released, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news came hours after Schefter’s report that the Seahawks have agreed to trade quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. The two franchise cornerstones who were drafted on the same day in 2012 now depart Seattle on the same day 10 years later. In releasing Wagner, the Seahawks are moving on from their longtime defensive captain and another player who was among the most impactful in franchise history. The Wagner move will save the Seahawks $16.6 million in cash and salary-cap space while leaving a massive hole in the middle of their defense.

The Tennessee Titans managed to get a long-term deal done with Harold Landry, announcing that they’ve agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with the outside linebacker. The team didn’t reveal financial terms, but a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that it’s a five-year, $87.5 million contract that includes $52.5 million guaranteed. The deal came hours after the deadline to place the franchise tag on potential free agents. Landry, 25, is coming off of his best season with the Titans.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not done with the Green Bay Packers just yet, and now there really is a chance the four-time NFL MVP will finish his career in the same place it started. Rodgers announced Tuesday on Twitter that he will return to the Packers for the 2022 season. The sides are working on a new contract that would lower his salary-cap figure for the 2022 season while giving Rodgers, 38, contractual clarity well into his 40s. Rodgers, however, said a deal had not yet been signed or agreed upon.

The Los Angeles Chargers and wide receiver Mike Williams have reached agreement on a multiyear deal, the team announced. The contract is worth $60 million over three years and includes $40 million guaranteed and $28 million in Year 1, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Williams made a base salary of $15.68 million last season after the Chargers picked up his fifth-year option.

The Cowboys restructured the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and guard Zack Martin, creating more than $22 million in cap room, the team announced. The Prescott move was already planned when he signed his big deal last year. The Cowboys added two voidable years to Martin’s contract to allow them the chance to get more space this year. Prescott had a salary-cap figure of $34.45 million, and Martin’s cap number was $20.191 million.

MARCH 7

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for at least the 2022 season after gambling on games in 2021. The NFL released a statement announcing his suspension, saying Ridley gambled on NFL games over a five-day stretch in November 2021 when he was on the non-football injury list to address his mental health. Ridley stepped away from football on Halloween, saying he needed to get his personal life in order.

FEB.27

In a shocking move, Buccaneers Pro Bowl left guard Ali Marpet is retiring, he announced on Instagram. Marpet is just 28 and finished off his first Pro Bowl season. He is considered arguably one of the top — if not the top — Buccaneers offensive linemen. A source told ESPN that Marpet made the decision over concerns for his overall health.

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