Legal Tampering Recap: Monday in NFL free agency
Coronavirus be damned. The show must go on in the football world, and now free agency is going to be like the Super Bowl. The entire sports universe is watching.
Follow along with 985TheSportsHub.com as the legal tampering period opens in the National Football League. NFL free agency and the 2020 league year officially starts on Wednesday, and plenty of news around it has already been reported.
Stay tuned for the latest involving Tom Brady, the Patriots, and the rest of their free agent moves, as well as major news and rumors across the NFL. We’ll have everything that comes out on Twitter here, all in one place. And if anything breaks involving the Patriots, you’ll also be able to hear instant reactions to it on the air at 98.5 The Sports Hub starting at 6 a.m. on Toucher & Rich.
Read below for a rolling recap of the biggest free agent deals, franchise tags, and other major roster moves across the NFL from Monday.
NFL Free Agency: Monday Recap
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Monday, 11:40 p.m.
Veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb has agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with the Houston Texans. First to report it? His former Green Bay Packers teammate, James Jones, who is now an analyst for the NFL Network.
The #Texans have agreed to terms with WR @rcobb18 on a 3-year $27M deal with $18.75 guaranteed #Texans @nflnetwork
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) March 17, 2020
Monday, 10:55 p.m.
Amari Cooper is staying in Dallas. The Cowboys have agreed in principle on a nice round five-year, $100 million deal with the star wideout.
Amari Cooper intends to re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys on a 5-year, $100 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Monday, 10:33 p.m.
Jay Glazer with a Monday night bomb. He was first to report that the Buffalo Bills have acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Minnesota Vikings. The Bills sent their 2020 first-round pick as part of a package for Diggs and a seventh-rounder. The full details of the trade are below, via Adam Schefter.
Bills have acquired @stefondiggs in a trade from the Vikings. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 17, 2020
Compensation update: Bills are trading a 1st-round pick, a 5th-round pick, a 6th-round pick and a 2021 4th-round pick for Vikings WR Stefon Diggs and a 2020 7th-round pick, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Monday, 10:06 p.m.
The Seahawks are re-signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed to a two-year deal for $23 million. Same general numbers that Devin McCourty got with his deal in New England.
The #Seahawks are re-signing DT Jarran Reed to a two-year, $23 million contract, source said. Short deal that gets a good player back to the market at age 29.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2020
Monday, 9:37 p.m.
Linebacker Jamie Collins is reuniting with Matt Patricia in Detroit, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with the Lions. Full details below, via Ian Rapoport.
For the #Lions and LB Jamie Collins, it’s a 3-year worth $30M, source said. The deal includes $18M fully guaranteed. A nice payday and a reunion with coach Matt Patricia.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Monday, 8:01 p.m.
Former Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave is signing with the Eagles for three years and $39 million, including $26 million guarantees.
Former Steelers’ NT Javon Hargrave reached agreement with the Eagles on a three-year, $39m deal with $26M fully guaranteed, @RosenhausSports tells ESPN. Hargrave becomes the highest paid nose tackle in the NFL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Monday, 8:01 p.m.
The Miami Dolphins are signing ex-Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy to a four-year deal worth $51 million. Van Noy reunites with Brian Flores, Dolphins head coach and former Patriots linebackers coach.
The #Dolphins are signing former #Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy to a 4-year deal worth $51M, source said. Big-time spending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Monday, 7:42 p.m.
Tight end Jimmy Graham is signing with the Chicago Bears for two years and $16 million. If the Patriots wanted to sign a TE like Eric Ebron, it would likely take something similar.
Jimmy Graham to the Bears on a two-year, $16 million deal, including $9 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 7:15 p.m.
As first reported by Source: The #Dolphins are getting #Cowboys FA CB Byron Jones. A massive deal for the now highest-paid corner.
Byron Jones’ new contract with the Dolphins will be a five-year, $82.5 million deal, including $57 million guaranteed, per source. It includes $40 million in first two years.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 7:14 p.m.
The Ravens are signing former Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers to a three-year deal worth $30 million, bolstering a defensive line that already included trade addition Calais Campbell.
The #Ravens are giving former #Rams DT Michael Brockers a 3-year, $30M deal, source said. His versatility had several teams interested.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 6:49 p.m.
The Athletic’s Connor Hughes is reporting that the Jets are in discussions with linebacker Kyle Van Noy. After three-plus years in New England, Van Noy appears likely to cash in with a long-term deal elsewhere.
Sources: The #Jets are "in discussions" with free-agent OLB Kyle Van Noy. #NYJ prioritized pass rusher in free agency. Van Noy had 6.5 sacks, 3 FF, 9 QB hits & 43 hurries for #Patriots last year.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 16, 2020
Monday, 6:43 p.m.
The Giants are signing former Panthers cornerback James Bradberry to a three-year deal worth $45 million and $32 million guaranteed.
Former Panthers CB James Bradberry is going to the Giants...3 yr $45M with $32M GTD, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 5:31 p.m.
The Browns are signing quarterback Case Keenum for three years and $18 million. A decent veteran backup to support Baker Mayfield.
Browns reached agreement with former Redskins' QB Case Keenum on a three-year, $18 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 5:03 p.m.
The Browns have agreed to a deal with former Titans tackle Jack Conklin. The deal is for three years and $42 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
Jack Conklin agreed to a 3-year deal with the Browns for $42M with $30M fully guarantee, per @RosenhausSports. He earns $20mil in the first year. Wanted to keep it short due to the projected increases in the salary cap. Conklin will only be 28 when this deal expires.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 4:58 p.m.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini has made Tom Brady’s free-agent status more mysterious. Her team sources from clubs who are showing interest in Brady have indicated that no one knows what the QB is going to do.
Talking to team sources who have interest in Tom Brady and the feeling right now is “nobody knows what Brady is going to do”
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 16, 2020
Monday, 4:03 p.m.
The Colts have made the biggest trade of the day, acquiring all-pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the 49ers in exchange for the 13th overall pick in the 2020 draft. They have also agreed to a deal with Buckner for $21 million per season, which makes him the second-highest-paid DT in NFL history behind Aaron Donald.
Trade AND deal: Colts trade first-round pick (13th overall) to 49ers for All-Pro DT DeForest Buckner, who already has agreed to a massive contract that pays him $21 million a year and makes him the second-highest paid DT in NFL history behind only Aaron Donald, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 3:15 p.m.
The Bucs are re-signing star pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul to a two-year deal worth $27 million.
Monday, 2:43 p.m.
According to Mike Giardi of the NFL Network, the Bucs “have made the intentions to Tom Brady loud and clear.” Sounds like they’re offering a lot of money. That may be the only way to convince him to choose Tampa over New England.
I am told the Tampa Bay Bucs have made the intentions to Tom Brady loud and clear.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 16, 2020
Monday, 2:24 p.m.
Adam Schefter has tweeted a new trade. The Ravens are sending tight end Hayden Hurst and a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Falcons for second and fifth-round picks in 2020.
And another trade! pic.twitter.com/asFJlHLfjM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 2:23 p.m.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins are expected to sign Shaq Lawson. Lawson had 16.5 sacks for the Bills over the last four seasons.
The #Dolphins are expected to sign former #Bills first-round pass-rusher Shaq Lawson, sources say. He had 6.5 sacks last year and will help Miami affect the quarterback.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 2:13 p.m.
ESPN’s Vaughn McClure has the details for Austin Hooper’s deal with the Browns: four years, $44 million, $23 million guaranteed.
https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/1239615851944448008
Monday, 2:05 p.m.
The Colts are having discussions with quarterback Philip Rivers. He’s a “clear target” but they need to agree on the money.
The #Colts have had discussions with free agent QB Philip Rivers, source said. And while nothing is done, he’s a clear target for Indy. We shall see if they can agree on the money.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:59 p.m.
The Dallas Cowboys and TE Blake Jarwin have agreed to a three-year, $24.25 contract extension, as reported by Ian Rapoport.
The #Cowboys are signing TE Blake Jarwin to a 3-year extension worth up to $24.25M, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. He gets $9.25M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:53 p.m.
The Raiders are signing former Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. The 26-year-old West Virginia product broke the news himself tweeting a picture of the Raiders new stadium in Las Vegas. Reporters later confirmed the move.
— Nick Kwiatkoski (@nkwiatkoski27) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:50 p.m.
With Drew Brees still technically unsigned, the New Orleans Saints have placed a first-round RFA tag on QB/OW Taysom Hill. Reports in recent weeks have indicated the Saints believe Hill is capable of becoming the organization’s franchise quarterback once Brees retires.
#Saints have tendered restricted free agent QB Taysom Hill at the first round level.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:27 p.m.
The details on the DeAndre Hopkins deal is in. He’ll be heading to the desert along with a fourth-round pick for David Johnson, a second-rounder in 2021, and a fourth-rounder this year. Houston will take the remaining $20 million on Johnson’s contract.
Cardinals get: WR DeAndre Hopkins and a 4th-round pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Texans get: RB David Johnson, a second-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
Monday, 1:23 p.m.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini confirms the Denver Broncos will not be participating in the Tom Brady sweepstakes. The team used a 2019 second-round pick on Drew Lock, who is reportedly viewed very highly by the organization.
I was told by a high ranking source the Denver Broncos are not in the Tom Brady sweepstakes.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:21 p.m.
All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is on the move … not to New England, though. He’s headed to the Cardinals in a swap for running back David Johnson.
The #AZCardinals are receiving WR DeAndre Hopkins in the deal for David Johnson, source said. Bill O’Brien and his crew at it again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:16 p.m.
The 49ers are locking up DL Arik Armstead on a five-year deal for up to $85 million.
The #49ers are giving star DL Arik Armstead a 5-year deal, sources say, avoiding the franchise tag and locking him up long-term. He gets up to $85M on his new deal.💰💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:07 p.m.
The Cardinals and Texans are finalizing a trade that will send running back David Johnson to Houston.
Monday, 1:02 p.m.
The Dolphins have agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with offensive tackle Ereck Flowers.
The #Dolphins agree to terms with Ereck Flowers on a $30M deal over 3 years with $19.95M fully guaranteed. Ereck is coming home to Miami, per @RosenhausSports.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 1:00 p.m.
The Steelers announced the release of three players, Mark Barron, Anthony Chickillo, and Johnny Holton. This move opens up about $11 million in cap for Pittsburgh.
We have terminated the contracts of LB Mark Barron, LB Anthony Chickillo and WR Johnny Holton.https://t.co/FXLGm4G9yD
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 16, 2020
Monday, 12:31 p.m.
Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett has cited the Jets, Seahawks, Chargers, 49ers, and Raiders as teams showing interest in him. He’s set to become a free agent and appears to be on his way out of New England.
Just got off the phone with impending FA WR Phillip Dorsett. He told me, teams showing preliminary interest in him include the #NYJ, #SEA, #LAC, #SF, #LVR. He said, "I just want to come in and have a great opportunity to play and showcase how I can really flourish as a player."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2020
Monday, 12:37 p.m.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Browns are closing in on a deal for tight end Austin Hooper that will make him the highest-paid at his position in football. That should top the $10.6 million set to be earned by Chargers tight end Hunter Henry.
The Cleveland Browns are working to close a deal on Austin Hooper, making him the game's highest paid tight end, per source. Other teams can swoop in late but Browns the leader.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2020
Monday, 12:27 p.m.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Bucs’ interest in Tom Brady is “very real and sincere.” But La Canfora notes that it remains to be seen if Brady “reciprocates.” Could take a knock-your-socks-off kind of package for the Bucs to actually pry Brady away from New England.
Tampa Bay's interest in Tom Brady is very real and sincere. We'll see if he reciprocates
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 16, 2020
Monday, 12:03 p.m.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Patriots turning around and trading the franchised Joe Thuney is still a possibility, but it’s a fluid situation.
The possibility of a tag and trade for Thuney does exist, per source. Doesn’t appear to be set in stone. Fluid situation.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 16, 2020
Monday, 12:00 p.m.
The legal tampering window is officially underway, and Ian Rapoport kicks it off with his latest details on Tom Brady. The Chargers and Buccaneers are expected to “inquire” about Brady, but the Patriots do want him back.
The tampering window has opened and #Patriots QB Tom Brady’s agent can hear from teams. My understanding: The #Chargers and #Bucs will inquire, and of course New England wants him back. That is Brady’s market as of right now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 11:59 a.m.
Adam Schefter pegs the Colts as interested in quarterback Philip Rivers, but they’re expected to look at other QB options. Does that put them in play for Tom Brady?
As the legal tampering period kicks off at noon, would fully expect the Colts to pursue former Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers, though Indianapolis also will look at other QB options.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 11:32 a.m.
The New York Giants are placing the franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams, the team announced via social media. The Giants acquired Williams from the Jets and this year’s trade deadline for third and fifth round picks.
The Giants have placed the franchise tag on Leonard Williams
— New York Giants (@Giants) March 16, 2020
Details ⤵️
Monday, 11:25 a.m.
The Patriots are reportedly placing the franchise tag on starting left guard Joe Thuney. Jim McBridge of the Boston Globe was first to report the surprising news.
BREAKING: The #Patriots today are expected to place the franchise tag on LG Joe Thuney, according to a league source. He is coming off his best season and was considered the top guard on the market. Last year's tag for guards was just north of $14 million. https://t.co/BIqlcKzPKK
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 16, 2020
Monday, 11:16 a.m.
The Cardinals have placed the transition tag on running back Kenyan Drake. Over The Cap projects him to cost just over $10 million.
Wow. The #AZCardinals have given RB Kenyan Drake the transition tag, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 11:04 a.m.
According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a one-year deal with tight end Antony Auclair. The 26-year-old tight end was undrafted in 2017.
A source tells me that the Bucs have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with tight end Antony Auclair, who was set to become a restricted free agent. They like his potential as a blocker and pass catcher. https://t.co/d7ejhOmfOM
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:58 a.m.
NFL Network’s Michael Silver is reporting former Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks could be on the move for the third time in four years. The 26-year-old wide receiver signed a 5-year, $81 million contract extension with the Rams before the 2018 season.
Brandin Cooks has been traded twice in his career (Saints to Patriots, Patriots to Rams), with a first-round pick included on each occasion. The 7th-year WR could be traded again this offseason, and it likely wouldn't take a 1.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:55 a.m.
Running back Kareem Hunt will receive a second-round tender from the Cleveland Browns according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Hunt was suspended for part of last season, and back in January was pulled over with an open alcohol container and drug paraphernalia in the car. The team also released 31-year-old safety Morgan Burnett, who has a dead cap number of just over $1 million.
The Browns placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent Kareem Hunt and released S Morgan Burnett.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:52 a.m.
The Indianapolis Colts are releasing defensive tackle Margus Hunt, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Hunt was due to make $4 million in 2020.
Source: The #Colts are releasing veteran DT Margus Hunt, a starter over the last three seasons.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:28 a.m.
The Dallas Cowboys are placing the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott. He’ll cost a projected $26.6 million next season. First reported by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
BREAKING: The Cowboys have put the franchise tag on Dak Prescott & continue to work on a long-term deal with Amari Cooper.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:28 a.m.
Ian Rapoport has the full details for the Vikings’ two-year extension with QB Kirk Cousins. It’s two years and $66 million.
Summing up the #Vikings deal for Kirk Cousins: 2 new years worth $66M. So 3 years in all for $96M. He has $61M guaranteed at signing. An additional $35M is guaranteed for injury but converts to a fully at the beginning of the 2021 season. They won’t cut him after 1 year and $61M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:19 a.m.
The Titans are franchise-tagging running back Derrick Henry. His projected number is $12.3 million.
Titans placed franchise tag on RB Derrick Henry, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 10:17 a.m.
The Bengals are placing the franchise tag on veteran star wide receiver A.J. Green. He is projected to cost about $18.3 million in 2020.
The #Bengals informed star WR A.J. Green they're placing the franchise tag on him, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2020
Monday, 9:53 a.m.
The Vikings have agreed to a two-year extension with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Congrats to @KirkCousins8 on agreeing to a 2 year extension with the @Vikings
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 16, 2020
Monday, 9:52 a.m.
The Falcons are releasing running back Devonta Freeman, saving $3 million against the cap. One of the league’s more dynamic backs is now on the open market.
The #Falcons are releasing RB Devonta Freeman, source says, saving more than $3M against the salary cap and moving on from their former starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 9:38 a.m.
The Steelers are tagging stud outside linebacker Bud Dupree. If he’s tagged as a linebacker, his projected number is $16.1 million.
The #Steelers have placed the franchise tag on LB Bud Dupree. Not a surprise, standout pass-rushers rarely hit the market if teams want to keep them.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Monday, 9:27 a.m.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport names the Chargers and Bucs as teams to be interested in making a “run” at Tom Brady. For those who may believe Bill Belichick doesn’t want Brady anymore, Rapoport says, “It seems to be the Patriots who have the most interest.” He believes that the most important thing for Brady is, simply, where he wants to be and what gives him the best chance to win.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1239543869018169346
Monday, 9:19 a.m.
According to his agency, free-agent linebacker Christian Kirksey has agreed to a two-year deal with the Green Bay Packers worth $16 million.
Former Browns’ LB Christian Kirksey has agreed to terms on a 2-year, $16 million dollar deal with the Green Bay Packers, per his agency @SPORTSTARSNYC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 8:33 a.m.
The Chiefs are placing the franchise tag on star defensive tackle Chris Jones. Per Over The Cap, the tag for DTs is projected at about $15.3 million.
No surprise, but Chiefs are placing franchise tag on DT Chris Jones today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 8:22 a.m.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are retaining star edge rusher Shaquil Barrett with the franchise tag. Over The Cap projects his cap number to be $19.1 million.
Bucs placed franchise tag on Shaq Barrett, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Monday, 8:04 a.m.
The Giants are expected to place the franchise tag on defensive end Leonard Williams, according to Giants expected to place tag today on defensive lineman Leonard Williams, per source. Giants want him back and unwilling to let him leave.
Monday, 7:50 a.m.
The Chiefs are picking up the option on running back Damien Williams. Now entering his seventh season, Williams put together an MVP-caliber performance in Super Bowl LIV with 133 yards from scrimmage and two total touchdowns.
The #Chiefs plan to pick up the contract option for RB Damien Williams, source said, keeping the player who rushed for 104 yards in the Super Bowl in the fold. Williams will make $2.3M in 2020.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Weekend News:
— The Patriots signed safety Devin McCourty to a contract extension, which the team officially announced. Per multiple reports, it’s a two-year deal worth $23 million and should keep McCourty a Patriot for the rest of his career.
— Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is staying in Tennessee, taking the Titans off the table in the Tom Brady sweepstakes. Tannehill is signing a four-year deal worth $119 million. Reports indicate that this was the plan all along and the Titans weren’t really interested in Brady.
— The 49ers are out of the running for Brady. They’re reportedly not interested in moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo to sign his former incumbent.
— The Patriots shored up their special teams units and locker room leadership with a new two-year extension for longtime special teams ace Matthew Slater. Like McCourty, Slater is now likely to spend his entire career with the Pats.
Click here for more content regarding NFL free agency.
JPP is going back to Tampa Bay on a two-year, $27 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
