Patriots’ Matthew Judon plays role of recruiter for NFL free agents
The NFL’s legal tampering period opened on Monday, and Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon quickly took to Twitter to check in on some of the top free agents available.
The 2021 Pro Bowler tweeted directly at a pair of high-profile free agents, wide receiver Allen Robinson and linebacker Bobby Wagner, in an attempt to not-so-subtly interest them in coming to New England.
@Bwagz call me 🤙🏾
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) March 14, 2022
@AllenRobinson what you doing
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) March 14, 2022
Wide receiver and linebacker are arguably the two greatest positions of need for the Patriots this offseason. Judon is certainly doing his part to plant seeds of Foxboro in the minds of top free agents as the market heats up this week.
Keep reading below for the latest news & rumors in NFL free agency with the official Sports Hub Free Agent Tracker.
NFL Free Agent Tracker: Monday, March 14
Bucs re-sign CB Carlton Davis
Carlton Davis #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Another domino falls in the cornerback market: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are re-signing Carlton Davis for three years and $45 million, per Adam Schefter. Tampa retains a key piece of their defense for Tom Brady’s return.
J.C. Jackson gets big-money deal with Chargers
Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) celebrates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
J.C. Jackson has found the highest bidder. The Chargers are locking Jackson in for five years and up to $82.5 million, and $40 million guaranteed at signing, according to Adam Schefter. The AAV seems surprisingly low, but the guarantees rank Jackson sixth among all cornerbacks.
Bridgewater to Miami
Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Denver Broncos throws the ball as players warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Empower Field at Mile High on October 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is signing with the Miami Dolphins to be the backup quarterback to Tua Tagovailoa, as reported by Adam Schefter.
Dolphins signing Cedrick Wilson
Cedrick Wilson #1 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball after a reception against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Former Cowboys receiver Cedrick Wilson is signing a three-year deal worth up to $22.8 million with the Miami Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter. The deal includes $12.75 million guaranteed.
J.C. Jackson gets formal offer
Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) reacts after intercepting a pass in the Tennessee Titans end zone in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Per Mike Giardi, J.C. Jackson has had a busy day negotiating with prospective teams, but the only club that’s made a formal offer so far is the Los Angeles Chargers. They’re likely to lose Casey Hayward to free agency, making outside corner a pressing need for them. Jackson is easily the biggest prize on the market at his position, so he figures to get a huge payday wherever he lands.
Packers keeping LV De’Vondre Campbell
De’Vondre Campbell #59 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
De’Vondre Campbell would’ve been the best inside linebacker on the market, but instead he’s staying put. According to Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms on a new contract for Campbell. According to Pro Football Focus, the deal is for five years and $50 million.Jaguars signing WR Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals catches the ball over Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
According to Ian Rapoport, the Jacksonville Jaguars are signing free-agent wide receiver Christian Kirk. Trevor Lawrence gets a dynamic slot receiver. Rapoport is describing the deal as “large,” so it’s likely Kirk was out of the Patriots’ price range all along.
UPDATE: According to Ian Rapoport, Kirk’s deal with the Jaguars is for four years with a base value of $72 million, and can turn into $84 million through incentives. Wild money for Kirk in Jacksonville.
Berrios staying with Jets
Braxton Berrios #10 of the New York Jets runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
There will be no Braxton Berrios reunion in New England. The former Patriots receiver is staying with the New York Jets on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million with $7M guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter. Berrios was an all-pro kick returner in 2021 and also set new career highs in catches and yards. If the Patriots want to add a shifty slot receiver, they’ll have to look elsewhere.
Karras signing with Bengals
Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots guard Ted Karras (67) takes on the field prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The defending AFC champions have found a starting offensive lineman, in the form of an ex-Patriot. Ted Karras is signing a three-year, $18 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Ian Rapoport. Pass protection was arguably the Bengals’ ultimate downfall, so they hope Karras can help sew up those issues. It’s a nice cash-in for the veteran, who has spent most of his career with the Patriots.
Slater stays in New England
Nov 14, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) gives a towel to a fan after a game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
According to Field Yates and Mike Reiss, special teams captain Matthew Slater is staying with the Patriots for another year. It’s a new one-year deal for the longtime cornerstone and locker room leader.
Jaguars land All-Pro starting guard
Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Football Team blocks during the NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField on August 20, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Five-time Pro-Bowl guard Brandon Scherff has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Adam Schefter. Scherff was a first team All-Pro in 2020. The details of the contract aren’t out, but it should be quite lucrative. Offensive line was a major need for the Jags and quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Bears sign DT Larry Ogunjobi
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 15: Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after recovering a first half fumble against the Las Vegas Raiders during the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The new front office in Chicago had landed it’s first free agent. According to Adam Schefter, the Bears are signing defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year, $40.5 million dollar deal. Ogunjobi had seven tackles and 12 tackles for loss last year with the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.
Seahawks keeping Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 21: Quandre Diggs #6 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after intercepting a pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Seattle isn’t letting everybody go. The Seahawks are re-signing two-time Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs to a three-year, $40 million deal according to Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old recorded 94 tackles with five interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2021.
Steelers land Roethisberger replacement
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the game against the Miami Dolphins in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The first big name free agent quarterback is off the board. Former Bears first-round pick Mitchell Trubisky was one of the top quarterback names on the free agent market this year, and he’s now off to Pittsburgh according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Garafolo added Trubisky is now the “expected starter in place of the retired Ben Roethlisberger.” Trubisky, 27, spent last year as the backup in Buffalo.
Panthers release two players
Oct 17, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback A.J. Bouye (24) breaks up a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Panthers have released a pair of players in a salary cap-saving move. 30-year-old cornerback A.J. Bouye and 27-year-old defensive end Morgan Fox have both been cut by the team.
James Conner staying in Arizona
Nov 21, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) scores a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Arizona defeated Seattle 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
After a breakout year in his first season in Arizona, James Conner is staying with the Cardinals. Adam Schefter is reporting the team is giving the 26-year-old running back a three-year, $25.5 million dollar deal with $13.5 million included. Conner was highly productive last season after a few down years in Pittsburgh, totaling 1,127 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns with the Cards in 2021.
Jarvis Landry released
Jan 9, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Browns have released 29-year-old receiver Jarvis Landry. This move had been expected following the team acquiring receiver Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys over the weekend. Landry is a five-time Pro Bowler, but had relatively down years in 2020 and 2021. This past season, he caught 52 passes for 570 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.
Dolphins bring in Chase Edmonds
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Chase Edmonds #2 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After tightening up their defense by retaining Emmanuel Ogbah, the Dolphins turned their attention to the offensive side of the ball. According to Adam Schefter, Miami is signing running back Chase Edmonds to a two-year, $12.6 million dollar deal. Edmonds is a three-down back and totaled over 900 all-purpose yards for the Arizona Cardinals last year. Now, he should play a pivotal role in Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Bengals sign former Buccaneers guard Alex Cappa
Nov 14, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Alex Cappa (65) blocks Washington Football Team defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The first move of the tampering period is in. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals are signing former Buccaneers guard Alex Cappa to a four-year, $40 million contract. Cincinnati is expected to be big players in the offensive line market this offseason after struggling to protect Joe Burrow throughout the season.
Dolphins retain edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 27: Emmanuel Ogbah #91 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after getting a sack in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on December 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Originally a candidate for the franchise tag, edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah will end up staying in Miami on a four-year, $65 million dollar deal. The contract, with includes $32 million in guaranteed money, was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ogbah has nine sacks and 24 QB hits for the Dolphins in 2021.
Packers release Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 16, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
According to Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers are releasing defensive end Za’Darius Smith. He was set to cost $15.2 million in real money and a whopping $27.6 million against the cap, so Green Bay decided to save that $15.2M (in both real and cap dollars) by moving on. A second-team All-Pro in 2020, Smith played just one game in 2021, mainly due to a shoulder injury. He’s 29 years old and healthy entering the open market.
Dolphins eyeing J.C. Jackson?
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins and J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots react during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
According to Omar Kelly, the Miami Dolphins are “bidders” for impending free-agent cornerback J.C. Jackson. The Dolphins already have Xavien Howard, 2020 first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene, and veteran slot corner Byron Jones on the roster, so it’s surprising that they’d show any interest in Jackson, particularly the amount of money it’s going to take to land him.
Patriots bringing Hoyer back
Brian Hoyer #5 of the New England Patriots stands behind center during the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Patriots have shored up the backup quarterback spot with a familiar face. Brian Hoyer is re-signing with the team, as first reported by Jim McBride. They’re also bringing back veteran guard/center James Ferentz.
Mike Reiss added that it’s a two-year deal for Hoyer. Karen Guregian was first to repor that it’s a two-year deal for $3 million guaranteed, but Jeremy Fowler reported that Hoyer can make up to $4 million.
Bucs bringing back Brady’s center
Tom Brady #12 and Ryan Jensen #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talk prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Bucs starting center Ryan Jensen is re-signing with the team for three years and $39 million, according to Adam Schefter. Tom Brady is back, and so is his partner under center.
Tom Brady officially returning
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
So about that “retirement”…Tom Brady may have never uttered the word itself at any point in the off-season, leaving the door ajar for a quick return to the football field. For now, he’s coming back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We’ll see if it stays that way – whether with Brady or with head coach Bruce Arians.
Devin McCourty returning to Patriots
Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Longtime Patriots defensive cornerstone and team leader Devin McCourty is re-signing for one year and $9 million. It’ll be interesting to see how the deal is structured. McCourty was on the books for $6.45 million in dead cap money if he didn’t return, due to a void year in his previous contract.
Cousins commits to Vikings
Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after throwing a touchdown to Alexander Mattison #25 during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins is signing a one-year extension for $35 million to stay with the Minnesota Vikings, as reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Cousins was entering the final year of his deal in 2022, making him now signed through 2023.
Gallup cashes in to stay with Cowboys
Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a catch in front of Rashad Fenton #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys have chosen who they’re committing to at wide receiver. Impending free agent Michael Gallup has agreed to a five-year, $62.5 million extension to stay in Dallas, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. This move, coupled with the trade of Amari Cooper to the Browns, makes Gallup the highest-paid pass-catcher on the Cowboys.
Ertz locks in with Cardinals
Zach Ertz #86 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a first down during the second half of a game against the Green Bay Packers State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz and the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a three-year deal worth $31.65 million, per Tom Pelissero. At 31 years old, Ertz has likely landed his last big cash-in. Ertz is still productive, combining for 74 catches, 763 yards, and five touchdowns between the Cardinals and Eagles.
Who are the top free agents available?
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Despite a lot of signings and tradings already taking place before the start of free agency, it’s still a strong open market in the NFL. Click here to read about the top-20 free agents available entering Monday.
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