This is the NFL Free Agency Tracker for day 1. Click here for the day 2 tracker.
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It’s finally time for NFL free agency to kick off for the 2023 season, and we’ll have you covered every step of the way here at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Patriots Moves So Far
— Re-Signed CB Jonathan Jones
— Re-Signed DT Carl Davis
— Traded TE Jonnu Smith to Falcons
Check out the latest NFL free agency news and rumors in our tracker below.
Browns sign DT Dalvin Tomlinson
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 15: Dalvin Tomlinson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings tackles Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants for a loss during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
One of the top free agents in this year’s class is off the board. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, former Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is signing with the Browns on a four-year, $57 million contract.
Jameis Winston heading back to NOLA
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
After the Saints signed Derek Carr, Jameis Winston’s future in New Orleans was in doubt. It turns out, he’ll stay with the Saints as Carr’s backup, accepting a restructured one-year, $8 million deal according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Former Boston College star gets big deal
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Defensive end Zach Allen #94 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 30-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In another sign the Arizona Cardinals may be headed for a rebuild, the team let defensive end Zach Allen walk for a new deal. Allen lands with the Denver Broncos, signing a three-year, $45.75 million contract according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Giants land LB Bobby Okereke
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 26: Joshua Kelley #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Dayo Odeyingbo #54 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Giants were one of the headliners of the franchise tag deadline, and now they’ve made a splash in free agency as well. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network is reporting they’ve signed linebacker Bobby Okereke, formerly of the Colts, to a four-year, $40 million deal.
Titans Land Replacement At Tackle
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 03: Andre Dillard #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles guards Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 3, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Titans released starting tackle Taylor Lewan before free agency. They may have found a replacement in Andre Dillard, who they’re signing according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Dillard, a 2019 first-round pick, also played some guard for the Eagles last year.
Another Quarterback in San Francisco
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers have added another veteran presence to their quarterback room shortly after losing Jimmy Garoppolo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting San Francisco is signing 2018 third overall pick Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. Darnold joins 2021 third overall pick Trey Lance and 2022 Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy at the QB position for Kyle Shanahan.
CB Jamel Dean Returns to Tampa
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 18: Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after catching an interception during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
One of the top cornerbacks available in free agency is heading back to his previous team. As first reported by Jordan Schutlz of The Score, Jamel Dean is re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a four-year, $52 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. According to Schultz, Dean “turned down more money elsewhere” to return to Tampa.
Browns Sign DE Obo Okoronkwo
Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) passes the ball as Houston Texans defensive end Obo Okoronkwo (45) pressures in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns added to their already impressive defensive front, signing former Texans defensive end Obo Okoronkwo to a three-year, $19 million deal as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Okoronkwo had a career-high five sacks for Houston last year.
Steelers Sign CB Patrick Peterson
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 09: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
After losing starting cornerback Cam Sutton earlier in the day, the Steelers make a move to replace him by signing veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Peterson is entering his 13th NFL season, and 2023 will be his first with an AFC team.
Falcons Signing S Jessie Bates
Oct 9, 2022; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) warms up before an NFL Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
As first reported by Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons are signing former Bengals safety Jessie Bates. A big name among free-agent defensive backs is off the board.
Bears Signing Tremaine Edmunds
Sep 16, 2018; Orchard Park, NY: Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at New Era Field. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
The Bills are losing a major defensive piece in free agency. The Chicago Bears are signing star inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, as first reported by Ian Rapoport.
Now, the details, per Adam Schefter: Edmunds is signing a four-year deal worth up to $72 million, including $50 million guaranteed.
Patriots Looking Into Old Friend At Receiver?
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 08: Phillip Dorsett #13 of the New England Patriots runs in the end zone after scoring a 58-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime in Houston, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is drawing interest from the Patriots and Raiders as he’s on the verge of free agency. Dorsett has spent the past two seasons with the Texans, and previously played for the Patriots from 2017-19.
Chiefs Sign Jawaan Taylor
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (75) reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs are landing one of the top tackles on the market. They’ve agreed to terms on a four-year, $80 million deal with Jawaan Taylor. The contract includes $60 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter. So that should spell the end of the Orlando Brown era in Kansas City.
Texans To Sign Former Patriot Chase Winovich
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Former Patriots linebacker Chase Winovich is signing with the Houston Texans, according to Ian Rapoport. Winovich will now play for his third team in as many seasons. Texans GM Nick Caserio originally drafted Winovich for the Patriots in the third round in 2019.
Jimmy G. Heads To Vegas
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the endzone for a safety in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders, as first reported by Mike Garafolo. “Jimmy G” reunites with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels out west.
According to Adam Schefter, it’s a three-year deal for up to $67.5 million, including $34M guaranteed.
Patriots Re-Signing DT Carl Davis
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr. (98) celebrates his fumble recovery with linebacker Matthew Judon (9) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots are taking care of another internal free agent, this time on the defensive line. They are expected to re-sign defensive tackle Carl Davis to a one-year deal, according to Andrew Callahan.
Broncos Signing Mike McGlinchey
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the game at Levi’s Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
One of the top free-agent tackles is off the board. As first reported by ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Denver Broncos are signing former 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey. Russell Wilson lands some high-end protection on the right side of the line.
According to Ian Rapoport, McGlinchey gets five years and up to $87.5 million – an AAV of $17.5M – with $50M guaranteed.
DT Javon Hargrave Headed To 49ers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 18: Javon Hargrave #97 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a sack during the third quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 18, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
An already-loaded 49ers defense just got even better. They’ve agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth up to $84 million with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, according to Adam Schefter. Hargrave was one of the top overall free agents available, and he lands with one of the top NFC contenders.
Patriots Keeping Jonathan Jones
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 19: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots looks on after the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on August 19, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Welp, that didn’t take long. Cornerback Jonathan Jones is re-signing with the Patriots on a new two-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport.
Jones was previously on track to hit the open market, where he and his agent would explore whether he could sign with a new team to play outside corner, which certainly would’ve paid him more money. Mike Giardi of the NFL Network reports that there was “more out there for Jones if he wanted.” But apparently it wasn’t enough of a pay bump to convince him to leave New England, where Jones has established himself as a defensive cornerstone and strong presence in the local community.
UPDATE: According to Doug Kyed, the Patriots’ deal with Jones is for two years and $19 million, with $13 million guaranteed.
Broncos Sign Stidham
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Quarterback Jarrett Stidham #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets set to run a play against the New England Patriots during their preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Former Patriots and Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham has a new home. He will be Russell Wilson’s backup in Denver, agreeing to a two-year, $10 million deal with the Broncos, according to Ian Rapoport.
Former Patriots Guard Could Get Cut
Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots guard Shaq Mason (69) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucs plan to release guard Shaq Mason if they can’t find a trade partner for him in the coming days, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Mason went over to Tampa in a trade from New England last year. Now, the Pats could have the option of bringing Mason back off the open market, if they want to go that route.
Broncos Receivers On The Trade Block?
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos runs past Ja’Sir Taylor #36 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Broncos “could trade” a wide receiver. They’ve reportedly had talks with teams about all their top-3 guys: Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and K.J. Hamler. Jeudy would be a dynamic addition for the Patriots or any other team, while Sutton would provide reliable depth production.
Austin Ekeler Seeks Trade
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 14: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
According to Adam Schefter, Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler has requested permission to speak to other teams about a potential trade. His agent, Cameron Weiss, told ESPN that Ekeler and the Chargers had “preliminary” contract extension talks, but they “did not progress.”
Patriots Trade Jonnu Smith To Falcons
Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) catches a pass during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE! The Patriots have made one of the first big moves of the day, and it’s not a free agent signing. They are sending tight end Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
With the move, the Patriots get out from under $11 million in potential cash earnings for 2023. Smith still has $6.25 million of guaranteed money left to pay. The Falcons will now be on the hook for that.
According to Pats cap expert Miguel Benzan, the cap savings nets out to about $3.6 million after another player was added to the top-51. Perhaps more importantly, the trade creates just over $18 million in cap space for 2024. But for 2023, Benzan has the Pats at about $34.5 million in space ahead of the start of the legal tampering period in free agency.
Garoppolo Still Wants Over $20 Million
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown by Christian McCaffrey #23 during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jimmy Garoppolo is set to hit the open market, and we have an idea of the kind of money he’s going to seek. According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, Garoppolo is “shooting for” $25 million per season. Breer noted that Garoppolo may not be able to approach that number in guarantees, but could lay out some incentives that help him get there.
Reiss: The Latest On The Patriots’ Free Agents
Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s Mike Reiss provided his latest reporting on the Patriots’ two key internal free agents, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and cornerback Jonathan Jones, in his newest Sunday column. Here’s what Reiss is hearing:
— There’s at least one team that believes the average annual value for Meyers “will need to be in the range of $15 million-plus per year”. If it is in fact that high, Reiss says that “some around the NFL don’t see the Patriots retaining Meyers based on their history”.
— Jones is on the record as saying: “There’s definitely interest on both sides to get something done.” Reiss reports that Jones and his agent are expected to explore the market to see if any team views him as more than just a “pure slot” corner, projecting him at around $6-9 million per season if he plays an inside role.
— Long snapper Joe Cardona has “returned to full health” after recovering from a torn tendon in his foot without the need for surgery. He’s on track to become a free agent, but he should be considered a candidate to re-sign with New England.
Dolphins Swing Big Trade For Jalen Ramsey
Sep 25, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Miami is truly loading up in the secondary, landing three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a trade with the Rams. Here are the full trade terms, via Adam Schefter:
Dolphins Get
CB Jalen Ramsey
Rams Get
2023 Third-Round Pick (No. 77)
TE Hunter LongRamsey is signed for three more years and $47 million in both real and cap dollars. That’s the most likely explanation for the reasonable price tag and compensation for L.A. The Dolphins now pair Ramsey with Xavien Howard to form potentially the best 1-2 punch at outside cornerback in the NFL.
Jets, Packers Have Rodgers Deal In Place…
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a play during overtime against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 13, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
…But what is Aaron Rodgers thinking at the moment? As ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler explained in a Sunday report, the Jets and Packers “basically” know how a Rodgers trade is going to work. But of course, both sides are still awaiting word from Rodgers himself:
“The Jets have shot their best shot, and the Jets and Packers have had enough discussions about compensation that they basically know the parameters of the prospective deal. They’ve discussed various scenarios involving picks and players going both ways, and I do believe it could come together quickly. But they’re both still waiting on Rodgers to decide what he wants to do.”
DT Daron Payne Re-Signs In D.C.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball as Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders looks to make a tackle in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Daron Payne had a chance to be one of the best defensive free agents on the market, but instead, the Commanders retain their star D-tackle with a lucrative four-year extension.
In total, it’s four years and up to $90 million with $60.02 million in total guarantees, making Payne the second-highest paid defensive tackle in football behind Aaron Donald. Doug Kyed has the full breakdown, and in classic NFL fashion, it is a multi-faceted deal laden with bonuses.
