NFL free agency is in full swing, and the league year hasn’t even begun yet. We’ve got you covered every step of the way here in our official live tracker.
Wednesday marks the actual start of free agency and the 2024 league year. Starting at 4 p.m. ET, teams can make their reported free agent signings officially official. The legal tampering period has already brought dozens of expected signings, and a handful of trades. Notable players still available include wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Tyron Smith, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, among others.
Read below for the latest in NFL free agency, as the league year gets set to kick off…
Patriots miss out on top tackle
The tackle market may get going now that one of, if not the top player at the position is off the board. On Thursday night Jonah Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed. Williams doesn’t only have four years of starting experience, but has started on both sides of the line.
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source. / Twitter"
Former Bengals OT Jonah Williams is signing a two-year, $30 million deal that includes $19 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.
Patriots make two signings in the trenches
The Patriots continue to build from the trenches on out. On Wednesday afternoon they signed two linemen – one on offense and one on defense. Defensive lineman Armon Watts joins the Patriots from the Steelers on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Guard Nick Leverett comes to the Patriots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the details of his contract yet to be reported.
Andrew Callahan on Twitter: "Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb / Twitter"
Source: The #Patriots are signing free-agent DL Armon Watts to a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million. pic.twitter.com/tzMdJEqpKb
Doug Kyed on Twitter: "Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line. / Twitter"
Source confirms the Patriots are signing ex-Buccaneers free agent guard Nick Leverett.Provides some depth and flexibility on the interior offensive line.
Another signing for the Titans
The Titans weren’t done after adding Calvin Ridley. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, they’re re-signing kicker Nick Folk to a one-year deal. The Contract includes $3.755 million in guaranteed money, and is worth up to $4.13 million.
Tom Pelissero on Twitter: "The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years. / Twitter"
The #Titans are signing veteran kicker Nick Folk to a one-year, $3.755 million deal, per source. Max $4.13M with incentives. A big deal for the NFL's most accurate kicker in recent years.
Calvin Ridley lands with mystery team
After days of speculation about the Patriots and Jaguars, Calvin Ridley signed with neither. He will stay in the AFC South though as he joins the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $92 million contract with $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This is the second year in a row the Titans have signed one of the top wide receivers in free agency, after landing DeAndre Hopkins last year.
Ian Rapoport on Twitter: "🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL / Twitter"
🚨 🚨 🚨 Sources: The #Titans are signing #Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. A stunner!!The 29-year old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed on a contract negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/GcKaDQ79RL
Panthers sign cornerback
The Carolina Panthers are adding former Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a two-year deal for up to $14.5 million.
For Carolina and Dane Jackson, it’s a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, per source. Starter money for a guy who started 28 games over four seasons in Buffalo. https://t.co/K4GndT3BdI pic.twitter.com/3LToy6zBOV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2024Chargers release WR Mike Williams
The Los Angeles Chargers have to be cap compliant by 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and so they have to get rid of some high-priced players to make that happen. The first domino on that has fallen: according to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent.
Sources: The #Chargers releasing WR Mike Williams, making him a free agent. Williams, on the books for a $32M cap hit, becomes a top FA WR available. pic.twitter.com/tiMhvOrqDb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024Bucs bring Whitehead back
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back a familiar face. Safety Jordan Whitehead is returning to the Bucs on a two-year deal after playing the past two seasons with the Jets, as first reported by Ian Rapoport. The contract has a base value of $9 million and a max of $10.5 million.
The #Bucs are bringing back S Jordan Whitehead on a 2-year deal worth $9M, source said (as @LeroyInsider reported). A max value of $10.5M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 202449ers re-sign fullback
The San Francisco 49ers are keeping the best fullback in football. Kyle Juszczyk is staying with the team, as first announced by his agency.
Congrats to John Lynch and the 49’ers for placing a JUICE order today 🧃🧃🧃@JuiceCheck44 is BACK! @49ers #Faithful
— JL Sports (@JLSports3) March 13, 2024Raiders sign tight end
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million with tight end Harrison Bryant, as reported by Adam Schefter. Bryant follows in the footsteps of Austin Hooper as a former Browns tight end heading to Vegas.
Former Browns TE Harrison Bryant reached agreement with the Raiders on a 1-year, $3.25 million deal with a max value of $4 million, per source. pic.twitter.com/VMH4kiPJOv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024Seahawks re-sign cornerback
The Seattle Seahawks are keeping veteran cornerback Artie Burns on a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Burns provides solid depth for Seattle, who already have top-5 draft pick Devin Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen atop their cornerback depth chart.
Free-agent cornerback Artie Burns is returning to the Seahawks on a one-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024Eagles extend kicker
The Philadelphia Eagles announced Wednesday that they’re keeping kicker Jake Elliott in the fold on a four-year extension. Elliott has been one of the better kickers in the league in recent seasons, and he gets to stay with the Super Bowl contenders.
4 for 4 more!
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2024
We've agreed to terms with @jake_elliott22 on a four-year extension.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/eRLTCuo6tpTrade! Texans send DT to Niners
Another trade: as broken by Adam Schefter, the Texans are trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers. Houston is reshaping its defensive frrnt-seven after agreeing to terms with Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Denico Autry in free agency.
Trade: the Texans are trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers, per source. pic.twitter.com/GxcNL4ARTN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024Trade! Jets get tackle from Ravens
The New York Jets have found a new starting tackle. According to multiple reports, they’re getting Morgan Moses from the Ravens. Morgan previously played for the Jets in 2021; now, he returns, presumably as a plug-and-play starting right tackle.
Trade/Reunion: Ravens are sending starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets as part of a pick swap, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024
Trade:
🏈Jets receive: Moses and a 4th-round pick (No. 134 overall).
🏈Ravens receive: 4th-round pick (No. 112) and 6th-round pick (No. 218). pic.twitter.com/vYLVlK5vLyPatriots, J.C. Jackson have mutual interest
The Patriots have a sneaky need at outside corner behind Christian Gonzalez. It appears that they could make that happen with a familiar face.
According to
The #Patriots and cornerback J.C. Jackson have mutual interest in a return despite his March 1 release, per source. Could be a down-the-line development for the player and team, but something to keep in mind as New England's cornerback outlook shapes up this offseason
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s mutual interest between the Patriots and J.C. Jackson for a new deal, despite the cornerback’s March 1 release. Fowler believes this “could be a down-the-line development” for the two sides.So, Jackson may not be generating much interest around the league, making a return to New England an attractive option for him. That’s especially considering he could still be the Pats’ clear No. 2 outside corner on the current roster. Pats fans could be left waiting until the spring or summer for the team to find another starting corner.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Bills add a wide receiver
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with impending free-agent wide receiver Mack Hollins. A new weapon for Josh Allen, who is going to have to adjust to life without Gabe Davis, who signed with the Jaguars.
The #Bills have agreed to terms with wide receiver Mack Hollins, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2024
More help on the way for Josh Allen and the passing game. pic.twitter.com/IYnoTeLk04Arik Armstead drawing interest
Niners defensive lineman Arik Armstead is still expected to be released and become a free agent. According to Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans, who have been busy in free agency, are expected to have interest in Armstead, among other clubs.
Teams are expected to have interest in Arik Armstead, sources tell me one of them includes the Titans. GM Ran Carthon knows Armstead from his days in San Francisco. https://t.co/Q2l9dE1RuM
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2024Patriots re-sign another linebacker
The Patriots are bringing back yet another key piece of their defensive front-seven. According to Ian Rapoport, they’re re-signing linebacker Anfernee Jennings to a three-year extension. Jennings stepped up in the absence of Matthew Judon in 2023, with 14 starts.
The #Patriots and their own LB Anfernee Jennings have agreed to a 3-year deal for him to return to New England, sources say, another expected re-sign for the Patriots. Jennings started 14 games and had 66 tackles. pic.twitter.com/EvLSKH8pXx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 202449ers add veteran linebacker
The San Francisco are adding veteran help to their front-seven. According to Adam Schefter, they’re signing former Chargers and Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal.
49ers are signing former Chargers LB Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal, per source. Kendricks was a Chargers captain last season, when he started 14 games and finished second on the team with 117 tackles. pic.twitter.com/qNjIqDfiTJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2024Dolphins re-sign running back
The Miami Dolphins are re-signing running back Salvon Ahmed to a one-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson. MIke McDaniel gets to preserve his RB depth as the Dolphins’ dynamic offense looks to build upon a strong 2023 season.
#Dolphins are re-signing Salvon Ahmed to a one-year deal, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2024(Click here to subscribe to Patriots audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)
Need a recap of the first day of free agency? Check out our official day 1 tracker.
Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.