Godwin gets big new deal with Bucs
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 09: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Chris Godwin has become the latest receiver to break $20 million annually. He and the Bucs have agreed to rip up his franchise tag in favor of a three-year, $60 million deal with $40 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter.
Von Miller gets megadeal from Bills
Von Miller #40 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 15, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The off-season news just got rough for the Patriots, and the Dolphins and Jets and the rest of the AFC for that matter. Future Hall-of-Fame edge rusher Von Miller is signing with the Bills for a whopping six years and $120 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Buffalo adds a still-excellent edge rusher and former Super Bowl MVP to an already-stacked offense with superstar quarterback Josh Allen. They’ll be among the top Super Bowl contenders for 2022.
The Bills are also signing former Bucs tight end O.J. Howard, per Adam Schefter. Big day in Orchard Park.
Raiders sign former Patriots fullback
Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots fullback Jakob Johnson (47) during warm ups prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders under Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler are the ultimate “Patriots West,” and their latest move is proof. They’re signing fullback Jakob Johnson, according to Adam Schefter.
It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Patriots take at the fullback position, ie. whether they even have one. The Pats declined to tender Johnson, which made him an unrestricted free agent, in a sign that they were moving on from him.
Trent Brown visiting Seahawks
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Free-agent tackle Trent Brown is visiting the Seahawks, according to Adam Schefter. Brown played the 2021 season with the Patriots after coming over in a trade from the Raiders, and has often spoke highly of the organization publicly.
For that reason, it’s possible that Brown will test the market then give the Patriots a chance to match the best offer. So Brown isn’t on his way out of New England just yet.
Za’Darius Smith signs with Ravens
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)
Baltimore has landed a big-time pass-rusher. They’re signing former Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a four-year, $35 million deal with the potential to be worth $50 million, as reported by Adam Schefter.
Patriots showing interest in WR Dede Westbrook
Dede Westbrook of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for a 61-yard touchdown reception during the second half against the New England Patriots at TIAA Bank Field. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
According to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, the Patriots are showing interest in returner/receiver Dede Westbrook, formerly of the Jaguars and Vikings.
Westbrook played 15 games for the Vikings in 2021 and made only 10 catches on 15 targets on offense. However, he did have 22 punt returns for an average of 8.3 yards. The Pats may need a new punt returner after declining to tender restricted free agent Gunner Olszewski.
Titans release Julio Jones
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 26: Julio Jones #2 of the Tennessee Titans against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Tennessee Titans are releasing five-time All Pro receiver Julio Jones, according to multiple reports. Jones spent just one season in Tennessee, after being acquired for second and fourth round picks last June.
Brandon Bolden joining Josh McDaniels
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 14: Brandon Bolden #25 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Brandon Bolden is reuniting with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas, according to Ian Rapoport. Bolden played a significant role for the Patriots as the third-down back last year with James White out.
Patriots not tendering Gunner Olszewski
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 07: Gunner Olszewski #80 of the New England Patriots returns a kickoff during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Patriots will not tender RFA Gunner Olszewski, according to Mike Reiss. The minimum tender would have cost the Patriots $2.4 million. While this doesn’t rule out Olszewski, who was an All Pro punt returner in 2020, returning to the Patriots, it does mean he’ll become an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.m. when the new league year begins.
Chandler Jones headed to Vegas
Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Standout former Patriots and Cardinals pass-rusher Chandler Jones is “finalizing” a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Tom Pelissero.
McKissic Bails on Bills
J.D. McKissic #41 of the Washington Football Team carries the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at FedExField on November 29, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
Free-agent running back J.D. McKissic agreed to a deal with the Bills – and then he didn’t. According to Adam Schefter, McKissic changed his mind when he heard the Commanders were willing to match the Bills’ offer, and decided to stay in Washington. McKissic pulls the same move that Randy Gregory just did, only the opposite – he spurned a new team in favor of his current one.
Raiders release Nassib
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders flexes while smiling during warmups before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing defensive end Carl Nassib, according to Adam Schefter.
Patriots favorites to land La’El Collins
Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys and La’el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys react seconds after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
According to Patrik Walker of CBS Sports, the Patriots are “emerging as a strong candidate” to trade for Cowboys tackle La’El Collins. This corroborates a previous report by Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald that the Patriots were exploring a possible deal with Dallas for Collins.
Patriots sign a cornerback
A.J. Dillon #28 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the football in the first half of a preseason game against Terrance Mitchell #39 of the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on August 14, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Patriots have signed a player from outside the organization: according to Adam Schefter, they’ve agreed to a one-year deal for $3 million with cornerback Terrance Mitchell. The 29-year-old Mitchell started 13 games for Houston in 2021 and made one interception.
Jakeem Grant to Cleveland
Nov 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Jakeem Grant (17) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
One of the better hybrid receivers/returners available is off the market. Former Dolphins and Bears receiver Jakeem Grant is headed to the Browns on a three-year deal worth up to $13.8 million, per Tom Pelissero.
Marcus Maye heads to NFC
Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets free safety Marcus Maye (20) tackles New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jeff Howe, the New Orleans Saints are signing former Jets safety Marcus Maye to a three-year deal worth $28.5 million, including $15 million guaranteed. This comes on the heels of Marcus Williams leaving the Saints to join the Ravens.
Patriots looking into big trade for a tackle?
La’el Collins #71 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
This is interesting: according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the Patriots have considered a trade for Cowboys offensive tackle La’El Collins. The 28-year-old has started 71 of 74 career games in Dallas and started 10 of 12 at right tackle in 2021. He’s under contract for the next three seasons at $10 million annually.
