The NFL’s 2017 season doesn’t kick off for another six months, but Thursday marks the start of the official league year.
And with the start of the league year comes the start of NFL free agency. The legal tampering period began Tuesday, and free agents can officially sign starting Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET. That won’t stop teams from agreeing to deals, and as they do, reports start to trickle out about who’s landing where.
We’ll have updates, rumors and analysis for all the biggest news leading up to and through the start of free agency.
7:03 p.m.: The Bears found their new quarterback in Mike Glennon, and now they’re bolstering his receiving corps.
Source: The #Bears are signing WR Markus Wheaton, formerly of the #Steelers
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2017
6:41 p.m.: Veteran kicker Robbie Gould will be taking his talents to the Bay Area.
Former Giants kicker Robbie Gould will sign a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, per @JordanRaanan.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
6:05 p.m.: Following a brief stint in New England, Barkevious Mingo has found a new home.
Source: Former #Patriots LB Barkevious Mingo to the #Colts 2.5 million on a one year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
5:32 p.m.: After one season in Denver, Russell Okung will stay in the AFC West.
I'm told Russell Okung has agreed to go the #Chargers on a 4-year deal for $53M. Guaranteed $25M
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
5:05 p.m.: The DeSean Jackson acquisition is obviously the highlight of Tampa Bay’s day, but this is a nice move for the Bucs.
Buccaneers are giving RB Jacquizz Rodgers a two-year, $3.3 million contract, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
5:01 p.m.: After back-to-back one-year deals, Nick Fairley finally earns his long-term contract.
The #Saints contract with DT Nick Fairley is 4 years, worth almost $30M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
4:52 p.m.: Seattle desperately needed to bolster its offensive line, so this move makes a lot of sense.
Seattle is giving former Jaguars' OL Luke Joeckel a one-year, $8 million contract, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
4:50 p.m.: The Baltimore Ravens will not let their speedy wideout hit the open market.
Ravens also announce they have executed the 2017 contract option on WR Mike Wallace
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
4:45 p.m.: The Seattle Seahawks appear to be looking to bolster their backfield.
Seahawks hosting Raiders running back Latavius Murray https://t.co/NHY92dgLZ1
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 9, 2017
4:20 p.m.: It seems the Patriots are very much still in the running to retain Dont’a Hightower.
The Patriots are trying to strike a deal with LB Dont’a Hightower per sources
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2017
4:19 p.m.: The Dolphins are taking a chance on Julius Thomas with the hope he can get back to the player he was in Denver.
Dolphins have officially acquired TE Julius Thomas from the Jaguars.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
4:15 p.m.: The news keeps flooding in and while there have been plenty of reported agreements, there’s no shortage of news on some of the “secondary” pieces, if you will.
WR Terrelle Pryor visiting Redskins.
Jabaal Sheard visiting the Dolphins.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
4:11 p.m.: The Vikings’ much-maligned offensive line is getting some help.
The #Vikings, who just lost out on Ricky Wagner, are signing OT Reilly Reiff, source say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
4:05 p.m.: Alshon Jeffery apparently has a new home.
Alshon Jeffery to Eagles, per @JosinaAnderson
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
4 p.m.: It appears Brock Osweiler won’t play a snap with the Browns.
From what I understand, the #Browns are weighing simply releasing Brock Osweiler after trading for him. NBA style
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
3:38 p.m.: The Cleveland Browns had a busy, busy day.
Stunner: Texans trade Brock Osweiler AND 2018 2nd-rd pick to CLEV for Browns to take Osweiler contract off Houston books, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
2:55 p.m.: Jared Cook changed the Packers’ offense after returning from injury in his first year with Green Bay, and it looks his one-year gamble ultimately could pay off, as he’s reportedly got a handful of suitors.
Bears have also shown interest in TE Jared Cook, joining the Lions and Bills in that hunt. (Dowell Loggains coached Cook in Ten.)
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2017
2:45 p.m.: There’s been talk over the last day of Calais Campbell signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but reports earlier in the day indicated he might be having second thoughts and might be leaning toward Denver. It appears, however, he will indeed land with the Jaguars.
The #Broncos will have cap space for Tony Romo: The #Jags are singing Calais Campbell to a 4-year deal worth $60M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
2:42 p.m.: The Cleveland Browns are going out of their way to improve their offensive line.
Former Bengals G Kevin Zeitler expects to sign with Cleveland, per sources. Big day for Browns O line. Highest paid guard in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
2:40 p.m.: So it’s turning into a game of “Who do you believe?” when it come to Tony Romo.
From my understanding the Broncos are not interested in trading for Tony Romo.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 9, 2017
2:15 p.m.: Jay Cutler to the Jets seems almost too good to be true, but it’s apparently very much in play after Chicago reportedly released the QB.
Soon-to-be former #Bears QB Jay Cutler does have interest in the #Jets, I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
Denver’s Trevor Siemian seems to be in play for the Jets, too — perhaps depending on a Tony Romo trade?
Jets would like to deal for Siemian but will look hard at Jay Cutler if no trade with Denver.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2017
2:12 p.m.: Business is starting to pick up on the Tony Romo front, and it looks like the Dallas Cowboys could still end up trading the veteran QB. It sounded as if the club exhausted its options and was bound to instead release him, but it seems there’s still interest.
Cowboys now expect to trade Tony Romo to Broncos or Texans, sources say. Broncos talking with Jets about Trevor Siemian.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2017
The #Cowboys are now trying to see if they can trade Tony Romo instead of releasing him, as @mortreport said. 2 hours to go
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
1:33 p.m.: With the Bears reportedly signing Mike Glennon to a contract, it seemed Jay Cutler’s time in Chicago was up, and that appears to be true. He’s set to join a crowded QB market.
Bears are releasing QB Jay Cutler, per sources. Cutler asked for and was granted his release this morning. Now a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
1:25 p.m.: The Patriots aren’t going to get Alan Branch leave, as they’re reportedly inking the defensive tackle to a two-year deal, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Patriots are signing DT Alan Branch back on a 2-year deal worth up to $12M, source says. They are finalizing it now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
12:30 p.m.: The Broncos are making a big move to beef up their offensive line.
Broncos to sign G Ronald Leary to a four-year deal worth $35m with $20m gtd, source says. Big money for a guy once lost in the shuffle.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2017
12:10 p.m.: And once again, even more Patriots news.
Source: The #Patriots are working on a deal to bring back versatile DB Duron Harmon. It’s expected to happen. More secondary action.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
12:07 p.m.: As for another soon-to-be ex-Patriots player, Martellus Bennett might stay in the conference but switch coasts.
Martellus Bennett and the Raiders have shown heavy mutual interest in one another, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 9, 2017
12 p.m.: It’s shaping up to be an extremely busy day for the New England Patriots. They’ve already reportedly agreed to a deal with cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and there’s plenty of reported interest in New Orleans wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
The belief is that the #Saints will be able to trade away WR Brandin Cooks by this afternoon. #Patriots, #Titans remain in the mix.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
The Patriots also sound open to bringing back running back LeGarrette Blount.
The Patriots are definitely still in on LeGarrette Blount.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 9, 2017
11:40 a.m.: The Washington Redskins placed the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, but the quarterback wouldn’t mind a new home, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
Kirk Cousins appealed personally to owner Dan Snyder for a trade but was basically told not to get his hopes up, per sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2017
11:16 a.m: There looks to be a nice market developing for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
The #Colts and the #Eagles are making a strong push to sign WR Alshon Jeffery, source said. Talks are continuing with the #Bears
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
11:15 a.m.: It looks as if a couple of wide receiver dominoes are ready to fall.
Former Bills WR Robert Woods is returning to LA, to the Rams, per sources. Back in the Coliseum, like at USC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
Source: Torrey Smith has a 3-year deal for $15mil with the #Eagles
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
11:03 a.m.: The Patriots are defending Super Bowl champions and have a handful of important free agents, so it’s no surprise they’re dominating the conversation. Here’s the latest on linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who’s apparently getting some interest from the Tennessee Titans.
#Titans have interest in LB Dont'a Hightower _ who built huge home in Nashville _ but at $10-$13M he's out of price range now. Not over yet
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 9, 2017
10:43 a.m.: It’s a big morning for New England Patriots cornerbacks (perhaps) past, present and future.
There's some solid interest between Logan Ryan and the Steelers, per sources.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 9, 2017
10:15 a.m.: Well, well, well … this would certainly explain a lot.
The New England Patriots are considering trading Malcolm Butler to the New Orleans Saints for Brandin Cooks per sources
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2017
10:05 a.m.: The latest on Alshon Jeffery.
The #Bears and WR Alshon Jeffery has continued to discuss a potential deal as he weighs offers from other teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
9:48 a.m.: There’s a market for veteran quarterback Josh McCown, a Texas native.
Source: Josh McCown completed visit to #Cowboys about backup QB role, mentor to Dak Prescott. He's considering visits with 2 other suitors
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 9, 2017
9:37 a.m.: The Browns’ rebuild continues, as they’ll reportedly add receiver Kenny Britt to the mix.
The #Browns are signing WR Kenny Britt, source said (as @caplannfl reported). 4 years, $32.5M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
9:14 a.m.: It appears the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding another threat to an already solid receiving corps featuring the likes of Mike Evans and tight end Cameron Brate.
BREAKING: DeSean Jackson intends to sign with the Buccaneers, sources told @AdamSchefter. https://t.co/BkLjQRCvrO pic.twitter.com/AjR5VaMQRD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 9, 2017
9:10 a.m.: The Patriots are spending a good bit of money to get Stephon Gilmore, according to reports.
The expected price tag for free agent CB Stephon Gilmore for the #Patriots is slated to eclipse $14M per year, I’m told. Hefty but worth it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
9 a.m.: The New England Patriots, a day after reportedly acquiring tight end Dwayne Allen, are keeping busy. They’ll reportedly sign free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The #Patriots are closing in on signing free agent CB Stephon Gilmore, source said. Means they will say bye to Logan Ryan.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
As NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport points out, that could mean the end of Logan Ryan’s time in Foxboro.
8:30 a.m.: The Green Bay Packers usually aren’t very busy in free agency, unless it involves retaining their own players, which is what it appears they’ve done with linebacker Nick Perry.
#Packers are re-signing OLB Nick Perry, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2017
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
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