NFL free agency kicked off with a bang across the league on Monday, and now we’re on to day 2. We’ve got you covered in our official live tracker below.
We are now in the second day of what’s known as the “legal tampering” period in free agency. Impending free agents are allowed to negotiate directly with other teams and agree to new deals, up until the actual start of free agency and the league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
There are still plenty of big names available in free agency as we head into day 2, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Tyron Smith, and edge rusher Danielle Hunter. Read below for the latest free agency news & rumors across the National Football League as it comes in…
Patriots Sign TE Austin Hooper
The Patriots are adding another established tight end to their depth chart. Veteran Austin Hooper is joining New England, as first reported by Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-yeard deal worth up to a very affordable $4.25 million.
#Raiders TE Austin Hooper is expected to sign with the #Patriots, per me and @TomPelissero. The veteran gets a 1-year deal worth up to $4.25M. He reunites with Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt who was with him in Cleveland.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
The deal was done by @SteveCaric of @Wasserman Football. pic.twitter.com/A7doT6NU4JSteelers trade a wide receiver
Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson requested a trade. It didn’t take long for the team to honor that request, and on Tuesday night they sent him to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The teams also swapped late-round picks.
Tom Pelissero on Twitter: "Full trade:The #Panthers get Diontae Johnson and pick No. 240The #Steelers get Donte Jackson and pick 178 https://t.co/2vbKLl0MMv / Twitter"
Full trade:The #Panthers get Diontae Johnson and pick No. 240The #Steelers get Donte Jackson and pick 178 https://t.co/2vbKLl0MMv
Eagles set up a reunion in the secondary
After playing for the Detroit Lions last year, defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is headed back to the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s getting a three-year, $33 million contract according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
NFL on Twitter: "DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Eagles on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/1VKl1zz7Nj / Twitter"
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is returning to the Eagles on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/1VKl1zz7Nj
Texans continue loading up
The Texans have been one of the biggest players in this free agency, and their latest signing comes on the defensive side of the ball. They’re adding former Minnesota pass rusher Danielle Hunter on a two-year, $49 million contract per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hunter replaces Jonathan Grenard, who decided to sign with the Vikings on Monday.
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "Danielle Hunter to the Texans on a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed, per source. The deal has a max value of $51 million. / Twitter"
Danielle Hunter to the Texans on a two-year, $49 million deal, including $48 million guaranteed, per source. The deal has a max value of $51 million.
Bucs re-sign LaVonte David
A cornerstone piece of the Bucs defense stays home. Tampa Bay has agreed to a one-year deal to keep LB Lavonte David, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal is for up to $10 million.
The #Bucs keep another one home: Sources say they agree to terms with their own star LB Lavonte David, who gets a 1-year deal worth up to $10M. The base value is around $9M. pic.twitter.com/MUT5biU5a8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024Jalen Mills leaves Patriots for Giants
Former Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills is signing a one-year deal with the Giants, according to Adam Schefter. Per Mark Daniels of MassLive, Mills wanted to go to a team that would give him a chance to start. A novel concept.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Mills #2 of the New England Patriots lines up against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Panthers get LB Josey Jewell
Former Broncos linebacker Josey Jewell is signing a three-year, $22.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Schefter.
Former Broncos LB Josey Jewell is signing a three-year, $22.75 million deal including a $7m signing bonus with Carolina.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Bills sign LB Nicholas Morrow
As first reported by Mike Garafolo, the Buffalo Bills are signing former Eagles linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The turnover continues on the Philadelphia defense, while the Bills add a solid veteran piece for their defense amid roster turnover of their own.
The #Bills have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with LB Nicholas Morrow, source says. Morrow had 12 starts for the #Eagles last year, wearing the green dot as the defensive signal caller along the way. pic.twitter.com/hXFecTYrf4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2024DeVante Parker already has a new team
It didn’t take long for wide receiver DeVante Parker to find a new team. Just about 24 hours after a report that the Patriots would be releasing him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Parker is signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots will still be on the hook for $3.5 million of Parker’s $4.69 million guaranteed salary.
Josh Uche returns to Patriots
The Patriots are retaining another in-house free agent, this time on defense. According to Mike Garafolo, they’re re-signing Josh Uche to a new one-year deal. Per Garafolo, Uche had better offers elsewhere but instead chooses to stay with the team that drafted him.
The #Patriots have agreed to terms with LB Josh Uche to return to New England on a one-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. The 2020 second-round pick had much more on the table elsewhere but returns to Foxboro. pic.twitter.com/zx7rVIyzjI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2024Colts re-sign CB Kenny Moore
The Colts are rewarding slot cornerback Kenny Moore with a new three-year deal worth up to $30 million, according to Adam Schefter. One of the recent cornerstones of Indy’s secondary is staying put – and becoming the highest-paid pure inside cornerback in league history.
Colts are re-signing CB Kenny Moore to a 3-year, $30 million deal that makes him the highest-paid nickel back in NFL history. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by David Mulugheta and Trevon Smith of Athletes First. pic.twitter.com/xRQcUCxS7s
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Commanders add Dante Fowler
The Washington Commanders continue to load up on edge rushers. According to Jordan Schultz, they’re now signing Dante Fowler Jr. They add him to a list of additions including Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell along their defensive front.
Dante Fowler Jr. was a favorite of Dan Quinn’s with the #Cowboys, where he had 10 sacks the past two seasons.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2024
Now, Fowler heads to the #Commanders, where he will face his former team twice a year. https://t.co/Ho9sAwSgdX pic.twitter.com/xOaaNcFLiNBears sign TE Gerald Everett
The Bears are adding another weapon for … whoever is their quarterback in 2024. They’re signing free-agent tight end Gerald Everett, according to Jeremy Fowler. USC quarterback Caleb Williams is projected to go to the Bears No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft.
Adam Schefter has the contract details for Everett in Chicago: two years and a max value of $14 million.
Source: #Bears have agreed to terms with tight end Gerald Everett.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2024Chase Young sets free-agent visits
At this point, some of the biggest names available are being more patient, and thus will visit teams before making a decision. That’s the case with 49ers defensive end Chase Young, who according to Tom Pelissero is expected to visit the Panthers and Saints this week. According to Ian Rapoport, he’s also set to visit the Titans.
Free-agent pass rusher Chase Young is expected to visit the #Panthers and #Saints this week, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
A handful of teams have expressed interest in Young, the 2020 defensive rookie of the year who’s still only 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/zQpwRW7iyyPatriots made offer to Calvin Ridley
According to Josina Anderson, the Patriots “have an offer out” to impending free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The Pats and Jaguars have widely been the two teams reported to be bidding for Ridley’s services. Indications are that Ridley prefers to stay in Jacksonville, but New England is presenting a competitive offer.
At this minute: I'm told #Patriots have an offer out to WR Calvin Ridley and are still waiting to hear back. pic.twitter.com/QEED186YK9
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 12, 2024QB Drew Lock joins Giants
The New York Giants are signing quarterback Drew Lock, as reported by Ian Rapoport. Lock may have a legitimate chance to play in 2024, as Daniel Jones comes back from an ACL injury.
The #Giants are signing Drew Lock, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024Patrick Queen jumps ship
Former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen is going to their biggest rival. As reported by Marcus Spears via Adam Schefter, Queen is jumping ship from the Baltimore Ravens to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A big addition for the Steelers’ front-seven, and an excellent fit.
Filed from @mspears96: Ravens free-agent LB Patrick Queen told @mspears96 that he plans to sign a three-year, $41 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. pic.twitter.com/esTfKGnsvg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Niners extend special teams ace
The San Francisco 49ers are re-signing core special teamer George Odum to a two-year deal worth up to $10 million, according to Tom Pelissero. When you have one of the best rosters in the league and a quarterback on his rookie deal, you can afford to make these kinds of signings.
The #49ers and special teams ace George Odum have agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $10 million, per his agent Matt Glose.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
The deal puts Odum at the top of the core special teams market. pic.twitter.com/T5RBdi68F1Ridley rumors heading up
Tuesday afternoon came with increased chatter around wide receiver Calvin Ridley. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots are making a push to sign the 29-year-old but Ridley “prefers to return to Jacksonville” and is discussing a deal with the Jaguars. Shortly after, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that “it’s down to the Jaguars and Patriots…both teams feel they’re in it.”
Adam Schefter on Twitter: "New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9 / Twitter"
New England is pushing to sign free-agent WR Calvin Ridley, but sources believe that he currently prefers to return to Jacksonville and he has been discussing a deal with the Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/cmFLgY6aV9
King Henry joins the MVP
Derrick Henry’s incredible run in Tennessee has come to an end. The 30-year-old two-time NFL rushing leader is joining Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20 million.
Irv Smith Jr. joins Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes has a new weapon. The Kansas City Chiefs are signing free-agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter.
Bengals free-agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. reached agreement a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, per source. pic.twitter.com/dB5QZWI9Z9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Darnell Mooney joins Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are adding a weapon for new quarterback Kirk Cousins. Former Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney is joining them on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $26 million guaranteed. That basically makes the contract “two years and see how it goes.”
Sources: The #Falcons are signing #Bears WR Darnell Mooney, giving them a key new playmaker for Kirk Cousins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Mooney gets a 3-year, $39M deal with $26M fully guaranteed in a contract negotiated by David Mulugheta and AJ Stevens of @AthletesFirst. A top WR off the board. pic.twitter.com/EgWKYhY0b7Nyheim Hines lands with Browns
After the Bills moved on from Nyheim Hines, the veteran back has found a new home. He’s signing with the Cleveland Browns for one year and up to $3.5 million, according to Adam Schefter.
Former Bills RB Nyheim Hines is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million with the Browns, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9Gsh2dDPgw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Shaq Barrett headed to Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have lost key pieces on defense, but they’re revamping their pass-rush with a new signing. As first reported by Jordan Schultz, edge rusher Shaquil Barrett is joining Miami. Contract details have not yet been reported. Barrett’s pass-rush production has tailed off in recent years, but he’s only two removed from a 10-sack season in 2021.
BREAKING: Free agent pass rusher Shaq Barrett tells me he’s signing with the #Dolphins. @BleacherReport
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2024
The 2x Super Bowl champ and former All-Pro has 59 career sacks. pic.twitter.com/S843uHUxsfTrade! Bengals sending Joe Mixon to Texans
News came out on Monday that the Bengals intended to release running back Joe Mixon. Instead, the Texans came calling, and now Mixon is headed to Houston in a trade. Cincinnati, meanwhile, signed Zack Moss in free agency. Mixon now gets a chance to play with rising star quarterback C.J. Stroud with the Texans.
Plot twist: The #Bengals are now trading Joe Mixon to the #Texans, rather than releasing him, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
So Zack Moss signs in Cincy, Mixon is traded to Houston. From Joe Burrow to CJ Stroud. pic.twitter.com/TG0G3JMGMpMike Gesicki leaves Patriots for Bengals
The Patriots have lost a tight end to free agency. As reported by Adam Schefter, Mike Gesicki is signing with the Cincinnati Bengals for one year and up to $3.25 million. The Bengals have also re-signed Drew Sample at tight end. The Patriots, meanwhile, made a long-term commitment to Hunter Henry.
Former Patriots TE Mike Gesicki is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, per source. pic.twitter.com/gSwOFdSC8Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024QB Jameis Winston chooses Browns
The Cleveland Browns are going in a new direction at quarterback. As first reported by Jordan Schultz, Jameis Winston is signing a one-year deal with Cleveland for up to $8.7 million. The Browns still have Deshaun Watson atop their QB depth chart.
BREAKING: Free agent QB Jameis Winston is close to finalizing a 1-year deal worth up to $8.7M with the #Browns, sources tell @BleacherReport.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 12, 2024
Winston fielded interest from multiple teams and decided this morning that he’s going to Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/h7wReAN66TQB Marcus Mariota signs with Commanders
Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota has found a new team. As reported by Adam Schefter, he’s joining Sam Howell on the Washington Commanders, who have had a busy overall start to free agency. Mariota’s contract is one year for $6 million and up to $10 million.
Former Eagles QB Marcus Mariota is signing with the Washington Commanders on a 1-year deal with a base value of $6 million and upside to $10 million, per source. pic.twitter.com/LffoYcfibh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024Eagles add offensive line help
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to reinforce their offensive line for the post-Jason Kelce era. According to Zach Berman of PHLY, they’re signing former Falcons center/guard Matt Hennessy to a one-year deal. Hennessy started all 17 games for the Falcons in 2022.
The Eagles are signing OL Matt Hennessy, a league source tells @Bo_Wulf and me. They agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 12, 2024
Hennessy, 26, started 22 games for the Falcons since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2020 out of Temple. Adds depth on the interior.Clelin Ferrell to join Commanders
Former Raiders and 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell has found a new home in the NFC. He’s signing with the Washington Commanders, according to Dianna Russini. He’ll make for a solid, well-rounded complementary edge defender in the Commanders’ remade defensive front, where they’ve also signed Dorance Armstrong.
2019 first round pick Clelin Ferrell is expected to sign with the Commanders, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2024‘Mystery team’ season in the Calvin Ridley market
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley remains the top wide receiver and one of the top overall players available heading into Day 2 of free agency. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Patriots and Jaguars are still in play. However, Jones added that “there could be a darkhorse lurking as well” to sign the 29-year-old wideout.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 07: Calvin Ridley #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Star running back changes NFC North teams
Less than 24 hours after getting released by the Green Bay Packers, running back Aaron Jones got a new deal – from a division rival. Jones will be signing with the Minnesota Vikings, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Jones was cut when the Packers signed Josh Jacobs on Monday.
Dianna Russini on Twitter: "Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt / Twitter"
Grab your purple sombreros, RB Aaron Jones is expected to join the Minnesota Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/9HBW6CBlUt
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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.
