NFL free agency is about to get underway in full as the new league year begins on March 17. Teams will be competing for the top players on the open market as they set their sights on Super Bowl 56 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
The ball got rolling with several key moves and signings in February. The first big move happened when Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff swapped teams in a blockbuster deal between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. The Philadelphia Eagles later sent Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts in another notable deal.
The salary cap for 2021 is $182.5 million, down from $198.2 million in 2020 due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves teams looking for the best players they can find at a price they can afford.
Here are the latest free agent rumors, trades and signings around the league, with the most recent moves at the top:
Malik Jackson (DT): The Cleveland Browns have added to their defensive front by striking a one-year deal with Jackson. The veteran defensive tackle was cut by the Eagles after two seasons in Philadelphia.
Philip Lindsay (RB): The Texans added a former Pro Bowler to their backfield in Lindsay. The former Bronco is headed to Houston on a one-year deal.
Chris Carson (RB): The Seahawks kept one of Russell Wilson’s top weapons on offense. Carson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons between 2018 and 2019, will reportedly be back on a two-year deal.
Anthony Harris (S): The Eagles are bringing in a veteran to replace Jalen Mills in their secondary. Harris is joining the Eagles on a one-year, $5 million deal after spending six seasons in Minnesota.
Desmond Trufant (CB): The Bears are bringing in a former NFC North cornerback to help fill the void left behind by Kyle Fuller. Trufant, who spent 2020 with the Lions after playing seven seasons with the Falcons, reportedly is joining Chicago on a one-year deal.
Jacob Hollister (TE): The former Seahawks tight end is headed to Buffalo, where he will reunite with his old University of Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen. Hollister, who signed a one-year deal with the Bills after two seasons in Seattle, was the odd man out with the Seahawks after the signing of Gerald Everett.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR): The Pittsburgh wideout took a hometown discount, inking a one-year, $8 million to stay with the Steelers. He reportedly turned down offers from the Ravens and the Chiefs to catch passes from Ben Roethlisberger in 2021.
Justin Simmons (FS): After agreeing to play the 2021 campaign on the franchise tag, Simmons and the Denver Broncos have come to terms on a four-year, $61 million deal that will keep the Pro Bowl safety in the Mile High City through 2025.
Riley Reiff (OT): The Bengals have found more pass protection for first overall pick Joe Burrow. Reiff, a former first round pick, is expected to slot in at starting right tackle.
David Andrews (C): After retooling their roster in free agency with new players from across the NFL, the Patriots made a major move by keeping their longtime center. Andrews, who has been with New England since he entered the league 2015, is returning on a reported four-year deal.
Allen Robinson (WR): The Chicago Bears used their franchise tag on Robinson once again, and the star wideout reportedly accepted it on Thursday. He will make $18 million on the tag in 2021 after making $13 million in 2020.
Desmond King (CB): The Houston Texans bolstered their defense as they reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Desmond King. A First-Team All-Pro in 2018, King reportedly will make $3.5 million with Houston.
Breshad Perriman (WR): The Detroit Lions have added a weapon for Jared Goff, striking a one-year, $3 million deal with Perriman. Perriman’s father, Brett, played with Detroit from 1991-96.
Keelan Cole (WR): The New York Jets continue to add to their receiver corps, reportedly landing Cole on a one-year, $5.5 million deal. Cole tallied career highs in receptions (55) and touchdowns (5) for the league-worst Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
Troy Hill (CB): The Cleveland Browns bolstered their secondary by reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $24 million deal with former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill. Hill had three interceptions last season.
Will Fuller (WR): The Dolphins land one of the top WRs left on the free agent market. The former Houston deep threat gives Tua Tagovailoa elite speed on the outside. He reportedly will play for the Dolphins on a one-year deal in 2021.
Mitch Trubisky (QB): The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is heading to Buffalo after four up-and-down seasons in the Windy City. Trubisky will back up Josh Allen on a one-year deal.
Kyle Rudolph (TE): The former Minnesota Vikings tight end is heading to the NFC East after reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $14 million deal with the New York Giants. Rudolph will give the Giants a solid veteran to pair with former first-round pick Evan Engram at tight end.
Kenyan Drake (RB): The former Cardinal and Dolphin settles into his third NFL home in Las Vegas after signing a two-year, $11 million deal.
Jared Cook (TE): Cook joins the Chargers on a one-year, $6 million deal after hauling in 16 touchdowns combined in his past two seasons with the Saints.
Kyle Van Noy (LB): Van Noy is heading back to the team he won two Super Bowls with. After spending the 2020 season in Miami, the linebacker is rejoining the Patriots on a reported two-year, $13.2 million deal.
Patrick Peterson (CB): After 10 seasons and eight Pro Bowl appearances in Arizona, Patrick Peterson is heading to Minnesota. The veteran cornerback reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings.
Curtis Samuel (WR): Washington is bringing in another weapon to pair alongside standout receiver Terry McLaurin. The former Panthers wideout reportedly is reuniting with his former head coach, Ron Rivera, on a three-year, $34.5 million contract.
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Gerald Everett (TE): The Seahawks found a tight end to fill the void left behind after Greg Olsen announced his retirement earlier this offseason. Everett reportedly is heading to Seattle on a one-year, $6 million deal.
Kyle Long (OG): The Pro Bowl guard came out of retirement to join the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. He joins Joe Thuney as another new face protecting Patrick Mahomes in 2021.
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Haason Reddick (EDGE): Coming off a 12.5-sack season, Reddick reportedly is joining the Carolina Panthers on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million. The Temple product will be reunited with his college coach, Matt Rhule, in Carolina.
Rodney Hudson (C): The Cardinals have made another splash at the start of free agency acquiring Hudson, a three-time Pro Bowl center, from Las Vegas for a third-round pick. The Raiders also sent a seventh-round selection to Arizona as part of the deal.
A.J. Green (WR): The Cardinals wide receiver group will be headlined by a pair of NFL legends — DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green — in 2021. Green, a seven-time Pro Bowler, signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million to play alongside Hopkins in Arizona. If Larry Fitzgerald returns, Kyler Murray will be throwing to three of the top six active leaders in receiving yards next season.
John Brown (WR): The Raiders reportedly have replaced Nelson Agholor with former Bills deep threat John Brown. The seven-year veteran brings 31 career touchdowns with him to Las Vegas.
Alex Mack (C): The 49ers are among the early winners in free agency. The team has shored up its offensive line by re-signing left tackle Trent Williams and adding Mack, a former first rounder who has made six trips to the Pro Bowl with the Browns and Falcons. He was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade team.
Jamaal Williams (RB): Adrian Peterson’s time in the Motor City has apparently concluded, with the Lions opting to go with Williams as the change-of-pace back who will split carries with D’Andre Swift.
Trent Williams (OT): Williams is staying in San Francisco. The star tackle reportedly re-signed with the 49ers on a six-year, $138.06 million deal. This monster contract makes Williams the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history.
Michael Brockers (DT): The Lions are acquiring the veteran defensive tackle from the Rams, according to Tom Pelissero. Brockers has been a reliable starter in his nine seasons with the Rams, starting in 136 out of the 138 games.
William Jackson III (CB): Washington’s defense was among the league’s best in 2020, and it got a boost in the secondary in free agency. Jackson, a former Bengals cornerback, agreed to a deal that reportedly spans three years for $42 million.
Emmanuel Sanders (WR): The Saints announced Tuesday that they were terminating Sanders’ contract but had yet to officially release him. The Bills, however, swooped in and reportedly are set to sign the two-time Pro Bowler to a one-year deal.
Jacoby Brissett (QB): The Miami Dolphins have found their new backup quarterback. One day after losing Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Washington Football Team, Miami reportedly reached a one-year deal with Brissett.
Marvin Jones (WR): The Jacksonville Jaguars made another move on Tuesday as they reportedly agreed to a two-year, $14.5 million deal with Marvin Jones. The former Detroit Lion will play opposite of WR D.J. Chark for Jacksonville.
Tyrod Taylor (QB): Taylor reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $12.5 million with the Houston Texans. Taylor entered last year’s campaign as the Los Angeles Chargers’ starter, but now he may be replacing Deshaun Watson in Houston.
Andy Dalton (QB): Dalton reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Chicago Bears. In 2020, he started 10 games for the Dallas Cowboys after Dak Prescott went down with an injury. He’s likely to replace Mitch Trubisky under center in 2021.
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Leonard Williams (DL): The New York Giants reportedly reached a three-year, $63 million deal with Williams after putting the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive year. He picked up a career-high 11.5 sacks playing on the tag last season.
Shaquill Griffin (CB): After four seasons in Seattle, Griffin is headed to Jacksonville. The Seahawks’ former top cornerback reportedly will join the Jaguars on a three-year deal worth up to $44.5 million, with $29 million guaranteed.
Hunter Henry (TE): New day, same story. New England remains the epicenter of NFL free agency after landing the former Chargers tight end. Henry reportedly has agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal that includes $25 million guaranteed. He will play alongside Jonnu Smith, the other top-rated tight end in the 2021 free agency class.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB): After two years in Miami, Fitzpatrick is taking his talents to the nation’s capital. The 38-year-old quarterback reportedly agreed on a one-year, $10 million deal with the Washington Football Team and is currently the expected starter.
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Dalvin Tomlinson (DT): Tomlinson will add a big presence to the Vikings’ defensive line after reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $22 million deal. He started all 64 games over the last four years with the Giants and compiled 3.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons.
Trey Hendrickson (DE): The Bengals are bringing in a major upgrade to their pass rush. Hendrickson collected 13.5 sacks last season in New Orleans and will be heading to Cincinnati on a reported four-year, $60 million deal.
Bud Dupree (LB): While the Titans lost a couple of pass catchers on Monday, they boosted their defense by adding Bud Dupree. The veteran pass rusher reportedly agreed to a multiyear deal worth over $16.5 million a season.
Jameis Winston (QB): With Drew Brees retiring, Winston decided to stay in New Orleans, as he reportedly agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal. Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the Saints’ starting job.
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Carl Lawson (DE): Lawson is leaving the Cincinnati Bengals after he reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets. The deal reportedly includes $30 million in guaranteed money. Lawson had 5.5 sacks during the 2020 campaign.
Rob Gronkowski (TE): Gronk is running it back with Tom Brady next season. After threatening to test free agency, the tight end is returning on a reported one-year, $10 million contract and will aim for a second straight Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.
Corey Davis (WR): Whether it’s Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields or somebody else, the Jets’ 2021 quarterback will have a big weapon on the outside to throw to. The former Titans receiver reportedly agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal with New York.
Carlos Hyde (RB): The Jaguars will pick up former Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde. Hyde and Jacksonville have agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal.
Leonard Floyd (OLB): The Rams will bring back Floyd on a four-year, $64 million deal after signing him to a one-year deal last offseason. He was second on the team with 10.5 sacks in 2020.
Ronald Darby (CB): The former Washington Football Team corner will head to the Denver Broncos on a reported three-year deal worth $30 million. The deal also includes a reported $19.5 million in guaranteed money.
Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne (WR): The Patriots’ busy day continued Monday as they added to their receiving corps. Agholor, a former Raiders and Eagles wideout, reportedly agreed to a two-year, $26 million deal, while Bourne reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million.
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Yannick Ngakoue (OLB): The former Ravens linebacker reportedly agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract with the Raiders. Las Vegas will be Ngakoue’s fourth team so far.
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Corey Linsley (C): The All-Pro center will go from snapping the ball for Aaron Rodgers in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to protecting the defending Rookie of the Year, Justin Herbert, in sunny Los Angeles.
Joe Thuney (G): The former Patriot landed the largest long-term deal for a guard in NFL history by agreeing to a five-year, $80 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Jalen Mills (S): The Patriots continue to spend on the opening day of free agency. This time it’s for Stephon Gilmore’s possible replacement. Mills, a former Eagle, has agreed to a four-year, $24 million deal to play for Bill Belichick.
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Matthew Judon (LB): Judon reportedly agreed to a four-year, $56 million deal with the Patriots after five seasons with the Ravens.
Jonnu Smith (TE): The Patriots landed one of the top two tight ends available this offseason, signing the former Titans pass catcher to a four-year, $50 million deal that guarantees Smith $31.25 million.
Shaquil Barrett (LB): The Buccaneers agreed to bring the coveted edge rusher back on a four-year deal that could be worth up to $72 million, with $36 million guaranteed.
Romeo Okwara (DE): Okwara, who has been with the Lions since 2018, agreed to return to Detroit on a three-year, $39 million deal.
Kevin Zeitler: The former New York Giants guard found a new home in Baltimore, signing a three-year deal with the Ravens worth $22.5 million. He will look to fill the void left by All-Pro Marshal Yanda, who retired prior to the 2020 season.
Moves announced prior to the NFL’s legal tampering period:
Kyle Juszczyk (FB): Juszczyk continues to set the benchmark for NFL fullbacks. He agreed to a five-year deal with the 49ers and at a reported $27 million — the largest contract for a fullback in league history.
Aaron Jones (RB): One of the top running backs on the market is returning to Green Bay. Jones agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers after scoring 43 touchdowns in his first four seasons with the team.
Marcus Cannon (OT): The New England Patriots traded Cannon to the Texans in a deal that included pick swaps in the 2021 draft as Houston aims to rebuild its roster with enough pieces to convince Deshaun Watson to stay.
Benardrick McKinney (LB): McKinney sought a trade from the Texans, who quickly dealt him to the Dolphins for fellow linebacker Shaq Lawson. The two teams also swapped late-round draft picks. McKinney went to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and was named to the All-Pro second team in 2016.
Cam Newton (QB): The veteran quarterback will avoid unrestricted free agency after the Patriots reportedly re-signed him to a one-year contract. Newton’s new deal is expected to be worth close to $14 million.
Mark Ingram (RB): Ingram reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Houston Texans. The running back spent the last two seasons as part of the Baltimore Ravens’ lethal rushing attack.
Mitchell Schwartz (RT): The Chiefs released Schwartz, widely considered the best right tackle in the league when healthy, after five seasons. He recently had back surgery for the injury that caused him to miss 10 games in 2020.
Eric Fisher (LT): The Chiefs released Fisher, whom they selected No. 1 in the 2013 draft. He is coming off of an Achilles injury suffered in the AFC championship game in January.
Lavonte David (LB): The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of a veteran defensive presence following the March 9 franchise tag deadline. David reportedly agreed to a two-year, $25 million deal to stick with the Super Bowl 55 champions.
Chris Godwin (WR): The Buccaneers had several key players heading for free agency this offseason, and they decided to use their franchise tag on one of the team’s most prolific weapons. Godwin’s non-exclusive tag means he can negotiate with other teams, while the Bucs have the change to match any offer. The tag for wide receivers is expected to be between $15-16 million for next season.
Marcus Williams (S): The New Orleans Saints are the most cap-strapped team in the NFL, but that didn’t stop them from placing the franchise tag on Williams. He will be paid an estimated $10.5 million next season on the tag.
Taylor Moton (G): The Carolina Panthers used their franchise tag to keep their right tackle for the 2021 season. Moton is expected to earn between $13-14 million for the season.
Brandon Scherff (G): The Washington Football Team retained its veteran right guard and captain by using the franchise tag. This is the second straight season where Washington has placed its franchise tag on Scherff, who earned over $15 million in 2020.
Dak Prescott (QB): After playing the 2020 season under the franchise tag, Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys finally committed to one another long-term — and with a big payday. The two sides reportedly agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal with a whopping $126 million guaranteed.
Alex Smith (QB): The 2020 Comeback Player of the Year asked the Washington Football Team to release him, a move that saved Washington more than $14 million in cap space. Smith will hope to be signed as a backup signal caller elsewhere.
Tyrell Williams (WR): Williams landed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions after the Las Vegas Raiders cut him. He missed all of 2020 with a torn labrum but has been one of the most productive receivers in the league since 2015.
J.J. Watt (DE): After being released by the Houston Texans, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has reunited with former teammate DeAndre Hopkins in Arizona, where he agreed to a two-year deal worth a reported $31 million.