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And so it continues.
The 2023 NFL season is about to get underway, as the first two days of the legal tampering period are in the books. But even though the frenzy has slowed down, it is in no way over. Although those who agreed to terms starting at noon on Monday, March 13, those contracts can’t be signed until the 2023 league year kicks off at 4 PM ET today.
So the free agent frenzy continues on. Day 1 saw all kinds of news as the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles saw a number of key departures. Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals saw their two high-profile safeties sign elsewhere and the a number of ILBs found their homes for the upcoming season. On Day 2, the news came just as fast as the Steelers were more involved re-signing two players and adding another. For a quick rundown of all the Day 2 moves, check out the tracker from yesterday.
Throughout the day, be sure to continue to check in to this article as we will update the major news surrounding free agents and where these players will be landing for 2023. An editorial note, we will always add the latest news at the bottom of the stream of news.
In the meantime, be sure to keep tabs on BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare not just for free agency, but the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sources: The #Vikings are working to finalize a deal for #AZCardinals CB Byron Murphy. A big-time defender lands in Minnesota.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
More running back movement: Former Seahawks’ RB Travis Homer is signing a two-year deal worth a maximum of $4.5 million with the Chicago Bears, per his agent Spencer Cannold.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The #Titans have agreed to terms with DL Arden Key on a three-year, $21 million deal with a max value of $24 million that includes $13 million fully guaranteed at signing, source says. After 4.5 sacks with the #Jaguars last season, Key cashes in.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
WR Ashton Dulin is re-signing with the #Colts, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
The #Packers put a second-round RFA tender on OL Yosh Nijman, per source. It’s worth $4.304M.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
The #Cowboys also officially put a second-round tender on OL Terence Steele.
The #Seahawks aren't tendering RFA LB Tanner Muse, per source. Muse played in every game for Seattle last season.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
The #Steelers agreed to terms with former #Commanders LB Cole Holcomb earlier this week on a three-year deal pending physical, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Holcomb, 26, has started 48 games for Washington. A big addition to Pittsburgh’s defense. pic.twitter.com/iiquOESnsp
Effective as of 4:01 PM ET today, teams can officially:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
▫️Sign free agents from other teams
▫️Speak to Lamar Jackson
▫️Finalize trades (e.g.: Stephon Gilmore)
▫️Release players with remaining guaranteed money (e.g.: Bobby Wagner)
▫️Bring in free agents for visits
While he is retiring, the Patriots tacked a year onto Devin McCourty’s contract at a minimum value ($1.165M for 2023), per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
This is a cap tactic that creates $5.035M in 2023 cap space, while pushing $6.2M in dead money to 2024, presuming the retirement is officially… https://t.co/nDRABQSIrs
The #Panthers are expected to sign former #Bengals TE and first-round pick Hayden Hurst, source said. Another weapon for their new QB (whoever that is).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
Former Saints’ WR Deonte Harty reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, per source. The speedy WR from Assumption University has found a new home in Western New York.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The Patriots are expected to sign OT Riley Reiff, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2023
#Bengals plan to re-sign running back Trayveon Williams, per source. Could see elevated role with Samaje Perine headed to Denver.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
Looks like Dallas and Ezekiel Elliott, after posting 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns for the franchise, are set to part ways. https://t.co/KN4zBikiqc
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
Pass rusher Anthony Nelson plans to re-sign with the #Bucs on a two-year deal, per sources. Nelson has a combined 10.5 sacks the last two seasons.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
Eagles plan to release CB Darius Slay, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
A (literally) big addition for the #Saints: DT Khalen Saunders is expected to sign with New Orleans, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Saunders is coming off his best season with the Super Bowl champion #Chiefs, recording 3.5 sacks. pic.twitter.com/8luPhWCLkO
The #Bucs are finalizing a deal with former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Mayfield finished his fifth NFL season strong after landing with the #Rams. Now he gets a chance to take over for Tom Brady in Tampa, and is still only 27. pic.twitter.com/yeNIrndN7E
#Bills safety Jordan Poyer is expected to sign… back in Buffalo, sources say. He checked out the market, but returned to the #BillsMafia.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
The #Saints are also signing DT Nathan Shepherd to a three-year, $15 million deal that includes $10.18M guaranteed.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Two d-tackles in one day for New Orleans. https://t.co/R3ivpo1Abn
More contract details:#Titans signing LB Azeez Al-Shaiir to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million#Cardinals signing K Matt Prater to a two-year, $7.5M deal with $4M guaranteed
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Aaron Rodgers tells @PatMcAfeeShow that he has made clear since Friday his intention is to play and to play for the New York Jets.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Veteran LB Lavonte David is returning to the #Bucs on a one-year, $7 million guaranteed deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Back for a 12th season in Tampa at age 33. pic.twitter.com/1BsJuc6fZt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Free-agent RB Justice Hill is resigning with the Ravens, a two-year $4.5 million deal with a max value up to $5 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The #Ravens do not plan to tender RFA safety Geno Stone, who started seven games for Baltimore's secondary last year. He will be a free agent.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
Sources tell me and @RapSheet JuJu Smith-Schuster is signing a deal with the #Patriots.
— Taylor Bisciotti (@TaylorBisciotti) March 15, 2023
49ers reached agreement today on a one-year deal with former Raiders’ first-round draft pick Clelin Ferrell, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
Compensation update: Patriots and JuJu Smith-Schuster reached agreement on a three-year, $33 million deal with $22.5 million earned over the first two years of the deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The #Texans have signed DT Sheldon Rankins to a one-year, $10.5 million deal, source says. DeMeco Ryans gets a big piece for his defensive front. After two years with the #Jets, Rankins heads to Houston. pic.twitter.com/vYA93fN4u4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
End of an era: The #Cowboys have informed former NFL rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott that they are releasing him, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be designated as a post-June 1 release to create cap space. pic.twitter.com/QKZhkny76i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
The Ravens will use the low RFA tender (Right of first refusal) on QB Tyler Huntley, per source. He was viewed as the most likely of the six Ravens RFAs to get tender.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 15, 2023
The #Panthers aren't extending a restricted tender to QB PJ Walker, but the door remains open for the veteran to return to the team, per source. Walker stated five games for Carolina last season.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Former Browns’ DT Taven Bryan reached agreement today on a 1-year deal worth $4.5 million with the Indianapolis Colts, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The #Titans are putting a second-round RFA tender on OL Aaron Brewer, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
The Titans are tendering RFA OL Aaron Brewer at the second-round level, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
QB Jacoby Brissett is expected to sign with the Washington Commanders, per sources. pic.twitter.com/sfM5fCe7Vw
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2023
The Jalen Ramsey, Darren Waller, Stephon Gilmore and Jonnu Smith trades -- as well as the #Panthers' trade for the No. 1 pick -- are all now announced and official, pending physicals.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Jaguars are resigning nontendered RFA CB Tevaughn Campbell to a one-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The #Dolphins claimed WR Freddie Swain off waivers from Denver.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Dolphins are re-signing free-agent running back Myles Gaskin on a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
According to NFL memo, the Steelers did not tender any of their restricted free agents: James Pierre, J.C. Hassenauer or Steven Sims. Could be trying to work out deals for lesser amounts with all three players, however. Some such deals already have happened around league.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) March 15, 2023
The #Ravens, who face uncertainty around Lamar Jackson's future, have been involved in the free agent quarterback market, looking into options such as Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, per league sources. Baltimore appears to be looking for flexibility.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
The #Cowboys announced they’ve restructured LT Tyron Smith’s contract, converting some of his $13.6 million scheduled compensation to incentives and lowering his $17.605M cap number.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
The #Browns released DE Jadeveon Clowney and S John Johnson with a post-June 1 designation.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
The #Rams are not tendering RFA QB Bryce Perkins, but the team is open to bringing him back at a lower price, per source. The tender would’ve been over $2.6 million. Perkins made his first NFL start last season.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Six-time Pro-Bowl DT Fletcher Cox is returning to the Eagles on a one-year, $10 million deal, per sources. Eagles get the “hometown discount” as he turned down more lucrative offers. pic.twitter.com/bEa3yLrJhi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
Two-time Super Bowl winner Juan Thornhill agreed to terms with the #Browns on a three-year, $21 million contract with $14 million fully guaranteed at signing over the first two years, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Thornhill started 52 games for the #Chiefs. A big addition for Cleveland.
The #Bills are signing former #Texans QB Kyle Allen, source said. He has 19 career starts and will compete to backup Josh Allen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
Multiple Allens.
Saints and former Lions’ RB Jamaal Williams have agreed on a 3-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
Source: The Carolina #Panthers plan to sign running back Miles Sanders. pic.twitter.com/50E4SaBjhu
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2023
The Panthers have agreed to terms with DT DeShawn Williams. He started 15 games for the Broncos last season, playing for new Panthers DC Ejiro Evero.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
It's a 2-year deal for Morgan Fox and the #Chargers. https://t.co/k0h398oN9G
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2023
Veteran DL Solomon Thomas is signing back with the #Jets on a one-year deal worth up to $3.9 million, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
Another top running back domino to fall: Alexander Mattison agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the #Vikings, per source. The deal is worth $7 million that can get to $8M with $6.35M in guarantees. pic.twitter.com/hqIIKHWtig
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
The Texans have re-signed Tavierre Thomas per source
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) March 16, 2023
RB James Robinson to the #Patriots for two years and a max value of $8M, per source
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2023
Special teams ace Tony Brown going back to the #Colts on a one-year deal for $1.2M with $500K fully guaranteed, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2023
Former #Jets WR Jeff Smith is staying in New York -- and signing with the #Giants, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
Former Panthers’ QB PJ Walker reached agreement tonight with the Chicago Bears, per source. He now becomes the likely backup to Justin Fields.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023
Sources: Four-time Pro Bowl tackle and Super Bowl champ Orlando Brown Jr. is finalizing a four-year, $64.092 million front-loaded deal with the #Bengals that includes an over $31M signing bonus — largest ever for an o-lineman.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
Brown’s agent, Michael Portner, confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/GFFZX0zLrs
Eagles never officially released CB Darius Slay today and now one source said that the Pro-Bowl CB is “expected to stay with the Eagles. It’s not final, but that’s the way it is looking right now.” A new deal could be in the works.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023
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