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NFL free agency rumors: Latest news, updates ahead of new league year
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- NFL free agency rumors: Latest news, updates ahead of new league year
The NFL's new league year will begin on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. At that time, free agents can officially sign new contracts for the 2025 season and beyond.
Plenty of action will occur in the lead-up to that day. Already the NFL's franchise tag deadline has passed, and the two top players set to hit the market – Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith – were slapped with the tag . Notably, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was not, making him one of the top quarterbacks available on the free-agent market.
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Aaron Rodgers is expected to join Darnold on the market, as the New York Jets are planning to move on from him in the coming weeks. His potential landing spot will have a ripple effect on the quarterback market and could potentially determine which quarterback-needy teams target signal callers atop the 2025 NFL draft.
Of course, there will also be a handful of trades as teams look to move on from star players to create cap space. Deebo Samuel has already been traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders in a deal that will be finalized at the start of the new year. The same is true of guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney , who are both heading to the Chicago Bears .
Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson have also requested trades, so there could be more activity on the trade market as March rolls on.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates and the latest rumors about players who will be available in NFL free agency and via trade below.
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DK METCALF LANDING SPOTS: Raiders, Patriots best fits after WR requests trade
NFL free agency rumors
Bills sign Greg Rousseau to four-year extension
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Date:March 8
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Source: Buffalo Bills
The Bills' top pick from the 2021 NFL draft will be staying in Buffalo for a while longer. Rousseau signed a four-year extension worth $80 million with $54 million guaranteed, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Buffalo picked up his fifth-year option back in April 2024 meaning he would spend at least the 2025 season with the Bills. This extension will keep him in Buffalo through the 2029 season.
The Bills drafted Rousseau 30th overall in the 2021 draft. He started 16 games last year and tied his career-high with 8.0 sacks. He also had three forced fumbles and 59 pressures, both career bests.
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Bengals re-sign TE Mike Gesicki
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Date:March 8
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Bengals are bringing back their most productive tight end from the 2024 season after making a three-year, $25.5 million deal with Gesicki.
The seven-year pro out of Penn State had 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns last season after signing a one-year deal.
Buccaneers re-sign longtime LB Lavonte David
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Date: March 7
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
David's spent his entire career with the Buccaneers since being drafted in 2012. He agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with $9 million guaranteed to return for another season with Tampa Bay.
David, 35, led the Buccaneers in tackles last season and started all 17 games.
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49ers expected to have interest in DT Jonathan Allen
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Date: March 7
Allen was discussed as a potential addition to the Deebo Samuel trade between the 49ers and Commanders. Now a free agent after the Commanders released him, the 49ers can land the two-time Pro Bowler for a cheaper price.
San Francisco released veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave so they need to add some higher-end talent at the position.
Titans releasing edge rusher Harold Landry
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Date: March 7
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Source: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
The Titans allowed Landry, a veteran edge rusher who had nine sacks in 2024, to seek a trade. Evidently, they couldn't find any takers, as they are releasing Landry on Friday, just a few days ahead of free agency.
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Landry has 50.5 sacks in 98 career games, all with the Titans. Releasing Landry will open up an extra $10.95 million in cap space for Tennessee .
Commanders release two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen
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Date: March 7
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
Allen spent eight seasons with the Commanders but will become a free agent after the team failed to find a trade partner for the 30-year-old. Releasing Allen will save Washington $16.47 million in cap space, adding to their buying power for the 2025 offseason (they had just under $64.3 million in cap space before Allen's release).
Allen had three sacks in eight games for the Commanders during the 2024 regular season. He has 42 career sacks in 109 games (108 starts).
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Lions re-sign LB Derrick Barnes to three-year deal
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Date: March 7
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Source: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
The Lions are bringing back Barnes on a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million. He played just three games during the 2024 NFL season after tearing the MCL and PCL in his right knee but had 81 tackles in 13 starts during the 2023 campaign.
Bills sign LB Terrel Bernard to four-year contract extension
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Date: March 7
The Bills are re-signing Bernard, who was eligible for a rookie extension following his third NFL season, to a four-year deal worth up to $50 million. The contract will make him the seventh-highest-paid linebacker in terms of average annual value and guarantees him $25.2 million over the length of the deal.
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Bernard became a full-time starter in 2023 and has racked up 247 tackles, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions since over 30 regular-season games since then. He will turn 26 in May and his new deal will take him through the 2029 NFL season.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam declines meeting with Myles Garrett
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Date: March 7
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Source: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
Garrett and the Browns are engaged in a stalemate after the four-time All-Pro requested a trade away from Cleveland . The Browns aren't willing to trade Garrett while the 29-year-old isn't willing to sign an extension to remain in Cleveland beyond his current contract, which ends in 2026.
Both sides are "dug in," as Pelissero reports, which is part of the reason Haslam declined a meeting with Garrett. The veteran may consider holding out closer to the season if the two sides can't reach a resolution.
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Seahawks 'talking to a ton of teams' about WR DK Metcalf
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Date: March 6
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Source: Seahawks GM John Schneider
Schneider spoke about Metcalf's trade request in an appearance on Seattle Sports 710 Thursday.
"Everything is in a very cordial, professional place," Schneider said. "Obviously DK has requested a trade, and we are entertaining that. We are talking to a ton of teams, taking offers, seeing what that looks like."
Schneider didn't rule out Metcalf returning to Seattle but noted the two parties were hoping "an ideal situation" would emerge for both the team and player.
Commanders re-sign LB Bobby Wagner
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Date:March 6
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Source: USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon
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Wagner signed a one-year deal with Washington last offseason and made his 10th Pro Bowl as the Commanders made a historic turnaround. Washington's opted against letting him test free agency at all and have signed him to a one-year, $9.5 million contract, per a person with knowledge of the situation.
Jaguars release Evan Engram
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Date:March 6
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Source: ESPN's Michael DiRocco
The Jaguars continued their cost-cutting moves on Thursday by releasing their top tight end.
Engram signed with the Jaguars after the 2021 season. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023 after leading the position in receptions with 114. Engram played in just nine games for the Jaguars in 2024 due to injury.
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If Engram remains a pre-June 1 cut, the Jaguars will save $5.99 million against the cap but take on $13.5 million in dead cap for 2025. If they designate him a post-June 1 cut, Jacksonville will save $15.49 million but take on $4 million in dead cap.
Jacksonville is down to one tight end on the active roster: 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange . The team may opt to sign a different veteran on the open market or use one of their 10 draft picks to select one of the many viable prospects in a very good tight end class.
Jaguars trade Christian Kirk to Texans
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Date:March 6
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Source: The Athletic's Dianna Russini
Jacksonville originally planned to release Kirk , but instead they managed to find a trade before the 28-year-old hit free agency.
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Houston is sending back a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Kirk is entering the final year of a four-year, $72 million deal and will fill a key role in the Texans' offense going forward.
With Tank Dell expected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season and Stefon Diggs potentially departing in free agency, Houston had to find a receiver to play opposite Nico Collins .
Bengals grant Trey Hendrickson permission to seek trade
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Date: March 6
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Bengals are allowing Hendrickson to seek a trade after attempting to negotiate a long-term deal with the veteran pass rusher.
"It's been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years," Hendrickson said, per Schefter. "I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options."
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Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks during the 2024 season with 17.5. No other Bengals player had more than five on the season, so Cincinnati will need to address the edge rush position if they do trade Hendrickson.
49ers to release DT Javon Hargrave when league year begins
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Date: March 6
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The 49ers signed Hargrave during the 2023 offseason and he played a part in the team's run to Super Bowl 58. However, he played in just three games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending triceps tear.
San Francisco will save $2.3 million in cap space if they designate Hargrave a post-June 1 release, per Spotrac.com .
Commanders re-sign kicker Zane Gonzalez
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Date: March 6
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Source: Washington Commanders
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The Commanders announced they had re-signed Gonzalez ahead of free agency. He was one of four kickers Washington used during the 2024 season, making 5 of 7 field goal attempts and all 19 extra points in six regular-season games.
Gonzalez performed better in the postseason, making 7 of 8 field goals and all of his extra points on the Commanders' run to the NFC championship game. He is the only kicker currently on Washington's 90-man roster, as Austin Seibert remains a free agent.
Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley a top target for the Patriots
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Date: March 6
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Source: ESPN's Mike Reiss
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has said the team will be "aggressive" in free agency. What could that look like? Reiss reports that Stanley "would be the apple of [ New England 's] eye" if Baltimore 's left tackle makes it to the free-agent market.
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Stanley started all 17 games for the Ravens last season and allowed just two sacks on 575 pass-blocking snaps. He would represent a big upgrade over Vederian Lowe , who ranked 69th among 81 qualified offensive tackles last year, per Pro Football Focus . New England's starter on the right side, Demontrey Jacobs , ranked last among the group.
Rams re-sign WR Tutu Atwell to one-year, $10 million deal
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Date: March 6
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Rams already agreed to new deals with quarterback Matthew Stafford and left tackle Alaric Jackson during the 2025 offseason. They are also bringing back speedster Tutu Atwell on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. The contract will contain $5 million in guarantees.
Los Angeles had just three receivers under contract for the 2025 NFL season before re-signing Atwell. One of those wide-outs is Cooper Kupp , who seems likely to be traded or released, so bringing back Atwell as experienced depth was a sensible move for Sean McVay's squad.
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Jaguars center Mitch Morse retires
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Date: March 6
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Source: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars announced Morse, their starting center for the 2024 NFL season, was calling it quits after a 10-year career.
Morse played in 143 regular-season games, all of which were starts. He began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs after being a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft and also played five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, making the Pro Bowl once during that span.
Bears sign TE Durham Smythe to one-year deal
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Date: March 6
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Dolphins released Smythe – one of their longest-tenured players – ahead of free agency. It didn't take him long to land in Chicago, where he will be reunited with Ben Johnson, who overlapped with Smythe for one season in Miami.
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Smythe had just nine catches for 53 yards in 2024 after posting a career-high 35 catches for 366 yards the previous season.
Browns restructure Deshaun Watson 's contract, create $35.8 million in cap space
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Date: March 6
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Source: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
The Browns' decision to sign Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract has not panned out, but Cleveland continues to manipulate the deal to create cap space. This year, they created $35.8 million in cap space by restructuring Watson's pact.
Cleveland has now paid off most of the money it owes to Watson. The Browns are only on the hook for a minimum salary this season and a $46 million salary in 2026. That could position them to move on from Watson soon, though that is unlikely to occur until next season at the earliest.
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Cooper Kupp returning to Rams 'least likely' scenario, GM says
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Date: March 5
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Source: Los Angeles Rams
Les Snead was asked about Kupp's status at a media availability ahead of free agency. He acknowledged "there is a scenario" in which the veteran receiver could return to the Rams but it remains the "least likely" option.
"I don't want to tell you 'no' today and then next week he's a Ram," Snead said. "You see what we're trying to do. We're working to try to find a partner and a next chapter for Cooper and ourselves."
Snead added that the Rams are trying to find Kupp a new home before $5 million of his $7.5 million roster bonus becomes guaranteed on March 16.
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"That roster date does weigh a good bit in the algorithm of the formula that we're working through," Snead explained.
Chargers release Joey Bosa
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Date:March 5
The Los Angeles Chargers have released pass rusher Joey Bosa , the team announced Wednesday night .
Bosa took a pay cut to remain with the Chargers last year. Entering the 2025 league year, he will be a free agent. Here's why the Chargers made the move .
Eagles re-sign All-Pro LB Zack Baun to three-year deal
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Date: March 5
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Eagles signed Baun to a one-year deal during the 2024 offseason. He enjoyed a breakout season his first year in Philadelphia , generating 151 tackles, five forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks while earning an All-Pro first team nod.
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Baun's new deal will pay him $51 million over three years with $34 million in guaranteed money. His average annual value (AAV) of $17 million ranks as the fourth-highest among linebackers league-wide behind only Roquan Smith , Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds .
Dak Prescott restructures contract, opens $36.6 million in cap space
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Date: March 5
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Source: ESPN's Todd Archer
The Cowboys desperately needed to move some money around to open up some wiggle room for the 2025 NFL offseason. Prescott provided them with a massive boost in cap space by restructuring his deal.
Between Prescott and CeeDee Lamb 's restructures, Dallas has now opened $56.6 million in cap space over two days. That could position the Cowboys to make a splash in free agency or on the trade market if they so desire.
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Raiders sign Maxx Crosby to $106.5 million extension
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Date: March 5
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Raiders agreed to a long-term deal with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby . He will make $106.5 million over three years with $91 million in guaranteed money.
Raiders sign former Bengals guard Alex Cappa to two-year deal
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Date: March 5
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Bengals released Cappa, who started all 17 games at right guard last season, ahead of free agency to open up $8 million in cap space. The Raiders quickly swooped in, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal with Cappa to provide depth along their offensive line.
Cappa has appeared in 102 games with 96 starts during his career. He won Super Bowl 55 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will compete for playing time with Jordan Meredith , Jackson Powers-Johnson and Dylan Parham .
DK Metcalf requests trade, Seahawks to explore dealing WR
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Date: March 5
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Source: USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon
The Seahawks are already moving on from Tyler Lockett and may also be parting with Metcalf. The 27-year-old has requested a trade away from Seattle and the team will consider granting it as he enters the final year of a three-year, $72 million contract.
There is expected to be significant interest across the league in Metcalf's services.
Jaguars plan to release WR Christian Kirk
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Date: March 5
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Seahawks aren't the only ones moving on from a veteran receiver. The Jaguars are also cutting ties with one. Kirk, who helped reset the free agent receiver market during the 2022 NFL offseason, is set to be released ahead of the final season of his four-year, $72 million contract.
Cutting Kirk will save the Jaguars $10.4 million in cap space. It will also create a need for another receiver to complement Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis in Jacksonville's receiver room.
Raiders a 'natural landing spot' for Tyler Lockett
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Date: March 5
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
Shortly after Lockett's release, Schefter indicated Pete Carroll could be interested in bringing the veteran receiver to the Raiders.
"Lockett's character always has matched his talents, and Carroll always has been a big supporter," Schefter wrote. "Raiders also need WR help."
Seahawks releasing WR Tyler Lockett after 10 seasons
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Date: March 5
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Source: Tyler Lockett
Lockett took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his time with the Seahawks "may have run its course" while expressing gratitude for his decade with the team. He was a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft and totaled 661 catches, 8,594 yards and 61 touchdowns during his time in Seattle.
The Seahawks will save $17 million in cap space by cutting the 32-year-old.
Mason Crosby announces retirement after 17 seasons
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Date: March 5
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Source: Green Bay Packers
The Packers announced Crosby had retired as a member of their organization after 17 NFL seasons. He spent 16 years with the Packers, converting 395 of 485 career field goal attempts (81.4%) and helping Green Bay win Super Bowl 45.
Crosby last kicked in the NFL during the 2023, when he played in three games for the New York Giants . He made just 5 of 7 field goals and was not re-signed following the season.
Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard retires at 29
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Date: March 5
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Source: Sam Hubbard
Hubbard announced on social media he was retiring from the NFL after playing seven seasons for his hometown team.
"To play my entire career in one uniform is incredibly special to me, and I am a Bengal for life, always have and always will be," Hubbard wrote.
Cincinnati already needed to shore up its pass rush but will now have a greater need at the position after Hubbard's retirement. He had 38.5 sacks over his seven seasons with the Bengals but notched just two in 2025.
Raiders to release Gardner Minshew at start of new league year
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Date: March 5
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Source: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero
The Raiders signed Minshew to be their stopgap starter last offseason. This year, they will release the 28-year-old back into the free-agent pool at the start of the new league year.
Minshew posted a 2-7 record for the Raiders in nine starts during the 2024 season. He completed 66.3% of his passes for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Chiefs trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to Bears
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Date: March 5
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Chiefs slapped starting right guard Trey Smith with a franchise tag worth $23.4 million during the 2025 offseason. Shortly thereafter, Kansas City traded Thuney, its starting left guard who played tackle en route to the team's Super Bowl 59 appearance, to the Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Thuney is entering the last year of a five-year, $80 million deal he inked with the Chiefs during the 2021 offseason. He helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls and was named an All-Pro first teamer in both 2023 and 2024.
The Bears have now traded for two starting guards, Thuney and Jonah Jackson , ahead of free agency. Chicago's investment is no surprise, as Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie while new head coach Ben Johnson coached one of the league's best offensive lines while in Detroit.
'Signs pointing to' Seahawks releasing WR Tyler Lockett
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Brady Henderson
The Seahawks cut four veterans – outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones, defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, safety Rayshawn Jenkins and offensive tackle George Fant – Tuesday to save roughly $27 million in cap space. Seattle was over the cap entering the 2025 offseason, so they had to make those releases to free up room to maneuver during offseason.
Seattle may not be done parting with veterans, however. The team is also expected to release Lockett, who is set to have a cap hit just shy of $30.9 million in 2025. Lockett is coming off a season during which he made 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns, all marking his lowest totals since the 2017 season. Cutting him would save the Seahawks $17 million in cap space.
Saints release veteran RB Jamaal Williams
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Date: March 4
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Source: New Orleans Saints
The Saints announced they were releasing veteran running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday. He was due to make $3.2 million in 2025 after rushing for just 164 yards and on touchdown on 48 carries last season.
Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022, his final year with the Detroit Lions. He racked up 1,066 yards and 17 scores while working in tandem with D'Andre Swift behind Detroit's stellar offensive line.
Packers re-sign Brandon McManus to three-year deal
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Packers have locked in McManus as their long-term kicker after he went 20-of-21 (95.2%) on field goals in 11 games with Green Bay. McManus will make $15.3 million over the three-year deal, which includes $5 million in guarantees.
Eagles sign Saquon Barkley to record-breaking extension
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Date: March 4
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Source: Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY Sports
Barkley became the NFL's ninth 2,000-yard rusher in his first season with the Eagles and helped Philadelphia win a Super Bowl. The Eagles rewarded him with a two-year extension worth $41.2 million, making him the first running back to earn more than $20 million per season.
Barkley's extension contains $36 million in guaranteed money.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb restructures contract to free up $20 million
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Todd Archer
The Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with free-agent-to-be Osa Odighizuwa earlier in the day. To create the space needed to execute that deal, Dallas restructured Lamb's contract to free up $20 million in space. That will give the Cowboys a little more wiggle room as they look to upgrade their roster.
Jets release WR Davante Adams
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Date: March 4
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Jets shopped Adams for a couple of days before ultimately releasing him. Cutting the veteran receiver saves New York $29.9 million in salary cap space which they will use to rebuild their roster in the vision of new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
The Jets are expected to part with Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard ahead of free agency as well.
Rams trading guard Jonah Jackson to Bears for sixth-round pick
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Courtney Cronin
The Rams gave Jackson, a marquee free agent signing in 2024, permission to seek a trade after he played just four games during his lone season in Los Angeles. The Rams found a taker, as the Bears sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to Los Angeles for the veteran guard's services.
Chicago's entire starting interior offensive line was set to hit free agency in 2025, and they needed help along the front after Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times as a rookie. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson worked with Jackson for four years with the Detroit Lions, so that familiarity should make Jackson an ideal plug-and-play option at guard.
Cowboys avoid franchise tag, sign Osa Odighizuwa to extension
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Cowboys were set to slap Odighizuwa with the franchise tag if they couldn't agree to a long-term extension before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. The parties agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with $58 million in guarantees to allow Odighizuwa to stay in Dallas.
Odighizuwa racked up 60 pressures (third-most among defensive linemen, per PFF) in 2024 while recording a career-high 4.5 sacks. He and Micah Parsons will be charged with leading Dallas' pass rush once again in 2025.
Eagles to release DB James Bradberry as a post-June 1 cut
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Date: March 4
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Source: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
The Eagles already released Darius Slay , designating him as a post-June 1 cut. They are now parting with another veteran in Bradberry, whose release with a post-June 1 designation will save the Eagles $2.1 million in cap space.
Bradberry was a second-team All-Pro in 2022 and started 16 games in 2023. He racked up 13 pass defenses and an interception while playing cornerback. He was slated to move to safety for the 2024 season but missed the whole campaign with a lower-leg injury.
Cowboys expected to place franchise tag on DT Osa Odighizuwa
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Date: March 4
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The NFL's franchise tag deadline will pass at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 4. Ahead of that, the Cowboys are expected to place the tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. The $25.122 million tag is expected to be a "placeholder," per Rapoport, as the two sides have "had in-depth talks on a long-term extension."
Odighizuwa had a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2024 and finished third among defensive linemen with 60 pressures. The 26-year-old graded as Pro Football Focus' 12th-best pass rusher among interior defenders.
Vikings unlikely to place franchise tag on QB Sam Darnold
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Date: March 3
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
Tagging Darnold would cost the Vikings $40.242 million for the 2025 NFL season. That number is unpalatable considering it would eat up nearly two thirds of Minnesota's $62.85 million in available cap space and the Vikings have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings to become the team's long-term starting quarterback.
The Vikings remain interested in re-signing Darnold, per Schefter, but will face competition for his services on the open market. The 27-year-old had the league's sixth-highest passer rating last season (102.5) and led the Vikings to a 14-3 record.
Bengals place franchise tag on Tee Higgins
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Date: March 3
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Source: Tee Higgins
Higgins simply posted the word "tag" on X (formerly Twitter) to announce he had been slapped with the franchise tag for a second consecutive offseason.
Higgins is set to make $26 million on his second consecutive one-year tenure. The Bengals will now be tasked with trying to sign both him and Ja'Marr Chase to lucrative, long-term extensions.
Eagles releasing Darius Slay as a post-June 1 cut
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Date: March 3
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Eagles entered the 2025 offseason with three defensive starters set to hit free agency . They are going to make it four, as the team is planning to release Slay, a 34-year-old veteran, ahead of free agency.
Slay had 13 pass defenses in 2024 but failed to log a regular-season interception for the first time since his rookie season in 2023. The emergence of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean evidently made the veteran expendable.
The Eagles will save $4.3 million by making Slay a post-June 1 cut. That could help Philadelphia in its efforts to keep pending free agents Josh Sweat , Milton Williams and Zack Baun .
Sean McVay won't rule out Cooper Kupp returning to Rams
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Date: March 3
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Source: Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic
The Rams told Kupp they were going to trade him during the 2025 NFL offseason. However, McVay didn't close the door on reversing that decision if the team can't find a trade partner for the veteran receiver.
"I would never speak in absolutes," McVay said when addressing the potential for Kupp to return.
The 49ers fetched a fifth-round pick in a recent trade for Deebo Samuel. The Rams may be seeking similar compensation for Kupp, who is set to have a $29.78 million cap hit in 2025.
Jets shopping WR Davante Adams ; will release him if not traded
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Date: March 2
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The Jets aren't just moving on from Rodgers during the 2025 NFL offseason. They are also expected to part with veteran receiver Adams, for whom they traded ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline.
Adams will have a $38.2 million cap hit in 2025, so trading him may be complicated. The Jets are expected to release him if they can't find a taker for the 32-year-old wide-out, per Rapoport.
Justin Fields 'has edge' over Russell Wilson with Steelers
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Date: March 2
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Source: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
The Steelers don't have a quarterback under contract heading into the 2025 NFL offseason. Their two starters from 2024 – Fields and Wilson – are set to be free agents, along with third-string quarterback Kyle Allen .
Fowler reports Pittsburgh has the soon-to-be 26-year-old Fields ahead of Wilson, 36, in its pecking order at quarterback. However, both remain options for the team, and Fields may draw more interest than Wilson on the open market.
The Jets and Raiders are believed to be interested in Fields, per Fowler.
2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Titans land QB of the future, Patriots get Travis Hunter
Cowboys could use franchise tag on DT Osa Odighizuwa
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Date: March 2
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Source: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler
The Cowboys are trying to agree to a long-term extension with Odighizuwa, the team's best interior pass rusher. If they can't agree to a multi-year contract, Fowler reports Dallas will use the franchise tag on Odighizuwa ahead of the March 4 deadline to do so.
Odighizuwa had 4.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2024 and ranked third among interior defensive linemen with 60 pressures, per Pro Football Focus . If franchised, the 26-year-old would be set to play on a one-year, $25.1 million contract in 2025. Dallas has just under $3.9 million in available cap space, according to OverTheCap.com .
49ers 'open to trading' WR Brandon Aiyuk
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Date: March 1
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Source: Michael Silver, The Athletic
The 49ers traded starting receiver Deebo Samuel during the 2025 NFL combine. Could they also trade Aiyuk? San Francisco appears interested in the possibility, though Silver isn't sure teams would be willing to trade for Aiyuk on a big-money contract as he recovers from a torn ACL.
49ers general manager John Lynch was asked about the Aiyuk trade rumors at the combine.
"Yeah, that typically happens with really good players," Lynch said, per 49ers Webzone . "I remember, I think two years ago, having similar conversations. You get calls, and you always listen to calls."
DEEBO SAMUEL TRADE: How Brock Purdy, 49ers, Commanders are impacted
49ers trade Deebo Samuel to Commanders
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Date: March 1
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Source: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport
The 49ers gave Samuel permission to seek a trade ahead of Super Bowl 59. About a month later, they dealt him to the Commanders, who made the NFC championship game last season, for a fifth-round pick .
Samuel had a down year by his standards, logging 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. All marked his lowest totals since the 2020 season, during which he played just seven games.
Samuel has one year remaining on the three-year, $71.55 million extension he signed with the 49ers in 2022. He is due to make $21.7 million in 2025, per NFL.com .
DEEBO SAMUEL TRADE GRADES: Commanders get new pass-catching weapon
Giants interested in QBs Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold
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Date: Feb. 28
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Giants were among the teams interested in pursuing Matthew Stafford before he agreed to a restructured contract with the Rams. With Stafford off the table, New York is considering Rodgers – who will be released by the Jets – in its search for a veteran quarterback, per Schefter.
The Giants also hold an interest in Darnold, a player who they considered signing as a backup to Daniel Jones during the 2024 NFL offseason. They ultimately signed Drew Lock to a one-year, $5 million deal while Darnold landed with the Vikings.
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Sam Darnold among Raiders QB options
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Date: Feb. 28
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Source: ESPN's Adam Schefter
The Raiders were among the teams connected to Matthew Stafford but will have to pivot with the veteran returning to Los Angeles . That could involve chasing one of Darnold, Fields or Wilson as free-agent stopgaps, per Schefter.
Wilson has an obvious connection to the Raiders after spending a decade with Pete Carroll in Seattle. Fields and Darnold represent younger alternatives, with the former possessing excellent mobility and athleticism and the latter coming off a breakout Pro Bowl season under the tutelage of Kevin O'Connell.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL free agency: Tracking latest news, rumors, updates, trade buzz
