As the 2022 NFL free agency period gets underway with the legal tampering period, the news and rumors around the NFL will fly throughout the next few days. Keeping track of those rumors and which ones develop into legitimate signings can be hard to keep track of. Therefore, we will be keeping track of all the latest NFL news and rumors throughout the next few days.
NFL News and Rumors | Monday
The news and rumors have already been flying at the start of the legal tampering period, with contracts being agreed in principle, as well as cuts and extensions taking place. Here are some of the news and rumors from Monday.
San Francisco 49ers begin retooling the cornerback room
It’s no secret that the 49ers need cornerback depth. Well, they are bringing in reinforcements after agreeing to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with former Kansas City Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward.
Chiefs rework Frank Clark’s contract, add to their secondary
Many thought Frank Clark was on the outs in Kansas City, but the team decided to retain the veteran pass rusher, reworking his current contract. Additionally, the Chiefs agreed to terms with Texans safety Justin Reid and reportedly didn’t offer Tyrann Mathieu a deal to return in 2022.
Broncos bolster defensive front
Denver has turned their sites to the defensive side of the ball, agreeing to terms with former San Francisco 49ers DT D.J. Jones. After shipping Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos sure up their D-line and run defense with Jones.
Texans continue to strengthen their o-line
The Texans continue to build their offensive line. Not only did they re-sign center Justin Britt, but they also added former Jaguars guard AJ Cann.
Jaguars continue to go all-in during free agency
It has been a very busy day for the Jaguars. In addition to a massive deal for WR Christian Kirk, the Jags also agree to terms with former Las Vegas WR Zay Jones. The deal is for three years and $30 million.
Panthers and Saints complete meeting with Deshaun Watson
According to PFN’s Aaron Wilson, the Panthers and Saints have completed their meetings with Deshaun Watson. The teams sent their top people, including Saints’ Mickey Loomis, Dennis Allen, Panthers’ David Tepper, and Matt Rhule. There are likely to be more teams to follow.
Panthers add to their defense
The Panthers have agreed to terms with former Dallas Cowboy safety Xavier Woods. The deal is reported to be worth $15.75 million for three years. This is the third move for the Panthers in free agency after they added TE Ian Thomas and EDGE Frankie Luvu.
Jets set to add C.J. Uzomah and bring back Tevin Coleman
The Jets took another of the top tight end option off the board as they agreed to terms with Cincinnati Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah. The Jets needed an upgrade at tight end Zach Wilson gets a new safety blanket for 2022. The deal is for three years, and is worth $24 million.
New York also brought back RB Tevin Coleman. As well as working alongside Michael Carter in the backfield, Coleman was also utilized at times as a kick returner last season.
Jaguars continue a day of investing by agreeing to terms with Evan Engram
The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has been well and truly overhauled on day one of the legal tampering period. The latest move sees them agree to terms with tight end Evan Engram on a one-year deal worth $9 million. Engram will join Christian Kirk as a new pass-catching weapon for the Jaguars.
Carlton Davis set to remain in Tampa Bay
Just a matter of moments after Jackson agreed to terms with the Chargers, it was announced that Carlton Davis would be returning to the Buccaneers. Davis is reportedly getting a $15 million a year contract over three years. The cornerback market is not proving as profitable as many expected entering the week.
J.C. Jackson appears to be on his way to the Los Angeles Chargers
As the new league year nears, the whispers that Jackson could head to the Chargers have been getting louder. Earlier, Chris Mortenson said that “there are executives in the league who truly believe he will end up with the LA Chargers.” Mike Giardi also reported that the Chargers have made a formal offer.
Then Ian Rapoport reported that the Chargers are expected to sign Jackson according to sources. Jackson was expected to have a chance to become the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. However, the deal came in at 5 years, $82.5 million, which puts Jackson at $16.5 million per year and tied for the sixth-highest AAV at the position.
Dolphins add Teddy Bridgewater and Cedrick Wilson
The Miami Dolphins are continuing to put together pieces of their offense. They are set to add former Cowboys WR Cedrick Wilson on a three-year deal. They are also planning to add Teddy Bridgewater to be the backup QB on a one-year deal. Wilson signs on a three-year deal worth $22.8 million and joins Chase Edmonds who was reported to be set to sign on a two-year deal earlier on Monday.
Cardinals bringing back Colt McCoy, Michael Dogbe, and Dennis Gardeck
The Cardinals continue to bring back their own players. After re-signing both Zach Ertz and James Conner in recent days, they re-signed three more players in Colt McCoy, Michael Dogbe, and Dennis Gardeck.
De’Vondre Campbell set to return to the Packers
Campbell appears set to remain in Green Bay after a breakout year in 2021. The LB is set to sign a five-year deal worth $50 million.
Haason Reddick set to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have bolstered their pass rush with Haason Reddick. The deal is expected to be a three-year contract, worth $45 million. Reddick will join the likes of Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Tarron Jackson.
Christian Kirk expected to sign a “large” deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars continue to make waves in free agency as they look set to add Christian Kirk to their offense. According to a report by Ian Rapoport, Kirk will sign a “large deal” in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have D.J. Chark heading into free agency and they appear to have signed his replacement. Kirk’s contract is said to be worth $72 million across four years, with a maximum value of $84 million. At a base value of $18 million a year, he is amongst the highest-paid WRs in the league.
Laken Tomlinson agrees to terms with the New York Jets
As expected, the Jets have taken steps to address their offensive line this offseason. Laken Tomlinson is set to head to New York on a three-year deal worth $40 million. The guard will have familiarity with the scheme, having worked with Mike LaFleur in San Francisco.
Tracy Walker heading back to the Detroit Lions and Bengals set to sign Ted Karras
The Lions are keeping safety Tracy Walker in Detroit. The Lions and Walker agreed to a three-year, $25 million contract. There is reportedly $17 million guaranteed as part of the deal.
Another offensive lineman on the move is Ted Karras. He will be the second player the Bengals are set to sign on their offensive line. The reported terms for the Karras deal are three years, $18 million.
Brandon Scherff, Foye Oluokun, and Folorunso Fatukasi intend to sign with the Jaguars as Ted Karras heads to the Bengals
According to Adam Schefter, Brandon Scherff intends to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After they re-signed C Tyler Shatley, and franchise-tagged LT Cam Robinson, this is the third offensive line move by the Jaguars this offseason.
The Jaguars are also making mores to address their defense. LB Foye Oluokun is reported to be signing a three-year, $45 million contract. Meanwhile, DT Folorunso Fatukasi is also reported to be signing in Jacksonville
Quandre Diggs re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks
Just an hour into the legal tampering period, the Seahawks brought back Quandre Diggs on a three-year deal worth $40 million. Diggs joined the Seahawks in 2019 and then broken his right fibula to send the 2021 season. However, the Seahawks do not seem concerned by this based on the contract they gave Diggs.
Mitchell Trubisky heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Larry Ogunjobi heading to Chicago
As the Steelers look to replace Ben Roethlisberger following his retirement, they have dipped into the free agent pool. The Steelers have reportedly signed Mitch Trubisky to a two-year deal, according to Mike Garofolo.
Meanwhile, Trubisky’s former team, the Chicago Bears, is adding DT Larry Ogunjobi. The Bears gave Ogunjobi a three-year deal worth $40.5 million. Included in that is $26.35 million in guarantees.
Jarvis Landry has been released by the Browns
After the Browns gave permission for Landry to seek a trade, he has been released. The move saves $14.8 million in salary-cap space for the Browns. Landry reportedly requested his release and the team agreed.
Chase Edmonds is set to sign with the Dolphins as James Conner heads back to Arizona
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Miami Dolphins are set to sign RB Chase Edmonds. The reported deal is a two-year $12.6 million contract with $6.1 million guaranteed.
Meanwhile, his backfield partner from 2021, James Conner is remaining with Arizona. According to Jay Glazer, Connor will get a three-year deal with the Cardinals. According to Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth $21 million.
Alex Cappa signing a four-year deal with the Bengals
According to a report from Adam Schefter, Alex Cappa is set to head to the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the report from ESPN, Cappa will get a four-year, $40 million contract.
Darious Williams expected to leave the Rams, with Jaguars a potential destination
Despite being given a first-round tender as a free agent last offseason, the Rams are not expected to re-sign Darious Williams. A number of teams could be interested in Williams, with the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to be one of them. It would be an interesting move as Williams has spent the past three years playing with former-Jaguars cornerback, Jalen Ramsey.
NFL news and rumors | Monday morning
The news and rumors started swirling around the NFL early on Monday morning. Here are the news and rumors from ahead of the start of the legal tampering period at 12 PM on Monday.
Emmanuel Ogbah to remain with the Miami Dolphins, while Joe Noteboom stays with the Rams
Just prior to the legal tampering period beginning, Emmanuel Ogbah signed a four-year deal worth $65 million to remain with the Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, the Rams kept Joe Noteboom in-house with a three-year deal. According to Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth $40 million at its base value with incentives up to $47.5 million
Deshaun Watson to meet with New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers
As expected, the Texans have provided permission for Deshaun Watson and his representatives to discuss trades with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Watson and his representatives will meet with the teams before deciding whether to waive his no-trade clause.
Packers signed Preston Smith to an extension and cut Za’Darius Smith
The Packers had always been expected to make a move or two with their edge rushers. They opened up cap space by extending Preston Smith, reducing his cap number. Meanwhile, the Packers saved $15 million by releasing Za’Darius Smith.
Chandler Jones is expected to be a target for the Denver Broncos
The Broncos traded away Von Miller in 2021 before he became a free agent. They are also in need of addressing their front, with a number of key players set to become free agents. Therefore, Jones could be an option for the Broncos as they look to stay up to speed in a division that is loaded with QB talent.
The Browns could be open to trading Baker Mayfield
The Browns have accepted exploratory trade calls from teams about the possibility of trading Baker Mayfield. This does not mean he will be on his way out of Cleveland, but the Browns are keeping the door open. Yet, it would likely only be if the Browns could upgrade the QB position, for example, with Watson.