The 2023 NFL free agency period will bring a ton of rumors and news that will affect every team across the league. Some of the biggest stars we know could change teams via trade or free agency. That includes New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins, and free agent Odell Beckham Jr.
We’re covering the latest NFL free agency rumors and news throughout the next few weeks. Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding everything you need to know as news and rumors unfold.
Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors and News
Vikings Could Part With Harrison Smith
Minnesota had the opportunity to clear off their cap sheet last offseason after a regime change but opted to go for broke. They were rewarded by not selling off their assets by going 13-4 in one of the flukiest seasons of all time. Their shocking loss to the Giants in the NFC Wild Card Round may have spurred significant change.
After releasing linebacker Eric Kendricks, receiver Adam Thielen, and pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, and being linked to a possible Dalvin Cook trade, the Vikings are reportedly considering cutting stalwart safety Harrison Smith, per Darren Wolfson of Skor North. The 34-year-old has a $19 million cap hit in 2023 and releasing him would open $7.3 million in cap space.
Smith has been a phenomenal player throughout his Vikings career, earning six Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro nomination. He was the team’s third-leading tackler and was tied for the team lead in interceptions despite missing three games. His bloated $14.7 million base salary likely makes a trade difficult.
This is a tough one to justify even if the Vikings need cap space. They’re losing a ton of talent for little return.
Michael Thomas, Saints Nearing Extension
It seemed as though the Saints and Thomas would be parting ways this offseason after they restructured his contract to make a release more financially feasible. His salary was reduced from $15.5 million to $1.165 million. Yet, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that Thomas and the Saints have “seemed to have smoothed things over” after he had previously called out the team in a tweet.
MORE: Derek Carr Is a Great Short-Term Option for the Aging New Orleans Saints
The tides have apparently turned after the Saints signed quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas was a major recruiter in getting Carr to New Orleans, according to Carr’s brother, David, on his son’s Harvester Sports Podcast. And now, Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network reported the team and Thomas have entered extension talks.
Darius Slay Given Permission To Seek Trade
Coming off a Super Bowl trip, the Philadelphia Eagles now have to manage the contract expectations that often come with team success. Slay, 32, is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $17 million in base salary. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Slay did not request a trade, but he’s been given permission to seek one.
His age and $26 million cap number are surely fueling Philadelphia’s motivation to consider a deal. Though the Eagles say they’re “hopeful” he can stay with the team, it’s odd to give him permission to look for a trade when he didn’t ask out. Slay previously said, “Of course, I want an extension with the Eagles…But yeah, I love that money”.
If traded, the team would save less than $4 million in cap space and incur a massive $22 million dead cap hit, and would also have to make a plan with free agent cornerback James Bradberry. Armed with two first-round picks, the Eagles could recover by drafting a rookie.
DeAndre Hopkins Hears the Trade Rumors
The Cardinals are in a tough spot. They have a terrible roster that needs to be overhauled with more talent in the trenches, but a quarterback in Kyler Murray is on a massive contract. Trying to balance winning when Murray returns from a torn ACL and building a deeper roster will be difficult.
The best asset the Cardinals can trade this offseason is Hopkins. The star receiver will be 31 this year and has a massive $30 million cap hit in 2023. He told the Pat McAfee Show that he’s “been hearing a lot of trade talks,” but all he can do is keep his head down and work.
The Cardinals are looking for a second-round pick and a player or another pick, per Mike Jurecki of the Arizona Football Daily Podcast. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Hopkins is flexible when it comes to the last two years of his deal, which likely means he’d extend his contract to help lower his cap hits.
Odell Beckham Jr. Will Host a Workout Friday
After flirting with multiple teams late in the 2022 season as he recovered from a torn ACL, Beckham sat out the entire year as a deal never materialized to his liking. The Dallas Cowboys were the most prominent team to recruit him, with owner Jerry Jones even saying there was a good chance “Odell’s going to join us.”
MORE: Top 100 NFL Free Agents 2023
But Beckham’s desired $20 million a year deal may have been an issue, as well as his ability to play at a high level right away. Beckham is gearing up to be the best free agent receiver on the market next week, posting a hype video of him catching a deep pass on his Instagram. He’s hosting a workout for interested NFL teams on Friday to show he’s fully healthy, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.
It’s hard to imagine Beckham would get $20 million a year without massive incentives attached to a reasonable base salary. This is especially the case if Beckham is wanting to play for a contender and not just the highest salary.