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 Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
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
Seahawks Extend Smith For Three Years
The Seahawks and Geno Smith agreed to a three-year, $105 million deal that includes $52 million in the first year. Smith, 32, earned Comeback Player of the Year and Pro bowl honors after leading the NFL in completion percentage in 2022. He’ll make three times his previous career earnings in 2023 alone.
This doesn’t rule out the Seahawks from drafting a quarterback fifth overall, as PFN’s Adam Beasley explored.
Jaguars Franchise Tag Tight End Evan Engram
In an expected move, the Jacksonville Jaguars placed their franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram. The franchise tag for his position is worth $11.3 million. He caught 73 passes for 766 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the team last year.
Cowboys Franchise Tag RB Tony Pollard
With the franchise tag deadline nearing at 4 pm E.T. Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys applied the option on running back Tony Pollard on Monday morning. Pollard’s cap hit on the tag will be $10.09 million. It’s now expected the Cowboys will approach running back Ezekiel Elliott about a paycut or outright release him.
Derek Carr To Sign With New Orleans Saints
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will sign with the Saints, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Carr was mulling interest from the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, but with the Jets favoring Rodgers and the Panthers worried about his high cost, Carr opted to reunite with head coach Dennis Allen. Allen was the Raiders’ head coach when Carr was drafted.
The Saints now vault to the top of the NFC South projections for 2023. Though Carr isn’t an elite quarterback, he’s solid, and the Saints were a solid passer away from making the playoffs last year.
Lamar Jackson Likely To Receive Franchise Tag Tuesday
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta and Jackson have continued working on a long-term extension, but the sides “remain apart” as Tuesday’s tag deadline looms. An exclusive tag would keep a tag-and-trade possible, but things get incredibly interesting if the team uses the non-exclusive tag.
A non-exclusive tag allows another team to offer Jackson a contract. The Ravens would have the chance to match that deal and give Jackson the same contract or to decline and lose Jackson for two first-round picks. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the team is considering this route.
MORE: Baltimore Ravens’ Tag Decision Could Set Off Bidding War
Considering the Browns traded three first-round picks and handed Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed deal despite being shrouded in sexual assault allegations, the Ravens would be making a historical mistake to trade Jackson for only two first-round picks.
An Aaron Rodgers Trade Requires Packers To Eat Money
While the league awaits a decision from Rodgers, it seems his future in Green Bay is all but over. But for a deal to happen, the Packers will have to sacrifice some money to maximize their haul of assets. According to Fowler, Rodgers’ owed $58 million in 2023 will need to be reworked or have a portion of that number eaten by Green Bay.
The New York Jets prioritized Rodgers over Carr, but the financial ramifications of the cash owed to Rodgers are real. Though he’d carry only a $15 million cap hit for his next team, it’s understandable that owners would want a guarantee from Rodgers he’ll play at least two seasons before retirement.
Allen Robinson II Is Being Shopped
The Los Angeles Rams clearly made a mistake by signing wide receiver Allen Robinson II last offseason. He failed to build chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford after Stafford’s elbow injury cost him offseason reps with the playmaker.
MORE: Allen Robinson Landing Spots
Robinson, 29, is owed $15.25 million guaranteed in 2023. The Rams are willing to pay a portion of that in order to trade Robinson and open some cap space, per Pelissero. The 6’2″ deep threat has had two bad seasons in a row, missing five games in 2021 and seven in 2022.
It’s hard to imagine any team giving up a significant asset to land Robinson, but he could be worth a flier from a needy team like the Giants, Texans, or Ravens.
Vikings Release Linebacker Eric Kendricks
The end of an incredibly productive era came on Monday when the Minnesota Vikings released stalwart linebacker Eric Kendricks. Moving on from the 2019 first-team All-Pro saves the team $9.5 million. He’ll join a loaded linebacker market that includes Bobby Wagner, Tremaine Edmunds, Lavonte David, and David Long.
Kendricks, 31, will still bring value to a franchise needing consistency and versatility. He’s totaled 143 tackles and 137 tackles over the last two years, though his sacks and interceptions totals dipped in 2022. Father time seems to be affecting Kendricks’ range in coverage despite still being great in the run game.