NFL Free Agency Preview: Could the big stars be on the move through trades?
The NFL Up Vote staff is debating if we’ll see DeAndre Hopkins, Jalen Ramsey and Derrick Henry traded this offseason.
USA Today
NFL free agency doesn’t officially start until Wednesday, but a number of the big players in the market have already been talked about.
While the league won’t mark the start of the league year until 4 p.m. ET tomorrow, Monday’s opening of the “negotiation period” or “legal manipulation window” means an outpouring of informal agreements between high-profile players and franchises. Among the big names making agreements are QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders), DT Javon Hargrave (San Francisco 49ers), OT Mike McGlinchey (Denver Broncos), and LB Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears).
More is sure to follow Tuesday, so check back with USA TODAY Sports throughout the day for the latest updates:
The New Orleans Saints found a way to bring back a key Derek Carr goal.
Wide receiver Michael Thomas has agreed to a restructured one-year, $10 million contract with the team, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Thomas, who had already restructured his contract in January, was under contract until 2024. But with a three-time Pro Bowl selection set to secure the $31.755 million 2024 roster bonus Friday, there was pressure on both sides to come up with a new agreement.
Thomas, 30, has only played 10 games in the past three years due to injuries. He appeared in just three games in 2022 and had 16 catches before a toe illness sidelined him this year.
– Michael Middlehurst Schwartz
The Miami Dolphins are bringing it back again with their backcourt game from a season ago.
Fullbacks Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are back in Miami to play again under head coach Mike McDaniel, who they played with in San Francisco when McDaniel was offensive coordinator in 2021.
Mostert has agreed a two-year deal, his agent, Brett Tesler, announced on social media on Tuesday. Mostert’s contract could be up to $7.6 million, according to ESPN. Before incentives, the deal was $5.6 million with a $2.2 million guarantee, according to NFL Network.
Wilson will also sign a two-year deal that could be worth up to $8.2 million, according to ESPN.
The familiarity that Mostert and Wilson provided on McDaniel’s offense helped the Dolphins post a 9-8 record last season before the team suffered a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Mostert, who turns 31 next month, led the Dolphins with 891 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also had 31 catches and 202 receiving yards with two touchdowns.
Wilson, who was among the 49ers acquired by the trade deadline last season, had 84 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns, while catching 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in eight games for Miami last season.
– Safid Al-Din
The Dallas Cowboys maintain a major junior high school team.
Safety Donovan Wilson has agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $24 million.
Wilson, 28, led the Cowboys with 107 tackles last season while adding five sacks, both numbers representing career bests. His return ensures defensive coordinator Dan Quinn handles the ramps while fellow safety Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker take on more extended coverage roles.
– Michael Middlehurst Schwartz
The market for wide receivers has been slow to emerge, but the top pass catcher is now off the plate.
Myers has agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal that includes a $21 million guarantee, according to multiple reports.
The move is the latest by coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to reconfigure the offense. On Monday, the Raiders sealed a three-year deal for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Myers joins Davante Adams, Hunter Renfro and Darren Waller on the Las Vegas traffic catchers crew.
His departure left a big hole for New England, which now no longer returns any wide receiver who had more than 35 catches or 550 yards.
– Michael Middlehurst Schwartz
More changes are coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team is trading offensive guard Chuck Mason to the Houston Texans in a late pick swap, NFL Network’s Tom Bellicero reports.
Reports emerged Monday that the pirates would attempt to either trade or release Mason, who had a cap of $9.576 million.
He became the second starting offensive lineman on the team to be sacked this season, after cutting off left tackle Donovan Smith.
In Houston, Mason may provide needed stability in the interiors for a team that is expected to have a starting rookie in 2023.
– Michael Middlehurst Schwartz
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback’s plan may be in focus.
Taylor Hynecke has agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal, according to multiple reports.
His arrival likely cemented the role of sophomore signal caller Desmond Reader as the starter. The Falcons also have the #8 pick and can pick a quarterback, although the top three or four are expected to disappear from this point on.
Chiefs coach Ron Rivera left the door open to a possible return for Henke, who started nine games for Washington. Rivera maintained, however, that Sam Howell will have the lead at the starting position going into the offseason program.
– Michael Middlehurst Schwartz
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