NFL free agency tracker 2022: Latest news on players, teams as tampering window opens
Michael Middlehurst-SchwartzThe NFL's annual spending spree is almost here.
Free agency is set to officially kick off Wednesday with the beginning of the new league year, but the tampering window - in which teams can make contact with players' representatives - opens Monday at noon ET. The market could quickly take shape with players coming to unofficial agreements with their suitors. And if the past week of eye-opening trades was any indicator, a flurry of moves could be forthcoming sooner rather than later.
Check back with USA TODAY Sports often throughout Monday and the entire week for all the latest news and buzz on the free-agent market and what deals could be materializing:
TOM BRADY:Winners, losers of QB's decision to return to NFL
NFL FREE AGENCY:9 bold predictions as action is set to begin
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
BUYER BEWARE:10 NFL free agents who could be vastly overpriced
49ers begin work on defensive secondary
Cornerback Charvarius Ward and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms on a three-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Ward made 43 starts over four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, and started all three playoff games as the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl 54.
With cornerbacks Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams and strong safety Jaquiski Tartt set to become unrestricted free agents, the 49ers were expected to address their secondary via free agency and the draft.
-- Jim Reineking
Chiefs find likely replacement for Tyrann Mathieu
Looking to attempt to replace All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Kansas City Chiefs will sign Justin Reid, who was a teammate of Mathieu's on the Houston Texans in 2018.
Reid is expected to sign a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Chiefs, according to multiple reports.
Mathieu - who turns 30 in May - will be an unrestricted free agent on March 16. In Reid, the Chiefs sign a younger (he just turned 25) replacement for the defensive secondary.
In four seasons with the Texans, Reid collected seven interceptions - including a pick six.
-- Jim Reineking
Chargers continue to bolster defense
After making two marquee additions to enhance their pass defense, the Los Angeles Chargers brought on someone to assist against the run.
Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day is making the cross-town jump to join the Chargers from the Rams, according to multiple reports.
Los Angeles last week agreed to a trade to acquire pass rusher Khalil Mack. On Monday, the Chargers sealed the services of star cornerback J.C. Jackson on a five-year, $82.5 million contract. Joseph-Day gives them a much-needed big body in the middle after the team ranked just 30th against the run in 2021.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Jaguars keep on spending
The Jacksonville Jaguars' spending spree isn't over.
Wide receiver Jay Jones agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract worth up to $30 million, according to multiple reports.
Jones, 26, becomes the fourth new offensive starter that the Jaguars added on Monday, following offensive guard Brandon Scherff, wide receiver Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
DeMarcus Lawrence gets new deal with Cowboys
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn should rejoice.
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and Dallas have reached an agreement for Lawrence to remain in Dallas.
A split had seemed increasingly likely after Lawrence and his representatives rejected a pay cut earlier this month. But a compromise was reached, Lawrence raking in more guaranteed money in exchange for a contract structure far friendlier to the 2022 salary cap.
Lawrence and the Cowboys agreed to a new three-year deal worth up to $40 million with $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, two people with knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Monday evening. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose financial terms.
The deal will extend Lawrence’s earnings to canvass seven straight years of fully guaranteed, the two-time Pro Bowler playing on a franchise tag in 2017 before signing a five-year, $105 million deal with $65 million guaranteed in 2018.
No further guaranteed money remained from his last payday, and the Cowboys balked at what was scheduled to become Lawrence’s $27 million cap hit in 2022.
Now, Lawrence’s cap hit drops to a far team-friendlier $14 million in the coming league year.
The Cowboys’ 2014 second-round draft selection enters Year 8 after a season that was hampered by injury but productive when active. Lawrence fractured his foot in practice after the season opener and missed 10 games. In 7 available contests, he netted 21 tackles, seven quarterback hits, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Lawrence also returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown as Quinn encouraged him to play a more versatile role, rushing from several spots along the line.
Lawrence has started 85 of 103 career games for the Cowboys, amassing 48.5 sacks, 321 tackles and 17 forced fumbles. He collected a whopping 25 sacks in two seasons from 2017-18. His production has dipped since, but Quinn’s arrival last season excited Lawrence for what he envisioned to be a better schematic fit.
“Being able to attack, being able to get off the ball and make the offense react to us, I feel like we’re going to be straight,” Lawrence said. “(Quinn)’s a go-getter. He’s going to put his 11 best guys on the field and he’s going to send them. That’s what I like about him.
“He’s in attack mode. I’m in attack mode.”
The Cowboys next must decide whether to return defensive end Randy Gregory, who hits free agency this week after a Cowboys career featuring several league suspensions but also rare athletic traits and production when healthy.
Lawrence and Gregory’s camps had previously felt the two sides were being leveraged against each other in negotiations.
Lawrence, it’s now clear, will be back.
“#HomeforGood,” he tweeted.
- Jori Epstein
Jets add another weapon for Zach Wilson
The New York Jets have made their long-awaited move at tight end.
C.J. Uzomah is joining the team on a three-year, $24 million contract, according to multiple reports.
Uzomah, 29, posted career highs of 49 receptions and 493 receiving yards for the Cincinnati Bengals last season. He should provide second-year quarterback Zach Wilson with a needed safety valve as a short-area and intermediate target.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Jaguars add another piece for Trevor Lawrence
The Jacksonville Jaguars' free-agency makeover continues.
Tight end Evan Engram is joining the team on a one-year, $9 million contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Engram, 27, struggled with drops and inconsistency throughout his five-year run with the Giants. But he could play a significant role in Doug Pederson's offense, which is likely to feature the tight end in the passing game far more than former coach Urban Meyer's attack did.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Another big win for Tom Brady, Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping their marquee free agent at home.
The Buccaneers agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with cornerback Carlton Davis, according to multiple reports.
Davis, 25, was set to hit the open market after Tampa Bay opted to give the franchise tag to wide receiver Chris Godwin. But the Buccaneers managed to lock down their No. 1 cornerback, preventing what could have been a major defection had Davis gone elsewhere.
Earlier on Monday, the Buccaneers lost starting offensive guard Alex Cappa to the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $40 million deal.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
J.C. Jackson bolts to the Bolts
Arguably the top player in free agency has chosen his destination.
Former New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson is set to join the Los Angeles Chargers on a five-year, $82.5 million contract, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement cannot become official until Wednesday.
Jackson, 26, has an NFL-best 25 interceptions since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He was ranked as USA TODAY Sports' No. 1 unrestricted free agent.
At $16.5 million per year, his average annual salary would tie that of the Miami Dolphins' Byron Jones for sixth among all cornerbacks.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Dolphins find experienced backup for Tua
The Miami Dolphins are all in on Tua Tagovailoa, but they gave their starter a top-tier backup.
Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater agreed to a one-year contract with the Dolphins on Monday, according to multiple reports.
A standout at Miami Northwestern High School, Bridgewater gets to return home. He served as a starter in the last two years for the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, completing 68.1% of his passes for 6,785 yards with 33 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Cowboys lose another wide receiver
More changes are coming for the Dallas Cowboys passing attack.
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is leaving to join the Miami Dolphins on a three-year, $22.8 million contract, according to multiple reports.
Wilson hauled in 602 receiving yards and six touchdowns for Dallas last season. The Cowboys return CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup in the receiving corps but traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson is the second notable skill-position addition for the Dolphins today after the team added running back Chase Edmonds.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Packers bring back breakout linebacker
GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers are keeping a huge component of their defense by re-signing outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, according to multiple reports.
The deal is worth $50 million over five years, the NFL Network reported.
Campbell gets $16.25 million in year one, $21.5 million in the first two years and $32.25 million in the first three years.
Campbell's deal was first reported by Sports Illustrated.
Campbell earned All-Pro honors in 2021 after collecting 146 tackles and two sacks last season for Green Bay.
- Tom Silverstein, PackersNews
Jaguars get Trevor Lawrence a target with massive deal
The Jacksonville Jaguars might have had the most active day of any team Monday in free agency.
After wrapping up offensive guard Brandon Scherff, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, Jacksonville agreed to terms with slot receiver Christian Kirk on a four-year, $72 million contract that is worth up to $84 million, according to multiple reports.
Kirk, 25, had a breakout season for the Arizona Cardinals last year, hauling in 77 catches for 982 yards. The Jaguars will lean on him to elevate an offense that netted a league-worst 12 touchdowns through the air in 2021 while converting just 35.9% of its third downs.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Eagles make a big splash with pass rusher
Haason Reddick has parlayed a big year into an even bigger payday.
The former Carolina Panthers pass rusher, fresh off an 11-sack campaign, landed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
Reddick should play a key role in reinvigorating an Eagles pass rush that is poised to move on from defensive end Derek Barnett. Philadelphia ranked 31st in sacks with 29 last year.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Lions keep key safety
Tracy Walker's dalliance with free agency was a short one.
Walker agreed to a three-year contract to stay with the Detroit Lions on Monday shortly after the open of the NFL free agent negotiating period.
ESPN reported the deal is worth $25 million, with $17 million guaranteed.
Walker was a priority for the defensive back-needy Lions to sign this offseason. The 27-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, when he made a team-leading and career-high 108 tackles, after a down year in 2020.
- Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
Jets upgrade front by adding Laken Tomlinson
The New York Jets are brining on another familiar face from the San Francisco 49ers.
Offensive guard Laken Tomlinson agreed to a deal with the team Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. The three-year contract is worth $40 million, per multiple reports.
Tomlinson will be reunited with Jets coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who both were on San Francisco's staff before Saleh took the top job with New York.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Tomlinson will look to fortify the protection for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson while also paving holes in the running game.
The Jets are also bringing back wide receiver Braxton Berrios on a two-year, $12 million deal, Schefter reported.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Brandon Scherff links up with Jaguars
After spending the last two years on the franchise tag, Washington offensive guard Brandon Scherff has finally made his move as a free agent.
Scherff agreed to a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Scherff has been one of the steadiest interior offensive linemen in the NFL since his arrival in 2015. He has missed 22 games over the last four years due to injuries, however.
Scherff should provide much-needed stability along the front for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville also placed the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson and could still draft another blocker with the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft.
The Jaguars also agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and a three-year, $30 million contract with former New York Jets defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, according to multiple reports.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bears spend big on defensive line
After trading away Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers, new Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles made a move Monday to restock his defense.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the Bears, according to multiple reports.
Ogunjobi, 27, will help fortify the Bears' front seven. In addition to losing Mack on the edge, Chicago released defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and could lose longtime standout Akiem Hicks.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Steelers bringing on Mitchell Trubisky as Big Ben's replacement, per report
Mitchell Trubisky is getting another shot as an NFL starting quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a two-year contract Monday with Trubisky, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
Trubisky later confirmed the news to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
"This was the best opportunity for me and my family ... the best way to get back on the field and try to win games ... You've gotta go out and earn it," he told Fowler.
Trubisky chose the Steelers rather than the New York Giants, he told Fowler.
The agreement paves the way for Trubisky to become a starting quarterback again after the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NFL draft served as Josh Allen's backup for the Buffalo Bills last season. As the Chicago Bears' starter from 2017-20, Trubisky compiled a 29-21 record while throwing 64 touchdowns with 37 interceptions, but he was plagued by inconsistency.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Dolphins find their RB in Chase Edmonds
The Dolphins landed the they’ve needed Monday by coming to terms with former Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds on a two-year deal worth $12.6 million, a person with knowledge of the move told the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot become official until Wednesday.
Edmonds will be a clear contender to start in 2022. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry this past season, ranking ninth in the league.
Edmonds had 116 rushes for 592 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games, including 11 starts due to an ankle injury. He should fit coach Mike McDaniel’s offense as a threat out of the backfield, having caught 43 passes for 311 yards for a total of 903 yards from scrimmage last season.
Edmonds, who turns 26 next month, is 5-feet-9 and 210 pounds. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round out of Fordham.
- Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post
Browns part ways with Jarvis Landry
The Cleveland Browns continue to reshuffle their receiving corps.
The team granted wide receiver Jarvis Landry his release after being unable to find a trade partner, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move was not yet official.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection leaves Cleveland two days after the team agreed to acquire Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Tom Brady loses a key piece of offense, per report
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are losing at least one key starter as the tampering window of free agency opens.
Offensive guard Alex Cappa agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Cappa has been a starter at right guard for the Buccaneers for the last three years. His departure means that Tampa Bay will have two new starters on the interior line after Ali Marpet's retirement. Center Ryan Jensen, however, will return on a three-year contract.
The move helps fortify a Bengals offensive line that allowed 51 sacks on Joe Burrow during the regular season and an additional 19 in the postseason. Right guard proved to be a particularly vulnerable spot.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Dolphins wrap up top pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, per reports
The Miami Dolphins beat the clock to keep their top potential free agent at home.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah agreed to a four-year, $65 million contract that includes $32 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Ogbah was expected to be one of the top edge rushers available in free agency after netting 9 sacks in each of his last two seasons with the Dolphins. Instead, Miami will keep a key piece of its burgeoning defense from hitting the market.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Packers release two former starters
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers cleared $19.1 million in salary cap Monday morning by releasing outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith and tackle Billy Turner.
NFL Network reported that the Packers were releasing Smith. The move reduces the Packers' salary cap by $15.7 million.
According to another person familiar with the move, speaking to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because it was not yet officia, the Packers released Turner, which gained them $3.43 million in cap space. The release of the starting right tackle was a surprise given how versatile and steady he has been over the past three years.
The Packers cleared $27 million in cap space total and are now about $17 million over their adjusted cap of $215.4 million. They are expected to get a bulk of that from quarterback Aaron Rodgers' new contract, which will reduce his $46.4 million cap number considerably.
- Tom Silverstein, PackersNews
Lions return backup QB Tim Boyle
With no surefire quarterback prospect available at the top of this year's draft, the Detroit Lions are bringing back the duo that led them to a 3-13-1 record for 2022.
Tim Boyle agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million before the free agent negotiating period opened Monday. The deal includes $1.75 million guaranteed.
Boyle made three starts in place of Jared Goff last season, completing 64.9% of his passes with three touchdowns and six interceptions. The Lions went 0-3 with Boyle at quarterback, but Boyle played progressively better in each start and said late in the season he hoped to stay in Detroit.
- Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press
Reports: Falcons extend Jake Matthews
Amid the franchise's continued rebuild, the Atlanta Falcons are keeping a key figure in the fold.
Left tackle Jake Matthews agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million extension Monday, according to multiple reports.
The mainstay of the Falcons' offensive line, Matthews has not missed a start since his rookie season in 2014. His extension affords Atlanta some much-needed cap relief in the short term.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Which NFL free agents will get overpaid?
Free agency tends to produce some eye-popping deals ... some of which becomes regrettable in short order.
The NFL's franchise tags already thinned out the ranks of the available players. With several teams flush with cap space, we could see some surprising figures start to roll in soon.
Which players could get overpaid in the coming days? Check out our list of candidates.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Packers keep pass rusher Preston Smith
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith is signing a contract extension.
The deal is for four years and $53.5 million in new money, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose financial terms.
He can make $75 million total. By signing the deal, the Packers will save $8 million in salary-cap money. He'll make $14 million in the first year and $27 million over two years. He gets a signing bonus of $12 million.
Smith, who has one year left on his contract, has a salary cap number of $19.73 million and the Packers needed to get it down significantly. Their choice was to restructure the deal, sign him to an extension or release him.
- Tom Silverstein, PackersNews
NFL free agency bold predictions
Before the deals start flying in, it's time to make some bold predictions.
USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones takes a look ahead to the action and sees a few big developments brewing. Among them: The Los Angeles Chargers look to be big spenders, with New England Patriots star cornerback J.C. Jackson and former Seattle Seahawks great Bobby Wagner among their possible targets.
Check out the full story for the rundown of what could happen.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Tom Brady effect already taking place?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their star quarterback back in the saddle. Now, it's time to get their potential free agents back.
After Brady announced Sunday that he would reverse course on retirement and rejoin the Buccaneers for the 2022 NFL season, Tampa Bay turned its focus to a rash of free agents set to hit the open market.
One big piece is already in place, as Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen locked into a three-year deal Sunday night.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski, cornerback Carlton Davis, safety Jordan Whitehead, offensive guard Alex Cappa, running back Leonard Fournette, outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul and defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston are among the starters who could head elsewhere if the cap-squeezed Buccaneers can not convince them to join Brady.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Cardinals keep Zach Ertz in the fold
The Cardinals retained a big part of their offense on Sunday, announcing that they have agreed to terms ahead of this week’s free-agency signing period with tight end Zach Ertz on a three-year contract extension.
According to NFL Media, the deal is worth $31.65 million overall, including $17.5 million in guaranteed salary.
Ertz’s return could be just the start of a handful of potential moves by the Cardinals to re-sign some of their unrestricted free agents ready to hit the market on Wednesday when the NFL’s new league year begins.
Other top free agents the club might be close to bringing back include running backs James Conner and Chase Edmonds, backup quarterback Colt McCoy and possibly wide receiver Christian Kirk, although he likely will command a huge payday on the open market.
Bills bring back speedy receiver
The Buffalo Bills and Isaiah McKenzie have agreed to terms on a two-year contract, keeping the wide receiver off the free agent market.
The deal is worth up to $8 million total, per multiple reports, quite an upgrade after he played the previous two seasons in Buffalo for about $2 million.
Bringing back McKenzie, who can play in the slot, might be an indication that the Bills will be moving on from the higher-priced Cole Beasley who would count $7.6 million on the salary cap in 2022.
McKenzie originally joined the Bills from Denver in 2018 and began to get meaningful playing time in 2019. That year he caught 27 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed 8 times for 49 yards, prompting the Bills to sign him for 2020.
- Sal Maiorana, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
