The NFL is about to embark on its own version of March Madness.
While free agency doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, Monday marks the opening of the "legal tampering window" or "negotiating period," in which teams are allowed to contact players' representatives and collaborate on contracts. Several top players could enter pacts not long after the window opens at noon ET, as has been the case in past years. And while this year's free-agent class is short on star power, there are several notable names and potential key contributors who could be on the move.
Check back with USA TODAY Sports throughout Monday for all the latest on free agency:
Bobby Okereke goes to Big Blue
One of the most durable, dependable defenders in the Colts’ starting lineup the past two seasons is leaving Indianapolis in order to get the deal he wants.
Former Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke is signing a four-year deal worth $22 million guaranteed and up to $40 million overall, a league source confirmed to IndyStar on Monday night, cashing in his second contract after piling up 283 tackles over the past two seasons as a starter in the Indianapolis defense.
Drafted in the third round by Indianapolis in 2019, Okereke spent his first two seasons rotating with Anthony Walker in the middle, then took over the full-time starting job in 2021 and ran with it as a rangy tackling machine, although he did not produce many turnovers.
Okereke also made a heck of an impression on the Giants in an otherwise ugly day for the Colts in January, making 17 tackles in the team's blowout loss to New York.
– Joel Erickson, Indianapolis Star
Raiders adding help in secondary
Safety Marcus Epps is leaving the defending NFC champions for the Silver and Black.
Epps has agreed to a two-year deal worth $12 million with the Las Vegas Raiders, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced yet.
Epps started all 17 games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He had 94 tackles, six pass deflections and one forced fumble during the regular season. He registered 13 tackles in the 2022 postseason.
Epps should start right away for a Raiders squad that needs help in the secondary. The Raiders had the 29th ranked pass defense last year.
– Tyler Dragon
Dolphins add LB David Long Jr.
After four productive seasons in the middle of the Tennessee Titans defense, linebacker David Long Jr. is moving on.
Long signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins on Monday, per a report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Long made 230 tackles in 50 games with the Titans, 26 of which were starts. Injuries limited Long in 2021 and 2022 but when he was on the field he was among the league's most productive inside linebackers, logging 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Fowler is reporting the Dolphins are signing Long to a two-year, $11 million contract.
Long was part of the Titans' impressive 2019 draft haul, which also included defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, wide receiver A.J. Brown, safety Amani Hooker and fellow 2023 free agent, guard Nate Davis.
– Nick Suss, The Tennessean
Buccaneers pay up for Jamel Dean
At least one key veteran will be back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023.
Amid significant roster turnover for the cap-strapped franchise, the Buccaneers reached agreement with cornerback Jamel Dean on a four-year, $52 million contract, per multiple reports.
Many expected Dean to depart Tampa as a free agent who potentially priced himself out of the team's spending range. Instead, he'll return and again team up with cornerback Carlton Davis. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and safeties Mike Edwards and Logan Ryan, however, all are still available on the open market.
The offseason has already been one of great change for the Buccaneers, who bid Tom Brady farewell after the quarterback announced his retirement in January. Tampa Bay also released running back Leonard Fournette, left tackle Donovan Smith and tight end Cameron Brate in cost-cutting moves earlier this offseason, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Monday that right guard Shaq Mason likely will be traded or cut. Linebacker Lavonte David is among the remaining free agents who could be headed elsewhere.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Sam Darnold links up with 49ers
After a failed attempt in Carolina to revive his career as an NFL starting quarterback, Sam Darnold is joining an NFC contender as a backup.
Darnold, 25, is set to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not become official until Wednesday.
Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, and Brock Purdy, the seventh-round selection who took over and helped lead the 49ers to the NFC championship game, are expected to battle for the starting position. Both, however, are coming off injuries. Lance suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 2, while Purdy had the torn ulnar collateral ligament that knocked him out of the game vs. the Eagles repaired last Friday.
"We may have to look at the quarterback market, in addition to Brock and Trey, to insulate ourselves from whatever may happen," Lynch said at the NFL scouting combine.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Steelers scoop up CB Patrick Peterson after losing Cam Sutton to Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers responded to one free-agent defection at a position of need by bringing in an established veteran.
Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson agreed to a two-year contract with the Steelers, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition Earlier on Monday, cornerback Cam Sutton left the team for a three-year, $33 million contract with the Detroit Lions.
Peterson told ESPN's Adam Schefter prior to free agency that he wanted to go somewhere he could contend for a Super Bowl.
"I'm playing for jewelry at this period in my career," Peterson said. "I want to be able to be with the team that's going to be in the position that's going to be in the playoffs. That's the first step. Every team is not promised a championship no matter how good the team is. I want to be on a team that can get in the playoffs first and foremost, and that's able to compete for a championship. At this moment, I'm looking for a team that can help provide jewelry."
Peterson, who turns 33 in July, recorded five interceptions for the Minnesota Vikings. His departure leaves coach Kevin O'Connell and new defensive coordinator Brian Flores perilously thin in a secondary that ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season. Minnesota earlier waived Cameron Dantzler, who started nine games at cornerback last year, and Chandon Sullivan and Duke Shelley remain pending free agents.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Falcons get big help in secondary
The Atlanta Falcons have made their big move in free agency.
Former Cincainnti Bengals safety Jessie Bates III has agreed to a four-year, $64.02 million contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement can not become official until the start of the league year on Wednesday.
At just over $16 million per year, Bates becomes the NFL's fourth-highest-paid safety, trailing only the Los Angeles Chargers' Derwin James, Pittsburgh Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick and Seattle Seahawks' Jamal Adams.
Bates, 26, has been a stellar starter since he arrived in Cincinnati as a second-round pick in 2018 out of Wake Forest. Though he was a vital part of the Bengals' defense both in its run to Super Bowl 56 and last season, Bates played the 2022 campaign on the franchise tag and never was able to reach a long-term agreement with the team.
He joins a Falcons defense that also on Monday added former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata, who follow defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to Atlanta.
The Bengals, meanwhile, have now lost both starting safety after Vonn Bell reached agreement on a deal with the Carolina Panthers. Dax Hill, a first-round pick out of Michigan last year, looks likely to take over for Bates.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bears go on spending spree with LB Tremaine Edmunds, G Nate Davis
The Chicago Bears entered Monday with the most cap space of any team, and they're putting their resources to use.
The Bears reached deals with both former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (four years, $72 million, per multiple reports) and former Tennessee Titans offensive guard Nate Davis (three years, $30 million, per multiple rep.
Edmunds, 24, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection coming off what was very likely his best season, as he made great strides in coverage. He takes over as the centerpiece for a linebacker corps that lost Roquan Smith in a trade last fall but added T.J. Edwards, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, earlier on Monday.
Davis, 26, was a four-year starter for the Titans helped power the running back behind Derrick Henry. He serves as the latest key piece brought on to assist Justin Fields as the quarterback prepares to enter his third season. Last Friday, the Bears acquired wide receiver DJ Moore and a package of picks in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection in April's NFL draft.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bengals bring back one defender, lose another
The Cincinnati Bengals are returning linebacker Germaine Pratt on a three-year, $21 million contract, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet official.
Pratt, 27, became a reliable starting presence for the Bengals' defense, particularly in coverage.
Cincinnati will be replacing at least one defensive starter, however, in safety Vonn Bell, who is heading to the Carolina Panthers, per multiple reports.
Bell, 28, recorded four interceptions last season, doubling his total from the previous seven seasons of his career combined.
He could be the first of at least two departures on the back end for the Bengals, as fellow safety Jessie Bates III is not expected to return to the team as he tests the free-agent market.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Chiefs make their move for marquee offensive lineman
The Kansas City Chiefs have figured out a new protection plan for Patrick Mahomes.
Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor has agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the team, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. The deal includes $60 million guaranteed, Schefter reported.
Taylor, 25, was a four-year starter at right tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Kansas City, however, he will take over as Mahomes' new blindside protector as he moves to the left side, according to multiple reports.
Taylor will be taking over for Orlando Brown Jr., whom the Chiefs did not give the franchise tag. The four-time Pro Bowl selection now appears to be a near certainty to depart in free agency.
The Chiefs still have a void to fill at right tackle, as incumbent starter Andrew Wylie agreed to a three-year deal with the Washington Commanders, per multiple reports. Lucas Niang, a third-round pick in 2020, could be a consideration for the starting role.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Raiders get their QB in Jimmy Garoppolo
The Las Vegas Raiders have solidified their quarterback plans - at least for the short term.
The team is closing in on a deal with Jimmy Garoppolo, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. The three-year deal is worth $67.5 million deal, including $34 million guaranteed, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Garoppolo had been linked to the Raiders given his relationship with coach Josh McDaniels, who was the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator during the quarterback's entire stint with the team (2014-17).
The Raiders hold the No. 7 pick in the NFL draft and still could look to take a quarterback.
"It's not one-size-fits-all, but there's a lot of things you're looking for if you're going to commit to them," McDaniels said at the NFL scouting combine. "The goal eventually is try to have a young player that's going to be a Raider for a long time."
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
49ers get even more imposing up front
On the day that they were set to lose offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey to the Denver Broncos, the San Francisco 49ers were poised to bring in a major talent on the other side of the ball.
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave agreed to a four-year, $84 million contract with the team, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose terms of the deal until it becomes official on Wednesday.
The agreement would make Hargrave the third-highest-paid interior defender in the NFL, putting him behind only the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald and the Washington Commanders' Daron Payne.
Hargrave, 30, is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high 11 sacks.
In San Francisco, Hargrave joins a fearsome front that includes reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa as well as former first-round picks Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw.
His departure leaves a massive void in the middle of the Eagles' defense. Philadelphia could lose other top defensive tackles in Fletcher Cox, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh, who are all free agents.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Broncos make splashy addition to O-line, reel in backup QB for Russell Wilson
The Denver Broncos continue to bring aboard significant offensive help.
In what might be one of the day's biggest moves so far, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey is set to sign a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the team, according to multiple reports.
The former San Francisco 49ers right tackle also will have $50 million guaranteed as part of the deal, per reports.
McGlinchey is the second notable deal Monday the Broncos made to reshape their front after the team also reached a four-year part with former Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Ben Powers.
Denver also brought on a backup to Russell Wilson in Jarrett Stidham, who served as Derek Carr's backup last season until he took the reins as starter for the final two games.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Ravens to release Calais Campbell, lose Ben Powers to Broncos
Calais Campbell will be back in the NFL for a 16th season, but it won't be with the Baltimore Ravens.
The team plans to release the six-time Pro Bowl defensive end, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Campbell, 36, is the NFL's oldest active defensive lineman. A team leader and respected veteran, he was a guiding force for the Ravens' defense but was set to have a cap hit of about $7 million.
Also leaving Baltimore is offensive guard Ben Powers, who is set to join the Denver Broncos on a four-year deal, per multiple reports. Powers fills an important hole up front for coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson, as Dalton Risner is set to become a free agent.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Jason Kelce coming back for another season
Make it NFL season No. 13 for Jason Kelce.
The Philadelphia Eagles center has decided to stave off retirement and return for another year
"I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season," Kelce wrote on Twitter. "After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t (expletive) done yet!"
Kelce, 35, is a five-time All-Pro selection and fixture of the Eagles' offensive line. He is set to become a free agent, but it's possible the Eagles could hammer out a deal before the new league year begins Wednesday.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bears begin to reshape defense
The first notable movement of free agency is upon us.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards agreed to a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Edwards, 27, had been a starter for the last three years for the Philadelphia Eagles. He led the team with 159 tackles in 2022.
Philadelphia is likely in store for more free-agency defections on defense, including potentially defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, cornerback James Bradberry, linebacker Kyzir White and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, among others.
In Chicago, Edwards will be part of a linebacker group bound to be reshuffled after Roquan Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens last fall.
The Bears entered Monday with the most cap space of any team.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Patriots bring back Jonathan Jones
The New England Patriots won't have to replace an important part of their secondary.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones is returning to the team on a two-year deal, per multiple reports.
Jones, 29, had a career-high four interceptions in 2022. He moved the outside after previously operating of the slot. His versatility should come in handy for Bill Belichick, depending on what else the team does with the back end of its defense in free agency and the draft.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Falcons reach big-money deal with G Chris Lindstrom
The Atlanta Falcons struck a deal to lock in one of their key offensive linemen for the foreseeable future - although not the one who could leave in free agency this week.
Offensive guard Chris Lindstrom agreed to a five-year extension with the Falcons, the team announced. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the contract was worth $105 million, which would put Lindstrom ahead of the Indianapolis Colts' Quenton Nelson ($20 million average annual salary) as the league's highest-paid guard.
Lindstrom, 26, was the No. 14 overall pick in 2019 out of Boston College. He was a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection in his breakout 2022 campaign.
Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, meanwhile, remains unsigned and on track to become a free agent.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Patriots trade Jonnu Smith to Falcons
Jonnu Smith is going to be reunited with Arthur Smith.
The New England Patriots are trading the tight end to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round pick, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
Jonnu Smith struggled to live up to expectations in the two years he was with New England after signing a four-year, $50 million contract. He did not reach 30 catches or 300 receiving yards in either season with the team.
In Atlanta, however, the pass catcher will reteam with Arthur Smith, who served as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator when Jonnu Smith had career-best campaigns in 2019 and 2020.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bills bring back two more players
With just more than one hour to go before the NFL's negotiating period begins Monday, the Buffalo Bills have reached deals to keep two more contributors at home.
Linebacker Tyler Matakevich signed a two-year deal with Buffalo, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. Matakevich, 30, is primarily a contributor on special teams.
Punter Sam Martin, meanwhile, re-upped on a three-year deal worth $7.5 million, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
The Bills, of course, have much more notable names set to hit free agency in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, safety Jordan Poyer and running back Devin Singletary, all of whom could be headed elsewhere.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Top NFL free agents available
On Monday, the big names on everyone's minds remain two quarterbacks who aren't free agents: Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. But as the world waits on a potential trade of Rodgers to the New York Jets and any movement of a possible offer sheet for Jackson, several other players at less-heralded positions could command hefty paydays.
Orlando Brown Jr. is the top player on Nate Davis' free-agent rankings, as the left tackle was not franchise-tagged by the Kansas City Chiefs. Several other offensive and defensive linemen could be in high demand, including DT Javon Hargrave (No. 6), OT Kaleb McGary (No. 7), DE Zach Allen (No. 15) and OT Mike McGlinchey (No. 18).
And while there might not be a bevy of big names at skill positions, there are at least a few to keep an eye on: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (No. 3), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 10), RB Jamaal Williams (No. 11) and RB Miles Sanders.
Check here for the full list.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Baker Mayfield's landing spot?
Maybe there's a path to a starting spot for Baker Mayfield after all.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target the quarterback as potential competition for Kyle Trask, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, provided a spark for the Los Angeles Rams with his late-season arrival, which was made possible when he was waived by the Carolina Panthers after a brief and disappointing run.
Initially, it appeared as though Mayfield might have to settle for a prime backup job. In Tampa Bay, however, he might have a solid shot at coming out ahead of Trask, the 2021 second-round pick who wasn't able to beat out Blaine Gabbert for the backup role in previous years.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Late re-signings filter in
Ahead of the action Monday, several teams made key moves to keep notable players from reaching the open market. Among them:
- The Washington Commanders struck a four-year deal with franchise-tagged defensive tackle Daron Payne. The agreement is worth $90 million, including $60 million guaranteed, per multiple reports. Payne becomes the second-highest-paid defensive tackle, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald.
- The New York Jets agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with linebacker Quincy Williams, per multiple reports. The younger brother of Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the former Jacksonville Jaguars draftee has started 28 games over the last two years and emerged as an active presence on Robert Saleh's defense.
- Wide receiver Sterling Shepard re-upped with the New York Giants on a one-year, $1.165 million deal, according to multiple reports. Shepard played in just three games last season before suffering a torn ACL.
- The San Francisco 49ers re-signed safety Tashaun Gipson on a one-year deal worth $2.9 million, per multiple reports. Gipson, 32, started every game for the 49ers last season and paced the team with five interceptions.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
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