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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:
Falcons reach ‘mega-extension’ 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 “mega-extension” with the Falcons, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the deal was for five years and $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.
– 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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