NFL free agency for the 2022 season is here, and if the week leading up to the event is any indication, things could get crazy quickly as the new league year begins.
In the week leading up to free agency, NFL teams agreed to four trades involving big-name players. Russell Wilson, Carson Wentz, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper were traded in that order over a five-day span.
The trade market has cooled off a bit since those deals were struck. However, quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Jimmy Garoppolo still available, so we will surely see some more trades as NFL free agency gets underway.
MORE: Ranking the NFL’s top 50 free agents in 2022
Of course, there’s also the free agent part of free agency. There isn’t a Tom Brady-type prize this offseason — well, there wasn’t until he came back, at least — but there are plenty of quality playmakers available at receiver, on defense and along the offensive line. JC Jackson, Von Miller, Allen Robinson and Tyrann Mathieu highlight the most recognizable names on the market, but there is plenty of talent among the top 50 available free agents.
The NFL’s so-called legal tampering period begins at noon ET on Monday, March 14. At that point, we will start to see deals come together as teams tackle the next phase in roster building.
Sporting News will be tracking all of the notable NFL free agent signings and trades during the 2022 NFL offseason.
MORE: Latest SN mock draft | Top 100 prospect big board
NFL free agency news, updates on signings and trades
(All times Eastern)
March 13
11:44 p.m. — After Brady’s return, the Buccaneers moved quickly to lock up their center. Ryan Jensen is coming back to the Bucs on a three-year deal worth up to $39 million ($23 million guaranteed).
The #Bucs and Ryan Jensen agree on a 3-year deal worth $39M, source said 💰 💰 💰 https://t.co/gWiBQwe6SV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2022
10:09 p.m. — Lions center Evan Brown won’t be a restricted free agent. He has agreed to terms on a one-year deal to rejoin the Lions, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
7:37 p.m. — Kirk Cousins has signed a one-year, $35 million extension with the Vikings, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The extension is fully guaranteed and will keep him in Minnesota through 2023.
7:13 p.m. — Well, that was fast! After just 40 days, Tom Brady has come out of retirement. He announced the decision on Twitter and confirmed that he would be returning to Tampa Bay.
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
7:03 p.m. — The Cowboys were deep in talks with Michael Gallup about a potential extension. That’s part of why they traded Amari Cooper. They officially signed Gallup to a five-year, $62.5 million deal on Sunday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
6:50 p.m. — Dustin Hopkins is staying with the Chargers. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the veteran kicker agreed to an extension with Los Angeles ahead of free agency.
The #Chargers are extending the contract of kicker Dustin Hopkins, per source. Should be finalized early next week. Hopkins made 30-of-34 field goals for Los Angeles last season.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2022
6:05 p.m. — Devin McCourty, a mainstay of the Patriots’ defense, is returning to the team for another season. He agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the team.
The #Patriots are bringing back DB Devin McCourty on a 1-year worth $9M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
6:04 p.m. — The Bills have agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with receiver Isaiah McKenzie, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
6:01 p.m. — The Cardinals are keeping Zach Ertz. They agreed to a three-year extension with the veteran tight end, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Cardinals originally acquired Ertz ahead of the 2021 NFL trade deadline, and the deal is expected to be worth up to $31.6 million.
The #Cardinals are finalizing a three-year deal with three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz, per source.
Ertz has thrived since arriving in Arizona, and now stays on a deal that keeps him among the NFL’s top 10 highest-paid tight ends at age 31. 💰
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2022
2:31 p.m. — The Patriots’ are tendering restricted free agent Jakobi Meyers at a second-round level. That means they will have the right of first refusal on any contract Meyers signs with another club. If no offers come, Meyers will be on a one-year, $2.4 million contract.
Patriots have decided to use the 2nd-round tender on WR Jakobi Meyers, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus. The Patriots will not be tendering FB Jakob Johnson, who now will be a free agent and is expected to have a market for his services.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2022
11:52 a.m. — The Texans are giving teams permission to speak with Deshaun Watson. Among the teams that are in pursuit and have made an offer for the quarterback are the Saints and the Panthers.
The #Saints and #Panthers have made offers for #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and are likely to meet with him soon, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Other teams also are involved. Watson has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with teams before formally waiving it anywhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
March 12
3:05 p.m. — After acquiring Amari Cooper, the Browns are going to let Jarvis Landry seek a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
On the same day they agreed to trade for WR Amari Cooper, the Browns also have granted permission to veteran WR Jarvis Landry to see a trade, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2022
2 p.m. — The Cowboys agree to trade wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Browns, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The teams will exchange Day 3 draft picks in the deal.
It’s a 5th rounder going to Dallas and the two teams are swapping 6 rounders. https://t.co/LUfAijXZB8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2022
MORE: Why the Cowboys traded Amari Cooper, explained
March 11
4:34 p.m. — A grand jury declines to indict Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on nine criminal complaints of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. This may cause his trade market to heat up.
From our breaking news coverage on @NFLNetwork: The trade market for Deshaun Watson now that his criminal matters are closed will be active. pic.twitter.com/OamLoszzC2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022
4:28 p.m. — The Raiders are keeping star pass rusher Maxx Crosby long-term. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Las Vegas has signed him to a four-year, $95 million extension.
The #Raiders are signing Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to a four-year, $98.98 million contract extension with $95M in new money and $53 million guaranteed, sources tell me and @RapSheet. A massive payday for a rising star. 💰💰💰
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2022
2:43 p.m. — The Cowboys are emerging as a potential suitor for Bobby Wagner, per ESPN’s Ed Werder. The veteran linebacker was a force for Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn when Quinn held the same position with the Seahawks.
Source: #Cowboys have contacted free-agent linebacker Bobby Wagner and expressed their interest in having him play for DC Dan Quinn, who coached him in Seattle. Whether the financial components work out is yet to be determined. The two will keep in contact next few days.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) March 11, 2022
1:43 p.m. — Jason Kelce, 34, agrees to a new, one-year deal with the Eagles that makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL. He has been an All-Pro first-teamer in four of the last five seasons.
The #Eagles are giving C Jason Kelce what is essentially a 1-year deal worth $14M, source said. The highest paid center, Kelce has played like it. He’ll do so in 2022.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022
9:01 a.m. — Who could be the next player traded? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is drawing attention.
With all these big names being dealt, who could be the next? Last year, #Eagles Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox was nearly dealt at the trade deadline, and teams around the league have continued to call on him. Considering the D-line movement around the league, it’s something to watch.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022
March 10
4:50 p.m. — Another day, another big trade for the NFL. This time, it involves Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack. The Chargers acquire him in exchange for two draft picks, including a second-round selection.
The compensation
The #Chargers are sending a 2nd rounder and a 6th rounder in 2023 for Mack. Massive. https://t.co/YErXO5Bxhv— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
2:43 p.m. — There’s another player on the trade market generating interest. Cowboys tackle La’el Collins is available, and he will be a name to watch as the Cowboys look to clear some cap space.
The #Cowboys are having active trade conversations centered around starting OT La’el Collins, sources say. A mainstay since 2015, Collins is due $10M this coming year and there is interest from other teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
1:27 p.m. — Trey Flowers, the biggest signing of the 2019 free-agent class, is being released by the Lions, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
The Lions have informed DE Trey Flowers that he will be released on the first day of the 2022 league year next week. Flowers has been nothing but class in Detroit, a good player hit hard by injuries the past 2 seasons.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 10, 2022
11:06 a.m. — After trading for Carson Wentz, the Commanders release safety/linebacker Landon Collins. They failed to agree to another restructured contract and will save about $6.6 million in cap space by cutting him.
Sources: The Washington #Commanders are expected to release star defender Landon Collins after the two sides did not agree on a restructured contract. Collins will now hit free agency to cash in again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
10:40 a.m. — Rodger Saffold will be looking for a new home. The Titans are releasing the 33-year-old, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Titans informed Pro-Bowl guard Rodger Saffold that they are releasing him, per source.
This would have been the fourth year of a four-year, $44 million deal that had a $1 million roster bonus due next week. One more free-agent guard.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2022
March 9
5:22 p.m. — The Seahawks officially released veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who had played in Seattle for a decade along with Russell Wilson.
Thank you Seattle for everything. It will forever be my home.
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) March 9, 2022
2:09 p.m. — For the second straight day, a starting quarterback is traded. The Commanders agree to acquire Carson Wentz from the Colts in exchange for a couple of Day 2 picks and a second-round pick swap, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Trade terms, per sources…
Colts get:
🏈2022 third-round pick
🏈2023 third-round pick that can become a second if Carson Wentz plays 70 percent of plays.
🏈2022 second-round pickCommanders get:
🏈QB Carson Wentz
🏈2022 second-round pick.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022
March 8
8:57 p.m. — The Titans opted not to use the franchise tag on pass rusher Harold Landry. Why? Because they agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million deal with him just ahead of the franchise tag deadline.
Titans signed OLB Harold Landry to a 5-year, $87.5 million deal that includes $52.5M guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022
4 p.m. — The following players were slapped with the franchise tag ahead of the league’s 4 p.m. ET deadline to apply the tag.
- Bengals: S Jessie Bates
- Browns: TE David Njoku
- Buccaneers: WR Chris Godwin
- Chiefs: OT Orlando Brown Jr.
- Cowboys: TE Dalton Schultz
- Dolphins: TE Mike Gesicki
- Jaguars: OT Cam Robinson
- Packers: WR Davante Adams
1:46 p.m. — Mike Williams and the Chargers agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $60 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Had Williams not been extended, the Chargers were planning to use the franchise tag on him.
Chargers and WR Mike Williams reached agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million guaranteed and $28 million in year one, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
1:41 p.m. — Rodgers’ extension wasn’t the only big quarterback deal on March 8. The Seahawks agreed to trade Russell Wilson to the Broncos for a massive package including three players and five draft picks, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The terms of the deals are as follows:
- Broncos get: QB Russell Wilson, fourth-round pick.
- Seahawks get: QB Drew Lock, DL Shelby Harris, TE Noah Fant, two first-round picks, 2022 second-round pick, 2023 second-round pick, fifth-round pick.
11:26 a.m. — The first major domino of the 2022 NFL offseason falls, as Aaron Rodgers agrees to an extension with the Packers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it will make Rodgers the highest paid player in the NFL based on average annual value.
The #Packers and MVP QB Aaron Rodgers have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $200M deal that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history, sources say. He gets a whopping $153M guaranteed and his cap number goes down. A monstrous commitment by GB for years to come. 💰 💰 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2022
NFL free agency rumors, trade rumors
Deshaun Watson to meet with Panthers, Saints, other “serious suitors”
Date: March 13
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Saints and #Panthers have offers out on Deshaun Watson, who wants to meet with any serious suitors. pic.twitter.com/mn5y5ezIUo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
Deshaun Watson’s trade market is heating up after a grand jury elected not to indict the embattled Texans quarterback on nine criminal complaints of sexual harassment and misconduct. The Panthers have been interested in Watson since he first became available while the Saints would have to clear a lot of cap space to afford him.
MORE: Ranking Deshaun Watson’s top landing spots
Bills considered a “top suitor” for Evan Engram
Date: March 10
Source: Dan Duggan, The Athletic
The Bills are in the market for a tight end to pair with Dawson Knox. Dan Duggan reports that they are a “top suitor” for Evan Engram, who has averaged 69 catches, 740 yards and four touchdowns per 17 games played during his career. And no quarterback he has played with is nearly as good as Josh Allen.
Patriots eying receivers including Allen Robinson, Robby Anderson
Date: March 9
Source: Mike Giardi, NFL Network
The #Patriots have done what one source described to me as “excessive” work on a variety of vet WRs available either in free agency (yes, including Allen Robinson) and those who might be available via trade (Robby Anderson, as first reported by @GregABedard). (1/2)
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 9, 2022
The Patriots have a couple of good receivers in Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers, but they need to add a true No. 1-type receiver and depth to their wide-out room. They are reportedly doing a lot of work on free-agent receivers including Allen Robinson. They also are considering a trade for Robby Anderson, which would make Nelson Agholor expendable.
Eric Fisher won’t re-sign with the Colts
Date: March 9
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Pro-Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher is not expected to resign with the Colts despite the fact that the two sides have spent recent weeks trying to strike a new deal, per sources. Fisher now is poised to hit free agency next week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2022
Eric Fisher was signed by the Colts during the 2021 offseason to replace Anthony Castonzo after their veteran offensive lineman retired. Now, the former Pro Bowler will move on to his third team in as many years while the Colts search for a replacement.
Bengals, 49ers interested in Patriots’ J.C. Jackson
Date: March 8
Source: Jordan Schultz
#Pats FA corner J.C. Jackson — who’s still just 26 — will set the market in a big way. Sources say the #Bengals, #Chargers, #Niners and #Dolphins will all have legitimate interest in the All-Pro, among others. @MR_INT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 8, 2022
The Patriots aren’t expected to keep J.C. Jackson, who has 25 career interceptions in four years since going undrafted out of Maryland. The Bengals, who need an upgrade over Eli Apple, and 49ers, who need a true No. 1 corner, are among the teams interested in him along with the Dolphins and Chargers.
Von Miller has suitors including Rams, Broncos
Date: March 6
Source: Aaron Wilson, Pro Football Network
Von Miller is drawing plenty of interest during his first trip to the unrestricted free agent market. Miller is drawing interest from the Broncos, Rams and Packers, among others. The Chargers were reportedly interested in Miller as well, but they probably won’t pursue him after trading for Khalil Mack.
Mitchell Trubisky “creating a lot of buzz” ahead of free agency
Date: March 3
Source: Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
The 2022 NFL quarterback market is fairly weak, and there are more QB-needy teams that there are viable starters out there. That’s part of why Trubisky is getting buzz, and per Pauline, teams are planning to sign Trubisky with “the expectation he’ll compete for a starting spot.” The Steelers, Colts and Giants have all been mentioned in connection with Trubisky.
Best NFL free agents by position
Here’s a list of the top NFL free agents still available, as ranked by SN’s Vinnie Iyer:
Quarterbacks
- Jameis Winston, Saints
- Marcus Mariota, Raiders
- Mitchell Trubisky, Bills
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Commanders
- Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos
- Colt McCoy, Cardinals
- Tyrod Taylor, Texans
- Andy Dalton, Bears
- Jacoby Brissett, Dolphins
- Cam Newton, Panthers
- Joe Flacco, Jets
Running backs
- Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers
- James Conner, Cardinals
- Chase Edmonds, Cardinals
- Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons
- Sony Michel, Rams
- Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
- Melvin Gordon, Broncos
- Duke Johnson Jr., Dolphins
- Darrel Williams, Chiefs
- Boston Scott, Eagles
- Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
- Devonta Freeman, Ravens
- Latavius Murray, Ravens
- Justin Jackson, Chargers
- Damien Williams, Bears
- Devontae Booker, Giants
- David Johnson, Texans
- Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ers
- Phillip Lindsay, Dolphins
- Alex Collins, Seahawks
Wide receivers
- Davante Adams, Packers (franchise-tagged)
- Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (franchise-tagged)
- Mike Williams, Chargers (re-signed for 3 years, $60 million)
- Allen Robinson, Bears
- D.J. Chark, Jaguars
- Odell Beckham Jr., Rams
- Michael Gallup, Cowboys
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers
- Christian Kirk, Cardinals
- Russell Gage, Falcons
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers
- Cedrick Wilson, Cowboys
- Braxton Berrios, Jets
- TY. Hilton, Colts
- Jamison Crowder, Jets
- Sammy Watkins, Ravens
- Will Fuller, Dolphins
- Keelan Cole, Jets
- A.J. Green, Cardinals
- Emmanuel Sanders, Bills
Tight ends
- Mike Gesicki, Dolphins (franchise-tagged)
- Dalton Schultz, Cowboys (franchise-tagged)
- Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers
- Zach Ertz, Cardinals
- Robert Tonyan, Packers
- Evan Engram, Giants
- Gerald Everett, Seahawks
- David Njoku, Browns (franchise-tagged)
- Maxx Williams, Cardinals
- O.J. Howard, Buccaneers
Offensive tackles
- Terron Armstead, Saints
- Orlando Brown Jr,. Chiefs (franchise-tagged)
- Duane Brown, Seahawks
- Eric Fisher, Colts
- Trent Brown, Patriots
- Morgan Moses, Jets
- Riley Reiff, Bengals
- Brandon Shell, Seahawks
- Bobby Massie, Broncos
Guards/centers
- Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers
- Brandon Scherff, Commanders
- Laken Tomlinson, 49ers
- James Daniels, Bears
- Andrew Norwell, Jaguars
- Ben Jones, Titans
- Connor Williams, Cowboys
- Austin Corbett, Rams
- Brian Allen, Rams
- Germain Ifedi, Bears
- Alex Cappa, Buccaneers
- Quinton Spain, Bengals
- Mike Glowinski, Colts
Edge rushers
- Von Miller, Rams
- Chandler Jones, Cardinals
- Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins
- Harold Landry, Titans
- Jadeveon Clowney, Browns
- Randy Gregory, Cowboys
- Melvin Ingram, Chiefs
- Haason Reddick, Panthers
- Derek Barnett, Eagles
- Justin Houston, Ravens
- Jerry Hughes, Bills
- Charles Harris, Lions
- Uchenna Nwosu, Chargers
- Jason Pierre-Paul, Buccaneers
Defensive tackles
- Akiem Hicks, Bears
- Calais Campbell, Ravens
- B.J. Hill, Bengals
- D.J. Jones, 49ers
- Folorunso Fatukasi, Jets
- Sebastian Joseph-Day, Rams
- Maliek Collins, Texans
- Linval Joseph, Chargers
- Tim Settle, Commanders
- Sheldon Richardson, Vikings
Linebackers
- De’Vondre Campbell, Packers
- Foyesade Oluokun, Falcons
- Dont’a Hightower, Patriots
- Leighton Vander Esch, Cowboys
- Josey Jewell, Broncos
- Alexander Johnson, Broncos
- Anthony Barr, Vikings
- Kyzir White, Chargers
Cornerbacks
- J.C. Jackson, Patriots
- Stephon Gilmore, Panthers
- Carlton Davis, Buccaneers
- Casey Hayward Jr., Raiders
- Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs
- Darious Williams, Rams
- Chavarius Ward, Chiefs
- D.J. Reed, Seahawks
- Donte Jackson, Panthers
- Steven Nelson, Steelers
- Patrick Peterson, Vikings
- Bryce Callahan, Broncos
- Joe Haden, Steelers
- Robert Alford, Cardinals
Safeties
- Jessie Bates III, Bengals (franchise-tagged)
- Marcus Williams, Saints
- Quandre Diggs, Seahawks
- Marcus Maye, Jets
- Jordan Whitehead, Buccaneers
- Kareem Jackson, Broncos
- Justin Reid, Texans
- Devin McCourty, Patriots
- Jayron Kearse, Cowboys
- Xavier Woods, Vikings
Kickers
- Younghoe Koo, Falcons
- Matt Gay, Rams
- Dustin Hopkins, Chargers
- Zane Gonzalez, Cardinals
- Nick Folk, Patriots
- Randy Bullock, Titans
- Michael Badgley, Colts
- Joey Slay, Commanders
- Greg Joseph, Vikings
Punters
- Bryan Anger, Cowboys
- Kevin Huber, Bengals
- Pat O’Donnell, Bears
- Michael Palardy, Dolphins
- Andy Lee, Cardinals
- Corey Bojorquez, Packers
- Jordan Berry, Vikings
- Thomas Morstead, Falcons