Get the latest news and rumors, biggest signings, and more across the league, especially as it relates to the New England Patriots. Read below for live updates...
The Raiders capped a busy day with two big-time signings at linebacker: they've agreed to deals with both ex-Eagle Nakobe Dean and former Packers maintay Quay Walker. According to Adam Schefter, it's three years/$36 million for Dean and three years/$40.5 million for Walker. The Raiders also signed Kwity Paye to fill the edge-rushing void left by the Maxx Crosby trade, added a starting-caliber cornerback in Eric Stokes, and addressed the offense with the signings of center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Jalen Nailor.
The Giants' commitment to building in the trenches continues. They're retaining starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor on a three-year deal worth $39 million, according to Adam Schefter. The G-Men have now kept Eluemunor and blocking tight end Chris Manhertz in the fold, and bolstered their offense with the addition of TE Isaiah Likely. John Harbaugh is committing to building around and protecting young quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Las Vegas has identified its replacement for Maxx Crosby: they've signed former Colts edge rusher Kwity Paye to a deal worth $16 million per year, according to Ian Rapoport.
OT Vederian Lowe leaves Patriots for 49ers
The New England Patriots have to shore up their tackle depth at some point, because Vederian Lowe has agreed to join the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year deal with a max value of $12 million and $5.75M guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Read more about the deal here.
Analysis: The Patriots need to invest in a tackle, whether it's a starter or a swing tackle or a reserve. Assuming they stay the course with their commitment to Will Campbell at left tackle, and Morgan Moses keeps playing, they will at the very least need a new tackle that can come in as an extra blocker, a role filled by Thayer Munford late last season. Ideally, the Patriots identify a steady veteran for that side of the line, especially if they aren't going get that kind of player at left guard. --Matt Dolloff
Commanders pay up for EDGE Odafe Oweh
Odafe Oweh just got himself a bag. According to Adam Schefter, he's signing with the Washington Commanders for four years and up to $100 million, with $68M guaranteed. The Commanders add one of the best edge rushers on the market after getting little impact in that area beyond 36-year-old Von Miller, who is set to become a free agent once again.
According to Adam Schefter, former Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe has agreed to a three-year deal worth $60 million with the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincy shores up its pass rush with All-Pro Trey Hendrickson likely to land elsewhere.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Cleveland Browns are signing free-agent guard Zion Johnson to a three-year deal worth $49.5 million.
Analysis: Another experienced left guard comes off the board for the Patriots, who signaled that they could be in the market for a starter at that spot after trading center Garrett Bradbury to the Vikings. That clears the runway for second-year pro Jared Wilson to slide over to his natural position of center, where he played at college. Assuming they stick to their vocal commitment to Will Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots have work to do at left guard. -Matt Dolloff
The Chicago Bears addressed the middle of their defense, agreeing to a three-year deal with free-agent linebacker Devin Bush. According to Ian Rapoport, it's for up to $30 million.
After 12 excellent seasons in Tampa Bay, wide receiver Mike Evans is leaving for the west coast. He's agreed to a deal with the San Fransisco 49ers for three years and up to $60.4 million, according to Adam Schefter.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson signs with Titans
As Mike Florio reported early on Monday, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is in fact signing with the Tennessee Titans. It's a four-year deal for up to $78 million, according to Jordan Schultz. Cam Ward gets a reliable separator and chain-mover in the slot, and Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll gets back a receiver that he had success with in New York.
DT Khyiris Tonga signs with Chiefs
The Patriots are losing nose tackle Khyiris Tonga within the conference. The former Patriot has agreed to a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $21 million with $14 million guaranteed, according to Mike Garafolo.
Analysis: The Patriots seemed to bungle their contract negotiations with Tonga down by the finish line. Patriots insider Mark Daniels said Monday that he believes the Patriots straight-up "messed this one up." Tonga out-performed his contract by making a difference as both a primary run-stopper and a rotational interior pass-rusher, and now the Patriots need a nose tackle. It's no guarantee that they can replace what Tonga brought to the table 1-for-1, which makes this situation frustrating. --Matt Dolloff
Saints sign RB Travis Etienne, OG David Edwards
The New Orleans Saints just beefed up the offensive line and running game around young quarterback Tyler Shough. According to multiple reports, they've agreed to deals with running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards.
The Raiders just made center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in the NFL. According to Adam Schefter, his new four-year deal with Las Vegas will pay him $27 million per season. The Raiders aggressively address the line in front of what's expected to be first-overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Patriots have agreed to a three-year deal with fullback Reggie Gilliam. The deal is for up to $12 million and includes $6M guaranteed, and Gilliam will get $4.4M in Year 1.
Analysis: This is not the kind of move that will excite a lot of fans, especially considering how they prioritized this over more critical spots on the roster. But the Patriots did need a legitimate fullback. It's vital for Josh McDaniels' offense to have a functional running game, and Jack Westover's struggles in that role (to be fair, he's not really a fullback in the first place) often blew up plays all by themselves. The expectation is that Gilliam will open holes in the run game that couldn't be opened last season, and also contribute in pass protection. It's a minor move, but one that should make a noticeable difference. --Matt Dolloff
TE Austin Hooper returns to Falcons
Veteran tight end Austin Hooper is moving on after two seasons with the Patriots. He's signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, accoridng to Ian Rapoport. Hooper is not just returning to a former team, but reuniting with head coach Kevin Stefanski, whom he played for on the Cleveland Browns.
Jets double-dip on defensive line help
The New York Jets have agreed to two deals in quick succession to address their defensive line. Per Adam Schefter, the Jets are signing defensive end Joseph Ossai to a three-year deal worth up to $36 million with $22.5M guaranteed. Soon after that, Jeremy Fowler reported that they're signing edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to a one-year deal worth $10M.
One of the top tight ends available is off the board. As first reported by Adam Schefter, the New York Giants are signing tight end Isaiah Likely to a three-year deal. Ian Rapoport had the numbers: it's a base value of $40 million with the potential to get as high as $47.5M.
Steelers get WR Michael Pittman Jr. from Colts
According to Adam Schefter, the Colts are swapping late-round draft picks with the Steelers to send wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers gets a dynamic new weapon who complements D.K. Metcalf well.
Chiefs sign RB Kenneth Walker III
The Chiefs have made a big splash to bolster their offense on Day 1 of free agent negotiations. As first reported by Ian Rapoport and quickly confirmed by others, they are signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.
The top wide receiver available never hit the market. Wide receiver Alec Pierce is staying with the Colts on a four-year extension with an AAV of $29 million, according to Adam Schefter.
According to Dianna Russini, Pierce "turned down more money elsewhere" to stay with the Colts. The Patriots, Raiders, Chargers, and 49ers were among the teams that made a push to sign him.
Travis Kelce will not explore free agency, after all. According to Ian Rapoport and others, the veteran tight end is expected to work out a deal to stay with the Chiefs for a 14th season. The Chiefs have informed other teams that Kelce will not be available.
