Today, March 12, marks the start of a new chapter in the NFL as the league’s new year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET. This signals the beginning of a flurry of activity with free-agent signings, trades, and more set to unfold in the days ahead. While some agreements have been informally reached during the legal tampering period, nothing is official until contracts are signed.
Many big-name players are poised to make moves in the near future, with Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson headlining the list of quarterbacks likely to find new teams. Other notable players like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Amari Cooper, and Stefon Diggs have already found new homes or are on the verge of doing so.
On the defensive side, Joey Bosa is reportedly heading to the Bills on a one-year deal, while Justin Reid is joining the Saints, leaving a limited pool of top-tier defenders available.
Stay updated with the latest news, signings, and rumors in NFL free agency as they happen, with USA TODAY Sports providing real-time coverage. Keep an eye out for live updates on player movements, including recent signings like DeMarcus Lawrence joining the Seahawks, Christian Rozeboom signing with the Panthers, and Darius Slay inking a deal with the Steelers, among others.
Additionally, the Falcons have retained Pro Bowl special teamer KhaDarel Hodge, the Lions have re-signed Levi Onwuzurike, and the Broncos are set to add TE Evan Engram to their roster. The Browns have also made moves by signing Maliek Collins to a two-year deal.
Exciting times lie ahead in the NFL landscape, so stay tuned for all the latest developments and transactions in the days to come.
The Vikings have inked a two-year deal with Hargrave, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 12. Following his release from the 49ers at the start of the new league year, Hargrave swiftly secured a contract with the Vikings worth $30 million over two years to strengthen their defensive line. Despite playing only three games in 2024 due to a torn triceps, Hargrave had accumulated 25.5 sacks over the previous three seasons.
Russell Wilson is scheduled to visit the Browns and Giants, according to Schefter. Wilson will meet with Cleveland on Thursday and then head to New York on Friday to explore his free-agent options in depth.
In another move, the Steelers have reached an agreement with Jets cornerback Brandin Echols, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Echols, who recorded 40 tackles and two interceptions in 16 games last season, will join Pittsburgh’s cornerback group. The Steelers are also anticipated to sign former Eagles cornerback Darius Slay in free agency.
Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman will sign a one-year deal with the Commanders, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. After a stint with the Falcons last season, where he contributed 16 tackles and a sack in 17 games, Goldman will add depth to Washington’s defensive line.
The Jets are set to release Aaron Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, Schefter revealed. After informing Rodgers of their decision to move on from him following two lackluster seasons, the Jets will facilitate his negotiation of a new contract with another team. By designating Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, the Jets will generate $7 million in cap savings for 2025, with a $35 million dead cap hit for 2026.
In a trade deal, the Bills are sending cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick, announced by Josina Anderson. Elam, a first-round pick for the Bills in 2022, struggled to secure playing time in Buffalo, making 12 starts in 29 games with 81 tackles and two interceptions.
Lastly, the Falcons face a decision regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins and his $10 million roster bonus, per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. With Michael Penix Jr. expected to start in 2025, Cousins may become an expensive backup or a trade candidate for the Falcons.
The Giants have agreed to terms with offensive tackle Stone Forsythe on March 12.
The New York Giants have added depth to their offensive line by signing former Seahawk Stone Forsythe to a contract. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Forsythe, who played in 53 games (including 14 starts) during his four years in Seattle, has experience at both right and left tackle positions. The Giants note that Forsythe also has experience playing on the interior from his college years.
WR Cooper Kupp is set to be released by the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp had been informed by the team in February that they would try to trade him in the offseason, but with no trade materializing, the Rams will release him after eight years with the team. Kupp played in 12 games last season, accumulating 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns. The Steelers and Seahawks are seen as potential landing spots for the former Rams WR.
QB Marcus Mariota will remain with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal worth $8 million. Mariota served as the backup to Jayden Daniels last year and appeared in three games, throwing for 364 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions with a completion rate of 77.3%.
WR Jalen Reagor has agreed to an extension with the Los Angeles Chargers. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Reagor played in eight games for the Chargers in 2024, recording seven catches for 100 yards.
Edge rusher Rashad Weaver has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Weaver, who played three games for the Texans last year, adds depth to the Jets’ pass rush after spending time on the practice squads of Houston and the Los Angeles Rams.
LB Troy Dye is returning to the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $5.5 million deal. Dye had a career-high in tackles (57) and sacks (1.5) last year, playing on both defense and special teams.
The Seattle Seahawks have signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. Valdes-Scantling joins Seattle after stints with Buffalo and New Orleans, providing reinforcement at the wide receiver position following the departure of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with former Commanders safety Darrick Forrest on a one-year deal. Forrest, who primarily played on special teams last season, hits free agency after four years with Washington.
There is speculation surrounding a potential trade involving Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. While the team previously announced intentions to part ways with the veteran quarterback, no move has been made official yet. As the new league year approaches, there is anticipation that a trade could be in the works to allow the Jets to gain value from the 41-year-old quarterback. Rodgers is entering the final season of his three-year, $112.5 million contract.
Aaron Rodgers signed a $23 million contract with the Jets in 2023. If released after June 1, the team would incur a $23.5 million cap hit. Subsequent years would see Rodgers responsible for a $14 million cap hit in 2025 and a $35 million cap hit in 2026. A potential trade for Rodgers is hindered by his no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any deal.
In other NFL news:
– Cornerback Mike Ford has signed a short-term deal with the Falcons for two years totaling $4 million.
– Defensive tackle Greg Gaines is re-signing with the Buccaneers on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million for the third consecutive year.
– Safety Damar Hamlin, coming off a strong season in 2024, has been extended by the Bills with a one-year deal.
– Wide receiver Van Jefferson is set to join the Titans on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
– Guard Saahdiq Charles plans to come out of retirement to enter free agency after a brief stint with the Titans.
– Linebacker Tyrel Dodson is returning to Miami on a two-year, $8.25 million deal.
– Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi has reached an agreement with the Bills on a one-year, $8.3 million contract.
– The Chiefs restructured the contracts of Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to create cap space for new signings such as Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell, and Jaylon Moore.
– The Bills and defensive end Joey Bosa have agreed to terms on a short-term deal.
On Tuesday, it was expected that Bosa would reunite with his brother Nick in San Francisco. However, he surprised many by choosing to join the Bills instead, bolstering their pass-rush with a one-year, $12.6 million contract. Below is a list of the top-10 available NFL free agents as compiled by USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon:
– Stefon Diggs, WR
– Amari Cooper, WR
– Aaron Rodgers, QB
– Cam Robinson, T
– DeAndre Hopkins, WR
– Keenan Allen, WR
– Joey Bosa, Edge
– Russell Wilson, QB
– J.K. Dobbins, RB
– Justin Blackmon, S
For more updates on NFL free agency including signings, rumors, and the latest on remaining free agents, visit USA TODAY.
