NFL free agency preview: Could big stars be on the move via trades?
The NFL Up Vote crew debates if we will see DeAndre Hopkins, Jalen Ramsey and Derrick Henry traded this offseason.
USA TODAY
NFL free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, but a number of top players on the market are already spoken for.
While the league won’t mark the start of its league year until 4 p.m. ET tomorrow, Monday’s opening of the “negotiating period” or “legal tampering window” meant a flood of unofficial agreements between marquee players and franchises. Among the big names to strike agreements were QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders), DT Javon Hargrave (San Francisco 49ers), OT Mike McGlinchey (Denver Broncos) and LB Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears).
More are sure to follow Tuesday, so check back often with USA TODAY Sports throughout the day for all the latest updates:
Running back Raheem Mostert is returning to the Miami Dolphins on a two-year deal, his agent, Brett Tessler, announced on social media Tuesday.
Mostert and the Dolphins agreed to a contract that could reach up to $7.6 million, according to ESPN. Before incentives, the deal is $5.6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
Mostert had more than 1,000 yards of offense with the Dolphins last season under first-year coach Mike McDaniel, whom he played under in San Francisco when McDaniel was the offensive coordinator in 2021.
Mostert’s familiarity with McDaniel’s offense helped the Dolphins to a 9-8 record and a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last season.
– Safid Deen
The Dallas Cowboys are keeping a key member of their secondary.
Safety Donovan Wilson agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $24 million.
Wilson, 28, led the Cowboys with 107 tackles last season while adding five sacks, both figures representing career bests. His return assures defensive coordinator Dan Quinn a downhill tackler while fellow safeties Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker take on more expanded coverage roles.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
The wide receiver market was slow to materialize, but the top pass catcher is now off the board.
Meyers agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
The move is the latest by coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to reshape the offense. On Monday, the Raiders struck a three-year deal with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Meyers joins Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller in Las Vegas’ crew of pass catchers.
His departure leaves a significant hole for New England, which now no longer returns any wide receiver who had more than 35 catches or 550 receiving yards.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
More changes are coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team is trading offensive guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans in a late-round pick swap, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports.
Reports emerged Monday that the Buccaneers would either try to trade or release Mason, who had a $9.576 million cap hit.
He becomes the second starting offensive lineman that the team has sent off this offseason after left tackle Donovan Smith was cut.
In Houston, Mason might provide needed stability on the interior for a team that is expected to have a rookie starter in 2023.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback plan might be coming into focus.
Taylor Heinicke agreed to a two-year deal worth $14 million million, per multiple reports.
His arrival likely further solidifies second-year signal-caller Desmond Ridder as the starter. The Falcons also own the No. 8 pick and could select a quarterback, though it’s expected that the top three or four passers will be gone by that point.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera had left the door open for a possible return for Heinicke, who started nine games for Washington. Rivera maintained, however, that Sam Howell would have the lead for the starting position entering the offseason program.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
