What a week. And it’s only Thursday.
Yes, NFL free agency begins NEXT week.
But we have seen unprecedented player movement and a boatload of contracts THIS week.
Here’s rundown of the more prolific moves:
MONDAY
3:33 p.m.: Calvin Ridley suspended
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports “NFL suspended Falcons WR Calvin Ridley for the 2022 season for betting on games.”
TUESDAY
11:25 a.m.: Aaron Rodgers confirms he will return to Packers
Pat McAfee reports “BREAKING: According to my sources.. @AaronRodgers12 will officially be returning to the Green Bay Packers.There is no deal in place currently but there is said to be a Cap Friendly deal on the way. Retirement was a real consideration & in the end 🗣 HE IS BACK WITH THE PACK”
1:41 p.m.: Seahawks trade Russell Wilson
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports “The #Seahawks and #Broncos have agreed in principle on a trade sending nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson to Denver for a massive haul, including multiple first-round draft picks, plus additional picks and players, per sources.”
WEDNESDAY
1:47 p.m.: Colts trade Carson Wentz
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports “Colts are trading QB Carson Wentz to Washington for a package of packs that is thought to include two third-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Washington is taking QB Carson Wentz and his full contract, per sources. Washington is paying the full $28 million due to Carson Wentz this year, which includes a $5 million roster bonus due next week.”
MORE NFL:
- Carson Wentz trade: Colts’ Frank Reich apologized to Jim Irsay, who refused to meet with the QB
- NFL rumors: Giants sign free-agent offensive lineman from N.J.
And this doesn’t count the eight players who received the franchise tag by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
MONDAY
6:43 a.m.: Chiefs tag Orlando Brown
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the “Kansas City Chiefs are franchise tagging OT Orlando Brown, per league sources. Brown becomes the first free-agent-to-be this off-season known to be getting the franchise tag. Other prime candidates to get the franchise tag by Tuesday’s 4 pm deadline include Packers WR Davante Adams, Bucs WR Chris Godwin, Chargers WR Mike Williams, Bengals S Jessie Bates III, Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz, Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki and Titans edge rusher Harold Landry III.”
12:02 p.m.: Browns tag David Njoku
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “Source: The #Browns tagged TE David Njoku. The first one. The #Browns and David Njoku’s agent Malki Kawa have been in long-term negotiations on an extension. The hope is the tag is a place holder for an eventual deal.”
3:20 p.m.: Bengals tag Jessie Bates
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports “The #Bengals have used the franchise tag on safety Jessie Bates, source said.”
TUESDAY
9:08 a.m.: Dolphins tag Mike Gesicki
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the “Dolphins have placed the franchise tag on TE Mike Gesicki, per league source.”
10:01 a.m.: Cowboys tag Dalton Schultz
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “The #Cowboys are franchise tagging TE Dalton Schultz, source said, keeping another playmaker in the fold. Coming off his best season, Schultz now is locked in for 2022 with a long-term deal the hope in the future.”
1:46 p.m.: Chargers avoid tagging Mike Williams
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the “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.
1:48 p.m.: Jaguars tag Cam Robinson
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “Not to be overshadowed by the Russell Wilson news, but: The #Jaguars have placed the franchise tag on LT Cam Robinson again.”
3:07 p.m.: Packers tag Davante Adams
NLFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “The #Packers have now officially franchise tagged WR Davante Adams, source said.”
3:08 p.m.: Buccaneers tag Chris Godwin
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “Now official: The #Bucs are tagging WR Chris Godwin, source said. They were unable to work out a long-term deal, but will keep trying.”
8:57 p.m.: Titans sign Harold Landry after passing on franchise tag
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the “Titans signed OLB Harold Landry to a 5-year, $87.5 million deal that includes $52.5M guaranteed, per source.”
Free agency will begin Monday with the tampering period. Players will be allowed to sign contracts as of 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. But as this week taught us, much could still happen between now and then.
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
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