The commencement of NFL free agency was marked by the onset of the new league year at 4 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, setting the stage for a multitude of transactions. The preliminary legal tampering period on Monday and Tuesday witnessed a flurry of movements, although these were essentially informal agreements. It was only with the dawn of the new league year that completed agreements and trades negotiated prior to 4 PM on Wednesday officially took effect, inclusive of the Jets’ release of Aaron Rodgers.
Several sought-after free agents have already been snapped up, but a multiplicity of high-profile players still grace the open market. This comprises quite a few eminent quarterbacks, among them Rodgers and Russell Wilson. Rodgers seems to be deliberating between signing for either the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants, with a potential offer from the Vikings possibly in the pipeline. On the other hand, Wilson has already toured Cleveland and had discussions with the Giants on Friday, but is yet to secure a contract out of New Jersey.
Kirk Cousins is another quarterback to watch closely. Desirous of a starting position, there are nonetheless reports that the Falcons remain resolved to retain the recently side-lined Pro Bowl participant. An unanticipated move involved the San Francisco 49ers, as NFL media reports suggested the team is letting go of running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings.
In a turn of events, veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is confirmed to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal. Smith-Schuster is entering his second tenure with Kansas City after his late August signing with the team, following his release from the New England Patriots. During the previous regular season, he participated in 14 games (starting in eight), during which he amassed 18 receptions for 231 yards and notched two touchdowns.
The Tennessee Titans are parting ways with cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, ESPN reports. Awuzie, a prior second-round selection of the Dallas Cowboys, managed to play only eight games in the 2024 season due to injuries. At that time, he recorded 26 tackles and a solitary interception.
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to enhance their receiver lineup. The team has confirmed a one-year agreement with established receiver Parris Campbell. However, details regarding the financial terms of Campbell’s agreement with Dallas have not been released. Before joining the Cowboys, Campbell, a previous second-round selection from Ohio State by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, had been active with the New York Giants (2023 season) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2024 season), the Super Bowl LIX victors.
If the Minnesota Vikings fall off the radar as a prospective team for Aaron Rodgers, it is suggested by The Athletic that the NFL’s four-time Most Valuable Player might reject offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants potentially choosing retirement.
The Atlanta Falcons are making the decision to retain Cousins, revoking any prior release plans, and are prepared to shell out a $10 million roster bonus due in 2026. Finding no trade partner to assume his contract, the Falcons will now keep Cousins as a backup for Michael Penix in 2025. Cousins’ dead cap value stands at $65 million.
The Chargers are giving a much-needed boost to their offensive lines as former Eagles guard Mekhi Becton has assented to a two-year stint with them, according to ESPN. Becton is set to take up guard duties, mainly the position where he excelled last season with the Super Bowl champion Eagles.
The previous Rams’ receiver Cooper Kupp has found a new home team, agreeing to a three-year deal of $45 million with the Seattle Seahawks. Following the trade of DK Metcalf to the Steelers and the release of Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks were on the hunt for a new receiver. Along with Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Kupp now provides another attacking option for Sam Darnold.
This move holds a personal significance for Kupp, a native of Washington. He was not just a Washington high school and Eastern Washington University alum but surprisingly, he also became the Super Bowl LVI MVP. Justin Fields is making a significant switch, changing his jersey number in New York.
The quarterback previously sported the numbers 1 and 2 in his professional career. Recent events, however, have prompted a change to number SEVEN. With the numbers 1 and 2 already assigned to Sauce Gardner and Tyrod Taylor respectively, a new number is Fields’ recourse to avoid any potential disputes.