NFL free agency might be ramping down from its early week peak, but the action has hardly stopped.
After a flurry of action on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of the pre-free agency negotiating window, Thursday featured several notable deals, including a pair of trades: the Washington Commanders sending QB Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Chargers dealing WR Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. And while most of the big names have already settled on their destinations, big-money contracts are still materializing, as evidenced by Arik Armstead’s three-year, $51 million pact with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
USA TODAY Sports will have updates on all the latest deals and buzz throughout the day, so check back often for up-to-the-minute news from our staff and around the USA TODAY Network:
Which NFL quarterbacks are still free agents?
While Thursday saw quarterbacks who were starters in 2023 traded to other teams and likely backup roles – Sam Howell (Seattle Seahawks), Desmond Ridder (Arizona Cardinals) – other passers with extensive starting experience, and some as QB2, also remain available.
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Among the most notable are Ryan Tannehill, Joshua Dobbs and Jimmy Garoppolo, who was cut this week by the Las Vegas Raiders. Others include longtime reserves Blaine Gabbert, Brian Hoyer, Easton Stick and Kyle Allen plus former Pro Bowlers Carson Wentz and Snoop Huntley,
Rams add S Kamren Curl to back end
The Los Angeles Rams continue to remake their defense, one that became wholly unrecognizable – aside from DL Aaron Donald – in the wake of their Super Bowl 56 triumph.
The latest addition is safety Kamren Curl, who’s quietly been a solid player for the Washington Commanders in recent seasons. Per NFL Network, he gets a two-year deal with a max value of $13 million.
Curl had a career-high 115 tackles in 2023. For now, it appears he and Russ Yeast will be the Rams’ new safety tandem.
Who are the best unsigned players?
Though most of the big-ticket free agents have already landed in new homes, more remain unclaimed – including notable linemen like LT Tyron Smith and DEs Chase Young and Jadeveon Clowney. USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon listed out his top 25 remaining free agents as of Friday morning.
Browns begin revamping linebacker corps
The Cleveland Browns lost both of their starting inside linebackers Monday when Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki left in free agency. They’ve already replaced one with veteran free agent Jordan Hicks.
Now, the Browns are bringing in another potential replacement. A league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal a report by ESPN that former first-round pick Devin Bush Jr. will sign a deal with the team.
Bush, 25, was originally the 10th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 draft out of the University of Michigan. However, after four seasons in Pittsburgh, he spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The 5-11, 234-pounder played in 13 games for the Seahawks, starting three. He had 37 tackles and five tackles for loss.
– Chris Eastering, Akron Beacon Journal
Mac Jones talks after trade from Patriots to Jags
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Mac Jones made his first public comments since being traded for a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots.
The move came ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, where the Patriots are expected to use their No. 3 overall pick to select one of the top-three quarterbacks on the board. When speaking with media members at an introductory press conference on Thursday, Jones called the break-up with New England a “mutual parting of ways.”
“Obviously, we kind of just decided the mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us,” said Jones. “For me, it was just about moving on and getting back home, and I can’t be more excited. And for them, it’s about moving forward and turning the page. So really, that’s kind of what we decided, and I think it’s a great decision.”
– Jordy McElroy, The Providence Journal
New speed challenge for Tyreek Hill in Miami?
Certainly, no 240-pound linebacker is any match for The Cheetah, right?
Wrong, at least in the eyes of new Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who in his introductory news conference with South Florida reporters Thursday wasn’t shy about discussing his speed.
“I personally think I’m one of the fastest guys in the NFL,” Brooks said.
And just to make sure there was no misunderstanding, he quickly added, “Not linebackers but players. Period.”
When it was pointed out that he’s joining a team that isn’t short on speed – Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert still wear Dolphins colors, of course – Brooks still didn’t back down.
“I’m ready, man,” he said.
For the record, Brooks ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds at the NFL combine. Hill has been clocked in the 4.29 range.
Regardless, it’s a good thing for the Dolphins that Brooks says he’s ready for whatever challenge comes his way. With the loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Miami’s linebackers should see their share of running backs coming at them in 2024, in addition to usual responsibilities in coverage.
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– Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post
2024-03-15 12:22:30
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