The free agent negotiation period is underway ahead of the official opening of free agency Wednesday aftenoon. TSN.ca rounds up all the rumours and reports as the NFL off-season shifts into high gear.


Ellington returning to Texans

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington is returning to Houston, according to Ian Rapoport. The Texans and Ellington agreed on a one-year deal.


 

Lions sign Shead to one-year deal

According to Adam Schefter, former Seattle Seahawks' CB DeShawn Shead has signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million with the Detroit Lions. The deal could reach $6.5 million with playtime incentives, per source.


DE Jones stays with Titans

According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans signed defensive end DaQuan Jones to a three-year deal worth $21 million with $14 million guaranteed.


Saints sign backup QB Savage

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New Orleans Saints and backup quarterback Tom Savage have reached an agreement.


Patriots bringing back Burkhead

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the New England Patriots are bringing back running back Rex Burkhead on a three-year deal with lots of guaranteed money.

In his first season with the Patriots last season, Burkhead had 64 rushes for 264 yards and five touchdowns. He added 30 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns through the air.


Cardinals sign veteran offensive tackle Andre Smith

The Arizona Cardinals have signed veteran offensive tackle Andre Smith to a two-year, $8 million deal according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter added the deal could be worth up to $10.2 million for the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman.


Colts add defensive lineman

The Indianapolis Colts have signed former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Denico Autry, according to multiple reports.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the term's of Autry's deal: three years and $17.8 million with $7 million expected in the first year.


Raiders working to acquire LB Burfict

The Oakland Raiders are in need of linebackers, and are working to acquire one from the Cincinnati Bengals - Vontaze Burfict - according to Chris Renkel of CBS 42.

The 27-year-old Burfict is an effective player when he's not suspended. He played in 10 games last season, recording 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks.


Browns adding CB Carrie

The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign TJ Carrie to bolster their secondary, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

Carrie has to date spent his entire four-year career with the Oakland Raiders after they selected him in the seventh round of the 2014 Draft. Carrie had a solid season pressed into a starting role for the Raiders last year, finishing with 70 tackles.

ESPN's Adam Caplan reported the terms of Carrie's contract: four year and $31 million with $10 fully guaranteed.


Lions release TE Ebron

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Detroit Lions will release tight end Eric Ebron after failing to find a trade partner to take on the former first-rounder.

The Lions drafted Ebron 10th overall in 2014 but the 24-year-old never reached even 800 yards receiving in a season. Ebron finished with 53 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games with nine starts last year.


Bills take a flyer on pass rusher

The Buffalo Bills will sign pass rusher Trent Murphy, who last played for Washington, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal will be for three years and $21 million, Schefter reported.

Murphy missed all of last season due to a four-game PED suspension and a torn ACL, but had nine sacks the year before in Washington.The 2014 second round pick has 15 career sacks in three years.


Robinson returns to Saints

Veteran cornerback Patrick Robinson was rumoured to be re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, but instead is joining another of his former teams, the New Orleans Saints. The report comes from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported Robinson will sign a four-year deal with the Saints, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2010, and where he spent the first five years of his career. Rapoport added Robinson was close to an extension with the Eagles but couldn't get it to the finish line.

In 16 games with eight starts in Philadelphia last season, Robinson had 38 tackles and four interceptions.


Big Name on the Market

The Arizona Cardinals have released safety Tyrann Mathieu, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

The 25-year-old is considered one of the best defensive backs in football. He had two interceptions and one forced fumble along with 66 tackles in 16 games last season.

A third-round pick of the team in 2013, Mathieu was named a first-team All-Pro in 2015.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Mathieu refused to take a pay cut from the Cardinals, leading to his release. He signed a five-year, $62 million contract with the team in August 2016.

 


One more year for Peppers

Julius Peppers will return for another season with the Carolina Panthers, his 16th in the NFL and 10th with the Panthers, according to a report from Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Peppers is still producing at a high level this late in his career, finishing with 21 tackles and 11 sacks in 16 games last year. For his career, the nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All Pro, and future Hall of Famer, Peppers has 543 tackles and 154.5 sacks in 250 games.


Jordy Nelson tour

Jordy Nelson shouldn't be out of work long after getting released by the Green Bay Packers Tuesday. The veteran receiver already has three visits lined up, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, with the Oakland Raiders first on the list.

Nelso's visit with the Raiders is scheduled for Wednesday. The 32-year-old had a down year last season - 53 receptions for 482 yards and six touchdowns - but much of that can be attributed to Aaron Rodgers' injury and Nelson playing half the season with Brett Hundley throwing him the ball.


Janikowski joining a rival?

Long-time Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski will visit the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Janikowski has spent his entire career with the Raiders but the team announced they will be moving on from the 40-year-old earlier this off-season. After 17 seasons kicking for the Raiders, Janikowski spent last season on the injured reserve.


Giants nab prized free agent offensive tackle

The New York Giants have won the chase for prized free agent offensive tackle Nate Solder, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Solder was the top left tackle available in free agency after seven seasons with the New England Patriots. The 29-year-old was a first round pick in 2011. ESPN's Adam Schefter added the expected terms for Solder: four years and $60 million.


Bears land backup QB

The Chicago Bears are expected to sign backup quarterback Chase Daniel to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Daniel's two-year deal is worth a total of $10 million, according to Rapoport, with $7 million guaranteed. The 31-year-old spent last season backing up Drew Brees in New Orleans. For his career, the eight-year veteran is 51-78 for 480 yards and one touchdown to one interception.


Jaguars replace Colvin with Hayden

After Aaron Colvin agreed to a deal with the division-rival Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars will replace him with DJ Hayden. ESPN's Adam Caplan reported the Jaguars are expected to sign Hayden to a three-year deal worth $19 million, with $9.5 million guaranteed.

After four disappointing years with the Oakland Raiders, the 12th overall pick in the 2013 Draft spent last year with the Detroit Lions. In 16 games with one start, Hayden had 35 tackles and nine pass defences.


Texans beef up offensive line

The Houston Texans are expected to add interior offensive lineman Zach Fulton, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport reported the deal is expected to average roughly $7.5 million per season.

The 26-year-old Fulton has spent his entire four-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.


Browns add Mitchell to secondary

The Cleveland Browns intend to sign former Kanasa City Chiefs corner Terrance Mitchell to a three-year deal worth $12 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.  Mitchell spent the last two seasons in Kansas City after spending one year with the Dallas Cowboys.  He's also played for the Chicago Bears.


Kline stays in Music City

According to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe, Tennessee Titans guard Josh Kline will stay with the team on a four-year, $26 million deal.  Kline has been with the team for two years, after spending the first three seasons of his NFL career with the New England Patriots.


Eagles keep a key member of their defence

The defending champions will keep a part of their defence intact as they will sign linebacker Nigel Bradham to a five-year deal worth $40 million according to a report by Adam Schefter.  Bradham has spent the last two seasons with the Eagles after beginning his career with the Buffalo Bills.  Last season he played in 15 games and contributed 88 tackles in helping the Eagles capture the Super Bowl.


49ers land their running back

The San Francisco 49ers land their running back as ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the team intends to sign former Minnesota Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon to a four-year deal worth $30 million.

The 25-year-old rushed for 570 yards last season on 150 carries and scored three touchdowns.  He also caught seven passes for 114 yards.


Browns add RB Hyde

The Cleveland Browns continued to revamp their offence on Wednesday, reaching an agreement with free agent running back Carlos Hyde.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Browns agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the former San Francisco 49er.

Hyde, 27, fell just shy of the 1,000-yard mark in each of the past two seasons, posting 988 yards in 2016 and 940 yards last season. He added a career-high 350 yards receiving last season and posted a total of eight touchdowns while appearing in 16 games for the first time in his career.

Cleveland has overhauled their roster already this offseason on offence, adding quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Jarvis Landry via trades. Former Browns running back Isaiah Crowell signed with the New York Jets. 

The Browns could also choose to add running back Saquon Barkley with one of their two first-round selections in the NFL Draft.


Recapping Tuesday

The following stories are from Tuesday's blog:

Packers beef up defensive line; add Wilkerson

The Green Bay Packers stayed busy Tuesday, agreeing to a deal with defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. 

Wilkerson seemed to wear out his welcome with the New York Jets last year as his sack total plummeted the last two seasons (4.5 in 2016, 3.5 in 2017) from his total of 12 in 2015. Wilkerson's total tackle numbers also decreased, going from 64 to 58 and then dipping again to 46 last season.

Wilkerson will reunite with former coach Mike Pettine, who will serve as the Packers' defensive coordinator. Wilkerson also reportedly met with the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints. 


 Jets to sign QB Bridgewater

After Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, and Sam Bradford reportedly agreed to deals earlier Tuesday, the New York Jets look like they too have found their man. The club will sign QB Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year deal according to ESPN's Chris Mortenson.

Bridgewater has played in just one game the past two seasons after suffering a serious knee injury in training camp ahead of the 2016 season. The 25-year-old showed some promise in his first two seasons in the league with the Minnesota Vikings, and for his career is 551-851 for 6,150 yards and 28 touchdowns to 22 interceptions.

With Bridgewater landing in New York, the Buffalo Bills remain the last known team to be searching for a starting quarterback.


Jaguars keeping WR Lee, adding WR Moncrief

The Jacksonville Jaguars are keeping wide receiver Marqise Lee with a four-year, $38 million deal according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal includes $18 million guaranteed.

Lee has spent his entire four-year career with the Jaguars after the team drafted him in the second round in 2014. The 26-year-old finished with 56 receptions for 702 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season.

The team is also adding former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief, according to Schefter.

In 12 games and eight starts for the Colts last season Moncrief had 26 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns.


Crowell to sign with Jets

Former Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell is expected to sign a three-year contract with the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire four-year career in Cleveland and he finished with 206 carries for 853 yards and two touchdowns last year.


Amendola staying in AFC East, signing with Dolphins

After five seasons with the New England Patriots, wide receiver Danny Amendola is expected to sign with the rival Miami Dolphins, according to a report from NFL Network's Dan Hellie.

The 32-year-old Amendola finished with last year with 61 receptions for 659 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (eight starts). For his career, the undrafted free agent has 426 receptions for 4,109 yards and 19 touchdowns in nine seasons split between the Patriots and St. Louis Rams.


Long-time Panthers RB Stewart to sign with Giants

Jonathan Stewart is expected to join his second club in his 11-year NFL career. After getting cut by the Panthers last week, Stewart is expected to sign with the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.


Bills add to their defensive front with Lotulelei

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills will sign former Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to a five-year deal when free agency opens.  Lotulelei has spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Panthers, who selected him 14th overall at the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Bills will also re-sign one of their own defensive tackles, the long-tenured Kyle Williams, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

 Rapoport reported the Bills will re-sign Williams, who has been with the team his entire 12-year career, to a one-year deal. The 34-year-old had 21 tackles and three sacks in 16 games last season.


Jaguars strengthen their offensive line with Norwell

Jacksonville Jaguars intend to ink guard Andrew Norwell to a five-year deal worth $66.5 million with $30 million fully guaranteed, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.   Norwell appeared in all 16 games last season for the Carolina Panthers.


Rams sign another cornerback

The Los Angeles Rams made headlines leading up to free agency by trading for cornerback Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. They further strengthened their secondary by keeping one of their own on the eve of free agency, coming to terms with nickel cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Robey-Coleman has agreed to a three-year, $15.75 million deal to stay with the Rams, according to Rapoport. Robey-Coleman had 36 tackles and two interceptions for the Rams last season in his first year with the club.


Washington to sign a weapon for Smith

Washington is expected to sign a weapon in the passing game for new quarterback Alex Smith. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the team plans to sign former Seattle Seahawks deep threat Paul Richardson to a five-year, $40 million deal with $20 million in guarantees.

The 25-year-old Richardson had 44 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdowns for the Seahawks last season.


Gabriel gets four years from the Bears

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Andrew Hawkins broke the news citing a solid source, Gabriel himself.

In 16 games with four starts for the Falcons last season, the 26-year-old had 33 receptions for 378 yards and a touchdown.


Panthers to sign CB Breeland

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Carolina Panthers are expected to sign cornerback Bashaud Breeland once free agency opens.

The 26-year-old Breeland has spent his four-year NFL career with Washington, and finished last season with 34 tackles and an interception in 15 games.


Eagles land Ngata on one-year deal

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to a one-year deal once free agency officially opens Wednesday, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortenson.

The 34-year-old Ngata played just five games for the Lions last season, finishing with seven tackles and two sacks. Nagata is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro.


Burton gets big money from Bears

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Trey Burton will sign with the Chicago Bears once free agency opens, with fellow NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport adding the expected terms: four years and $32 million.

Playing behind Zach Ertz in Philadelphia, Burton had 23 receptions for 248 yards and five touchdowns last season.


Dolphins add Wilson to receiving core

Ian Rapoport reports that the Dophins will sign former Chiefs WR Albert Wilson to a three-year deal worth $24 million when the league year begins.  Wilson caught 42 passes last season for 554 yards and three touchdowns for the Chiefs.  He leaves the Chiefs after four season.

 


Lions land a linebacker

The Detroit Lions are expected to add former Chicago Bears linebacker Christian Jones to a two-year contract, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 27-year-old Jones has spent his entire career to this point playing for the Bears. He finished with 57 tackles in 16 games (11 starts) for the Bears last season.