The free agent negotiation period, known as the 'legal tampering window' ,when pending unrestricted free agents can begin talking to any team in the NFL ahead of the official opening of free agency Wednesday, is now underway. TSN.ca rounds up all the rumours and reports as the NFL off-season shifts into high gear.

Bills could target Bradford to fill void at quarterback

The Buffalo Bills have been in the market for a starting quarterback since trading Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns late last week. One target to keep an eye on, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, is former Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Bradford.

Pelissero reported the Bills have some interest in Bradford, who would be a good scheme fit. He also noted Case Keenum, another Vikings QB last year, as an option for Buffalo.

The 30-year-old Bradford has been an effective quarterback when healthy, but has struggled with injuries his whole NFL career. He missed all but two games last year with a knee injury, opening the door for Keenum, who led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game, and has missed significant time in four of his eight seasons.

Keenum, meanwhile, was a career backup before his breakout season last year. The 30-year-old played in 15 games with 14 starts for the Vikings, finishing with a 67.6 per cent completion rate, 3,547 passing yards, and 22 touchdowns to seven interceptions.

New Orleans reunion?

Tight end Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints could be headed for a reunion after three seasons apart.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Saints have a strong interest in a reunion with Graham and the feeling is mutual. Graham starred with the Saints from 2010 to 2014, earning three Pro Bowl bids and one First Team All Pro.

Graham was traded to the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2015 season where he has played the past three seasons. The 31-year-old finished with 57 receptions for 520 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games with 13 starts for the Seahawks last season.

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Graham might not be the only big ticket free agent the Saints sign come Wednesday.

According to a report from Diana Russini of ESPN, the Saints could sign former New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler after almost trading for him earlier. Russini added the Saints also have their eyes on veteran corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Chiefs parting ways with long-time pass rusher Tamba Hali

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing veteran defensive end Tamba Hali after 12 seasons with the team, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

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Hali has spent his entire 12-year career with the Chiefs after the team drafted him in the first round in 2006. The 34-year-old played just five games for the Chiefs last season, finishing with a tackle.

The five-time Pro Bowler has 89.5 sacks in 177 career games.

Big money on the offensive line

Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Zach Fulton is expected to get paid handsomely this off-season, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported the Houston Texans are the favourites to sign Fulton to a multi-year contract that will be worth more than $7 million per season. Fulton should play centre for the Texans, according to Rapoport.

Raiders release veteran CB Sean Smith

The Oakland Raiders will release veteran cornerback Sean Smith, who will plead guilty to felony count of assault with great bodily injury and be sentenced to one year in prison, according to a report from Nathan Fenno of the Los Angeles Times.

The charges stem from an incident last off-season when Smith reportedly beat his sister's boyfriend. Smith will also be sentenced to three years probation as part of the guilty plea.

From a football standpoint, Smith's release will save the Raiders $8.25 million. The 30-year-old played well for the Raiders down the stretch last season, after a year and a half of disappointing production.

Scandrick requests release

Long-time Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick has requested his release from the team, according to multiple reports. Scandrick should be on the move when free agency officially opens Wednesday.

Washington re-signs kicker Dustin Hopkins

(The Canadian Press) — Kicker Dustin Hopkins has re-signed with the Washington Redskins, where he's made 73 of 87 career field goal attempts in three seasons.

That's good for 83.9 per cent, which ranks second in franchise history among kickers with at least 50 tries. His career-long is 54 yards.

He's also made 94.9 per cent of extra points, going 93 of 98.

Hopkins missed half of last season with a strained hip muscle. He went 14 of 17 on field-goal attempts and 18 of 19 on extra points.

The Redskins announced the deal with the unrestricted free agent on Monday.

Any takers?

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport listed a number of players that are available via trade, as their teams try to move them for something in return before having to cut them for salary cap reasons.

Among the players on the trade market, according to Rapoport, are Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry, and Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James.

Seahawks re-sign safety McDougald

The Seattle Seahawks have spent most of the off-season so far reshaping their defence, leading to a number of changes on that side of the ball. But one thing will stay the same, with NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reporting the team has agreed to terms on a three-year, $13.95 million deal with safety Bradley McDougald.

McDougald is getting rewarded for his play filling in for the injured Kan Chancellor last year. The 27-year-old had nine starts last year, finishing with 45 tackles and four pass defences.

Broncos place second round tender on centre Matt Paradis, linebacker Shaq Barrett

NFL Network's James Palmer reported the Denver Broncos have placed a second round tender of restricted free agent centre Matt Paradis. Paradis is a key part of the team's offensive line.

The team also placed a second round tender on linebacker Shaq Barrett, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

 

Ravens re-sign offensive lineman James Hurst

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Baltimore Ravens have re-signed versatile offensive lineman James Hurst to a four-year contract worth $17.5 million with $8 million guaranteed.

Chiefs release safety Ron Parker

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Kansas City Chiefs will release veteran safety Ron Parker Monday. Parker had nine interceptions, seven sacks, and 40 pass defences in 64 starts for the Chiefs.