Tag Archives: New Orleans Saints

2023 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC South

The NFC South’s offseason/free agency period started with the departures of two opening day starters at quarterback from 2022. Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees retired after an illustrious career. The Saints picked up draft picks with the trade of a former coach and created more cap space with restructured contracts. And the NFC South continued its momentum with the Carolina Panthers trading away a mortgage worth of current and future draft picks for the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offensive free agents

  • QB Blaine Gabbert
  • WR Julio Jones
  • WR Scotty Miller
  • WR Breshad Perriman
  • RB Giovani Bernard
  • RB Leonard Fournette (released)
  • TE Kyle Rudolph
  • TE Cameron Brate (released)
  • OG Aaron Stinnie
  • OT Josh Wells
  • OT Donovan Smith (released)

Defensive free agents

  • LB Lavonte David (re-signed)
  • OLB Anthony Nelson (re-signed)
  • DE Akiem Hicks
  • DE William Gholston
  • DE Pat O’Connor
  • DE Carl Nassib
  • DE Genard Avery
  • DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Agreed to terms with the Giants)
  • DT Deadrin Senat
  • S Mike Edwards (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)
  • SS Keanu Neal
  • CB Logan Ryan
  • CB Sean Bunting (Agreed to terms with Titans)
  • CB Jamel Dean (re-signed)
Lavonte David LB Tampa Buccaneers
Tampa Bay LB Lavonte David signed a a two-year deal back in 2021 and has has posted over 1,200 career tackles for the team in eleven seasons. He re-signed with the team on a one-year deal this spring.

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • QB Tom Brady announced his retirement
  • Parted ways with OC Byron Leftwich after four seasons and hired former Seattle Seahawks QB coach Dave Canales as its new offensive coordinator
  • Released OT Donovan Smith on March 8, 2023, RB Leonard Fournette, TE Cameron Brate
  • CB Carlton Davis, WR Chris Godwin, WR Russell Gage and C Ryan Jensen all restructured their contracts
  • Re-signed LB Lavonte David on a one-year deal, CB Jamel Dean on a three-year deal, OLB Anthony Nelson on a two-year deal
  • Lost DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Giants), S Mike Edwards (Chiefs)
  • Traded OG Shaq Mason and a 2023 seventh-round pick to the Houston Texans for a 2023 sixth-round pick
  • Agreed to terms with RB Chase Edmonds (Dolphins), DT Greg Gaines (Rams)

Atlanta Falcons

Offensive free agents

  • QB Marcus Mariota (released and agreed to terms with Eagles)
  • FB Keith Smith (re-signed)
  • WR Olamide Zaccheaus
  • WR Damiere Byrd
  • WR Khadarel Hodge
  • TE Anthony Firkser
  • TE MyCole Pruitt
  • OG Elijah Wilkinson
  • OG Colby Gossett
  • OT Kaleb McGary
  • OT Chuma Edoga
  • OT Germain Ifedi

Defensive free agents

  • DT Vincent Taylor
  • DT Jaleel Johnson
  • DE Matt Dickerson
  • OLB Lorenzo Carter
  • LB Rashaan Evans
  • LB Nick Kwiatkoski
  • CB Rashad Fenton
  • CB Isaiah Oliver (Agreed to terms with 49ers)
  • CB Michael Ford
  • S Erik Harris
  • P Bradley Pinion (re-signed)
  • LS Beau Brinkley

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Carolina Panthers

Offensive free agents

  • QB Sam Darnold (Agreed to terms with the 49ers)
  • OT Cameron Irving
  • OC Bradley Bozeman (re-signed)
  • OG Michael Jordan
  • RB D’Onta Foreman (Agreed to terms with Bears)
  • WR Rashard Higgins
  • WR Andre Roberts
  • PK Eddy Pineiro

Defensive free agents

  • DE Matt Ioannidis
  • ILB Cory Littleton
  • LB Damien Wilson (released)
  • S Juston Burris
  • S Sean Chandler
  • CB Justin Layne

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

New Orleans Saints

Offensive free agents

  • WR Deonte Harty (Agreed to terms with Bills)
  • WR Jarvis Landry
  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Mark Ingram
  • RB David Johnson
  • OT Ethan Greenidge

Defensive free agents

  • DL David Onyemata (Agreed to terms with the Falcons)
  • DT Shy Tuttle (Agreed to terms with the Panthers)
  • DE Marcus Davenport (Agreed to terms with Vikings)
  • LB Kwon Alexander
  • LB Ty Summers (re-signed)
  • CB P.J. Williams
  • CB Bradley Roby
  • DE Kentavious Street
  • SS JT Gray
  • SS Daniel Sorensen
  • S Justin Evans
  • OLB Kaden Elliss
Sean Payton HC Denver Broncos
The Saints traded former head coach Sean Payton and a 2024 third-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2023 first round pick and a 2024 second round pick.

2023 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with DE Tanoh Kpassagnon on a two-year extension, WR Keith Kirkwood on a one-year extension
  • Traded head coach Sean Payton and a 2024 third-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick (No. 30 overall) and a 2024 second-round pick
  • Hired former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods to the same position
  • DE Cameron Jordan, S Marcus Maye, PK Wil Lutz, C Erik McCoy, OT Ryan Ramczyk and FS Tyrann Mathieu restructured their contracts
  • Signed former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year deal
  • Gave a one-year extension to WR Michael Thomas, LB Ty Summers
  • Agreed to terms with DT Khalen Saunders (Chiefs), DL Nathan Shepherd (Jets), RB Jamaal Williams (Lions) on a three-year deal
  • Reportedly lost DE David Onyemata (Falcons), DT Shy Tuttle (Panthers), DE Marcus Davenport (Vikings), WR Deonte Harty (Bills)

NickNok

No matter when you turn on the film, Wisconsin OLB Nick Herbig shows up.

To the tune of 21 quarterback sacks and 36 tackles for losses over a three-year period (through 11-19-22).

Look no further than last year’s 2021 Las Vegas Bowl.

In that contest, he was dominant from the first through fourth quarter.

Final stat line: 7 tackles, 2 QB sacks, 2.5 TFLs

But his presence shows up well beyond the numbers.

In the Iowa contest a couple of weeks ago, he set the edge versus offensive tackle Jack Plumb on the first play of the game. The result? He dropped him to the ground with a simple two-hand jolt.

Is Herbig even 6-foot-2? That is the question many NFL teams will have to ponder when projecting him to the outside or inside exchange linebacker spot (most likely Will linebacker).

New Orleans Saints linebacker Zach Baun had a similar impact as a rush artist for the Badgers, but has since struggled in his transition to off the ball linebacker in the NFL.

The difference?

Baun was much more of a one-year wonder in terms of dominant production.

Herbig has averaged over a tackle for loss per game (1.2) since arriving on campus three years ago.

And how he does it is different.

He sets the edge versus tight ends (see 3rd QTR, Las Vegas Bowl ’21-Chenal’s tackle for loss).

By no means are there not repetitions where he can look outmatched versus longer personnel (see vs. Diesch, 3rd and 9, 2nd QTR, Las Vegas Bowl ’21). At the same time, however, his combativeness allows him to run through bigger tackles off the edge with an element of ferocity (QB sack, 4th QTR, vs. Scott, Las Vegas Bowl ’21).

He bends his knees well to break down for space tackles and generally plays with solid footwork. He gets on top of offensive tackles due to no false steps coming off the line of scrimmage.

“It’s a great presence. Him rushing off the edge, it’s nothing like it,” Badgers cornerback Alexander Smith explained. “He’s one of the best in the country. It helps us a lot on the back end and in the secondary. We don’t have to cover for that long.” (https://madison.com/sports/college/video_485364cb-be3e-5051-a9a8-ffd3ba138a2b.html).

Nick Herbig (No. 19 pictured) walked out over Arizona State's tight end Jalin Conyers in the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl
Wisconsin’s Nick Herbig leads the Big Ten in sacks (through 11-19-22), but he has also broken up six passes over the last two seasons.

Herbig does flash some coverage capability dropping into the curl-hook areas of the field on some of the team’s zone blitz concepts (see NMSU ’22), but has largely been used to create havoc in the backfield.

Can he snap the pictures in a timely fashion to produce in an exchange linebacker capacity?

Will it matter if Herbig continues to defeat tackles? His suddenness complements enough pop to jolt back offensive linemen.

Even if he doesn’t make it at that position, however, there are other examples of players in his size/weight/speed ratio who have begun to have success rushing the passer.

While many point to Baun’s slow transition to the NFL, what about New Orleans Saints 2019 seventh-round draft pick Kaden Elliss? Elliss had to wait to get an opportunity as a late-round draft pick, but he has slowly turned into a viable pass rusher at 238 pounds.

In fact, Elliss has nearly as many starts this season (six) as Baun’s over a three-year period (seven).

In Herbig’s case, the actual final measurements (he was just over 200 pounds entering Wisconsin) could be the most important part of his evaluation process.

Regardless of the weight, everyone believes in the recipe. Just ask Wisconsin’s top pro prospect and fellow team captain, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton:

“Nick’s a dawg,” Benton said. “Even when he was gone (due to injury), he was bringing that energy on the sideline. Making sure everybody was upbeat. That’s my dawg. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.” (https://badgerextra.com/a-healthy-nick-herbig-changes-wisconsins-defense/video_6b99a110-45ee-5821-ada2-ccb27aa6d202.html).

2022 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC South

2022 NFC South free agency handed the Buccaneers a retirement from one of its veteran offensive lineman. The Falcons lost a key linebacker but picked up an All-Pro corner. Then they traded away a former league MVP. The Panthers lost one of its top pass rushers but picked up a four-time All-Pro punter to help its Top Five defense. It has been a busy couple of weeks in the NFC South.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offensive free agents

  • RB Giovani Bernard (re-signed)
  • G Alex Cappa (Agreed to terms with the Bengals)
  • RB Leonard Fournette (re-signed)
  • QB Blaine Gabbert (re-signed)
  • QB Ryan Griffin (re-signed)
  • WR Chris Godwin (re-signed)
  • TE Rob Gronkowski
  • TE O.J. Howard (Agreed to terms with the Bills)
  • C Ryan Jensen (re-signed)
  • C Donell Stanley (released)
  • RB Ronald Jones II
  • RB Le’Veon Bell
  • WR Breshad Perriman (re-signed)
  • G Aaron Stinnie (re-signed)
  • T Josh Wells (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • S Andrew Adams
  • CB Carlton Davis (re-signed)
  • CB Pierre Desir
  • DL Will Gholston (re-signed)
  • DL Steve McLendon
  • LB Kevin Minter
  • OLB Jason Pierre-Paul
  • DE Pat O’Connor (re-signed)
  • S Curtis Riley
  • CB Richard Sherman
  • DL Ndamukong Suh
  • S Jordan Whitehead (Agreed to terms with the Jets)
  • LS Zach Triner (re-signed)
  • Head coach Bruce Arians retired and former DC Todd Bowles signed a five-year contract to be the team’s next head coach
  • Agreed to terms with WR Russell Gage (Falcons), DB Logan Ryan (Giants), OL Fred Johnson (Bengals), S Keanu Neal (Cowboys)
  • Re-signed WR Chris Godwin to a three-year deal (after originally placing the franchise tag on him), RB Leonard Fournette to a three-year deal, CB Carlton Davis to a three-year deal, OL Ryan Jensen to a three-year deal, OL Aaron Stinnie to a one-year deal, OL Josh Wells to a one-year deal, WR Breshad Perriman to a one-year deal, DE Will Gholston to a one-year deal, LS Zach Triner to a two-year deal, RB Giovani Bernard, QB Ryan Griffin, DE Pat O’Connor, QB Blaine Gabbert
  • Lost TE O.J. Howard (Bills), OL A.J. Cappa (Bengals), S Jordan Whitehead (Jets)
  • QB Tom Brady retired and then decided to come back for another season in 2022
  • OL Ali Marpet retired after seven seasons
  • Traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for OG Shaq Mason

Atlanta Falcons

Offensive free agents

  • QB Josh Rosen
  • QB A.J. McCarron
  • RB Cordarrelle Patterson (re-signed)
  • WR Russell Gage (Agreed to terms with the Buccaneers)
  • WR Tajae Sharpe
  • TE Hayden Hurst (Agreed to terms with the Bengals)
  • TE Lee Smith
  • OL Josh Andrews
  • OL Jason Spriggs
  • OL Matt Gono
  • OL Colby Gossett (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

  • DL Jonathan Bullard
  • DL Mike Pennel
  • DL Tyeler Davison (released)
  • OLB Brandon Copeland
  • OLB Dante Fowler (released)
  • OLB Steven Means
  • ILB Foye Oluokun (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)
  • ILB Daren Bates
  • ILB Emmanuel Ellerbee
  • CB Fabian Moreau
  • CB Isaiah Oliver (re-signed)
  • S Erik Harris (re-signed)
  • S Duron Harmon
  • S Shawn Williams
  • P Thomas Morstead
  • LS Josh Harris (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Traded QB Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2022 third-round draft pick (82nd overall)
  • Agreed to terms with QB Marcus Mariota (Raiders) on a two-year deal, CB Casey Hayward (Raiders) on a two-year deal, RB Damien Williams (Bears), OL Elijah Wilkinson (Bears), DE Lorenzo Carter (Giants), WR KhaDarel Hodge (Lions), WR Auden Tate (Bengals), WR Damiere Byrd (Bears), S Dean Marlowe (Lions), LS Beau Brinkley (Bears), LB Rashaan Evans (Titans), OT Germain Ifedi (Bears), TE Anthony Firkser (Titans), DT Vincent Taylor (Texans)
  • Re-signed OL Colby Gossett, CB Isaiah Oliver, S Erik Harris, WR Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Signed DT Anthony Rush on an original round tender
  • Released OLB Dante Fowler, DL Tyeler Davison
  • Lost ILB Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars), WR Russell Gage (Buccaneers), LS Josh Harris (Chargers), TE Hayden Hurst (Bengals)

Carolina Panthers

Offensive free agents

  • TE Ian Thomas (re-signed)
  • C Matt Paradis
  • QB Cam Newton
  • OT Trenton Scott
  • OL John Miller
  • WR-KR Alex Erickson
  • WR Brandon Zylstra (re-signed)
  • LS J.J. Jansen
  • K Zane Gonzalez

Defensive free agents

  • CB Stephon Gilmore (Agreed to terms with the Colts)
  • CB Donte Jackson (re-signed)
  • OLB Haason Reddick (Agreed to terms with the Eagles)
  • DE-OLB Marquis Haynes (re-signed)
  • LB Jermaine Carter (Agreed to terms with the Chiefs)
  • DT DaQuan Jones (Agreed to terms with the Bills)
  • S Juston Burris (re-signed)
  • S Sean Chandler (re-signed)
  • OLB Frankie Luvu
  • OLB Julian Stanford
  • CB Rashaan Melvin (re-signed)
  • P Lachlan Edwards

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed TE Ian Thomas on a three-year deal, OLB Frankie Luvu to a two-year deal, CB Rashaan Melvin, WR Brandon Zylstra, S Sean Chandler, S Juston Burris
  • Agreed to terms with OL Austin Corbett (Rams) on a three-year deal, S Xavier Woods (Vikings) on a three-year deal, P Johnny Hekker (Rams) on a three-year deal, LB Damien Wilson (Jaguars) on a two-year deal, WR Rashard Higgins (Browns) on a one-year deal, DT Matt Ioannidis (Commanders) on a one-year deal, LB Cory Littleton, OC Bradley Bozeman (Ravens) on a one-year deal, CB Chris Westry (Ravens)
  • Signed WR D.J. Moore to a four-year extension and re-signed CB Donte Jackson to a three-year extension, CB Rashaan Melvin, DE Marquis Haynes
  • Exercised an option on OLB Brian Burns
  • Lost OLB Haason Reddick (Eagles), DT DaQuan Jones (Bills), LB Jermaine Carter (Chiefs), CB Stephon Gilmore (Colts)

New Orleans Saints

Offensive free agents

  • OT Terron Armstead (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)
  • QB Jameis Winston (re-signed)
  • WR-RB Ty Montgomery (Agreed to terms with the Patriots)
  • QB Trevor Siemian
  • WR Tre’Quan Smith (re-signed)
  • TE Garrett Griffin
  • WR Kenny Stills
  • OT Kyle Murphy

Defensive free agents

  • S Marcus Williams (Agreed to terms with the Ravens)
  • DB P.J. Williams (re-signed)
  • LB Kwon Alexander
  • S Jeff Heath
  • DT Jalyn Holmes
  • DE Christian Ringo
  • CB Kenneth Crawley

2022 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms S Marcus Maye (Jets) on a three-year deal, S Daniel Sorensen (Chiefs) on a one-year deal, QB Andy Dalton (Bears) on a one-year deal, OG Forrest Lamp (Bills) on a one-year deal, DT Jaleel Johnson (Texans), DE Taco Charlton (Steelers), S Justin Evans, TE JP Holtz (Bears)
  • Lost S Marcus Williams (Ravens), RB Ty Montgomery (Patriots), OT Terron Armstead (Dolphins)
  • Re-signed QB Jameis Winston to a two-year deal, CB Bradley Roby, WR Tre’quan Smith, CB P.J. Williams, RB Dwayne Washington
  • Placed RFA tenders on DT Shy Tuttle, WR Deonte Harris
  • S Malcolm Jenkins retired
  • Released QB Blake Bortles

2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC South

The 2021 NFL Draft: NFC South recap features the selections of the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. As veteran quarterbacks age and retire in the case of Drew Brees, the division opted to bring in youthful talent on the offensive side of the ball like Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Ian Book. However, defense wasn’t ignored in the 2021 NFL: NFC South recap. A lot of the players selected by the division were already playing in the South: Houston’s Payton Turner and Grant Stuard, South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn and UCF’s Richie Grant won’t have to travel far to help out their new professional teams.

Atlanta Falcons
SelectionTeamPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolDN Big Board Rank/ GradeNotes
1st round, 4th overallAtlanta FalconsKyle Pitts6’6 245/TE-Florida10/1st RoundNew HC Arthur Smith adds to Ryan's vast array of weapons in hopes of recapturing MVP form.
2nd round, 40th overallAtlanta Falcons (from Denver Broncos)Richie Grant5’11 197/S-UCF23/2nd RoundGrant finished his career with 10 interceptions largely as a result of his ability to steal bases on the football field.
3rd round, 68th overallAtlanta FalconsJalen Mayfield6’5 326/OT-Michigan68/2nd RoundDespite limited film, Mayfield was solid in the games viewed. Like former Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard coming out of school, he takes a lot of the heat but wins most of his matchups due to his footwork.
4th round, 108th overallAtlanta FalconsDarren Hall6’0 189/CB-San Diego State98/3rd RoundHall’s ball skills have improved each season. We’ve always felt that he contained a good pace for playing off-man coverage, but his press-man improved in 2020. He still has issues being comfortable locating the ball down the field versus bigger receivers, and this could be a problem versus some of the receivers he’ll face on Sundays.
4th round, 114th overallAtlanta Falcons (from Denver Broncos)Drew Dalman6’3 300/OC-Stanford119/3rd RoundDalman has seen time at guard and provides at least a viable backup at any interior line position. His home will be center and the challenge revolves around being able to occasionally handle interior defensive linemen with no help.
5th round, 148th overallAtlanta FalconsTa’Quon Graham6'3 290/DT-Texas113/3rd RoundThe Temple High School (Tex.) product is a burgeoning talent capable of winning with quickness versus interior defensive linemen. His pad level needs to straighten itself out.
5th round, 182nd overallAtlanta Falcons (compensatory selection)Adetokunbo Ogundeji6’4 256/DE-Notre Dame132/3rd RoundUp until 2020, he was a productive backup who had garnered significant playing time along the defensive line. This past season, he began to learn how to more effectively keep distance from opponents when setting up his pass rush moves off the edge. We still think he needs to fully grow into his frame.
5th round, 183rd overallAtlanta Falcons (compensatory selection)Avery Williams5'9 193/All-Purpose-Boise State252/3rd RoundThe former Bronco set the all-time record for combined punt and kickoff return touchdowns in a career (nine). Physical enough as a tackler, the former walk-on also found time to force five fumbles in his career.
6th round, 187th overallAtlanta FalconsFrank Darby6'0 194/WR-Arizona State303/4th RoundDarby did not run quite as fast as expected, but the charismatic former Sun Devil got behind plenty of defensive backs in school despite inconsistent hand-eye coordination.
Carolina Panthers
SelectionTeamPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolDN Big Board Rank/ GradeNotes
1st round, 8th overallCarolina PanthersJaycee Horn6’1 205 CB-South Carolina19/2nd RoundThe Panthers needed a big corner and they took one of the draft’s longer ones in Horn.
2nd round, 59th overallCarolina Panthers (from Cleveland Browns)Terrace Marshall, Jr.6’3 205/WR-LSU29/2nd RoundSmart. Lines up at each of the receiver spots for the team. There are instances where he wins on the perimeter by not giving away catch indicators for the defensive back in man coverage (see Auburn 2019 vs. Igbinoghene).
Prior to fracturing his foot against Vanderbilt, Marshall led the nation with six touchdown receptions.
3rd round, 73rd overallCarolina Panthers (from Philadelphia Eagles)Brady Christensen6’5 302/OT-BYU115/3rd RoundFor the most part, Christensen has been steady. There are some occasions where players get the best of him due to a questionable anchor (see Boyles, USF ’19; Wiley, UTSA ’20). In those instances, he has even been knocked to the ground. Christensen plays more with his feet than with his hand placement, so his strong postseason helped his value.
3rd round, 83rd overallCarolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)Tommy Tremble6'4 248/H-back-Notre Dame79/3rd RoundTremble’s tempo will catch the eye of an evaluator. Quite simply, he plays the game at the right clip. The team moved him around all over the place and probably could have used him much more in the passing game. He is fluid in-and-out of cuts and displays quickness to go along with very good foot speed. It will be interesting to see how Carolina decides to use his skill-set.
4th round, 126th overallCarolina Panthers (from Tennessee Titans)Chuba Hubbard6'0 210/RB-Oklahoma State95/3rd RoundIf the former world class youth sprinter can regain his 2019 form, the sky could be the limit. For that to happen, he has to hang on to the ball.
5th round, 158th overallCarolina Panthers (via Houston Texans (from New England Patriots)Daviyon Nixon6’3 304/DT-Iowa89/3rd RoundOperates as a one-technique DT, three-technique DT and DE on occasion. Positive foot speed. He’s fast enough to play behind the front side of the run-ning play and make plays in chase mode.
The slippery nature, however, will only be supported by better lower body synchronization at the next level.
5th round, 166th overallCarolina Panthers (via Tennessee Titans)Keith Taylor6’2 191/CB-Washington240/4th RoundThe smaller, savvy quicker receivers can still beat him to the spot on possession concepts when he doesn’t disrupt their releases at the line of scrimmage. We envision him getting looks from teams that like bigger corners capable of using press-man or bail techniques on the outside lanes.
6th round, 193rd overallCarolina PanthersDeonte Brown6’3 364/OG-Alabama286/4th RoundExperienced 26-game starter. Has started at both guard spots. Mammoth. Completely wins wrestling matches on man blocks. For a big man, he showcases decent footwork as a pulling guard.
6th round, 204th overallCarolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)Shi Smith5’10 186/WR-South Carolina76/2nd RoundDuring his final campaign, he maintained his field speed and continued to improve as a route runner. He still left some catchable passes on the field from time-to-time and that will be a concern for a player who has to overcome questionable size.
6th round, 222nd overallCarolina Panthers (compensatory selection)Thomas Fletcher6’1 237/LS-Senior563/N/AStarted every game of his Alabama career. He’s capable of snapping at a 75-to-85-degree angle for directional kick purposes. Registers very good long snap times, ranging as low as 0.66 seconds (1st QTR/10:11, Citrus Bowl ‘20).
7th round, 232nd overallCarolina Panthers (from Tennessee Titans via Atlanta Falcons through Miami Dolphins)Phil Hoskins6’5 313/DL-Kentucky486/6th RoundHoskins -a sixth-year player- impressed with his movement for a longer, taller defender. We were surprised he didn’t control the action more with his hands. There were times when he wanted to get up the field. Perhaps it was a result of his initial production at Kentucky rushing the passer (2018).
New Orleans Saints
SelectionTeamPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolDN Big Board Rank/ GradeNotes
1st round, 28th overallNew Orleans SaintsPayton Turner6’5 290/DE-Houston111/3rd RoundTurner impressed on his Pro Day with a 4.33 20-yard shuttle time at 290 pounds. Turner got better during his career week-to-week.
2nd round, 60th overallNew Orleans SaintsPete Werner6’2 240/LB-Ohio State103/3rd RoundWerner -a solid wrap tackler with range- offers NFL teams plenty of options. He can cover tight ends and line up as an off-or-on the ball linebacker. The former Buckeye contains comfort walking out over slot receivers (in zone or man). In fact, he was seen dropping into the deep middle one-third, as a two-deep safety and in a quasi robber position.
3rd round, 76th overallNew Orleans Saints (from New York Giants)Paulson Adebo6’1 198/CB-Stanford47/2nd RoundAdebo put together one season of production in his career (2018) that essentially matched the career totals of the other highly-ranked cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Aside from a Pro Day workout, he hadn’t been seen from NFL teams in person in over a year and a half.
Staying more square -in press or off-man coverage- could help Adebo develop into a front line starter.
4th round, 133rd overallNew Orleans SaintsIan Book6’0 210/QB-Notre Dame290/4th RoundSome of his fundamentals have to improve. He will drop his elbow and it severely affects his down-to-down accuracy. This is a big reason why he was inconsistent on out-breaking patterns. Interestingly, he actually was better on third down than first down as a senior.
6th round, 206th overallNew Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts)Landon Young6'7 305/OT-Kentuccky218/4th RoundThe former state championship wrestler has no problem grinding it out on the perimeter. He is a solid run blocker and rarely did he struggle to finish blocking assignments in that regard. NFL evaluators will nitpick about his lack of elite foot speed, but it is satisfactory.
7th round, 255th overallNew Orleans SaintsKawaan Baker6’1 210/All-Purpose-South Alabama242/4th RoundSouth Alabama moved him into the slot, motioned him, aligned him outside and even used his skills at the quarterback position in Wildcat formations. His stride is easy and smooth. Although he plays the game in a very calm manner that allows him to make a number of difficult things look easy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SelectionTeamPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolDN Big Board Rank/ GradeNotes
1st round, 32nd overallTampa Bay BuccaneersJoe Tryon 6’5 252/DE-Washington69/2nd RoundTryon has played from a two-point stand-up OLB or with his hand in the dirt. This was a perfect scheme-fit for the Buccaneers.
2nd round, 64th overallTampa Bay BuccaneersKyle Trask6’5 236/QB-Florida158/3rd RoundTrask is solid on in-breaking throws to tight ends, slants to his wideouts and crossing patterns. His uptick in production in 2020 largely involved an increased efficiency on fades, posts and out-breaking patterns. Much of this revolved around enhanced timing and anticipation. His physical skills are solid, if unspectacular.
3rd round, 95th overallTampa Bay BuccaneersRobert Hainsey6’4 302/OG-Notre Dame127/3rd RoundDuring school, he often won with the shock in his punch on the perimeter. He would get into trouble with pad level (where he could get out-leveraged) or when he stopped his feet (forcing him to crossover in pass pro). Overall, his down-to-down consistency stood out in the film viewed.
4th round, 129th overallTampa Bay BuccaneeersJaelon Darden5'8 174/All-Purpose-North Texas262/4th RoundFormer North Texas wide receiver Jaelon Darden put in some serious work during school. He finished his career with a resounding 39 touchdowns (38 receiving, one punt return) and he mostly did it with flair. He’s fast, slippery and smooth.
5th round, 176th overallTampa Bay BuccaneersK.J. Britt6’0 239/LB-Auburn160/3rd RoundBritt is a true head banger with good feet, explosiveness through the hips and a high football IQ. We have seen him produce with violent collisions on special teams as well. Special teams may be where he initially makes his mark, but do not underestimate his potential impact on first and second down.
7th round, 251st overallTampa Bay Buccaneers (from Pittsburgh Steelers)Chris Wilcox6’2 198/CB-BYU372/5th RoundMuch like former BYU cornerback Michael Davis (Los Angeles Chargers), Wilcox is a height/weight/speed prospect who has flashed on video over the years. Like Davis, his length is what will intrigue NFL teams. There have been times that his confidence has been below average, yet it is not due to his physical skill-set. Wilcox has length, foot speed and decent footwork.
7th round, 259th overallTampa Bay BuccaneeersGrant Stuard5’11 230344/5th RoundStuard’s biggest challenge moving forward will be proving to NFL evaluators that he can break down to tackle versus runners with wiggle. In addition, he has to also show that his stiffness can be overcome in man coverage. Due to outstanding field speed, he often corrected his angles at the collegiate level. There is no doubt with his non-stop, energetic approach that he can most certainly add a physical special teams element.

2021 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC South

The Carolina Panthers recently made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by trading for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. In the division’s arms race, where does Darnold rank in a group that includes Tom Brady, Jameis Winston and Matt Ryan?

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offensive free agents

QB Ryan Griffin

QB Blaine Gabbert

C A.Q. Shipley (retired)

LG Aaron Stinnie

LG Joe Haeg

RG Earl Watford

RT Josh Wells

RB Leonard Fournette

RB Lesean McCoy

RB Kenjon Barner

RB T.J. Logan

TE Rob Gronkowski (re-signed)

TE Antony Auclair

WR Antonio Brown

WR Jaydon Mickens

WR Chris Godwin (Franchised)

WR Cyril Grayson (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

ILB Deone Bucannon

ILB Jack Cichy

ILB Kevin Minter (re-signed)

OLB Shaquill Barrett (re-signed)

OLB LaVonte David (re-signed)

DT Ndamukong Suh

DT Steve McLendon

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

DE Pat O’Connor

CB Ross Cockrell

CB Ryan Smith

S Andrew Adams

Special Teams

LS Zach Triner (re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed DE Shaq Barrett to a four-year deal, LB Lavonte David to a two-year deal, LB Kevin Minter to a one-year deal, TE Tanner Hudson, TE Rob Gronkowski, DE Pat O’Connor, WR Cyril Grayson, DE Jeremiah Ledbetter, LS Zach Triner
  • Placed the franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin
  • Lost OC A.Q. Shipley (retired)

Atlanta Falcons

Offensive free agents

C Alex Mack (Agreed to terms with the 49ers)

G Justin McCray (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

G James Carpenter

RT John Wetzel

RT Matt Gono

RB Todd Gurley

RB Brian Hill

QB Matt Schaub

QB Kurt Benker

TE Luke Stocker

WR Laquon Treadwell

WR Brandon Powell

WR Christian Blake (re-signed)

WR Greg Dortch                           

Defensive free agents

DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (re-signed)

DE Charles Harris

DE Allen Bailey

DE Steven Means

LB Edmond Robinson

LB LaRoy Reynolds

FS Ricardo Allen

S Keanu Neal

S Sharrod Neasman

S Damontae Kazee

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

CB Darqueze Dennard

CB Tyler Hall (re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed K Younghoe Koo, CB Tyler Hall, WR Christian Blake, DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, TE Jaeden Graham
  • Re-worked contract of DT Tyeler Davidson
  • Released S Ricardo Allen, DE Allen Bailey, OG James Carpenter
  • Lost G Justin McCray (Texans), OC Alex Mack (49ers)

Carolina Panthers

Offensive free agents

C Tyler Larsen

G Chris Reed

LG Michael Schofield

RT Russel Okung

RT Trenton Scott

RG John Miller

RB Mike Davis

FB Alex Armah (Agreed to terms with Saints)

TE Chris Manhertz

TE Seth Devalve

TE Collin Thompson

WR Curtis Samuel (Agreed to terms with the WFT)

WR Pharaoh Cooper

WR Brandon Zylstra

WR Keith Kirkwood

Defensive free agents

DE Efe Obada

DE Stephen Weatherly (agreed to terms with Vikings)

DT Kawann Short

DT Woodrow Hamilton

FS Tre Boston

S Kenny Robinson

CB Corn Elder

CB Rasul Douglas

CB Natrell Jamerson

ILB Adarius Taylor

OLB Julian Stanford

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Brandon Zylstra, WR Ishmael Hyman, RT Trenton Scott, TE Colin Thompson, K Joey Slye
  • Agreed to terms with OT Cam Erving (Cowboys), OG Pat Elflein (Jets), TE Stephen Sullivan (Seahawks), OLB Haason Reddick (Cardinals), LB Denzel Perryman (Chargers), CB Rashaan Melvin (Jaguars)
  • Placed the franchise tag on OT Taylor Moton
  • Lost DE Stephen Weatherly (Vikings), P Matt Palardy (Dolphins), WR Curtis Samuel (WFT), FB Alex Armah (Saints)
  • Traded a 2021 sixth-round pick, and second and fourth round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for QB Sam Darnold

New Orleans Saints

Offensive free agents

QB Jameis Winston (re-signed)

RT James Hurst (re-signed)

C Will Clapp

C Cameron Tom (agreed to terms with Dolphins)

LG Nick Easton

RB Ty Montgomery (re-signed)

RB Dwayne Washington (re-signed)

FB Michael Burton

TE Josh Hill (agreed to terms with the Lions)

TE Jared Cook (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)

TE Cole Wick

TE Jason Vander Laan

WR Emmanuel Sanders (Agreed to terms with the Bills)

WR Bennie Fowler

WR Austin Carr

Defensive free agents

DT Sheldon Rankins

DE Noah Spence (re-signed)

DE Trey Hendrickson (Agreed to terms with the Bengals)

LB ILB Kwon Alexander

LB Craig Robertson

LB Alex Anzalone

CB Janoris Jenkins (Agreed to terms with the Titans)

CB P.J. Williams

S Marcus Williams (re-signed)

S D.J. Swearinger

S J.T. Gray

CB Johnson Bademosi

CB Ken Crawley

CB Justin Hardee (Agreed to terms with the Jets)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed RB Ty Montgomery, RB Dwayne Washington, DE Noah Spence, S J.T. Gray, DE Marcus Willoughby, QB Jameis Winston
  • Placed the franchise tag on S Marcus Williams
  • Agreed to terms with FB Alex Armah (Panthers)
  • Lost QB Drew Brees (retired), TE Josh Hill (Lions), WR Jake Kumerow (Bills), DE Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), CB Justin Hardee (Jets)
  • Released WR Emmanuel Sanders (Bills), CB Janoris Jenkins (Titans), LB Kwon Alexander, P Thomas Morstead, TE Josh Hill (Lions), OG Nick Easton
  • Traded DT Malcom Brown to the Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 NFL Free Agency: Team-by-team signings, live updates

The 2021 NFL Free Agency period is upon us and here is a list of all of the free agent signings. This is a live document, so feel free to check out any of your team’s latest signings day-to-day. Bold and italicized players have already agreed to terms with their respective teams or are heading elsewhere.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offensive free agents

QB Ryan Griffin

QB Blaine Gabbert

C A.Q. Shipley (Retired)

LG Aaron Stinnie

G Joe Haeg (Agreed to terms with Steelers)

RG Earl Watford

RT Josh Wells (Re-signed)

RB Leonard Fournette (Re-signed)

RB Lesean McCoy

RB Kenjon Barner

RB T.J. Logan

TE Rob Gronkowski (Re-signed)

TE Antony Auclair (Agreed to terms with Texans)

WR Antonio Brown

WR Jaydon Mickens

WR Chris Godwin (Franchised)

WR Cyril Grayson (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

ILB Deone Bucannon

ILB Jack Cichy

ILB Kevin Minter (Re-signed)

OLB Shaquill Barrett (Re-signed)

OLB LaVonte David (Re-signed)

DT Ndamukong Suh (Re-signed)

DT Steve McLendon

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Re-signed)

DE Pat O’Connor

CB Ross Cockrell

CB Ryan Smith (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

S Andrew Adams (Agreed to terms with Eagles)

Special Teams

K Ryan Succop (Re-signed)

LS Zach Triner (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed: DE Shaq Barrett to a four-year deal, LB Lavonte David to a two-year deal, LB Kevin Minter to a one-year deal, TE Tanner Hudson, TE Rob Gronkowski, DE Pat O’Connor, WR Cyril Grayson, DE Jeremiah Ledbetter, LS Zach Triner, K Ryan Succop, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT Ndamukong Suh, RB Leonard Fournette, RT Josh Wells
  • Placed the franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin
  • Lost OC A.Q. Shipley (Retired), S Andrew Adams (Eagles), G Joe Haeg (Steelers), CB Ryan Smith (Chargers), TE Antony Auclair (Texans)

Atlanta Falcons

Offensive free agents

C Alex Mack (Agreed to terms with the 49ers)

G Justin McCray (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

G James Carpenter

RT John Wetzel

RT Matt Gono

RB Todd Gurley

RB Brian Hill

QB Matt Schaub

QB Kurt Benker

TE Luke Stocker

WR Laquon Treadwell

WR Brandon Powell (Agreed to terms with Bills)

WR Christian Blake (Re-signed)

WR Greg Dortch                           

Defensive free agents

DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (Re-signed)

DE Charles Harris (Agreed to terms with Lions)

DE Allen Bailey

DE Steven Means

LB Edmond Robinson

LB LaRoy Reynolds (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

FS Ricardo Allen (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

S Keanu Neal (Agreed to terms with the Cowboys)

S Sharrod Neasman

S Damontae Kazee (Agreed to terms with Cowboys)

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

CB Darqueze Dennard

CB Tyler Hall (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed K Younghoe Koo, CB Tyler Hall, WR Christian Blake, DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, TE Jaeden Graham
  • Re-worked contract of DT Tyeler Davidson
  • Agreed to terms with S Erik Harris (Raiders), OLB Brandon Copeland (Patriots), RB Mike Davis (Panthers), OLB Barkevious Mingo (Bears), CB Fabian Moreau (WFT), C Josh Andrews (Jets)
  • Released S Ricardo Allen (Bengals), DE Allen Bailey, OG James Carpenter
  • Lost G Justin McCray (Texans), OC Alex Mack (49ers), DE Charles Harris (Lions), S Keanu Neal (Cowboys), ILB LaRoy Reynolds (Patriots), WR Brandon Powell (Bills), S Damontae Kazee (Cowboys)

Carolina Panthers

Offensive free agents

C Tyler Larsen (Agreed to terms with WFT)

G Chris Reed (Agreed to terms with Colts)

LG Michael Schofield

RT Russel Okung

RT Trenton Scott (Re-signed)

RG John Miller (Re-signed)

RB Mike Davis (Agreed to terms with Falcons)

FB Alex Armah (Agreed to terms with Saints)

TE Chris Manhertz

TE Seth Devalve

TE Collin Thompson

WR Curtis Samuel (Agreed to terms with the WFT)

WR Pharaoh Cooper

WR Brandon Zylstra (Re-signed)

WR Keith Kirkwood (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Efe Obada (Agreed to terms with Bills)

DE Stephen Weatherly (agreed to terms with Vikings)

DT Kawann Short

DT Woodrow Hamilton

FS Tre Boston

S Kenny Robinson

CB Corn Elder (Agreed to terms with Lions)

CB Rasul Douglas

CB Natrell Jamerson

DE Zach Kerr (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

OLB Julian Stanford

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Brandon Zylstra, WR Ishmael Hyman, RT Trenton Scott, TE Colin Thompson, K Joey Slye, RG John Miller
  • Agreed to terms with OT Cam Erving (Cowboys), OG Pat Elflein (Jets), TE Stephen Sullivan (Seahawks), OLB Haason Reddick (Cardinals), LB Denzel Perryman (Chargers), CB Rashaan Melvin (Jaguars), WR David Moore (Seahawks), TE Dan Arnold (Cardinals), LB Frankie Luvu (Jets), CB A.J. Bouye (Broncos)
  • Placed the franchise tag on OT Taylor Moton
  • Traded a 2021 6th round pick, & 2022 2nd & 4th round picks to the New York Jets for QB Sam Darnold
  • Lost DE Stephen Weatherly (Vikings), P Matt Palardy (Dolphins), WR Curtis Samuel (WFT), FB Alex Armah (Saints), C Tyler Larsen (WFT), RB Mike Davis (Falcons), DE Efe Obada (Bills), G Chris Reed (Colts), CB Corn Elder (Lions), DE Zach Kerr (49ers)

New Orleans Saints

Offensive free agents

QB Jameis Winston (Re-signed)

RT James Hurst (Re-signed)

C Will Clapp

C Cameron Tom (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

LG Nick Easton

RB Ty Montgomery (Re-signed)

RB Dwayne Washington (Re-signed)

FB Michael Burton (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)

TE Josh Hill (Agreed to terms with the Lions)

TE Jared Cook (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

TE Cole Wick

TE Jason Vander Laan

WR Emmanuel Sanders (Agreed to terms with the Bills)

WR Bennie Fowler

WR Austin Carr

Defensive free agents

DT Sheldon Rankins (Agreed to terms with Jets)

DE Noah Spence (Re-signed)

DE Trey Hendrickson (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

LB Kwon Alexander

LB Craig Robertson

LB Alex Anzalone (Agreed to terms with Lions)

CB Janoris Jenkins (Agreed to terms with the Titans)

CB P.J. Williams (Re-signed)

S Marcus Williams (Franchised)

S D.J. Swearinger

S J.T. Gray (Re-signed)

CB Johnson Bademosi

CB Ken Crawley

CB Justin Hardee (Agreed to terms with the Jets)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed RB Ty Montgomery, RB Dwayne Washington, DE Noah Spence, S J.T. Gray, DE Marcus Willoughby, QB Jameis Winston, CB P.J. Williams
  • Agreed to terms with: FB Alex Armah (Panthers), TE Nick Vannett (Broncos), DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Chiefs)
  • Lost QB Drew Brees (retired), TE Josh Hill (Lions), WR Jake Kumerow (Bills), DE Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), CB Justin Hardee (Jets), TE Jared Cook (Chargers), TE Josh Hill (Lions), DT Sheldon Rankins (Jets), LB Alex Anzalone (Lions), FB Michael Burton (Chiefs)
  • Released WR Emmanuel Sanders (Bills), CB Janoris Jenkins (Titans), LB Kwon Alexander, P Thomas Morstead, OG Nick Easton
  • Traded DT Malcom Brown to the Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings

Offensive free agents

QB Sean Mannion

RB Ameer Abdullah (Re-signed)

RB Mike Boone (Agreed to terms with Broncos)

WR Chad Beebe (Re-signed)

C Brett Jones

G Kyle Hinton

RT Rashod Hill (Re-signed)

LG Dakota Dozier (Re-signed)

LT Riley Reiff (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

TE Kyle Rudolph (Agreed to terms with Giants)

Defensive free agents

S Anthony Harris (Agreed to terms with Eagles)

S George Iloka

DT Shamar Stephen (Agreed to terms with Broncos)

LB Eric Wilson (Agreed to terms with Eagles)

LB Todd Davis

LB Hardy Nickerson

DT Jaleel Johnson (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (Agreed to terms with Giants)

Special Teams

K Dan Bailey

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed TE Brandon Dillon, RT Rashod Hill, WR Chad Beebe, RB Ameer Abdullah, LG Dakota Dozier
  • Agreed to terms with CB Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), DE Stephen Weatherly (Panthers), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Giants), OLB Nick Vigil (Chargers), CB Mackensie Alexander (Bengals), S Xavier Woods (Cowboys)
  • Lost DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (Giants), LT Riley Reiff (Bengals), RB Mike Boone (Broncos), S Anthony Harris (Eagles), DT Jaleel Johnson (Texans), LB Eric Wilson (Eagles), DT Shamar Stephen (Broncos)
  • Released K Dan Bailey, TE Kyle Rudolph (Giants)

Detroit Lions

Offensive free agents

QB Chase Daniel (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

RB Adrian Peterson

WR Marvin Jones, Jr. (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

WR Kenny Golladay (Agreed to terms with the Giants)

WR Danny Amendola

WR Mohamed Sanu (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

TE Jesse James

G Oday Aboushi (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

LT Matt Nelson (Re-signed)

G Joe Dahl

C Russell Bodine

Defensive free agents

DE Everson Griffen

DT Danny Shelton (Agreed to terms with Giants)

DE Romeo Okwara (Re-signed)

SS Duron Harmon

S Miles Killebrew (Agreed to terms with Steelers)

LB Jarrad Davis (Agreed to terms with Jets)

LB Jason Cabinda (Re-signed)

LB Christian Jones (Agreed to terms with Bears)

CB Darryl Roberts (Agreed to terms with WFT)

CB Justin Coleman (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

CB Desmond Trufant (Agreed to terms with Bears)

CB Tony McRae

CB Mike Ford (Re-signed)

CB Jamal Agnew (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

ILB Reggie Ragland (Agreed to terms with Giants)

LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Re-signed)

Special Teams

K Matt Prater (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with WR Tyrell Williams (Raiders), TE Josh Hill (Saints), K Randy Bullock (Bengals), DE Charles Harris (Falcons), WR Breshad Perriman (Jets), QB Tim Boyle (Packers), WR Kalif Raymond (Titans), LB Alex Anzalone (Saints), CB Corn Elder (Panthers), CB Quinton Dunbar (Seahawks), S Dean Marlowe (Bills)
  • Re-signed DE Romeo Okwara to a three-year deal, CB Mike Ford, LB Jason Cabinda, P Jack Fox, LT Matt Nelson, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
  • Lost WR Kenny Golladay (Giants), WR Jamal Agnew (Jaguars), LB Jarrad Davis (Jets), CB Justin Coleman (Dolphins), WR Marvin Jones, Jr. (Jaguars), K Matt Prater (Cardinals), ILB Reggie Ragland (Giants), CB Desmond Trufant (Bears), G Oday Aboushi (Chargers), LB Christian Jones (Bears), CB Darryl Roberts (WFT), WR Mohamed Sanu (49ers), QB Chase Daniel (Chargers), DT Danny Shelton (Giants)
  • Traded QB Matthew Stafford to the LA Rams for QB Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023
  • Traded for Los Angeles Rams DT Michael Brockers

Green Bay Packers

Offensive free agents

C Corey Linsley (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

TE Marcedes Lewis (Re-signed)

LG Lane Taylor

RT Jared Veldheer

RT Ricky Wagner

WR Tavon Austin

WR Alan Lazard (Re-signed)

RB Tyler Ervin

TE Robert Tonyan (Re-signed)

RB Aaron Jones (Re-signed)

RB Jamaal Williams (Agreed to terms with the Lions)

QB Tim Boyle (Agreed to terms with Lions)

Defensive free agents

CB Kevin King (Re-signed)

DT Damon Harrison

ILB Christian Kirksey (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Billy Win

ILB James Burgess

DE Montravious Adams (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

DE Tyler Lancaster (Re-signed)

FS Will Redmond (Re-signed)

CB Chandon Sullivan (Re-signed)

CB Parry Nickerson

OLB Randy Ramsey (Re-signed)

CB Kabion Ento (Re-signed)

S Raven Greene

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes

  • Agreed to terms with RB Aaron Jones on a four-year deal
  • Re-signed OLB Preston Smith, WR Devin Funchess, WR Kabion Ento, DE Delontae Scott, C Jake Hanson, WR Allan Lazard, TE Robert Tonyan, OLB Randy Ramsey, WR Malik Taylor, CB Kevin King, TE Marcedes Lewis, CB Chandon Sullivan, CB Kabion Ento, DE Tyler Lancaster, FS Will Redmond
  • Lost C Corey Linsley (Chargers), LB Christian Kirksey (Texans), RB Jamaal Williams (Lions), QB Tim Boyle (Lions), DE Montravious Adams

Chicago Bears

Offensive free agents

QB Mitchell Trubisky (Agreed to terms with Bills)

WR Allen Robinson (Franchised)

WR Cordarrelle Patterson

WR Dwayne Harris

TE Demetrius Harris

RG Germain Ifedi (Re-signed)

LT Jason Spriggs

RG Rashaad Coward (Agreed to terms with Steelers)

RT Bobby Massie

WR DeAndre Carter

Defensive free agents

DE Roy Robertson-Harris (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

DE Mario Edwards Jr. (Re-signed)

DE Brent Urban (Agreed to terms with Cowboys)

DE James Vaughters (Re-signed)

S Deon Bush (Re-signed)

S Sherrick McManis

S Tashaun Gipson

S Deandre Houston-Carson (Re-signed)

CB Artie Burns (Re-signed)

CB Michael Joseph (Re-signed)

CB Buster Skrine

OLB Barkevious Mingo (Agreed to terms with Falcons)

DT John Jenkins (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

DT Daniel McCullers

Special Teams

K Cairo Santos (Re-signed)

LS Patrick Scales

P Pat O’Donnell (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with QB Andy Dalton (Cowboys) on a one-year deal, DT Angelo Blackson (Cardinals), CB Desmond Trufant (Lions), OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (Broncos), RT Elijah Wilkinson (Broncos), RB Damien Williams (Chiefs), LB Christian Jones (Lions)
  • Re-signed DE Mario Edwards, Jr., LB James Vaughters, LB Josh Woods, RB Ryan Nall, LG Alex Bars, RT Badara Traore, WR Reggie Davis, TE J.P. Holtz, K Cairo Santos, P Pat O’Donnell, RG Germain Ifedi, CB Artie Burns, S Deandre Houston-Carson, CB Michael Joseph
  • Lost DE Roy Robertson-Harris (Jaguars), QB Mitchell Trubisky (Bills), DE Brent Urban (Cowboys), OLB Barkevious Mingo (Falcons), RG Rashaad Coward (Steelers), DT John Jenkins (Dolphins)
  • Released CB Buster Skrine, CB Kyle Fuller (Broncos)
  • Placed the franchise tag on WR Allen Robinson

NFC East

Washington Football Team

Offensive free agents

QB Alex Smith

QB Kyle Allen (Re-signed)

QB Taylor Heinicke (Re-signed)

RB Lamar Miller (Re-signed)

WR Robert Foster (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

WR Cam Sims (Re-signed)

TE Jeremy Sprinkle

RG Brandon Scherff (Franchised)

RT David Sharpe (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

CB Ronald Darby (Agreed to terms with the Broncos)

OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Ryan Kerrigan

ILB Reuben Foster

LB Thomas Davis (Retired with Panthers)

OLB Ryan Anderson (Agreed to terms with Giants)

OLB Mychal Kendricks

OLB Jared Norris (Re-signed)

CB Fabian Moreau (Agreed to terms with Falcons)

CB Danny Johnson (Re-signed)

Special Teams

K Dustin Hopkins (Re-signed)

LS Nick Sundberg

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes

  • Placed the franchise tag on OG Brandon Scherff
  • Agreed to terms with CB William Jackson (Bengals) on a three-year deal, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Dolphins) on a one-year deal, CB Torry McTyer (Bengals), WR Curtis Samuel (Panthers), ILB David Mayo (Giants), C Tyler Larsen (Panthers), WR Adam Humphries (Titans), CB Darryl Roberts (Lions)
  • Re-signed QB Taylor Heinicke, QB Kyle Allen, WR Cam Sims, RB Lamar Miller, RT David Sharpe, K Dustin Hopkins, OLB Jared Norris, CB Danny Johnson
  • Lost LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (Texans), CB Ronald Darby (Broncos), LB Thomas Davis (Retired with Panthers), LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (Lions), WR Robert Foster (Dolphins), OLB Ryan Anderson (Giants), CB Fabian Moreau (Falcons)
  • Released QB Alex Smith

New York Giants

Offensive free agents

RT Cameron Fleming

QB Colt McCoy (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

C Spencer Pulley

RB Dion Lewis

RB Alfred Morris

RB Wayne Gallman

TE Levine Toilolo (Re-signed)

WR C.J. Board (Re-signed)

WR Golden Tate

WR Austin Mack

G Kevin Zeitler (Agreed to terms with Ravens)

Defensive free agents

DT Leonard Williams (Re-signed)

DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Agreed to terms with Vikings)

DT Austin Johnson (Re-signed)

OLB Kyler Fackrell (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

ILB David Mayo (Agreed to terms with WFT)

FS Nate Ebner

DE Jabaal Sheard

FS Adrian Colbert

CB Ryan Lewis

CB Madre Harper (Re-signed)

LB Devante Downs (Re-signed)

Special Teams

LS Casey Kreiter (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with WR Kenny Golladay (Lions) on a four-year deal, WR John Ross (Bengals), FB Cullen Gillaspia (Texans), RB Devontae Booker (Raiders), DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (Vikings), TE Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), QB Mike Glennon (Jaguars), ILB Reggie Ragland (Lions), CB Adoree Jackson (Titans), OLB Ryan Anderson (WFT), DT Danny Shelton (Lions), S Joshua Kalu (Titans), CB Chris Milton (Titans), G Zach Fulton (Texans)
  • Re-signed DT Austin Johnson, TE Levine Toilolo, LS Casey Kreiter, LB Devante Downs, CB Madre Harper, WR C.J. Board
  • Franchised DT Leonard Williams and then agreed to terms with him on a three-year deal
  • Lost OG Kevin Zeitler (Ravens), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Vikings), ILB David Mayo (WFT), OLB Kyler Fackrell (Chargers), QB Colt McCoy (Cardinals)

Dallas Cowboys

Offensive free agents

QB Dak Prescott (Re-signed)

QB Andy Dalton (Agreed to terms with the Bears)

LG Cameron Erving (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

C Joe Looney

TE Blake Bell (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)

WR Malik Turner

LT Greg Senat (Agreed to terms with Browns)

WR Noah Brown (Re-signed)

WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Tyrone Crawford

OLB Sean Lee

ILB Joe Thomas (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

DT Antwaun Woods (Re-signed)

DT Eli Ankou

OLB Aldon Smith

LB Justin March-Lillard

CB Chidobe Awuzie (Agreed to terms with the Bengals)

CB Jourdan Lewis (Re-signed)

CB C.J. Goodwin (Re-signed)

S Xavier Woods (Agreed to terms with Vikings)

OLB Justin March

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed QB Dak Prescott to a four-year deal, WR Noah Brown, DT Antwuan Woods, CB C.J. Goodwin, CB Jourdan Lewis, WR Cedrick Wilson J.R.
  • Agreed to terms with OT Ty Nsekhe (Bills), LS Jake McQuaide (Rams), DT Brent Urban (Bears), DT Carlos Watkins (Texans), OLB Tarell Basham (Jets), S Keanu Neal (Falcons), S Damontae Kazee (Falcons)
  • Lost LG Cameron Erving (Panthers), LB Joe Thomas (Texans), QB Andy Dalton (Bears), CB Chidobe Awuzie (Bengals), TE Blake Bell (Chiefs), LT Greg Senat (Browns), S Xavier Woods (Vikings)

Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive free agents

LT Jason Peters

QB Nate Sudfeld (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

TE Richard Rodgers

RB Corey Clement

TE Josh Perkins

WR Desean Jackson (Agreed to terms with Rams)

WR Marquise Goodwin (Agreed to terms with the 49ers)

C Jason Kelce (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

S Jalen Mills (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

S Johnathan Ford (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

CB Nickell Robey-Coleman

DE Vinny Curry (Agreed to terms with Jets)

DT Hassan Ridgeway (Re-signed)

CB Crevon LeBlanc

DT Malik Jackson (Agreed to terms with Browns)

OLB Duke Riley (Agreed to Dolphins)

OLB Nate Gerry (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

S Blake Countess

DT Treyvon Hester

CB Kevon Seymour (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Traded QB Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round pick, and a 2022 conditional second-round draft pick
  • Agreed to terms with S Andrew Adams (Buccaneers), S Anthony Harris (Vikings), QB Joe Flacco (Jets), LB Eric Wilson (Vikings)
  • Placed ERFA tenders on RB Boston Scott, WR Greg Ward and LB Alex Singleton
  • Re-signed OC Jason Kelce, CB Kevon Seymour, DT Hassan Ridgeway
  • Lost S Jalen Mills (Patriots), S Rudy Ford (Jaguars), WR Marquise Goodwin (49ers), OLB Duke Riley (Dolphins), DT Malik Jackson (Browns), WR Desean Jackson (Rams), DE Vinny Curry (Jets), P Cameron Johnston (Texans), OLB Nate Gerry (49ers), QB Nate Sudfeld (49ers)

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers

Offensive free agents

WR Kendrick Bourne (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

RB Tevin Coleman (Agreed to terms with Jets)

C Ben Garland

RG Tom Compton

LT Trent Williams (Re-signed)

RB Jerick McKinnon

RB Jeff Wilson (Re-signed)

C Tony Bergstrom

TE Jordan Reed

C Hroniss Grasu

QB C.J. Beathard (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

QB Josh Rosen (Re-signed)

QB Nick Mullens

TE Ross Dwelley (Re-signed)

WR River Cracraft (Re-signed)

FB Kyle Juszczyk (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

CB Richard Sherman

DE Solomon Thomas (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

FS Jaquiski Tartt (Re-signed)

CB K’Waun Williams (Re-signed)

DE Ronald Blair (Re-signed)

LB Mark Nzeocha

DE Kerry Hyder (Agreed to terms with Seahawks)

DT Ezekiel Ansah

CB Jamar Taylor

CB Jason Verrett (Re-signed)

CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Agreed to terms with Seahawks)

CB Dontae Johnson (Re-signed)

OLB Dion Jordan

DE Jordan Willis (Re-signed)

LB Joe Walker

CB Emmanuel Moseley (Re-signed)

CB Ken Webster (Re-signed)

S Kai Nacua (Re-signed)

DT D.J. Jones (Re-signed)

S Marcell Harris (Re-signed)

S Jared Mayden (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with OC Alex Mack (Falcons), DE Samson Ebukam (Rams), CB Mark Fields (Texans), WR Marquise Goodwin (Eagles), WR Trent Sherfield (Cardinals), SS Tavon Johnson (Colts), WR Mohamed Sanu (Lions), OLB Nate Gerry (Eagles), DE Zach Kerr (Panthers), QB Nate Sudfeld (Eagles)
  • Re-signed FB Kyle Juszczyk to a five-year deal, re-signed OT Trent Williams to a six-year deal, CB Jason Verrett, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Ken Webster, S Marcell Harris, S Jared Mayden, S Kai Nacua, TE Ross Dwelley, RB Jeff Wilson, QB Josh Rosen, LS Tabor Pepper, WR River Cracraft, DT D.J. Jones, CB Dontae Johnson, FS Jaquiski Tartt, DE Jordan Willis, CB K’Waun Williams, DE Ronald Blair
  • Lost WR Kendrick Bourne (Patriots), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Seahawks), DE Solomon Thomas (Raiders), DE Kerry Hyder (Seahawks), RB Tevin Coleman (Jets), QB C.J. Beathard (Jaguars)

Los Angeles Rams

Offensive free agents

G Austin Blythe (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)

RB Malcolm Brown (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

TE Gerald Everett (Agreed to terms with Seahawks)

QB Blake Bortles

WR Josh Reynolds (Agreed to terms with Titans)

TE Johnny Mundt (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

OLB Leonard Floyd (Re-signed)

SS John Johnson (Agreed to terms with Browns)

OLB Samson Ebukam (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

CB Troy Hill (Agreed to terms with Browns)

CB Darious Williams (Placed a first-round tender)

OLB Derek Rivers (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

DE Morgan Fox (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

Special Teams

LS Jake McQuaide (Agreed to terms with the Cowboys)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed OLB Leonard Floyd, TE Johnny Mundt
  • Placed a first-round tender on CB Darious Williams
  • Agreed to terms with LS Colin Holba (49ers), WR Desean Jackson (Eagles)
  • Lost S John Johnson (Browns), RB Malcolm Brown (Dolphins), OLB Samson Ebukam (49ers), OLB Derek Rivers (Texans), LS Jake McQuaide (Cowboys), TE Gerald Everett (Seahawks), DE Morgan Fox (Panthers), CB Troy Hill (Browns), WR Josh Reynolds (Titans), G Austin Blythe (Chiefs)
  • Traded QB Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 to the Detroit Lions for QB Matthew Stafford
  • Traded DL Michael Brockers to the Detroit Lions for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick

Seattle Seahawks

Offensive free agents

TE Greg Olsen (Retired)

TE Jacob Hollister (Agreed to terms with Bills)

RB Carlos Hyde (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

LG Mike Iupati (Retired)

RT Cedric Ogbuehi (Re-signed)

QB Geno Smith

LG Ethan Pocic (Re-signed)

TE Luke Willson

FB Nick Bellore (Re-signed)

WR Phillip Dorsett II (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

LG Chance Warmack

WR David Moore (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

LG Jordan Simmons (Re-signed)

LG Kyle Fuller (re-signed)

RB Chris Carson (Re-signed)

RB Patrick Carr

TE Stephen Sullivan (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

RB Bo Scarbrough

Defensive free agents

DE Carlos Dunlap (Re-signed)

LB K.J. Wright

LB Bruce Irvin

CB Quinton Dunbar (Agreed to terms with Lions)

DE Benson Mayowa (Re-signed)

CB Neiko Thorpe

DE Branden Jackson

S Damarious Randall (Re-signed)

DT Jonathan Bullard

DT Damontre Moore

CB Shaquill Griffin (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

S Delano Hill

CB Ryan Neal (re-signed)

LB Shaquem Griffin

DT Bryan Mone (re-signed)

CB Linden Stephens

CB Jayson Stanley

DT Poona Ford (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Lost CB Shaquill Griffin (Jaguars), TE Stephen Sullivan (Panthers), RB Carlos Hyde (Texans), WR Phillip Dorsett (Jaguars), TE Greg Olsen (Retired), OG Mike Iupati (Retired), WR David Moore (Panthers), TE Jacob Hollister (Bills), CB Quinton Dunbar (Lions)
  • Agreed to terms with CB Ahkello Witherspoon (49ers), TE Gerald Everett (Rams), DE Kerry Hyder (49ers), DT Al Woods (Jaguars)
  • Traded a 2021 fifth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for OG Gabe Jackson
  • Re-signed: OG Kyle Fuller, CB Ryan Neal, DT Bryan Mone, FB Nick Bellore, LG Ethan Pocic, RB Chris Carson, DE Benson Mayowa, DE Carlos Dunlap, LG Jordan Simmons, DT Poona Ford, RT Cedric Ogbuehi
  • Released: OT Chad Wheeler, DT Jarran Reed (Chiefs)

Arizona Cardinals

Offensive free agents

WR Larry Fitzgerald

RB Kenyan Drake (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

RG J.R. Sweezy

LG Max Garcia

RT Kelvin Beachum (Re-signed)

QB Brett Hundley

TE Seth DeValve

RB D.J. Foster

TE Darrell Daniels (Re-signed)

TE Dan Arnold (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

WR Trent Sherfield (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

WR A.J. Richardson (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

CB Patrick Peterson (Agreed to terms with the Vikings)

CB Robert Alford (Re-signed)

LB De’Vondre Campbell

DE Markus Golden (Re-signed)

DT Corey Peters

OLB Haason Reddick (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

DT Domata Peko

S Chris Banjo

CB Dre Kirkpatrick

CB Johnathan Joseph

DT Angelo Blackson (Agreed to terms with Bears)

DT Josh Mauro

DE Isaiah Irving

S Charles Washington (Re-signed)

CB Kevin Peterson

LB Tanner Vallejo (Re-signed)

DE Kylie Fitts (Re-signed)

LB Dennis Gardeck (Placed a second-round tendder)

LB Zeke Turner (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Placed a second-round tender on LB Dennis Gardeck
  • Traded 2021 third-round pick to the Raiders for C Rodney Hudson and a 2021 seventh-round pick.
  • Agreed to terms with DE J.J. Watt (Texans), WR A.J. Green (Bengals), K Matt Prater (Lions), G Brian Winters (Bills), CB Malcolm Butler (Titans), QB Colt McCoy (Giants)
  • Re-signed OLB Markus Golden to a two-year deal, DE Kylie Fitts, LB Zeke Turner, WR A.J. Richardson, CB Robert Alford, OT Kelvin Beachum, LB Tanner Vallejo, S Charles Washington, TE Darrell Daniels
  • Lost OLB Haason Reddick (Panthers), CB Patrick Peterson (Vikings), RB Kenyan Drake (Raiders), DT Angelo Blackson (Bears), TE Dan Arnold (Panthers), WR Trent Sherfield (49ers)

AFC South

Tennessee Titans

Offensive free agents

WR Adam Humphries (Agreed to terms with WFT)

WR Corey Davis (Agreed to terms with the Jets)

TE MyCole Pruitt

LT Marshall Newhouse

RB Senorise Perry

TE Geoff Swaim (Re-signed)

TE Jonnu Smith (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

G Jamil Douglas (Agreed to terms with Bills)

WR Kalif Raymond (Agreed to terms with Lions)

TE Anthony Firkser (Re-signed)

FB Khari Blasingame (Re-signed)

RT Ty Sambrailo (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Jadeveon Clowney

CB Malcolm Butler (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

DT DaQuan Jones

S Kenny Vaccaro

DT Jack Crawford

LB Daren Bates

LB Nick Dzubnar

LB Will Compton

CB Breon Borders (Re-signed)

CB Chris Milton (Agreed to terms with Giants)

CB Desmond King (Agreed to terms with Texans)

LB Jayon Brown (Re-signed)

DT Matt Dickerson (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

S Joshua Kalu (Agreed to terms with Giants)

DE Tuzar Skipper (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed CB Breon Borders, DE Tuzar Skipper, TE Geoff Swaim, K Tucker McCann, LB Jayon Brown, RT Ty Sambrailo, FB Khari Blasingame, TE Anthony Firkser
  • Released CB Adoree Jackson (Giants), OT Dennis Kelly
  • Agreed to terms with OLB Bud Dupree (Steelers) on a multi-year deal, DT Denico Autry (Colts) on three-year deal, LT Kendall Lamm (Browns), DE Davin Bellamy (Texans), CB Janoris Jenkins (Saints), CB Kevin Johnson (Browns), WR Josh Reynolds (Rams), LB Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (Steelers), WR Kalif Raymond (Lions), S Matthias Farley (Jets)
  • Lost WR Corey Davis (Jets), TE Jonnu Smith (Patriots), CB Desmond King (Texans), DT Matt Dickerson (Raiders), WR Adam Humphries (WFT), CB Malcolm Butler (Cardinals), S Joshua Kalu (Giants), CB Chris Milton (Giants), G Jamil Douglas (Bills)
  • Traded 2020 first-round pick OT Isaiah Wilson and a 202 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for a 2021 seventh-round pick

Houston Texans

Offensive free agents

RB David Johnson (Re-signed)

C Nick Martin (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

RB Duke Johnson

QB A.J. McCarron

WR Will Fuller (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

G Zach Fulton (Agreed to terms with Giants)

LT Roderick Johnson (Re-signed)

QB Josh McCown

RT Brent Qvale

TE Pharaoh Brown (Re-signed)

RB Dontrell Hilliard (Re-signed)

FB Cullen Gillaspia (Agreed to terms with the Giants)

RB Buddy Howell (Re-signed)

C Greg Mancz (Agreed to terms with Ravens)

Defensive free agents

DE J.J. Watt (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

OLB Brennan Scarlett (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

CB Gareon Conley

LB Dylan Cole

CB Vernon Hargreaves

CB Phillip Gaines

S Michael Thomas

OLB Tyrell Adams (Agreed to terms with Bills)

LB Kyle Emanuel

DT P.J. Hall (Re-signed)

DT Carlos Watkins (Agreed to terms with Cowboys)

CB Mark Fields (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

DT Eddie Vanderdoes

DE Peter Kalambayi

CB Cornell Armstrong (Re-signed)

S Geno Stone (Agreed to terms with Ravens)

CB A.J. Moore (Re-signed)

DE Davin Bellamy (Agreed to terms with Titans)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Traded LB Bernardrick McKinney to Miami for DE Shaq Lawson and swapped draft picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds in a trade with New England for OL Marcus Cannon and released J.J. Watt (Cardinals)
  • Agreed to terms with QB Tyrod Taylor (Chargers), WR Andre Roberts (Bills), WR Chris Moore (Ravens), RB Mark Ingram (Ravens), RB Phillip Lindsay (Broncos), DT Maleik Collins (Raiders), LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Dolphins), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (WFT), LB Joe Thomas (Cowboys), G Justin McCray (Falcons), CB Terrance Mitchell (Browns), CB Tremon Smith (Colts),
  • Agreed to terms with FS Terrance Brooks (Patriots), DT Vincent Taylor (Browns), OLB Derek Rivers (Rams), CB Tavierre Thomas (Browns), LB Tae Davis (Browns), G Cole Turner (Chargers), CB Desmond King (Titans), WR Donte Moncrief (Patriots), WR Chris Conley (Jaguars), OLB Jordan Jenkins (Jets), P Cameron Johnston (Eagles) TE Antony Auclair (Buccaneers), DT Jaleel Johnson (Vikings)
  • Re-signed RB David Johnson, DT P.J. Hall, RB Dontrell Hilliard, RB Buddy Howell, CB Cornell Armstrong, CB A.J. Moore, TE Pharaoh Brown, RT Roderick Johnson
  • Lost OC Greg Mancz (Ravens), DE Davin Bellamy (Titans), CB Mark Fields (49ers), FB Cullen Gillaspia (Giants), DT Carlos Watkins (Cowboys), C Nick Martin (Raiders), OLB Brennan Scarlett (Dolphins), G Zach Fulton (Giants), S Geno Stone (Ravens), OLB Tyrell Adams (Bills)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offensive free agents

TE Tyler Eifert

WR Keelan Cole (Agreed to terms with Jets)

WR Chris Conley (Agreed to terms with Texans)

LT Cam Robinson (Franchised)

C Tyler Shatley (Re-signed)

RB Chris Thompson

QB Mike Glennon (Agreed to terms with Giants)

TE James O’Shaughnessy (Re-signed)

TE Eric Saubert

WR Dede Westbrook

RB Dare Ogunbowale (Re-signed)

RG Derwin Gray (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

CB D.J. Hayden

DT Abry Jones

DE Aaron Lynch

DE Dawuane Smoot (Re-signed)

DT Caraun Reid

DE Adam Gotsis

CB Greg Mabin

CB Sidney Jones (Re-signed)

CB Rashaan Melvin (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

DT Al Woods (Agreed to terms with Seahawks)

S Josh Jones

CB Tre Herndon (Re-signed)

LB Dakota Allen (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with CB Shaquill Griffin (Seahawks) on a three-year deal, DE Roy Robertson-Harris (Bears) on a four-year deal, DE Jihad Ward (Ravens), RB Carlos Hyde (Seahawks), WR Marvin Jones, Jr. (Lions), S Rayshawn Jenkins (Chargers), S Johnathan Ford (Eagles), WR Phillip Dorsett II (Seahawks), TE Chris Manhertz (Panthers), KR Jamal Agnew (Lions), LB Chappelle Russell (Buccaneers), QB C.J. Beathard (49ers), LB Damien Wilson (Chiefs)
  • Re-signed CB Sidney Jones, DE Dawuane Smoot, RG Derwin Gray, RB Dare Ogunbowale, C Tyler Shatley, LB Dakota Allen, TE James O’Shaughnessy
  • Traded for New Orleans Saints DT Malcom Brown (Saints), TE Josh Oliver to the Baltimore Ravens for a traditional draft pick
  • Lost: QB Mike Glennon (Giants), CB Rashaan Melvin (Panthers), WR Keelan Cole (Jets), WR Chris Conley (Texans), DT Al Woods (Seahawks)

Indianapolis Colts

Offensive free agents

QB Jacoby Brissett (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

QB Philip Rivers (Retired)

WR T.Y. Hilton (Re-signed)

RT Le’Raven Clark

C Joey Hunt (Re-signed)

TE Trey Burton

LT Chaz Green

WR Zach Pascal (Re-signed)

TE Mo Alie-Cox (Re-signed)

RB Marlon Mack (Re-signed)

WR Ashton Dulin (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Justin Houston

DT Denico Autry (Agreed to terms with the Titans)

S Malik Hooker

CB Xavier Rhodes (Re-signed)

SS Tavon Wilson (Agreed to terms with 49ers)

CB T.J. Carrie

DT Taylor Stallworth (Re-signed)

CB Tremon Smith (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

LB Anthony Walker Jr. (Agreed to terms with Browns)

DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (Re-signed)

S George Odum (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Traded a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 conditional second-round draft pick for QB Carson Wentz (Eagles)
  • Agreed to terms with DE Isaac Rochell (Chargers), LT Sam Tevi (Chargers), LT Julie’n Davenport (Dolphins), FS Sean Davis (Steelers), G Chris Reed (Panthers)
  • Re-signed WR Zach Pascal, S George Odum, RB Marlon Mack, TE Mo Alie-Cox, WR Ashton Dulin, DT Taylor Stallworth, CB Xavier Rhodes, WR T.Y. Hilton, C Joey Hunt, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
  • Lost QB Jacoby Brissett (Dolphins), QB Philip Rivers (Retired), DT Denico Autry (Titans), CB Tremon Smith (Texans), LB Anthony Walker J.R. (Browns), SS Tavon Wilson (49ers)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Offensive free agents

WR Willie Snead (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

RB Mark Ingram (Agreed to terms with Texans)

C Matt Skura (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

QB Robert Griffin III

WR Chris Moore (Agreed to terms with Texans)

RG D.J. Fluker

WR Dez Bryant

WR De’Anthony Thomas

TE Eric Tomlinson (Re-signed)

WR DeAndrew White

RB Gus Edwards (Placed a second-round tender)

C Trystan Colon-Castillo (Re-signed)

WR Antoine Wesley

Defensive free agents

DE Matt Judon (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

DE Yannick Ngakoue (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

DT Derek Wolfe (Re-signed)

S Anthony Levine

DE Tyus Bowser (Re-signed)

DE Pernell McPhee (Re-signed)

CB Tramon Williams

DT Justin Ellis (Re-signed)

DT Jihad Ward (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

S Jordan Richards (Re-signed)

CB Davontae Harris (Re-signed)

CB Khalil Dorsey (Re-signed)

LB Kristian Welch (Re-signed)

LB L.J. Fort

LB Chris Board (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed TE Nick Boyle to a two-year extension, OLB Tyus Bowser to a four-year deal, OLB Pernell McPhee, DE Derek Wolfe on a four-year deal, LB Chris Board, DT Justin Ellis, CB Khalil Dorsey, LB Kristian Welch, C Trystan Colon-Castillo, TE Eric Tomlinson, CB Davontae Harris, S Jordan Richards
  • Agreed to terms with OG Kevin Zeitler (Giants), WR Sammy Watkins (Chiefs), C Greg Mancz (Texans), CB Chris Westry (Cowboys), S Geno Stone (Texans)
  • Lost OLB Matt Judon (Patriots), DT Jihad Ward (Jaguars), WR Chris Moore (Texans), C Matt Skura (Dolphins), WR Willie Snead (Raiders)
  • Released RB Mark Ingram (Texans) and did not pick up the contract option on LB L.J. Fort
  • Placed a second-round tender on RB Gus Edwards
  • Traded a conditional draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for TE Josh Oliver

Cleveland Browns

Offensive free agents

LT Kendall Lamm (Agreed to terms with the Titans)

WR JoJo Natson (Re-signed)

WR Rashard Higgins (Re-signed)

WR Taywan Taylor

LG Anthony Fabiano

WR KhaDarel Hodge (Re-signed)

WR Marvin Hall

RG Malcolm Pridgeon

TE Stephen Carlson (Re-signed)

TE Jordan Franks (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Olivier Vernon

CB Kevin Johnson (Agreed to terms with Titans)

CB Terrance Mitchell (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Adrian Clayborn

S Karl Joseph

LB B.J. Goodson

S Andrew Sendejo

LB Malcolm Smith (Re-signed)

DT Larry Ogunjobi (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

S Tedric Thompson

LB Elijah Lee (Re-signed)

CB Robert Jackson (Re-signed)

CB Brian Allen

DT Vincent Taylor (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

DE George Obinna

LB Tae Davis (Agreed to terms with Texans)

CB Tavierre Thomas (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Porter Gustin (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with S John Johnson (Rams) on a three-year deal, DE Takk McKinley (Raiders) on a one-year deal, CB Troy Hill (Rams), LT Greg Senat (Cowboys), LB Anthony Walker, Jr. (Colts), DT Malik Jackson (Eagles)
  • Lost CB Terrance Mitchell (Texans), DT Vincent Taylor (Browns), LT Kendall Lamm (Titans), CB Tavierre Thomas (Texans), LB Tae Davis (Texans), DT Larry Ogunjobi (Bengals), CB Kevin Johnson (Titans)
  • Re-signed CB Robert Jackson, WR KhaDarel Hodge, TE Stephen Carlson, DE Porter Gustin, TE Jordan Franks, LB Malcolm Smith, WR JoJo Natson, WR Rashard Higgins, K Cody Parkey, LB Elijah Lee

Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive free agents

WR A.J. Green (Agreed to terms with the Cardinals)

WR John Ross (Agreed to terms with the Giants)

C B.J. Finney (Agreed to terms with the Steelers)

TE Cethan Carter (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

WR Alex Erickson

LG Quinton Spain

WR Mike Thomas (Re-signed)

QB Brandon Allen (Re-signed)

RT Bobby Hart (Agreed to terms with Bills)

RB Samaje Perine (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

S Shawn Williams

CB Mackensie Alexander (Agreed to terms with Vikings)

CB William Jackson III (Agreed to terms with the WFT)

S Brandon Wilson (Re-signed)

CB LeShaun Sims

LB Josh Bynes

DT Christian Covington

DT Mike Daniels

DT Margus Hunt

DT Xavier Williams

DE Carl Lawson (Agreed to terms with the Jets)

CB Jalen Davis (Re-signed)

CB Tony Brown (Re-signed)

LB Jordan Evans

DT Amani Bledsoe

CB Torry McTyer (Agreed to terms with the WFT)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with DE Trey Hendrickson (Saints) on a four-year deal, CB Chidobe Awuzie (Cowboys) on a three-year deal, CB Mike Hilton (Steelers) on a four-year deal, DT Larry Ogunjobi (Browns), LT Riley Reiff (Vikings), FS Ricardo Allen (Falcons)
  • Re-signed CB Jalen Davis, WR Mike Thomas, QB Brandon Allen, RB Samaje Perine, CB Tony Brown, S Brandon Wilson
  • Lost WR A.J. Green (Cardinals), DE Carl Lawson (Jets), CB William Jackson III (WFT), TE Cethan Carter (Dolphins), CB Torry McTyer (WFT), OL B.J. Finney (Steelers), WR John Ross (Giants), K Randy Bullock (Lions), CB Mackensie Alexander (Vikings), RT Bobby Hart (Bills)
  • Released DT Geno Atkins

Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive free agents

C Maurkice Pouncey (Retired)

LT Alejandro Villanueva

RT Matt Feiler (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)

RT Zach Banner (Re-signed)

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Re-signed)

RG Danny Isidora

TE Trey Edmunds (Re-signed)

RB James Conner

RT Jerald Hawkins

WR Ray-Ray McCloud (Re-signed)

QB Joshua Dobbs

C J.C. Hassenauer (Re-signed)

LT Jarron Jones (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

OLB Bud Dupree (Agreed to terms with Titans)

LB Avery Williamson

CB Mike Hilton (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

DT Tyson Alualu (Re-signed)

DE Cassius Marsh (Re-signed)

DE Jayrone Elliott

DT Chris Wormley (Re-signed)

S Jordan Dangerfield

FS Sean Davis (Agreed to terms with Colts)

CB Cameron Sutton (Re-signed)

LB Tegray Scales (Re-signed)

LB Marcus Allen (Re-signed)

LB Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (Agreed to terms with Titans)

LB Robert Spillane (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Restructured the contract of QB Ben Roethlisberger
  • Re-signed CB Cameron Sutton, RT Zach Banner, TE Trey Edmunds, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, LB Tegray Scales, LB Marcus Allen, C J.C. Hassenauer, LB Robert Spillane, OT Jarron Jones, DT Chris Wormley, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DT Tyson Alualu, DE Cassius Marsh, P Jordan Berry
  • Agreed to terms with OC B.J. Finney (Bengals), S Miles Killebrew (Lions), T Joe Haeg (Buccaneers), RG Rashaad Coward (Bears), RB Kalen Ballage (Chargers)
  • Released LB Vince Williams, CB Steven Nelson
  • Lost CB Mike Hilton (Bengals), OLB Bud Dupree (Titans), OC Maurkice Pouncey (retired), OL Matt Feiler (Chargers), LB Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (Titans), FS Sean Davis (Colts)

AFC East

New England Patriots

Offensive free agents

LG Joe Thuney (Agreed to terms with Chiefs)

RB James White (Re-signed)

C David Andrews (Re-signed)

LG Jermaine Eluemunor

RB Rex Burkhead

QB Cam Newton (Re-signed)

WR Damiere Byrd

QB Brian Hoyer

WR Donte Moncrief (Agreed to terms with Texans)

LG Marcus Martin (Re-signed)

LG James Ferentz

WR Quincy Adeboyejo

FB Jakob Johnson (Re-signed)

RG Caleb Benenoch

TE Jake Burt

Defensive free agents

CB Jason McCourty

DT Lawrence Guy (Re-signed)

DT Adam Butler (Agreed to terms with Dolphins)

DE John Simon

S Terrence Brooks (Agreed to terms with Texans)

FS Cody Davis (Re-signed)

DE Shilique Calhoun

CB Justin Bethel

OLB Brandon Copeland (Agreed to terms with Falcons)

DE Carl Davis (Re-signed)

DE Deatrich Wise (Re-signed)

CB J.C. Jackson (Re-signed)

LB Michael Pinckney (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with OLB Matt Judon (Ravens) on a four-year deal, TE Hunter Henry (Chargers) on a three-year deal, TE Jonnu Smith (Titans) on a four-year deal; DB Jalen Mills (Eagles), WR Nelson Agholar (Raiders), WR Kendrick Bourne (49ers), DT Davon Godchaux (Dolphins), DE Henry Anderson (Jets), C Ted Karras (Dolphins), LB Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins), DE Montravious Adams (Packers), ILB Raekwon McMillan (Raiders), ILB LaRoy Reynolds (Falcons)
  • Lost LG Joe Thuney (Chiefs), FS Terrence Brooks (Texans), OLB Brandon Copeland (Falcons), DT Adam Butler (Dolphins), WR Donte Moncrief (Texans)
  • Traded OL Marcus Cannon to the Houston Texans in a deal that involved swaps of draft picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds
  • Re-signed QB Cam Newton (one-year deal), OG Marcus Martin, DE Deatrich Wise, LB Michael Pinckney, DE Carl Davis, FB Jakob Johnson, CB J.C. Jackson, FS Cody Davis, C David Andrews, K Nick Folk, RB James White, DT Lawrence Guy

Buffalo Bills

Offensive free agents

C Mitch Morse (Re-signed)

WR John Brown (Agreed to terms with the Raiders)

RT Ty Nsekhe (Agreed to terms with the Cowboys)

TE Tyler Kroft (Agreed to terms with Jets)

RG Jon Feliciano (Re-signed)

RG Brian Winters (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

RT Daryl Williams (Re-signed)

QB Matt Barkley

RB Taiwan Jones (Re-signed)

RB T.J. Yeldon

WR Andre Roberts (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

WR Isaiah McKenzie (Re-signed)

RG Jordan Devey (Re-signed)

LG Ike Boettger (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DE Trent Murphy

DT Quinton Jefferson (Agreed to terms with Raiders)

CB Josh Norman

S Dean Marlowe (Agreed to terms with Lions)

CB E.J. Gaines

CB Levi Wallace (Re-signed)

LB Andre Smith (Re-signed)

LB Matt Milano (Re-signed)

LB Del’Shawn Phillips (Agreed to terms with Jets)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with WR Emmanuel Sanders (Saints), WR Jake Kumerow (Saints), QB Mitchell Trubisky (Bears), P Matt Haack (Dolphins), TE Jacob Hollister (Seahawks), DE Efe Obada (Panthers), WR Brandon Powell (Falcons), RB Matt Breida (Dolphins), OLB Tyrell Adams (Texans), G Jamil Douglas (Titans), RT Bobby Hart (Bengals), LG Forrest Lamp (Chargers)
  • Re-signed LB Matt Milano to a three-year deal, RT Darryl Williams to a three-year deal, OG Jon Feliciano, RG Jordan Devey, OC Mitch Morse, LB Andre Smith, RB Taiwan Jones, CB Levi Wallace, LG Ike Boettger, WR Isaiah McKenzie
  • Lost WR Andre Roberts (Texans), RT Ty Nsekhe (Cowboys), WR John Brown (Bills), DT Quinton Jefferson (Raiders), RG Brian Winters (Cardinals), TE Tyler Kroft (Jets), LB Del’Shawn Phillips (Jets), S Dean Marlowe (Lions)

Miami Dolphins

Offensive free agents

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Agreed to terms with WFT)

RB Matt Breida (Agreed to terms with Bills)

C Ted Karras (Agreed to terms with the Patriots)

RB DeAndre Washington

WR Mack Hollins (Re-signed)

WR Mack Hollins (Re-signed)

QB Jake Rudock

LT Julie’n Davenport (Agreed to terms with Colts)

LG Adam Pankey

Defensive free agents

DE Kyle Van Noy (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

LB Vince Biegel (Re-signed)

LB Elandon Roberts (Re-signed)

S Kavon Frazier

DT Davon Godchaux (Agreed to terms with the Patriots)

LB Calvin Munson (Re-signed)

CB Nik Needham (Re-signed)

CB Jomal Wiltz (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with QB Jacoby Brissett (Colts), RB Malcom Brown (Rams), CB Justin Coleman (Lions), TE Cethan Carter (Bengals), P Michael Palardy (Panthers), WR Will Fuller (Texans), DT Adam Butler (Patriots), OLB Brennan Scarlett (Texans), WR Robert Foster (WFT), C Matt Skura (Ravens), DT John Jenkins (Bears), OLB Duke Riley (Eagles)
  • Lost QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (WFT), DT Davon Godchaux (Patriots), OC Ted Karras (Patriots), P Matt Haack (Bills), LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Texans), RB Matt Breida (Bills), LT Julie’n Davenport (Colts)
  • Re-signed K Jason Sanders to an extension, LB Calvin Munson, CB Nik Needham, LB Vince Biegel, LB Elandon Roberts, WR Mack Hollins
  • Traded DE Shaq Lawson for LB Benardrick McKinney (Texans)
  • Traded a 2021 seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for OT Isaiah Wilson and a 2022 seventh-round pick, Wilson was cut soon after.
  • Released LB Kyle Van Noy (Patriots)

New York Jets

Offensive free agents

WR Breshad Perriman (Agreed to terms with Lions)

QB Joe Flacco (Agreed to terms with Eagles)

RB Frank Gore

TE Daniel Brown

RG Pat Elflein (Agreed to terms with the Panthers)

C Josh Andrews (Agreed to terms with Falcons)

TE Ross Travis

RB Josh Adams (Re-signed)

WR Vyncint Smith (Re-signed)

WR Jeff Smith

Defensive free agents

DT Henry Anderson (Agreed to terms with the Patriots)

CB Brian Poole

S Bradley McDougald

OLB Jordan Jenkins (Agreed to terms with Texans)

LB Neville Hewitt

LB Patrick Onwuasor

S Marcus Maye (Franchised)

S Matthias Farley (Agreed to terms with Titans)

LB Bryce Hager

CB Arthur Maulet

DT Trevon Coley

OLB Tarell Basham (Agreed to terms with Cowboys)

LB Frankie Luvu (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

CB Bennett Jackson

LB Harvey Langi

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with WR Corey Davis (Titans) on a three-year deal, DE Carl Lawson (Bengals) on a three-year deal, LB Jarrad Davis (Lions), CB Justin Hardee (Saints), G Dan Feeney (Chargers), WR Keelan Cole (Jaguars), FS LaMarcus Joyner (Raiders), TE Tyler Kroft (Bills), DT Sheldon Rankins (Saints), LB Del’Shawn Phillips (Bills), RB Tevin Coleman (49ers), DE Vinny Curry (Eagles)
  • Franchised S Marcus Maye
  • Re-signed WR Vyncint Smith, RB Josh Adams
  • Traded QB Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 6th round pick & 2022 2nd & 4th round picks.
  • Lost OG Pat Elflein (Panthers), DE Henry Anderson (Patriots), WR Breshad Perriman (Lions), OLB Tarell Basham (Cowboys), OLB Jordan Jenkins (Texans), QB Joe Flacco (Eagles), LB Frankie Luvu (Panthers), C Josh Andrews (Falcons), S Matthias Farley (Titans)

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive free agents

LT Eric Fisher

RT Mitchell Schwartz

WR Sammy Watkins (Agreed to terms with Ravens)

WR Demarcus Robinson (Re-signed)

C Austin Reiter

RB Darrel Williams (Re-signed)

LG Kelechi Osemele

RT Mike Remmers (Re-signed)

LG Stefen Wisniewski

C Daniel Kilgore

RB Le’Veon Bell

TE Ricky Seals-Jones

LG Andrew Wylie (Re-signed)

TE Deon Yelder

WR Gehrig Dieter (Re-signed)

RB Damien Williams (Agreed to terms with Bears)

WR Byron Pringle (Re-signed)

TE Nick Keizer (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

S Daniel Sorensen (Re-signed)

CB Bashaud Breeland

DE Alex Okafor

LB Damien Wilson (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Agreed to terms with Saints)

DT Mike Pennel

CB Antonio Hamilton

DE Taco Charlton (Re-signed)

LB Ben Niemann (Re-signed)

CB Charvarius Ward (Re-signed)

CB Alex Brown

LB Emmanuel Smith (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed DE Taco Charlton, WR Gehrig Dieter, LB Emmanuel Smith, LG Andrew Wylie, RT Mike Remmers, WR Byron Pringle, CB Charvarius Ward, S Daniel Sorensen, LB Ben Niemann, WR Demarcus Robinson, RB Darrel Williams, TE Nick Keizer
  • Agreed to terms with OG Joe Thuney (Patriots) on a five-year deal, TE Blake Bell (Cowboys), OG Kyle Long, DT Jarran Reed (Seahawks), G Austin Blythe (Rams), FB Michael Burton (Saints),
  • Released OT Eric Fisher, OT Mitchell Schwartz, RB Damien Williams (Bears)
  • Lost WR Sammy Watkins (Ravens), DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Saints), LB Damien Wilson (Jaguars)

Los Angeles Chargers

Offensive free agents

RG Trai Turner

TE Hunter Henry (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

C Mike Pouncey (Retired)

QB Tyrod Taylor (Agreed to terms with Texans)

TE Virgil Green

LG Forrest Lamp (Agreed to terms with Bills)

G Dan Feeney (Agreed to terms with Jets)

LG Ryan Groy

G Cole Toner (Agreed to terms with Texans)

RB Kalen Ballage (Agreed to terms with Steelers)

TE Stephen Anderson (Re-signed)

LT Sam Tevi (Agreed to terms with Colts)

RG Tyree St. Louis (Re-signed)

WR Jeff Cotton

Defensive free agents

DE Melvin Ingram

CB Casey Hayward

LB Denzel Perryman (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

CB Michael Davis (Re-signed)

LB Nick Vigil (Agreed to terms with the Vikings)

DT Damion Square

S Jaylen Watkins

S Jahleel Addae

DE Isaac Rochell (Agreed to terms with Colts)

LB B.J. Bello

S Rayshawn Jenkins (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

LB Malik Jefferson

CB Tevaughn Campbell (Re-signed)

CB Brandon Facyson (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Re-signed P Ty Long, OG Tyree St. Louis, CB Michael Davis, CB Tevaughn Campbell, CB Brandon Facyson, TE Stephen Anderson
  • Agreed to terms with OL Matt Feiler (Steelers) on a three-year deal, OC Corey Linsley (Packers) to a five-year deal, TE Jared Cook (Saints), T Oday Aboushi (Lions), OLB Kyler Fackrell (Giants), QB Chase Daniel (Lions), CB Ryan Smith (Buccaneers)
  • Released CB Casey Hayward, OG Trai Turner
  • Lost S Rayshawn Jenkins (Jaguars), C Mike Pouncey (Retired), QB Tyrod Taylor (Texans), TE Hunter Henry (Patriots), LB Nick Vigil (Vikings), LB Denzel Perryman (Panthers), G Dan Feeney (Jets), G Cole Toner (Texans), DE Isaac Rochell (Colts), LT Sam Tevi (Colts), RB Kalen Ballage (Steelers), LG Forrest Lamp (Bills)

Denver Broncos

Offensive free agents

RT Elijah Wilkinson (Agreed to terms with Bears)

RT Demar Dotson

QB Blake Bortles

WR Tim Patrick (Re-signed)

TE Jake Butt

TE Troy Fumagalli

WR Diontae Spencer (Re-signed)

RB Phillip Lindsay

LG Austin Schlottmann (Re-signed)

LT Calvin Anderson (Re-signed)

C Patrick Morris (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

DT Jurrell Casey

CB A.J. Bouye (Agreed to terms with Panthers)

S Justin Simmons (Re-signed)

SS Kareem Jackson (Re-signed)

DT Shelby Harris (Re-signed)

S Will Parks

OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (Agreed to terms with Bears)

DT DeMarcus Walker

DT Sylvester Williams

DE Anthony Chickillo

CB De’Vante Bausby

LB Joseph Jones

S Trey Marshall (Re-signed)

CB Kevin Toliver II

LB Austin Calitro

CB Alijah Holder

DT Kyle Peko

LB Natrez Patrick (R-signed)

LB Alexander Johnson (Re-signed)

DT Jonathan Harris (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with CB Ronald Darby (WFT) on a three-year deal, CB Kyle Fuller (Bears), RB Mike Boone (Vikings), S Justin Simmons on a four-year deal, DT Shamar Stephen (Vikings)
  • Re-signed DL Shelby Harris, S Trey Marshall, WR Tim Patrick, LB Natrez Patrick, WR Diontae Spencer, LB Alexander Johnson, RB Phillip Lindsay, DT Jonathan Harris, OT Calvin Anderson, OG Austin Schlottmann, C Patrick Morris, SS Kareem Jackson
  • Lost OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (Bears), RT Elijah Wilkinson (Bears), CB A.J. Bouye (Panthers)
  • Released TE Nick Vannett (Saints)
  • Picked up OLB Von Miller’s option; Placed an original round tender on RB Phillip Lindsay, rescinded it, and then he signed with the Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Offensive free agents

WR Tyrell Williams (Agreed to terms with the Lions)

RG Gabe Jackson (Traded to the Seahawks)

LG Richie Incognito (Re-signed)

TE Jason Witten (Retired with Cowboys)

LG Denzelle Good (Re-signed)

TE Derek Carrier (Re-signed)

WR Zay Jones (Re-signed)

RT Sam Young

WR Nelson Agholor (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

RB Devontae Booker (Agreed to terms with Giants)

TE Nick O’Leary

QB Nathan Peterman (re-signed)

RB Theo Riddick (Re-signed)

Defensive free agents

S Lamarcus Joyner (Agreed to terms with Jets)

DT Maliek Collins (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

DT Johnathan Hankins (Re-signed)

LB Nicholas Morrow (Re-signed)

DE Takkarist McKinley (Agreed to terms with the Browns)

S Erik Harris (Agreed to terms with the Falcons)

CB Nevin Lawson (Re-signed)

LB Raekwon McMillan (Agreed to terms with Patriots)

LB Kyle Wilber

DE Chris Smith

LB Vic Beasley

CB Daryl Worley

DE Jeremiah Valoaga

LB Ukeme Eligwe

S Dallin Leavitt (Re-signed)

CB D.J. Killings

DT Kendal Vickers (Re-signed)

Special Teams

K Daniel Carlson (Re-signed)

LS Trent Sieg (Re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

  • Agreed to terms with DE Yannick Ngakoue (Ravens) on a two-year deal, WR John Brown (Bills), DE Quinton Jefferson (Bills), DE Solomon Thomas (49ers), RB Kenyan Drake (Cardinals), DT Quinton Jefferson (Bills), C Nick Martin (Texans), DT Matt Dickerson (Titans), WR Willie Snead (Ravens)
  • Traded OG Gabe Jackson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2021 fifth-round pick & OC Rodney Hudson and a 2021 seventh-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick
  • Re-signed OG Richie Igcognito, LG Denzelle Good, K Daniel Carlson, TE Trent Sieg, QB Nathan Peterman, DT Kendal Vickers, S Dallin Leavitt, DT Johnathan Hankins, RB Theo Riddick, TE Derek Carrier, CB Nevin Lawson, WR Zay Jones, LB Nicholas Morrow
  • Released WR Tyrell Williams (Lions)
  • Lost TE Jason Witten (retired-Cowboys), DT Maleik Collins (Texans), DE Takk McKinley (Browns), RB Devontae Booker (Giants), WR Nelson Agholar (Patriots), S Erik Harris (Falcons), S Lamarcus Joyner (Jets), LB Raekwon McMillan (Patriots)

Photography: ©DraftNasty

2020 NFL Draft recap: NFC South

Carolina Panthers  Notable pick: Gross-Matos has a chance to benefit from one-on-one opportunities as the Panthers continue to diversify its defensive front. He and 2019 first-round pick Brian Burns could become bookends on the outside edges.
Round, Selection,
Player School DN Big Board Rank/ Grade ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (7) Derrick Brown6’4 326 DT-Auburn10/1st Round Brown won’t necessarily provide an immediate pass rush upgrade over the since-departed Gerald McCoy. He will, however, provide immediate returns as a defender who will require double teams at nearly 330 pounds. His range belies that of a player in his weight class.
2 (38) Yetur Gross-MatosDE-Penn State14/2nd RoundGross-Matos is young and probably hasn’t come close to tapping his unlimited potential. For him to do, he has to improve affecting the three-step passing game once his pass rush has been stymied.
2 (64) Jeremy Chinn6’3 221
DB-Southern Illinois
39/2nd RoundChinn moved around in school but his value can come as a multi-purpose safety. He has the skills to cover tight ends. His most impressive characteristic is the ability to close from the inside-out on out-breaking patterns. At 221 pounds, he has to get better at not settling his feet in one-on-one coverage.
4 (113)Troy Pride, Jr.6’2 202
CB-Notre Dame
201/4th RoundPride closes routes from the outside-in, runs extremely well and is frequently in good position. The next step involves finishing in those moments.
5 (152)Kenny Robinson6’2 202
S-West Virginia
N/ARobinson is another safety with special teams value and above average range. His biggest knock at West Virginia was the occasional missed one-on-one tackle, something he largely improved as a St. Louis Battlehawk in the XFL.

6 (184)
Brayvion Roy
6’1 333
DT-Baylor
241/4th Round
Roy was often lauded by the Baylor coaching staff (now in Carolina) for his pure power. The former Bear is tough to move but his lack of length caused him to fall to Day 3 of the draft process.
7 (221)
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
6’0 192
CB-FIU
167/3rd Round
We think Thomas-Oliver III has an outside shot of making the team because of his upside in man coverage. The former WR caught 35 passes for 486 yards in 2016 for FIU.
Atlanta Falcons  Notable picks: For the Falcons to spend a seventh-round pick on Hofrichter underscores the importance of the kicking game. Hofrichter’s strong leg can travel outside, but he tallied 72 punts of 50-plus yards in school. Can he handle kickoff duties?
Round, Selection,
Player School DN Big Board Rank/ Grade ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (16) A.J. Terrell 6’1 195
CB-Clemson
34/2nd Round Terrell made his mark at Clemson by playing a large majority of man coverage. Although he gave up some plays, his short memory makes him a fit at the position.
2 (47) Marlon Davidson6’3 303
DT-Auburn
40/2nd Round Davidson can basically play any of the four defensive line spots but may project as a legitimate three-technique on third downs. His work off the edge has been very good in the run game and pedestrian as a pass rusher.
3 (78) Matt Hennessy6’4 302
OC-Temple
52/2nd Round Hennessy has outstanding lateral agility, average pop and good range. This is a pick for the near future with Alex Mack still in the fold at center. It may give time for Hennessy to get stronger and provide depth at the three interior line spots.
4 (119) Mykal Walker6’3 230
OLB-Fresno State
3rd Round Walker’s work in school was often as a Rush OLB, but he will get the opportunity to develop as an exchange LB with the hope that he can provide immediate special teams coverage value. His work in the postseason at the exchange LB spot improved his draft stock.
4 (134)Jaylinn Hawkins6’2 208
S-Cal
4th Round Hawkins -a former WR- continued to improve filling as a tackler (see vs. Kelley, UCLA ’19). The ball skills show up in some downfield moments, but his angles have been inconsistent.
Atlanta Falcons first-round pick A.J. Terrell (No. 8 pictured) was frequently given man-to-man assignments in Clemson’s defense.
7 (228)
Sterling Hofrichter
5’10 196
P-Syracuse
462/6th Round
After the Falcons released longtime punter Matt Bosher during the offseason, there was an opening for a punter/kickoff specialist. Hofrichter did both well during his stay at Syracuse.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Notable pick: Vaughn’s impact at Vanderbilt goes beyond the numbers. His contact balance, receiving skills and underrated long speed could be the jolt the Buccaneers need in the running game.
Round, Selection,
Player School DN Big Board Rank/ Grade ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (13) Tristan Wirfs6’5 320
OT-Iowa
8/1st RoundWirfs has All-Pro potential as an OG or OT, but most likely projects on the edges. He was more dominant a run blocker than pass protector.
2 (45) Antoine Winfield, Jr.5’9 203
S-Minnesota
19/2nd Round Winfield, Jr. was a solid nickel back earlier in his career, but injuries stopped his charge. He put it all together as a safety in 2019 and -if healthy- the best may be yet to come. He is entering a young, crowded defensive backfield that will benefit from his competitive nature.
3 (76) Ke’Shawn
Vaughn
5’10 214
RB-Vanderbilt
65/2nd Round Vaughn’s productivity (back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons), quickness, field speed and balance were undone by nagging injury problems. He played his best against the best competition in school.
5 (161)Tyler Johnson6’1 206
WR-Minnesota
156/4th Round Johnson finished his storied career with 33 receiving TDs. There are questions about his short-striding nature and ball security, but none concerning strength.
6 (194)  Khalil Davis6’1 308
DT-Nebraska
144/3rd RoundDavis played some at DE and DT in school, but his natural NFL position will be inside. The all-conference track & field thrower’s 4.79 speed didn’t consistently show up down-to-down, but he impressed the last two seasons.
7 (241)Chappelle Russell6’2 236
LB-Temple 
296/4th Round Russell’s movement and play speed in 2019 made it seem as if his knee injuries were a thing of the past.
7 (245)Raymond CalaisAll-purpose/Louisiana-Lafayette370/5th Round In 49 career games, Calais averaged nearly eight yards per carry. In addition, he was one of the draft ‘s
Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick Tristan Wirfs posted the second-best all-time mark in the state of Iowa in the shot put (66-3 1/4).
New Orleans Saints  Notable Pick: Trautman has a chance to develop into a very good NFL tight end. He runs routes like a wide receiver and offers flex potential. He may have an opportunity to steal repetitions from incumbent No. 2 tight end Josh Hill.
Round, Selection,
Player School DN Big Board Rank/ Grade ‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (24) Cesar Ruiz 6’3 307
OC-Michigan
31/2nd Round Ruiz has all of the requisite tools to get to and complete most of his assignments. He has to finish blocks with more tenacity in order to become the player the team envisions.
3 (74)Zack Baun6’3 238
LB-Wisconsin
16/2nd Round Baun was often lauded as one of the Big Ten’s best pass rushers over the last two seasons, but the former Badger also found time to pick off two passes (TD) and showed upside in pass coverage.
3 (105)Adam Trautman 6’5 255
TE-Dayton
128/3rd Round Trautman’s 6.78 3-cone time at the 2020 NFL Combine ranked as one of the more impressive testing numbers during the postseason.
4 (120) Tommy Stevens 6’4 237
QB/All-purpose-Mississippi State
430/5th Round If Saints fans want to envision a possible role for Stevens, look no further than how former Penn State OC and Mississippi State HC Joe Moorhead used him as a Nittany Lion. It could be his path to making the roster. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry with 8 TDs in a slash-type role in Happy Valley.
New Orleans Saints third-round pick Adam Trautman, pictured, averaged a touchdown catch every 5.74 receptions in school.

Q&A with Chicago Bears DE Trevis Gipson: “Put in the work”

Tulsa defensive end Trevis Gipson totaled 13 quarterback sacks in college and in 2019 doubled his sack production from four to eight. DraftNasty’s Corey Chavous caught up with Gipson (6’3, 259) during the 2020 Senior Bowl media day to discuss his favorite pass rush moves and the chances of improving his draft stock.

Chavous: You worked so much at the four-technique (DL) and oftentimes you play bigger than your size, what do you feel like this week offers in terms of showing you can be as an edge rusher?
Gipson: I feel like that will show my versatility to scouts and general managers that will be observing our practice. Like you said, I came in sometimes four-I (inside shade of tackle), four (head-up versus offensive tackle) or sometimes even five (outside shoulder of offensive tackle), but just being on that edge showing I can bull rush or speed rush, speed-to-power, just showing a lot of versatility in my pass rush. I feel like that will help my overall draft stock at the end of the day.

Gipson finished his Golden Hurricane career with 25.5 tackles for losses and eight forced fumbles.

Chavous: Some of our notes on you include the right-hand post from the left defensive end spot and then using that same arm to dip and make the 90-degree turn against Cincinnati this year. When you go against bigger tackles, like the guys you’ll face this week, do you feel like your long arms will allow you to get some extension away from these big tackles?
Gipson: I feel like it will. I have certain moves for certain tackles. Taller tackles I like to dip the corner or use my speed because they are longer than me. It all depends on what type of tackle I’m going against and just being able to turn that corner…wearing that down. That will open my opportunities to do the bull rush or power pass rushes overall.

Chavous: Do you think if you show here what you showed against other Power 5 teams that you could move up into the first round discussion?
Gipson: Most definitely, my confidence in myself is out of this roof. I feel like once I show them my pass rush is unstoppable in my opinion then it will help my draft stock. Overall, run-stopping, also, I feel like that will help me. Just dominating in all aspects man, that’s a part of my game plan. Of course everyone wants their draft stock to rise, but you’ve got put in the work to do it. That’s my first milestone and I’ll cross that coming this afternoon (here at the Senior Bowl).

Chavous: You kind of touched upon it, you’re a good run defender. That separates you from potentially some of the other players. Why is it such a commitment to you in terms of holding the point or being able to two-gap?
Gipson: In order to get to third down, you have to stop first and second.

Chavous: Yeah.
Gipson: I feel like I have more fun rushing the passer but I can’t do that unless I stop the run first. Of course delivering big hits….just enjoying the physicality of the game, that’s part of the reason I do it man. I love the game. You can’t take physicality or you can’t take running away from the game. Everybody is gonna run the ball. Some teams more than others…like Navy.

Chavous: Right, right.
Gipson: I didn’t get many pass rushes versus them (Navy).

Chavous: Protect your legs….(laughs).
Gipson: Ah man, I had blood coming down my shins and everything. It was crazy man. But stopping the run is a big part of getting to that third down and that’s what comes first. So I take that more serious.

Chavous: You kind of remind me of those guys who are multi-dimensional, like Za’Darius Smith or Preston Smith, the guys that play up in Green Bay. Guys who can play the run and rush the passer. Who do you pattern your game after at the next level? Maybe a guy where you say that kind of reminds me of myself a little bit. I can work on developing some of what he already has in his arsenal.
Gipson: I like to compare myself to Marcus Davenport (New Orleans Saints), he’s 6-foot-7 (6’6″). But just his story, coming out of UTSA, a small school, he was underlooked.

Chavous: He kind of rose up during this week (Senior Bowl) too, right?
Gibson: Yeah, he did and that’s my plan. Seeing him become the 14th overall pick, it just gave me nothing but hope and pride. I’m going to try and kill this week and show scouts what I can do. Overall, perform at a high level.

Chavous: Thanks a lot man, we enjoyed watching you play. Best of luck.
Gibson: Thanks a lot.

Q&A with former Utah State PK Dominik Eberle: “It’s always about the next kick”

Former Utah State kicker Dominick Eberle set a new Mountain West Conference all-time mark for field goals when he hit four goals versus Wyoming in 2019. He also aced a game-winning field goal against Fresno State in 2019. Despite being a Lou Groza Award finalist in 2017, he dealt with a career-defining low point in the 2017 Arizona Bowl. DraftNasty’s Corey Chavous caught up with Eberle during the week of the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl to talk about redemption, technique and confidence.

Corey: I want to take you to a game a couple years back. The Arizona Bowl (2017). That game. What did you feel like it did for you….the learning experience? Talk about that moment and how you built from that.
Eberle: That moment is something where I truly felt like I let my teammates down. I felt like I didn’t perform to the best of my abilities and it wasn’t gonna be something that I was gonna be remembered for. That was gonna be something where it has happened, but the learning experience from that, really challenging myself to whatever accolades came before that didn’t matter, because that was the last game I had played in. So I really wanted to make sure that that bitter taste out of my mouth kinda came out of that. Because just through hard work, really focusing on what I can do better and what I can control, that was something that I learned a lot from it and wanted to just consistently improve on every single day. And those are the lessons that you need as a kicker. You need to be mentally tough, you need to be able to just focus on the next kick because what happened doesn’t matter anymore. It shapes who you are but it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s always about the next kick. And that’s kind of the mentality that I took this year as well. It doesn’t matter if I made three field goals already, the fourth one, the next one is really the one I focused on. Just taking it one kick at a time.

Utah State’s Dominik Eberle made 79-percent of his field goals in school and never missed an extra point.

Corey: I think you were like 18-of-22 (16-of-18) going into that game (2017 Arizona Bowl) or something like that. It was kind of crazy just how efficient you had been. Big reason the team was even in the bowl game, right? But did you find yourself punching at the ball in that game? What was it technically that you learned from it?
Eberle: From that game, I was wrapping around the ball a lot. If you look at the seam, I was hitting so far on the right seam where even though I had distance on it, it was just kind of shoot off your foot with a weird left rotation and spin out to the left of the upright. And that’s what I did on three of the field goals that game. And the very last one, I really just punched at it, it went right, hit the upright. That’s something where I looked at it where it was sometimes just trusting your technique isn’t enough. Sometimes you’ve gotta be really able to not revamp it, but add certain things that can help you. So what I did going into the next season (2018) was really following through straight and using my momentum, similar to Justin Tucker’s, to carry myself through the ball straight and have my hips pointing right at my target. That’s something that I worked with cone drills, just kicking the ball into the net. And that’s something where every single day I’m kinda working at that getting that consistency right through my target.

Corey: And talk a little bit about that. For placekickers, the target line is a big deal. That target line is really where you’re trying to get the ball to and in that sense, that’s really what you’re talking about from an explanation standpoint, right?
Eberle: Exactly. For us, when we’re facing our building side right between the S and T or the K and the S for Maverik Stadium (Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium, Utah State’s home field), small little gap. That’s something we’re always aiming at. It’s high up and everybody can see it and that’s my target line. So whenever I hit in that Allstate Hands (kicking net) or something, right down my target line. That’s something I always focus on in practice, whether it’s here (Tropicana Field, East-West Shrine Bowl), when I’m looking above you can kinda see the Tropicana Field. That’s something where I’m aiming at and really know if my ball is truly where I was gonna hit it.

Corey: One of the best kickers in Mountain West history. If there is one thing you feel good about translating the next level what would it be? In terms of moving forward to the next level. You’ve kicked off, are you going to be a touchback kicker in the NFL?
Eberle: I can certainly improve on kickoffs. The scheme was different this year (2019) than it was last year (2018: 64-percent touchback percentage). We tried to play the ball around a little bit more, steal a possession here or there, so my touchback percentages might of not have been near as similar…

Utah State PK Dominik Eberle, pictured, became the sixth player in NCAA history to kick three 50-yard field goals when he connected on three 51-yarders versus New Mexico State in 2018.

Corey: Sky kicks.
Eberle: Exactly. Sky kicks, little pooch kicks.

Corey: Hang times to sometimes get a fair catch?
Eberle: Exactly. So that was kinda what we were working with this year rather than just telling me to boot the ball out of the end zone. I know I can do that but I’m more of a team player. Realizing against LSU we had a little pooch kick over to about the 30-yard line where we knew the guy wasn’t experienced catching the ball and maybe steal a fumble. So we pooched the ball over and he fumbled it but he recovered it rather than us. That is where I realized that can just as much of a weapon as just kicking the ball out of the end zone.

Corey: You talked about Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) earlier, who were some of the other kickers that you study at the NFL level with some of those technique we were talking about?
Eberle: Shayne Graham (15-year NFL veteran with 14 teams) would be one as well. He was really consistent. He was someone that when I first was learning to become a kicker was still playing in the league. He was with the Bengals at the time, bounced around with the Saints and everything. I was watching him and how smooth he sometimes appeared where it looked effortless. Will Lutz (New Orleans Saints) as well, he has incredible ball-striking ability. That’s something I want to learn from him. And just Adam Vinatieri (Patriots, Colts). The more you read about him or hear stories about him, he had that killer instinct in the fourth quarter. He was so in the zone that you knew he wasn’t going to miss.

Corey: Thanks a lot for your time and best of luck in the draft.
Eberle: Thanks a lot.

2019 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC South

Panthers first-round pick Brian Burns (No. 99 pictured) finished his career with 24 quarterback sacks, 39 tackles for losses, seven forced fumbles, seven pass break-ups and three blocked kicks.

Carolina Panthers Notable picks: While Burns will be expected to provide the team’s best pass rush threat in years, it is Little who could be tasked with protecting the franchise in QB Cam Newton.  Grier will compete with Taylor Heineke and Kyle Allen for the backup job.  Scarlett has a chance to earn repetitions as the team continues to look for a viable backup to workhorse Christian McCaffrey.  Daley has starting tools if he can improve his hand placement.
Round,

Selection,

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (16) Brian Burns DE-OLB/

Florida State

28/2nd Round Burns’ energy and ability to turn the corner is exactly what the Panthers needed coming out of this draft.  Burns is the first defensive end the team has taken in the first round since Julius Peppers back in 2002.
2 (37) Greg Little OT/Ole Miss 59/2nd Round It would be assumed that Little can step right in to start over incumbent Taylor Moton, who was more than serviceable as a right tackle in 2018.  If Little can get it done on the left side, then Moton can move back to right tackle and expect Darryl Williams to slide inside to guard. 
3 (100) Will Grier QB/West Virginia 229/4th Round Grier, a Charlotte native, gets an opportunity to compete for a backup role and provides insurance if Cam Newton’s shoulder doesn’t return to form.  Several teams were higher on Grier than even his draft position indicates, but we think he landed in a spot where he can improve his pocket presence.
4 (115) Christian

Miller

DE-OLB/

Alabama

303/4th Round We felt as if Miller’s game early on in 2019 would lead to him getting looks and the Panthers grabbed him early on Day 3.  The Panthers will continue to use more multiple looks with HC Ron Rivera calling the defense due to his 3-4 background.  This pick is a move in that direction.  Miller improved dramatically as a pass rusher in 2018. The loss of Thomas Davis in free agency may mean that Miller competes for a spot at an exchange linebacker spot.
5 (154) Jordan

Scarlett

RB/Florida 293/4th Round Scarlett landed in a good spot because he is a very physical runner. Despite some stiffness, the team’s gap-schemed runs fit his playing style very well.  He has above average balance and will compete with Cameron Artis-Payne for reps.
6 (212)

Acquired from Denver via San Francisco

Dennis

Daley

OT/South Carolina 192/4th Round For years, the team has lacked depth at tackle.  This pick could be a backup plan if Daryl Williams leaves in free agency in 2020.  Daley was one of the more nimble pass protectors in the 2019 NFL Draft, but his hand placement is inconsistent.  It led to concentration lapses in school.
7 (237)

Acquired from Denver via Houston

Terry

Godwin

WR/Georgia 117/3rd Round Godwin’s dominant week of East-West Shrine practices ensured a draft slot but he could have gone much higher.  The former four-star recruit is adept at running all of the required slot patterns with unique quickness and savvy.  At just 185 pounds, is he big enough to contribute on special teams? 

Lindstrom (No. 75 pictured) often opened holes for one of the ACC’s best running backs in AJ Dillon (No. 2 pictured).

 

Atlanta

Falcons

Notable picks: GM Thomas Dimitroff decided to remake the right side of the team’s offensive line with his first two picks.  After allowing 42 sacks in 2018, can you blame him? Can Sheffield fill the role of a third or fourth corner?  Green was one of the better return specialists in the draft and may challenge for playing time in that role alone. 
Round,

Selection,

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (14) Chris

Lindstrom

Boston

College

38/2nd Round Lindstrom- our top-ranked guard-supplemented a stellar four-year career with outstanding  work during 2019 Senior Bowl practices.  He provides positional versatility (started at RT in 2017) for an offensive line that struggled to protect the passer in 2018.
1 (31) Kaleb

McGary

Washington 29/2nd Round McGary’s efficiency as a right tackle was supplemented by working with longtime OL coach Howard Mudd this offseason.  He could vie for a starting role in Year 1.  We talked with him about his various techniques this offseason.
4 (111) Kendall Sheffield CB/Ohio State,

Alabama

89/3rd Round Sheffield’s ability to play press-man is unquestioned, but he does have a tendency to locate the ball a tick late.  If he can harness his overall skill-set, the Ohio State 60-meter track indoor record holder could vie for a starting role down the road. 
4 (135) John

Cominsky

DE-DT/Charleston 253/4th Round Standing 6-foot-5, 286 pounds, Cominsky’s ability to use his hands aids him as a solid run defender. If he can develop more counters as a pass rusher, he could become a keeper.  Expect the team to work him more in base packages early as he transitions to an interior pass rush role for third downs.
5 (152) Qadree

Oliison

RB/

Pittsburgh

184/3rd Round The team had too many backs with the same profile and Devonta Freeman has missed time in recent years.  Ollison will be the bruiser that they have lacked on the roster and he has underrated field speed.
5 (172) Jordan Miller CB/

Washington

478/5th Round Miller held his own against some of the Pac-12’s best but injuries were a factor in school.  He is smooth, fast and fluid.  Physicality is a question mark.  The former high school triple jumper posted six interceptions in school.
6 (203)

Acquired from Los Angeles

Marcus Green All-Purpose/Louisiana-Monroe 482/5th Round It was surprising that a player who tallied nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards in school became a combine snub.  Green, who excels with his 10-to-15-yard burst, ran in the 4.4-range and went 39 inches in the vertical jump on ULM’s Pro Day.

Edwards, the Buccaneers second third-round pick, started 44 straight games to end his career. He finished with 318 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions (2 TDs) and 23 pass break-ups.

 

Tampa Bay

Buccaneers

Notable picks: Jason Licht’s selections of Bunting and Dean serve notice to former high picks Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves that competition is on the way.  Bunting is a pick expected to challenge for a starting role early. Give Licht credit for not being apprehensive when it came to drafting another kicker.  Gay was the draft’s best placekicker and has 62-yard range. 
Round,

Selection,

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (5) Devin White LSU 14/1st Round White’s sideline-to-sideline speed is a replacement for the speed of former Kwon Alexander, who went to San Francisco in free agency.  Connecting the dots on a more consistent basis could allow him to play a step faster.
2 (39) Sean Bunting CB/Central

Michigan

35/2nd Round Bunting’s press-man or bump-and-run technique is as patient as any cornerback in this year’s class.  The former high school hoops point guard can run too. His biggest weakness stems from a habit of ending up on the low shoulder versus wide receivers who use inside speed releases.
3 (94) Jamel Dean CB/Auburn 169/3rd Round Dean’s mental toughness shined during school as he has gone through knee injuries dating back to his junior year in high school.  He doesn’t play to his 4.30 timed speed but we do think he drops his weight better than given credit for.  Auburn’s staff praised his ability to play different positions.
3 (99)

Acquired from Los Angeles

Mike Edwards S-Nickel/

Kentucky

91/3rd Round Edwards ranks as one of the more instinctive safeties in the draft and has outstanding footwork.  He was often seen covering slot receivers and tight ends.  The former Wildcat plays with a sixth sense on the field but needs to improve his attention to detail.
4 (107) Anthony

Nelson

DE/Iowa 75/2nd Round Nelson has some similarities to current Bucs defensive end Carl Nassib.  He is perhaps even more physical defending the run.  It would not be a surprise to see the team use him inside on passing downs because he is adept on line games and stunts.  He was a good value pick in Round 4.
5 (145) Matt Gay PK/Utah 320/4th Round Gay actually had a fourth-round grade in our scoring system, but he did come in at 320 on our Big Board.  Nevertheless, this is not a reach in the fifth round because he would have likely gone off the board before the team picked again.  Gay will challenge PK Cairo Santos in training camp.
6 (208)

Compensatory pick acquired from Tampa Bay via Philadelphia

Scott Miller WR/Bowling Green State 370/5th Round Miller lasted until the fifth round simply because of his 5-foot-9, 174-pound frame.  What he brings to the table for the Bucs is 4.3 speed and hands (9 3/4”) that made him a terror in the MAC.  The former high school track star totaled 215 receptions for 2,867 yards and 23 TDs in school and stood out against Power 5 competition. 
7 (215)

Acquired from Arizona

Terry Beckner, Jr. DT/Missouri 408/5th Round If not for two knee injuries that slowed him during school, we would likely be discussing the former five-star recruit as an early-round pick.  He still produced 10 1/2 QB sack and 22 tackles for loss over his last two seasons in school. 

Gardner-Johnson (No. 23 pictured) tallied 301 return yards on nine interceptions as a Gator (3 TDs). He moved around a lot in school and often covered the slot as a senior.

 

New Orleans Saints Notable Picks: Despite just two picks in the first 105 picks of the draft, we felt the Saints got two of the Top 40 players available in McCoy and Gardner-Johnson.  Time will tell.  One pick to monitor is Elliss in Round 7.  His bend is unique and he has the type of experience in coverage to transition if he can pick up his play speed.
Round,

Selection,

Player School DN Big Board

Rank/

Grade

‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (48) Erik McCoy OC/Texas A&M 22/2nd Round Even though the Saints signed Nick Easton to a four-year deal, McCoy provides positional flexibility along their offensive front.  The team’s rushing attack ranked sixth in the league a year ago, and the McCoy draft pick is an attempt to maintain that mentality along a strong offensive front. 
4 (105) Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S-Nickel/Florida 40/2nd Round Gardner-Johnson could have an immediate impact in sub-packages covering the slot.   Versus certain formations, his flexibility could allow strong safety Vonn Bell to move into a LB-type spot.  Gardner-Johnson ranks as a steal in the fourth round.
6 (177)

Acquired from N.Y. Jets

Saquan Hampton DB/Rutgers 417/5th Round Hampton put it all together to become the Big Ten’s leader in passes defended.  The team captain has enough foot speed to become a special teams contributor in Year 1 for the Saints. 
7 (231)

Acquired from Cleveland

Alize Mack TE/Notre Dame 311/4th Round Mack has been used as a U-off blocker, Y-tight end and fullback in certain sets.  If he can make the team, the Saints will use him in many of its two tight end sets as a stretch the field-type.  The former All-USA Today prep level star was once ranked as the nation’s No. 1 tight end coming out of high school.
7 (244) Kaden Elliss LB/Idaho 263/4th Round Elliss posted a cornerback-like time of 6.63 seconds in the three-cone drill and that bend shows up when rushing the passer.  His father, Luther, was once a first-round pick by the Detroit Lions.  The younger Ellis finished his overlooked Vandals career with 278 tackles, 17 QB sacks, 47 TFLs, 6 FFs, 4 FRs, 5 INTs and 8 PBUs.  His frame matches that of fellow Saints LBs A.J. Klein, Demario Davis and Alex Anzalone.