The NFL’s new league year arrived Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. With it came the usual flurry of free-agent signings and trades that often accompany the first wave of the NFL offseason.
Plenty of big names were already off the board thanks to handshake deals made during the NFL’s legal tampering period. Many of those were finally put to paper on Wednesday, while new deals were also announced.
There was also an influx in player releases, as NFL teams had to be cap-compliant by the 4 p.m. ET deadline. Teams were also allowed to designate players as post-June 1 cuts as of the new league year, so that sent Aaron Rodgers onto the free agent market.
Rodgers is among the biggest names still available on the free-agent market, and his decision could influence where Russell Wilson ends up. Elsewhere, Cooper Kupp is now a free agent and will join a couple of other veteran receivers – Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs – looking for new homes.
The market for defensive players has moved a bit faster. Numerous cornerbacks and safeties like D.J. Reed, Charvarius Ward, Jevon Holland and Talanoa Hufanga have already inked new deals. The same can be said of veteran pass rushers Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and DeMarcus Lawrence.
USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest updates, signings, releases, rumors and more from NFL free agency below. All times are Eastern.
NFL free agency live updates, signings, rumors
WR Adam Thielen returning to Panthers on revised deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
Thielen has been a key weapon over two seasons with the Panthers, logging 151 catches, 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games with the team. The 34-year-old is returning to Carolina for a third season, his 12th in the NFL, and will continue to serve as a top target for Bryce Young.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson signing a two-year deal with Cardinals
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Tomlinson has agreed to a two-year deal to join the Cardinals who will pay him $29 million with $16 million guaranteed. The 31-year-old has played eight NFL seasons with the Giants, Vikings and Browns.
He had an 11.4% pressure rate and three sacks last season.
49ers signing QB Mac Jones to two-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
The former first-round pick is signing with the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year deal for $7 million with $5 million guaranteed. The contract has a maximum value of $11.5 million. The 49ers notably drafted QB Trey Lance third overall in 2021 over Jones who fell to the Patriots at pick 15. Jones served as Trevor Lawrence’s backup in Jacksonville in 2024 and will presumably assume that role behind Brock Purdy.
Veteran WR Mike Williams returning to Chargers
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Mike Williams has agreed to return to the Chargers on a one-year contract worth $6 million. He returns to Los Angeles, who drafted him seventh overall in the 2017 draft. He played seven seasons in LA before signing with the Jets in 2024. Williams will look to rekindle his connection with Justin Herbert. He accumulated 202 receptions for 2,977 yards and 19 touchdowns in 46 games alongside Herbert.
Buccaneers re-signing QB Kyle Trask
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Tampa Bay is re-signing quarterback Kyle Trask to a one-year deal worth $2.78 million. He has served as the backup in Tampa since he was drafted in the second round in 2022. He will once again be behind Baker Mayfield in 2025.
DE Cam Jordan returning to Saints for 15th season
- Date: March 12
- Source: Cam Jordan
The Saints are re-signing Jordan per his social media account on X. The veteran was a first-round pick by New Orleans in the 2011 NFL draft. He logged at least 7.5 sacks for 11 straight seasons before 2024.
Harrison Smith returning to Vikings for 14th season
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport
The Vikings are re-signing Smith to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $14 million. The veteran safety was a first-round pick by Minnesota in the 2012 NFL draft and logged 87 tackles and three interceptions during the 2024 season.
Smith has made six Pro Bowls during his career and was named an All-Pro first-teamer in 2017.
Commanders signing Deatrich Wise to a one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
The Commanders continue to bolster their defensive front after adding Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman early in free agency. Wise spent the first eight years of his career with the Patriots and logged 34 sacks in 126 games.
Titans to sign Dre’Mont Jones to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
The Titans agreed to terms with Jones on a one-year deal that will pay him up to $10 million. Jones played on the edge for the Seahawks last season, racking up 24 tackles and four sacks in 17 games (seven starts).
Panthers to sign RB Rico Dowdle to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye
The Panthers released Miles Sanders while 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is coming off a torn ACL for the second time in as many years. That led them to target Dowdle as a complement to Chuba Hubbard.
Dowdle is coming off a career-best season during which he racked up 1,079 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 235 carries. His deal will be worth up to $6.25 million, per NFL Network’s Rapoport.
Jets release linebacker C.J. Mosley
- Date: March 12
- Source: New York Jets
The Jets announced Wednesday they had released Mosley after six years with the team. The 32-year-old played just four games in 2024 due to toe and neck injuries, racking up 17 tackles in three starts.
Mosley was a team captain and averaged 159 tackles per season from 2021 to 2023.
Jets signing center Josh Myers to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
The Jets are adding depth to their interior offensive line, bringing in Myers on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.
Myers played center at Ohio State with new Jets quarterback Justin Fields. The former Packer started 56 games across four seasons in Green Bay but graded 38th among 40 qualified centers for the 2024 NFL season, per Pro Football Focus.
Eagles signing RB AJ Dillon
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Dillon missed the 2024 NFL season while battling a neck injury but is poised to return to the field with the Eagles in 2025. Dillon has 2,428 yards and 10 touchdowns on 597 carries and will serve as a short-yardage and goal-line hammer behind Saquon Barkley.
Perhaps the Eagles can find a way to incorporate the 6-0, 245-pounds Dillon into their ‘Tush Push’ play.
Chargers signing Benjamin St-Juste to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
As one cornerback joins the Commanders, another leaves. St-Juste has a big 6-3, 200-pound frame and had 17 pass defenses in 2023. He allowed a passer rating of 107 last season but Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter will look to improve upon that as they search for a Kristian Fulton replacement.
Jonathan Jones joining Commanders on one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
Jones is coming off a down year during which he allowed a 146.6 passer rating but Washington is hoping he will rebound with a change of scenery. The 31-year-old had four interceptions in 2022 and will be an option to man the slot, which will allow Mikey Sainristil to remain outside, where he performed well last year.
Denzel Perryman re-signing with Chargers on one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon
Perryman is rejoining the Chargers on a one-year, $3.65 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.
Perryman had 55 tackles and a sack in 11 games for the Chargers last season. He was a second-round pick by the team in 2015 but also spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans from 2021 to 2023 before returning to Los Angeles.
Titans to sign veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
The Titans continue to upgrade their offensive line after giving Dan Moore Jr. a four-year deal worth up to $82 million earlier in free agency. Tennessee is signing Zeitler, a 13-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl in 2023, to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million to lock down their right guard job.
Zeitler has made 197 career starts with the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions. The 35-year-old graded as Pro Football Focus’ third-best guard for the 2024 NFL season in his lone campaign with the Lions. He allowed five sacks and committed just two penalties over 1,047 snaps.
Colts signing RB Khalil Herbert to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Herbert had 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries with the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. He will look to win more consistent snaps in the Colts’ backfield behind Jonathan Taylor during the 2025 season.
Cowboys trading for Titans LB Kenneth Murray Jr.
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
The Cowboys already acquired one defensive player via trade on Wednesday (CB Kaiir Elam). Now, they are closing in on a deal for Murray, who had 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 14 games for the Titans last season.
Murray, 26, was a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL draft. He has 416 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 73 career games (67 starts).
Seahawks signing long-time Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL agent David Canter
Lawrence spent the first 11 years of his career with the Cowboys, racking up 61.5 sacks across 141 career games (123 starts). Now, the four-time Pro Bowler will be joining the Seahawks on a three-year deal worth up to $42 million, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Lawrence, 33 in April, will get $18 million guaranteed on his new contract.
Panthers signing LB Christian Rozeboom to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Rozeboom had a career-high 135 tackles in 17 games (11 starts) for the Rams last year. The Panthers will bring him aboard as a potential upgrade to their linebacker corps.
Steelers sign Darius Slay to one-year, fully guaranteed deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
The Steelers have agreed to sign Slay to a one-year deal worth $10 million. The 34-year-old will look to earn the team’s starting job across from Joey Porter Jr. while providing, along with fellow signee Brandin Echols, some much needed depth to Pittsburgh’s cornerback room.
Falcons re-signing Pro Bowl special teamer KhaDarel Hodge
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Hodge had seven special teams tackles in 2024 and caught seven passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He will provide the Falcons with quality depth at receiver.
Lions re-signing DT Levi Onwuzurike to one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Onwuzurike made a career-high 10 starts for the Lions in 2024 and totaled 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks for the team. He is returning on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million.
Broncos to sign TE Evan Engram
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL agent Mike McCartney
Engram was released by the Jaguars earlier in the offseason after posting 47 catches for 365 yards and a touchdown in nine games last season. He will provide Sean Payton with a mismatch weapon and a savvy veteran to pair with second-year quarterback Bo Nix.
Engram’s deal will be worth $23 million with $16.5 million guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Browns sign Maliek Collins to two-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Hargrave wasn’t the only 49ers defensive tackle to quickly reach a deal. Collins, who the team also released, is set to ink a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with $13 million guaranteed.
Javon Hargrave to ink two-year deal with Vikings
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
The 49ers officially released Hargrave after the start of the new league year on Wednesday. The Vikings quickly agreed to terms with him on a two-year, $30 million contract to further bolster the team’s defensive line.
Hargrave played just three games in 2024 before suffering a torn triceps but had 25.5 sacks over the previous three seasons combined.
Russell Wilson to visit with Browns, Giants
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Wilson is expected to meet with Cleveland on Thursday before doing the same with New York on Friday. It isn’t clear whether those plans will be altered if Wilson loves the Browns’ pitch or if Aaron Rodgers throws a wrench into his plans, but it appears the 36-year-old veteran is exploring his free-agent options in detail.
Steelers to sign Jets CB Brandin Echols
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
The Steelers continue to add to their cornerback room, agreeing to a deal with Echols, who had 40 tackles and two interceptions in 16 games for the Jets last season. Pittsburgh is also expected to sign former Eagles cornerback Darius Slay in free agency.
Eddie Goldman to sign one-year deal with Commanders
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
Goldman logged 16 tackles and a sack in 17 games for the Falcons last season after spending the previous two seasons out of the NFL. The 6-3, 325-pound run stuffer will provide two-down depth for the Commanders behind Daron Payne, Johnny Newton and Javon Kinlaw.
Jets to release Aaron Rodgers, designate him post-June 1 cut
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
The Jets were expected to release Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut after informing the 41-year-old they were going to move on from him after two disappointing seasons. They are set to do that as the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Rodgers will now be free to negotiate a new contract with another team. Meanwhile, the Jets will create $7 million in cap savings for 2025 by designating Rodgers a post-June 1 cut, a maneuver that spreads his single-season dead-cap hit out over two seasons. The Jets will absorb a $35 million dead cap hit for 2026 by making Rodgers a post-June 1 cut.
Rodgers completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 starts but led the Jets to just a 5-12 record.
Bills to trade CB Kaiir Elam to Cowboys
- Date: March 12
- Source: Josina Anderson
The Bills are getting a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Cowboys in exchange for Elam and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Buffalo selected Elam in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he struggled to earn playing time in Buffalo. He made just 12 starts over three seasons and had 81 tackles and two interceptions across 29 games.
Elam won’t turn 24 until May so Dallas is banking on his untapped potential.
Falcons could keep Kirk Cousins despite $10 million roster bonus
- Date: March 12
- Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports
The Falcons will owe veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a $10 million bonus if he is still on the roster as of Sunday, March 16. Robinson noted Cousins would become ‘a pricey backup or a trade candidate’ with Michael Penix Jr. set to be Atlanta’s starter in 2025.
OT Stone Forsythe, Giants agree to terms
- Date: March 12
- Source: New York Giants
The Giants are adding versatile depth to their offensive line with the signing of former Seahawk Stone Forsythe to a contract. Terms have not yet been disclosed. Forsythe played in 53 games (including 14 starts) in his four years in Seattle with time at right and left tackle. The Giants’ article on the signing includes Forsythe’s experience playing on the interior as well during his time in college.
Rams to release WR Cooper Kupp
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero
In early February, Kupp publicly announced that the Rams had informed him they would try to trade him this offseason. A trade never materialized ahead of the start of the new league year, so Los Angeles has informed the receiver it will release him today after eight years with the team. Kupp played in 12 games last season, recording 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns.
QB Marcus Mariota stays in Washington
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Mariota, who served as the Commanders’ backup to Jayden Daniels last year, is staying with the team on a one-year deal. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the contract is worth $8 million. The former No. 2 overall pick appeared in three games in 2024, compiling 364 yards, four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions to go with his 77.3% completion rate.
WR Jalen Reagor remains with the Chargers
- Date: March 12
- Source: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers announced Wednesday they’ve extended wide receiver Jalen Reagor. The terms of the deal have not been announced. Reagor played in eight games for Los Angeles in 2024, tallying seven catches for 100 yards.
Edge Rashad Weaver agrees to terms on deal with Jets
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero
The Jets have added edge rusher depth by agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with Weaver. The 27-year-old played three games for the Texans last year and spent time with Houston and the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squads.
LB Troy Dye stays with Chargers
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
Dye signed a one-year deal with the Chargers last year, and he recorded career-high numbers in tackles (57) and sacks (1.5). The linebacker, who split time between defense and special teams, is returning to Los Angeles on a two-year, $5.5 million deal.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing with Seahawks
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero
After releasing Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf, the Seahawks have brought in reinforcement at the wide receiver position. Valdes-Scantling is signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Seattle after a year split between Buffalo and New Orleans.
S Darrick Forrest, Bills agree to terms
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Buffalo is signing former Commanders safety Darrick Forrest to a one-year deal. The 25-year-old spent most of the 2024 season playing on special teams. He hit free agency this year after four years with Washington, which drafted him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Will the Jets trade Aaron Rodgers?
Though New York announced earlier in the offseason that it planned to part ways with their veteran quarterback, the team still hasn’t made any move official. With hours to go before the new league year officially begins, the Jets still have not released Rodgers. Perhaps a trade is on the way to allow Gang Green to recoup some value from the 41-year-old gunslinger in the form of draft picks.
Rodgers is set to enter the final season of the three-year, $112.5 million contract he signed with the Jets in 2023. New York would take on a $23.5 million cap hit into June should it designate the quarterback a post-June 1 release. After that, Rodgers would be responsible for a $14 million cap hit in 2025 and $35 million cap hit in 2026.
Holding the Jets back from a potential trade is the fact that Rodgers has a no-trade clause in his contract, which would allow the quarterback to nix any potential deal.
CB Mike Ford signing with Falcons on short-term deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Ford and the Falcons have agreed to terms on a two-year, $4 million deal. The defensive back is returning to Atlanta after two years in Cleveland. He has played primarily on special teams over the last five years.
DT Greg Gaines re-signing with Buccaneers
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
For a third year in a row, Gaines is signing a one-year deal with Tampa Bay. Also for a third year in a row, that contract is worth $3.5 million. The defensive tackle has been a rotational piece in the Buccaneers’ defensive front over the last two years and has recorded two sacks in that span.
Bills extend S Damar Hamlin
- Date: March 12
- Source: Buffalo Bills
Hamlin, 26, is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career in 2024. He had 89 tackles (two for a loss), five passes defensed, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 14 starts. The Bills are extending Hamlin with a one-year deal, the value of which is still to be announced.
Titans set to sign WR Van Jefferson on one-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Coming off of a season with 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns for the Steelers, the Brentwood, Tennessee native is heading home on a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Titans.
G Saahdiq Charles to come out of retirement
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo
Charles signed a one-year deal to be the Titans’ starting right guard last year before suddenly retiring before the season began. Now the former fourth-round pick will attempt to return from retirement and hit the market as a free agent when the Titans release him to start the new league year.
LB Tyrel Dodson returns to Miami on two-year deal
- Date: March 12
- Source: Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Four months to the day after the Dolphins claimed Dodson off of waivers from the Seahawks, the two sides have agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.25 million deal. The linebacker tallied career-high marks in tackles (107), passes defensed (6) and interceptions (3) last season.
DT Larry Ogunjobi reaches contract agreement with Bills
- Date: March 12
- Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
After three seasons with the Steelers, the 30-year-old defensive tackle will join the fourth team of his career on a one-year, $8.3 million contract. The deal includes $8 million in guarantees and incentives that could push the value to $10 million.
Chiefs restructure Patrick Mahomes’, Chris Jones’ contracts
- Date: March 12
- Source: ESPN’s Field Yates
The Chiefs created nearly $50 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of their star quarterback and defensive tackle. Yates points out the extra room is even more than Kansas City needed to officially sign free agents Kristian Fulton, Elijah Mitchell and Jaylon Moore when the new league year starts later on Wednesday.
DE Joey Bosa, Bills agree to terms on short-term deal
- Date: March 11
- Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter
Rumors had floated around throughout the day on Tuesday that Bosa would join his brother, Nick, in San Francisco. Instead, he’ll fill in the Von Miller-sized hole in the Bills’ pass-rush attack after agreeing to join Buffalo on a one-year, $12.6 million deal.
Best available NFL free agents
Here are the top-10 remaining free agents according to USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon:
- Stefon Diggs, WR
- Amari Cooper, WR
- Aaron Rodgers, QB
- Cam Robinson, T
- DeAndre Hopkins, WR
- Keenan Allen, WR
- Joey Bosa, edge
- Russell Wilson, QB
- J.K. Dobbins, RB
- Justin Blackmon, S