Analysis
2/22/23
46 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags
Wednesday, March 15
Vikings Bring Back Mattison on Two-Year Deal
The Minnesota Vikings kept their backfield intact, signing running back Alexander Mattison to a two-year deal, NFL Media reported.
Mattison will make $7 million on the deal, and could reach a maximum value of $8 million. Familiar to fantasy football players as one of the league's top backups, Mattison has served as valuable insurance behind Minnesota starter Dalvin Cook over the course of his four-year career. He took 74 carries for 283 yards in 2022, both career-lows, but ran for a career-high five touchdowns.
Williams Signs With Saints
The New Orleans Saints have signed running back Jamaal Williams to a three-year deal, ESPN reported.
The 27-year-old Williams is coming off a career-best season with the Detroit Lions, setting a new franchise record and leading the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns. He also had his first 1,000-yard season, reaching 1,066 on 262 carries.
Browns Add Thornhill on Three-Year Pact
The Cleveland Browns poached a starter away from the Super Bowl champions, signing safety Juan Thornhill to a three-year deal, NFL Media reported.
Thornhill just finished his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Kansas City Chiefs, and has made 58 starts in 74 games with the team since being selected 63rd overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has 234 tackles and eight interceptions so far in his career.
Thornhill replaces John Johnson III, who was released by the Browns earlier on Wednesday, alongside pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, that news also reported by NFL Media.
Patriots Continue Offense Adds With Robinson
The New England Patriots continue to add pieces to their offense via free agency, signing running back James Robinson to a two-year deal worth $8 million, NFL Media reported.
Robinson rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as an undrafted rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, but has seen his production decline each of the past two seasons. Jacksonville traded him to the New York Jets during the 2022 season, but he played minimally and was a healthy scratch some weeks.
New England had an opening after letting running back Damien Harris go to free agency. Robinson is one of several players added on offense Wednesday. The team added receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and tackle Riley Reiff.
Jets, Solomon Thomas Agree to Deal
The New York Jets brought back some depth along their defensive line, signing Solomon Thomas to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $3.9 million NFL Media reported.
Thomas appeared in all 17 games and had 26 tackles for the Jets this past season, his first with the team. New York is his third NFL franchise since being selected third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Ravens Checking in on QB Market
With Lamar Jackson now eligible to speak with other teams and negotiate a contract, the Baltimore Ravens are checking in on free agent quarterbacks, ESPN reported.
The Ravens took a look at both Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, two of the top passers available who both signed elsewhere on Wednesday and are potential starters for their new teams, Mayfield with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Brissett with the Washington Commanders.
Baltimore placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson last week after the two sides could not agree on a new contract. He is permitted to negotiate with other franchises and agree to a deal, but the Ravens are able to match any contract and keep him in Baltimore. Should the Ravens choose not to match, they would receive a pair of first-round picks in return.
Cowboys' Tyron Smith Reworks Deal
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith agreed to a reworked deal with the only NFL team he has played for, ensuring he will spend a 13th season with the Cowboys, NFL Media reported.
Smith originally carried a cap hit of over $17 million, but will now count as less and free up room for Dallas to work with. There are also incentives that Smith could reach during the season.
Broncos Considering Jeudy Trade
The Denver Broncos are assessing the trade value of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, The Athletic reported. At this time it appears Jeudy's price remains quite high, with some reports indicating the Broncos want at least a first-round pick for the former Alabama standout.
Jeudy was a highly touted prospect but has yet to break out in the NFL. He did reach a career-high in yards receiving (972), receptions (67) and touchdowns (six) in 2022, and could be a player due to make a significant leap in the right system.
Bills to Re-Sign Poyer
The Buffalo Bills and 2021 All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer agreed to terms on a new contract, NFL Media reported. There are still details to be worked out, but the framework of a deal has been agreed to. The 31-year-old defensive back has been with the Bills since 2017 and will be entering his 11th professional season.
Buccaneers, LB David Agree to Deal
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and linebacker Lavonte David agreed to terms on a new, one-year contract, CBS Sports reported. The deal is worth $7 million and will keep the 33-year-old in Tampa Bay for a 12th season.
Panthers Agree to Deal With Hurst
The Carolina Panthers agreed to a three-year, $21.75 million contract with tight end Hayden Hurst, NFL Media reported. Hurst's contract includes 13 million fully guaranteed at signing.
The former first-round pick spent last season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. Hurst will upgrade the tight end position for whichever quarterback the Panthers decide to draft at No. 1 overall.
Montgomery Signs with Rival
Former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Detroit Lions, NFL Media reported. Last season, Montgomery recorded 801 rushing yards, 316 receiving yards and five combined touchdowns.
Agreeing to terms with Montgomery likely means the Lions are moving on from Jamaal Williams, who is an unrestricted free agent. Montgomery will pair with D'Andre Swift, giving Detroit a new, potent one-two punch for next season.
Baltimore Parts Ways With Stone
The Baltimore Ravens will not tender safety Geno Stone, who started seven games for Baltimore's secondary last year, making him a free agent.
