Analysis
2/22/23
46 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags
Tuesday, March 14
Thielen Expected to Visit Panthers
Wide receiver Adam Thielen is expected to visit the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, NFL Media reported. The former Minnesota Vikings star was released earlier in the 2023 offseason as a cap-saving move.
Thielen could serve as a reliable option for a potential first-round rookie quarterback. The Panthers traded up for the No. 1 overall pick, from the Chicago Bears, on Friday and are expected to use that pick to select their future franchise QB.
Sanders Bids Philadelphia Goodbye
Miles Sanders believes his days with the Philadelphia Eagles are over.
He tweeted a goodbye not long after it was announced the Eagles had signed Rashaad Penny from Seattle: "To the city of Philadelphia: thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The Eagles also re-signed rotational back Boston Scott to a one-year deal, so Miles and his the salary he is expected to command on the open market as the top running back free agent appears to be the odd man out.
Colts Likely to Cut QB Matt Ryan
The Indianapolis Colts are likely to cut veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, Zach Klein of WSB-Atlanta reported on Tuesday. Last offseason, the Colts traded a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Ryan.
Atlanta was hoping Ryan had at least one more productive season in him. However, due to inconsistent play and injuries, Ryan started just 12 games for Indianapolis, going 4-7-1.
Vikings Restructure Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings are restructuring quarterback Kirk Cousins' contract to create additional cap room, NFL Media reported. The Vikings are $10 million over the cap, according to Spotrac.
Cousins signed a one-year, $35 million contract extension last offseason, and his original 2023 cap hit was slated to be $36.2 million.
Saints Re-Do Thomas Contract
The New Orleans Saints restructured Michael Thomas’ contract, agreeing on a one-year, $10 million deal, ESPN reported. The deal could have a maximum value of $15 million.
When healthy, Thomas has been very productive. He had 125 receptions for 1,405 yards in 2018 and 149 for 1,725 yards in 2019. But he missed all of 2021 because of an ankle injury.
Texans Trade for Mason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trading guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans, NFL Media reported. The Texans will swap a sixth-rounder for a seventh-rounder to acquire Mason.
The Texans will release veteran right guard A.J. Cann, theScore reported.
Commanders Release RB McKissic
The Washington Commanders released running back J.D. McKissic on Tuesday, the team announced. McKissic was due to cost Washington $3.23 million against the cap in 2023.
Interest for TE Lewis
Veteran free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis is drawing interest from the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN reported.
Lewis spent the past five seasons with the Packers.
Seahawks parting ways with Jefferson
The Seattle Seahawks will release defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, ESPN reported.
The seven-year veteran also has played for Buffalo and Las Vegas.
