Analysis
2/22/23
46 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags
Monday, March 13
Broncos Sign McGlinchey
The Denver Broncos and Mike McGlinchey have agreed to a five-year deal worth $87.5 million with more than $50 million guaranteed, NFL Media reported.
McGlinchey started 69 games across five seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, playing well enough to earn a solid payday. Now, McGlinchey will play for new Broncos coach Sean Payton and help protect Russell Wilson.
Falcons Extend Lindstrom
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a five-year, $105 million contract extension with guard Chris Lindstrom, ESPN reported. The Falcons selected Lindstrom in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft from Boston College, and he quickly became a stalwart up front.
Lindstrom has played at least 980 snaps in the last three seasons while making 55 starts for his career. His performance this past season was good enough to earn him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Although the Falcons struggled to throw the ball in 2022, Lindstrom was at least part of why they were so dominant on the ground. Atlanta’s offense finished third in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game last season.
However, who Lindstrom will end up protecting this season is still up in the air. The team will likely consider 2021 third-round pick Desmond Ridder for the starting job, but Atlanta has the eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, giving them a chance to select a top-ranked passer.
Browns Restructure Watson
The Cleveland Browns are restructuring the contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson to create $36 million in cap space, NFL Media reported. This move comes just hours before the start of the NFL's legal tampering period for free agency.
Watson struggled last season, but clearing up this much space should allow the Browns to add some pieces around him for 2023.
Saints Clearing Cap Space
The New Orleans Saints restructured the contract of defensive end Cam Jordan on Monday, freeing up approximately $10 million against the cap for 2023, ESPN reported.
Jordan, 33, will be entering his 12th professional season, all of them with the Saints. Despite his advancing age, the 2017 first-team All-Pro pass-rusher continues to produce, earning his eighth Pro Bowl selection in 2022.
Seahawks Plan to Release Shelby Harris
The Seattle Seahawks are planning to release defensive lineman Shelby Harris, NFL Media reported. Seattle was attempting to find a suitable trade partner in order to move Harris, but as nothing materialized, the team chose to move on from the veteran lineman.
Harris joined the Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson trade. He was due to make $9 million this upcoming season.
Lions Bring Back Buggs
The Detroit Lions are re-signing defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs to a two-year contract worth up to $6 million, NFL Media reported. Buggs finished with 46 total tackles, four tackles for loss and 19 QB pressures last season.
Bills Re-Sign Special Teams Standouts
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to contracts with linebacker Tyler Matakevich and punter Sam Martin, NFL Media reported. Martin's contract is a three-year deal worth $7.75 million, and Matakevich's deal is for two years.
Bengals Re-Sign Safety Michael Thomas
The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed safety Michael Thomas on Monday, the team announced. The extension is a one-year deal that will keep Thomas in Cincinnati for the 2023 NFL season.
Thomas is a special-teams standout, having been selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2018 season for his work on special teams. The 32-year-old will be entering his 11th professional season.
Chargers Won't Tender Parham
The Los Angeles Chargers will not tender tight end Donald Parham as an unrestricted free agent, NFL Media reported. The Chargers were attempting to negotiate an extension with Parham but were unable to come to an agreement.
Parham will now become a free agent, free to negotiate with any NFL team.
