Analysis
2/22/23
46 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags
Sunday, March 12
Buccaneers Likely to Target Mayfield
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target quarterback Baker Mayfield when free agency opens on Monday, NFL Media reported. Mayfield would likely compete with 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask for the Buccaneers' starting job in 2023.
Tampa Bay is looking for a new leader under center following Tom Brady's retirement after the 2022 season. The Buccaneers are just two seasons removed from a Super Bowl-winning campaign but had an early exit from the playoffs this season after finishing 8-9, good for first place in the struggling NFC South.
Mayfield, meanwhile, enters free agency with a great deal to prove. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, spending the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns. When the Browns moved on from Mayfield, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers and eventually cut in-season. He finished 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, the former Heisman Trophy winner enters free agency at just 27 years old.
49ers Re-sign Gipson
The San Francisco 49ers are re-signing safety Tashaun Gipson to a one-year contract, sources told The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. Gipson played in all 17 games last season, recording 59 tackles, four tackles for loss and five interceptions.
Jets Agree to Deal With Quincy Williams
The New York Jets agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million with linebacker Quincy Williams, NFL Media reported. Williams' new contract can reach a maximum of $21 million with incentives.
Williams totaled 102 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and four sacks last season. The Jets acquired Williams off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he blossomed into a quality linebacker during the past two seasons. He's also the brother of Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
Bills, Milano Reach Extension Agreement
The Buffalo Bills and 2022 first-team All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano reached an agreement on a two-year extension, ESPN reported. The move is expected to save the Bills $6 million against the cap this offseason.
Milano is entering his seventh professional season, all with the Bills, after being drafted by Buffalo in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Giants to Re-sign Shepard
The New York Giants are expected to re-sign veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard to a one-year deal, ESPN reported. The 30-year-old pass-catcher is going into his eighth professional season, all of them with the Giants.
Shepard has struggled to stay on the field during most of his career. He tore his ACL in September, and he suffered a torn Achilles during the 2021 season. He's dealt with a number of injuries, including hamstring, concussion and ankle issues.
Buccaneers Restructure Gage
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers restructured the contract of wide receiver Russell Gage, lowering his base salary from $10 million to $7 million this season, NFL Media reported.
Gage recorded 51 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns last season.
