Analysis
2/22/23
46 min read
2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags
Thursday, March 9
Vikings' Za'Darius Smith Requests Release
Pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is ready for a change of scenery, requesting his release from the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Media reported.
That report followed a tweet by Smith himself, where he thanked his team and the Vikings organization, seemingly indicating his thoughts that a separation was imminent. The team has no plans to release the Pro Bowler, however, who is coming off his first season with the team as part of a three-year contract.
Smith had 10 sacks for the Vikings in 2022, just a half-sack shy of the team lead. It was his third time in four seasons reaching double digits, and the third time in four that he made the Pro Bowl. His only year to miss either milestone was 2021, when injury limited him to just one game.
Titans Reportedly Will Cut Bud Dupree
The Tennessee Titans plan to release linebacker Bud Dupree at the start of the new league year on March 15, ESPN reported.
The move will save the Titans $9.35 million against the salary cap but also carries a dead-money hit of $10.85 million. Dupree signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal as a free agent in 2021. He played in 22 of 34 possible regular-season games since signing with Tennessee. He averaged four sacks in those seasons after averaging more than eight in his final three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
OBJ Holding Workout in Arizona
As he prepares to return to the NFL, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is holding a workout for teams in Arizona, ESPN reported.
Beckham was not part of a team last season as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered while playing with the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2022. As a free agent he was connected strongly with the Dallas Cowboys late this season, among several other teams, but chose not to sign anywhere.
Seahawks, Wagner Have Talked
A reunion may be on the horizon between the Seattle Seahawks and one of the greatest defenders in franchise history. Seattle has spoken with free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner, the Seattle Times reported, dialogue that could pave the way for Wagner to join the team he is synonymous with.
Wagner spent his first 10 seasons in Seattle, and was an All-Pro each of his final eight seasons there. He joined the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, and was an All-Pro for them, as well.
Texans Bring Back Stewart
The Houston Texans brought back one of their own free agents, signing safety M.J. Stewart, NBC Houston reported.
Stewart is coming off his first season with the Texans, appearing in all 17 games, making 41 tackles, forcing a fumble and recovering two. Houston is the third stop in his five-year NFL career.
Seahawks Cut Gabe Jackson
The Seattle Seahawks have parted ways with Gabe Jackson, releasing the guard after two seasons with the team, ESPN reported.
Jackson started all 16 games he appeared in for the Seahawks this season, his ninth in the NFL. Over his career he has started 132 of the 133 games he has appeared in.
The team signed Phil Haynes, whom Jackson split time with in 2022, last month.
Chargers Restructure Starting Receivers
The Los Angeles Chargers restructured the contracts of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, clearing about $14.3 million in cap space, NFL Media reported.
At the NFL Combine, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco shut down rumors Allen would be traded. Allen only played in 10 regular-season games last year due to injury. As for Williams, he missed the Chargers' playoff loss against the Jaguars with an injury and only played in 13 regular-season games last season.
Chubb Restructure Clears Almost $15 Million
The Miami Dolphins restructured edge Bradley Chubb's contract, creating $14.656 million in cap space, NFL Media reported. The Dolphins acquired Chubb from the Denver Broncos at the trade deadline for a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 fourth-round pick and running back Chase Edmonds.
Denver eventually moved the first-round pick it acquired from Miami to New Orleans for coach Sean Payton. Chubb recorded 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in seven regular-season games with the Dolphins.
Panthers Add Cap Space
The Carolina Panthers restructured offensive tackle Taylor Moton's contract, creating $11 million in cap space, NFL Media reported. Moton started every game at right tackle for the Panthers last season.
Carolina currently has more than $7 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.
Jets Release Berrios
The New York Jets are releasing wide receiver and return specialist Braxton Berrios, ESPN reported. The move will clear up $5 million in additional cap space.
This is the second straight day the Jets have made a move to clear cap space. Those moves are coming amid reports the Jets are "optimistic" they'll acquire Aaron Rodgers.
Bachie Back With Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed linebacker Joe Bachie to a one-year contract extension, the team announced.
Bachie was originally an undrafted free agent signed by the New Orleans Saints in 2020. He spent time with the Saints and Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Bengals on waivers during the 2021 offseason.
