Analysis

2/22/23

46 min read

2023 NFL Free Agency Buzz: Updates on Player Signings, Restructures, Franchise Tags

Friday, March 17

Rush Returns to Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys and backup quarterback Cooper Rush agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal, NFL Media reported. Rush started five games while Dak Prescott was injured, recording a 4-1 record in those games.

Rush finished with 1,051 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions last season.

Seahawks Add Love

The Seattle Seahawks are signing former New York Giants safety Julian Love, CBS Sports reported. Love played a career-high 1,054 snaps last season, recording 113 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions.

Kansas City Adds Edwards, Tranquill

The Kansas City Chiefs added a pair of potential starters to their defense, signing safety and former Super Bowl opponent Mike Edwards away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Media reported, and bringing in AFC West opponent Drue Tranquill, via theScore.

Edwards is coming off his first season as a starter with Tampa, making 92 tackles and intercepting two passes in 13 starts (14 total games). He is a potential replacement for former Kansas City starter Juan Thornhill, who signed with the Cleveland Browns earlier in the week.

Tranquill likewise is coming off his first season as a starter, racking up 151 tackles in 17 starts (18 total games) with the Los Angeles Chargers. He also added an interception and forced fumble, and can compete with Willie Gay and Leo Chenal for one of two starting spots next to Nick Bolton.

Buccaneers Cut Brate

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released tight end Cameron Brate, The 33rd Team Insider Ari Meirov reported. Brate finished 2022 with just 20 catches for 174 yards in 11 games.

The Buccaneers will likely turn to Cade Otton, who the team drafted 106th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Bill Release McKenzie

The Buffalo Bills are releasing wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, The 33rd Team Insider Ari Meirov reported. The slot receiver recorded 42 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns this past season.

Gesicki Stays in AFC East

The New England Patriots and former Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki agreed on a one-year, $9 million contract, ESPN reported. Gesicki became a big part of Miami's offense from 2019 through 2021, but he didn't receive his usual target share this past season.

Gesicki will join a Patriots team that also added JuJu Smith-Schuster, giving quarterback Mac Jones two new targets this season.

Eagles Get Mariota

Former Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Marcus Mariota reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $5 million deal, ESPN reported.

Mariota's deal could be worth as much as $8 million. He likely will be the backup to Jalen Hurts. The Eagles will be Mariota's third team in three years (he spent 2020-21 with the Las Vegas Raiders) and fourth in his eight-year career.


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