Analysis

2/22/23

46 min read

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

Thursday, March 16

Bears Add Tonyan, Foreman to Offense

The Chicago Bears made two additions to their offense, signing tight end Robert Tonyan and running back D'Onta Foreman to one-year deals.

Tonyan is jumping from one NFC North team to another with his deal, ESPN reported. He spent his entire five-year career to date with the Green Bay Packers, notably catching 11 touchdowns in 2020.

Foreman has a chance to take the Bears' starting job in the backfield this season. He took over as the Carolina Panthers' starter after the team traded Christian McCaffrey, rushing for 914 yards. His primary competition is Khalil Herbert, who rushed for 731 yards in largely a backup role last season.

Minshew Mania Going to Indy

The Indianapolis Colts have added a name to the mix for their starting quarterback job in 2023, signing Gardner Minshew to a deal, NFL Media reported.

Minshew has spent the last two seasons as a backup with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting two games each year. He is best known for starting 12 games as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, leading the team to six wins and throwing 21 touchdowns.

Minshew joins Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger on the Colts' roster, and the team is a contender to select a quarterback with the No. 4 pick in this year's draft.

Vikings, Harrison Smith Agree to Restructure

The Minnesota Vikings and 12-year veteran Harrison Smith agreed to a restructured contract, keeping the team's longest tenured player around for another season, per NFL Media.

In order to stick around with the the team that drafted him 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith took a hometown discount that will shrink the 34-year-old's cap hit from $19 million to $8 million in 2023 with $2 million in incentives. Despite Smith reportedly having strong interest from other teams, Minnesota was able to keep their locker room leader at a bargain price.

Cowboys Restructure Tyron Smith

The Dallas Cowboys and long-time offensive tackle Tyron Smith worked out a restructured contract, NFL Media reported. The move will net the Cowboys $9.6 million in cap space.

Smith's base salary will be $3 million, but he'll get a $3 million bonus at signing and can earn $9 million in play-time incentives.

Steelers Re-do Fitzpatrick's Deal, Cut LB

The Pittsburgh Steelers restructured the contract of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, creating $10.065 million in cap space for 2023. ESPN reported.

The Steelers also released linebacker Myles Jack. He played in 15 games last season, recording 102 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two quarterback pressures. To replace Jack, the team signed former Dolphins' linebacker Elandon Roberts to a two-year deal, NFL Media reported.

Panthers re-work Thomas' Contract

Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas accepted a pay cut, reducing his base pay to $3 million in 2023 and $3.65 million in 2024, NFL Media reported.

It created an extra $2.875 million in cap space this year for Carolina.

Dolphins Sign Berrios

The Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Braxton Berrios agreed to a one-year contract, ESPN reported. Berrios played for the New York Jets last season and spent time with the New England Patriots before that, making the Dolphins his third stop in the AFC East.


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