Get the latest news on top players as negotiating period begins
The NFL is about to launch its own version of March Madness.
While free agency doesn’t officially start until Wednesday, Monday marks the opening of the “legal manipulation window” or “negotiation period” during which teams are allowed to contact player representatives and collaborate on contracts. Several top players could close pacts shortly after the window opens at 12:00 p.m. ET, as has been the case in previous years. And while this year’s free agent class lacks star power, there are some notable names and potential key players who could be on the way.
Stay tuned to USA TODAY Sports all Monday for the latest on free agency:
Falcons achieve “mega extension” with G Chris Lindstrom.
The Atlanta Falcons have struck a deal to sign one of their key offensive linemen for the foreseeable future — although not the one who could go free this week.
Offensive guard Chris Lindstrom agreed to a “mega-extension” with the Falcons, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the deal was for five years and $105 million, which would put Lindstrom ahead of the Indianapolis Colts’ Quenton Nelson ($20 million average annual salary) as the league’s highest-paid guard.
Lindstrom, 26, was ranked No. 14 overall at Boston College in 2019. He was a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection in his 2022 breakout campaign.
Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, meanwhile, remains unsigned and on track to becoming a free agent.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Patriots trade Jonnu Smith for Falcons
Jonnu Smith is reunited with Arthur Smith.
The New England Patriots trade the tight end to the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round pick, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Jonnu Smith has struggled to live up to expectations in the two years he has been with New England after signing a four-year, $50 million deal. He never reached 30 catches or 300 receiving yards in any season with the team.
In Atlanta, however, the pass catcher will reunite with Arthur Smith, who served as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator when Jonnu Smith had the best campaigns of his career in 2019 and 2020.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Bills bring back two more players
Just over an hour before the NFL’s negotiation phase begins Monday, the Buffalo Bills reached agreements to keep two other contributors at home.
Linebacker Tyler Matakevich signed a two-year contract with Buffalo, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. Matakevich, 30, primarily contributes to special teams.
Punter Sam Martin, meanwhile, has signed a three-year deal worth $7.5 million, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported.
The Bills, of course, have much more notable names that will hit free agency in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, safety Jordan Poyer and running back Devin Singletary, all of whom could go elsewhere.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Top NFL Free Agents available
On Monday, the big names on everyone’s lips remain two quarterbacks who aren’t free agents: Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. But while the world awaits a possible Rodgers trade to the New York Jets and any move in a possible Jackson bid hand, several other players could be raking in hefty paydays in less announced positions.
Orlando Brown Jr. is the top-ranked player in Nate Davis’ free agent rankings due to left tackle not being flagged as a franchise by the Kansas City Chiefs. Several other offensive and defensive linemen could be in high demand, including DT Javon Hargrave (No. 6), OT Kaleb McGary (No. 7), DE Zach Allen (No. 15), and OT Mike McGlinchey (No. 18).
And while there might not be many big names in skill positions, there are at least a few to keep an eye on: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (No. 3), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 10), RB Jamaal Williams (No. 11) and RB Miles Sanders.
Find the full list here.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Baker Mayfield landing site?
Maybe there’s a way to a starting spot for Baker Mayfield after all.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target the quarterback as a potential contender for Kyle Trask.
1 overall in 2018, Mayfield created a spark at the Los Angeles Rams with his late-season arrival, made possible when he was released by the Carolina Panthers after a short and disappointing run.
At first, it looked like Mayfield would have to settle for a top-flight backup job. At Tampa Bay, however, he could have a solid shot at putting himself ahead of Trask, the 2021 second-round pick who hasn’t beaten Blaine Gabbert for the backup role in years past.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Late signings filter in
Ahead of Monday’s action, several teams took important steps to prevent big-name players from reaching the open market. Below:
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The Washington Commanders have inked franchise tackle Daron Payne to a four-year deal. The agreement is valued at $90 million, including a guaranteed $60 million, according to multiple reports. Payne becomes the second highest-paid defensive tackle, behind Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald.
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The New York Jets have agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with linebacker Quincy Williams, according to multiple reports. The younger brother of Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the former Jacksonville Jaguars draftee, has started 28 games over the past two years and has emerged as an active presence in Robert Saleh’s defense.
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According to multiple reports, wide receiver Sterling Shepard has signed a one-year, $1.165 million contract with the New York Giants. Shepard only played three games last season before suffering a cruciate ligament rupture.
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The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed safety Tashaun Gipson on a one-year deal worth $2.9 million, multiple reports have revealed. Gipson, 32, started in every game for the 49ers last season and accelerated the team with five interceptions.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Free Agency News, Rumors: Latest Top Player Craze, Contracts