Latest News on Lamar Jackson, DeAndre Hopkins, Baker Mayfield, and Jalen Ramsey
The 2023 NFL free agency period will bring a slew of rumors and news that will affect every team in the league. Some of the biggest stars we know could switch teams through trade or free agency. They include Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
We’ll be covering the latest rumors and news from the NFL Free Agency over the next few weeks. Bookmark this page as we’ll be adding everything you need to know as the news and rumors spread.
Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors and News
Tyron Smith is back in Dallas
It appears that speculation the Cowboys may part ways with Tyron Smith after 12 seasons to allay cap concerns was unfounded. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Smith will be back for 2023 with a revised contract. Smith, 32, missed 14 games in 2020 and 13 games in 2022 due to neck and ankle injuries.
It’s hard to reconcile the benefits of someone like Smith, who has earned two career All-Pro nominations, with his durability. Dallas needs to protect themselves should Smith again miss most of the season by increasing the depth of their offensive line this offseason.
Cardinals publish WR Chosen Anderson
The Cardinals opened a $12 million cap space let go Wide receiver Chosen Anderson on Wednesday. The man, once known as “Robby” and then “Robbie,” was acquired by the Panthers in mid-October when Carolina began demolition in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick . He caught just seven passes for 76 yards with Arizona.
Anderson has faded in the last three years despite being a fine player in his first five seasons. It could be a nice veteran aviator pickup for 2023 on a low-risk deal.
Lamar Jackson’s list of applicants is shrinking
Common sense said that the availability of an MVP winner who is 26 years old would create a massive market of interest for the star, but that hasn’t been the case since the Ravens gave Jackson the non-exclusive franchise tag . Rival teams can negotiate with Jackson once free agency begins next week. If they agree on a deal, the Ravens can either fulfill the contract to keep Jackson or refuse to fulfill it, losing Jackson but earning two first-round picks from his new team.
But instead of a number of teams preparing to land Jackson, we instead saw reports from across the NFL that five teams are unlikely to make the cut. This list included the Panthers, dolphins, hawks, robberAnd commanders. The Falcons and Raiders are particularly interesting on this list considering they desperately need that position.
Cardinals ready to trade with DeAndre Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals “have parameters” to trade star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as the team intends to wind down pay commitments in 2023, per Mike Jurecki of the Arizona Daily Podcast. His report states that a second-round pick and a conditional pick or player are the expected return after starting free agency.
Hopkins, who turns 31 this offseason, caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He’s likely to get a new contract for a trade considering his cap number is $30.75 million this season and $26.2 million in 2024.
Baker Mayfield could be backup in 2023
The former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Rams has seen its stock plummet hugely over the past 18 months. However, the former No. 1 overall winner still has an opportunity to rejuvenate his career in some form. Mayfield’s short five-game stint with the Rams may have given hope that he can soon be more than just a backup.
According to The Score Jordan Schulz, the Rams want to keep Mayfield as a backup but are expected to have “competition” from the 49ers and Buccaneers. All three run friendly West Coast programs that can get the best out of Mayfield, like Kevin Stefanski did when he was head coach at Cleveland. However, Tampa Bay has the best starting position for Mayfield considering Kyle Trask is the only signed quarterback on their roster.
Jalen Ramsey’s trade rumors are heating up
The Rams are wisely attempting to waive as much of their wage commitments to aging players as possible. That includes Ramsey, who hasn’t been overly effective in reporting despite winning a Pro Bowl last year. His best value is someone forcing turnovers and tenaciously defending the run.
MORE: Jalen Ramsey landing sites
The 28-year-old finished 82nd in goal separation, 93rd in receptions, 91st in yards and 78th in allowable passer rating. Still, LA wants to capitalize on his big-name status and decides that if they trade him, “probably going to require a first-round pick or a package with a second-round pick and more,” according to ESPN Barladen’s Sarah.
He would certainly have admirers, and for good reason, even if his production has waned in coverage. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler named the Lions as potential suitors, and NBC Sports’ Peter King added the Cowboys, Bills and Chiefs as interested parties.