It might be the opening of the NFL’s negotiating window, or better known as the legal tampering period, but it sure has felt like a free-agent frenzy.
Most of the deals reported so far have been for some of the top defensive players and offensive linemen.
Let’s just say the quarterback situations around the league remain the top storyline to watch, with several teams looking to fill an opening.
Another swing from the Steelers on a veteran
It appears that Aaron Rodgers could be heading off to the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers despite a couple of teams interested in the veteran’s services.
Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Steelers and Rodgers have been in discussions on a deal.
The 41-year-old became a free agent after spending the last two seasons with the New York Jets, who decided to move on from the veteran after a 5-12 season.
Rodgers threw for 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rodgers only made one appearance in 2023 after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.
The Steelers went 10-7 last season with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields splitting the duties at quarterback. It has been a busy start to free agency with star receiver DK Metcalf joining the team in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks to provide some depth with George Pickens.
The New York Giants were also in the mix for Rodgers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
What will happen with Cooper Kupp?
The Los Angeles Rams have a decision to make with Kupp and don’t have much time to figure out the next step.
The Rams receiver said the team was seeking a trade and were working to find a destination for the 2021 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
It appears there could be momentum to trade Kupp after the Rams signed Davante Adams to a two-year deal worth $46 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
Rams reporter Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic suggested that the Patriots, Chiefs or Broncos are possible landing spots for the former triple crown receiver.
Kupp will be 32 next season. He had three consecutive seasons with more than 90 catches leading up to his landmark 2021-22 campaign, but he hasn’t made more than 75 catches or 812 yards receiving in a season since then.
Kupp could also be released ahead of March 17, before he is due a $7.5-million roster bonus, and also give him a chance to find a new team.
Greenlaw suitors starting to emerge
The San Francisco 49ers will have some competition to retain linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Josina Anderson reports that the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans and the Cowboys have shown preliminary interest in Greenlaw.
The 28-year-old to be was limited to two games in 2024 while recovering from a torn Achilles, only to suffer a calf injury.
Greenlaw has recorded 295 solo tackles, 18 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks across 64 career appearances.
What’s going on with the Cowboys?
Speaking of the Cowboys, once again their approach to free agency has been criticized heavily by fans over the years and it appears to be more of the same for Jerry Jones.
Once again, his team has been noticeably quiet to start the negotiation window. His son and executive VP, Stephen Jones, said the Cowboys’ approach would be “selectively aggressive” in free agency, which then led to Jerry trying to temper expectations.
“I don’t think ‘aggressive’ is the right word,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said last week. “I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids.”
The team already saw a big departure on their defence with Jourdan Lewis signing with the Jaguars.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested that the team has been linked to cornerback Charvarius Ward and could also be looking for help at linebacker and defensive tackle.
Part of the hesitation from the Cowboys to making a big deal in free agency is figuring out Micah Parsons’ next contract, which could be another expensive one for Dallas after signing Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to big deals.
