With the start of free agency less than 48 hours away, let’s look at the top stories of the past week:
- The Redskins used their franchise tag on linebacker Brian Orakpo.
- Receiver Anquan Boldin re-signed with the 49ers on a two-year-deal.
- The Browns placed the transition tag on center Alex Mack.
- The Steelers used the transition tag to retain linebacker Jason Worilds.
- Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy signed his franchise tender.
- Offensive guard Uche Nwaneri was released by the Jaguars.
- The Eagles cut receiver Jason Avant.
- Fullback Le’Ron McClain was released by the Chargers.
- The Titan re-signed safety Bernard Pollard.
- The Redskins cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca.
- Cornerback Derek Cox was released by the Chargers.
- The Chargers also released cornerback Johnny Patrick, who was then claimed by the Jets.
- Veteran Falcons running back Jason Snelling announced his retirement.
- The Browns cut receiver Davone Bess in light of his off-the-field issues.
- Safety Aaron Williams agreed to a four-year extension with the Bills.
- The Dolphins re-signed cornerback Brent Grimes to a four-year deal.
- The Steelers extended both tight end Heath Miller and safety Troy Polamalu.
- The Bears released punter Adam Podlesh.
- Tight end John Carlson was released by the Vikings; he then signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals.
- The Steelers cut veteran offensive lineman Levi Brown and linebacker Larry Foote.
- The Rams will release cornerback Cortland Finnegan.
- The NFL has reinstated free agent cornerback Brandon Browner, but he will have to serve a four-game suspension during the 2014 season.
- Running back Bobby Rainey agreed to a two-year extension with the Buccaneers.
- The Bears re-signed defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff to a two-year contract.
- The Broncos released cornerback Champ Bailey.
- Center Samson Satele was released by the Colts.
- The Browns and kicker Billy Cundiff agreed to a one-year contract.
- Defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua agreed to terms on three-year deal with the Titans.
- The Bengals re-signed offensive lineman Mike Pollak to a three-year pact.
- Quarterback Matt Cassel agreed to two-year, $10MM deal to remain with the Vikings.
- The Colts and punter Pat McAfee agreed to a five-year, $14MM contract.
- The Colts also signed linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to a four-year, $22MM deal.
- Tight end Clay Harbor signed a two-year contract with the Jaguars.
- Quarterback Chad Henne will remain with Jaguars after agreeing to a two-year, $8MM deal.
- The Saints released veteran receiver Lance Moore.
- The Jaguars signed the recently-released defensive lineman Red Bryant to a four-year, $17MM contract.
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland and the Jets agreed to a three-year deal worth $3.7MM.
- The Packers signed cornerback Sam Shields to a four-year deal worth $39MM.
- Offensive guard Daryn Colledge was cut by the Cardinals.
- The Vikings re-signed defensive end Everson Griffen to a five-year contract worth $42.5MM.
- The Jets released cornerback Antonio Cromartie.