Dolphins, Jaguars swap assets. After a deal that would have sent left tackle Branden Albert to Jacksonville and tight end Julius Thomas to Miami fell through, the two clubs simply agreed to trade the players in separate transactions, with the Fins getting a 2018 seventh-round pick for Albert and the Jags receiving a 2017 seventh-rounder for Thomas. In Albert, Jacksonville gets a replacement for Kelvin Beachum, on whom the Jaguars declined their option last week, while Thomas — who has since passed his physical — is now reunited with Adam Gase, who coached Thomas in Denver.
Bears trying to trade Jay Cutler. Chicago is attempting to acquire any sort of compensation for Cutler, although a deal seems extremely unlikely after the 33-year-old quarterback struggled with injuries and ineffective play in 2016. Further complicating mattes is that Cutler is reportedly considering retirement, and could threaten to end his career if he somehow gets dealt to a destination he doesn’t prefer. Cutler is expected to be able to pass a physical by next month, which could be one bit of good news for any interested parties.
Jets begin roster purge. Gang Green is entering a rebuilding stage, and started that process by cutting ties with several veterans last week. After previously declining left tackle Ryan Clady‘s option, the Jets released right tackle Breno Giacomini (link), center Nick Mangold (link), kicker Nick Folk (link), and declined their 2017 option on linebacker Erin Henderson (link). New York is likely to retain linebacker David Harris, but cornerback Darrelle Revis is probably on the outs, especially after his hearing on assault charges was postponed.
Left tackle market continues to evolve. Both Clady and Beachum will now hit free agency after seeing their options declined by the Jets and Jaguars, respectively, and another blindside protector will be joining them on the open market. The Broncos opted not to exercise the remainder of Russell Okung‘s contract, which he notably negotiated without an agent last spring. Okung’s option bonus was worth only $1MM, but the mechanism would have locked in an additional four years, $48MM, and $20.5MM in guaranteed money. Okung will now join a free agent tackle class that includes Andrew Whitworth, Ricky Wagner, and Riley Reiff.
Latavius Murray will reach the market. The Raiders aren’t going to agree to an extension with Murray before free agency begins next Thursday, meaning the 27-year-old running back will hit the open market and potentially land with a new club. Oakland isn’t completely moving on from Murray, who’s only averaged four yards per carry over the past two seasons, but it will let him establish his value in free agency before trying to work out a new deal. Murray will compete for a contract along with other free agent backs including Le’Veon Bell (who is likely to be franchised), Eddie Lacy, and LeGarrette Blount.