Eagles Sign Azeez Ojulari
The Eagles will look to a former Giant to help fill their edge rush void. Azeez Ojulari is heading to Philadelphia, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 
This will be a one-year deal worth $4MM, Fowler adds. Ojulari played out his rookie contract with the Giants, who held onto him despite interest at the trade deadline. New York has unsurprisingly allowed him to depart as a free agent, but he will remain in the NFC East for 2025. The move is now official.
The Giants have former trade acquisition Brian Burns attached to $28.2MM-per-year deal. Kayvon Thibodeaux – selected fifth overall in 2022 – is on his rookie contract for at least one more season (or two, if his fifth-year option is picked up this spring). The presence of those two starters seemed to leave Ojulari on track to find a first-team role elsewhere as a free agent. Fowler notes, though, that New York attempted to keep the 24-year-old. Instead, the Eagles’ strong push has resulted in a deal.
Ojulari flashed considerable potential during his rookie season, posting eight sacks. Injuries limited him to only 18 games across the next two years, however, and his production dropped off as a result. The former second-rounder was again sidelined in 2024, missing six games. In spite of that, he notched six sacks and recorded double-digit QB pressures for the fourth consecutive year.
With Burns and Thibodeaux on the books, the Giants were prepared to lose Ojulari (something which raised eyebrows given the fact he was not traded midway through the season despite the fact New York was not in contention). The 24-year-old drew interest from the Bengals, but they instead elected to re-sign Joseph Ossai. That move helped pave the way for Ojulari to join the Super Bowl champions.
The Eagles lost Josh Sweat in free agency, and Brandon Graham could very well retire. Their absences will be felt in an edge rush group which has Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff. The latter did not pan out upon arrival as a high-priced free agent pickup, and he is now a trade candidate. Philadelphia recently added Josh Uche along the edge, but today’s move will come with higher expectations.
As a Georgia product, Ojulari is the latest in a long line of former Bulldogs to join the Eagles. If he manages to remain healthy in 2025, he could command a notable free agent market next spring on a second Philadelphia pact or one with a new team.
Texans, CB Ronald Darby Agree To Deal
Another Texans cornerback move has been worked out, this time in the case of an outside free agent addition. Ronald Darby has agreed to a one-year Houston deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
The pact is worth $2.5MM, Schefter adds. Darby joined the Jaguars on a two-year contract last offseason, but he was cut on Friday. The veteran has not needed to wait long to find his next opportunity, though.
Darby has been a journeyman during his 10-year career, spending time with the Bills, Eagles, Commanders, Broncos and Ravens prior to his single Jaguars campaign. The 31-year-old will nevertheless bring considerable experience to Houston’s secondary; Darby has 118 appearances and 107 starts to his name. That includes 12 starts last season in Jacksonville.
During that span, Darby posted 46 tackles and nine pass deflections. His coverage statistics (including a 120 passer rating and four touchdowns allowed as the nearest defender) left plenty to be desired, though. That helps explain the Jaguars’ decision to move on and the financial terms of his latest pact. Darby collected $5.5MM guaranteed last spring on the open market, but this time around he has essentially agreed to a ‘prove-it’ deal in advance of free agency in 2026.
The Texans fielded one of the NFL’s best cornerback tandems in 2024 with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. The former agreed to a three-year, $90MM extension earlier today; that pact makes him the highest-paid defensive back in league history on an annual basis. Stingley is under contract through 2029 as a result of his new deal, while Lassiter’s rookie contract still has three years remaining on it. That pairing should remain in place for years to come as a result.
Darby will be able to serve as a veteran backup behind those on the CB depth chart. Two of Stingley’s three NFL seasons to date have included missed time due to injury, and a repeat of that in 2025 could open the door to Darby seeing notable a notable defensive role. The Florida State product has limited experience on special teams, but that could provide him with an avenue to additional playing time in Houston next season.
Ronnie Stanley Addresses Decision To Re-Sign With Ravens
After agreeing to a pay cut last offseason, Ronnie Stanley delivered a strong campaign and set himself up for a healthy free agent market. The Pro Bowl left tackle wound up re-signing with the Ravens before the start of the league year, however, a move he spoke about on Monday. 
“I was going to give Baltimore the best bargain that I would offer to any other team,” Stanley said (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley). “That being said, I wanted to be happy with what I’m making and make sure I’m getting the value that I deserve.”
The former No. 6 pick has spent his entire career in Baltimore, and his tenure is set to continue on a three-year, $60MM pact. $44MM of that total is guaranteed and will be paid out across the 2025 and ’26 seasons, a notable amount and one not far from the top of the left tackle market. Stanley could very well have landed a more lucrative deal with an outside suitor given the nature of the free agent class, but he added he never reached the point of seriously considering such a move (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic).
Stanley inked a five-year, $98.75MM extension in 2020, but ankle and knee injuries kept him sidelined for extended stretches while playing out that pact. The Notre Dame product played only six games in 2020 and one the following year. Questions related to his durability remained after he missed another 10 contests from 2022-23. As this past campaign showed, though, the former All-Pro is still capable of playing at a high level when on the field. Team and player will hope his fully healthy campaign in 2024 will be repeated moving forward.
Baltimore selected Roger Rosengarten in the second round of last year’s draft as a potential Stanley successor in the future. He wound up operating as the Ravens’ right tackle starter last year, and that setup is in place to continue for the time being. If the Ravens are to duplicate last year’s success on offense (No. 1 yards, No. 3 in scoring), Stanley – who turns 31 tomorrow – will no doubt play a key role up front.
Many of the remaining O-line dominoes around the league have fallen during the opening days of free agency, although a number of teams still face questions at the position right now. Stanley would have addressed the blindside for a team prepared to make a sizable offer, but his comments confirm such a scenario was never in the cards.
Dolphins Submit Offer To Emmanuel Ogbah; No Deal Imminent
Emmanuel Ogbah has spent the past five years in Miami, but he is among the free agents still on the market at this point. Efforts to continue his Dolphins tenure have not yielded traction so far. 
During his latest appearance on WSVN-7 Fox, agent Drew Rosenhaus noted (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald) the Dolphins have submitted an offer to Ogbah. He added, however, that the sides “haven’t found common ground” yet with respect to an agreement being reached. Ogbah was cut by the Dolphins last February but he wound up re-signing in July.
Miami had a deal in place with Shaq Barrett, but his retirement decision (which ended up turning into a brief Buccaneers reunion) left the team in need of an addition along the edge. The Ogbah reunion allowed for him to handle a full-time starting role; the 31-year-old’s snap share (73%) was the highest of his Dolphins career. Ogbah posted five sacks and 19 pressures in 2024, figures which should help his market with Miami or other interested teams.
After being cut, the Oklahoma State product took a one-year deal to remain with the Dolphins. That pact contained $2MM in guarantees and included incentives which allowed Ogbah to surpass its base value of $3.25MM. A higher locked in figure could be required this time around for another deal to be reached. Having remained healthy for four of his five Miami campaigns so far, the former second-rounder could be in line for a multi-year commitment but at a minimum he will be expected to remain an important defensive figure should he re-sign once again.
The Dolphins do, on the other hand, still have Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips on the books. The former missed all of last year while rehabbing his ACL tear, while the latter was limited to four games in 2024 due to a partial ACL tear of his own. Miami used a first-round pick in 2024 on Chop Robinson, and he flashed potential during the second half of the campaign in particular. Those three represent a large portion of the Dolphins’ plans along the edge moving forward, but it will be interesting to see if that holds true for Ogbah as well.
Dolphins To Sign CB Artie Burns
Artie Burns is the next player to land a new deal in the secondary waves of free agency. The veteran corner has agreed to a one-year Dolphins pact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
This represents a homecoming for Burns. The Miami native played for the Hurricanes during his college career, one which ended with a six-interception junior campaign. That production helped make Burns a first-round pick, but his four seasons with the Steelers did not go according to plan.
By the end of his Pittsburgh run, Burns had gone from a full-time starter to a rotational defender tasked with handling special teams duties. After being out of the league in 2020, he returned on a one-year Bears contract which saw him handle a 39% defensive snap share. In the three years since then (in Seattle), though, the 29-year-old has earned primarily his playing time with his third phase contributions.
Miami has Jalen Ramsey atop the CB depth chart for next season, and holdovers Kader Kohou and Cam Smith are also set to play a role moving forward. The Dolphins have seen safety Jevon Holland depart in free agency as expected, and Jordan Poyer is considered unlikely to be retained. Former Lion Ifeatu Melifonwu was added last week, and he is in line to serve a notable role in the secondary as a result.
The Dolphins also retained Elijah Campbell, putting him on track to reprise his role as a key special teams presence. Burns will look to join him in that regard while attempting to boost his value ahead of free agency next spring.
Russell Wilson Prepared To Sign; Steelers, Giants Waiting On Aaron Rodgers’ Decision
The top free agent storyline around the league remains Aaron Rodgers‘ next destination. That could be the Vikings, although it remains to be seen if they will match his willingness to take a Minnesota deal. 
Retirement is also an option for the 41-year-old, but if does elect to play – and the Vikings decline to submit an offer – the Steelers and Giants loom as interested suitors. Both Pittsburgh and New York have made a pitch to sign Rodgers, with the latter’s believed to be the best one on the table. Much of the remaining movement at the quarterback position will likely wait until after this situation reaches a conclusion.
In the case of Russell Wilson, his landing spot therefore remains uncertain for the time being. That is not due to hesitation on the player’s part, however. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Wilson is ready to sign at any time, a notable update given his recent Browns and Giants visits (video link).
The 10-time Pro Bowler met with Cleveland on Thursday and then New York yesterday. The Browns have already made one move under center by trading for Kenny Pickett, but they are still in the market for another passer. The Giants are also set to make multiple additions, a factor which explains the strong Rodgers pursuit as well as their continued interest in Wilson. Prior to the former Seahawk and Bronco’s decision to take a one-year Steelers pact last offseason, he met with the Giants. As Fowler notes, though, Wilson’s market is on hold until the Rodgers domino falls.
Handling starting duties since from Week 7 onwards, Wilson saw his play (and that of the team in general) decline at the end of the 2024 campaign. Justin Fields – who had support from some in the building to stay atop the depth chart even when Wilson’s calf injury healed – was widely viewed as Pittsburgh’s preference to retain over the veteran this spring. Fields ultimately took a two-year Jets deal, though, leaving Wilson in play as a fallback option should Rodgers not head to Pittsburgh.
Whereas Rodgers has a number of options to consider, Wilson’s market seems to be more limited. The 36-year-old has not been connected to the Vikings yet, while a report from earlier this week indicated the Titans are not interested despite their need for Will Levis competition. Provided one of Pittsburgh or New York end up acquiring Rodgers, the other could pivot to Wilson in short order.
Given the offset money left from his Broncos pact, Wilson was able to sign for just $1.21MM with Pittsburgh last year. He will be aiming higher this time around, but no movement should be expected with respect to his market before Rodgers’ future is determined.
Vikings Acquire Jordan Mason From 49ers; RB Agrees To Minnesota Extension
Despite receiving the second-round RFA tender from the 49ers this week, Jordan Mason will not play in San Francisco next year. The fourth-year running back has been traded to the Vikings, per his agency (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
As part of the deal, Mason has agreed to a two-year Vikings contract, Rapoport notes. The pact has a maximum value of $12MM and includes $7MM guaranteed at signing. Per Rapoport and colleague Tom Pelissero, the trade consists of a 2026 sixth-round pick being sent from Minnesota to San Francisco. The teams will also swap picks No. 160 and 187 in this year’s draft. 
Mason totaled only 83 carries during his first two seasons, but in 2024 he was a key member of the 49ers’ ground game. Christian McCaffrey‘s Achilles issues opened the door for the former UDFA to see notable usage, and he received 153 carries on the year. Mason’s success (880 scrimmage yards, three touchdowns, 5.2 yards per attempt average) made it clear San Francisco would look to keep him in the fold moving forward. The decision to apply the second-round tender appeared to lock him into a $5.3MM salary for 2025.
As a result, the 49ers would have been in line for a second-round pick as compensation in the event Mason signed an offer sheet with an outside team which they declined to match. Now, the 25-year-old will be on the move by means of a swap. San Francisco still has McCaffrey on the books, along with Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. An addition in the 2025 draft – which features several highly-regarded RB prospects – would come as no surprise given this deal.
For the Vikings, meanwhile, Mason will allow for more of a tandem in the backfield moving forward. Aaron Jones impressed while playing on a one-year contract in 2024, setting a new career high in rushing yards. That yielded a new agreement just before the negotiating period opened, and Jones is now attached to a two-year, $20MM pact. While the Vikings expressed a desire to keep the former Pro Bowler in the fold, they also made it clear they intended to reduce his workload after Jones handled 306 touches (the most of his career) in 2024. Mason will help achieve that goal.
The latter recorded double-digit carries seven times in his 12 appearances last year. Mason suffered an ankle sprain in Week 13, however, and the injury ended his campaign. His absence will be felt on a 49ers team which lost Elijah Mitchell to the Chiefs in free agency. Even if Guerendo takes on a larger role next season (after logging 84 carries as a rookie), at least one addition in the backfield can be expected.
Instead of hitting free agency in 2026 after playing on the tender, Mason has now secured more guaranteed than he would have received with San Francisco next season. The Georgia Tech product drew interest from other teams, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. Now, he will look to duplicate his 2024 success in a new environment as the Vikings aim to provide Jones with an effective complementary rusher.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/15/25
Saturday’s minor moves:
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Velus Jones
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
Jones’ Bears tenure ended midway through the 2024 campaign when he was waived. The former third-rounder saw time on the Jaguars’ practice squad before making a pair of appearances with the Panthers at the end of the year. Jones, entering his age-28 season, will look to compete for a roster spot in New Orleans.
Jean-Charles is signing a one-year deal, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The 26-year-old has made 37 appearances across his time with the Packers, 49ers and Saints so far in his career. He has primarily worked on special team to date, and that will likely continue to be the case in Seattle.
Cowboys, WR Parris Campbell Agree To Deal
Parris Campbell is set to play for a third career NFC East team. The veteran wideout has agreed to a one-year Cowboys deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Campbell struggled with injuries while playing out his rookie contract with the Colts. His final year with Indianapolis was a healthy one, however, and as a result the former second-rounder posted career highs across the board. That paved the way for a one-year Giants deal, but Campbell found himself being benched midway through the campaign.
To little surprise, a departure took place last offseason. Campbell landed an agreement with the Eagles, but he was among the team’s final roster cuts. The 27-year-old originally had no intention of signing to Philadelphia’s practice squad, but he wound up reversing course and did just that. In all, Campbell made five regular season appearances and played in three of the Eagles’ playoff games; he made a very small impact in the passing game, though.
As a result, expectations will be tempered upon arrival in Dallas. The Cowboys have been known to be in the market for a complementary receiver addition, particularly if free agent Brandin Cooks departs. Dallas was named as one of the teams interested in Cooper Kupp, but by the time he agreed to a Seahawks deal on Friday it was clear the Cowboys were not in the running to acquire him. This Campbell pact will of course check in at a much lower price tag than what Kupp landed in Seattle (three years, $45MM).
In 2021, Campbell showcased his potential as a deep threat, averaging 16.2 yards per reception. The Ohio State product has not managed to replicate that production since, and it will be interesting to see how large of an opportunity he receives with the Cowboys. CeeDee Lamb will lead the way at the WR position for years to come, but questions remain about the potential of the likes of Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert and recent re-signing KaVontae Turpin (who will primarily remain a returner moving forward, but could see his offensive usage continue to increase).
The Eagles still have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith atop their receiver depth chart, along with 2024 trade acquisition Jahan Dotson. Campbell is the latest member of the Super Bowl champions to head elsewhere, and managing to carve out a regular role on offense with the Cowboys would help his free agent prospects for 2026.
49ers Release DT Maliek Collins
March 14: Collins’ release did come with a post-June 1 designation, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The 49ers will save $3.4MM against the 2025 cap with the move. $1.4MM of dead money will hit the 2025 cap with another $4.1MM pushed to 2026, per OverTheCap.
March 9: Maliek Collins was acquired via trade by the 49ers last offseason. After only one season in San Francisco, though, the veteran defensive tackle will be on the move this spring. 
Collins will be released, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. One year remained on his pact, and he was owed $10MM in 2025. The 29-year-old’s scheduled salary for next season was not guaranteed, but in spite of that fact this move (presuming it does not carry a post-June 1 designation) will not free up funds. Cutting Collins will cost the 49ers $670K while incurring a dead money charge of $5.43MM.
Using a post-June 1 designation would help from a financial standpoint, but the modest savings generated would not be available until after that date. Teams are allowed to use that designation twice per year, and it is already known the 49ers will do so in the case of Javon Hargrave. Moving on from him, along with Collins, will lead to notable changes along the defensive interior in San Francisco.
The 49ers have struggled to field an effective group of complementary options to Nick Bosa in recent years, and as a result many have pointed to the 2025 offseason as a period for several changes to be made. 2024 free agent edge rush additions Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are potential cut candidates as the team looks to free up the required money for retaining other in-house players and/or working out extensions (such as the looming one for Brock Purdy).
Collins began his career with the Cowboys, and after a one-season run with the Raiders he spent three years in Houston. The former third-rounder recorded five sacks in 2023, and – operating as a full-time starter with the 49ers – matched that feat this past season. To little surprise, then, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports Collins is expected to generate a notable market as an early free agent.
Jonathan Allen recently saw his Commanders tenure come to an end through a cost-shedding move, and he and Collins are in similar positions based on age and track record. Both are free to join their next team at any time, but it would come as little surprise if suitors gauged the availability of other options over the coming days before committing to a deal.