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.
Seahawks Talking Deal With Cooper Kupp; Cowboys Cooling On WR?
2:35pm: The prospect of Kupp coming back home to Washington remains firmly in play. The veteran receiver has been in contact with members of the Seahawks organization, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson, who add the team is attempting to sell with receiver on its 2025 plans. As Seattle separated from a six-year WR tandem, Kupp is a clear option to join Jaxon Smith-Njigba next season.
12:51pm: Confirming the Seahawks, Saints and Broncos‘ interest, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe indicates the Cowboys are viewed as a long shot. Not big in recent years of signing pricey outside free agents, Dallas may need to go well past the $10MM-AAV place to sign Kupp. Previously mentioned at $12MM per year, Kupp’s market may surpass even that range.
Despite Kupp’s spate of injuries, his per-year asking price has hovered as high as $15MM, Howe adds. Though, Howe indicates Kupp would probably drop his price for one of his preferred destinations (and expand his list if another team comes up to the $15MM-AAV neighborhood). That will not be an easy sell for a player who has missed 18 games over the past three years, but it is clear Kupp has generated a nice market early in his first free agency tour.
8:41am: One of the top remaining storylines in free agency is the looming Cooper Kupp decision. The now-former Ram is expected to sign with a new team soon, and further details about his potential destination have emerged. 
The Seahawks have already been mentioned as a Kupp suitor, which comes as no surprise. Seattle cut Tyler Lockett shortly before trading away D.K. Metcalf, creating the need for at least one veteran addition. Kupp is a Yakima, Washington, native, so a Seahawks agreement would represent a homecoming and allow him to remain on the West Coast after eight years in Los Angeles.
Confirming Seattle is “very interested” in Kupp, a report from Dianna Russini, Jourdan Rodrigue, Jon Machota, Saad Yousef and Mark Puleo of The Athletic adds the Cowboys fit that same description (subscription required). Dallas is in the market for a new No. 2 receiver with Brandin Cooks currently without a deal. The veteran has expressed a willingness to re-sign, although he also feels he was not utilized properly during his two-year tenure with the team.
While a departure on that front would leave a notable vacancy on the depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Cowboys’ “push” to land Kupp has not elevated the team to the status of favorites. Taking things further, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News adds the team is “not in the mix” for Kupp at this point. The Cowboys re-signed returner Kavonte Turpin – who has taken on a larger offensive role in each of three years with the team – but a proven receiver would be welcomed as part of the team’s efforts to take a step forward in 2025.
Yesterday, Kupp was connected to an asking price of around $12MM per year. Teams were seen as unwilling to go that high for the 31-year-old (who has missed considerable time since his ‘Triple Crown’ campaign in 2021), and Russini adds that remains the case at this point. The Rams were willing to retain salary in a potential Kupp trade, but his release has left him free to ink a deal with any suitor. The Pro Bowler will not be able to match the $26.7MM AAV of his previous pact, though, of course.
The Jaguars emerged as a potential team to watch on the Kupp front, but an update indicated they are not in the running. The Patriots, meanwhile, are seen as a contender as they continue to seek out a veteran receiver. Thursday also produced a report stating a mutual interest exists between Kupp and the Broncos. The Athletic piece notes a decision can be expected today, so clarity on his future should emerge very soon.
Chiefs, DL Jerry Tillery Agree To Deal
The Chiefs have lost Tershawn Wharton in the early stages of free agency, but they have quickly lined up a depth addition which will help replace him. Jerry Tillery has agreed to head to Kansas City on a one-year deal, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports.
Tillery started 11 games for the Vikings last year, lining up primarily along the interior of the defensive line with some snaps on the edge. He had one of the least productive seasons of his career and finished with 28 total tackles, zero sacks, and one tackle for loss.
Tillery was a 2019 first-round pick who began his career in the AFC West with the Chargers. He carved out a starting role in his second season and amassed 9.5 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss in 29 starts across his first three years in the NFL. Tillery’s production didn’t match his high snap counts, so the Chargers declined his fifth-year option after the 2021 season.
A slow start in 2022 led to Tillery’s release after seven games. He was claimed off waivers by the Raiders and appeared in the last eight games of their season with four starts. He re-signed in Las Vegas in 2023 before taking a one-year, $2.75MM contract with the Vikings in 2024.
Tiller will provided much-needed defensive line depth in Kansas City. In addition to losing Wharton, the Chiefs had three other defensive linemen hit free agency this week in Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi, and Marlon Tuipulotu. The team has yet to re-sign any and is currently only returning Chris Jones from last year’s unit.
Chiefs To Re-Sign Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt returned to the Chiefs last season, and his second Kansas City run will continue into 2025. The former rushing champion is re-signing on a one-year deal, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. 
This pact has a base value of $1.5MM, Schultz adds. Incentives can add another $1MM to Hunt’s earnings. After a five-year run with the Browns, the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year came back to Kansas City and handled a notable offensive workload. He will remain part of the team’s backfield plans for at least one more campaign.
Isiah Pacheco was expected to handle a heavy workload in 2024, but he was limited to seven games due to a broken fibula. His absence helped open the door for Hunt signing and then receiving 200 carries on the year; he turned that opportunity into 728 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The 29-year-old added 176 yards in the passing game, then scored a pair of touchdowns in the playoffs.
Before the start of free agency, it became clear the Chiefs would be interested in adding a veteran running back this spring. That plan resulted in a one-year agreement with Elijah Mitchell, who missed all of last season. The former 49er nevertheless figures to have a role of some kind with Kansas City. Pacheco, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
The Chiefs could also look to the draft to add a long-term option at the position, something which would make sense since all three of their current top backs are pending 2026 free agents. Hunt – who saw his yards per carry average rebound slightly to 3.6 after it dropped at the end of his Browns tenure – will nevertheless compete for playing time in 2025. Regardless of how Kansas City’s backfield shakes out, the Toledo product figures to have a notable role based on the trust he has received from the organization.
Hunt made a mid-season return to the Browns in 2023 after Nick Chubb‘s season-ending knee injury. The latter is a free agent, and his departure (which would not come as a surprise at this point) would leave Cleveland in need of at least one notable addition. Today’s news confirms another new Hunt agreement will not be possible, though.
Bills To Bring Back CB Dane Jackson
Dane Jackson is headed back to Buffalo. After a single season with the Panthers, the veteran corner has a Bills deal in place, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
This will be a one-year deal, Garafolo adds. Jackson spent his first four seasons with the Bills, making 28 starts during that span. The former seventh-rounder landed a two-year free agent deal in Carolina last offseason, but things did not go according to plan with his new team.
Jackson was limited to nine games in 2024, and he only managed three starts. The Panthers brought him in as a familiar face to general manager Dan Morgan, but in spite of that factor the team elected to give more playing time to younger options in the secondary as the season progressed. That limited Jackson’s usage, and his overall snap share checked in at a career-low 43%. The 28-year-old was released last month.
That move allowed Jackson to sign with an interested team before free agency officially began, but it has still taken until today for a deal to be worked out. He will nevertheless give Buffalo a familiar option in the secondary as the team navigates its cornerback situation. Former first-rounder Kaiir Elam was traded to the Cowboys earlier this week, while Rasul Douglas remains unsigned.
That leaves Buffalo with Christian Benford (perhaps the next candidate for a lucrative extension) and Taron Johnson (one of the league’s highest-paid slot corners) as starters. Jackson – who logged more than 800 defensive snaps in 2022 – could step into a starting role upon returning to the team. Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic notes Jackson can be penciled in as a first-team option for now, although he adds Buffalo could very well continue making moves at the position as the offseason continues.
At a minimum, Jackson could offer the Bills experienced depth at what will no doubt be a low cost. After the Pitt alum inked a contract averaging $4.25MM per year last offseason, this latest pact should check in at a lower rate. Still, Jackson could help his 2026 free agent prospects with a strong second Buffalo stint.
Vikings, LB Eric Wilson Agree To Deal
Eric Wilson is set to return to where his career began. The veteran linebacker has agreed to a deal with the Vikings, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
Wilson spent his first four years in Minnesota, logging 25 starts during that span. In 2020, he occupied a full-time first-team role and collected 122 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions. In spite of that production, the former UDFA has not managed to secure a multi-year deal during his free agent tenures.
After splitting his time between the Eagles and Texans in 2021, Wilson enjoyed a three-year run with the Packers. He missed four contests during his debut Green Bay season, but since then he has been a regular in the team’s lineup. The 30-year-old started 12 games last year, and his 72 tackles were the second-highest total of his career. Wilson added a pair of sacks and an interception, a sign of the production he will be capable of upon returning to Minnesota.
The Packers re-signed Isaiah McDuffie earlier this month, preventing him from reaching free agency. That two-year deal ensures Green Bay will have continuity at the linebacker spot with Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper still in the fold. The McDuffie move opened the door for Wilson to depart, but this news means the latter will now play his former team twice in 2025.
The Vikings have been active on defense so far this offseason, but the Wilson reunion represents the team’s first outside addition at the linebacker spot. Minnesota still has Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace on the books as starters, but Wilson will offer an experienced rotational option as well as a veteran special teams presence. Kamu Grugier-Hill is a free agent, and this Wilson move could lead him to head elsewhere as the offseason continues to unfold.
Seahawks To Host Teven Jenkins
Upgrading along the offensive line is known to be a priority for the Seahawks, and the team will host one of the top remaining free agent options soon. Teven Jenkins will visit Seattle on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Jenkins played out his rookie contract with the Bears, a spell which included an underwhelming tenure at right tackle but improved play at guard afterwards. The former second-rounder attempted on multiple occasions to enter into Bears extension talks, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Chicago looked to be on track to move in a different direction this spring, and that has proven to be the case.
Prior to the start of the new league year, trade agreements were worked out for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney; both moves are now official, and the former has even worked out a Chicago extension. The Bears have also been aggressive at the center spot, signing Drew Dalman to a three-year deal including $28MM guaranteed. Chicago’s moves up front have made it clear Jenkins will be on the move in 2025.
The 27-year-old split his time between both guard spots across the 2022 and ’23 seasons and then worked exclusively at left guard this past season. Jenkins started all 14 of his appearances (the most games he has played in a season to date) and ranked 13th amongst qualifying guards in terms of PFF evaluation. His grades have been strong since moving inside, and expectations will be high upon arrival with his next team. The Oklahoma State product ranked 19th on PFR’s Free Agent list.
Seattle has Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas at the tackle spots, but the team’s interior O-line play was a major sore spot in 2024. To date, the Seahawks’ only addition up front has been a deal for Josh Jones, who will likely handle swing tackle duties. Moves aimed at improving the guard spot are still needed, especially with Laken Tomlinson having departed in free agency.
Jenkins could provide Seattle with an effective guard, although his market will be hindered by his injury issues. Monday’s visit will allow the team to conduct a physical, and it will be interesting to see if a deal is worked out.
Lions Re-Sign WR Tim Patrick
Tim Patrick‘s return to the NFL resulted in a strong season with the Lions in 2024. The veteran wideout will remain in Detroit for at least one more campaign. 
The Lions announced on Friday that Patrick has been re-signed. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports this will be a one-year deal worth up to $4MM. A complementary role will again be in store on a Detroit team led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams at the receiver position.
Patrick had a successful run with the Broncos from 2018-21, but two major injuries derailed his career. The former UDFA suffered an ACL tear in 2022, and he missed the entire campaign as a result. Patrick was set to return the following year, but an offseason Achilles tear left him sidelined for 2023 as well. His Denver release during roster cutdowns this past summer came after talks on a Saints trade did not produce a deal.
In spite of that, Patrick did not need to wait long to find a new opportunity. The Utah product took a deal on the Lions’ practice squad, and after being elevated three teams he found himself as a regular presence in the lineup. Patrick handled a 59% snap share, operating as a key role player on the league’s highest-scoring offense. He posted 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns during his debut Detroit campaign, and similar production will be expected moving forward.
Fellow receiver Allen Robinson is open to re-signing with the Lions, but the former Pro Bowler is also giving thought to retirement. Robinson hardly made an impact in 2024, but if he elected to hang up his cleats (or sign elsewhere as a free agent) Patrick’s continued presence would provide important continuity on offense as the team enters the post-Ben Johnson era on offense. Patrick, 31, could help his 2026 free agent stock with another productive Lions campaign, and it will be interesting to see if he takes on an even larger role in the passing game next season.
Saints Interested In Cooper Kupp
As the Cooper Kupp sweepstakes unfold, the list of known suitors continues to grow. The Saints have emerged as the latest team to watch. 
New Orleans is “making a push” to sign the former Rams All-Pro, Mike Silver of The Athletic reports. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football confirms the Saints have been involved in Kupp’s market. A decision is expected as early as today, so it will be interesting to see if this latest development is followed by movement indicating a Kupp deal is feasible for the team.
Kupp is believed to prefer remaining on the West Coast after spending his first eight years in the NFL in Los Angeles. The Yakima, Washington, native has – to no surprise – been linked to the Seahawks in the time since his release. Seattle is indeed interested in pursuing a deal. Other suitors (a list which does not include the Jaguars and does not appear to have the Cowboys high on it, at all) are in play, though, with the Patriots and Broncos emerging yesterday as potential contenders.
Until recently, the Saints found themselves projected to be well over the 2025 cap ceiling. As usual, the team executed a number of restructures aimed at reducing the immediate cap hits of several veterans. New Orleans therefore entered Friday with roughly $19.7MM in cap space, enough for a modest addition while taking into account future costs like the incoming draft class. Kupp’s asking price (which has been floated as being between $12MM-$14MM per season) has been seen as too high to date, and Underhill adds it is unlikely the Saints would engage in a serious bidding war in this case (or for any other option).
New Orleans has Chris Olave atop the receiver depth chart, but his three-year career has been marred by concussion issues; the 2022 first-rounder was limited to eight games this past season. Rashid Shaheed has one year remaining on his deal, although the meniscus tear which ended his campaign in October threatens to lead to missed time next season. The Saints have not added a new receiver so far in free agency, whereas Marquez Valdes-Scantling has agreed to a Seahawks contract.
Tight end Juwan Johnson was in danger of departing as well, but he wound up re-signing with the Saints on a lucrative three-year deal. That pact ensures there will be continuity at the skill positions in 2025 for New Orleans, but the team’s pass-catching group could soon see a notable addition.
Steelers To Bring Back Mason Rudolph
It remains to be seen who will operate as the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2025, but a familiar face will handle backup duties. Mason Rudolph is returning to Pittsburgh, Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report. 
This will be a two-year pact worth $8MM. Rudolph will collect $4.5MM in guarantees upon returning to the Steelers after playing with them from 2018-23. Another pact with the Titans received consideration, per the report, but Rudolph’s preference was to come back to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers rebuilt their QB room last offseason, allowing Rudolph to take a one-year Titans deal while trading away Kenny Pickett and releasing Mitch Trubisky. They were replaced by Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, setting up a notable one-year experiment with both new passers on expiring deals. Fields was the team’s preference regarding a 2025 deal, but he is headed to the Jets. That leaves Wilson as a fallback option in Pittsburgh’s case, although he has visits lined up with the Giants and Browns.
Of course, the Steelers are among the suitors for Aaron Rodgers. The NFL’s next major quarterback domino will be his decision on playing in 2025, and if so, where. Pittsburgh has made an offer, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes the team is waiting to hear back from him. The four-time MVP has other suitors, and the Giants have frequently been mentioned as a potential landing spot. The Vikings, meanwhile, still find themselves in the mix.
However things shake out atop the depth chart for Pittsburgh, Rudolph’s return will give the team a familiar backup option. The 29-year-old made 13 starts across his Steelers tenure, with eight of them coming in 2019. He posted a passer rating of 86.9 along with a 19:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio in Pittsburgh, numbers which left plenty to be desired. Rudolph’s one-year Titans pact came with limited expectations but it allowed him to compete for the starting gig.
Will Levis‘ second year in the NFL did not go according to plan in Tennessee, and the team benched him in December. That opened the door for Rudolph to see playing time, and the Oklahoma State product made five starts amongst his eight appearances. After going 1-4 in that span and throwing as many touchdown passes (nine) as interceptions, it comes as little surprise Rudolph waited longer than many of the other quarterbacks on the market to land a deal. He is returning to an organization which valued him throughout his career, though, and it will be interesting to see if h winds up seeing any playing time in 2025.