Lions To Re-Sign LB Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes was on track for free agency but that will no longer be the case. The fourth-year linebacker has agreed to remain in Detroit for the foreseeable future. 
Barnes and the Lions have a three-year deal in place, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The pact is worth $25.5MM and includes $16MM fully guaranteed at signing. Barnes will eschew a trip to the open market in exchange for considerable security on his second career contract.
During his first two seasons in Detroit, the Purdue product served in a rotational role on defense while also chipping in on special teams. Barnes took on an increased workload in 2023, making 13 starts and setting a new career high in tackles (81). Expectations were high for a strong follow-up campaign this past year, but things did not go according to plan.
A knee injury limited Barnes to just three games in 2024. A return deep into the postseason was considered a possibility at times, but as the Lions navigated a multitude of injuries on defense in particular it eventually became clear that would not be possible. That missed time threatened to hinder the 25-year-old’s market had he reached free agency, but he has nevertheless managed to secure a notable commitment from the Lions.
Detroit has Jack Campbell attached to his rookie contract, while veteran Alex Anzalone is on the books for 2025 (albeit without any guaranteed salary remaining on his deal). The team’s linebacker depth chart was recently thinned out to an extent by the decision to release Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Today’s news ensures Barnes will remain a key figure at the second level for 2025 and beyond, though.
The pending free agent class includes a few notable linebacker options, although one of the most attractive ones (Zack Baun) has already re-signed with the Eagles. Barnes coming off the market represents an unwelcomed development for his potential suitors, a group which may well have included the Jets. It will be interesting to see if any other deals at the position are worked out prior to the start of the new league year next week. In any case, Barnes is set to continue his career in the Motor City.
Bills, LB Terrel Bernard Agree To Extension
Another major piece of business has been taken care of by the Bills in the lead-in to free agency. Terrel Bernard is the latest in-house player on the team to land a lucrative new deal. 
The third-year linebacker and the Bills have agreed to terms on a four-year extension, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report. The pact – which is now official – is worth $50MM and includes $25.2MM in guarantees. Bernard is now under contract through 2029.
Selected in the third round of the 2022 draft, Bernard was used sparingly on defense during his rookie season while handling a regular role on special teams. Over the past two campaigns, however, he has been a full-time starter and a key figure in Buffalo’s front seven. In 2023, the Baylor product broke out with 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Bernard was unable to match that production this past campaign, one in which he was limited to 13 games. Buffalo was hit hard by injuries at the linebacker spot for much of the season, but when in the lineup the 25-year-old was invaluable. Bernard reached triple digits in tackles once again, adding another pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery along the way. As one of several impactful members of Buffalo’s 2022 draft class, he represented a prime extension candidate this offseason.
Now, an agreement has been reached before the start of free agency. The $12.5MM annual average value of Bernard’s deal places him in a tie for sixth at the position, slightly below the AAV of Matt Milano‘s pact. Questions have been raised about the latter’s future based on the absence of guarantees in the final two years of his contract and his missed time due to injuries in recent seasons. Whereas the Bills have allowed high-end linebackers depart in free agency in the recent past (like Tremaine Edmunds), the team has worked early on this occasion to keep an ascending contributor in place for the foreseeable future.
Buffalo’s 2025 offseason has also, of course, included an extension for wideout Khalil Shakir. Two key members of the team’s 2022 draft class are now on the books for years to come, and more work on that front could be coming. Running back James Cook is angling for a new deal which will move him near the top of the position’s market, while corner Christian Benford is also eligible for a payday.
The Bills entered Friday as one of five teams in the NFL currently over the 2025 cap ceiling. Further cost-shedding moves – like yesterday’s release of punter Sam Martin – will be needed as a result to achieve compliance and free up funds for outside additions. Buffalo’s attention can increasingly turn in that direction now that Bernard’s long-term future has been worked out.
Bengals Grant Trey Hendrickson Permission To Seek Trade
Last offseason, Trey Hendrickson asked for a trade in the wake of his extension efforts falling short. The Bengals kept him in place and still wish to do so, but this time he will be able to gauge his market. 
The 2024 sack leader has been given permission to seek a trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. As the team seeks to forge a path which includes keeping Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in the fold, questions have lingered over the Bengals’ ability to keep Hendrickson as well. Today’s development could spur movement in his case. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes team and player met today to discuss the situation, with the Chase/Higgins duo being confirmed as Cincinnati’s priority.
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“It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,” a statement from Hendrickson reads. “I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options.”
Hendrickson joined the Bengals on a four-year, $60MM pact. The former Saint provided exceptional value when playing out the deal, earning a Pro Bowl nod in each of his first three Cincinnati campaigns. In July 2023, a one-year arrangement was worked out which saw the former Saint earn $21MM for the season. That temporary move did not yield a smooth negotiating process afterwards, however.
After setting a new career high in sacks (17.5) in 2023, Hendrickson approached the Bengals about an extension. Those talks did not produce traction, and in response the former third-rounder requested a trade at the draft. To little surprise, the Bengals did not give thought to such a move, and they also remained steadfast in avoiding an extension. Hendrickson suited up for the 2024 campaign and delivered another high-end season, matching the previous year’s sack total and earning first-team All-Pro acclaim.
One year remains on the 30-year-old’s pact, and his $16MM in scheduled compensation (well short of the top of the edge rush market) does not include any guaranteed salary. A trade would free up $16MM in cap space for the Bengals while generating a dead money charge of $2.67MM. Moving on from Hendrickson would, on the other hand, obviously create a massive vacancy on defense.
Cincinnati ranked 24th in the league in sacks this past season despite a full campaign from the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. Improving along the edge was already a 2025 goal even with Hendrickson being retained (especially given Sam Hubbard‘s retirement). In general, shoring up other areas on defense will also be needed to avoid a repeat of last year’s failure to reach the postseason. Especially with an extension being needed upon arrival, suitors may not be willing to part with the assets needed for a trade to be seen as worthwhile from the Bengals’ perspective.
De facto general manager Duke Tobin made it clear in January the team was aware of the fact a notable raise would be required to keep Hendrickson in place, adding a willingness on the team’s part to authorize one. In spite of that, it was later reported the FAU product would be on board with a trade if it was necessary to secure a new contract. Interest could be shown in the build-up to free agency, especially if teams become convinced Browns star Myles Garrett is not available.
The edge rush market is due to see multiple financial surges this offseason. That process began yesterday when the Raiders made Maxx Crosby the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The Bengals may have to do the same with Chase, while Higgins (who received the franchise tag for the second year in a row) is also a target for a long-term contract. In any case, Hendrickson’s asking price has no doubt increased in the wake of the Crosby news and it remains very much in doubt if he will play a fifth campaign in Cincinnati.
D.K. Metcalf Eyeing $30MM AAV; Seahawks’ Asking Price Includes First-Round Pick
Talk of a potential D.K. Metcalf trade has taken place this offseason, and his situation saw a notable development yesterday when a request to be moved emerged. Further details on the financial motivation behind the move have emerged. 
Metcalf – who has one year remaining on his pact – is seeking a new deal worth roughly $30MM per season, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The receiver market has surged in recent years, and six wideouts are currently attached to a pact worth at least that much on an annual basis. That group will no doubt grow in size in 2025, with Ja’Marr Chase a strong candidate to reset the market on a Bengals extension.
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In 2022, Metcalf inked a three-year, $72MM extension. A jump to $30MM in AAV would therefore represent a notable raise, but even if he fails to secure it he could look to land a new round of locked in compensation with the Seahawks or an acquiring team. None of the 27-year-old’s base salary (just over $18MM) for 2025 is guaranteed, and an extension would help lower his scheduled cap hit of $31.86MM.
To no surprise, Russini adds multiple teams have checked in on Metcalf’s availability. Seattle has Jaxon Smith-Njigba set to operate as a focal point in the passing game for years to come, but the expected move of releasing Tyler Lockett leaves the team thinner at the receiver spot. Moving on from Metcalf would create a notable void, something reflected in the team’s asking price. Per Russini, Seattle is seeking a first- and third-round pick in a trade for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Metcalf has missed only three games in his career, and his least-productive campaign to date came in his rookie season (900 yards on 58 receptions). Considering his age, durability and consistent statistical output, the Ole Miss product would be an attractive option for any number of teams seeking a boost in the passing game. The Patriots have shown interest, while – in the wake of his trade request – Metcalf was linked yesterday to the Chargers. Both AFC squads are in the market for proven commodities at the receiver spot, and they find themselves first and third, respectively, in the league in cap space as things stand.
The Seahawks achieved cap compliance through the Lockett release and the decision to move on from a quartet of veterans which preceded it. They could theoretically keep Metcalf on the books at his current figure, but working out a long-term deal would no doubt be welcomed by both parties. The extent to which interest from outside teams affects his price for Seattle will be a key factor in determining how this situation plays out.
Jaguars, Texans Agree To Christian Kirk Trade
Christian Kirk will not be released after all. The Jaguars are moving on from the veteran wideout, but they will do so via trade instead. 
Kirk is heading to the Texans, as first reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Houston will send Jacksonville a 2026 seventh-round pick, she adds. Kirk will not hit the market as a result, and he will continue his career on a new AFC South team.
[RELATED: Jaguars To Cut Evan Engram, Devin Duvernay, Josh Reynolds]
One year remains on the 28-year-old’s contract, a factor which helped inform the Jags’ decision to move on. This swap will generate $10.44MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of $13.65MM. Kirk is owed a $15.5MM salary for 2025, but he could work out a new deal upon arrival in Houston.
The Texans entered 2024 with high expectations at the receiver position. Nico Collins, Tank Dell and trade acquisition Stefon Diggs figured to give the team one of the league’s top WR trios. Diggs suffered an ACL tear midway through the season and Dell later did the same, however. The latter’s availability for 2025 is in question.
Diggs is a pending free agent, so the chance of a departure on his part along with Dell’s injury status made the Texans a team to watch regarding a notable wideout addition. Prior to the Combine, it became clear Houston would be open to re-signing Diggs, but this move increasingly points toward him at least testing the market next week. In any case, Kirk will be tasked with operating as a strong complementary option to Collins in 2025.
After playing out his rookie contract with the Cardinals, Kirk inked a four-year pact to head to Jacksonville. The $18MM AAV of that deal raised many eyebrows at the time, but the receiver market has since seen two major spikes as the NFL’s salary cap continues to grow rapidly. If the former second-rounder aims to secure a raise with his new team, though, he could be hard-pressed in that effort.
Kirk logged a full season in 2022, but his Jaguars follow-up was limited to only 12 games. This past season, the Texas A&M product suffered a broken collarbone which sidelined him after eight contests. That injury left him off the midseason trade market, which was notable since the Steelers reportedly reached agreement on a swap prior to the injury. In the wake of the missed time, the Jags’ new regime will move in a different direction while looking to build a receiving corps around Trevor Lawrence.
That process will no doubt lean heavily on Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist Brian Thomas Jr., but WR will be a position to watch for Jacksonville this offseason. A number of high-profile wideouts are on track to reach the market, including some veterans (Davante Adams, Tyler Lockett) who have recently been cut. Kirk will not be on that list, as his 2025 situation has already been determined.
Texans To Re-Sign Kurt Hinish; Latest On Team’s DL Plans
The Texans’ defensive line could feature a number of different faces in the near future. At least one in-house option will be back for 2025, however.
Kurt Hinish has agreed to a one-year deal to remain in Houston, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. The contract has a base value of $1.8MM, but it can max out at $2.35MM. Hinish was on course for restricted free agency, but today’s move ensures he will remain in place without a tender being issued.
The 25-year-old has remained a regular rotational contributor along the defensive front over each of his three years with the Texans. Overall, Hinish has started four of his 42 appearances, totaling 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks along the way. He was unavailable for Houston during the playoffs this past campaign, but in 2023 he notched a pair of sacks as part of the team’s run to the divisional round.
Hinish will be counted on to remain a depth option along the D-line next season, but changes to that unit could be coming soon. Wilson reports both Foley Fatukasi and Mario Edwards can be expected to reach free agency. The former is dealing with a shoulder injury which requires surgery, Wilson notes. That could hinder Fatukasi’s market, although he is expected to recover in time for the 2025 campaign.
Edwards was hit with a four-game PED suspension in October. The former second-round pick has now played 10 seasons. Exiting his age-31 season, Edwards has already played for seven teams. His 12 Texans starts last year, however, were his most in a season since 2017. Edwards notched three sacks and tallied eight QB hits, recovering two fumbles and batting down two passes. With the nomadic DT’s status uncertain, another well-traveled interior rusher is back on Houston’s radar.
The Texans are interested in bringing back Sheldon Rankins, Wilson adds. A Houston starter in 2023, Rankins opted for a Bengals deal over a Texans effort to re-sign him. He did not impress in Cincinnati and has already been cut. The Texans are expected to explore a reunion before free agency, Wilson adds. Rankins, 32 in April, started all 15 games he played in DeMeco Ryans‘ system that year and registered six sacks — his most since 2018.
The down Cincinnati season will hurt Rankins’ market, after he had signed a two-year, $24.5MM deal last year. The Texans had Rankins on a one-year, $9.75MM pact in 2023. Ryans’ team had made a $12MM-per-year offer in March 2024; it is safe to say Houston’s 2025 proposal will probably check in south of that range.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Colts Release DT Raekwon Davis
Instead of playing out the final year of his Colts contract, Raekwon Davis will immediately reach free agency. The veteran defensive tackle was released on Thursday, per a team announcement. 
The move comes as little surprise. Davis was due $6.49MM in 2025, but none of his base salary for the season was guaranteed. Instead of carrying him at a cap it of $8.96MM, Indianapolis will move on. This release will generate $6.46MM in savings while creating a dead money charge of $2.5MM.
Davis played out his rookie contract with the Dolphins from 2020-22. Over that span, the former second-rounder logged 48 starts, but he was unable to cement himself as a mainstay along the defensive line. After showing limited upside against the pass during his Miami tenure, Davis took a deal with an average of $7MM during his first foray into free agency. That marked a notable raise compared to his initial contract, but it illustrated a degree of hesitance on the Colts’ part.
During his debut Indy campaign, the Alabama product played in all 17 games. Davis did not register any starts, however, and his 30% snap share marked the lowest of his career. With the team set to rely on other options along the interior, this release will allow for a brief period to gauge the market prior to the start of the new league. Interest could be limited in Davis’ case, although at the age of 27 he will be among the younger options to choose from in free agency.
As a result of this move, the Colts have more than $40MM in cap space. General manager Chris Ballard made it clear this offseason he and the team will opt for a philosophical shift in roster building, with a greater emphasis being placed on outside additions. That route did not go as planned in Davis’ case last spring, but the resources to try again in 2025 are available.
Bears Re-Sign CB Josh Blackwell
The Bears’ special teams units will include a number of familiar faces in 2025. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga has a deal in place to remain with the team, and the same is also true of cornerback Josh Blackwell. 
The latter was a restricted free agent, but the team announced on Thursday he has inked a two-year deal. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports Blackwell can earn up to $6MM. That represents a notable raise for the 25-year-old.
Blackwell entered the league with the Eagles as a UDFA in 2022, but he was unable to make the team’s initial roster during cutdowns. Chicago claimed him off waivers just before the start of the campaign, and he has been in the organization since then. The Bears tendered him as an exclusive rights free agent in 2023, then did so again the following year.
This latest pact will provide a degree of security for Blackwell as he looks to remain a key third phase figure for Chicago. The Duke product has only made two starts on defense in his career, but his 42 games played have seen him handle a regular role on special teams. Blackwell has logged 709 snaps in that capacity to date, and he will no doubt be expected to remain a notable contributor on coverage and return units moving forward.
The Bears have Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson in place as cornerback starters. Barring injury, Blackwell does not have a path to a first-team defensive role as a result, but he will once again be available next season in a valuable third phase capacity.
Bills Release P Sam Martin
Sam Martin‘s time with the Bills has come to an end. The veteran punter was released on Thursday, per a team announcement. 
One year remained on Martin’s contract, but none of his $1.89MM in scheduled compensation for 2025 was guaranteed. Buffalo will save that amount in cap space while generating just $400K in dead money and avoiding a $500K roster bonus which was due shortly after the start of the new league year. Martin, 35, will immediately be free to join a new team.
Over the course of his 12-year career, Martin has spent time with three teams. His first seven campaigns came in Detroit and saw relatively steady production. The former fifth-rounder then punted for the Broncos over a three-year stretch, but he was not retained once his pact expired. The 2022 offseason – in which Matt Araiza was drafted and subsequently released by the Bills – opened the door for another new opportunity.
Martin inked a one-year Buffalo deal that offseason, and his 47.7 yards per punt average was the second-highest mark of his career. It thus came as little surprise when he remained in place the following spring on a three-year pact. After playing out only two campaigns on that deal, though, the Appalachian State product is no longer in the fold.
Buffalo signed Jake Camarda to a reserve deal in January, and as a result of today’s move he is the only punter in the organization. The Bills could certainly look to add competition this offseason, while Martin will attempt to catch on with a new team over the coming days.
Seahawks Re-Sign CB Josh Jobe
Josh Jobe handled a considerable jump in workload with the Seahawks in 2024, and it has landed the cornerback a new Seattle agreement. Jobe re-signed on Thursday, his agency announced.
The 26-year-old was a restricted free agent, but instead of being tendered he has a new agreement in place. Jobe was a special teams mainstay during his first two NFL seasons, which came in Philadelphia. When he was waived during roster cutdowns this August, though, he quickly joined the Seahawks.
That move paved the way for a notable role on defense. Jobe handled a 65% snap share in 2024, logging six starts in his 10 appearances. During that time, the former UDFA notched the first interception of his career along with 37 tackles and seven pass deflections. In coverage, Jobe allowed a completion percentage of 56% and only one touchdown as the nearest defender.
Those figures point to a future as at least a valuable rotational member of the secondary for the Alabama product moving forward. Seattle’s cap situation has changed considerably in recent days, with a number of releases – including that of Tyler Lockett – taking place. The team is cap compliant as a result with the room to make at least some free agent additions next week. Some of the available funds will go toward keeping Jobe in place.
Seattle has Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen attached to their rookie contracts, and they are set to remain starters at the cornerback spot moving forward. Jobe will figure into the position’s rotation once again in 2025 as a candidate to take on a notable defensive workload if needed.