Jets Grant WR Allen Lazard Permission To Seek Trade
As the Jets sort out their plans at the receiver position, movement will likely be coming soon. Davante Adams is on the trade block, although his contract leaves as release as the likelier outcome. 
That would come as no surprise given the team’s commitment to moving on from Aaron Rodgers. His arrival in 2023 brought with it several acquisitions rooted in duplicating his success with the Packers. That included trading for Adams before his past season’s deadline, but also the free agent signing of Allen Lazard the previous spring. The latter is now in line to be on the move.
Lazard’s camp has received permission to seek a trade, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The 29-year-old is due $11MM in 2025 with a scheduled cap hit of $13.18MM. None of his base salary is guaranteed, however, something which would make a release a logical outcome. A report from last month indicated the Jets can be expected to cut Lazard, but like any number of teams facing a similar situation they will at least explore a deal which would yield draft compensation.
Schefter notes New York is open to keeping the former UDFA in the fold, but cutting him would yield $6.63MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of $6.55MM. Especially with a new regime in place compared to the one which brought in Lazard, starting over would be a feasible approach. Expectations were high upon arrival for the seven-year veteran after his final Green Bay campaign produced a new career high in receptions (60) and yards (788). Lazard inked a four-year, $44MM deal to join the Jets.
Things did not go according to plan during his debut New York season, though. Rodgers’ Week 1 Achilles tear left the Jets without their starter under center, and Lazard posted only a 23-311-1 statline. The Iowa State alum’s production rebounded to an extent in 2024, including six touchdowns (matching the second-highest total of his career) but the team could look for other options to complement Garrett Wilson moving forward.
With Tee Higgins off the market, the 2025 free agent class does not boast a high number of available wideouts. Compared to recent years, meanwhile, the incoming group of rookies is not held in high regard regarding first-round options. Movement on the trade front can be expected at the receiver position as a result, and Lazard could be the next name included in a swap. Even if that is not the case, his Jets future is certainly undecided.
Eagles To Release James Bradberry
It was learned yesterday that Darius Slay is set to be released by the Eagles. The same is also true of another veteran member of the team’s secondary. 
James Bradberry has been informed he will be let go, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. 2025 is a void year on Bradberry’s pact, and he was set to count $5.2MM on the cap. This move will allow the Eagles to avoid paying out a $4.85MM option bonus which was due on September 1. Philadelphia will use a post-June 1 designation, Fowler adds, meaning the team will create $2.1MM in cap savings while generating a dead money charge of just over $3MM.
Bradberry joined the Eagles in 2022, and he partnered with Slay to give the team a highly effective cornerback tandem. Starting all 17 games, the former Panther and Giant earned a second-team All-Pro nod and was expected to remain a key member of the secondary as a result. The following year, however, Bradberry’s coverage saw a notable decline as he allowed 11 touchdowns and a passer rating of 114.3 as the nearest defender.
As a result of that drop-off, the Eagles made a number of moves at the cornerback position (highlighted by the selections of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of the 2024 draft). That set Bradberry up for a transition to safety in 2024, but he did not wind up playing this past season. The 31-year-old recently revealed his absence was due to a summer Achilles tear, an injury he said he expects to be fully recovered from in time for OTAs this spring.
Bradberry also made it clear he intends to resume playing cornerback with his next team, although he does not figure to have a strong market over the coming weeks. His release will not be processed until the new league year begins on March 12, but Fowler notes his agent has received permission to speak with teams right away. An agreement could therefore be reached before Bradberry officially becomes a free agent.
The possibility of Slay once again working out a last-minute deal to remain with the Eagles has been mentioned in the wake of his release. Presuming he moves on, though, the team will have Mitchell, DeJean and Kelee Ringo on their rookie contracts at the CB position. Bradberry will turn his attention to joining a fourth career team, and his willingness to play at safety could be a factor in determining where he lands on the open market.
Jets Expected To Exercise Jermaine Johnson’s Fifth-Year Option
The first round of the 2022 draft yielded a trio of impact players for the Jets. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and receiver Garrett Wilson have enjoyed strong starts to their careers, and extensions with one or both could be worked out as early as this offseason. 
Regardless of when a long-term pact is signed on each of those fronts, New York can be expected to exercise Gardner and Wilson’s respective fifth-year options covering the 2026 season. The team will also have to make the same decision as it pertains to edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. The Jets’ new regime has not stated its intention yet, but Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports it is likely Johnson’s option will indeed be picked up this spring (subscription required).
Johnson will be classified as a linebacker for the purposes of his fifth-year option, and he lands in the fourth tier of compensation based on his playing time to date. As a result, his 2026 salary will be $13.41MM if his option is exercised. New York will have until May 2 to decide on Johnson’s situation (and that of the team’s other 2022 Day 1 selections).
After handling rotational duties along the edge as a rookie, Johnson took on a full-time starting role in 2023. The Florida State product totaled 7.5 sacks, 25 pressures and a forced fumble while confirming his status as a key defensive figure over the short- and long-term future. Expectations were high for a strong follow-up campaign, but Johnson was limited to only a pair of games in 2024 due to an Achilles tear.
The injury could give new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn pause when contemplating the Johnson situation, but declining his option would leave the door open to a free agent departure next spring. The Jets traded away John Franklin-Myers at the draft last season, and Haason Reddick will no doubt be playing elsewhere in 2025 given the way his New York tenure played out. Johnson, 26, should thus be in line to again handle a key pass-rushing role once healthy and he could easily find himself in the team’s long-term plans.
2023 first-rounder Will McDonald took a major step forward in production this past campaign, notching 10.5 sacks. He will be counted on to remain an integral member of the Jets’ front seven, and the same will be true for Johnson provided his option is picked up. Just like Gardner and Wilson, of course, a multi-year extension can be agreed to with the latter at any time.
Eagles To Release Darius Slay
Darius Slay‘s decorated tenure with the Eagles is coming to an end. The Pro Bowl corner will be released, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 
Such a scenario has been raised recently, meaning the move does not come as a complete surprise. Eyeing one more year in the NFL, Slay will now need to find a new home for the second time in his career. Schefter notes this will be processed as a post-June 1 cut.
As a result, the Eagles will see $4.32MM in cap savings while generating a dead money charge of $9.44MM which can be spread across two years. No guaranteed salary remained on Slay’s pact for 2025, the final year of the deal. By moving on this offseason, Philadelphia will avoid paying out an option bonus of roughly $5MM which was due on September 1. Slay will officially become a free agent at the start of the new league year.
A seven-year stint with the Lions ended in 2020 when Slay was traded to the Eagles. He was a stalwart in the secondary during his time in Philadelphia, collecting three of his six Pro Bowl nods during that span. Of course, Slay’s tenure with the team will be best remembered for the two Super Bowl appearances – including one title – he played a central role in.
Slay’s time with the Eagles appeared to be coming to an end in 2023, but an agreement was reached allowing him to remain in the fold. The former All-Pro racked up between one and three interceptions during each of his first four Philadelphia campaigns, but he was held without one during the regular season in 2024. Slay was nevertheless a key figure on the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl. Still, the decision to use first- and second-round picks on the CB position in last year’s draft (Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean) foreshadowed a parting of ways.
While Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz notes an Eagles reunion (at a reduced cost compared to the $16MM Slay was owed for 2025) could be in play, the team has other young options to turn to. Mitchell, DeJean and Kelee Ringo are all attached to their rookie contracts; Isaiah Rodgers is a pending free agent but retaining him on a low-cost deal could be a priority for Philadelphia. As the team continues to transition to a younger secondary, Slay should still have a notable market.
Any number of suitors will pursue starting-caliber options at the cornerback position, and even at the age of 34 Slay could serve as an effective one-year rental. The Mississippi State product preferred to finish his career with the Eagles, but he recently noted a return to the Lions represented his next-best scenario. Carlton Davis is a pending free agent, and losing him would leave Detroit in need of a first-team replacement.
Failing that, other teams could emerge especially since Slay will be available on a one-year pact (provided he intends to stick to his stated timeline of retiring after the 2025 campaign). It will be interesting to see where his final NFL campaign takes place.
Bengals Place Franchise Tag On Tee Higgins
As expected, Tee Higgins will not reach the market in 2025. The Bengals wideout announced on Monday he has been informed of the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. 
After Higgins was tagged last offseason, he wound up being the only player who did not eventually work out a long-term pact with his team. That created the expectation of a free agent departure in 2025, where the 26-year-old would have been by far the most sought-after receiver on the market. For the past two weeks, though, signs have pointed to the tag being used once again to prevent that scenario.
When applied the second time around, franchise tags cost 20% more than the previous year’s price. As such, tagging Higgins in 2025 will cost the Bengals $26.16MM. That figure will immediately come onto the team’s books, and the former second-rounder will earn that amount (which is guaranteed in full) if he signs the tag and plays on it next season.
Of course, the tag can be (and often is) used strictly as a placeholder to ensure additional time to negotiate a long-term deal. That was the goal in this situation last time around, but team and player did not come particularly close to an agreement. The sides will have until July 15 to hammer out a contract and avoid another season with Higgins’ future in doubt.
Higgins has worked as a highly effective complement to Ja’Marr Chase, who himself was unable to work out a Bengals extension last summer. The latter is in line to become the league’s highest earner for non-quarterbacks, something the Bengals stated their willingness to authorize at the Combine. In spite of that, the team’s latest offer has reportedly left the sides far apart in contract talks. Chase – who won the NFL’s ‘Triple Crown’ in 2024 – represents an obvious priority on a monster deal but Cincinnati also aims to keep Higgins in place for years to come.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has gone public with his desire to see each of Chase, Higgins and 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson retained for 2025 and beyond. Burrow is prepared to restructure his deal to help free up cap space in the immediate future, although Cincinnati has made a number of cost-shedding moves recently as well. Prior to today’s news, the team had roughly $69MM in cap space, but a large portion of that will now be committed to Higgins.
The Clemson product has topped 900 receiving yards four times in his five-year career. Having missed five games in each of the past two campaigns, injuries represent a factor to be considered by the Bengals, but Higgins was connected to a annual average value of $30MM or more in the event he hit the open market. Several suitors (regardless of if the Patriots would have been one of them) were in line to make significant offers. Now, only a tag-and-trade would allow for Higgins to play elsewhere next year.
The 2025 free agent class is short on impact receivers near Higgins’ age, and this year’s draft is not viewed in the same light as previous ones with respect to first-round prospects. Those factors will make the trade market something to watch closely at the position as teams look to make at least modest additions to their pass-catching corps. Deebo Samuel is headed to Washington, but Cooper Kupp is among the veterans set to be on the move soon.
The Chiefs have used the franchise tag to keep guard Trey Smith off the market. He and Higgins were set to among the best free agents (regardless of position) available at the start of the new league year next week. Sam Darnold remains the top option, although the Vikings could keep their 2024 starting quarterback in place by using the tag. A decision on that front will need to be made by tomorrow afternoon. In any case, the most attractive option at the skill positions will not test free agency.
Jaguars Preparing Free Agent Pursuit Of CB Carlton Davis?
The Jaguars turned their free agent attention toward retaining in-house players last offseason, with the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen and Walker Little receiving lucrative extensions. A major pursuit of numerous outside options should not be expected in 2025, but one potential target has been linked to Jacksonville. 
Jacksonville is set to “gauge the market” on Carlton Davis, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes. The veteran corner spent his first six years with the Buccaneers, serving as a full-time starter during that stretch. Given Tampa Bay’s other investments in the secondary, though, the team traded Davis to the Lions last March.
The 28-year-old faced high expectations as part of Detroit’s multi-faceted efforts to improve at the cornerback position. Davis started all 13 of his Lions games but his campaign was ended due to a broken jaw. That missed time could hurt his value, but after posting a pair of interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 2024 the former second-rounder could still stand to do well in free agency. As of January, no talks on a re-up with Detroit had taken place.
Davis – whom Fowler had previously named as a potential Jaguars target – inked a three-year, $44.5MM Bucs extension in 2022. Corners rarely have the opportunity to secure lucrative third pacts during their careers, but his age and ball production (11 career interceptions, 84 pass breakups, four forced fumbles) could lead to strong outside interest. With more than $38MM in cap space, Jacksonville could afford a notable investment in Davis on the open market.
The new regime led by James Gladstone and Liam Coen faces a number of key decisions this offseason, but upgrading in the secondary is an obvious priority. The Jags finished last in the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2024 and they recorded only six interceptions. Tyson Campbell was among the players to receive large paydays last offseason, inking an extension averaging $19.13MM per year. No other major contracts are on the books at the cornerback position, but that could change if Davis reaches the market and entertains the idea of heading to Duval County.
Sean McVay Addresses Matthew Stafford’s New Rams Deal
Matthew Stafford represented a notable trade target during the Combine, but in the end he and the Rams worked out a new agreement. The exact details on that front are still not known, but Sean McVay confirmed on Monday Los Angeles accelerated compensation which was due later in Stafford’s pact. 
The team took that same route last summer, and in the wake of the first restructure McVay noted the team viewed Stafford’s future on a year-to-year basis. To no surprise, then, the Super Bowl-winning head coach said (via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic) he expects all parties to find themselves in the same situation again next offseason. Stafford remains under contract through 2026, but his future beyond the coming year is unclear with no extension being worked out.
The 37-year-old was due $27MM in 2025 prior to this latest restructure being agreed to, but only $4MM of that figure was guaranteed (in the form of a roster bonus). His earnings for the coming season may not be known until free agency begins, but a raise taken from funds on his future seasons can be expected. Stafford’s cap charge – which currently sits at $49.67MM – could be altered as a result while the Rams look to make another playoff run in 2025.
“We’ve taken it a year at a time,” McVay said (via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith). “I think he could play for a few more years if that’s what he wanted, but we’ve always had a great dialogue and I think it’s a year-to-year thing. He’s under contract for two more years with us but as long as he wants to play I know we’re feeling really good about that.”
The Rams allowed Stafford’s camp to explore a trade, and the Raiders and Giants emerged as strong suitors on that front. Both teams were prepared to part with draft capital (albeit not their 2025 first-round picks) and commit to a two-year pact featuring up to $100MM guaranteed. Stafford preferred to remain in Los Angeles and continue working with McVay, though, and that will be the case for at least one more year with the door clearly open to 2026 as well.
In the wake of the Rams’ divisional round loss, the former No. 1 pick was uncertain of his intention to continue playing in the NFL. McVay and the Rams made it clear they preferred to have clarity on his status on a much earlier timeline than 2024, and with a new pact in hand (providing a fresh round of immediate compensation) that goal has been achieved prior to free agency.
Cowboys Planning To Use Second-Round RFA Tender On KaVontae Turpin
The Cowboys are interested in keeping a number of their pending unrestricted free agents from hitting the market next week. One of their RFAs, meanwhile, is unlikely to become available. 
The Cowboys are likely to use a second-round RFA tender on wideout/returner KaVontae Turpin, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. After beginning his career in a number of non-traditional football environments, including one season in the USFL, Turpin has spent the past three years in Dallas. That tenure has seen him earn a pair of Pro Bowl invites and a first-team All-Pro nod for his special teams abilities.
In 2025, a second-round tender carries a cost of $5.35MM. Using it will prevent Turpin from reaching the market, and signing it will allow him to receive that amount, which is fully guaranteed. In the event the 28-year-old were to sign an offer sheet from an interested team, the Cowboys would be able to match it; failing that, they would receive a second-round pick as compensation for the former undrafted rookie.
Turpin led the NFL in total (904) and average (33.5) return yardage on kickoffs in 2024. In the punt return game, he averaged 10.4 yards per runback and added a touchdown last year (in addition to one scored on a kickoff). The TCU product will be counted on to remain a dynamic special teams contributor moving forward, although he has also seen his role on offense grow with each passing season. Turpin recorded 420 receiving yards and two scores in 2024.
Dallas’ receiver depth chart is of course topped by CeeDee Lamb, who inked a $34MM-per-year extension last summer. The Cowboys could stand to add a complementary option in free agency, though, especially with Brandin Cooks set to see his contract expire. On that note, ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes the team can be expected to pursue a new No. 2 wideout this offseason. Trade acquisition Jonathan Mingo could develop into that role, but several veterans will be available once the new league year starts.
Turpin logged a 27% offensive snap share last season, and that figure could continue to rise. Even if other WR options are brought in, however, he figures to remain in the Cowboys’ plans for at least one more season.
Packers, LB Isaiah McDuffie Agree To Deal
Isaiah McDuffie was on track to hit the open market, but that will no longer be the case. Packers have a new deal in place with one of their starting linebackers, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 
This will be a two-year deal with a base value of $8MM, Fowler adds. The pact has an upside of $9.5MM. McDuffie’s rookie contract was set to expire at the start of free agency, but he has now secured a raise and ensured that he will remain a key figure on Green Bay’s defense moving forward.
McDuffie joined the Packers as a sixth-round pick in 2021, and over the course of his first two years with the team he primarily handled special teams duties. He then saw his defensive snap share rise to 48% and logged eight starts, a trend which continued this past campaign. The 25-year-old handled first-team duties every game in 2024, and his 699 defensive snaps were by far the most of his career. McDuffie registered 97 tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble and he will be counted on to remain a notable contributor next season.
That production came during Jeff Haffley‘s first season as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Haffley coached McDuffie at Boston College, and the pair will now continue working together as a result of this new pact. If McDuffie’s production can remain consistent, he will provide the team with a cost-effective starter (although his work in coverage could stand to improve moving forward).
Green Bay’s linebacker setup also includes Quay Walker, who is unlikely to have his 2026 fifth-year option picked up. Walker has previously faced an uncertain future, but general manager Brian Gutekunst has indicated a long-term deal could very well be in the works. The Packers could ensure continuity at the second level by working out a Walker pact (and continuing to increase Edgerrin Cooper‘s role, of course) now that McDuffie is set to remain in place.
Bengals Release G Alex Cappa
After three seasons with the Bengals, Alex Cappa‘s time with the organization has come to an end. The veteran guard was released on Monday, per a team announcement. 
Cappa was added in 2022, the offseason in which Cincinnati aimed to rebuild much of its offensive line in very short order. He played out his rookie contract with the Buccaneers, spending three seasons as a full-time starter. That helped Cappa land a four-year, $35MM free agent pact with the Bengals.
No guaranteed salary remains on that deal for the 2025 campaign, however, a factor which made the 30-year-old a release candidate. This move thus comes as little surprise as a cost-cutting measure. The Bengals will generate $8MM in cap space with this release while incurring a dead money charge of $2.25MM.
Cappa handled starting right guard duties during his Bengals tenure, and he only missed one regular season game along the way. After producing a PFF evaluation roughly in line with his Buccaneers seasons, though, the former third-rounder saw his grade plummet to 50.5. That represents by far the worst mark of his career as a starter. In addition to gaining additional financial flexibility, the Bengals’ decision to move on will be aimed at finding an upgrade along the interior.
The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. noted before the Combine both guard spots could be targets for the Bengals during this year’s draft (subscription required). With Cappa now out of the picture and Cody Ford a pending free agent, attention will increasingly turn to Cordell Volson. The 2022 fourth-round has started 48 of his 50 appearances to date, but as he approaches the final year of his rookie pact Cincinnati could look to find a replacement this offseason.
With the team’s latest cost-shedding move having been made, the Bengals now find themselves with nearly $69MM in cap space. They have work to do with the likes of pending free agent Tee Higgins along with extensions for Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, but today’s news means they have even more financial wiggle room in their bid to keep all three members of that trio in the fold.