Patriots To Sign OLB Dre’Mont Jones
Adding along the edge was known to be a priority for the Patriots early in free agency. It has not taken long for a deal to be worked out on that front.
Dre’Mont Jones is heading to New England, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. This will be a three-year, $39MM pact, he adds. A strong showing split between two teams in 2025 has resulted in a notable payday for Jones. The max value of this New England pact is $39.5MM, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network; he adds $14.5MM will be paid out in the first year.
Jones has never garnered more than 800 defensive snaps in any of his seven NFL seasons, but he’s still proven to be a reliable pass-rusher when he’s on the field. He’s compiled at least 3.5 sacks each year of his career, including 18 total sacks with the Broncos between 2020 and 2022. That run earned him a three-year contract with the Seahawks in 2023. After tallying only 8.5 sacks between 2023 and 2024, the Seahawks moved on before the final year of Jones’ contract.
He inked a one-year, $10MM prove-it deal with the Titans last offseason and was productive in nine starts, collecting 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the Ravens in November for a conditional fifth-round pick, and he proceeded to add another 2.5 sacks down the stretch for his new squad. He ultimately finished the year ranked 64th among 119 qualifying edge defenders on Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings.
The Patriots were a clear suitor for a pass rusher after finishing this past year without a 10-sack player. Harold Landry joined the Patriots via a similar deal last offseason and paced New England with 8.5 sacks. Landry’s knee injury may be a concern heading into 2026, so Jones could help soak up any necessary snaps. Jones may also be a potential replacement for K’Lavon Chaisson, who is hitting free agency following his 7.5-sack showing in 2025.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Raiders To Re-Sign Eric Stokes
11:13am: A deal is in place. The Raiders are keeping Stokes, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who reports the sixth-year corner is back onboard via a three-year deal worth $30MM. Of that total, Stokes will see $20MM guaranteed. This marks a massive raise from Stokes’ one-year compensation from 2025.
10:52am: The legal tampering period begins in a few minutes, opening the door for free agents-to-be testing the market. With other offers on tap, Eric Stokes is receiving internal interest before the final bell of Raiders exclusive negotiation rights.
Las Vegas is making a push to re-sign the veteran cornerback, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. The former Packers first-round pick completed a bounce-back season in Vegas, avoiding injuries and working as a full-time starter. He was one of the few bright spots during a 3-14 season, likely raising his price in the process. The sides are believed to have made some progress, per Zenitz.
Stokes, who battled injuries for most of his Green Bay stay, started 16 games under Pete Carroll and saw Pro Football Focus assign him a 20th-place overall ranking among corners. The speedy former first-rounder will almost definitely command a deal well north of his one-year, $3.5MM terms from 2025. The Raiders, after the Maxx Crosby trade, lead the NFL in cap space and need to do work to reach the salary floor (measured over a three-year period). Stokes could be one of the beneficiaries.
The 16 starts brought a career-high mark for Stokes, who missed 14 games in 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury midway through the 2022 season. Foot and hamstring trouble were the primary impediments for Stokes in Green Bay, and the Packers did not use him as a primary starter in Jeff Hafley’s 2024 DC debut. The Raiders were light on cornerbacks after letting Nate Hobbs join the Packers in free agency, but Stokes gave them a locked-in answer — as just about everything else on the roster fell apart.
It will be interesting to see what Stokes will command — from the Raiders or another team — as a second-time free agent. Even if Stokes re-signs, the Raiders have more work to do at corner as a new DC (Rob Leonard) takes over.
Falcons, Olamide Zaccheaus Agree To Deal
Olamide Zaccheaus will return to Atlanta in 2026. The veteran wideout has agreed to terms with the Falcons, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Zaccheaus spent the first four seasons of his career in Atlanta, where he eventually emerged as a key target. He had his best showing with the Falcons in 2022, when he hauled in 40 catches for 533 yards and three touchdowns. He joined the Eagles following that showing, but his lone season in Philly saw him haul in only 10 catches.
He opted for a gig with the Commanders in 2024 and had arguably his best NFL season, finishing with 45 catches for 506 yards and three scores. He also contributed on special teams, where he returned 17 punts for 179 yards.
He joined the Bears ahead of the 2025 season but was less efficient despite a career-high 65 targets. He finished this past year with 39 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns. He added another score in the postseason.
Zaccheaus will now look to revive his career in Altanta. The 28-year-old is joining a new-look receiver corps that also features newcomer Jahan Dotson next to WR1 Drake London.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
49ers Open To Trading Trent Williams; Chiefs On Radar For LT?
In 2021, the Chiefs were believed to have finished second in the Trent Williams free agency sweepstakes. As Williams again navigates a contract situation with the 49ers, San Francisco’s two-time Super Bowl opponent may have a second chance at the future Hall of Fame tackle.
The 49ers are now believed to be open to trading Williams, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, should his latest contract situation not be resolved. The Chiefs are viewed by many around the league as the team most eager to make an addition, per Sportsboom.com’s Jason La Canfora.
Although Kansas City pursued Williams in 2021, it would be a bit strange to see the club revisit the decorated left tackle considering it used a first-round pick on Josh Simmons last year. The Chiefs did release RT Jawaan Taylor, but ex-49er Jaylon Moore looms as an option to succeed him. A scenario in which Simmons slides to RT could be in play, should the Chiefs make another Williams run. But the 49ers will certainly hold out hope they can work out another deal here. One season remains on Williams’ reworked contract.
Williams, 37, is due to carry a $38.84MM cap number in 2026. He and the 49ers managed to resolve a contract issue in 2024, when Williams staged a holdout after a run of first-team All-Pro accolades. The 49ers rewarded the perennial Pro Bowler with a guarantee influx, but the contract calls for a $10MM option bonus to be paid by March 20. That gives the 49ers a deadline here.
John Lynch said recently the team and Williams were on the same page, but this latest report seems to indicate negotiations are not in a great place. An extension would lower Williams’ cap number, and he has discussed potentially playing until age 40. Williams will turn 38 this year and has continued to burnish one of the great LT resumes in NFL history. A release was floated as a possible outcome when this matter surfaced in February — and the Chiefs may be lurking in that scenario — but the 49ers would try to move on via trade first.
The Chiefs drafted Simmons 32nd overall and saw him win the starting job in Week 1, settling an issue that hindered the 2024 team. But the Ohio State product left the team midway through the season for personal reasons. Simmons returned after that hiatus but ended the season on IR with a wrist injury. He will still be expected to be Kansas City’s LT starter in 2026, but this Williams rumor does add some confusion to that plan.
Falcons To Pursue QB Tua Tagovailoa
As expected, Tua Tagovailoa will be released by the Dolphins once the new league year begins. Among his suitors could be the other NFL team with a southpaw quarterback atop its depth chart. 
The Falcons are “making a strong early push” to land Tagovailoa, Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. Atlanta will be officially moving on from Kirk Cousins this week, creating the need for a veteran addition. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a partial ACL tear, meanwhile, and his status for Week 1 is unclear.
Knowing his Miami tenure will soon end, Tagovailoa is free to speak with interested teams at any time. Atlanta is certainly one of them. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones deems the Falcons the “leading candidate” at the early portion of the Tagovailoa free agent period.
The Dolphins will take on a record-breaking dead money charge as a result of Tagovailoa’s release. His 2026 compensation ($56MM) is already guaranteed, meaning his next NFL contract will only need to be worth the veteran minimum. A short-term agreement can be expected with the 28-year-old as a result. Atlanta would provide Tagovailoa with a climate-controlled home and an offense featuring an intriguing skill position group. The Falcons also have a new coaching staff led by Kevin Stefanski in place.
Improved play under center will be key in avoiding the issues which led to Arthur Smith and Raheem Morris being fired. Penix will of course be counted on to develop if he can remain healthy at the NFL level, but Tagovailoa would represent an experienced QB2 option. The latter made 76 starts across his six-year Dolphins tenure.
As a low-cost option, Tagovailoa could represent an intriguing addition. A stretch atop Atlanta’s depth chart might boost his market for next spring while helping the Falcons end their playoff drought in the event of a return to his previous form.
Texans To Re-Sign DT Sheldon Rankins
As the Texans hoped, Sheldon Rankins will be in the fold next season. The veteran defensive tackle has agreed to a new Houston deal.
Rankins is signing a two-year contract with the Texans, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. The pact includes $12MM in guarantees. Rankins will be counted on to remain a key presence on the team’s elite defense moving forward as a result of today’s news. An average annual value of “well over” $6MM is present in this new pact, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Rankins caught on for his second stint with the Texans last offseason, when he inked a one-year, $5.25MM deal. It was a bounceback season following his seven-game showing with the Bengals in 2024. Rankins finished the 2025 campaign with 35 tackles and three sacks while starting every game for the Texans. He also was a standout during Houston’s playoff win over the Steelers, when he returned a fumble for a touchdown. He ultimately finished the year ranked 27th among 127 qualifiers on Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings.
The former Saints first-round pick has had an up-and-down career, leading to him bouncing around the NFL a bit following his departure from New Orleans. Following a pair of forgettable seasons with the Jets, Rankins had been one of the best showings of his career with the Texans in 2023. He finished that year with 37 tackles and six sacks. That performance earned him a two-year deal with the Bengals, but he missed 10 games while nursing a hamstring and recovering from an illness in 2024. He was cut by Cincy last offseason.
Now, he’s seemingly found a home in Houston. Rankins will retain his starting gig next to Tommy Togiai in 2026. Tim Settle‘s departure could open up a depth role on the defensive line, so Rankins should have a relatively long leash.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Talks Progressing Between Giants, Cor’Dale Flott; Latest On Jermaine Eluemunor
Cor’Dale Flott will be able to begin speaking with other teams shortly. There is still a chance he winds up re-signing with the Giants, however. 
Progress is being made with with respect to negotiations between New York and Flott’s camp, SNY’s Connor Hughes reports. Flott is on course to test the market for the first time in his career, but Hughes adds there is optimism the fifth-year corner will agree to terms with the Giants. A major raise will be in store either way.
According to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, Flott is looking to match the terms which teammate Paulson Adebo secured in free agency last year (three years, $54MM). He adds at least one outside team has Flott valued at a range of $12MM to $14MM per season. A similar commitment will likely be needed on New York’s part.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is also one of the team’s top priorities with respect to a re-signing. Efforts to work out a new deal continue at this time, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports. Losing Eluemunor would deal a blow to the Giants’ offensive line, a unit which could see one more additions shortly. The guard position remains one to watch closely regardless of if stability at the tackle spots can be secured.
At least one guard signing can be expected early in free agency, per Raanan. Art Stapleton of NJ.com adds New York is interested in Wyatt Teller and Alijah Vera-Tucker as targets for a deal. The latter in particular is firmly on the Giants’ radar, Raanan adds. Injuries marred Vera-Tucker’s Jets tenure, one which is expected to end this week. If healthy, though, he could provide his next team with an upgrade along the interior.
Both Hughes and Raanan point to tight end Isaiah Likely as another player to monitor regarding the Giants. A deal on that front would come as no surprise, with Likely having played out his rookie contract with Baltimore under head coach John Harbaugh. A reunion in New York would add a pass-catching presence to the Giants’ offense, a unit which could use multiple new faces especially if slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson departs.
The Giants entered Monday with roughly $14MM in cap space. Cuts and restructures could be coming to free up more funds, but much of New York’s resources could be used over the coming days. A key factor in the team’s overall planning will be the outcome of negotiations with Flott, so updates on that front will be worth watching for.
Jets To Acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick From Dolphins; S Agrees To Extension
Minkah Fitzpatrick will indeed be on the move again. The All-Pro safety is being traded from the Dolphins to the Jets, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
New York will send a 2026 seventh-round pick to Miami in return. Fitzpatrick was known to be on the trade market, and the Old Bridge, New Jersey native will land a new contract as a result of this move. Per Schefter, a three-year, $40MM extension has been worked out with the Jets. Mentioned as one to monitor, this move will reunite Fitzpatrick with new Jets DC Brian Duker — Miami’s pass-game coordinator in 2025.
Fitzpatrick’s existing deal was set to expire after the 2026 season. Notably, New York will be taking on the entirety of his salary for the coming season. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes the Dolphins did not pay out any of the five-time Pro Bowler’s $15.6MM in base compensation for 2026. That reduces his Miami cap charge to $12.9MM and increases the overall savings the Dolphins will benefit from.
This differs from the arrangement the Dolphins needed to make in the Fitzpatrick-Jalen Ramsey trade last year, when Miami needed to pay down some of Ramsey’s salary. Fitzpatrick became a somewhat surprising trade pickup under those circumstances, and he expressed interest in a long-term Dolphins future. But he is now in a rather exclusive club of players traded by the same franchise twice.
The 2018 first-round pick’s Dolphins stints are now through after a season (stint two) and 18 games (stint one). Miami dealt the Alabama product after a rookie season spent primarily at cornerback, before watching him soar to the All-Pro level at safety in Pittsburgh. The same GM (Chris Grier) reacquired Fitzpatrick as a safety but was dismissed midway through the DB’s second run with the team. With a new regime in town, Fitzpatrick was being shopped earlier this offseason. A Jets team that finished the season without an interception will bite in a rare intra-division trade.
The Jets have three safeties — Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Isaiah Oliver — unsigned for 2026, with Fitzpatrick set to join Malachi Moore as options for Gang Green. This is Fitzpatrick’s second career extension. His first reset the safety market back in 2022. After agreeing to a rework that did not include any future guarantees, Fitzpatrick secured those despite going into an age-30 season. The Dolphins, who are about to take on the biggest single-player dead money hit in NFL history (via Tua Tagovailoa‘s release), will get off an eight-figure-per-year AAV. Safety is now one of Miami’s many needs.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Jaguars Re-Sign CB Montaric Brown
Montaric Brown would have been one of the top cornerback options on the open market later this week, but he will be staying put. A new Jaguars contract has been agreed to prior to the start of free agency.
Brown and Jacksonville have agreed to a three-year, $33MM pact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler report. Instead of testing the market, Brown will continue to operate as a starter for his only NFL team. He has been in Duval County since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022. The team has since announced the news.
While Brown has bounced in and out of the starting lineup during his time in Jacksonville, the cornerback has still been a key piece for the Jaguars. When healthy, he’s appeared in at least 59 percent of his team’s defensive snaps over the past three years. Between 2024 and 2025, he tallied a combined 126 tackles, 20 passes defended, and three interceptions.
Pro Football Focus listed this past season as Brown’s best, ranking him 26th among 112 qualifying cornerbacks. Before re-signing with the Jaguars, Brown was mentioned as a potential target for the 49ers.
Other than free agent Greg Newsome, the Jaguars are set to return the majority of their CBs. This includes Travis Hunter, who is expected to focus more on CB than WR in 2026, and slot CBs Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones. Depending on the team’s approach to the position in the draft, Brown may be in line for the largest role of his career.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Cowboys Agree To Restructured Deal With T Terence Steele
Speculation about Terence Steele‘s Cowboys future can be put to rest. The veteran offensive tackle has worked out a restructure, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.
As a result of today’s agreement, Steele will collect $22MM fully guaranteed. This new pact carries a base value of $33MM and can top out at $36MM. In need of financial flexibility, the Cowboys will create $13MM in cap space for 2026 as a result of Steele’s new contract.
Steele’s original pact called for $48.5MM in total earnings, but it was largely in doubt if he would rake in much of that figure. Little in the way of guaranteed money remained, leading to questions about a trade or release. Instead, Steele will move forward with another new Dallas commitment.
The 2020 UDFA is now one of the Cowboys longest-tenured players. The Texas Tech product has been in the starting lineup since his rookie campaign, and he hasn’t missed a regular season start since the 2022 campaign. Pro Football Focus has recently graded him as a middle-of-the-road offensive tackle, including a 43rd-place showing (among 81 qualifiers) in 2025.
In another cost-saving move, safety Malik Hooker has also agreed to a restructure. Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS reports Hooker’s pact has been redone to create immediate cap space. That will help Dallas’ needed efforts to make defensive additions this spring. The team has generated $2MM in 2026 savings, ESPN’s Todd Archer notes.