Transactions News & Rumors

Dolphins To Re-Sign OL Liam Eichenberg

Roaming around the Dolphins’ offensive line during his rookie contract, Liam Eichenberg settled into a starting guard role last season. After some guard shuffling on Miami’s roster during free agency’s opening week, Eichenberg will be prioritized.

The former second-round pick is staying in Miami on a one-year deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. Eichenberg will be a starter option for a Dolphins team that replaced its other 2024 first-string guard — Robert Jones — with James Daniels, who agreed to a three-year, $24MM deal.

Eichenberg, 27, completed an O-line cycle during his rookie contract, playing at least 100 snaps at all five positions. The Notre Dame alum worked as Miami’s primary left tackle in 2021, while also seeing time at RT. He slid to left guard in 2022 and was the team’s center fill-in — after Connor Williams‘ ACL tear — in 2023. Eichenberg won the Dolphins’ RG job last year, however, and only played that position for Mike McDaniel’s team from that point on. After 1,036 snaps at RG last season, Eichenberg will be an option for Miami once again in 2025.

The Dolphins needed a right guard replacement for Robert Hunt, who landed a monster Panthers contract last March, and it will be interesting if Eichenberg has the chance to play the same position two years in a row for a change. Eichenberg entered the NFL after a three-year run as Notre Dame’s left tackle. A move to the blind side is highly unlikely, as another second-round pick — Patrick Paul — is in line to succeed Terron Armstead, who is expected to retire.

Miami has Daniels, Austin Jackson and Aaron Brewer‘s midlevel contracts in place up front. Eichenberg may not be the most exciting choice to start opposite Daniels — Pro Football Focus has graded him as a bottom-10 option everywhere he has been — but the 6-foot-6 blocker has made 52 career starts and will be a low-cost option on an offense housing high-end deals for Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Patriots To Sign LB K’Lavon Chaisson

The Patriots are once again adding to their defense. The team has agreed to a contract with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-year deal worth $5MM.

Chaisson struggled to live up to his first-round billing during his time with the Jaguars, collecting five total sacks through his first four NFL seasons. After having his fifth-year option declined, the pass rusher hit free agency last offseason, when he caught on with the Panthers. He didn’t make it to the regular season with his new squad, but he was quickly scooped up by the Raiders.

The 25-year-old ended up having the most productive season of his career in Las Vegas. Chaisson started four of his 15 appearances in 2024, finishing with 32 tackles, five sacks, and eight QB hits. Pro Football Focus graded him 64th among 119 qualifying edge defenders, although the site did give him the 27th-best positional grade for his pass-rushing ability.

Mike Vrabel and the Patriots have been busy using their league-leading cap space to help improve the defense. The team’s already invested in the likes of Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane, who was teammates with Chaisson in Las Vegas.

The newest addition won’t be as counted on as those other signings. Still, he’ll join an increasingly impressive pass-rushing corps that also includes the likes of Christian Barmore and Keion White.

Chiefs To Sign QB Gardner Minshew

Carson Wentz appears to be a Chiefs one-and-done. Kansas City will bring in a recent AFC West rival to replace him, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Gardner Minshew is Missouri-bound.

Designated a post-June 1 cut by the Raiders on Wednesday, Minshew will back up Patrick Mahomes next season. It is a bit interesting Minshew will take a deal so soon, as a few bridge opportunities may still exist. But the Chiefs have convinced the veteran to accept a QB2 role in his seventh year. It is a one-year agreement.

Minshew’s Raiders year did not go well, as he follows Jimmy Garoppolo in receiving a post-June 1 release designation to leave Las Vegas. Antonio Pierce benched Minshew on multiple occasions, and he suffered a broken collarbone during a November game against the Broncos. The Raiders used a failed physical designation to release Minshew, making this quick Chiefs agreement interesting from another angle.

Like Wentz, Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne before him, Minshew will step into the Mahomes QB2 role as an experienced starter. The former sixth-round pick has 46 starts on his resume. This includes a solid season with the Colts, as the Anthony Richardson injury fill-in piloted the team to the playoff precipice in 2023. Last season, Minshew was tied to a Raiders team that let Josh Jacobs walk and traded Davante Adams after he played just two 2024 games. Pierce named Minshew the starter but was certainly not satisfied with his work, expressing frustration about the Raiders’ QB situation behind the scenes and pulling the veteran for Aidan O’Connell in multiple games.

Minshew, 29 in May, went 2-7 as a starter last season and posted a 9-10 TD-INT ratio. Minshew did up his completion percentage to 66.3 but averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt. With the Colts in 2023, the ex-Jaguars draftee went 7-6 in place of Richardson and posted a 15-9 TD-INT ratio. Minshew still averaged only 6.7 yards per pass as a Colt, but Indianapolis wanted him back in a veteran role. The Raiders’ two-year, $25MM offer proved well out of Indy’s price range, and Minshew will not collect anything close to that with the Chiefs.

Mahomes, 30 in September, has proven durable since a scare during the 2019 season. Although he has suffered multiple ankle injuries over the past three seasons, the three-time Super Bowl MVP has been able to largely play through them. With no need to develop a quarterback, the Chiefs have continued to take the veteran route. Minshew will be the latest to stop through Kansas City behind the QB icon.

Commanders To Re-Sign Noah Igbinoghene

The Commanders used Noah Igbinoghene as a starter for much of the 2024 season, and he will remain in place for 2025. The former first-round corner is re-signing with Washington, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

[RELATED: Commanders To Sign CB Jonathan Jones]

Igbinoghene struggled to carve out a role during his time with the Dolphins. The 30th-overall pick in the 2020 draft, the cornerback was limited to only 32 games across three seasons in Miami. He was traded to the Cowboys as part of the Kelvin Joseph trade ahead of the 2023 campaign, but he only got into five games with his new squad.

Despite his lack of action in Dallas, he was recruited by former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to join him in Washington for the 2023 season. Igbinoghene proceeded to have a career year with the Commanders, starting 10 of his 17 appearances while finishing with 55 tackles and seven passes defended. Pro Football Focus wasn’t all that impressed by his efforts, grading him as the second-worst CB among 116 qualifying players.

Still, the Commanders seem to value the continuity in their secondary, as Igbinoghene will at least be temporarily penciled in towards the top of the depth chart. Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore are still slated to earn the bulk of the snaps at the position, but Igbinoghene should still get reps at nickelback. He will have some additional competition, though, as the team brought in former Patriots mainstay Jonathan Jones yesterday.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Eagles To Sign CB Adoree’ Jackson

Adoree’ Jackson remained in free agency until days before the Giants’ opener last year; he will land a deal much earlier in 2025. Jackson will follow the Saquon Barkley path out of New York.

The Eagles will sign the former first-round cornerback, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. The former Titans and Giants starter will join an Eagles team that cut Darius Slay and lost Isaiah Rodgers to the Vikings.

After making the plan to designate Slay a post-June 1 cut, the Eagles had hoped to retain Rodgers. The Vikings intervened, giving the one-year Eagle contributor a two-year, $11MM deal. Jackson likely will step in at a lower rate while bringing more experience. Jackson, who is going into his age-30 season, has made 82 starts — 41 apiece in Tennessee and New York.

The CB market unfolded without a Jackson accord last spring, and he ended up on a one-year, $1.75MM deal to stay with the Giants. After four Titans seasons, Jackson had initially played out a three-year, $39MM Giants contract. As New York aimed to go young in the secondary last year, Jackson still arrived as 11th-hour insurance. He ended up starting five games for the 3-14 team.

Playing 47% of the Giants’ defensive snaps last year, Jackson fared well considering his late arrival. Pro Football Focus graded him 38th among CB regulars, and Pro-Football-Reference’s coverage metrics charged Jackson with a 48.8 completion percentage allowed — far better than his 2023 showing (65.9). Jackson struggled in 2023, after having been reassigned to the slot in training camp before being shifted back to his usual perimeter role once Don Martindale benched Tre Hawkins, but was a key part of the Giants’ playoff trip in 2022. Allowing just 51.7% of passes his way to be completed, Jackson graded as PFF’s No. 31 corner. He missed time due to an MCL sprain but returned for the playoffs and led the effort to limit Justin Jefferson in a Giants wild-card upset.

Jackson figures to be a Rodgers replacement as a depth piece, but the Eagles have a need on the boundary (to accompany locked-in starters Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean) after Slay’s Steelers signing. Jackson could compete for that role, but it would surprise if Philly did not add a starter-caliber option in the draft or perhaps via trade. While Jackson may not be the Slay replacement, the Super Bowl champs at least secured some insurance.

Dolphins, Alexander Mattison Agree To Deal

The Raiders added a former Dolphins running back in the form of Raheem Mostert on Thursday. Miami is set to pull off the reverse.

Alexander Mattison has a deal in place to join the Dolphins, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports. After a single season with the Raiders, the former Viking will look to carve out a role in Miami’s backfield. He played on a one-year, $2MM deal in 2024, and this will likely be a similar pact.

Vegas saw Josh Jacobs depart in free agency last offseason, and signing Mattison was part of the team’s effort to replace him. The latter split time with Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah, seeing a total of eight starts during his 14 appearances. Mattson, 26, has only operated as a full-time starter once during his career (2022, the first year after Dalvin Cook‘s Vikings release). He will only be counted on to serve as a rotational back in Miami, though.

The Dolphins cut Mostert shortly after the end of the regular season, a move which confirmed De’Von Achane is set to remain the focal point of the team’s rushing attack. Achane is attached to his rookie contract, as is Jaylen Wright. The latter saw sparse usage on offense last season, but he could work his way into a larger role in Year 2. Even if that does not take place, Mattison will offer Miami a veteran backup option.

The Boise State product flashed potential during his time as Cook’s backup in Minnesota. His one year atop the depth chart produced career highs in rushing (700) and scrimmage (892) yards, but it included a yards per carry average of only 3.9. Mattison saw his efficiency drop to 3.2 yards per attempt in 2024 – a year in which, to be fair, the Raiders’ overall ground game struggled mightily – but his 294 receiving yards were the most of his career.

The Dolphins are positioned to have Achane and Wright in place as part of a cost-effective backfield for 2025 and beyond. Mattison could find success as a short-yardage option with Miami, though, and doing so could help his free agent prospects for next year.

Dolphins Sign T Larry Borom

After playing out his rookie contract with the Bears, Larry Borom is headed to Miami. The former fifth-round offensive lineman has signed with the Dolphins, per a team announcement.

This is a one-year deal worth $2.5MM, according to Over the Cap. That figure is guaranteed in full. Borom has seen sparse usage at guard during his career, but for the most part he has operated as a tackle.

The soon-to-be 26-year-old made at least four starts every year during his time in Chicago. Borom primarily operated at right tackle during his first two years, and his 67.4 PFF grade from 2022 was the highest of his Bears tenure. He played exclusively on the blindside the following season and again saw most of his time at left tackle in 2024.

Despite only playing eight games after returning from a preseason ankle injury, Borom was charged by PFF with seven sacks and 22 pressures allowed. That yielded an overall grade of just 53.8, a figure the Dolphins will hope he is able to improve upon. Chicago has traded for a pair of new guards (Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney) while signing a new center (Drew Dalman), but it remains to be seen if a left tackle will be sought out this offseason. Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie remain on the books.

The Dolphins are operating under the impression Terron Armstead will not be available in 2025, making the left tackle spot one to watch closely. Borom could compete for the starting gig at that position with 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul or offer Miami a swing tackle option behind Paul and right tackle starter Austin Jackson. As the Dolphins look to put together a more effective O-line in 2025 than they had last year, Borom will likely have a role to play.

Seahawks Sign DeMarcus Lawrence

MARCH 13: The base value of Lawrence’s pact is $32.49MM, Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team reports. Incentives are present which could result in another $9.5MM being earned. Of the guarantee figure, $13MM will be paid out in 2025, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Lawrence’s decision to head to Seattle will therefore be a lucrative one right away with plenty of potential earnings down the road.

MARCH 12: DeMarcus Lawrence‘s time with the Cowboys has come to an end. The four-time Pro Bowler has agreed to a deal with the Seahawks, his agency announced on Wednesday.

This will be a three-year deal, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. The pact is worth up to $42MM and includes $18MM guaranteed. The Cowboys were interested in re-signing Lawrence, but he made it clear recently he was open to departing as a free agent.

Selected in the second round of the 2014 draft, Lawrence proved to be one of the Cowboys’ best additions of the current generation. After failing to start any games during his rookie campaign, he solidified himself as a mainstay along the edge. Over the past four years, Lawrence operated as a highly effective partner for Micah Parsons.

Over the course of his decorated Dallas tenure, Lawrence collected double-digit sacks on two occasions; his career high came in 2017 with 14.5. That season, he secured a second-team All-Pro nod. Playing on the franchise tag in 2019 and then a pair of long-term accords afterwards, the Boise State product delivered consistent production when healthy. Lawrence’s 61.5 sacks rank fourth in franchise history.

Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys made it known they were waiting on Lawrence to see what his intentions were regarding his future. The 32-year-old said his preference would have been to sign another Dallas deal, but this Seahawks payday comes as the Cowboys prepare to make Parsons one of the highest-paid defenders (and non-quarterbacks in general) in the NFL. They will look to younger, less expensive options to replace Lawrence.

The Boise State product played seven games in 2021. After logging a full slate of games the following two years, Lawrence was limited to only four contests. That missed time has clearly not hindered his market, though, given the terms of this Seahawks commitment. This deal will allow for a reunion between Lawrence and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. The former Cowboys defensive line coach helped convince Lawrence to head to Seattle, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager notes.

The Seahawks still have Uchenna Nwosu on the books, along with Boye Mafe and Derick Hall attached to their rookie contracts. Lawrence (who has remained effective against the run during his career in addition to solid but unspectacular pass rush production) will join that group for the foreseeable future. If he can remain healthy, he will likely prove to be an effective addition.

Titans, QB Brandon Allen Agree To Deal

The Titans saw quarterback Mason Rudolph agree to return to Pittsburgh earlier today, but they have not waited long to find his replacement. Brandon Allen has a one-year deal in place with Tennessee, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

This pact will allow for a reunion between Allen and Titans head coach Brian Callahan. The pair worked together in Cincinnati when Callahan served as the team’s offensive coordinator. Allen backed up Joe Burrow for three seasons with the Bengals before spending the past two years in San Francisco.

Allen did not see any playing time in 2023 while serving as the 49ers’ third-string option. Sam Darnold‘s departure created a QB2 vacancy, though, and Allen competed for it with Josh Dobbs during the offseason. Dobbs held a lead at one point, but Allen would up earning the gig.

As a result, the 32-year-old made a total of three appearances and one start last year. Allen has logged only 10 starts over the course of his career, but he represents an experienced backup option (especially given his ties to Callahan). He could find himself serving as the Titans’ QB2 in 2025, but that will of course depend on how the team approaches the starting position this offseason.

Will Levis has two more years on his rookie contract, but he found himself being benched late last season with his development not going according to plan. The Titans could add a replacement by using the No. 1 pick in April’s draft on a quarterback (likely Cam Ward), but as expected calls have come in regarding a trade. Several suitors could look to move up to board and acquire Ward in the process, something which would lead to the Titans selecting Shedeur Sanders or one of the other passers in the 2025 class.

Regardless of how things shake out atop the depth chart, Allen will be in place as a backup option. Teams still in need of a quarterback addition during free agency now have one fewer option to choose from.

Bucs To Sign Anthony Walker, Kindle Vildor

The Buccaneers are set to make a pair of defensive additions. A one-year deal is in place with linebacker Anthony Walker, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The same is also true of cornerback Kindle Vildor, per his agents (via Schefter).

Walker played out his rookie contract with the Colts, serving as a full-time starter from his second year onwards. The former fifth-rounder spent the next three seasons in Cleveland, operating as a key defender when healthy. Walker missed time during all three of his Browns campaigns, including the 2022 season in which he was limited to only three games.

That hindered the Northwestern product’s value in free agency last spring, and he took a one-year pact with the Dolphins. Walker made eight starts in Miami, collecting an interception and a sack. The Dolphins still have Jordyn Brooks in place at the linebacker spot, though, and the re-signing of Tyrel Dodson has been followed up by the addition of K.J. Britt. Walker will aim to replace the latter in Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers worked out another one-year deal which will keep Lavonte David in place for a 14th season with the team. Walker will look to operate as a first-team defender alongside him, a role he has become familiar with over the course of his career. The 29-year-old has 83 starts to his name, and adding to that total would help his market value in 2026.

Vildor’s pact qualifies for the veteran salary benefit, Greg Auman of Fox Sports notes. As a result, the former Bear, Titan and Lion is set to earn $1.17MM in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $1.03MM. Vildor, 27, is a veteran of 68 games and 26 starts in his career, and he will be able to provide the Bucs with a rotational presence in the secondary or at least veteran special teams contributions.