Results for: Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet during free agency, but it appears that they’re finally making a move. The team is reportedly meeting with running back Ezekiel Elliott’s representative ahead of the NFL Draft. Elliott was released by the Cowboys in 2023 after a down year, but he remains a productive back and would be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offense. A reunion with Elliott would ease the pressure on the Cowboys to draft a running back and would add a proven player to one of the team’s weaker units.

Free agent defensive end Dawuane Smoot, after spending his entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has drawn interest from the Houston Texans. The 29-year-old visited the Texans on Wednesday, potentially signaling a shift in his NFL allegiance. Smoot has played 99 games with 17 starts throughout his career, accumulating 133 tackles, five forced fumbles, five passes defensed, 23.5 sacks, and 64 quarterback hits. Despite his solid performance last season with 10 tackles, a sack, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble, the Jaguars released him in March. The Texans, who have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson as starters and Derek Barnett and Mario Edwards Jr. as top backups, may see Smoot as a valuable addition to their defense.

Justin Fields’ days in Chicago may be numbered as the Steelers reportedly prepare to offer him a conditional sixth-round pick. With the Bears securing Bryce Young in the 2024 draft and signing Nick Foles, Fields’ role has become uncertain. Despite his impressive rushing yards in 2022, Fields has struggled with accuracy and pressure issues, limiting his effectiveness as a starter. The lack of interest from other teams suggests that Fields may not be seen as a viable starting quarterback in the NFL, raising questions about his future with the Steelers.

Kyle Dubas has a busy offseason ahead as the Penguins look to address their free agent situation. With 12 unrestricted free agents, including Jarry, Carter, and Puustinen, Dubas must decide which players to retain and which to let go. The team could save cap space by moving Jarry and promoting Blomqvist, who has shown promise in the minors. Carter has retired, which frees up salary, while Harkins may not be needed with the emergence of younger forwards. Puustinen, a Group 6 unrestricted free agent, is seeking a return to Pittsburgh. Several AHL players, including Hinostroza, Zohorna, Rathbone, Samorukov, Shea, Fedun, Ouellet, and Waeber, are also free agents.

Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard has been cleared for all football activities and is actively seeking a new team after being released in March. Despite expressing interest in playing for his hometown Houston Texans, there have been no indications of a deal being in the works with the AFC South franchise. With the NFL Draft approaching, it is likely that Howard will sign with a team that fails to secure cornerback help during the event.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make regarding Justin Fields’ contract option, but signs point towards them declining. The quarterback’s future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain as the team considers its options for the 2024 season. The Steelers have until May 2 to make a decision on the $25.7 million option, making Fields’ free agency status a potential outcome.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has hired prominent agent Don Yee to represent him, signaling that he may be preparing for free agency. McCarthy is entering the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, and while an extension is still possible, owner Jerry Jones reportedly has reservations. With a 12-5 record in the past three seasons but only one playoff win, McCarthy’s future in Dallas is uncertain. Yee’s notable clients, including Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton, and Tom Brady, suggest that McCarthy is seeking a top-dollar contract similar to those secured by his agent for other high-profile coaches.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may require additional reinforcement before the season commences, potentially addressing the offensive tackle position. Mekhi Becton, a former New York Jets tackle, is a viable option for the team, offering versatility and potential. According to Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus, Becton could be acquired for a one-year contract worth $5 million. Despite injury concerns, Becton displays promising abilities that initially drew attention during his Louisville days. If the Steelers fail to secure a satisfactory tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft, Becton could emerge as a significant upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. The team’s four top 100 and five top 120 draft picks provide ample opportunities to address pressing needs, but the tackle position may require further attention post-draft. Omar Khan has expressed intentions to transition Broderick Jones back to left tackle, increasing the need for a right tackle solution like Becton.

The Dallas Cowboys have made it clear that they plan to rely on young, unproven talent during the NFL Draft this year. Despite being conservative in free agency, the Cowboys believe that their roster has players ready to step up and fill key roles. Head coach Jerry Jones has emphasized the importance of young players contributing, citing examples such as Connor McGovern, Jalen Tolbert, and Connor Williams. The team’s front office has also defended their offseason approach, claiming that acquiring Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks through trades was a significant investment. However, some fans remain skeptical about the Cowboys’ lack of spending in free agency and extensions for key players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.

The New England Patriots are considering adding depth to their linebacker corps as free agent Cam Gill recently visited for a workout. Gill, a former undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has played 25 games in his NFL career, recording 11 tackles, three quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble. While the Patriots have Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai as starters, they could add Gill to provide additional support, given that Raekwon McMillan has missed two of the last three seasons due to injuries. As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, they may target a linebacker in the later rounds but are unlikely to use their third-overall pick on the position.