Let the talks begin — even if they’re supposed to be unofficial.
Posted on March 14
The NFL’s “legal negotiation period” began Monday with a slew of deals. Along with those deals, many teams released veterans to increase their salary cap wiggle room ahead of the league’s fiscal year start on Wednesday.
The most aggressive organization was the worst on the pitch last season. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the first-ever draft pick for the second straight year, got to work quickly.
The Jaguars have agreed to sign receiver Christian Kirk (Arizona), guard Brandon Scherff (Washington), linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (Atlanta), tackle Folorunso “Foley” Fatukasi (New York Jets) winger closer Evan Engram (New York Giants) and wide receiver Zay Jones (Las Vegas Raiders), according to a person familiar with the talks.
The list of players who agreed to change teams also includes linebacker Haason Reddick (from Carolina to Philadelphia), guard Laken Tomlinson (from San Francisco to the Jets) running back Chase Edmonds (from Arizona to Miami ), tackle Rodger Saffold (Tennessee to Buffalo) and quarterback Mitch Trubinsky (Buffalo to Pittsburgh).
In addition, the Los Angeles Chargers have filled up on defensive players. They added cornerback JC Jackson (New England), as well as tackles Sebastian Joseph-Day (Los Angeles Rams) and Austin Johnson (New York Giants).
Several other players will remain with the same roster, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen, an important protector of quarterback Tom Brady, who decided on Sunday to end his brief retirement.
This is also the case of running back James Conner and quarterback Colt McCoy, with Arizona, safety Devin McCourty (New England) and Quandre Diggs (Seattle), tight end Will Dissly (Seattle), linebacker Preston Smith (Green Bay), as well as center Brian Allen and tackle Joseph Noteboom (Los Angeles Rams).
“We are excited to see Preston continue his career with the Packers,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said.
“Since coming to Green Bay, not only has he been effective on the field, but he’s brought a presence in the locker room and been a leader for this team. »
Noteboom is almost certain to become the starting tackle on the left side of the Rams offensive line as 40-year-old Andrew Whitworth looks set to retire.
Some formations have also released players who can sign with the team of their choice, even before Wednesday. This is the case of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, cut by the Cleveland Browns, linebacker Za’Darius Smith and offensive lineman Billy Turner, by the Packers, as well as cornerback AJ Bouye and of defensive end Morgan Fox, by the Carolina Panthers.
