If you’ve been following free agents here at PFN, you’ll know that we provide end-of-the-day lists of the best free agents over the past week. You will also learn that the list has not changed one iota in the last three days. For some reason, the market stalled.
But don’t let the relative silence of the last few days distract you from the avalanche of news that has gripped us all week. Let’s get back to the biggest stories and big names that remain available.
Summary of NFL News on Free Agents
Even before there was free will, many important events took place. Aaron Rodgers put an end to the intrigue by declaring that he would return to the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson orchestrated his exit from Seattle and gave the green light to a deal with the Broncos.
In addition, eight potential free agents saw their options limited because their respective teams used the franchise tag: Kansas City Chiefs OT Orlando Brown; Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku; Cincinnati Bengals With Jesse Bates III; Miami Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki; Dallas Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz; Jacksonville Jaguars OT Cam Robinson; and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin.
Top NFL Stories From Free Will Week 1
But that was only a prelude to the madness that was about to begin. Tom Brady set the tone for the week with a shocking change as he retired and returned to the Buccaneers for his 23rd NFL season.
Deshawn Watson ended the week not only by agreeing to a brilliant deal with the Cleveland Browns, but by signing a monstrous new contract with $230 million guaranteed.
Other QB news for the week was not as significant, but still compelling.
Baker Mayfield wants to leave Cleveland and his wish will come true. Mitchell Trubisky will get another chance to start, this time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And Matt Ryan has made it clear that he’s willing to leave the Atlanta Falcons, but they really don’t have anyone to replace him. As for Jimmy Garoppolo? Keep for updates.
Biggest surprise of the week (besides Brady’s reversal)? Davante Adams deal. While it was no secret that he wasn’t interested in playing under the franchise tag, it was still a shock when Green Bay gave him to the Raiders for two premium picks.
We could go on and on about all the big news from the past week, but as Coolio will remind you, that’s all in the past. Here are a few names that could make headlines next week.
The Best Remaining NFL Free Agents
- Tyranne Mathieu, S
Kansas City Chiefs - Terron Armstead, LT
New Orleans Saints - Jadevon Clooney, EDGE
Cleveland Browns - Bobby Wagner, LB
Seattle Seahawks - Za’Darius Smith, EDGE
Green Bay Packers - Stephon Gilmour, CB
Carolina Panthers - Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Los Angeles Rams - Duane Brown, OT
Seattle Seahawks - Rob Gronkowski, TE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Justin Houston, EDGE
Baltimore Ravens - Jerry Hughes, EDGE
Buffalo Bills - Akim Hicks, DL
Chicago Bears - Jamis Winston, QB
New Orleans Saints