NFL free agency updates: Get the latest news on top players with negotiating period open
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Michael Thomas staying with Saints
The New Orleans Saints found a way to bring back a key target for Derek Carr.
Wide receiver Michael Thomas agreed to a restructured one-year, $10 million contract with the team, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Thomas, who had already restructured his contract in January, had been under contract through 2024. But with the three-time Pro Bowl selection set to have his 2024 roster bonus of $31.755 million become guaranteed on Friday, there was pressure for both sides to come to a new agreement.
Thomas, 30, has played in just 10 games the last three years due to injuries. He appeared in just three games in 2022 and had 16 catches before a toe ailment sidelined him for the year.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Dolphins bring back Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson
The Miami Dolphins are running it back with their backfield from a season ago.
Running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are both returning to Miami to play again under coach Mike McDaniel, whom they played for in San Francisco when McDaniel was the offensive coordinator in 2021.
Mostert agreed to a two-year deal, his agent, Brett Tessler, announced on social media Tuesday. Mostert’s contract could reach up to $7.6 million, according to ESPN. Before incentives, the deal is $5.6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
Wilson will also sign a two-year deal that could reach up to $8.2 million, according to ESPN.
The familiarity Mostert and Wilson provided in McDaniel’s offense helped the Dolphins to a 9-8 record last season before the team suffered a divisional-round playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Mostert, who turns 31 next month, led the Dolphins with 891 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He also had 31 catches and 202 yards receiving with two touchdowns.
Wilson, who was acquired from the 49ers at the trade deadline last season, had 84 carries for 392 yards and three touchdowns, while catching 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in eight games for Miami last season.
– Safid Deen
Cowboys bring back Donovan Wilson
The Dallas Cowboys are keeping a key member of their secondary.
Safety Donovan Wilson agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $24 million.
Wilson, 28, led the Cowboys with 107 tackles last season while adding five sacks, both figures representing career bests. His return assures defensive coordinator Dan Quinn a downhill tackler while fellow safeties Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker take on more expanded coverage roles.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Jakobi Meyers gets his payday from Raiders
The wide receiver market was slow to materialize, but the top pass catcher is now off the board.
Meyers agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal that includes $21 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
The move is the latest by coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to reshape the offense. On Monday, the Raiders struck a three-year deal with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Meyers joins Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller in Las Vegas’ crew of pass catchers.
His departure leaves a significant hole for New England, which now no longer returns any wide receiver who had more than 35 catches or 550 receiving yards.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Buccaneers trade G Shaq Mason to Texans
More changes are coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team is trading offensive guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans in a late-round pick swap, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports.
Reports emerged Monday that the Buccaneers would either try to trade or release Mason, who had a $9.576 million cap hit.
He becomes the second starting offensive lineman that the team has sent off this offseason after left tackle Donovan Smith was cut.
In Houston, Mason might provide needed stability on the interior for a team that is expected to have a rookie starter in 2023.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Taylor Heinicke picks Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback plan might be coming into focus.
Taylor Heinicke agreed to a two-year deal worth $14 million million, per multiple reports.
His arrival likely further solidifies second-year signal-caller Desmond Ridder as the starter. The Falcons also own the No. 8 pick and could select a quarterback, though it’s expected that the top three or four passers will be gone by that point.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera had left the door open for a possible return for Heinicke, who started nine games for Washington. Rivera maintained, however, that Sam Howell would have the lead for the starting position entering the offseason program.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz