2023 March - Pro Football Rumors

Giants To Re-Sign RB Matt Breida, Sign DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches

March 13th, 2023 at 6:10pm CST by Ben Levine

The Giants have made moves on both sides of the ball. Jordan Schultz of The Score reports (via Twitter) that running back Matt Breida is re-signing with New York. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports (via Twitter) that the Giants are signing defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches.

Breida is inking a new one-year contract that can peak at $2.3MM with incentives. The veteran RB spent the 2022 campaign as Saquon Barkley‘s backup, with Breida ultimately seeing time in all 17 games (one start). The 28-year-old finished the campaign with 338 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown.

The former UDFA spent the first three seasons of his career with the 49ers, collecting 2,463 yards from scrimmage. He’s since bounced around the NFL, also spending time with the Dolphins and Bills. He’ll continue to be a backup in 2023, with Gary Brightwell and Jashaun Corbin also around as depth at the position.

Nunez-Roches has spent eight seasons in the NFL, including the past five years in Tampa Bay. He started 10 of his 17 appearances for the Buccaneers in 2022, finishing with 33 tackles and two sacks. The veteran hasn’t missed a game since the 2018 season, and he’ll provide the Giants with some reliable depth on their defensive line.

Broncos To Re-Sign LB Alex Singleton

March 13th, 2023 at 6:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

During a woeful Broncos season, Alex Singleton became a pleasant surprise. The team’s new coaching staff intends to bring him back. The veteran linebacker is re-signing with the Broncos, Mike Klis of 9News tweets.

Denver is keeping Singleton on a three-year deal worth $18MM, per Klis, who adds $9MM is guaranteed. Singleton will earn $5.49MM in base salary this year, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets, adding that his other $4MM guaranteed comes via signing bonus. This contract is fairly similar to the deal the Broncos gave Josey Jewell to start free agency last year, and the two will stay together as a second-level pair on Denver’s defense.

While Jewell has a history with new Denver DC Vance Joseph, this will be new territory for Singleton, who joined the Broncos on a low-level pact in 2022. The Eagles non-tendered Singleton as an RFA, but he made his 2022 season count. As a result, Singleton will collect a nice payday before he turns 30. Although Singleton debuted in 2019, he will turn 30 in December. That certainly raised the stakes for this particular free agency journey.

The former Eagles regular dropped a 163-tackle season during his Broncos debut. That included two games with at least 20 stops. Little went right for the Broncos last season, but Singleton was one of the key reasons the team’s defense stayed afloat despite a run of injuries and the midseason Bradley Chubb trade.

A former UDFA out of Montana State, Singleton has churned out high tackle totals for years. He put together 120- and 137-tackles seasons in 2020 and ’21 in Philadelphia, respectively, but the Eagles punted on keeping the Division I-FCS product via the low-end RFA tender. Pro Football Focus ended up slotting Singleton 10th among off-ball ‘backers last season. PFF did not view Singleton as a coverage liability and assessed both he and Jewell (128 tackles in 13 games) as top-30 off-ball linebackers last season.

Spending big on their offensive line today and having Russell Wilson tied to the second-most lucrative quarterback contract, the Broncos are keeping costs low at linebacker. Jewell and Singleton are tied to $5.5MM and $6MM in terms of AAV.

Giants To Sign LB Bobby Okereke

March 13th, 2023 at 5:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

The off-ball linebacker market continues to produce action on Day 1 of the legal tampering period. Bobby Okereke reached an agreement to join the Giants, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

This transaction will relocate the productive Colts linebacker to a team in dire need of help at the position. The former third-round pick will end up doing pretty well in his first free agency foray, with Rapoport adding this is a four-year, $40MM deal that comes with $22MM guaranteed (Twitter link).

Known previously for Pat McAfee’s emphatic draft-pick announcement and being a Shaquille Leonard sidekick, Okereke shined in Gus Bradley‘s first season as Indianapolis’ DC. He posted 151 tackles during his contract year last season, one that largely came without Leonard. Even alongside the Colts’ All-Pro turnover machine in 2021, Okereke recorded 132 stops. Seventeen of Okereke’s 151 tackles in 2022 came in the Colts’ loss to the Giants.

The Giants have added Okereke and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches to start the legal tampering period; they featured a bigger need at Okereke’s spot. Blake Martinez‘s early-season ACL tear in 2021 ended up altering the Giants’ path at linebacker. The team benched and waived previous starter Tae Crowder last season, months after cutting the now-retired Martinez, leaving Don Martindale looking for troops on his defensive second level. Okereke, 26, now stands to become the team’s anchor here, joining a Giants team that did employ long-term pieces up front and in its secondary.

This continues a trend for the Colts, who have now let Leonard wingmen Okereke and Anthony Walker walk in recent offseasons. Indianapolis is paying Leonard at a top-market rate, so another eight-figure-AAV contract at linebacker never made sense. The Colts do, however, still have Zaire Franklin under contract. E.J. Speed, who also saw his role increase as a result of Leonard’s health issues last season, is a free agent.

Texans To Sign RB Mike Boone, FB/TE Andrew Beck

March 13th, 2023 at 5:43pm CST by Ben Levine

The Texans remain busy, this time adding two players on the offensive side of the ball. Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (via Twitter) that the Texans will sign running back Mike Boone. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager reports (via Twitter) that the Texans will also add fullback/tight end Andrew Beck.

Boone is inking a two-year deal worth $3.1MM, including a $300K signing bonus. The veteran should provide the Texans with another option (alongside Dare Ogunbowale) behind starter Dameon Pierce.

The former UDFA spent the first three seasons of his career with the Vikings, collecting 407 yards from scrimmage in 40 games. He spent the past two seasons with the Broncos, adding another 255 yards in 17 games. With only 18 career receptions, Boone doesn’t necessarily profile as a third-down back, so there’s a chance he serves as a traditional backup to Pierce.

Beck is signing a two-year, $6.75MM deal with $4MM guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). The fullback/tight end spent the past four seasons with the Broncos, appearing in 51 games. He mostly served as a special teamer and a blocker, although he did contribute i14 receptions in four years.

LB David Long To Sign With Dolphins

March 13th, 2023 at 5:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

After providing new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with a top-tier cornerback, via the Jalen Ramsey trade, the Dolphins are handing their highly paid DC one of the better free agent linebackers available.

David Long is signing a two-year deal with the Dolphins, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. Long spent the past four seasons with the Titans, playing out his rookie contract. He is heading to Miami on an $11MM deal.

This could turn out to be a team-friendly move for the Dolphins, who are adding a player Pro Football Focus labeled as a top-20 linebacker from 2021-22. PFF also slotted Long, who became a regular in Tennessee’s defense in 2021, as a top-five run-defending linebacker last season.

The 26-year-old linebacker, however, likely came available at this price because of injuries. Long has missed 12 games over the past two seasons, leading to Mike Vrabel wondering about his durability at his end-of-season presser. Hamstring trouble, in particular, has interfered with Long’s ascent. Long still finished with a career-high 86 tackles (seven for loss) and two INTs last season; he also intercepted two passes in 2021.

Rather than bet on the former sixth-round find turning the corner on the health front, Titans are moving on from Long. Although they have a new GM running the show (Ran Carthon), continues a pattern for the team in recent years. The Titans also let Jayon Brown and former first-round pick Rashaan Evans walk, doing so years after allowing Zach Brown to depart following the expiration of his rookie deal. They also released Zach Cunningham this offseason. Considering this lower rate was what it took to pry Long away, it can be assumed Tennessee has other plans at this position.

Although Tremaine Edmunds cashed in with the Bears on a top-five off-ball linebacker deal, this position was one of this free agency class’ deepest. Edmunds’ $18MM-per-year pact has not resulted in others in this market moving near that price range. The second-tier linebackers in this market should not be pleased by what Long commanded in free agency.

Raiders To Sign DB Brandon Facyson

March 13th, 2023 at 5:27pm CST by Ben Levine

The Raiders continue to make moves. The team is expected to sign defensive back Brandon Facyson, per Vincent Bonsignore (via Twitter).

This will mark Facyson‘s second stint with the organization. The cornerback started nine of his 12 appearances for the Raiders during the 2021 season, finishing with 55 tackles, 13 passes defended, and one interception. That first Raiders gig followed a three-year stint with the Chargers.

Facyson spent the 2022 campaign in Indianapolis, starting four of his 16 games for the Colts. The defensive back finished the season with 28 tackles and six passes defended. Besides playing on defense, the 28-year-old also has plenty of experience playing on special teams, making him an intriguing addition for the Raiders.

This will stop a Facyson run under DC Gus Bradley. The veteran corner had played for the well-traveled DC at his past three stops. The Raiders, who then employed Bradley as their DC, claimed him off waivers from the Chargers in 2021; the Colts signed him to work with Bradley last year. Facyson is again ticketed to wear the Silver and Black, but he will be part of DC Patrick Graham‘s scheme.

The Raiders have already added one defensive back today, signing former Eagles starting safety Marcus Epps. Of course, the Raider also made headlines on the other side of the ball, adding quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Raiders To Sign S Marcus Epps

March 13th, 2023 at 5:12pm CST by Ben Levine

The Eagles have lost another defender in free agency. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that safety Marcus Epps is expected to sign with the Raiders.

The defensive back will get a two-year, $12MM deal from Las Vegas, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). The contract includes $8MM in guaranteed money.

Epps had a career season for the Eagles in 2022, starting a career-high 17 games. The defensive back finished the campaign with 94 tackles and six passes defended, and he had another 13 stops in three postseason starts. The 27-year-old only finished as Pro Football Focus’ 71st-ranked cornerback among 88 qualifiers, but the site did give him a top-12 score in rush defense.

With Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett hitting free agency, the Raiders have been mentioned as a potential suitor for free agent defensive backs. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), there was mutual interest between the Raiders and Bills safety Jordan Poyer, but it seems like the organization opted for the cheaper alternative.

The defending NFC champions have already seen a handful of defenders leave today. Besides Epps, the Eagles have also lost defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker T.J. Edwards to free agency.

Jets To Re-Sign K Greg Zuerlein

March 13th, 2023 at 5:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jets will keep their kicker around for a second season. Greg Zuerlein is staying in the Big Apple on a new deal, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

This will be the Division II product’s 12th NFL season. Zuerlein, 35, made 81% of his field goal tries in 2022. The Jets brought in Zuerlein last year, and the ex-Rams and Cowboys specialist is now positioned to kick for what could well be a much higher-profile Jet squad in 2023.

The Cowboys cut Zuerlein at this time last year, ending a two-season partnership. Zuerlein caught on with the Jets on a one-year deal worth $2MM. That agreement looks to have stopped the revolving door that existed at this Jets position since the team let Jason Myers walk in 2019. Gang Green used eight kickers from 2019-21, including three apiece in both the 2020 and ’21 seasons.

While providing a reprieve from the kicker shuffling, the strong-legged specialist played all 17 Jets games and hit the third 60-plus-yard field goal of his career. That came when he nailed a 60-yarder — a Jets-record distance — against the Vikings in December. Zuerlein hit from 60-plus twice with the Rams, but the makes came back in their St. Louis days. The former sixth-round pick has not made more than 83% of his field goal tries since 2018, however.

Texans To Sign DE Chase Winovich, DT Hassan Ridgeway

March 13th, 2023 at 5:00pm CST by Ben Levine

The Texans are going to add a pair of defenders. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the organization is expected to sign defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway. Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetworkcom reports (via Twitter) that Houston is also signing defensive end Chase Winovich.

Ridgeway is expected to ink a one-year, $4MM deal that includes $3MM in guaranteed money. The defensive lineman actually started a career-high seven games during his age-28 season, finishing with 28 tackles and one sack. The former fourth-round pick also served as a situational defensive lineman during stints with the Colts and Eagles, and he’ll presumably play a similar role in Houston.

Winovich will be inking a one-year, $2.75MM contract. Texans GM Nick Caserio played a role in Winovich being selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2019 draft, so it’s not a huge surprise that the executive has recruited the defensive end to Houston.

Winovich had 11 sacks through his first two seasons in the NFL, but he found himself in New England’s doghouse in 2021, finishing with 11 tackles and zero sacks in 13 games. He was traded to Cleveland last offseason, but the edge rusher didn’t see a significantly larger role with the Browns. The 27-year-old ultimately finished his lone season in Cleveland with 20 tackles and one sack.

Titans To Sign T Andre Dillard

March 13th, 2023 at 4:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Needing nearly an entire new starting offensive line, the Titans are moving on that project. They are signing former Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com report (on Twitter).

Despite Dillard having not secured a spot in the Eagles’ starting lineup, a market formed for his services. The Titans are giving once-coveted prospect a three-year, $29MM contract, Garafolo tweets.

The Eagles passed on Dillard’s fifth-year option in 2022, having removed him from their plans to be a long-term left tackle option. The Washington State product will land another opportunity in Tennessee, being tabbed to replace Taylor Lewan. Tennessee released Lewan, making the former Pro Bowl left tackle part of a salary purge under new GM Ran Carthon.

Although Orlando Brown Jr. and Donovan Smith are on the market, the Titans look to be prepared to go with a cheaper option at left tackle. Dillard has played both left and right tackle as a pro but has fared better on the blind side. The Titans also have perhaps their lone returning O-lineman, Nicholas Petit-Frere, at right tackle.

Philadelphia traded up for Dillard in the 2019 first round and had hoped he would become Jason Peters‘ heir apparent. Instead, rugby convert-turned-seventh-rounder Jordan Mailata ended up succeeding the Hall of Fame candidate. Mailata received an extension to work on Philly’s blind side long-term, leaving Dillard without a place. The Titans will give him a redemption opportunity.

Dillard, 27, made nine starts with the Eagles — in 2019 and 2021 — and drew trade interest due to his diminished role with the organization. That said, Pro Football Focus viewed Dillard’s five-game starter — particularly his pass-blocking chops — sample fairly well in 2021. It will interesting to see the rest of the puzzle pieces during one of the more notable O-line overhauls in recent NFL history.