The Week in NFL News - 3/17 - Free Agency Roundup

Arizona

The Cardinals signed Zach Ertz to a three-year, $31.65 million deal

Why It Matters: Ertz got 14 million guaranteed, which is a lot for a 31-year-old one-dimensional tight end. He does have good chemistry with Kyler Murray, including in the red zone, and projects a high floor TE1 in an offense that lost Christian Kirk and A.J. Green.

The Cardinals re-signed James Conner to a three-year, $21 million deal

Why It Matters: Conner is clearly one of the biggest fantasy winners of free agency, with Chase Edmonds signing in Miami and Conner landing 13.5 million in guarantees, which is basically lead-back money these days. Conner only cost the team 1.75 million last year, so he’ll likely be a bargain during his Cardinals career even if he only plays out two years of this contract.

Atlanta

The Falcons signed Jake Matthews to a three-year, $52.5 million extension

Why It Matters: The extension gives the team cap relief. This is just a reminder that the Falcons aren’t yet out of the cap hell the Dimitroff/Quinn regime left behind.

The Falcons gave restricted free agent Olamide Zaccheaus a right of first refusal ($2.43M)

Why It Matters: With Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage gone, Zaccheaus is the top incumbent wide receiver. What this really spells out is that Kyle Pitts might lead all tight ends in targets this season.

Baltimore

The Ravens signed Morgan Moses (New York Jets) to a three-year, $15 million deal

Why It Matters: The offensive line was a problem last year, but with only 5.5 million guaranteed on this team and Ja’Wuan James under contract for a measly 2.5 million, they should be able to address right tackle Alejandro Villaneuva retiring and Ronnie Stanley playing only seven games in the last two years.

The Ravens signed Marcus Williams (New Orleans) to a five-year, $70 million deal

Why It Matters: Williams will plug a hole left by Earl Thomas’ abrupt departure on the eve of the 2020 season that was never adequately filled. He has recovered well after being victimized in the famous Minneapolis Miracle walk-off Stefon Diggs score. He’s not a big factor in IDP leagues as the likely last line of defense against the pass.

Buffalo

The Bills signed Isaiah McKenzie to a two-year, $4.4 million contract and released Cole Beasley

Why It Matters: McKenzie can fill the Cole Beasley role roughly as well and much cheaper after the team somehow convinced him to take this team even though he is also their top kick and punt returner. McKenzie should have some PPR league bye week fill-in value as the team’s top slot receiver this season.

The Bills signed Rodger Saffold (Tennessee) to a one-year deal, signed Mitch Morse to a two-year, $19.5 million extension, and tendered Ryan Bates at the right of first refusal level (2.43M). They also released Daryl Williams, freeing up 6.3 million in cap space.

Why It Matters: The team was able to get three interior offensive line starters for reasonable prices without hurting their comp pick balance (allowing them to potentially net a sixth-round pick for allowing Mitchell Trubisky to walk). As they get into the meat of the Josh Allen contract, this kind of resource management will be crucial.

The Bills signed O.J. Howard (Tampa Bay) to a one-year, $3.5 million deal

Why It Matters: Everything was looking up for Dawson Knox in fantasy terms, but the addition of Howard gives Josh Allen another athletic talent at tight end that could cut into Knox’s upside. Knox is still worth a look as a weekly boom/bust TE1, but if Howard recaptures his pre-Achilles injury form, then a bad problem for Knox’s value will be a good problem for this offense.

The Bills signed Von Miller (Los Angeles Rams) to a six-year, $120 million deal

Why It Matters: Miller has a chance to be the first player to win Super Bowls with three teams. The Rams wanted him back, but the Bills' offer was too good to refuse. The team has thrown a lot of resources into the pass rush in recent years, and Miller is the crown jewel. They have the depth at defensive end to manage his snaps and hopefully keep him healthy for a Super Bowl run. The team also signed Tim Settle (Washington) and DaQuan Jones (Carolina) to bolster the interior defensive line after losing Harrison Phillips to the Vikings in free agency.

Carolina

The Panthers signed D’Onta Foreman (Tennessee) to a one-year, $2 million deal

Why It Matters: It doesn’t look like Christian McCaffrey will get traded, but Foreman could make a run at the Panthers' backup job - which has been very important on the waiver wire the last two years - against 2021 fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard.

Chicago

The Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for the #48 pick in the 2022 draft and a 2023 sixth-round pick

Why It Matters: New general manager Ryan Poles is in tear-down mode, recouping a top 50 pick for Mack, who was acquired in the biggest splash move made by his predecessor.

The Bears signed Larry Ogunjobi (Cincinnati) to a three-year, $40.5 million deal

Why It Matters: Ogunjobi outplayed his 6.2 million, one-year deal with Cincinnati last year, but this deal includes over 26 million guaranteed and will cost more than twice per year what Ogunjobi made last year. Bilal Nichols played 678 snaps for the Bears last year and signed a bargain two-year, $11 million deal with Las Vegas, so it’s curious that the Bears didn’t try to keep him instead, or in addition, with Eddie Goldman released and Akiem Hicks hitting free agency

Cincinnati

The Bengals signed Alex Cappa (Tampa Bay) to a four-year, $40 million deal and Ted Karras (New England) to a three-year, $18 million deal

Why It Matters: The interior offensive line has been upgraded at a reasonable cost and Karras gives the team center/guard versatility, although they still need to address right tackle (maybe La’el Collins, just released by the Cowboys?). Fixing the offensive line is job one in their quest to return to the Super Bowl.

Cleveland

The Browns offered a right of first refusal (2.43M) tender to restricted free agent D’Ernest Johnson

Why It Matters: Johnson will be the team’s third-string running back, assuming they keep Kareem Hunt and his 6.25 million contract and no one decides to make Johnson an offer the Browns won’t match. Johnson will be 27 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next year.

The Browns acquired Amari Cooper from Dallas for a 2022 fifth-round pick and swap of sixth-round picks

Why It Matters: This can’t be seen as anything but a downgrade for Cooper in fantasy terms, although he should lead the team in targets. The Cowboys ended up losing out on Randy Gregory and maybe did not need to shed Cooper’s salary after all, but the relationship between him and the team wasn’t great.

The Browns re-signed Anthony Walker to a one-year, $5 million deal

Why It Matters: Walker is an underrated player and could be in a three-down role in the Browns defense. He’s a great late-round sleeper in IDP leagues.

The Browns released Austin Hooper and J.C. Tretter

Why It Matters: Previously, it was reported that the team planned on keeping Hooper, but his release will create more playing time for Harrison Bryant and David Njoku. Both should be on your fantasy radar, with Njoku having the higher ceiling. Tretter was released to save over 8 million in cap room and the Browns will start 2020 fifth-round pick Nick Harris. There should be a lot of interest in Tretter on the free-agent market.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that the Browns and Baker Mayfield are “breaking up” even though Deshaun Watson informed the team he won’t waive his no-trade clause for them, but Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that they still view him as their starter.

Why It Matters: Seattle and Indianapolis (who is apparently the only team interested in Jimmy Garoppolo) have been mentioned as potential destinations for Mayfield if he tries to force a trade, which he hasn’t, at least as of this writing. The relationship is clearly volatile right now, but the offseason gives the team and Mayfield time to get back on the same page. Case Keenum is the Browns backup quarterback.

Dallas

The Cowboys traded Amari Cooper to the Browns for a 2022 fifth-round pick and swap of sixth-round picks and signed Michael Gallup to a five-year, $62.5 million contract

Why It Matters: Gallup will be the team’s #2 receiver once he is recovered from a January ACL tear. Cedrick Wilson and Amari Cooper moving on means that there will be a more concentrated Dallas pass offense which could push CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz to much higher levels and even leave enough targets for Tony Pollard to emerge. The team also re-signed Noah Brown and they have 2021 fifth-round pick Simi Fehoko competing for playing time behind Lamb and Gallup.

The Cowboys waived Blake Jarwin with an injury designation

Why It Matters: This enhances Schultz’s ceiling even more, as Jarwin was a viable pass-catcher in his own right, even a dangerous downfield target before his 2020 knee injury and recent hip surgery.

The Cowboys signed Demarcus Lawrence to a three-year deal with $30 million guaranteed

Why It Matters: The contract created cap relief for the team after they offered Lawrence a restructure that he rejected. They expected to be able to bring Randy Gregory to join him, even going as far to announce his re-signing before it was revealed that he actually agreed to join the Broncos. They also released right tackle La’el Collins, who should catch on elsewhere as a starter quickly.

Denver

The Broncos signed D.J. Jones (San Francisco) to a three-year, $30 million deal and Randy Gregory (Dallas) to a five-year, $70 million deal

Why It Matters: Gregory was close enough to staying in Dallas that it was reported in social media, and Jones reportedly turned down a larger offer to come to Denver. Jones will likely be the nose tackle in the 3-4 defense and the team will hope to keep Bradley Chubb and Gregory healthy to be the pincers of the defense on passing downs.

Detroit

The Lions re-signed Tracy Walker to a three-year, $25 million deal and re-signed Charles Harris to a two-year, $11 million deal

Why It Matters: Both of these deals are very economical and the team obviously knows what they are getting. Walker is ultra-athletic and could eventually pair with Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame) if the Lions are willing to take a safety at #2 with Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson likely going off of the board #1 to Jacksonville. Harris had more sacks last year than he had in the previous four years of his career after the Dolphins made him a first-round pick back in 2017.

The Lions signed D.J. Chark (Jacksonville) to a one-year, $10 million deal, and re-signed Kalif Raymond to a two-year, $9.5 million deal

Why It Matters: The Lions are likely to add a receiver in the draft, possibly as early as #32 or #34, but Chark is in line to start outside along with Josh Reynolds, with Raymond adding speed on passing downs. So far this is actually good for Amon-Ra St. Brown’s fantasy stock as none of the receivers retained overlap with his role in the offense.

Green Bay

The Packers released Za’Darius Smith and Billy Turner, signed Preston Smith to a four-year, $52.5 million extension, and signed De’Vondre Campbell to a five-year, $50 million deal

Why It Matters: The Packers are going through some roster turnover to open up room for Aaron Rodgers' big new contract, but they were able to open up over 8 million in cap room by extending Preston Smith, and were happy to pay Campbell up to the level of his play after stealing him for only two million dollars last year.

Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders for a first and second round pick in the 2022 draft

Why It Matters: Adams apparently had his mind made up that he wanted a long term deal that the Packers would not give him, so this was in the works long enough for Aaron Rodgers to know he wasn't going to play with Adams this year. Rodgers value takes a hit here, but Lazard has a chance to be the top target at wide receiver and Randall Cobb will also play a central role in the passing game. We'll also be watching Robert Tonyan's recovery from an ACL tear. He had a three-touchdown game when Adams was out in 2020

The Packers gave restricted free agent Allen Lazard a second round ($3.986M) tender

Why It Matters: No one is going to give up a second-round pick in exchange for the right to sign Lazard to a market-set contract. Lazard is obviously valued by the team, he’s a Rodgers favorite, and it looks like Marquez Valdes-Scantling is leaving in free agency along with Davante Adams departing via trade, so the former UDFA’s fantasy arrow is pointing up, way up.

Houston

The Texans re-signed Christian Kirksey to a two-year, $10 million deal

Why It Matters: Kirksey should be highly productive and a key IDP performer as long as he stays healthy. He played in 13 games last year, his most since 2013.

Indianapolis

The Colts re-signed Mo Alie-Cox to a three-year, $18 million deal

Why It Matters: The price is very reasonable for a starting tight end, which Alie-Cox should be after Jack Doyle retired. 2021 fourth-round pick Kylen Granson is a Frank Reich favorite, but he’ll have a large competitor for targets from… we’ll see.

The Colts traded Rock Ya-Sin to Las Vegas for Yannick Ngakoue

Why It Matters: Ngakoue instantly becomes the Colts best edge rusher, and he’ll be reunited with Gus Bradley, who he played under in Las Vegas last year. The team could look to extend or tag Ngakoue next year if he plays well. The loss of Ya-Sin leaves them with a hole at outside corner and is basically a declaration that the 2019 second-round pick was not in their future plans.

Jacksonville

The Jaguars signed Evan Engram (New York Giants) to a one-year, $9 million deal

Why It Matters: Engram could ball out and make this look smart, but he’s redundant with 2021 midseason acquisition Dan Arnold, and new signing Christian Kirk also plays his best football in the slot. It’s hard to see how a rebuilding team benefits from signing Engram to a big one-year deal and it’s hard to see how Engram’s fantasy value is revived with this move.

The Jaguars signed Christian Kirk (Arizona) to a four-year deal worth up to $84 million and Zay Jones (Las Vegas) to a three-year deal worth $24 million

Why It Matters: Kirk’s money is a sign of what’s to come in the future at wide receiver, as he is getting #1 money even though he is best cast as #2 or even #3. Jones parlayed a good late-season performance into 14 million guaranteed, and his signing could mean the end for Laviska Shenault in Jacksonville if the team can find a trade partner.

The Jaguars signed Foley Fatukasi (New York Jets) to a three-year, $30 million deal, Darious Williams (Los Angeles Rams) to a three-year, $30 million deal and Foye Oluokun (Atlanta) to a three-year, $45 million deal. They also released Myles Jack

Why It Matters: Fatukasi is a good run stuffer and should help the undersized but athletic Oluokun stay clean. Jack became unnecessary after Oluokun was signed. Williams is a good outside corner who flourished with the Rams after originally being signed by the Ravens as a UDFA, and he should start opposite Shaq Griffin, with 2021 second-round pick Tyson Campbell rounding out a solid top three corners that should match up well against the wide receiver poor AFC South.

The Jaguars signed Brandon Scherff (Washington) to a three-year, $49.5 million deal

Why It Matters: Scherff is one of the best in the game and he’ll instantly be the best offensive lineman, especially in the run game, and he’ll help whomever of Walker Little and Jawaan Taylor that wins the right tackle job. The Jaguars are highly unlikely to take an offensive lineman at #1 now, making Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson the strong favorite to go #1 after a great combine.

Kansas City

The Chiefs signed Justin Reid (Houston) to a three-year, $31.5 million deal

Why It Matters: This signals the end of the Honey Badger era in the Chiefs secondary. Reid’s price was commensurate with his under-the-radar production in a no-name Texans defense. He is only 25 and the Chiefs got him for significantly less than Marcus Williams (5/7) got from the Ravens.

Las Vegas

The Raiders signed Maxx Crosby to a four-year, $95 million extension, signed Chandler Jones (Arizona) to a three-year, $51 million deal, and traded Yannick Ngakoue to the Colts for Rock Ya-Sin

Why It Matters: This is a reunion, as defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was Jones' position coach in New England. The Raiders edge rush duo can hang with the best in the league now, not that Ngakoue was a disappointment after the team signed him last year. Ya-Sin should start opposite Trayvon Mullen at outside corner with Casey Hayward signing in Atlanta, and he’ll see a lot of targets as the clear #2 corner. Ngakoue was due 13 million and Ya-Sin still has one more year on his rookie deal, so this was a cost-cutting move for the Raiders.

The Raiders traded their first and second round picks in the upcoming draft to Green Bay for Davante Adams

Why It Matters: Adams becomes the clear #1 for his college quarterback, Derek Carr, whose value is obviously up on this news. This could benefit Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow even though they will have smaller target shares playing with a true #1. The AFC West is the new murderer's row.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for the #48 pick in the 2022 draft and a 2023 sixth-round pick, signed Sebastian Joseph-Day (Los Angeles Rams) to a three-year, $24 million deal and signed J.C. Jackson (New England) to a five-year, $82.5 million deal

Why It Matters: The Chargers are one of the biggest winners of the past week, adding an elite edge rusher to pair with Joey Bosa and smooth over the loss of Uchenna Nwosu in free agency, adding the top outside corner in free agency at a cost that isn’t absurd, and reuniting Joseph-Day with Brandon Staley. Austin Johnson (Giants) was also added to help the run defense. The defense was a big problem by the end of the season and the Chargers are doing work to address it.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams signed Allen Robinson (Chicago) to a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed.

Why It Matters: With Robert Woods and Odell Beckham suffering late-season injuries in 2021, the Rams need a strong presence opposite Cooper Kupp to start the 2022 campaign. Robinson could completely replace Beckham, but the Rams say they want him back as well.

The Rams re-signed Joseph Noteboom to a three-year, $40 million deal and Brian Allen to a two-year, $14 million deal

Why It Matters: By re-signing their own talent on the offensive line, the Rams are in line to pick up four compensatory picks. They also have four compensatory picks in this year’s draft despite moving “all in” successfully to win a Super Bowl. They did lose starting guard Austin Corbett to the Panthers in free agency, but 2019 third-round pick Bobby Evans should be ready to replace him.

Miami

The Dolphins signed Chase Edmonds (Arizona) to a two-year, $12.6 million deal, and Raheem Mostert (San Francisco) to a one year, $3.125 million deal

Why It Matters: Edmonds and Mostert should lead the revamped backfield, and Mostert could start after being the starter under new head Mike McDaniel when both were in San Francisco. He has a leg up because he knows the system, but is also coming back from an ACL tear. Mostert’s lack of durability means Edmonds could still have significant value even though the signing of Mostert took the wind out of his fantasy sails, at least temporarily, The team also signed Alec Ingold (Las Vegas) presumably to play the Kyle Juszczyk role.

The Dolphins signed Teddy Bridgewater (Denver) to a one-year deal

Why It Matters: Bridgewater returns home to Miami and should be more than ready to take over if Tua Tagovailoa struggles in the new system. Bridgewater gives the team a top backup and very competent field general as they transition under Mike McDaniel. He is still rosterable in superflex dynasty leagues.

The Dolphins signed Cedrick Wilson (Dallas) to a three-year, $22.8 million deal

Why It Matters: Wilson immediately becomes a top-three receiver on the team, and while Jaylen Waddle is the headliner, Wilson could play a large role if Devante Parker can’t shake the injury bug. The team also signed Trent Sherfield, who was with McDaniel in San Francisco last year.

The Dolphins re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah to a four-year, $65 million deal

Why It Matters: Ogbah has been an underrated playmaker on a turnover-happy Dolphins defense and he’ll form a good edge rush duo with 2021 first-round pick Jaelan Phillips. He was signed to a huge bargain two-year, $15 million deal in 2020 and the team was happy to give him long-term security in exchange for his previous and expected future production.

Minnesota

The Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed one-year, $35 million extension

Why It Matters: The Vikings spurned trade offers for Cousins and instead kept him under team control through 2023. That means they are likely to keep aging players like Adam Thielen, Harrison Smith, and Eric Kendricks, who could have been cut or traded if the team went into rebuilding mode. Cousins will work with new head coach Kevin O’Connell, who he played under in Washington.

The Vikings signed Jordan Hicks (Arizona) to a two-year, $10 million deal

Why It Matters: Hicks was his typical highly productive self in Arizona last year even though there were trade rumors surrounding him after the team took Zaven Collins in the first round last year. He’ll continue to be relevant in IDP leagues as the team’s weakside linebacker.

New England

The Patriots offered restricted free agent Jakobi Meyers at the second-round level ($3.986 million), re-signed James White to a two-year, $5 million deal, and signed Ty Montgomery (New Orleans) to a two-year, $4 million deal

Why It Matters: One year after setting the wide receiver and tight end free-agent markets, the Patriots have been quiet even though they have a quarterback playing under a rookie contract. Meyers and White have familiar roles, but Montgomery can also fill the White role if he can’t stay healthy. Not much is going to change in this unspectacular offense.

New Orleans

The Saints tendered restricted free agent Deonte Harty (formerly Harris) at the second-round level ($3.986M)

Why It Matters: Tre’Quan Smith is likely gone and the team could end up with Deshaun Watson, which would greatly increase Harty’s value as the top deep threat on the team.

The Saints signed Marcus Maye (New York Jets) to a three-year, $22.5 million deal

Why It Matters: Maye will replace Marcus Williams, who left for Baltimore, at a fraction of the cost. If he comes all the way back from the achilles tear that ended his 2021, this could end up being one of the best bargains of free agency.

New York Giants

The Giants and Sterling Shepard agreed on a restructured contract

Why It Matters: The Giants saved about four million in cap space, as the new regime came in with the goal of shedding cap, with a possible James Bradberry and/or Saquon Barkley trade still possibly in the works. Shepard is coming back from an Achilles tear and will vie with 2021 first-round pick Kadarius Toney to be the top slot receiver.

The Giants signed Tyrod Taylor (Houston) to a two-year, $11 million deal

Why It Matters: Taylor’s stint in Buffalo did not overlap with new Giants head coach Brian Daboll, but GM Joe Schoen and Taylor were both with the team in 2017. Taylor will give the Giants a very competent backup to Daniel Jones if Jones falters in his “prove it” year under the new regime.

The Giants signed Ricky Seals-Jones (Washington)

Why It Matters: The Giants released Kyle Rudolph and let Evan Engram walk in free agency, so Seals-Jones can easily be the uncontested #1 tight end, which gives him sleeper status no matter how bad the offense is.

New York Jets

The Jets signed C.J. Uzomah (Cincinnati) to a three-year, $24 million deal and Tyler Conklin (Minnesota) to a three-year, $21 million deal

Why It Matters: This is a bummer for both players as they will cannibalize each other’s potential fantasy value by landing on the same team. Uzomah is the better blocker of the two and should play more snaps, but Conklin could get more targets as the more accomplished receiver. 2021 UDFA Kenny Yeboah is on the roster bubble in light of these moves.

The Jets signed Laken Tomlinson (San Francisco) to a three-year, $40 million deal

Why It Matters: When teamed up with 2021 first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker, Tomlinson gives the Jets one of the best guard duos in the league. Now if they can just keep left tackle Mekhi Becton healthy. Tomlinson was with offensive coordinator Mike Lafleur for four years in San Francisco.

The Jets signed Jordan Whitehead (Tampa Bay) to a two-year, $14.5 million deal and D.J. Reed (Seattle) to a three-year, $33 million deal

Why It Matters: The Jets secondary was bereft of playmakers last year but should bounce back with the addition of Whitehead, a starter on the Super Bowl-winning Bucs roster, and Reed, who was originally drafted by the 49ers, but stolen by the Seahawks on waivers in 2020 and developed into a solid starter.

Philadelphia

The Eagles signed Haason Reddick (Carolina) to a three-year, $45 million deal

Why It Matters: Reddick immediately becomes the anchor of the Eagles edge rush in a return to the area he grew up and played his college ball. This means Derek Barnett, who went one pick after Reddick in the 2017 first round, is not coming back to Philadelphia after hitting free agency.

The Eagles did not offer a tender to restricted free agent Boston Scott, making him an unrestricted free agent

Why It Matters: For now at least Kenny Gainwell is the top passing-down back, and Miles Sanders has less competition for early-down carries, although Scott could still return to the team later in free agency on a cheaper deal.

Pittsburgh

The Steelers offered restricted free agent Dwayne Haskins an original round ($2.54M) tender and signed Mitchell Trubisky (Buffalo) to a two-year, $14 million deal

Why It Matters: We should assume that Trubisky will start, although there will be an open competition with him, Haskins, Mason Rudolph and potentially a rookie, perhaps even a first-round rookie. There’s only fantasy interest here in Superflex leagues, and the 2022 picture is somewhat bleak for Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool.

The Steelers re-signed Chukwuma Okorafor to a three-year, $29.3 contract, signed James Daniels (Chicago) to a three-year, $26.5 million deal, and signed Mason Cole (Minnesota) to a three-year deal

Why It Matters: None of these deals break the bank, but they represent continuity at right tackle, an improvement at guard, and more strong depth and flexibility in the interior of the offensive line after a miserable season for the unit. The team did well to address the line on a limited budget.

The Steelers released Joe Schobert and signed Myles Jack (Jacksonville) to a two-year, $16 million deal

Why It Matters: Schobert was acquired for a late-round pick last year during the preseason but didn’t work out as a long-term piece. His release only cost the team 1.9 million in dead cap and freed up the money to sign Jack, who should hopefully shore up the run defense next to Devin Bush.

San Francisco

The 49ers signed Charvarius Ward (Kansas City) to a three-year, $40.5 million deal

Why It Matters: The 49ers are going to be in a bad cap situation until they trade Jimmy Garoppolo, but they were still able to address a position of major weakness last year. Ward did a number on Stefon Diggs in the epic Bills-Chiefs divisional showdown earlier this year.

Seattle

The Seahawks re-signed Will Dissly to a three-year, $24 million deal and Quandre Diggs to a three-year, $40 million deal, and signed Uchenna Nwosu (Los Angeles Chargers) to a two-year, $20 million deal

Why It Matters: Paying starter money to their #2 tight end and top of the market money to a 29-year-old safety doesn’t exactly scream rebuilding. Nwosu is a solid edge rusher, but he’ll miss lining up opposite Joey Bosa. The Seahawks are looking like an also-ran without Russell Wilson.

Tampa Bay

Tom Brady announced that he is returning for his 23rd season after previously announcing his retirement.

Why It Matters: Surprise! Brady’s retirement always seemed tenuous. The entire outlook for the Bucs offense has brightened and the team has to be considered back in the Super Bowl mix with the Rams and Packers.

The Buccaneers re-signed Ryan Jensen to a three-year, $39 million extension, Carlton Davis to a three-year, $45 million deal, Chris Godwin to a three-year, $60 million deal, and traded a fifth-round pick to New England for Shaq Mason

Why It Matters: The unretirement of Tom Brady opened up the checkbook of ownership to keep the band together. Jensen gives the team continuity at an important position, Davis has blossomed as a starting outside corner, Godwin signed a deal to avoid playing under the franchise tag, and Mason gives the team a strong starter to replace Alex Cappa with a reasonable salary of around seven million for marginal draft capital. The win now mindset comes naturally to GM Jason Licht.

The Buccaneers signed Russell Gage (Atlanta) to a three-year, $30 million deal

Why It Matters: Gage will take Antonio Brown’s spot as the #3 receiver. This is a deep passing offense, so while Gage will be worth as much as any #3 receiver in fantasy, he will be a boom/bust play week-to-week. The Bucs are also likely to bring back Rob Gronkowski and are yet to address their backfield, where Ke’Shawn Vaughn is currently the #1.

Tennessee

The Titans released Julio Jones

Why It Matters: The Titans go back to having a wide receiver group of A.J. Brown and not much else. Jones was a massive bust after the Titans sent over the #58 pick in this year’s draft to Atlanta for him. Jones could end up back in Atlanta, but won’t get the interest in free agency that his name commands.

Washington

The Commanders released Matt Ioannidis

Why It Matters: The Bills signed Tim Settle for a cheap two-year, $9 million deal. Settle is only 24 and played behind Ioannidis, and should have been retained to take his spot, but Washington ended up with neither, likely in an effort to make room for Carson Wentz’s $28 million salary. Washington’s depth at defensive tackle has dried up.

The Commanders re-signed J.D. McKissic to a two-year, $7 million deal

Why It Matters: McKissic was originally reported as signing the same deal with Buffalo, which would have made Antonio Gibson’s fantasy stock a rocketship, but instead decided to return to Washington, where he will have depth value in PPR leagues and limit Gibson’s weekly and season-long upside.