Let the talks begin – even if they’re supposed to be unofficial.
Posted at 7:02 p.m.
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) and tackle Folorunso “Foley” Fatukasi (New York Jets), according to a person aware of the discussions.
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).
And many other transfers are to be expected.
Several other players will remain with the same roster, including 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.