By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Tavon Austin was drafted to be the Rams‘ X-factor, and while he flirted with the role from time to time, he never fully filled it.

It seemed after a year in which Los Angeles turned to other options to stock its receiving corps, Austin was on his way out. He was making far too much money ($14.97 million cap hit in 2017) to justify his marginal usage (13 catches, 47 yards; 59 rushes, 270 yards, one touchdown in 2017). Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Jordy Nelson said his goodbyes to Green Bay less than 48 hours ago, and now he has his new team.

The former Packers wideout is headed to the Bay, signing a two-year deal with the Oakland Raidersworth $15 million ($13 million guaranteed), NFL Network’s James Jones reported. The team later officially announced the signing.

In a related move, Oakland also is cutting receiver Michael Crabtree, NFL Network’s James Palmer reported. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Malcolm Butler can be accurately referred to as a Super Bowl hero. But in that same breath, he must also be called a Super Bowl scapegoat of sorts.

Sure, Butler’s benching in Super Bowl LII wasn’t his decision, so it’s unfair to blame him for New England’s loss. But his absence still hindered the Patriots defensively in a shootout that didn’t end in their favor. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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They’ve met, they’ve hashed out details and they’re all but a collection of signatures from being united. Teddy Bridgewater is joining the New York Jets.

The former Vikings quarterback is signing a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the contract.  Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Ndamukong Suh is headed out of Miami. The five-time Pro Bowler was released by the Dolphins, the team announced Wednesday, after just three seasons of a six-year, $114 million contract.

His tenure in South Florida began with fanfare, as Miami backed up the armored truck to lure him from Detroit in free agency in 2015, but the expected success never followed. Leading a franchise turnaround is a tall order for any defensive tackle, and while the Dolphins came closest in the 10-6 campaign of 2016, they never quite got what they wanted out of the Suh era. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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While the Jets look to add a young quarterback via free agency, they’re keeping a wise veteran for another season.

New York has re-signed Josh McCown to a one-year deal, the quarterback’s agent announced via Twitter. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported McCown’s deal is worth $10 million. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Less than a week after creating a void at corner via trade, Carolina is using free agency to fill it.

The Panthers are expected to sign cornerback Bashaud Breeland, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo adds the deal is for three years and is worth $24 million with $11 million in guarantees.

Breeland started at corner for the Washington Redskins in each of his first four seasons in the league, tallying 215 tackles, eight interceptions, 60 passes defensed and one sack in that span. Starting opposite Josh Norman, Breeland inevitably became the more targeted corner, which has produced good and occasionally bad results. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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The Cincinnati Bengals are adding to their Andy Dalton protection unit.

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to trade left tackle Cordy Glenn to the Bengals, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager reported Buffalo and Cincinnati are swapping first-round picks, moving the Bills up to No. 12 and the Bengalsback to No. 21. They’re also swapping fifth- and sixth-round picks, with Buffalo moving to No. 158 and Cincinnati dropping back to No. 187, per Rapoport.

The trade cannot become official until the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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An interesting twist has emerged from Minnesota’s intriguing situation at quarterback.

While most have their eyes trained on Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater and Kirk Cousins, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday the Vikings have called to inquire about Drew Brees‘ interest in potentially moving north. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Oh, how a quarterback can change everything.

Not too long ago, San Francisco was considered a cellar-dwelling franchise devoid of talent with a long road ahead to relevance. The 49ers were without a franchise quarterback, and fresh off two seasons of absolute ineptitude under Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly, were without a win through nine weeks of the 2017 season.

Then came Jimmy Garoppolo, and just over a month later, a Week 13 win over Chicago. San Francisco hasn’t lost since. Continue reading →