NFL free agency is well underway after the start of the new league year on Wednesday, with most of the big names on the market already finding their starting spots.
Several pending trades became official on Wednesday, largely relegating Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of the negotiating window before free agency. But the biggest news was wide receiver Calvin Ridley who surprised many by being selected by the Tennessee Titans, according to reports. Entering Thursday, there were still some big names yet to sign: offensive tackle Tyrone Smith, wide receiver Mike Williams (who was released Wednesday), defensive end Chase Young, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and more.
USA TODAY Sports will have updates on the latest deals and buzz throughout the day, so check back often for the latest news from our staff and around the USA TODAY Network:
Falcons trade QB Desmond Ridder to Cardinals
Desmond Ridder's career with the Atlanta Falcons is officially over.
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The team is trading the former quarterback to the Arizona Cardinals, who will bring back wide receiver Rondell Moore, according to multiple reports.
With new head coach Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins taking over as the signal-caller, Reeder has been expendable for a team that returns Taylor Heinicke as its backup quarterback. 2022 third-round pick Arthur Smith was the pick to lead the team last season, but he was responsible for 16 turnovers, including six in the red zone. Ryder was benched twice during the season, including for good when Heinicke took over in December.
In Arizona, he is set to compete with Clayton Toone to be Kyler Murray's replacement.
Moore, 23, was an immediate contributor for the Cardinals but has struggled to provide any kind of consistency since arriving as a second-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2021. He has yet to reach 450 receiving yards in a season.
Lions extend HC Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes' contracts
After their most successful season in the Super Bowl era (since 1966), the… The Detroit Lions have announced a contract extension For head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes through the 2027 season.
“We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons,” team owner Sheila Hamp said in a statement. “They have been the driving force behind the rebuilding of our football team and the success we have enjoyed. The continuity they provide to our football program will continue to be key to our future success on the field.”
The Lions won the NFC North for the first time in 2023 before advancing to the NFC Championship game for only the second time. They remain one of four teams to never reach the Super Bowl, but they have won two games in the same postseason for the first time.
The Browns defense adds interior help
There was a question as to whether or not the Cleveland Browns would do anything else with their defensive tackle group after an initial wave of trades that brought back Maurice Hurst II and Shelby Harris. Turns out the answer is yes.
Cleveland agreed to terms on A.J A one-year deal has been signed with veteran defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, a league source told the Akron Beacon Journal. He spent last season playing for the New York Jets.
In theory, Jefferson would be a replacement for the departing Jordan Elliott in the rotation. Elliott, the Browns' 2020 third-round pick who started 31 of the final 34 regular-season games, agreed to a free agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday.
– Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal
Bengals bring back S Vonn Bell
The Cincinnati Bengals are turning to a familiar figure for help in the secondary.
Safety Vonn Bell has signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Bengals, according to multiple reports.
Bell, 29, played for the Carolina Panthers last year but started with the Bengals from 2020 to 2022, and recorded four interceptions in his final season with the team.
Along with fellow free agent Geno Stone, he brings a fresh look to the back end of the Bengals' defense.
The Giants continue to contend with their WR corps
In addition to Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins, the Tennessee Titans are reinvesting in another reliable target.
According to NFL Network, veteran WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will return for a fifth season in Nashville. The undrafted free agent out of Indiana, who is considered the No. 4 target (also behind Trelon Burks), has 94 catches for 1,276 yards and 10 TDs in his NFL career so far.
Colts WR Michael Pittman has a plan
INDIANAPOLIS – Michael Pittman Jr. dreamed of hitting free agency, being able to see all of his potential suitors lined up and compare them to the situation he had in Indianapolis. But he knew that would never happen.
But unlike last time a Colts The star player faced the prospect of a franchise tag, and Bettman had faith it would all work out. He felt the moment the Colts were in with a developing Anthony Richardson and a team that just went 9-8. He has kept the dialogue open with general manager Chris Ballard. He wanted the Colts to introduce him as a true starter, and that's what they did with a contract that will pay him $70 million over three seasons and make him the eighth-highest paid receiver in the NFL.
“I knew all along this was going to happen,” Pittman said.
He wore a navy blue suit to sign his new deal, his first as an NFL player.
“I think it's comforting to know that you're the man they shaped you to be,” he said.
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– Nate Atkins, Indianapolis Star
The Bengals add to their defensive line
With uncertainty surrounding DJ Reader's future, the Cincinnati Bengals have added one of the top free agents available at defensive tackle In Sheldon Rankins.
Cincinnati Enquirer Kelsey Conway He confirmed a two-year deal $26 million for Rankins, a former first-round pick who played eight seasons in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Houston Texans.
Rankins is familiar to Bengals fans because he caused havoc during the Bengals' heartbreaking loss to Houston last November, including three sacks of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow.
– Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer
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