NFL free agency: Tracking latest news, updates, signings from legal tampering period

You’re just days away from being able to tell your friends and family Happy New Year – in the NFL, that is.

At 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12, the NFL will officially ring in the new league year, signaling the start of NFL free agency. Some of the league’s more notable players will officially put pen to paper on new deals, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an idea of where some of these guys are going.

The league’s legal tampering period begins noon ET on Monday. That means players with expiring contracts will have an opportunity to court new teams and make their signings official come Wednesday.

NFL FREE AGENCY: 200 free agents from all 32 teams

Already, some of the free agency intrigue has dissipated. Wide receiver Tee Higgins, quarterback Matthew Stafford and left tackle Ronnie Stanley are some of the top former, free-agents-to-be who are staying with their squads.

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That news may force teams to get a little bit more creative – and that should make free agency all the more intriguing in 2025.

USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest rumors, updates, news and more from the NFL’s legal tampering period, ahead of NFL free agency on Wednesday. All times are Eastern.

NFL free agency signings, news, rumors

Justin Fields waiting to speak to Jets before making decision

Date: March 10
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

Fields has reportedly been in discussions with the Steelers about re-joining the team in 2025, but the 26-year-old is waiting to see what the Jets offer him before making a decision.

New York’s offer can’t officially come until the legal tampering window opens at Noon ET on Monday, so that will likely leave Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation in flux until then.

Aaron Rodgers ’emerging as QB option’ for Steelers

Date: March 10
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Steelers have largely been connected to their free-agent starting quarterbacks from last year, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, ahead of free agency. However, Pittsburgh is “are expected to talk and explore a union” with Rodgers, who is one of the top quarterbacks available on the market.

Rodgers, 41, is coming off a down season but still completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the New York Jets. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers may view the veteran as the best candidate to get a lot out of their offense, which now features wide receiver DK Metcalf as one of its top receivers.

Patriots trade DT Davon Godchaux to Saints for 2026 draft pick

Date: March 10
Source: ESPN’s Adam Schefter

The Patriots gave Godchaux, a run-stuffing defensive tackle who spent four seasons with the team, permission to explore a trade this offseason. They found a willing partner in the Saints, who surrendered a 2026 seventh-round pick for the 30-year-old veteran.

Godchaux had 67 tackles in 2024. He hasn’t posted a sack since the 2022 NFL season.

Steelers acquire WR DK Metcalf in trade with Seahawks

Date: March 9
Source: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero

Metcalf demanded a trade away from the Seahawks the same day Seattle released veteran receiver Tyler Lockett. It didn’t take long for the Seahawks to find him a new home, as they shipped Metcalf to the Steelers for a second-round pick and a swap of sixth- and seventh-round selections.

Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million extension as part of the trade. The 27-year-old had 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games last season.

Josh Allen signs record-breaking $330 million deal with Bills

Date: March 9
Source: USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon

Allen won the NFL’s MVP award for 2024 after leading Buffalo to a 13-4 record and making it to the AFC championship game. The Bills handsomely rewarded him with a six-year contract extension that runs through the 2030 NFL season.

Allen’s new deal will be worth up to $330 million, giving the contract an average annual value of $55 million. The deal comes with a record-breaking $250 million in guarantees.

Rams sign Davante Adams to two-year contract

Date: March 9
Source: Los Angeles Rams

Adams wanted to head west after being released by the Jets. He got his wish, as he joined the Rams on what ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports is a two-year deal worth up to $46 million.

Adams had 85 catches for 1,063 yard sand eight touchdowns in 14 games split between the Raiders and Jets last season. The 32-year-old will be tasked with complimenting Puka Nacua as a No. 2 receiver and helping to replace Cooper Kupp, who is expected to be released or traded during the offseason.

NFL free agency: Best available players

Here are some of the best available players who will hit the market this week, per USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon:

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