The 2023 NFL free period brings with it a ton of rumors and news that will affect every team across the league. Some of the biggest stars we know can change teams via trade or free agency. That includes Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
We’ll be covering the latest NFL free agency rumors and news over the next few weeks. Bookmark this page as we add everything you need to know as news and rumors unfold as the legal tampering period ends and the new league year officially begins.
Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors and News
Aaron Rodgers clock may be running out
Because as talented as Rodgers is, part of the headache that comes with doing business with him is that he likes media attention. We are still waiting to find out where he will play in 2023, or if he will play at all. That looks set to come to an end on Wednesday as he joins The Pat McAfee Show at 1pm ET.
MORE: I covered LeBron James’ decision, and what Aaron Rodgers is doing is even worse
McAfee’s teaser image and announcement is wonderful publicity for his program. With the Jets already signing former Packers receiver Allen Lazard and linked to fellow teammates Marcedes Lewis and Randall Cobb, it seems a formality that Rodgers will choose the Jets. If he doesn’t, he’ll go down as a massive villain to unravel along the franchise.
Lamar Jackson becomes eligible to negotiate today
Jackson stirred the pot on Tuesday when he tweeted a reaction to a September report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Ravens had offered him $200 million guaranteed. He reacted to the side-glance reaction with saying“133/3 years fully guaranteed,” as if to say he’s negotiated well for himself, considering he doesn’t have an agent.
It’s debatable whether Jackson should bet on himself in free agency or whether he should take the $44.3 million guaranteed per season, but we’ll find out soon enough what will happen. Because Jackson does not have an agent and represents himself, he has not been able to establish contact with teams before the official start of the league year.
We’ve already seen a handful of teams bow out of the competition, likely deterred by the fact that Baltimore can hold their offer for five days and tie up cap space, only to match their offer and keep Jackson in the end.
Otherwise, it’s an absurd idea that Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Miami and Las Vegas wouldn’t be interested in trading just two first-round picks for the star. But the limitations of the non-exclusive franchise tag are somewhat punishing for the player. Jackson has to hope Tennessee or Detroit get involved, or the Ravens will have massive leverage in negotiations.
DeAndre Hopkins hears the trade rumors
The Cardinals are in a tough spot. They have a terrible roster that needs to be overhauled with more talent in the trenches, but a quarterback in Kyler Murray who is on a massive contract. Trying to balance winning when Murray returns from a torn ACL and building a deeper roster will be difficult.
MORE: 2023 NFL Free Agency Tracker
The best asset the Cardinals could trade this offseason is Hopkins. The star wide receiver turns 31 this year and has a whopping $30 million cap hit in 2023. He told Pat McAfee Show that he’s “heard a lot of business talks,” but all he can do is keep his head down and work.
The Cardinals are looking for a second-round pick and a player or another pick, per Mike Jurecki from the Arizona Football Daily Podcast. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Hopkins is flexible when it comes to the final two years of his deal, which likely means he will extend his contract to help cut down on the hits.
