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Starting at 4 pm on Tuesday, teams will be allowed to contact the players directly for the first time and schedule visits to team facilities. With a flourish of activity leading up to the start of the new league year, things are sure to heat up once free agency actually gets underway.
Follow along throughout the madness, as we'll be tracking everything that's happening around the league so that way you have it all in once place. It dates back to all the rumors that started over the weekend. So sit back, read and take a stroll down memory lane. Or, just keep refreshing for the latest news and rumors.
It'll be broken down in to signings/trades and rumors. Keep checking back for the latest!
Signings/Trades
Tuesday
7:28
DL Chris Canty, formerly of the New York Giants, joins Baltimore. Canty tweeted a picture of his signature on his new Ravens contract. Albert Breer reports that Canty's deal is 3 years, $8 million.
7:22
Albert Breer
Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod has agreed to a reported 5-year deal with the Chicago Bears.
7:15
Tight end Jared Cook comes to terms with the Rams on a reported 5-year deal (via Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com). Cook had also been linked to the Dolphins, but it appears his former head coach in Tennessee, Jeff Fisher, now in St. Louis, has won out.
5:45
Aaron Wilson
Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe reaches agreement in principle with Miami Dolphins, per a league source with knowledge of deal
5:29
Albert Breer
The Colts and free-agent OT Gosder Cherilus have come to terms on a five-year deal.
5:09
Robert Gathers signs a 3-year, $9.45 with the Cincinnati Bengals
5:06
Chiefs signing quarterback Chase Daniel, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter tweeting: "Chiefs reached agreement in principle on three-year deal with former Saints QB Chase Daniel"
4:30
The Cleveland Browns signing linebacker Paul Kruger to a 5-year contract
4:25
Mike Wallace agrees to a 5-year deal with the Dolphins
4:09 pm: Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs have signed free agent Anthony Fasano.
4:05 pm: Martellus Bennett is the first to officially go to a new team. The former Giants tight end will be heading to the Windy City.
I'm proud to say I'll be joining my other brother @bmarshall next season. #BEARDOWN
— Martellus Bennett (@JoeGryffindor) March 12, 2013
3:58 pm: Tom Pelissero of ESPN1500 reports that the Minnesota Vikings have re-signed offensive tackle Phil Loadholt to a multi-year deal.
3:35 pm: According to Geoff Hobson, the Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed defensive end Robert Geathers.
3:35 pm: The New York Giants add a cornerback to their roster. USA Today's Mike Garafolo reports that the Giants will sign cornerback Aaron Ross. Spending last year with Jacksonville, Ross was originally drafted by the G-Men.
3:17 pm: The St. Louis Rams come to an agreement with one of their own with under an hour to go. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams have agreed to terms with defensive end William Hayes.
2:18 pm: The Pittsburgh Steelers have come to terms on a new contract with linebacker Larry Foote. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that it's a multi-year deal.
2:13 pm: The Dallas Cowboys have locked in a big defensive piece. Pass-rusher Anthony Spencer has signed his one-year franchise tag, the Cowboys announced on Tuesday afternoon.
1:51 pm: Perhaps a bit of a bizarre signing a couple of hours before free agency starts:
Steelers will re-sign WR Plaxico Burress, per league source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 12, 2013
1:37 pm: After it looked like he was going to retire, tight end Tony Gonzalez is doing one more year. Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that Gonzalez informed Atlanta that he is returning for 2013, and the two sides are closing in on a contract.
1:02 pm: The Baltimore Ravens have signed a safety. No, not Ed Reed. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens have inked safety James Ihedigbo to a one-year deal.
10:13 am: The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they've tendered offers to three restricted free agents. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, running back Isaac Redman and defensive tackle Steve McLendon all will be restricted come 4 pm. Sanders' tender is of the original round variety, which means a team that signs him away on an offer sheet would have to provide a third round pick as compensation (because Sanders was a third round pick).
Monday
11:01 pm: With Rashard Mendenhall likely out the door, one Pittsburgh running back couldn't wait to sign back up with the Steelers. Restricted free agent Jonathan Dwyer has signed his sixth-round tender according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He'll be making $1.323 million in 2013.
9:31 pm: The Arizona Cardinals are keeping a safety around. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Cardinals have signed safety Rashad Johnson to a three-year deal.
5:31 pm: And then the New York Jets signed a quarterback:
Just made it official!! I am a New York Jet!!!!!
— David Garrard (@davidgarrard9) March 11, 2013
4:18 pm: What a slow news day. How about another wide receiver trade in the NFL? This time, Baltimore sends wide receiver Anquan Boldin to San Francisco in return for a sixth round draft pick. Boldin has one year left on his current contract and is owed $6 million in base salary.
2:15 pm: One guard is off the potential free agent market. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a three-year deal with guard Ramon Foster.
2:01 pm: It's not a signing, but Percy Harvin being traded is humongous news. According to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, Harvin has been dealt by the Minnesota Vikings to Seattle for this year's first and seventh round picks, and a mid-round selection in 2014. The Seahawks would have heavily considered adding a wide receiver with their 25th overall pick anyway, so adding a talent like Harvin seems like a big win for a team on the rise.
1:45 pm: The San Francisco 49ers are keeping defensive lineman Ian Williams around for the next two seasons. ProFootballTalk.com reports the two sides have entered a two-year deal worth $3.2 million.
11:48 am: The Denver Broncos have announced that they've come to terms on a three-year deal with defensive back David Bruton.
Sunday
9:07 pm: A few hours later, the Cincinnati Bengals are keeping another one of their own. According to ProFootballTalk.com, they've re-signed defensive end Wallace Gilberry to a three-year deal worth $6.75 million total.
7:12 pm: After being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has found a new home -- and it's close by. This according to Kim Jones of NFL Network:
NYG have signed DT Cullen Jenkins to a three-year deal for $8 million, $3 million guaranteed. Nice pickup.
— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) March 10, 2013
1:30 pm: The Cincinnati Bengals will be keeping their kicker. According to the team's official website, the Bengals have come to terms on an agreement with Mike Nugent. It's a four-year deal.
11:43 am: Multiple outlets report that the Washington Redskins have signed another of their own. This time they come to terms with linebacker Rob Jackson.
Saturday
10:12 pm: The second Washington Redskins re-signing has already taken place. Offensive lineman Kory Lichtenstieger announced on Twitter that he has re-signed with Washington.
6:40 pm: According to Conor Orr at the Star-Ledger, the New York Jets have re-signed linebacker Josh Mauga to a one-year deal.
2:42 pm: The Washington Redskins make their second signing of the day. This time it's a 3-year deal for restricted free agent fullback Darrel Young. Mike Jones of the Washington Post had the scoop:
FB Darrel young re-signing to three year deal worth $6.2 million including incentives source says. #redskins
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) March 9, 2013
12:20 pm: The New Orleans Saints announced that they've signed restricted free agent linebacker Junior Gallette to a three-year contract. He played as a defensive end in the 4-3, and will switch to outside linebacker as New Orleans transitions to the 3-4.
11:40 am: Leodis McKelvin will be sticking around Buffalo for a little while according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com. Read about his four-year deal here. UPDATE: The Bills have confirmed the signing.
11:24 am: According to Joel Corry of NationalFootballPost.com, the Washington Redskins have agreed to a three-year contract with tight end Logan Paulsen. It's worth a maximum of $7 million, and carries a $1.1 million signing bonus.
10:28 am: Multiple outlets are reporting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have come to a one-year agreement with running back LeGarrette Blount. The contract is not guaranteed, and is worth a total of $1.75 million. Blount lost his starting job to rookie Doug Martin last year.
9:36 am: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Atlanta Falcons have come to a five-year agreement with safety William Moore. The Falcons just cleared up some cap space by releasing both Dunta Robinson and John Abraham. Terms of the deal have yet to be leaked. It should be interesting to see the numbers, while keeping Buffalo's Jairus Byrd in mind.
Friday
11:21 pm: According to Albert Breer of NFL.com, the Kansas City Chiefs have come to a three-year agreement with free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson. Recently purged from the Atlanta Falcons roster, Robinson signs on to be the likely nickel cornerback in Breer's estimation.
Reports/Rumors
Tuesday
7:34
Multiple reports state the Miami Dolphins have released LB Karlos Dansby, who posted a team-high 134 tackles in 2012.
4:08 pm: The latest on Mike Wallace, who could be taking his talents to southern Florida.
Dolphins and Mike Wallace are negotiating a five-year deal that one source familiar with the talks said is "very, very likely" to get done
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013
3:36 pm: Nnamdi Asomugha will be moving on. The Philadelphia Eagles have released the cornerback according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
3:32 pm: The trade rumors revolving Darrelle Revis are heating up. According to Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com, the New York Jets would like to make a deal as soon as possible, and he lists the Buccaneers and Eagles as two of the potential suitors.
2:29 pm: Add another cornerback to the free agent market. Tom Pelissero from ESPN1500 in Minneapolis:
BREAKING: #Vikings just released Antoine Winfield.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2013
1:55 pm: The Houston Texans will be in the market for a new number-two receiver. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans have released wideout Kevin Walter.
11:35 am: According to ProFootballTalk.com, San Diego is parting ways with tight end Randy McMichael. The tight end will be 34 before the season starts.
11:00 am: The defensive purge in New York continues. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets are releasing nose tackle Sione Pouha today.
10:57 am: Another linebacker was given his walking papers on Tuesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that James Anderson has been released by Carolina.
10:32 am: The Chicago Bears need help along their offensive line, and according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, they've got one name in mind. According to the report, the Bears are "hot on (Phil) Loadholt," the Vikings' starting right tackle and impending unrestricted free agent.
10:03 am: One thing is for certain, the Cleveland Browns are looking to spend some dough. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun:
Sources say Browns are closing in on their target: Ravens pass rushing outside linebacker Paul Kruger. Nothing official yet of course
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 12, 2013
9:05 am: Perhaps Revis Island is moving:
Sources: Jets are poised to trade Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis in the coming days. Story: nydn.us/ZwGjfQ #nyj
— Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) March 12, 2013
8:22 am: The Green Bay Packers won't be letting one of their better young defensive backs get away for a low cost. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Packers have assigned a second-round tender to restricted free agent cornerback Sam Shields.
7:55 am: It's an end of a long, productive career for one offensive lineman. Former Seahawks, Vikings and Titans guard Steve Hutchinson will be leaving his playing days behind him.
Retiring today after a great run in the NFL. Want to thank the @seahawks, @vikings, @tennesseetitans and their fans for the opportunity.
— Steve Hutchinson (@poisonpill76) March 12, 2013
Monday
10:20 pm: One target Bills fans might be hoping for is New York Jets safety LaRon Landry. According to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, there is plenty of interest in Landry, and that the Eagles are one of the teams said to be looking at adding his services.
10:15 pm: San Francisco safety Dashon Goldson will be a hot commodity at the start of free agency. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that four teams are interested in Goldson at this point: Philadelphia, Detroit, Tampa Bay and San Francisco. Schefter points out, however, that Detroit and Tampa Bay are the current favorites.
9:20 pm: And another tender for the Baltimore Ravens. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens have assigned another second-round tender to a restricted free agent, this time to defensive lineman Arthur Jones.
8:46 pm: The Patriots want to wrap up a deal for cornerback Aqib Talib soon, but the player might just want to wait until the opening of free agency if this next report comes to fruition. According to Mike Garafolo of USA Today, the Washington Redskins have "set their sights" on Talib and will look to sign him when free agency opens. The link here? The Redskins GM, Bruce Allen, drafted Talib in Tampa Bay.
7:36 pm: After trading away one of Joe Flacco's receiving options on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens are making it so teams aren't enticed to take away another one. According to multiple reports, the Ravens have placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent and tight end Dennis Pitta.
5:17 pm: The Denver Broncos released a pair of players. One name that may interest Bills fans is linebacker D.J. Williams. He was released along with quarterback Caleb Hanie. Both cuts were announced by the team.
4:06 pm: Creating some more cap room for themselves, the Arizona Cardinals are moving on from a former first round pick. The team announced that they've released running back Beanie Wells. They've also released running back Fozzy Whitaker.
3:46 pm: According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, the Titans have place a second-round tender on starting center Fernando Velasco.
2:30 pm: Adding a couple more layers to the Victor Cruz situation. The team announced on Monday that they're giving Cruz a first-round tender as a restricted free agent. According to Mike Garafolo of USA Today, Cruz is now changing agents. Garafolo reports that Cruz will now be represented by one of the big guns in the agency business, Tom Condon.
2:29 pm: Wes Welker has meant a lot to New England over the years, and if owner Robert Kraft gets his way, the wide receiver won't be going anywhere. Welker is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but Kraft told ESPN's Darren Rovell that he wants Welker to remain a "Patriot for life." Although technically Welker started his career with the Dolphins, it's still a sentiment from a boss that any employee would love to hear.
1:53 pm: Another linebacker will be available in free agency, and this one has experience in a 3-4. The Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with linebacker Dan Connor.
1:46 pm: According to Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, multiple sources tell him that the Patriots would like to wrap up a deal to secure cornerback Aqib Talib soon. New England acquired Talib last season from Tampa Bay.
1:31 pm: The Dolphins may have some competition for wide receiver Mike Walleace. Jeff Darlington of NFL.com:
Dolphins source told me last week they expected Vikings to be among big potential competitors for Wallace. Open up that wallet, Steve Ross.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 11, 2013
1:15 pm: The DeAngelo Hall era in Washington is seemingly over. Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports that the Redskins have released the veteran cornerback.
12:47 pm: Not much more that I can write that this tweet doesn't say already. ESPN's Adam Schefter:
Vikings trying to trade WR Percy Harvin and are in discussions with Seahawks, amongst other teams, per team sources. Seahawks favored.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2013
11:39 am: It seems as though rather than playing for another team, former Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble is going to retire. Gamble's agent informed ESPN's Josina Anderson of the decision. Gamble was just released by the Panthers within the past week.
10:39 am: Mike Wallace in the AFC East? It's starting to look that way. ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that the league expectation is for the wide receiver to land in Miami. Now Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports a trusted source tells him Wallace-to-Miami is a "done deal." Volin also adds Miami has expressed interest in free agent right tackle Eric Winston. Winston played his college football at the Univestiy of Miami (FL).
9:32 am: The Bills will have some fierce competition for Andy Levitre. According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, the Titans are expected to "go out hard" after Levitre when the market first opens Tuesday at 4 pm.
9:09 am: Don't tell the Miami Dolphins what they can and can't do. Already rumored to be the favorites for wide receiver Mike Wallace and showing interest in tight end Jared Cook, Adam Beasley of The Miami Herald reports that Miami is also taking a good, hard look at St. Louis wide receiver Brandon Gibson. According to the report, the two sides have had contact in the three-day window leading up to the start of free agency.
Sunday
10:48 pm: Another veteran safety will likely be on the market. ESPN's Adam Schefter the St. Louis Rams are planning to release safety Quintin Mikell on Monday.
10:45 pm: Chip Kelly might be looking for a slot receiver to complement DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Likely to move on from St. Louis, the Philadelphia Eagles are showing interest in wide receiver Danny Amendola according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com.
8:30 pm: Thought of as the favorites to land Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace, the Miami Dolphins are after another pass catcher. Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel reports that Tennessee tight end Jared Cook is high up on the list of players the team is interested in.
5:10 pm: The term 'bidding war' usually ends up in one team overpaying for a player's services, but that seems to be what we have on our hands regarding former Ravens pass-rusher Paul Kruger. Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reports that a bidding war is expected between the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts over Kruger.
3:31 pm: After falling out of favor in Pittsburgh, running back Rashard Mendenhall is about to hit the open market. According to Mike Klis of The Denver Post, John Elway's Broncos are very much interested in the former first-round pick's services.
2:41 pm: The New York Jets will be looking to go younger with their pass rushers, and according to Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News, it could be one player raised by Rex Ryan's brother in Dallas. The report says the Jets are targeting outside linebacker Victor Butler of the Dallas Cowboys when free agency opens Tuesday at 4 pm.
2:31 pm: Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks is a player that has been a solid rotational piece to the Titans' defensive line over the past four years. Now, he's getting some love from other teams. This coming from Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean:
Five teams have already expressed an interest in #Titans DT Sen'Derrick Marks
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 10, 2013
1:14 pm: The Anquan Boldin saga continues. Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens have requested Boldin to take a $2 million pay cut to remain with the Ravens. He's set to make a base salary of $6 million in his final contracted year.
Saturday
6:35 pm: According to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com, there is a leader in the Mike Wallace race. Both money and the warm weather of Miami have Wallace reportedly looking at the Dolphins as the top choice.
5:48 pm: Already rumored to be in on the Sean Smith race, the New England Patriots are showing interest in two more cornerbacks. Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots are interested in both Chris Gamble (Panthers) and Derek Cox (Jaguars).
5:47 pm: Although the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions weren't among the trio of teams that reportedly lead the pack for cornerback Sean Smith's services, they're both after San Diego cornerback Antoine Cason. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that both teams have spoken with Cason's representatives, and that the Chargers are also in the mix.
5:39 pm: The Baltimore Ravens want to keep Dannell Ellerbe, and Ellerbe has said he wants to stay. However, will they get to the right price to strike an agreement? According to Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are prepared to offer Ellerbe $5 million per season, but that the speculation is Ellerbe wants $6 million.
5:20 pm: More on Levitre, this time from Yahoo! Sports reporter Jason Cole:
Great game of musical chairs going on as Tenn,Indy & Bills chase top Gs Andy Levitre, Louis Vasquez. SD chance of keeping Vasquez is slim
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeYahoo) March 9, 2013
4:42 pm: We've got our first bit of news on Andy Levitre. According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, the Titans are in "the mix of teams" that are interested in the Bills left guard.
3:38 pm: Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports says that as of this moment, the leaders for Miami cornerback Sean Smith appear to be Tampa Bay, New England and Arizona. Cole describes the situation as fluid, however. Smith could end up being the highest paid cornerback that signs during free agency.
1:59 pm: Updating a previous item, it looks like Anquan Boldin is preparing to leave Baltimore. According to Jarrett Bell of USA Today, Boldin has rejected the notion of restructuring his deal. Earlier today, a report came out that the Ravens would cut the wide receiver if he does not accept a reduced contract.
12:22 pm: Add yet another wide receiver to the free agency market. Kent Somers of azcentral sports reports that the Arizona Cardinals are releasing wideout Early Doucet. The move will save Arizona $1.7 million on the cap this year.
11:52 am: It looks as though the Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on from outside linebacker James Harrison. The once feared pass-rusher tweeted out the following:
It's been a great run but all good things must come to a end. Thank you Steelers Nation I will miss you all!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) March 9, 2013
10:49 am: One high-ticket player could end up being defensive end Cliff Avril, and already in the three-day window some teams are showing interest. Lions reporter Anwar Richardson of MLive.com reports that already at least four teams are interested in Avril's services. Richardson adds that it's unclear if Detroit is one of those teams.
9:51 am: Recently released defensive end John Abraham is making his rounds in the NFC West. The former Falcons pass rusher first visited with Seattle, and now according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he's meeting with the San Francisco 49ers this morning.
9:47 am: Wide receivers are just dominating the rumors early on in the free agency legal tampering window. This time it has to do with San Diego Chargers WR Danario Alexander, who is set to become a restricted free agent. In 10 games, Alexander started six contests and racked up 37 catches, 658 yards and seven touchdowns, including a pair of 100-plus yard performances.
This is surprising: Chargers are planning on using the low RFA tender on WR Danario Alexander, per source.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2013
9:40 am: Although it was previously reported that the Kansas City Chiefs were interested in the services of impending UFA CB Sean Smith (Miami), ProFootballTalk.com is now reporting that the signing of Dunta Robinson means the Chiefs are no longer interested. Mike Florio added that Robinson is "believed to be getting starter money" from Kansas City.
8:38 am: One of the top players from the Baltimore Ravens' run to the Super Bowl could be playing elsewhere in 2013. Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the Ravens want wide receiver Anquan Boldin to restructure his contract in order to stay in Baltimore, and that if he doesn't he'll likely be released before March 12. There doesn't seem to be too much optimism, either. This next comes from Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun:
8:38 am: One of the top players from the Baltimore Ravens' run to the Super Bowl could be playing elsewhere in 2013. Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the Ravens want wide receiver Anquan Boldin to restructure his contract in order to stay in Baltimore, and that if he doesn't he'll likely be released before March 12. There doesn't seem to be too much optimism, either. This next comes from Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun:
One source on Boldin: 'Unless something dramatic happens, it's an absolute done deal that Anquan will be released.' We'll see. Still time
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 9, 2013
1:40 am: Teams in search of a big-time wide receiver through free agency will likely have Mike Wallace on the short list. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, at least one AFC East team is interested:
Take this for what it is worth (I see it as solid). Agent just told me he hears Patriots have some interest in Mike Wallace.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 9, 2013
Friday
4:18 pm: Unable to come to a deal with the New York Giants, it seems as though wide receiver Victor Cruz is going to be a hot commodity on March 12 even though he's a restricted free agent. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that there is major interest in Cruz that has "plenty of teams just waiting for their opening." The report says the Giants are expected to give him a first-round tender, which would mean a team signing Cruz to an offer sheet would have to give up that compensation if the Giants choose not to match.