In a surprise twist, Kendricks is reportedly expected to sign with the Cowboys after it was previously reported he would sign with the 49ers. Mike Zimmer, Kendricks’ former coach on the Vikings, wanted Kendricks for his defense in Dallas. Now the Cowboys are on the board in free agency, signing the former Chargers starter and defensive captain. Kendricks’ decision gives Dallas a starter and leaves the 49ers without a key linebacker signing.

The Cardinals are expected to sign Williams just after releasing LT D.J. Humphries. Williams is a former first-round pick of the Bengals, starting in every game he played for the team. He switched from left tackle to right tackle before the 2023 season, but will presumably switch back to left for the Cardinals, who have 2023 first-rounder Paris Johnson at right tackle. It’s a two-year deal for Williams at a value of $30 million, with $19 million guaranteed.

The Colts were in need of a viable backup quarterback following the departure of Gardner Minshew, landing on the veteran Joe Flacco. $4.5 million of the $8.7 million contract is guaranteed. Flacco could be charged with a starting role early in the season pending the rehab of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, but it is likely we see Flacco in a backup role for most of the season. Even so, recent history has proven the need for a proficient backup quarterback at the NFL level and Flacco also brings the veteran presence to aid in the development of Richardson along the way.

Crowder was highly productive as a slot wide receiver over the first seven years of his career before injury-riddled seasons in 2021 and 2022 derailed his momentum. He signed with the Commanders prior to the 2023 season but played more than 60 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in just two of the final 10 healthy games. It appears as if Dyami Brown has not done enough to unseat the veteran, meaning we should expect Crowder to begin the 2024 season as the starting slot wide receiver for the Commanders.

The mega-deal includes $50 million guaranteed and places Ridley in the top 10 for highest AAV at the position. The signing would theoretically allow more slot snaps for DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks considering all three receivers possess the ability to work as “big slot” receivers over the middle of the field and also adds yet another pass-catching weapon for second-year quarterback Will Levis after the team signed running back Tony Pollard earlier in the week. General Manager Ran Carthon has wasted no time in his complete overhaul of the offense after taking over the title prior to the 2023 season. New head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz have numerous new pieces to scheme touches to heading into their first season with the team.

“Ridley hasn’t yet made his decision, nor have the Jags or Pats been ruled out,” Howe reports. “All parties awaiting word.” There has been random Twitter chatter that the cap-rich Titans could be entering the mix, but there have been zero official reports to that effect. The official start of the new league year came and out without anything substantive. Ridley’s gridlock at the top of the market is holding up the rest of the receiver board.

Rypien joins Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent on the active roster for the coming 2024 season. While the signing itself is not overly exciting, the fact that the team brought in a third quarterback before any movement or news surrounding the status of Justin Fields is intriguing. This does not mean Fields is likely on the move but it does raise collective eyebrows as to what General Manager Ryan Poles is likely to do with the enigmatic signal caller.

We knew Thomas was expected to be released, but we didn’t know the complex structure of his contract made it a formality without the Saints needing to take formal action. Now 31 with just 20 appearances and 95 catches since rewriting the NFL record book in 2019, Thomas is the definition of “shell of his former self” after a series of lower-body, orthopedic injuries. It is one of the great shames of recent NFL history. Thomas’ pedigree will probably draw some rehabilitation interest on the open market, but it’s difficult to believe he can get back to an above-average level.

Mack entered the offseason with a staggering $38.5 million cap hit for the 2024 season. With Schefter noting that Mack agreed to the restructure, it’s safe to assume he took some sort of pay cut to remain in LA. The Chargers were already cap compliant after cutting Mike Williams and this move now gives them more wiggle room in free agency. It will also clear up space to allow them to sign their incoming rookie class. With Mack in town for another year, the Chargers could look to trade Joey Bosa. The star EDGE is a terror to opposing quarterbacks when healthy but has appeared in just 14 games over the past two seasons. Mack posted one of the best years of his career in 2023, amassing 17 sacks and 21 TFLs while playing in all 17 games.

The Chargers signed Williams to a three-year, $60 million contract after the 2021 season. He was coming off a career year with 76 grabs, 1,146 yards, and nine scores. He failed to top 900 yards in 13 games in 2022 and suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 last year, ending his season. Now, with the Chargers dangerously over the cap as the deadline to become compliant approaches, it was simply untenable to keep Williams on the books this year. The veteran receiver will have a market in a free agent class desperate for wide receiver talent, but his recovery from the knee injury will ultimately determine how much interest other teams have.