2017 NFL Free Agency Rumors Tracker: Legal Tampering Period Begins

On Tuesday, March 7, the NFL’s legal tampering period begins and teams can start to negotiate. Let the 2017 NFL free agency rumors fly.

After over a month has passed since Super Bowl LI, the new league year is set to begin on Thursday afternoon. With that comes the start of 2017 free agency. But even before then, we’re going to be blessed with a plethora of NFL free agency rumors. Those have been around, but they’ll really start flying on Tuesday as the “legal tampering” period gets underway.

Starting at noon ET on Tuesday, teams can officially start negotiating with players and free agents. What’s more, teams will also start making their last-second cuts from the roster to clear all of the cap space possible to start free agency.

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There are plenty of intriguing storylines to follow in NFL free agency, some of them not even involving players who are free agents just yet. Looking at you, Tony Romo. However, what’s clear is that there is an abundance of talent that can be added this offseason and teams in every situation will thus look to take advantage of that.

With that in mind, keep up with everything major that comes across the wire on Tuesday, March 7 in terms of NFL free agency rumors as the “legal tampering” period begins (Note: Rumors are in reverse chronological order upon updates):

Romo Gone Mile High (Update: Nope)

Though not an “NFL Insider,” Jonah Keri of CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated is reporting that Tony Romo landed in Denver on Thursday night and is meeting with the Denver Broncos:

UPDATE: Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan says that Keri’s report is inaccurate, that Romo was in Dallas 

Chandler Jones Getting Locked Up Long-Term

Chandler Jones was franchise tagged by the Arizona Cardinals last week, but the edge rusher is reportedly working on a long-term contract to “replace the franchise tag” and stay in the desert, per Jason Cole of Bleacher Report:

More on Adrian Peterson Front

Charles Robinson of Yahoo! reports the same as earlier with the Raiders and Seahawks being the preferred destination of Adrian Peterson—in the order. He also adds that the Patriots are in third behind those two and that a deal with Oakland, if it were to happen, would “be done quickly:”

Kenny Britt Going to Philly (And Happy About It)

Take this when with a whole shaker of salt, but there are reports (via Smitty of Barstool Sports) that Kenny Britt is in Atlantic City partying and telling everyone he’s going to be with the Eagles. Given the nature of this, believe with caution:

Colts Re-Sign Big TE, Crush Hopes

Scheduled to be one of the best tight ends available, the Indianapolis Colts reportedly agreed to terms to re-sign Jack Doyle, per Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star:

Patriots and Cowboys In Play for Jackson?

The Washington Post is reporting that, along with the Buccaneers and Eagles, the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys are two other teams interested in free agent speedster and veteran wideout DeSean Jackson.

Cleveland Going In On Free Agency?

ESPN’s Tony Grossi is reporting that the Browns are going to be “aggressive” on the free agent market with more cap space than any other team:

More Chatter of Cousins to the 49ers

Though it’s not one of the “big” sources for NFL information, Chad Ryan of Redskins Capital Connection is reporting that Kirk Cousins going the San Francisco 49ers is almost certain to happen. Ryan even puts a “90 percent likely, minimum” stamp on the report:

Bouye Staying In the Division?

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that free agent cornerback A.J. Bouye is likely going to stay in the division, either re-signing with Texans or landing with Jaguars, Titans or Colts:

Bears Still In Lead for Gilmore, Could Get Deal Done Quickly

As reported early in the day, ESPN’s Josina Anderson confirms that the Bears are still the leaders in the race to sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore. What’s more, she notes that the former Buffalo Bill “wants to sign early:”

Panthers Bring Back Another Veteran, This One on Defense

The Carolina Panthers seemingly value keeping their defensive front in tact. They announced via the team’s official Twitter account that they’d re-signed veteran defensive end Charles Johnson to a two-year deal:

Adrian Peterson’s Possible Destinations Narrowed Down?

One of the most intriguing free agency dominoes left to fall is, of course, future Hall-of-Fame running back Adrian Peterson. According the Stacey Dales of NFL Network and CBS Sports, he would prefer to land with either the Oakland Raiders or Seattle Seahawks:

Dont’a Hightower Returning to Patriots?

Arguably the best free agent on the market, Dont’a Hightower reportedly met with Bill Belichick and the Patriots and, though he’s going to test the market in free agency, a return to the Super Bowl Champions is in play:

Panthers Re-Sign Veteran Back

The Carolina Panthers have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with veteran running back Fozzy Whittaker:

Trumaine Johnson Heading to Cleveland?

With earlier reports that the Rams are discussing trades involving the tagged cornerback Trumaine Johnson, Ian Rapaport says that the Cleveland Browns are a team to “keep an eye on” in regards to possible landing spots:

Eagles Want a Top-End Corner?

According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the Eagles have at least inquired about free agent cornerback A.J. Bouye, considered to be one of the biggest names on the open market.

Cards Take Care of Their Own

The Cardinals didn’t go shopping for a new tight end, instead agreeing to re-sign Jermaine Gresham to a four-year deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Trumaine Johnson Getting Traded from La La Land?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Los Angeles Rams are in talks around the league about trading cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who they franchise tagged one week ago:

Pats Asking for King’s Ransom in Jimmy G Trade

NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo (via CBS Sports’ Will Brinson) is reporting that the New England Patriots asking price in a Jimmy Garoppolo trade is a first-rounder in 2017 and 2018:

‘Golden Gate’ Kirk Cousins?

Mike Silver hit NFL Network with the biggest bombshell rumor of first day in tampering, saying that “if he had to guess,” the San Francisco 49ers have a better than 50 percent chance of landing Kirk Cousins from the Washington Redskins. Additionally, CSN Bay Area adds that the Niners are not interested in Mike Glennon:

The Bears Seriously Have Interest In Everyone

Reports indicate that the Bears also have interest in budget free-agent wideout Andre Holmes. The 49ers and Lions are also likely to pursue, as are the Raiders in an attempt to re-sign him:

LeGarrette Blount Gone From New England?

Mike Garafolo reported on NFL Network’s Free Agency Frenzy (per Rotoworld) that the Patriots are likely to part ways with veteran running back LeGarrette Blount.

Buccaneers Going After D-Jax

Like many expected, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make a “strong” push to sign wide receiver DeSean Jackson:

Should We Just Assume That the Bears Want Everyone?

Add another name to the Bears rapidly growing wishlist, one of the best offensive linemen on the market in right tackle Ricky Wagner:

D.J. Fluker In High Demand

Following his release from the Chargers, numerous teams are expected to pursue the versatile tackle/guard:

Cowboys Expect Williams Gone, Will Target Britt

Terrance Williams is reportedly expected to walk from the Dallas Cowboys and they could be one of the teams vying for Kenny Britt:

Another Bears Rumor

You’ll be hearing a lot about Chicago it seems, as they are also reportedly intrigued by D.J. Swearinger:

Bears Swinging Big, Going After a Top Corner

The Bears, already connected with several other free agents, are reportedly an increasingly likely candidate to make a push for Stephon Gilmore to address secondary:

Denver Looking At Danny Woodhead

Coming off of his torn ACL in the 2016 season, Danny Woodhead is reported to have a nice market that includes the Denver Broncos:

Chargers Cutting Everyone

The Los Angeles Chargers went on a cut spree on Tuesday morning, releasing wide receiver Stevie Johnson, offensive tackle D.J. Fluker and cornerback Brandon Flowers.

Buccaneers Bringing Back Running Back

The Buccaneers, in need of ball-carrier with Doug Martin’s future uncertain, will reportedly re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers:

Bears Favorites for Available QB?

With Jay Cutler on his way out, the Chicago Bears may have their quarterback for the future as they’re considered the “preferred” landing spot for former Bucs backup Mike Glennon:

Buccaneers, Jaguars Targeting Top Defensive Line Options

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly going heavy after former Washington Redskins defensive lineman Chris Baker. Meanwhile, the always-ready-to-spend Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to make a run at Calais Campbell:

Bears Looking for a Home Run Wide Receiver?

Cordarrelle Patterson has been disappointing with the Minnesota Vikings, but the Chicago Bears could look to sign the speedster and return man:

Next: Predictions for Top 50 Players in NFL Free Agency

Especially this early in the process, it’s always important to remember that these are just NFL free agency rumors and nothing is certain until ink is on the paper. With that said, things start to take shape quickly in this league and Tuesday is the beginning of that.