The 2023 NFL free agency period will bring a ton of rumors and news that will affect every team across the league. Some of the biggest stars we know could change teams via trade or free agency. That includes Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
We’re covering the latest NFL free agency rumors and news throughout the next few weeks. Bookmark this page, as we’ll be adding everything you need to know as news and rumors unfold.
Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors and News
Tyron Smith Is Back In Dallas
It appears that speculation the Cowboys could split with franchise left tackle Tyron Smith after 12 seasons to help alleviate cap concerns was unfounded. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Smith will be back for 2023 on a reworked contract. Smith, 32, missed 14 games in 2020 and 13 games in 2022 due to neck and ankle injuries.
It’s hard to balance the upside of someone like Smith, who has earned two All-Pro nods in his career, with their durability. Dallas needs to protect themselves in case Smith again misses the majority of the season by beefing up their offensive line depth this offseason.
Cardinals Release WR Chosen Anderson
The Cardinals opened $12 million in cap space by releasing wide receiver Chosen Anderson on Wednesday. The man once known as “Robby” and then “Robbie” was acquired from the Panthers in mid-October as Carolina began their teardown in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick. He caught only seven passes for 76 yards with Arizona.
Anderson has faded over the last three years despite being a good player in his first five seasons. He could be a nice veteran flier pickup for 2023 on a low-risk deal.
Lamar Jackson’s List Of Suitors Shrinks
Common sense said the availability of an MVP-winning quarterback who is 26 years old would create a massive market of interest for the star but that’s not been the case since the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson. Rival teams can negotiate with Jackson once free agency starts next week. If they come to terms on a deal, the Ravens can either match the contract to retain Jackson, or decline to match it, lose Jackson, but receive two first-round picks from his new team.
But instead of a flush array of teams gearing up to land Jackson, we instead saw reports from around the NFL that five teams aren’t expected to get involved. That list included the Panthers, Dolphins, Falcons, Raiders, and Commanders. The Falcons and Raiders are particularly interesting on that list considering their dire need at the position.
Cardinals Ready To Trade DeAndre Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals “have parameters” in place to trade star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as the team looks to shed salary commitments in 2023, per Mike Jurecki of the Arizona Daily Podcast. His report states a second-round pick and a conditional pick or a player are the expected return after the start of free agency.
Hopkins, who turns 31 this offseason, caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. It’s likely that he’ll get a new contract upon a trade considering his cap number this season is $30.75 million and $26.2 million in 2024.
Baker Mayfield Could Be Backup In 2023
The former Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Rams quarterback has seen his stock dip tremendously over the last 18 months. However, the former No. 1 overall pick still has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career in some form. Mayfield’s short five-game stint with the Rams might’ve given hope that he can be more than a backup soon.
According to The Score’s Jordan Schultz, the Rams want to keep Mayfield as a backup, but they’re expected to “have competition” from the 49ers and Buccaneers. All three run friendly West Coast schemes that can get the most out of Mayfield, as Kevin Stefanski did as the head coach in Cleveland. Tampa Bay, however, has the best situation for Mayfield to start, considering Kyle Trask is the only quarterback on their roster under contract.
Jalen Ramsey’s Trade Rumors Heat Up
The Rams are wisely looking to break up as much of their salary commitments to aging players as they can. That includes Ramsey, who, despite earning a Pro Bowl last year, wasn’t overly effective in coverage. His best value is as someone who forces turnovers and tenaciously defends the run.
MORE: Jalen Ramsey Landing Spots
The 28-year-old ranked 82nd in target separation, 93rd in receptions, 91st in yards, and 78th in passer rating allowed. Despite this, LA wants to cash in on his big-name status, deciding that if they do trade him, it’ll “likely take a first-round pick or a package with a second-round pick and more,” per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop.
He’d certainly have suitors, and for good reason, even if his production in coverage has slipped. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler named the Lions as a potential suitor, and Peter King of NBC Sports added the Cowboys, Bills, and Chiefs as interested parties.
