The off-season is now very much underway, and teams are currently able to use their franchise tags while plotting their moves in the NFL draft.
It's the calm before the storm, as although action may have paused on the field, NFL teams will soon continue to scrap away from it when free agency opens on March 15. Big contract extensions may already have been flying around, but the likes of Lamar Jackson and Geno Smith could be heading for free agency, while Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz has now joined former Las Vegas Raiders star Derek Carr in being released.
The free agency market can be a goldmine for NFL teams, and make all the difference when it comes to the start of the season. Here, Mirror NFL bring you the latest rumours, completed deals and franchise announcements from around the league.
Carson Wentz released by Commanders
After being acquired back in 2022 from the Indianapolis Colts, the Commanders have released Wentz shortly after offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy arrived from Kansas City Chiefs. Their best run of the 2022 season came when back-up quarterback Taylor Heinicke started, and although they may not stick with him, it's expected that it led to their decision over Wentz.
Wentz is now being linked with a move to the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of whom are seeking a new quarterback. Wentz has joined Carr in free agency, and there may be some rivalry between the pair as they look to nail down a starting spot at the best franchise available.
The Commanders will also be on the hunt, and Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers now has another team that could be his potential landing spot should he leave Lambeau Field. Finding a new quarterback is likely to be head coach Ron Rivera's priority this off-season.
Carr attending NFL combine
Former Raiders quarterback Carr is attending the NFL scouting combine with the hope to speak to more teams before free agency opens. Carr has already spoke with the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints, but continues to play the field.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport doesn't expect a deal to be signed during the combine, but feels as though it is beneficial to him for getting an idea on where he may be heading. "Sources say he is expected to meet with a handful of teams here in Indianapolis as he re-kickstarts his free agent process," Rapoport said on his NFL Network segment.
"I would expect him to sign somewhere. I know there are several interested teams — before free agency begins, kinda giving him the leg up on everyone else."
Make or break for Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is currently heading for the free agency market, and it would be a huge blow for the Raiders. Jacobs led the lead in rushing yards last season, and still could be tagged before the March 7 deadline.
Jacobs believes he's worth a bumper deal, but the Raiders were reportedly entertaining using their franchise tag on the running-back before evaluating how much they should offer the star. However, Jacobs warned them against doing this, and it's gone quiet ever since.
If the Raiders use their franchise tag, Jacobs will earn close to $10.1m for the 2023 season. "Ooh, hero turned villain," Jacobs said when asked what his response would be to being tagged. "Hero turned villain, man."
Within the next nine days the Raiders will either tag Jacobs, offer him a new deal, or have to deal with the fact he's going elsewhere. Saquon Barkley could be heading for free agency too, and the New York Giants star would be the perfect replacement.
