Update:
For the latest NFL Rumors from March 9th, click here.
Original Story:
The start of NFL free agency is essentially here. While free agency doesn't officially start until the new league year kicks off on March 9th, Monday marks the start of the legal tampering period. Teams are now allowed to enter contract negotiations with players from any team, although a new contract can't be signed until 4 p.m. ET on March 9th. With free agency here, expect a flurry of rumors in the coming days. Check out the latest NFL free agency rumors and news below.
Updated 6:55 p.m. ET
Cardinals Shopping Calais Campbell?
DE Calais Campbell has been with the Cardinals since they took him in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. However, he might not be there long.
Word on the street is that former University of Miami DE Calais Campbell is being shopped.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) March 7, 2016
Campbell is only 29 years old and has one year left on his contract. He'll make over $15 million this offseason. Campbell recorded five sacks last season, a decent number although it's his fewest since his rookie year. Kelly didn't elaborate on where Campbell could go. His contract is likely a big reason why the Cardinals could look to move him.
Raiders, 49ers Targeting Sean Smith?
Smith is arguably the top corner on the market this offseason, and the cap-limited Chiefs might not be able to bring him back. The Raiders and 49ers are two of the teams pursuing Smith heavily.
Been reporting for a while #Raiders very interested in CB Sean Smith. So are #49ers
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 7, 2016
The Raiders and 49ers both badly need CB help and both have cap space to spare. There could be a bidding war between the two Bay Area teams over Smith.
Lamar Miller Will Talk To Other Teams
The Dolphins will let RB Lamar Miller hit the open market. The Palm Beach Post reports Miller will begin talking to other teams today, as the Dolphins and Miller could not agree to a contract. Miller wants roughly $8 million per year, while the Dolphins believe he's worth $5-6 million. Teams like the Cowboys and Colts could be interested, according to the Palm Beach Post.
49ers-Chiefs Talking Trade?
While this doesn't involve free agency, it's an intriguing rumor nonetheless. The 49ers and Chiefs are reportedly involved in a trade focused on De'Anthony Thomas.
Heard the #49ers have had talks with KC about acquiring De'Anthony Thomas in a trade
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) March 7, 2016
Thomas ended last season with a "non-football injury" and there was speculation that included he could retire. Thomas played for current 49ers head coach Chip Kelly, although Kelly is not the one calling the shots in San Francisco. The 49ers lack weapons on offense, and Thomas' speed would help. It likely wouldn't cost much of the 49ers to trade for him.
Eagles-Dolphins Trade?
Speaking of trades, the Eagles and Dolphins are also working on one.
The #Dolphins are in talks with the #Eagles on a trade for CB Byron Maxwell, source said. It's in the works,
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2016
The Eagles gave Byron Maxwell a 6-year, $63 million deal last year, but he struggled for much of the season. A trade will be problematic, because Maxwell carries more than $13 million in dead cap. The Dolphins have limited cap space, and taking on Maxwell's nearly $10 million cap hit for this year will be tricky.
Rapoport later claimed that the Dolphins will cut CB Brent Grimes after they acquire his replacement, implying that Maxwell would be his replacement.
UPDATE:
Adam Schefter reports the Eagles will ship out Kiko Alonso and Maxwell to Miami in exchange for draft picks. The deal is expected to be finalized in time for the start of the new league year.
Doug Martin Generating Interest?
Along with the previously mentioned Lamar Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin is also set to hit the market. Rapoport says his market includes at least six teams and Martin might get a DeMarco Murray-type deal. However, the Bucs are loaded with cap space and would be able to match any offer Martin gets.
Redskins Cut RGIII
The Redskins have officially cut Robert Griffin III. While the team was holding out hope for a trade of the QB, that was a long-shot. The inevitable move to cut Griffin saves the team over $16 million in cap space next season.