NFL Free Agency Live Blog: Dolphins Find Hope in Mike Wallace, But Super Bowl Champion Ravens Appear to Be in Trouble

by

Mar 12, 2013

Wes Welker, Julian Edelman11:59 p.m.: The longest day of the NFL offseason, at least thus far, is in the books.

Free agency is by no means even close to over, but teams around the league have already begun to make some big waves.

The Miami Dolphins are the biggest spenders on the day, spending over $120 million on Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler and narrowly missing out on tight end Jared Cook. They are clearly in to win now and well into the future, but the big spenders never seem to match the hype. Can they be the exception to that rule?

The Cleveland Browns also opened up their wallets, inking Paul Kruger to a five-year, $41 million deal and Desmond Bryant to a big contract, too. That should help shore up the defense, but the big problem still lies on the offensive side of the ball, where work must be done in order to improve.

As for the biggest losers on the day, tons of teams stayed quiet and continue to be patient, but the Ravens might have suffered the worst. Sure, Kruger and Ellerbe got above market value, but losing three of your key Super Bowl pieces — Anquan Boldin included — in the span of 24 hours is a big shot to the gut.

The Patriots are in the market for some players, but while talented Josh Cribbs isn’t the answer to all their problems, he would at least solve their special teams deficiency. Wes Welker’s uncertain situation is the biggest question mark, but Aqib Talib’s future is also a point of concern. Belichick has plenty on his plate, but you can be sure that the hooded genius has a method to this offseason madness.

Tomorrow will bring new rumors, speculation and signings, so stay tuned in with NESN for all your latest news, notes and analysis on everything with the Patriots and around the NFL.

11:16 p.m.: As the night draws on, the NFL rumor wire is going radio silent. But there are still some murmurs popping up from time to time.

The latest is an update on an earlier item about the Patriots’ pursuit of wide receiver/returner Josh Cribbs. It appears that Cribbs has whittled his list down to two remaining teams, which just so happen to be the Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals.

Both teams could use a dynamic threat like Cribbs, but ultimately it might come down the digits on the salary seeing as this might be the 29-year-old’s last NFL contract.

10:56 p.m.: With all the free-agency signings going down on Tuesday, don’t think the trade talk was simply cast aside.

The biggest name on the trade market this offseason is Darrelle Revis, and while the Jets are still deciding whether to trade him or not, we are learning there are definitely suitors in hot pursuit.

It appears the Buccaneer are at least one of those teams, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York.

No trade appears imminent for Revis just yet, but that could quickly change if a team like the Bucs are willing to offer up something similar to the deal the Vikings got in return for Percy Harvin.

10:26 p.m.: Plenty of guys have changed jerseys over the past six-plus hours, but a few players are sticking with their old teams, too.

One such guy is offensive tackle Sam Baker. With a vast market out there for tackles, Baker decided to return to the Falcons on a new contract, according to FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez.

Baker was solid protecting Matt Ryan last season and has been pretty stout throughout his career. With Tony Gonzalez back, too, two of the Falcons’ three biggest free agents agreed to return to the team today. That’s a big win for the boys down in Atlanta.

10 p.m.: There’s a little caveat to the Anquan Boldin trade coming into play right now.

The Ravens will have to carry Boldin’s $6 million salary cap figure until he passes his physical with the 49ers, which is customary. The unfortunate tidbit, for the Ravens at least, is this: Boldin is in Senegal on a service trip for the next week or so, according to Pro Football Talk. Ipso facto, the Ravens will be in cap jail until he gets back.

Boldin will more than likely pass the exam, but the Ravens will need to plan in case he doesn’t and will need to be even more careful with their spending in the meantime.

9:30 p.m.: Details have emerged regarding the Desmond Bryant signing. According to Albert Breer, the defensive tackle and the Browns have agreed to a five-year deal worth $34 million, with $15 million guaranteed. — ZC

9:21 p.m.: The Titans made a big move Tuesday, signing guard Andy Levitre to a five-year deal. Now they are looking to free up some cap space.

The Titans are shopping around maybe their most reliable receiver in Nate Washington, according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, seeking to free up his $5 million in cap space.

Washington has caught more than 40 passes in each of his four seasons in Tennessee, becoming one of Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck’s most reliable options.

Kenny Britt is a much more talented player, but off-field issues and injuries have derailed his once promising career. The Titans do have Kendall Wright, who caught 64 passes during a breakout rookie season, but they would need more options on the outside if Washington is sent packing.

8:59 p.m.: We’re almost five hours in now, and another player the Patriots were interested in is off the board.

Former Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant — no, not the receiver — has agreed to join the Cleveland  Browns, according to Albert Breer.

Bryant was the best defensive tackle of the market, which means the Browns significantly improved their line between adding him and linebacker Paul Kruger today.

Oh, and for your pure entertainment, here’s maybe the best mug shot of all time, provided by the Browns new big-money tackle himself. Say cheese, Mr. Bryant.

8:51 p.m.: So, let’s backtrack a little bit here and correct a little mistake.

It appears that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution mis-reported the Brent Grimes deal, meaning that the cornerback has not yet agreed to a deal to stay with the Falcons.

There are lots of rumors flying around and plenty of information being shared from one person to another, so it’s no surprise when a mistake is made, and you can’t really fault a reporter for such a mistake.

Aside from the reporting misstep, this does open the market back up for Grimes — at least for the time being.

8:30 p.m.: Another one bites the dust in New England.

Patrick Chung is headed out of town — surprise, surprise — and will be reuniting with his college coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia.

The Eagles announced that Chung has signed with the team, although specifics haven’t yet been released.

Here’s some analysis on Chung’s departure and the Patriots’ future.

8:26 p.m.: The Dolphins strike again.

If Mike Wallace and Dannell Ellerbe weren’t enough, Miami just signed another linebacker to big money.

Ellerbe got five years and $35 million earlier in the day. Now, it’s Raiders linebacker Phillip Wheeler getting five years and $26 million, according to Pro Football Talk.

8:21 p.m.: Chip Kelly just made his first big move of free agency, and it was on … defense?

The Eagles signed defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga to a three-year deal, according to Albert Breer.

Kelly will likely dip into the offensive pool very soon, but for the time being, it appears defense is a priority.

8:10 p.m.: The Patriots will be players in the cornerback market this offseason, but the market just shrank by one.

Brent Grimes, who was arguably the best corner available this offseason, has decided to re-sign with the Falcons for at least one year, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Falcons had a good day overall just in retaining their talent. First Tony Gonzalez made his return official, and now Grimes is back.

7:58 p.m.: We’re almost four hours into free agency, and plenty of balls have already dropped. The Raiders just dropped some more — from their roster, that is.

After another subpar season in Oakland, the Raiders decided to clean house on Tuesday, clearing some cap space by releasing cornerback Michael Huff and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in some interesting moves.

With the cuts, the Raiders save about $16 million in cap space this year alone and almost $40 million over the next three. They could be big players on the free-agent market going forward with these moves in the books.

7:45 p.m.: Percy Harvin got a new home yesterday and a new contract today. Sounds like a good week.

Harvin, who was traded from the Vikings to the Seahawks on Monday, agreed to a six-year, $67 million deal with Seattle on Tuesday, according to Pro Football Talk.

The Seahawks immediately got more dangerous in the NFC with the addition of one of the most versatile players in football. His almost $11 million per year is a bit high for someone with injury history who has never had a 1,000-yard season. But the risk is well worth it for a team that is knocking on the championship door.

7:26 p.m.: The Ravens’ losing streak — in free agency, of course — is over.

After losing Ellerbe, Kruger and Boldin over the past 24 hours, the Ravens inked one big-name free agent for next season.

Former Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty tweeted a photo of his signed contract, saying, “The ink is dry.”

So, the Ravens are finally showing their hand a little and finding some good players to move forward with.

7:22 p.m.: Wes Welker might be headed out of New England for sure at this point.

After talks ended Tuesday, reports seemed to indicate that the Patriots were prepared to move onto Plan B. Now, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Welker is “exploring free agency.

This could be the same news as earlier reports, but it’s definitely further confirmation that he isn’t waiting around any longer.

7:10 p.m.: The Jets lose again.

Rex Ryan and company made their one free-agent priority this offseason re-signing defensive lineman Mike DeVito, but the Chiefs beat them to that.

The Chiefs have agreed to a three-year deal with DeVito, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. The deal is worth about $13 million total, with $8 million guaranteed.

DeVito will be a good option to spell and/or play alongside Dontari Poe on the inside of the Chiefs’ line. DeVito’s 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame eats up lots of space and tends to frustrate interior blockers, which will give Tyson Jackson and Justin Houston an opportunity to rush freely.

6:55 p.m.: Linebackers have been flying all over the place so far on Day 1 of free agency, and you can add one more to that list.

With Kruger, Ellerbe and Dansby all on the move already, Bengals linebacker Ray Maualuga is headed to Arizona — for a visit at least.

Maualuga reported his own move on Twitter, calling for “wheels up” in reference to boarding a flight to visit the Cardinals’ facility.

6:44 p.m.: More dominoes are falling along with the sun here on the East Coast.

The Bears have found their new franchise left tackle, agreeing to a five-year deal with former Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod, according to USA Today’s Mike Garafolo.

The Bears had a serious need on the outside to protect Jay Cutler, and it seems they were more confident in Bushrod than taking a chance in the draft.

6:41 p.m.: The Titans sign a new tight end and lose the old one within minutes.

Just minutes after Walker’s deal with the Titans was reported, it appears that Jared Cook has agreed to a deal with the St. Louis Rams, according to Schefter.

Cook was in talks with the Titans last week after the franchise tag period ended, but the two sides were still far apart. The Dolphins were also in on Cook until the end, but the Rams won out.

6:30 p.m.: The Titans seem set to part ways with tight end Jared Cook after all.

They were unable to sign Cook to a long-term deal before free agency began, so now they’ve turned their attention to another free-agent target at the position instead.

Delanie Walker, who made some big plays on the 49ers’ Super Bowl run, has agreed to a four-year deal with Tennessee, according to Adam Schefter.

The deal is reportedly worth $17.5 million and could spell the end for Cook in Tennessee.

6:22 p.m.: Reggie Bush is one of the best running backs on the free-agent market, and he’s getting set to visit with the Detroit Lions soon.

Bush, who reestablished himself in Miami over the past two seasons, will visit Detroit within the next two days, according to Albert Breer.

Bush would be a great fit in Detroit, filling the role that Jahvid Best had taken care of before his concussion issues began.

6:15 p.m.: The Patriots have yet to make any big splashes in free agency, but they are keeping busy.

Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett has been shopped around a bit, or at least the Patriots are fielding calls about him.

The Browns, who made a big splash with Kruger earlier, and the Buccaneers have already called the Patriots to check in on Mallett, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.

5:45 p.m.: The Ravens have already lost two key members of their championship team, and they appear to be down one more.

Paul Kruger is headed to Cleveland, and Anquan Boldin is on his way to San Francisco already. Now, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is close to signing with the Dolphins, according to Aaron Wilson.

The Dolphins have already agreed on a five-year deal with receiver Mike Wallace, so it appears they are willing to dish out the dough this offseason.

5:37 p.m.: The Colts did sign one Patriots player after all.

No, it isn’t Talib or Welker — not yet at least — but they have signed guard Donald Thomas to a deal, according to Will Brinson.

Thomas was a productive player for the Patriots in 2012, playing in all 16 games and even getting a few starts.

5:33 p.m.: Just when you think you can believe a rumor, another one pops up that contradicts it.

Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib was reportedly headed to Indianapolis, at least according to former GM Bill Polian. But now it appears that the Colts have actually agreed with another corner instead.

The Colts announced the signings of both tackle Gosder Cherilus and cornerback Greg Toler just minutes ago, making it seem that Talib would be less likely to sign with Indy.

5:13 p.m.: From one big Patriots free agent to another — with it looking more and more that Welker is headed elsewhere, it also appears that Aqib Talib could be on his way out of town.

Former Colts general manager Bill Polian just suggested that the Patriots cornerback may be headed to the Colts during a segment on ESPN’s NFL 32.

The Patriots are looking at cornerbacks, and Talib seemed to be in the lead as that guy on the outside. But Polian’s words and Colts owner Jim Irsay’s cryptic tweet seems to indicate he might head to Indy.

5:08 p.m.: The Patriots and Wes Welker have been in the on-again, off-again stage of negotiations over the past few months, but now it appears they might be off for good.

The Patriots are heading to Plan B at wide rerceiver, according to Karen Gueregian of the Boston Herald.

5:01 p.m.: The Colts have filled one major hole, although it isn’t at wide receiver just yet.

Indianapolis has agreed to sign offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus to a deal, according to Mike Garafolo.

With Sebastian Vollmer possibly out in New England, Cherilus was an option to fill in at right tackle.

4:55 p.m.: A little bit of Patriots news to throw in quickly — the Patriots have tendered tight end Michael Hoomanawanui at a low-round tender, according to Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe.

Hoomanawanui isn’t an every-down player and was used on a situational basis last season, but he is still very young, and he impressed the Patriots’ staff with his work ethic and attitude during his lone season in New England.

4:50 p.m.: The dominoes are falling fast.

Mike Wallace is now off the market, signing, as expected, with the Miami Dolphins for five years and $65 million, according to John Clayton of ESPN.

Wallace was the biggest free agent on the market and drew a lot of interest from a number of teams for his speed and playmaking abilities on the outside. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill now has a dangerous receiver.

4:42 p.m.: The rumors appear to be true.

Paul Kruger is headed to the Cleveland Browns, according to Adam Schefter.

Kruger was instrumental in the Ravens’ Super Bowl run this season, becoming their best pass rusher over the second half of the season and into the playoffs.

4:38 p.m.: The Patriots love their tight ends, but if they had any intention of adding Anthony Fasano to their long list, then they’re out of luck.

The Chiefs agreed to a four-year deal with the former Dolphins tight end, according to Schefter.

The Patriots are well stocked already with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, among others, but Fasano did seem like a potential fit. Now, the Chiefs will benefit from his good pass-catching ability and decent blocking skills.

4:25 p.m.: Buddy Nix’s comments about Ryan Fitzpatrick seem to be holding true.

The Bills have released their starting quarterback of the past few seasons, according to Adam Schefter.

Fitzpatrick’s release doesn’t come as much of a surprise, at least from the Bills’ perspective. The team owed him a $3 million bonus Wednesday, which is why the Bills acted so quickly.

4:20 p.m.: It looks like the Browns are close to landing the first big free agent of the offseason.

The Browns are close to finishing a deal with Ravens linebacker and pass rushing specialist Paul Kruger, according to Adam Schefter.

4:05 p.m.: The door is open, and the Patriots are already making moves on a big-time playmaker.

The Patriots are apparently the frontrunners for Browns receiver Josh Cribbs, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Clevelan Plain Dealer.

Cribbs has been a serviceable receiver and an elite special teams players over the past few seasons in Cleveland. Bill Belichick might be looking at him as a possible replacement for Julian Edelman both in the slot and in the return game.

4 p.m.: It’s time to sign.

I’m NESN NFL writer Luke Hughes, and I’ll be taking over the live blog from here on out. So, get set for some serious action over the next few hours, and be sure to keep it locked here for all your up to the minute info.

NFL free agency starts now. In the words of my good friend Leroy Jenkins: Let’s do this!

3:56 p.m.: We’re four minutes away from the start of the NFL season. Get ready for some craziness.

For now, Pelissero reports the Vikings have retained Phil Loadholt on a multiyear deal.

3:50 p.m.: Kevin Jones of WUSA9 is reporting that the Lions signed DeAngelo Hall. There’s one cornerback off the market.

3:43 p.m.: The Eagles just tweeted that the team has released Nnamdi Asomugha. To that I say: Patriots, go get him.

The Eagles waited to release Nnamdi for salary cap purposes.

3:34 p.m.: The Bears are interested in former Giants tight end Martellus Bennett, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The belief is that Bennett still winds up back with New York, but it would be wise for him to hit the open market. He’s one of the best tight ends available.

The Rams have also re-signed William Hayes, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Thomas also reports that the Rams and Buccaneers have shown interest in cornerback Brent Grimes.

3:11 p.m.: The Jets are interested in running back Mike Goodson, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. They are not expected to re-sign Shonn Greene.

3:08 p.m.: It appears the Seahawks have released kick returner/running back Leon Washington. Washington tweeted, “Seattle It’s Been Awesome A Ride, Got Nothing Bad 2 Say About The Gr8 NW #12thMan StandUp!!! Like always… #LetsGetIt.”

We believe that translates to “the Seahawks released me.”

2:59 p.m.: The Buccaneers are a serious trade partner for Darrelle Revis, according to Pro Football Talk. Mike Florio thinks the Jets will not get a deal similar to the one the Vikings got for Percy Harvin.

2:46 p.m.: Apparently Ed Reed will not be going to San Francisco, according to Pro Football Talk. That’s good news for all the Patriots fans that want Reed to play next to Devin McCourty.

2:31 p.m.: This is pretty big news for the Jets’ financial situation in 2013: Santonio Holmes agreed to restructure his contract, according to Adam Schefter.

2:27 p.m.: Here’s a shocker: The Vikings released cornerback Antoine Winfield, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN.com. Winfield is going to be 36 years old in June, but he was rated as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL by Pro Football Focus’ metrics in 2012. He’s among the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL.

2:20 p.m.: Because the Steelers weren’t already old enough on defense, they locked up soon-to-be 33-year-old linebacker Larry Foote. Foote has not been very good for a few years now.

2:09 p.m.: The Cowboys’ Anthony Spencer has signed his franchise tender. That means he’s locked in for the one-year deal.

The Cowboys may still trade Spencer, since the Cowboys are switching to a 4-3, whereas the linebacker fits better in a 3-4.

1:50 p.m.: The Steelers will re-sign Plaxico Burress, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Burress started three games with the Steelers last year and caught three passes for 42 yards with one touchdown.

1:45 p.m.: Apparently the Patriots finally saw Desmond Bryant’s mug shot. They are “no longer in the mix” for the Raiders defensive tackle, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

1:36 p.m.: It feels like Kevin Walter has been with the Texans since the beginning of time. Houston released Walter today, according to Schefter.

It may be time for the Texans to finally find a nice No. 2 option across from Andre Johnson. Johnson isn’t getting any younger.

1:05 p.m.: Doug Kyed back here manning the ol’ live blog. We have two relatively minor deals, but we’ll take what we can before the 4 p.m. league start date.

Schefter reported that Jerome Simpson has signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun is reporting James Ihedigbo is returning to the Ravens on a one-year deal.

12:49 p.m.: Tony Gonzalez is going to give it a go at least one more time with the Falcons, according to Jay Glazier. The two sides will now work out a deal. — JB

12:44 p.m.: The Bill have released a statement regarding a recorded conversation that was leaked via Deadspin.

“We are aware of the report on Deadspin involving a phone conversation with Bills GM Buddy Nix. We have made the league aware of the report and are reviewing it with legal counsel.” — JB

12:15 p.m.: The Pats have yet to make an offer to Welker, according to Rapoport. Welker is still waiting on his first offer from the team, not the team’s “next” offer, as previously reported. — JB

12:10 p.m.: Adding to Canty rumors is Albert Breer reporting he has offers from the Titans and Chiefs already. — JB

12:04 p.m.: Vikings may look into Greg Jennings, says Adam Schefter, who appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter this afternoon. — JB

11:59 a.m.: Wes Welker’s name is going to be thrown around all offseason, no matter where he lands. But where will he land? Apparently, he’s waiting to hear the Patriots’ next offer, according to Ian Rapoport. — JB

11:50 a.m.: The Chargers announced they’re releasing Randy McMichael. So if anyone’s interested in a soon-to-be 34-year-old tight end, he’s available.

11:45 a.m.: According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are releasing Antonio Garay today.

Former Giant Chris Canty is visiting the Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

11:35 a.m.: If you see any rumors about a Wes Welker-Colts deal sourcing Adam Schefter. Don’t believe them. They’re fake.

11:29 a.m.: A couple pranksters recorded a conversation between Bills general manager Buddy Nix and Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik via Deadspin.

The conversation was mostly the two complaining about the new free agency tampering window, with some complaining about players as well. One of the most interesting things Nix said was, “We’re still struggling here with our quarterback. … We’re not really struggling — he’s going to have to do something, or we’ll have to.

“We just can’t afford to pay that kind of money for a guy who’s fighting for probably a backup job.”

So it looks like the Bills will definitely be in on a quarterback either through free agency or in the draft.

11:04 a.m.: The Panthers released linebacker James Anderson, according to Adam Schefter. There are a lot of salary-related cuts coming in close to the start of free agency.

11:02 a.m.: The Browns could be in on James Harrison, according to Brent Sobleski of ESPN Rumor Central. The Browns are also interested in Paul Kruger, formerly of the Ravens. Cleveland isn’t straying far from the AFC North.

The Jets released Sione Pouha, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Pouha was a decent player, but the Jets were able to free up a lot of cap room by cutting him.

10:49 a.m.: Chase Daniel could get up to $3 million per year, according to Jason La Canfora. Daniel has backed up Drew Brees for the past four years. He’s thrown nine passes during the regular season.

Daniel was highly productive in college at Missouri. He was considered undersized coming out at under 6-foot-0.

10:36 a.m.: The 49ers are becoming a likely landing spot for Ed Reed, according to Pro Football Talk. The 49ers are likely to lose Dashon Goldson in free agency, and Reed could be a nice replacement. Anquan Boldin was traded Monday to the 49ers from Baltimore.

10:15 a.m.: The Browns could be acquiring a top-notch pass rusher when free agency officially starts. They’re in on former Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports says Chase Daniel could go to the Chiefs, Matt Cassel or Carson Palmer could go to the Vikings, Drew Stanton could go to the Jaguars, Buccaneers or Cardinals, and Cleveland could be interested in Kevin Kolb if he’s released. Cassel could also land with the Cardinals.

LaCanfora also mentions Atlanta as a possible landing spot for running back Steven Jackson. Rashard Mendenhall could sign with the Broncos or Dolphins.

The Rams could sign Julian Edelman and Jared Cook, according to La Canfora. Jake Long is being courted by the Dolphins, Saints, Falcons, Bears and Chargers.

La Canfora mentions that the Buccaneers are in on pass rusher Cliff Avril. The Eagles and Falcons are interested in Michael Bennett. Former Seahawk Jason Jones could land in Detroit.

Desmond Bryant is being “seriously evaluated” by the Raiders, Patriots, Seahawks, Eagles and Browns despite his arrest, according to La Canfora. Former Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith is drawing interest from the Chiefs, 49ers, Cardinals and Buccaneers.

9:16 a.m.: The Redskins are expected to be in on Aqib Talib, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Talib’s former head coach, Raheem Morris, is the defensive backs coach in Washington. The Redskins have a major hole at corner.

9:06 a.m.: The Jets are expected to trade Darrelle Revis “in the coming days,” according to the New York Daily News. The Jets are not expected to sign Revis to the extension he desires.

The team that makes the most sense is the 49ers, with their excess in picks and weakness at cornerback, but San Francisco has said it is not interested. Any team should be in on Revis if it has the cap room to sign him.

8:40 a.m.: Plenty of rumors dropped early this morning. The Dolphins expect the Vikings to compete for Mike Wallace, according to Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network. Wallace could cost up to $13 million per year, which would make him the third-highest paid receiver in the NFL.

The Lions are likely to land Reggie Bush, according to Pro Football Talk. Arizona is also a possibility for the shifty running back’s services.

Former Texans and Chiefs right tackle Eric Winston visited the Chiefs over the weekend, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Winston was a surprise cut by Kansas City.

Peyton Manning has been recruiting Dwight Freeney to sign with Denver, according to Pro Football Talk. Freeney was also reportedly being courted by the Patriots, so there could be some competition there. Denver is expected to cut defensive end Elvis Dumervil by Saturday, so there’s an open space for the former Colts defensive end.

8:30 a.m. ET: We’ve waited for it since the Super Bowl ended — today marks the official start of the 2013 NFL season.

Starting at 4 p.m., teams can sign free agents and make the trades you’ve been hearing about official. That means Alex Smith will officially be a Chief, Percy Harvin will officially join Seattle and if all goes right for the Dolphins, Mike Wallace will be signing in Miami.

The start of free agency also gives the Patriots more urgency to get a deal done with Wes Welker and Aqib Talib. At 4 p.m., both players are free to sign with any team that gives them a better offer.

More players could be cut starting at 4 p.m. as well. Nnamdi Asomugha will almost certainly be released by the Eagles, but the team is waiting for the league start date to do it for salary cap reasons.

Stay here for all the latest updates on free agency signings and trades throughout this exciting day.

Photo via Facebook/New England Patriots from B/R

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