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NFL pre-free agency buzz: Colts keep TE Jack Doyle

USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) eludes Houston Texans safety Eddie Pleasant (35) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Stay here for all the latest news and rumblings ahead of the beginning of free agency on March 9 ...

Colts retain TE Doyle

The Indianapolis Colts kept one of Andrew Luck's targets from hitting free agency.

Tight end Jack Doyle agreed to a three-year, $19 million contract with another $2 million in incentives, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms of the deal had not been announced.

Doyle finished second on the Colts last season with 59 receptions and 584 receiving yards last season.

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Patriots extend first-round tender on Butler

The New England Patriots extended a first-round tender on cornerback Malcolm Butler.

A restricted free agent, Butler would earn $3.91 million if he does not reach a new deal.

49ers cut ex-Pro Bowl DB Bethea

The San Francisco 49ers' roster purge continues.

After parting ways with wide receiver Torrey Smith, the team announced Tuesday it also was releasing safety Antoine Bethea.

“Antoine is a true professional in every sense and I have a great deal of respect for the way he has gone about his business throughout his career,” general manager John Lynch said in a release. “We would like to thank him for the positive impact he has had on this team both as a player and as a leader, on and off the field. We wish Antoine, and his family, great success in the future.”

Bethea was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, including in 2014 with the 49ers.

Panthers keep DE Charles Johnson

After re-signing defensive ends Wes Horton and Mario Addison, the Carolina Panthers are keeping another edge rusher.

Charles Johnson signed a two-year contract Tuesday to remain with the team. The deal is worth $9.5 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because monetary details of the deal had not been released.

Johnson, 30, had four sacks last season for Carolina.

Cardinals keep TE Gresham

The Arizona Cardinals are keeping at least one of their key free agents

Tight end Jermaine Gresham agreed to a four-year deal to stay with the team, the team announced Tuesday.

Gresham had 37 catches for 391 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Safety Tony Jefferson, defensive end Calais Campbell and linebacker Kevin Minter are also set to become free agents on Thursday.

Chargers release Fluker

The Los Angeles Chargers released offensive lineman D.J. Fluker on Tuesday.

Fluker was the team's first-round pick in 2013, the 11th player selected in the draft.

The team also parted with cornerback Brandon Flowers and wide receiver Stevie Johnson.

Fluker, a versatile player along the offensive line, is expected to attract attention during in free-agency.

Report: 49ers releasing WR Torrey Smith

The San Francisco 49ers' offensive overhaul under new coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch is moving ahead.

The team is releasing receiver Torrey Smith, according to multiple reports.

Smith had just 20 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns in a diminished role. He signed a five-year, $40 million contract two years ago.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick opted out of his contract last week, becoming a free agent.

Vikings LB Greenway retiring

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway is calling it a career after 11 years in the NFL.

The Vikings announced Monday that Greenway would make his retirement official Tuesday at a news conference.

The No. 17 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft out of Iowa, Greenway was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with Minnesota.

Odrick files grievance against Jaguars

Free-agent defensive lineman Jared Odrick has filed a grievance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, seeking $5.5 million in injury-guaranteed base salary and bonus money the team claims he voided by refusing medical checkups with the team while rehabilitating an injury.

Odrick’s attorney and a Jaguars spokesman declined comment when contacted by USA TODAY Sports. But a person with knowledge of the grievance confirmed it was filed recently against the Jaguars. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the process of resolving the grievance had not begun.

The Jaguars released Odrick, 29, last month with a failed physical designation. He appeared in just six games last season and finished the season on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury. His last game was Nov. 20.

Odrick had been due $6.5 million in base salary in 2017 plus a $2 million bonus. The bonus and $3.5 million of the base salary were injury-guaranteed until the fifth day of the 2017 league year, when they would’ve become fully guaranteed. The league year begins Thursday. The Jaguars will carry a $2.2 million cap charge while the Odrick grievance is pending.

NFL Media reported last week that the NFL Players Association and a group of agents were exploring a potential grievance over the Jaguars’ requirement that injured players rehab four days a week in Jacksonville until medically cleared. But two people told USA TODAY Sports that broader issue has already been resolved.

Peppers wants to return for 16th season

GREEN BAY – Julius Peppers isn’t done with his Hall of Fame career yet.

Though a free agent, the Green Bay Packers outside linebacker plans to play a 16th NFL season in 2017, agent Carl Carey confirmed to PackersNews.com on Monday morning. Peppers’ decision will come as no surprise to the Packers. They’ve suspected he’ll eschew retirement all along.

Coach Mike McCarthy was adamant last week at the NFL scouting combine Peppers remained a player he wanted in his locker room.

“I’d love to have him back,” McCarthy said. “What he brings to your football team is so unique: leadership. Talk about a guy making a play every game. I don’t know if there’s a game you go through that Pep doesn’t jump up and make a big play. I think he’s still a valuable asset.”

After turning 37 years old in January, it’s uncertain what Peppers’ market will be, though it’ll certainly be less than the three-year, $26 million contract he signed with the Packers before the 2014 season. At the right price, the Packers’ desire for Peppers to return shouldn’t be surprising.

Even at 36 years old, he was their second-leading rusher with 7.5 sacks last season – 2.5 more than Clay Matthews. The Packers limited his snaps last season, hoping he'd play less than half. Injuries to fellow outside linebackers made that impossible, but Peppers remained durable. He ended the season playing all 16 games and a shade under 60 percent of the Packers defensive snaps.

- Ryan Wood, USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin

Pouncey brothers settle long-running lawsuit

A long-running lawsuit against Pittsburg Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and his twin brother, Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, for their alleged roles in an altercation inside a Miami Beach nightclub in July 2014 was settled, an attorney for the plaintiff announced on Monday.

The civil trial, where Riquan James sought $500,000 in damages, was scheduled to begin in a Miami-Dade County courtroom on Monday. Terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released Marwan Porter, one of James’ attorneys, told USA TODAY Sports.

“We were geared up and ready to go (for the trial),” Porter said. “Fortunately, all parties were able to turn to each other and we got a deal done.”

Neither Pouncey brothers were charged for the alleged attack of James, which occurred at the Cameo Nightclub. Each had denied they were involved in the altercation that left James with facial injuries.

- A.J. Perez

Reports: Bucs re-sign Gholston

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed defensive end William Gholston to a give-year deal, according to multiple reports on Monday.

He was scheduled to be a free agent on Thursday.

No legit offers for Garoppolo?

The NFL's new league year, when trades can again be executed and free agents may start signing with new teams, begins Thursday afternoon. Maybe that's when the New England Patriots will receive serious offers for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

But so far? Apparently nothing.

The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reports "no team has come anywhere close to meeting the Patriots’ demands" for Garoppolo, who only has one more year left on his rookie contract. Howe adds "until teams significantly increase their offers, Garoppolo won’t be going anywhere."

Though it might seem the Patriots should move Garoppolo now if they don't want to lose him for anything more than a compensatory draft pick next year, they do have options — namely the ability to put the franchise tag on him 2018 as a precursor to a deal.

Garoppolo started the first two games of his career in 2016, winning both, while Tom Brady was suspended. But a shoulder injury prevented him from starting all four games that Brady missed.

Patriots reportedly offer No. 32 pick for Cooks

At least five teams have contacted the New Orleans Saints about acquiring wide receiver Brandin Cooks, (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reports.

According to the report, the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are among those teams, and the Patriots offered the No. 32 overall NFL draft pick as part of a trade package but that wasn't enough for the Saints to part with Cooks.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that it would take "an awful lot" for the team to trade Cooks, who has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Patriots part with Vollmer

The New England Patriots released former starting offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer on Friday.

Vollmer missed all of the 2016 season after undergoing hip and shoulder surgeries, but he was a long-time fixture along the offensive line.

Marcus Cannon took his place at right tackle last year.

Seattle's Thomas ready to go for 2017

After a broken leg cut short his 2016 season, Seattle Seahawks all-pro safety Earl Thomas pondered retirement on Twitter.

It appears time has healed his leg and any misgivings about continuing his career.

"I'm coming back to prove I'm the best," Thomas told ESPN's Ed Werder on Thursday. "I'm coming back to help my team win a championship."

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Thursday at the scouting combine that Thomas is "doing very well."

Last season was the first time Thomas had missed any games during his seven-year career. His absence coincided with Seattle's failure to allow the fewest points in the NFL for the first time in 2011.

One fewer option for Peterson?

Though New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo said Wednesday that the team would "take a look" at soon-to-be-free-agent running back Adrian Peterson, it may not be a very long one.

The Giants won't be a serious player in the Peterson sweepstakes according to a report from NJ.com.

The Giants, who ranked 29th in rushing offense last season, cut veteran Rashad Jennings last month.

Rams GM: Gurley had 'sophomore slump'

INDIANAPOLIS — Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead didn’t shy away from addressing running back Todd Gurley’s struggles in 2016.

“It was definitely a sophomore slump,” Snead told reporters Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. “It starts with myself. Did we put enough around Todd? It goes to Todd. Did he do enough? It goes to the (offensive line), to the receivers. It’s a ‘We’ thing. The offense is not just about one player. That’s what this offseason is about — how do we get back to that, if you want to call it, that freshman year?”

As a rookie in 2015, Gurley ran the ball 229 times for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 13 games. Last season, he carried the ball 278 times for just 885 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. But poor quarterback play and blocking from the Rams made it easier for defenses to focus on stopping Gurley.

“I definitely think we need to use free agency to supplement our roster,” Snead said.

Titans re-sign Matt Cassel

The Tennessee Titans, still unsure when quarterback Marcus Mariota will return, have reached a deal with backup quarterback Matt Cassel, the team announced on its website.

Cassel filled in last season when Mariota fractured his right fibula in Week 16.

The Titans expect Mariota to be ready for the 2017 season, but aren't sure if we will back in time for OTAs.

Rexrode: Marcus Mariota still Titans' No. 1 offseason question

Harrison returning on two-year deal

James Harrison isn't ready to call it quits yet.

The linebacker re-upped with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract, he confirmed on Instagram.

Harrison, 38, is the franchise's all-time sack leader and had a team-best five last season.

Reid: Chiefs 'would love' to re-sign Poe

INDIANAPOLIS — The only downside of the six-year, $78 million contract Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry signed Tuesday is that there is little cash left for the team to re-sign nose tackle Dontari Poe.

“I’m not sure what’s left in the purse,” head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine.

The declined to place the franchise tag on Poe by Wednesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. The team, which currently has less than $10 million in salary cap space, according to overthecap.com, can try to re-sign Poe before free agency opens March 9.

“We love him and would love to have him back,” Reid said.

Long won't be back with Pats

Chris Long won't be returning to the New England Patriots, the defensive end announced in an Instagram post Tuesday.

Long, 31, wrote in the post that he wanted to "get back to being the player I was before" and would be signing with a new team in free agency.

Long had four sacks for New England last season.

Report: Colin Kaepernick to opt out, become free agent

San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick will opt out of his contract and become a free agent, according to a published report on Wednesday.

Sean Kiernan and Jeff Nalley, Kaepernick’s two new agents, have told all 32 teams that Kaepernick would hit the open market, according to the NFL Network. Kaepernick could opt out as early as Thursday.

Kaepernick was set to make $16.9 million in 2017 under a contract that was restructured last October as his national anthem protest to call attention to racial oppression and police brutality sparked both outrage and support.

Kiernan and Nalley did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday.

Rams tag CB Johnson

The Los Angeles Rams are placing the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, according to ESPN.

If Johnson plays on the one-year tender, he would become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at $16 million this season.

Johnson also played on the franchise tag last season, recording one interception while making 14 starts.

Browns WR Gordon applying for reinstatement

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is looking to get his career back on track by applying for reinstatement, his business manager told ESPN.

Gordon has not played since in two seasons after being suspended for multiple violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards in 2013 with 1,646 in 14 games.

Chiefs release Charles

The Kansas City Chiefs have released running back Jamaal Charles, the team announced Tuesday.

“On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs team, I’d like to thank Jamaal Charles for his contributions and dedication over the last nine seasons,” Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a release. “Jamaal has been one of the most prolific players in our organization’s history, and I have an enormous amount of respect for what he has accomplished. He’ll always be a part of the Chiefs family, and we’ll be ready to honor him for his outstanding playing career when the time is right.”

Charles, 30, was a four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Chiefs and is the franchise's all-time leading rusher with 7,260 yards. But he had a lengthy injury history, including a meniscus tear that required surgery and kept him out for the bulk of last season.

Spencer Ware replaced him at running back last season and finished with a team-high 921 rushing yards.

Lacy back to Packers?

Eddie Lacy is set to enter free agency after an injury-riddled year, but the running back may get another chance with the Green Bay Packers.

“Talking to my agent, the Packers have been very vocal about having me back there,” Lacy said in an interview on Adam Schefter’s podcast, according to ESPN.

Lacy ran for 360 yards on 71 carries last season but was limited to just five games after undergoing ankle surgery. He was later placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Chargers tag LB Ingram

The Los Angeles Chargers placed the franchise tag on linebacker Melvin Ingram on Monday, a person familiar with the move told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been announced.

Ingram had eight sacks last season and 10 1/2 in 2015. He becomes the fifth player to receive the franchise tag so far in 2017.

Panthers tag DT Short

One year after placing the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman only to later rescind it, the Carolina Panthers have once again given the designation to one of their top defenders.

Defensive tackle Kawann Short was placed on the franchise tag Monday, the team announced. The deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag is Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Short had six sacks last season and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.

Freeney wants another year

Dwight Freeney turned 37 this month, but the pass rusher wants to give it another go.

Freeney currently plans to play another season, a person familiar with the player's intentions told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Freeney had not yet announced his plans.

Freeney has the fifth-most career sacks of any active player with 122 1/2, including three last year for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jets' Richardson on block?

The New York Jets are prepared to part with a piece of their vaunted defensive line, per an ESPN report.

Sheldon Richardson, the 2013 defensive rookie of the year, is apparently on the block. It shouldn't come as a surprise given his off-field issues (he was suspended to start each of the past two seasons) and an episode on social media late last year that embarrassed the team. Richardson has also been critical of wideout Brandon Marshall.

On the field, he's fallen behind Leonard Williams and is easier to move than Muhammad Wilkerson, who signed a huge deal in 2016. Richardson only had 1½ sacks last season but has shown the ability to play all along the line and some outside linebacker.

Browns release receiver

The Cleveland Browns terminated receiver Andrew Hawkins' contract Monday.

“It's tough to say goodbye to men like Hawk, that have done everything you've asked of them and gone above and beyond when it comes to leadership,” coach Hue Jackson said in a statement. “Hawk was a rock for us last season. He kept our locker room together and led by example as he gave everything he had on the field. Our young players are going to be better players and better people because of the time they spent with Andrew Hawkins.”

Hawkins had 209 receptions (including 33 last year) in six seasons with Cleveland.

Berry not 'getting my hopes up'

All-pro safety Eric Berry is one of this offseason's premier free agents, but he's not overly confident the Kansas City Chiefs, who franchised him last year, will lock him up to a long-term deal.

“I’m going to keep being patient because you never know,” Berry told The Kansas City Star. “Last year I thought one thing and it didn’t happen. So I’m not getting my hopes up; I’m looking at it logically.”

If the Chiefs tag Berry by Wednesday's deadline, they would still have until July 15 to sign him to the multi-year deal he desires. Berry has said he will not play this season without one.

Report: No tag for Jeffery

According to NFL Network, the Chicago Bears will not use the franchise tag on Alshon Jeffery for a second consecutive year. Tagging the receiver for 2017 would cost roughly $17.5 million.

Jeffery was suspended four games last season for a violation of the performance-enhancing drug policy and also has a history of nagging injuries.

However over the past four seasons, he has averaged more than 1,000 receiving yards and caught 23 total TD passes.

Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium.

Panthers firm up pass rush, re-sign DE Addison

The Carolina Panthers have re-signed defensive end Mario Addison to a three-year contract.

Financial terms were not available Sunday night.

Addison had a career-high 9½ sacks last season for the Panthers, including eight in the final nine games.

Addison was set to become an unrestricted free agent. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman says in a release that Addison "has shown he is one of the best emerging pass rushers in the league and he deserves this contract."

— Associated Press

Coughlin puts Jaguars offense on notice

After a promising 2015 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars regressed significantly in 2016, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Tom Coughlin warned Blake Bortles and Co. that they need to pick up the pace next season.

“There’s plenty of work for everybody to do, Blake included," Coughlin, the team's newly hired executive vice president of football operations, said Friday. "Being at the right place at the right time, the timing, taking care of the football, which is paramount to that position. There can be no way the ball is turned over to that extent. I think he’d be the first one to say that he has a lot of work to do, but we all have a lot of work to do; I’m going to put it that way.”

Bortles was picked off 16 times last season and has 51 interceptions in 46 career NFL games.

But Coughlin said the team's pending acquisition of left tackle Branden Albert is designed to significantly help Bortles and that the team also expects much more from running backs Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon.

"I don’t think you’re helping the quarterback at all when you don’t rush the football," said Coughlin. "I think for our team to be successful in this division, noting that there are teams who will come in and run the ball and try to hold the ball, keep your offense on the sideline. We need to be able to do some of that as well."

Gronk will be ready for 2017

Rob Gronkowski discussed more than NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during his recent ESPN interview.

The New England Patriots tight end also expressed "no doubt" he'll be ready for the upcoming season after injuries limited him to just eight games last year. Gronk also doesn't foresee his rash of back problems and various other injuries causing him to retire early.

"I still love playing the game, and as of right now, I want to play as long as I can possibly play," he said. "My mindset is to keep on going."

C.J. Spiller

Chiefs sign RB

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Friday morning they have signed veteran running back C.J. Spiller.

Spiller, 29, played with three teams last season -- New Orleans, Seattle and Jets.

In all, he had just six carries for 18 yards.

49ers sign DT, WR

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a four-year contract with free-agent defensive tackle Earl Mitchell on Friday.

A person familiar with the deal confirmed that Mitchell had decided to join the Niners just over a week after being released by Miami. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the signing had not been announced by the team.

NFL.com first reported the deal, saying Mitchell would get a $16 million deal wi

The 49ers also signed wide receiver DeAndre Carter to a two-year contract on Friday.

Carter has not played in the NFL but spent part of the 2015 season on the practice squads in Oakland and New England. Carter was cut by the Patriots last September and wasn't on a roster at all last season.

— The Associated Press

Vikings non-committal on Peterson

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman says Adrian Peterson’s status has not been decided, two weeks before the deadline for exercising an option on the running back’s contract that would cost the club $18 million in 2017.

Spielman addressed reporters Thursday for the first time since the Vikings finished 8-8 after a 5-0 start in 2016. He said he has not spoken with Peterson or his representatives since the end of the season.

Spielman declined to directly answer a question whether the almost-32-year-old would still fit in the offense, but he separately praised the depth of the running back class in the upcoming draft.

Peterson’s hefty hit to the salary cap, which includes a $6 million roster bonus, has made his return uncertain.

— The Associated Press

Jets slash salaries

The New York Jets, who had barely any salary cap maneuverability entering the day, released kicker Nick Folk and right tackle Breno Giacomini on Thursday.

The moves give the Jets an additional $7.5 million in cap space.

Report: Okung, Broncos parting

According to FoxSports' Jay Glazer, the Denver Broncos will not pick up the remaining tab — four years and $48 million — on left tackle Russell Okung's contract.

Okung negotiated the deal, which had no guaranteed money, a year ago. He collected $5 million for the 2016 season.

A first-round pick in 2010, Okung played his first six seasons for the Seattle Seahawks, a team that could still use his services.

Bucs drop Verner

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released cornerback Alterraun Verner on Thursday.

Verner, 28, played for the Bucs from 2014-16, appearing in 46 games with 23 starts, totaling 141 tackles, 20 passes defensed, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and a half sack. He was a high-priced free agent in 2014, leaving Tennessee for a four-year, $25.5 million contact.

Tampa Bay will save $6.5 million in salary cap room with the move.

Verner no longer was a starter last season, with first-round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves taking his spot.

— The Associated Press

Cowboys, Cardinals to play Hall of Fame Game

The 2017 NFL season will unofficially begin on Thursday, Aug. 3, as the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys meet in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

The 2017 Hall inductees, which include Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, will be enshrined two nights later.

The latest Jay Cutler rumor

It seems there's a new story about Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler every day.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested Wednesday night that retirement is a possibility for Cutler, who is not expected to return to Chicago in 2017. The Bears are actively seeking a trade partner for him, ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported Tuesday.

Also Wednesday, CBSSports suggested the New York Jets could be interested if the quarterback goes free.

Cutler, 33, has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, which has a team option every year for the next four seasons.

Cutler played in just five games last season while battling thumb and shoulder injuries.

Steelers OLB James Harrison was a force in the 2016 playoffs.

Agent: James Harrison wants two-year deal

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison had a strong second half to last season, finishing with a club-high five sacks and playing exceptionally well for the AFC North champions after returning to the starting lineup in November. Harrison added 2½ sacks in postseason.

Now the 38-year-old hopes to ride that momentum to a new two-year deal but wants to stay home.

"Of course James wants to be in Pittsburgh," Bill Parise said, per ESPN.

Harrison, the 2008 NFL defensive player of the year, has spent 13 of his 14 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh.

Report: Eagles' Peters not going anywhere

Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters could make nearly $11 million in 2017. Apparently, he'll get that opportunity.

Despite speculation that the cap-strapped team might ask Peters to restructure his deal or even dump him outright, NFL Network reports he'll remain on the roster and won't have to give up any money.

Except for 2012, when he was injured, Peters has been a Pro Bowler every year since 2007.

Tyrod Taylor

Report: Taylor cleared to play

Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been medically cleared to play after his groin, according to an ESPN report.

The Bills have to pay Taylor his $27.5 million bonus by March 11.

They can opt to cut him is he passes a physical, so that is why this report is so significant.

If the Bills decide to release him, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

49ers part ways with assistant GM

Longtime San Francisco 49ers personnel executive Tom Gamble is leaving the organization after a front-office overhaul this offseason.

General manager John Lynch announced on Wednesday that he and Gamble decided it would be in the best interest for the team and Gamble for him to leave the team.

Lynch was hired as GM to replace Trent Baalke late last month. Lynch then hired former Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew as a senior personnel executive and Adam Peters as vice president of player personnel to be his top personnel executives.

Gamble has 29 years of experience in the NFL, including 10 years with the 49ers. He was assistant general manager for San Francisco this past season.

— The Associated Press

Panthers release Tolbert, Soliai

The Carolina Panthers are parting ways with Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert, the team announced Tuesday in a release.

Tolbert, 31, was a three-time Pro Bowl selection in Carolina and served primarily as a blocker and short-yardage back.

“I feel very fortunate to have coached Mike for nearly his entire career,” coach Ron Rivera said in a release. “He was someone we targeted in 2012 because we felt he would be a good addition to our offense and he was very productive for us. He brought great energy and leadership to our locker room and I wish him the best.”

Defensive tackle Paul Soliai also will be cut by the Panthers, his agent confirmed Tuesday on Twitter.

Soliai played in 10 games last season after signing a two-year, $7 million contract in 2016.

Jackson talks Eagles

Free agency fuels speculation, and DeSean Jackson's impending availability has sparked ideas of a potential reunion with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jackson played for the Eagles for six seasons before being released in 2014 by then-coach Chip Kelly. Though the Washington Redskins receiver didn't address his specific plans or the likelihood he would rejoin his former team, he said he understood what having his career come full circle would mean.

“It definitely is a great story or ending, I guess you could say,” Jackson said on Adam Schefter's podcast. “Starting your career somewhere then going to a division rival team (and) having the possibility of maybe going back. You just kind of think about all of that when you start somewhere maybe you could finish it. There is just a lot of speculation of a lot of thoughts. It all sounds good, but you really never know until the final decision is made.

"I’m just a firm believer that if you work hard, you put in the work, continuously go out there and show everybody what you’re capable of [then] the sky’s the limit.”

Jackson added that one of his top priorities for his decision is playing with a top-tier quarterback.

"I'm going on my 10th year in the league. I obviously would love to play with a great, great, great quarterback," he said, adding that, "I think Kirk Cousins is a great quarterback; he's done crazy things the past couple of years as far as statistics."

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