2021 Free agency and trade thread

[molsaniceman]

Patriots released LB Kyle Van Noy.​

Van Noy was signed to a two-year deal in March 2021. By releasing him, the Patriots clear $5 million in cap space. Van Noy, who turns 31 at the end of March, is now free to immediately sign with another NFL team. Van Noy played 16 games for the Patriots in 2020 but managed just seven quarterback hits, his lowest mark since 2016. After an uninspiring stint with Miami in 2020 and a bounce-back that wasn't in 2021, the pass rusher's market could be fairly weak.

 

[molsaniceman]

Browns did not exercise the 2022 option on FB Andy Janovich's contract.​

Janovich was due just over $1.5 million if retained for 2022 but now will become a free agent at the start of the new league year. Janovich was a starter for the Browns and a Pro Bowl alternate in 2021. Considered one of the best at his position, the Browns' decision to move on says more about the state of the fullback position than about Janovich's ability.

 

[molsaniceman]

Jack Doyle announced that he is retiring from the NFL​

 

[molsaniceman]

Bengals used the franchise tag on FS Jessie Bates.​

The Bengals are reportedly working towards a contract extension with Bates, who they selected in the second round of the 2018 draft. Tagging Bates provides the Bengals with additional time to come to an agreement on a long-term deal. If Bates plays on the tag in 2022, it is expected to cost the Bengals around $12.5 million. Bates is just 25 years old and is coming off a playoff run with 20 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. One way or another, he will be a part of the Bengals' 2022 attempt to make back-to-back Super Bowls.

 

[molsaniceman]

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Chiefs are using the franchise tag on LT Orlando Brown.​

This likely means free agent Tyrann Mathieu won't continue in Kansas City. Brown, 25, was a key part of a KC offensive line graded by Pro Football Focus as 2021's sixth-best pass-blocking unit. After spending most of his time in Baltimore on the right side of the line, Brown transitioned seamlessly to the left side in 2021.

 

[ducky]

I thought I read somewhere where the Browns were going to franchise Njoku. That cant be right can it?

I understand that that tag value isnt very high compared to other positions......but he isnt worth a $10m per deal. And that is where you have to be if you tag him.

 

[Shanemansj13]

I thought I read somewhere where the Browns were going to franchise Njoku. That cant be right can it?

I understand that that tag value isnt very high compared to other positions......but he isnt worth a $10m per deal. And that is where you have to be if you tag him.

Better weapon than Hooper offensively and they can cut Hooper after June 1st and save $9 of the $11M dead cap hit. I would assume they do that. Hoop has been a disappointment so far.

I mean Jonnu Smith is getting $15M this year. My guess is they are seeing what he can do and possibly sign him long-term....

 

[shopson67]

Better weapon than Hooper offensively and they can cut Hooper after June 1st and save $9 of the $11M dead cap hit. I would assume they do that. Hoop has been a disappointment so far.

I mean Jonnu Smith is getting $15M this year. My guess is they are seeing what he can do and possibly sign him long-term....

...and Jonnu has been a disappointment thus far at that number.