Raiders fill QB need with Jimmy G
Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Raiders, likely answering the question of who will be their starting quarterback next season.
Garoppolo’s contract includes $34 million in the guaranteed money.
The Raiders have been linked to Garoppolo almost from the moment coach Josh McDaniels benched nine-year starter Derek Carr with two weeks left in the season. Carr has since signed with the Saints.
McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator when Garoppolo backed up Tom Brady in New England beginning in 2014. With Brady locked in as the starter, Garoppolo was traded to the 49ers during the 2017 season and immediately became the starter.
His tenure in San Francisco was uneven, in large part to several season-ending injuries.
He was effective when healthy, going 38-17 and taking the Niners to the 2019 and 2021 NFC Championship Games. The Niners made the Super Bowl in the 2019 season.
Garoppolo joins a Raiders team coming off a 6-11 season.
49ers add star DT Hargrave, QB Darnold
The 49ers made a big addition to their stellar defense, agreeing to a four-year, $84 million contract with $40 million in guarantees with former Eagles star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The Niners add a top interior pass rusher to team with Nick Bosa on the edge.
The Niners also filled another hole quickly, agreeing on a one-year deal with former first-round quarterback Sam Darnold to add depth with Trey Lance working his way back from a broken ankle and Brock Purdy recovering from elbow surgery.
Lions get big help in secondary
The Lions addressed pressing needs in free agency by adding standout cornerback Cameron Sutton and retaining veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone (three-year, $18.75 million extension) to bolster their lackluster defense.
Sutton agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with $22.5 million guaranteed. He started 31 games for the Steelers over the past two years, making five interceptions and 95 tackles.
Broncos boost offensive line, add DE
The Broncos strengthened their offensive line, agreeing to deals with right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.
McGlinchey is getting a five-year, $87.5 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. Powers receives a four-year, $52 million contract with $28.5 million guaranteed.
The Broncos also added defensive end Zach Allen on a three-year, $45.75 million deal with $32.5 million guaranteed.
Falcons boost secondary
The Falcons agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract with former Bengals safety Jessie Bates, making him the fourth-highestpaid safety in NFL history.
The Falcons also made Chris Lindstrom the NFL’s highest-paid guard by signing him to a five-year, $105 million contract extension.
Other deals
Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with $60 million guaranteed with the Chiefs.
♦ Former Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson agreed to a four-year, $57 million deal with $27.5M guaranteed with the Browns.
♦ Former Broncos defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Seahawks.
♦ The Giants will sign former Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million contract with $22 million guaranteed.
♦ Former Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport is signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Vikings.
♦ Quarterback Jameis Winston is staying with the Saints for one year and $4 million with incentives.
♦ Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean is re-signing on a four-year deal worth $52 million.
♦ The Steelers agreed to a two-year deal with cornerback Patrick Peterson.