Bears’ new starter? Quarterback Dalton heading to Chicago

For people wondering where is all the freeagent quarterback movement as the NFL’s “legal tampering” period entered its second day, well, calm down.

The biggest spenders at the position had been two teams keeping their supposed QB, Cam Newton in New England and Jameis Winston in New Orleans. Of course, trades that can be completed when the NFL’s business year begins Wednesday will see Carson Wentz with the Colts, Matthew Stafford heading to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, who goes to the Lions.

On Tuesday, Andy Dalton left Dallas for Chicago and Jacoby Brissett headed from Indianapolis to Miami.

Brissett, who will get a oneyear, $5 million deal to back up Tua Tagovailoa, replacing Ryan Fitzpatrick, who agreed to terms with Washington to replace Alex Smith.

Meanwhile, Denver exercised linebacker Von Miller’s 2021 option, which engages the final season of the sixyear, $114.5 million contract and guarantees him $7 million of his $17.5 million base salary.

Miller has recovered from a freak ankle injury that sidelined him all of last season.

The biggest move might have been by Dalton, who has a shot to start for the quarterbackweak Bears. Chicago gave up on Mitchell Trubisky, and Nick Foles has to prove himself once again. The Bears are paying Dalton about $10 million for one year, hefty for a backup.

Dalton, 33, was 45 as a starter for the Cowboys after Dak Prescott was injured. A longtime starter in Cincinnati, Dalton threw for 2,170 yards, with 14 TDs and eight interceptions.

In other moves:

Cincinnati grabbed one of the top passrush threats available in free agency, Trey Hendrickson. The former New Orleans defensive end reportedly gets $60 million over four years, with $32 million paid in the first two seasons.

⏩ Pittsburgh cut linebacker Vince Williams, 31, and saved $4 million. He played 121 games after making the team as a sixthround draft pick in 2013, becoming a starter in 2017.

The Steelers also resigned cornerback Cam Sutton to a twoyear deal worth $9 million and brought back offensive tackle Zach Banner.

Chicago reupped defensive end Mario Edwards for three years and $11.5 million.

Jacksonville added an immediate starter in Seattle cornerback Shaquill Griffin for a threeyear deal worth up to $44.5 million, $29 million guaranteed.

As the Raiders revamp their blocking unit, they are releasing center Rodney Hudson. The 10year veteran has two years remaining on his contract.

Cleveland is bringing in Takk McKinley, a Kennedy HighRichmond alum who has struggled to stay healthy since being a firstround draft selection by Atlanta in 2017. The Falcons didn’t pick up the fifthyear option on his rookie contract, and cut him after four games last season while he dealt with a groin injury. McKinley, 25, was claimed by Cincinnati and the 49ers but failed physicals. He went to Las Vegas but wound up on injured reserve.

The Titans are releasing cornerback Adoree Jackson and right tackle Dennis Kelly to clear salarycap space. Kelly signed a threeyear, $21 million deal exactly a year ago and started all 16 games at right tackle. Jackson was due $10.24 million.

Minnesota released defensive tackle Shamar Stephen and cleared $3.75 million under the salary cap.

Arizona brought back starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum on a twoyear deal.

Green Bay cornerback Tramon Williams announced on social media on his 38th birthday that he’s retiring.