Promises turn into big paydays as the business year begins

All those promises worth millions upon millions to free agents turned into paydays Wednesday when the NFL’s business year began.

While Drew Brees, Malcolm Butler and Andrew Norwell cashed in, having reached agreements in the past two days, some value entered the marketplace.

Arizona released safety Tyrann Mathieu when it couldn’t rework his deal. Baltimore cut receiver Jeremy Maclin. Detroit said goodbye to tight end Eric Ebron. Pittsburgh tore up a secondary that often was torn up by opposing quarterbacks, releasing Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden and William Gay.

But Carolina had more success with a veteran, completing a one-year deal with defensive end Julius Peppers.

Peppers, who contemplated retirement after 17 pro seasons, remains with the Panthers for $5 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed.

Cleveland did nothing more than listen to one of its greatest players, tackle Joe Thomas, announce his retirement. CARDINALS » Mathieu was due for $18.75 million of his contract to be guaranteed when the league year officially begins. By cutting him, Arizona will save close to $5 million in cap space. RAVENS » Baltimore frees up an estimated $5 million in salary cap space by releasing Maclin, who missed two games with a shoulder injury, two more with knee issues, and finished with 40 catches for 440 yards and three touchdowns. The Ravens agreed to deals with receivers John Brown and Ryan Grant. 49ERS » San Francisco agreed to a four-year contract with running back Jerick McKinnon and a fiveyear deal with center-guard Weston Richburg. McKinnon replaces departing starter Carlos Hyde. GIANTS » New York agreed with offensive tackle Nate Solder, late of the Patriots, to become its starter on the left side. Solder, 29, will get a four-year contract worth about $62 million. BILLS » The Bills restocked their quarterback position by agreeing to a two-year contract with AJ McCarron.

The 27-year-old spent the past four seasons backing up Andy Dalton in Cincinnati after being selected in the fifth round of the 2014 draft.

Buffalo also added defensive end Trent Murphy from Washingtony. DOLPHINS » Five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was released when trades to acquire defensive end Robert Quinn and send Jarvis Landry to Cleveland were finalized.