Players cash in on first day of NFL business year

Solder is among big beneficiaries, agreeing to $62 million from the New York Giants.

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

While the likes of Drew Brees, Malcolm Butler and Andrew Norwell cashed in big time, having reached agreements in the last two days before everything became official, some value entered the marketplace.

Arizona released safety Tyrann Mathieu when it couldn’t rework his deal. On Tuesday, the Cardinals let running back Adrian Peterson go.

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, 38, who contemplated retirement after 17 seasons, remains with the Panthers for $5 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the situation said. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team does not release financial terms of contracts.

“I am fired up to have him back,” coach Ron Rivera said. “It was amazing to have him as part of what we are trying to build and I think he can help us get to the next level.”

Cleveland did nothing more than listen to one of its greatest players, tackle Joe Thomas , announce his retirement. The Browns lost their best player and leader, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

Mathieu was due for $18.75 million of his contract to be guaranteed. By cutting him, Arizona is saving close to $5 million in salary-cap space.

Baltimore freed up an estimated $5 million in cap space by releasing Maclin, who signed as a free agent in June. But Maclin suffered shoulder and knee injuries, and had only 40 catches for 440 yards and three touchdowns.

San Francisco agreed to a four-year contract with running back Jerick McKinnon and a five-year deal with center-guard Weston Richburg. McKinnon replaces departing starter Carlos Hyde, who is rumored to be headed to Cleveland.

The New York Giants agreed with offensive tackle Nate Solder, late of the New England Patriots. Solder, 29, will get a four-year contract worth about $62 million.

Tennessee kept right guard Josh Kline and defensive end David King with new contracts after making a splash in free agency by getting Butler for $60 million over five years ($30 million guaranteed) and also taking running back Dion Lewis away from New England.

Buffalo restocked their quarterback position by agreeing to a two-year contract with AJ McCarron, who spent the last four seasons backing up Andy Dalton in Cincinnati.

The New York Jets signed linebacker Avery Williamson to a three-year contract worth $22.5 million. Williamson spent his first four seasons with Tennessee.