Fitzpatrick, WFT agree to contract
It’s not yet St. Patrick’s Day, but Ryan Fitzpatrick has a little bit of luck left in his NFL career as the 38-year-old journeyman quarterback has agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million-$12 million with Washington, according to ESPN.
The former Jets signal-caller is expected to enter camp as the starter, but will compete with Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen for the job. Should Fitzpatrick play for Washington, it will be his ninth NFL team in his 17th season.
BUCCANEERS: Just as he had done several times in New England, Tom Brady reworked his big-ticket contract last week to free up money in free agency. The Buccaneers used it to keep Lavonte David, and on Monday, the first day of “legal tampering” before the NFL’s business year begins on Wednesday, the 28-yearold Shaq Barrett agreed to a fouryear, $72 million contract with $36 million guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed.
Later in the day, Rob Gronkowski agreed to return for his 11th season with Brady on a one-year, $10 million deal — up from the $9.25 million he earned in 2020.
SAINTS: One day after franchise quarterback Drew Brees retired, New Orleans signed backup Jameis Winston to a one-year deal worth $12 million, according to ESPN.
CHIEFS: Perhaps the best offensive lineman in this crop of free agents, 28-year-old guard Joe Thuney, agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City. RAIDERS: Las Vegas agreed to a two-year contract with edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue has the 12th-most sacks (45.5), third-most strip sacks (15), sixth-most quarterback pressures (190) and second-most forced fumbles (18) in his five pro seasons.
CHARGERS: Los Angeles went with an offensive line upgrade, center Corey Linsley, an All-Pro with Green Bay last season. Linsley allowed a league-low four pressures last season among centers who played 13 or more games. Los Angeles also agreed to re-sign cornerback Michael Davis for three years.
BRONCOS: Denver addressed their biggest defensive need by agreeing to terms with former Washington cornerback Ronald Darby on a three-year deal that can be signed on Wednesday.
The $30 million agreement with the seventh-year cornerback followed an accord with defensive end Shelby Harris, who agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal.
RAMS: Agreed with passrusher Leonard Floyd on a fouryear deal. The outside linebacker finished 10th in the league with 10.5 sacks while racking up 55 tackles and 19 quarterback hits for the Rams in 2020.
BROWNS: Cleveland might have found a gem in Rams safety John Johnson III. The 25-year-old playmaker has a three-year deal with the Browns reportedly valued at $33.75 million, with $24 million guaranteed.
49ERS: San Francisco re-signed 29-year-old cornerback Jason Verrett for one year. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but stayed healthy in 2020 and excelled for the 49ers.
CARDINALS: Arizona resigned linebacker Markus Golden, 30, for two-years. He spent 2019 and part of 2020 with the Giants before being traded back to the Cardinals midway through the season.