The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Former Washington star Cousins’ reported agreement with Minnesota was part of a busy day for Vikings quarterbacks.
Drew Brees is staying put in the Big Easy, Case Keenum is headed to the Rocky Mountains, and Kirk Cousins will make his new home in Minnesota.
The free-agent activity was frenzied Tuesday — a day before the league’s new year begins — and quarterbacks once again stole the spotlight. Cousins reportedly agreed to a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million deal with the Vikings, making him the league’s highest-paid player at $28 million a year.
Brees agreed to a two-year, $50 million extension with New Orleans, with $27 million guaranteed the first year, two people familiar with the contract told The Associated Press.
Brees is 39 and wants to finish his career in New Orleans, where he has played since 2006, won a Super Bowl and led what has been one of the most productive offenses in the NFL since he and coach Sean Payton arrived.
Keenum, a backup when the season began, guided Minnesota to the NFC North title and then into the conference championship game. He’ll cash in with the Broncos.
The 30-year-old Keenum was considered by some the second-best QB available in free agency after Cousins. He went 11-3 with 3,547 yards passing, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His last-second throw to Stefon Diggs stunned the Saints 29-24 in the playoffs.
Denver chose to bypass incumbents Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch and go for Keenum, who — like most other free agents — can’t sign until today.
The Jets, meantime, were nearing a one-year deal with former Vikings starter Teddy Bridgewater, NFL Network reported. New York also retained 2017 starter Josh McCown with a one-year, $10 million contract.
Arizona hopes it found its new starting quarterback after agreeing to a one-year, $20 million deal with oft-injured Sam Bradford, who has started previously for the Rams, Eagles and Vikings. In other moves:
■ The Packers released veteran receiver Jordy Nelson, who had 550 receptions and 69 touchdown catches in 10 seasons in Green Bay. Nelson’s production declined last season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers sidelined much of the year by a collarbone injury.
Green Bay used some of its cap savings to reach terms with former Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, according to multiple reports.
■ Receiver Paul Richardson will sign a five-year, $40 million contract with Washington, NFL Network reported. The deal reportedly includes $20 million guaranteed and represents a significant payday for the player who was Seattle’s first pick in the 2014 draft, taken in the second round at No. 45 overall.
■ Super Bowl champion Philadelphia lost two tight ends, cutting veteran Brent Celek, then seeing Trey Burton agree to a four-year, $32 million contract with Chicago. Five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and linebacker Corey Nelson agreed to one-year contracts with the Eagles.
■ The Bears also will be signing Jacksonville receiver Allen Robinson and former Miami kicker Cody Parkey.
■ Tennessee agreed with New England cornerback and one-time Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler on a fiveyear deal worth more than $60 million. Agent Derek Simpson told The Associated Press that Butler will sign the deal including $30 million guaranteed once free agency begins.
■ Buffalo bolstered its interior defensive line, agreeing to a deal with Carolina tackle Star Lotulelei and re-signing Kyle Williams, who contemplated retirement.
■ Kansas City will add wide receiver Sammy Watkins and middle linebacker Anthony Hitchens, filling two glaring needs. The 24-yearold Watkins intends to sign a $48 million, three-year contract with $30 million in guarantees, while the 25-year-old Hitchens agreed to a fiveyear deal, two people familiar with their decisions told the AP.
■ The Browns, who are still awaiting Joe Thomas’ decision, added some offensive line depth. The team reached agreement with former Pittsburgh tackle Chris Hubbard on a five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
■ Seven-time All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson was released by the Cardinals. In six games, he gained 448 yards on 129 carries for Arizona before being sidelined with a neck injury.
■ Receiver Albert Wilson is closing in on a $24 million, three-year deal with the Dolphins. Miami traded top receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland and has a need. The Dolphins also reached agreement with ex-Patriots receiver Danny Amendola.
■ The Jaguars are poised to sign former Panthers All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell to a five-year, $66.5 million contract. Norwell’s deal will include $30 million guaranteed. Jacksonville linebacker Paul Posluszny, 33, the second-leading tackler in franchise history, retired after 11 seasons. Receiver Marqise Lee agreed to re-sign for a four-year deal worth $38 million.
Norwell is expected to slide into Jacksonville’s offensive line at left guard. The Jaguars have used five different starters at the position the last two seasons.