Officially, NFL teams are not allowed to sign free agents until Wednesday, but the starting signal for negotiations with players was given on Monday.
So it happens that many deals are already fixed before the official start of the new league year. One of these deals includes Jimmy Garoppolo. The 31-year-old quarterback, who spent the last six years with the San Francisco 49ers, will now get his chance with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders have signed Garoppolo, who was initially only scheduled as a 49ers backup last season but then played 11 games before ending the season early with a foot injury, to a three-year contract for $72.75 million.
In Las Vegas, Garoppolo, who led San Francisco to the Super Bowl in the 2019 season, will succeed Derek Carr, who will now play for the New Orleans Saints.
Hargrave to 49ers, Chiefs step up O-Line
A few other important deals also went through on Monday. The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive tackle Javon Hagrave (most recently the Eagles) to a four-year, $84 million ($40 million guaranteed) contract.
Cornerback Patrick Peterson (most recently Vikings) has signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for $14 million ($5.85 million guaranteed).
The Kansas City Chiefs are strengthening with offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (last Jaguars). He will receive $80 million ($60 million guaranteed) for four years.
The Denver Broncos are also investing in the offensive line. Tackle Mike McGlinchey (last 49ers) comes on for five years and receives $87.5 million (of which $50 million is guaranteed). Guard Ben Powers (most recently Ravens) is also brought in for four years and gets $52 million (of which $28.5 is guaranteed).
The Atlanta Falcons strengthen with safety Jesse Bates (most recently Bengals). He’s signed a four-year deal for $64.02 million. The Falcons also make Chris Lindstrom one of the highest-paid guards in NFL history with a five-year extension ($105 million).
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (formerly Bills) now plays for the Chicago Bears, who have signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract ($50 million guaranteed).
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers manage to get Jamel Dean back. The cornerback has signed a four-year contract ($52 million).
