Jackson, Chandler Jones, and Von Miller all agreed to sizable deals with a boatload of guaranteed money, while receivers like Mike Williams, Christian Kirk, and Allen Robinson all cashed in as well.
Despite all these moves, there are plenty of notable names still sitting on the open market as we conclude the opening week of action.
Even though Sean Payton is no longer at the helm as head coach, the team retained several coaches — including offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael — as they elevated former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to head coach.
Fournette has been in the league for so long that some many not realize he’s only 27, meaning there’s still plenty of high-caliber play in front of him.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s free agency was already going to be interesting after the veteran receiver suffered a torn ACL in the Super Bowl, which will likely limit his availability to begin the 2022 season.
With Tom Brady coming out of retirement and rejoining the Buccaneers, it feels inevitable that Rob Gronkowski will find his way back to Tampa Bay.
It’s possible the 30-year-old was waiting to see how the situation with Deshaun Watson unfolded and whether or not he landed with his former team in the New Orleans Saints before making a major splash.
While the safety may be embarking on a new chapter in his career, he’s still playing at a high level, which should garner him some interest throughout the league.
He was limited to just nine games last season due to a groin injury and contract dispute with New England that resulted in a trade to the Panthers, but the 31-year-old played well when he was on the field in 2021.
The veteran pass rusher agreed to a four-year, $35 million contract with the club that had a max value of $50 million, but instead decided to back out of the deal and remain a free agent.
He was limited to nine games last season due to injury but did play well when he was on the field.