NFL free-agent frenzy begins as Seahawks, QB Darnold agree to 3-year, $110M.5 US deal: sources

Quarterback Sam Darnold has agreed on a three-year, $110.5 million US contract with the Seattle Seahawks, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because teams can't sign free agents until Wednesday.

Darnold had his best season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, leading them to 14 wins. He replaces Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets, thrived under AP Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell's guidance.

He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions with a passer rating of 102.5.

Darnold also became the fourth player in NFL history with 12 games with multiple TD passes and a passer rating of 100 or higher in a season, joining Aaron Rodgers (14) Patrick Mahomes (13) and Matt Ryan (12).

But Darnold, who was picked for the Pro Bowl, had two of his worst games back to back when Minnesota needed him most.

The Vikings had a chance to earn the NFC's No. 1 seed but lost 31-9 to Detroit in Week 18. They ended up as the No. 5 seed and were dominated by the Rams, who sacked Darnold nine times.

Bills sign Canadian WR Palmer

It appears Canadian receiver Josh Palmer will be playing football a lot closer to home.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Palmer, of Brampton, Ont., and the Buffalo Bills have agreed to a three-year, $36-million deal.

The six-foot-one, 210-pound Palmer had 39 catches for 584 yards and a touchdown last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Los Angeles selected Palmer in the third round, No. 77 overall, in the 2021 NFL draft out of Tennessee.

He has registered 182 career catches for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns in 58 games with the NFL club.

The agreement with Palmer comes a day after Buffalo signed quarterback Josh Allen — the NFL's MVP last season — to a six-year extension reportedly worth $330 million.

Pats secure coveted lineman Williams

Defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis and offensive tackle Morgan Moses have agreed to contracts with the New England Patriots, four people with knowledge of the deals told The Associated Press on Monday.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because players can't sign with new teams until Wednesday.

Williams, who sacked Patrick Mahomes twice in Philadelphia's win over Kansas City in the Super Bowl, will average $26 million per year in his new deal, according to one person.

Davis is receiving a three-year, $60 million deal, one person said. The seven-year veteran stabilized Detroit's secondary in his first year with the Lions after spending the first six in Tampa Bay.

Moses is getting a three-year, $28.5 million deal, one person said. The 34-year old Moses has started 158 games in 11 seasons with the Commanders, Jets and Ravens.

The Patriots also agreed on a deal with edge rusher Harold Landry on Sunday.

Bucs retain Godwin, sign Reddick

Chris Godwin is staying in Tampa Bay and two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick is joining the Buccaneers, two people with knowledge of the terms told The Associated Press.

Godwin, who is returning from a gruesome ankle injury, is getting a three-year $66 million deal, including $44 million guaranteed, according to one person.

Reddick is getting $14 million for one year, including $12 million guaranteed. Before a holdout ruined his 2024 season with the New York Jets, Reddick had 27 sacks in two seasons in Philadelphia.

Fields joins Jets QB room

The New York Jets and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields have agreed to a two-year contract worth $40 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

Fields steps in as New York's starter for Aaron Rodgers after the Jets announced last month they are moving forward without the four-time NFL MVP after two seasons.

The deal for Fields includes $30 million guaranteed.

Commanders splash on Kinlaw

The Commanders made a big splash in the opening hours of NFL free agency Monday, agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

One of the people said the contract was worth $45 million over the next three seasons, with $30 million guaranteed. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be made official until the start of the new league year Wednesday.

Kinlaw, 27, becomes an immediate replacement for Jonathan Allen after the second-longest-tenured player in the organization was released last week.

In addition to bringing in Kinlaw, the Commanders also re-signed punter Tress Way and tight end John Bates, one of the people said. Way, Washington's longest-tenured player, signed for next season, while Bates got a three-year deal.

Cardinals sign edge-rusher Sweat

Edge rusher Josh Sweat is heading to the Arizona Cardinals on a four-year, $76.4 million contract after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because teams can't sign free agents until Wednesday, said Sweat is receiving $41 million guaranteed.

Sweat had 2 1/2 sacks of Patrick Mahomes in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. He had eight sacks in 2024 and 33 over the past four seasons.

Vikings add CB help with Rodgers

The Vikings agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Isaiah Rodgers on Monday, adding a backup from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to help shore up a critical position as the NFL's negotiation window opened.

Rodgers will get a two-year, $15 million contract with $8 million fully guaranteed, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it can't be finalized until the signing period begins on Wednesday.