NFL Player News

The Saints are expected to release Winston as a post-June 1 cut, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

New Orleans can save $12.8 million against the cap by releasing Winston, who was relegated to backup duties down the stretch of the 2022 campaign, after June 1. With the team expected to announce an official agreement with Derek Carr imminently, Winston is clearly the odd man out in the Saints' quarterback room. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton is scheduled to hit free agency, giving New Orleans a clear need at the No. 2 quarterback spot.

Carr announced via his official Twitter account Monday that he has agreed to sign with the Saints.

Carr's contract with New Orleans reportedly will be finalized as a four-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. As the Saints' new starting quarterback, Carr stands to provide a boost at least in terms of stability for fantasy standouts Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, while his arrival essentially guarantees that the team will move on from Jameis Winston in free agency. It remains to be seen, however, whether Michael Thomas (toe) will remain in New Orleans for the 2023 campaign, or whether Kamara will face a suspension. Both outcomes will impact Carr's fantasy outlook in his debut campaign with the Saints.

Carr and New Orleans are closing in on a contract agreement, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Carr met with three teams at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the Saints now appear to have emerged as the clear front runners to sign him as a free agent. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that an agreement between Carr and New Orleans could be made official as early as Monday. Carr, who turns 32 later in March, would get the benefit of two top-end offensive playmakers in Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave with the Saints, while also reuniting with head coach Dennis Allen, who held the same position with the Raiders back when the team drafted Carr in 2014.

The Giants plan to franchise tag Jones if an extension isn't reached by Tuesday's deadline, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Jones is reportedly seeking an extension worth over $40 million per year, and it appears the Giants have been reluctant to pony up that type of compensation. However, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, there's still optimism that the two sides can reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. New York is also dealing with the impending free agency of Saquon Barkley, and per Graziano, the team would rather sign Jones to an extension and tag Barkley than the other way around. Jones had a career-high 67 percent completion percentage in 2022 and finished tied with Geno Smith for sixth in QBR (60.8).

Hoyer (concussion) is expected to be released by the Patriots before March 15, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.

It's a bit of a surprising move given the Patriots wouldn't actually save any money by releasing the long-time veteran. Given the relative youth of both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, the expected two remaining QBs on the roster, it's entirely possible New England could opt to add an additional veteran if Hoyer is released, as has been reported.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Wednesday that he remains optimistic the team will reach a long-term extension with Jackson (knee), Clifton Brown of the team's official site reports.

DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh made statements in support of retaining Jackson in press conferences on Wednesday, and both offered similar comments in January about the quarterback after the Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs. At this stage of the offseason, the two sides seem far apart in contract talks, but the Ravens have made it clear they'll use the franchise tag on Jackson if it comes to that.

Head coach Frank Reich said Wednesday that Corral (foot) may miss the start of OTAs while he recovers from Lisfranc surgery, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Corral missed the entirety of his rookie season after undergoing surgery in early September. The Panthers originally maintained hope that Corral would be fully cleared ahead of the offseason program, but given the typical timeline associated with his recovery from surgery, the fact that the quarterback still hasn't been deemed 100 percent isn't overly surprising. Even if he sits out OTAs, Corral should still have a good chance at being ready to go for training camp, when he could be competing for anything between the starting role and the third spot on the depth chart. For the time being, Corral remains the only Carolina quarterback under contract for the upcoming season, but the Panthers will surely bring in some competition at the position via the trade or free-agent market or through the 2023 NFL Draft this offseason.

Carr met with the Saints, Panthers and Jets at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Carr became a free agent two weeks ago when the Raiders officially granted him his release, allowing him to get an early start on finding his new home before the start of the new league year March 15. Set to turn 32 years old later this month, Carr is coming off a 2022 campaign in which he completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 3,522 yards, 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions to go with 102 rushing yards on 24 carries over 15 appearances before he was benched for the Raiders' final two games of the season.

Purdy (elbow) will meet with his surgeon later this week and hopes to undergo surgery next week, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

Purdy was originally scheduled to undergo surgery for his torn UCL on February 22, but he has continued to experience swelling in the elbow since injuring it in the 49ers' playoff loss to the Eagles. Purdy will have a lengthy rehab once he does go under the knife, and Trey Lance (ankle) is also recovering from a lost 2022 campaign, so the team could dabble in the free-agent market at quarterback this offseason.

The Falcons released Mariota (knee) on Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Mariota's release has been expected, and frees up roughly $12 million in cap space for Atlanta. The 29-year-old ended the 2022 season on IR after having been benched for Desmond Ridder, finishing his only campaign as a Falcon with a 15:9 TD:INT through 13 appearances. Once fully recovered from his knee procedure, Mariota will likely draw interest from teams looking for a veteran backup quarterback.