NFL News

49ers lose 2025 pick, docked fourth-round position for payroll issues

49ers lose 2025 pick, docked fourth-round position for payroll issues

Payroll errors in 2022 caused the NFL to dock the San Francisco 49ers a 2025 fifth-round pick and forfeit a better position in the fourth round in the 2024 draft for an accounting mistake that impacted salary-cap projections.

"This action resulted from a league review that found administrative payroll accounting errors at the close of the 2022 league year that resulted in a misreporting of the club's cumulative player compensation. The NFL determined that the club would have remained under the salary cap at all times regardless of the error and there was no intent to circumvent the cap," the league said in a statement.

The NFL moved the 49ers' fourth-round pick, No. 131, to the bottom of the round, behind the compensatory selections to No. 135.

"We take responsibility and accept the imposed discipline from the NFL due to a clerical payroll error. At no time did we mislead or otherwise deceive the League or gain a competitive advantage in connection with the payroll mistake," the 49ers said in a statement Monday.

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) retiring

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) retiring

Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced Monday that he is medically retiring from the NFL after six seasons.

The team released the 28-year-old veteran on Friday with a failed physical designation due to a lingering neck injury.

"I love the game of football so much, and my body won't cooperate any longer," Vander Esch said in a statement released by the Cowboys. "I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played."

In 71 career NFL games (65 starts) with the Cowboys, the 2018 first-round draft pick had 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018.

"Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel," said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player.

"He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton's playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we're proud that he wore the star on his helmet."

He missed the final 12 games last season with his latest neck injury, sustained in a Week 5 loss at San Francisco when 49ers left tackle Trent Williams blocked Vander Esch into the side of Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons on a fourth-quarter play. Vander Esch had his head down as he made contact with Parsons and fell to the turf.

Vander Esch also sustained a neck injury in 2016 while at Boise State and a more serious one with Dallas in 2019. He had a neck operation in 2020 to fix nerve issues.

Bengals sign DT Sheldon Rankins to two-year deal

Bengals sign DT Sheldon Rankins to two-year deal

The Cincinnati Bengals signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to a two-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

The deal is worth $26 million, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Rankins, who turns 30 on April 2, was an unrestricted free agent after his lone season with the Houston Texans in 2023. He totaled 37 tackles, six sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in 15 games (all starts).

The New Orleans Saints selected Rankins with the 12th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

He has played for the Saints (2016-2020), New York Jets (2021-22) and Texans, totaling 228 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, 68 QB hits, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 109 regular-season games (66 starts).

Report: Bills to re-sign DB Taron Johnson to 3-year deal

Report: Bills to re-sign DB Taron Johnson to 3-year deal

The Buffalo Bills are re-signing defensive back Taron Johnson to a three-year deal worth $31 million, his agent told ESPN on Monday.

The deal makes Johnson the highest-paid nickel back in the NFL, per the report.

Johnson, 27, had 98 tackles, eight passes defensed and three forced fumbles in 17 starts last season.

He has four interceptions, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles and 39 passes defensed in 88 career games (67 starts) in six seasons with the Bills, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 draft out of Weber State.

Johnson was named second-team All-Pro in 2023.

Falcons sign return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud

Falcons sign return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud

The Atlanta Falcons signed wide receiver and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud to a two-year contract Monday.

Terms were not disclosed but prior reports said the deal was worth up to $6 million for the 27-year-old free agent.

McCloud gained 593 all-purpose yards in 12 games (one start) with the San Francisco 49ers last season.

On offense, he has 90 catches for 768 yards and one touchdown and 15 rushes for 192 yards and one TD in 77 career games (11 starts) with the Buffalo Bills (2018), Carolina Panthers (2019), Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-21) and 49ers.

On special teams, McCloud has averaged 9.6 yards on 138 punt returns and 22.6 yards on 108 kickoff returns. He led the NFL with 367 punt-return yards in 2021.

The Bills drafted him out of Clemson with a sixth-round pick in 2018.

Dolphins re-signing veteran OL Isaiah Wynn

Dolphins re-signing veteran OL Isaiah Wynn

The Miami Dolphins are re-signing offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn to a one-year deal, his agents confirmed Monday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by representatives Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O'Dare.

Wynn, 28, has started 47 of his 50 games since being drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2018.

He played on a one-year, $2.3 million deal with Miami in 2023 and made seven starts at left guard before sustaining a season-ending quad injury.

Commanders sign free agent CB Michael Davis

Commanders sign free agent CB Michael Davis

The Washington Commanders signed free agent cornerback Michael Davis on Monday in a depth move for their secondary.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Davis, 29, hit free agency at the end of a three-year deal worth $25.2 million that he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in March 2021.

Davis has 349 tackles, eight interceptions and 69 passes defensed in 107 career games (74 starts) in seven seasons with the Chargers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

Report: Jaguars sign K Joey Slye to one-year deal

Report: Jaguars sign K Joey Slye to one-year deal

The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing free agent kicker Joey Slye to a one-year deal, NFL Network reported Monday.

The former Washington kicker swaps places with Brandon McManus, who signed with the Commanders last week.

Slye, 27, converted 19 of 24 field goals and 32 of 35 extra points in 17 games for the Commanders last season.

He has made 82.3 percent of his field goals and just 88.5 percent of his PATs across five seasons with four teams.

McManus, 32, made 30 of 37 field goals and all 35 of his extra points in 17 games for the Jaguars in 2023.

Reports: Cowboys restructure QB Dak Prescott deal, create $4M cap space

Reports: Cowboys restructure QB Dak Prescott deal, create $4M cap space

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott restructured his contract to lower his nearly $60 million salary cap figure for 2024 and create $4 million for Dallas under the cap, according to multiple reports.

Prescott is entering the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract. The 30-year-old agreed to add void years to his contract to allow the Cowboys to convert his $5 million roster bonus to a signing bonus, ESPN reported, which removes $4 million from the team's 2024 cap.

At $55.45 million, Prescott's cap figure remains the second-highest in the NFL for 2024 behind Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson ($63.97 million).

A long-term contract extension is expected for Prescott and would lower his cap figure immensely and might be necessary with free agency looming for pass rusher Micah Parsons and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, among others on the Dallas roster.

Prescott on Monday also introduced his baby daughter to fans with photos posted to social media. Prescott and his girlfriend, Sarah Jane Ramos, shared five pictures of the newborn nicknamed MJ -- Margaret Rose Jane Prescott.

"Being your parents is the biggest blessing life has to offer and we are so fortunate that you are ours! Welcome into this world, baby girl, you will always be loved and protected! We are so IN LOVE with you, Love, Mom & Dad," the post reads.

Reports: Patriots signing WR K.J. Osborn

Reports: Patriots signing WR K.J. Osborn

The New England Patriots are bringing aboard one of the top remaining free agent receivers, signing former Minnesota Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn, according to multiple reports Sunday.

Osborn played a complementary role to standout Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, recording 158 receptions for 1,845 yards over the past three seasons.

He started 30 of his 59 games with the Vikings, contributing 15 touchdown receptions.

Osborn, who turns 27 in June, was a fifth-round pick by Minnesota in 2020.

The Patriots, who traded quarterback Mac Jones during this offseason, are likely to draft a QB with their first-round pick (No. 3 overall). New England's receiver room is led by JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor.

Reports: QB Tyler Huntley reaches deal with Browns

Reports: QB Tyler Huntley reaches deal with Browns

Huntley joins a crowded quarterback room consisting of Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Huntley, 26, spent four seasons as a backup to Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens. Huntley was named to the Pro Bowl in 2022 after completing 67.0 percent of his passes for 658 yards and two touchdowns in six games (four starts).

Huntley has thrown for 1,957 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 20 games (nine starts) with the Ravens. He signed with Baltimore in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Utah.

Steelers QB Justin Fields 'ready for this next chapter'

Steelers QB Justin Fields 'ready for this next chapter'

Justin Fields said goodbye to Chicago following his trade from the Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

"Can't say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me," Wilson posted on social media. "Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can't thank you all enough for what y'all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!"

The next chapter apparently will be as the backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The Steelers have seen an overhaul of their quarterback room, with Wilson signing a one-year deal, former starter Kenny Pickett being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mitchell Trubisky returning to the Buffalo Bills, longtime backup Mason Rudolph signing as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans and the acquisition of Fields for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.

That pick could become a fourth-rounder if Fields plays at least 50 percent of the snaps for Pittsburgh.

Reports Sunday indicated Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reached out to both Wilson and Fields as the deal was closed on Saturday to let them know Wilson currently stands as the starter and Fields as QB2.

"Let's get it @justnfields! QB room bout to be (three fire emojis)," he wrote.

Only 25, Fields threw for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 starts in 2023.

He completed 61.4 percent of his throws and rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns. Fields suffered a right thumb injury and missed four games last season for the 7-10 Bears.

The Bears selected him No. 11 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The deal opens the door for Chicago to draft a quarterback, widely expected to be Southern California's Caleb Williams, with the No. 1 overall selection.

Reports: Commanders to sign former first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene

Reports: Commanders to sign former first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene

The Washington Commanders are signing cornerback Noah Igbinoghene to a free agent deal, according to multiple reports Sunday.

A first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2020, Igbinoghene will be playing for his third team. Miami traded him to the Dolphins last August, and he became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season.

He becomes the fourth member of the Cowboys' 2023 roster to move to the rival Commanders since Washington hired Dan Quinn as head coach in February. Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Dallas the past three seasons.

Igbinoghene, 24, is expected to play on special teams and provide depth in the secondary.

In 37 career games (five starts), he has recorded 29 tackles, one interception, five passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.

Reports: Bears sending QB Justin Fields to Steelers

Reports: Bears sending QB Justin Fields to Steelers

Quarterback Justin Fields is heading from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports.

The Bears acquire a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that, should Fields exceed 50 percent snaps this coming season, would become a fourth-round selection according to ESPN.

Still only 25, Fields threw for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 starts in 2023.

He completed 61.4 percent of his throws and rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns.

Pittsburgh signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and traded Kenny Pickett to Philadelphia this week. Pickett started 24 games in his two years with the Steelers.

An ESPN source said Fields is unlikely to be the starter in Pittsburgh, at least to begin the season.

The deal opens the door for Chicago to draft a quarterback, widely expected to be Southern California's Caleb Williams, with the No. 1 overall selection.

"No one wants to live in gray, I know that's uncomfortable," Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Feb. 27. "I wouldn't want to be in that situation either. So, we will gather the information, we will move as quickly as possible, we are not going to be in a rush and see what presents itself and what's best for the organization."

Fields suffered a right thumb injury and missed four games last season for the 7-10 Bears.

Reports: Raiders re-sign DT Adam Butler

Reports: Raiders re-sign DT Adam Butler

The Las Vegas Raiders re-signed defensive tackle Adam Butler to a one-year deal, according to multiple reports Saturday.

Signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in 2017, Butler played four seasons in New England. He then signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins but was released after one year and sat out the 2022 season with an undisclosed injury.

Butler then signed a reserve/futures contract with the Raiders and proceeded to have a strong comeback season, playing in all 17 games and recording five sacks.

A native of Duncanville, Texas, Butler played college football at Vanderbilt.

The Raiders recently signed free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who played with Butler in Miami.

Reports: Jets sign former Cowboys LT Tyron Smith

Reports: Jets sign former Cowboys LT Tyron Smith

Veteran left tackle Tyron Smith is leaving Dallas after 13 seasons to sign with the New York Jets, NFL Network and ESPN reported on Friday.

Terms of the deal were not yet known for Smith, the decorated lineman who will take on the job of protecting Aaron Rodgers' blind side in 2024.

Smith, 33, is a five-time All-Pro selection -- two first-team and three second-team choices, including a second-team nod in 2023. He has been voted to eight Pro Bowls since taking over the Cowboys' left tackle job.

Smith has not played more than 13 games in a single regular season since 2015 due to injuries. He played in just two in 2020 (neck surgery), 11 in 2021 (ankle injuries) and four in 2022 (torn hamstring).

The Jets, who ranked tied for 29th in sacks allowed (64) last year, have remade their offensive line in the first week of this offseason.

After releasing guard Laken Tomlinson, New York signed free agent guard John Simpson, who started all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. Then they acquired right tackle Morgan Moses from Baltimore in exchange for a fourth-round pick swap and a sixth-rounder.

Moses spent one season with the Jets in 2021.

Reports: Rams sign QB Jimmy Garoppolo to 1-year deal

Reports: Rams sign QB Jimmy Garoppolo to 1-year deal

The Los Angeles Rams are signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports Friday.

Garoppolo, 32, will serve as the backup to Matthew Stafford in 2024 after he serves a two-game suspension for performance-enhancing substances.

Garoppolo spent last year with the Las Vegas Raiders after six seasons with San Francisco. He was benched after Josh McDaniels was fired as the Raiders' head coach on Nov. 1, save for a spot appearance in which he had one incomplete pass and a sack in the team's season finale against the Denver Broncos on Jan. 7.

Over seven games (six starts) in 2023, Garoppolo completed 65.1 percent of his throws for 1,205 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.

In February, Garoppolo was assessed a two-game ban to start 2024, reportedly for using a prescribed medication without having a valid therapeutic use exemption from the league. The Raiders released Garoppolo on Wednesday.

Across a 10-year career with the New England Patriots (2014-16), Niners (2017-22) and Raiders, Garoppolo has completed 67.4 percent of his throws for 15,494 yards, 94 touchdowns and 51 interceptions.

The Rams at times have employed John Wolford, Stetson Bennett and Baker Mayfield as a No. 2 quarterback in recent seasons.

Cowboys release LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Michael Gallup

Cowboys release LB Leighton Vander Esch, WR Michael Gallup

The Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and receiver Michael Gallup on Friday.

The Cowboys said Vander Esch was released with a failed physical designation. According to reports, the move frees up $2.14 million in salary cap space.

Vander Esch missed the final 12 games of the 2023 season with a neck injury and has long had problems with his neck.

The Cowboys said Gallup will be listed as a post-June 1 cut. The move reportedly saves Dallas $9.5 million.

Vander Esch, a first-round pick in 2018, sustained his latest neck injury during a 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 8.

San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams blocked Vander Esch into the side of Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons on a fourth-quarter play. Vander Esch had his head down as he made contact with Parsons and fell to the turf.

Vander Esch, 28, also sustained a neck injury in 2016 while at Boise State and a more serious one with the Cowboys in 2019. He had a neck operation in 2020 to fix nerve issues.

In 71 career NFL games (65 starts) with the Cowboys, Vander Esch had 469 tackles, 13 for loss, plus 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018.

Gallup, 28, had big seasons in 2019 and 2020 when he combined for 125 receptions, 1,950 yards and 11 touchdowns.

But he was limited to nine games in 2021 due to an ACL tear and that contributed to his decline.

Over the past three seasons, he never accumulated 40 receptions or 500 receiving yards. He had eight receiving scores during the span.

Overall, Gallup had 266 catches for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdown receptions in 86 games (67 starts) over six seasons with the Cowboys. Gallup was a third-round pick in the same draft that produced Vander Esch.

Reports: Steelers trade QB Kenny Pickett to Eagles

Reports: Steelers trade QB Kenny Pickett to Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles for three draft picks, multiple outlets reported.

The Steelers also gave up a fourth-round draft pick (No. 120 overall) in this year's draft, according to ESPN. Pittsburgh will receive a third-round draft pick (No. 98 overall) this year and two seventh-round draft picks in 2025.

The trade comes after veteran quarterback Russell Wilson agreed to a one-year deal this week to join the Steelers.

The move slots Pickett behind Jalen Hurts as the Eagles' No. 2 quarterback. Pickett, 25, made 12 starts for the Steelers last season, with the team going 7-5 in those games. He completed 62.0 percent of his passes in 2023 for 2,070 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions.

Pickett was expected to return from an ankle injury and close out the 2023 regular season as the Steelers' starter, but Mason Rudolph ended up as the starter over the final three weeks of the season. Pittsburgh won all three of those games and qualified for the playoffs.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said health was not a consideration for his decision to start Rudolph over Pickett in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

Pickett was the 20th overall selection out of the University of Pittsburgh in the 2022 draft, Pickett completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards and 13 TDs with 13 interceptions.

The Steelers now will be on the market for a backup quarterback.

Pittsburgh parted ways with Mitchell Trubisky, who signed a two-year contract to back up Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday to compete with Will Levis and Malik Willis for the starting job.

Reports: Ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel joins Browns as consultant

Reports: Ex-Titans coach Mike Vrabel joins Browns as consultant

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is returning to his home state of Ohio as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, multiple outlets reported Friday.

He will work with both head coach Kevin Stefanski's staff and the team personnel department, per ESPN.

Vrabel played high school football in suburban Cleveland before enrolling at Ohio State. After a 14-year NFL career with three teams, most notably the New England Patriots, he began his coaching career with the Buckeyes from 2011-13, then spent four seasons as a Houston Texans assistant coach before being hired as the Titans coach before the 2018 season.

The Titans fired Vrabel in January after a 6-11 season. He was 54-45 over six seasons with the Titans.

Vrabel, 48, wasn't hired for one of the seven other head coach openings this offseason. He worked as a consultant with the Browns at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, NFL Network reported.

Reports: Eagles keep DE Josh Sweat on restructured deal

Reports: Eagles keep DE Josh Sweat on restructured deal

Defensive end Josh Sweat is staying with the Philadelphia Eagles on a restructured deal, multiple outlets reported Friday.

The Eagles had reportedly been fielding trade calls for Sweat, who is entering the final year of a three-year, $42 million extension signed in 2021.

There were no guarantees left on that deal, but his new contract for 2024 is worth up to $13 million and includes $10 million guaranteed, per ESPN and NFL Network.

Sweat, who turns 27 later this month, started all 17 games last season and contributed 6.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits and 43 tackles.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Sweat has recorded 35 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 82 QB hits and 196 tackles in 88 games (49 starts) since Philadelphia drafted him in the fourth round in 2018.

Report: 49ers signing ex-Packers LB De'Vondre Campbell

Report: 49ers signing ex-Packers LB De'Vondre Campbell

The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Green Bay Packers All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, NFL Network reported Friday.

The deal is for one year, though financial terms have not been disclosed, per the report.

The Falcons selected Campbell in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he spent four seasons there before one season with the Arizona Cardinals (2020) and three with the Packers.

Now 30, Campbell was named an All-Pro following a 2021 season in which he made a career-high 146 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. He added two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Last season, he was limited to 11 games (all starts) and dipped to 75 tackles and one fumble recovery.

In 115 career games (110 starts), Campbell has 779 tackles (40 for loss), 9.5 sacks, seven interceptions, 28 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Colts sign former Dolphins DT Raekwon Davis

Colts sign former Dolphins DT Raekwon Davis

The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of free agent defensive tackle Raekwon Davis on Friday.

Terms were not disclosed, but earlier reports said the 26-year-old landed a two-year deal for $14 million.

Davis spent his first four NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in the second round in 2020.

He played in 17 games (seven starts) in 2023 and has 129 tackles and two sacks in 63 career games (48 starts).

Rams star Aaron Donald announces retirement

Rams star Aaron Donald announces retirement

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald announced his retirement Friday after 10 tremendous seasons.

Donald, 32, is an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

"Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically -- 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be," Donald wrote on social media. "I respected this game like no other and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted."

Donald recorded 111 sacks to go along with 543 tackles in 154 career games (150 starts) since being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

"We are so grateful for Aaron's dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade," Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement. "He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams."

Broncos to bargain bin: QB Russell Wilson officially joins Steelers

Broncos to bargain bin: QB Russell Wilson officially joins Steelers

Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, sharing a snapshot of the signature moment at the team facility to social media.

Wilson, 35, was released by the Denver Broncos two years into a five-year, $245 million contract he signed after a trade ended his 10-year run with the Seattle Seahawks.

Wilson, who first visited the New York Giants, quickly agreed to join the Steelers after meeting with coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Cash committed by the Broncos sets the Steelers up for a serious bargain. Spotrac lists Wilson at No. 79 among quarterbacks in total contract value, behind the likes of Malik Cunningham (Ravens, $1.665 million), Tommy DeVito (Giants, $1.665M), Nate Sudfeld (Lions, $1.6M), Carson Wentz (Rams, $1.32M) and Kyle Allen (Bills, $1.232M).

The Steelers owe the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Pro Bowl pick just $1.2 million for 2024 because the Broncos are obligated to pay $38 million guaranteed in their five-year contract.

By divorcing from Wilson, Denver is taking on a record $85 million dead money hit on the salary cap.

Pittsburgh ownership was adamant there would be competition this season for Kenny Pickett, the Steelers' 2022 first-round pick and the only other quarterback under contract. Mason Rudolph started three games and led Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2023 but signed with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

Wilson played in two offenses and under two head coaches in Denver. He was benched by Sean Payton for the last two games of the 2023 season. He said the move was a reaction to his resistance to the team demanding Wilson renegotiate his contract. The team's concern was an injury would trigger guarantees in his contract beyond 2024.

Wilson posted an 11-19 record in 30 starts.

Wilson took Seattle to a pair of Super Bowls during a decorated decade with the Seahawks, winning a championship at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

He won 104 regular-season games as the starter in Seattle and has passed for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in 188 career contests. He has added 5,307 rushing yards and 29 scores in 188 NFL starts.

Report: Panthers signing edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson

Report: Panthers signing edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson

The Carolina Panthers are signing former Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson to a one-year, $5 million contract, NFL Network reported on Friday.

Chaisson, 24, is looking for a fresh start after spending four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville selected him with the 20th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU.

He recorded 13 tackles and two sacks in 17 games off the bench last season. He totaled 73 tackles and five sacks in 57 career games (11 starts) with the Jaguars.

Report: Rams signing S Kamren Curl to 2-year deal

Report: Rams signing S Kamren Curl to 2-year deal

The Los Angeles Rams are signing safety Kamren Curl to a two-year deal worth up to $13 million, per NFL Network.

The 25-year-old free agent spent the past four seasons with Washington, starting 53 of his 60 games.

Curl collected a career-high 115 tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery in 16 starts for the Commanders in 2023.

He had 385 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions during his time in Washington, which drafted him in the seventh round in 2020.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones says he understands fans frustration

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones says he understands fans frustration

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged that the team's front office is "very aware" of the club's frustrated fan base after little splash was made during free agency.

Sure, the Cowboys added veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks on a one-year agreement on Wednesday, however the fans expected more -- especially after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said earlier this offseason that he planned to go "all in."

And "all in" didn't include signing two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry, who told Mad Dog Sports Radio that the Cowboys didn't even reach out to him. That comes on the heels of seeing Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia) and Aaron Jones (Minnesota) -- who lives in Dallas during the offseason -- land with other teams while the Cowboys saw fellow running back Tony Pollard join the Tennessee Titans.

"Everybody certainly has that right (to be frustrated)," Stephen Jones said Thursday, via The Athletic. "I know where the frustration is, it's the fact that we haven't had success in the playoffs to their satisfaction. Until we do that, then the criticism is certainly something that's going to be there. We know that's going to be there, but we're going to stick with what we believe will ultimately get us a championship here for our fans. We don't define 'all in' by what you spend in free agency. It's keeping the core (together)."

Dallas has little cap space to work with. The Cowboys also have quarterback Dak Prescott seeking a contract extension and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons in line for large deals.

"It's not frustrating because it means we've done a good job with the draft," Stephen Jones said when asked about seeing big-name free agents land elsewhere. "That's just a sign, in my mind, that our organization, Will (McClay) and the scouting department, the coaches, we've done our job in terms of developing players. It's a great thing when you have Micah and CeeDee and the Dak (contract) challenge ahead of us, in terms of getting them under the cap. We're certainly all in on getting that done.

"When you want to keep your players that you've developed and worked so hard to get ... then you're not going to be able to go out and chase those (high-dollar free agent) guys. ... The way I look at things, I've always said it, player acquisition is 365 days a year. It's not just the first or second or third day of free agency."

Prescott, 30, is entering his ninth season and the final campaign of a four-year, $160 million contract he signed in 2021. Prescott's salary-cap figure in 2024 is $59.5 million and the Cowboys reportedly have held preliminary discussions regarding a long-term extension.

Nine quarterbacks have signed contracts with higher total values since Prescott and the Cowboys completed their existing agreement.

Lamb, 24, heads into the 2024 season on the last season of his contract thanks to a fifth-year option.

However, after a season in which he set franchise records for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,749), Lamb is expected to seek a significant increase from his $17.9 million fifth-year salary. That would bring him more in line with the annual salaries of other wide receivers in the league like Miami's Tyreek Hill ($30 million) and Las Vegas' Davante Adams ($28 million).

Parsons, 24, also has the numbers to earn a raise, having earned Pro Bowl team and All-Pro nods in each of his first three seasons. Selected by the Cowboys with the 12th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons has one year left on his rookie deal, with this offseason being the first opportunity to extend his deal.

Parsons had 14.0 sacks to lead the Cowboys in 2023. He has a career total of 40.5 sacks in 50 games, all starts.

Vikings acquire No. 23 overall pick from Texans

Vikings acquire No. 23 overall pick from Texans

Minnesota added another first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, acquiring the 23rd overall pick from the Houston Texans on Friday, according to multiple reports.

The trade gives the Vikings a pair of first-rounders with their own selection at No. 11 and No. 23. They gave up their 2024 (No. 42 overall) and 2025 second-round picks along with their sixth-round pick (188th) in 2024.

Houston also sends a seventh-round pick in 2024 -- No. 232 overall -- to the Vikings.

The Vikings previously traded their 2024 second-round pick to the Detroit Lions to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Reports indicate the Vikings are weighing a move up in the draft. Minnesota hasn't drafted in the top 10 since 2014, when they selected linebacker Anthony Barr. They last drafted a quarterback in the first round in 2011, using the 12th overall pick on Christian Ponder.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins left on the first day of free agency for a deal too rich for Minnesota's liking -- four years, $180 million -- prompting the Vikings to sign 26-year-old Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal. He has 56 career starts with three teams since being drafted by the New York Jets as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018.

"I'm not going to call him a bridge quarterback, but he's a quarterback that's on our roster under contract for a year," Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said of Darnold. "Ultimately at the end of the day, the position is about how do you run Kevin's offense? How do you overcome when the play is not there? There's different skill sets that go into the position. That's how we evaluate it. The contract itself is a series of options to stay or go."

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said he first met Darnold when he was coaching a 7-on-7 camp, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown is also familiar with Darnold.

O'Connell didn't show his hand on the larger plan at quarterback or vision for the pecking order at a position that was problematic without Cousins in 2023.

"The most important thing is that alignment and the understanding that our plan's in place. Kwesi's used the word contingency plans, but those are all discussions and paths and avenues we can take at a very, very important position," O'Connell said. "In the end, as much as I would've maybe liked to have Kirk here, the right thing moving forward for our team is where we are today."

Reports: Chiefs adding speedy WR 'Hollywood' Brown

Reports: Chiefs adding speedy WR 'Hollywood' Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs are adding Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in their bid to upgrade their wide receiver corps, multiple reports indicated late Thursday night.

The one-year contract is worth up to $11 million.

The speedy Brown, a five-year NFL veteran who spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, had his best season in 2021, his third year with the Baltimore Ravens. As quarterback Lamar Jackson's top target, he had 91 catches for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns.

The Ravens traded him to Arizona in 2022. He caught 67 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns that season.

Last season, he slipped to 51 receptions for a career-low 574 yards and four scores.

While the Chiefs are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl victories, the team has appeared to lack a deep threat receiver for quarterback Patrick Mahomes since Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins after the 2021 season.

In 72 games, with 65 starts, Brown has 313 catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Bears acquire WR Keenan Allen from Chargers

Bears acquire WR Keenan Allen from Chargers

The Chicago Bears acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.

Allen, 31, was selected to his sixth Pro Bowl in 2023 when he had a career-high 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. However, he is entering the last season of a four-year contract and was scheduled to receive a $5 million roster bonus on Sunday.

The move continues the Bears' offensive revamp this offseason. Chicago recently added former Chargers tight end Gerald Everett, who agreed to a two-year deal, and running back D'Andre Swift, who signed a three-year contract.

Allen, who was drafted 76th overall by the Chargers in 2013, provides a significant threat to the Bears' passing game. He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards six times in his career and 100 receptions five times.

"What Keenan Allen has meant to the Chargers for more than a decade cannot adequately be expressed through mere words," Chargers president of football operations John Spanos said in a statement. "Keenan's impact lives in the hearts of our fans, in the communities which he has served and amongst the countless teammates who have formed a brotherhood with him.

"There will only be one Keenan Allen, and we cannot thank him enough for the contributions he has made to our organization both on and off the field."

Allen has played in 139 games in his career and has 904 receptions for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns in 11 seasons.

Reports: Curtis Samuel agrees to 3-year deal with Bills

Reports: Curtis Samuel agrees to 3-year deal with Bills

Former Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel agreed to a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, according to multiple media reports.

The contract could be worth up to $30 million, including $15 million guaranteed. Samuel likely will fill the void created when wide receiver Gabe Davis left the Bills in free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday. Samuel will team up with Buffalo star wideout Stefon Diggs.

Samuel, 27, played the past three seasons for the Washington Commanders. He had 62 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games last season and is a threat in the running game, rushing for seven touchdowns in his career.

A second-round pick (40th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 draft, Samuel spent his first four seasons with Carolina before signing a three-year deal with Washington after the 2020 season.

Samuel has 317 receptions for 3,383 yards and 22 touchdowns in his 91-game career. He also has 715 rushing yards on 121 carries.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott accused of sexual assault after filing extortion suit

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott accused of sexual assault after filing extortion suit

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is being investigated for an alleged sexual assault in 2017 related to the extortion lawsuit he filed on Monday that claims the woman demanded money to remain quiet about the allegation.

The woman filed a criminal complaint Tuesday and Dallas police are investigating her claim that Prescott sexually assaulted her in the back of an SUV in the parking lot of a strip club, XTC Cabaret, on Feb. 2, 2017. Attorneys representing the accuser claim Prescott's representatives acknowledge they were together on the night of the alleged incident.

Prescott's lawsuit, which was filed in Collin County, lists the female accuser and her attorneys. Prescott claims they demanded $100 million for her silence in a letter he received in January.

The Dallas Police Department is investigating claims of sexual assault, and authorities in Prosper, Texas, began an extortion investigation one day before the alleged victim reported the alleged sexual assault.

"Mr. Prescott, a new father to a baby girl, has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault," attorney Levi McCathern, who is representing Prescott, said in a statement to ESPN. "He fervently believes that all perpetrators of such crimes should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. To be clear, Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual sexual conduct with anyone. Lies hurt. Especially malicious lies. We will not allow the defendant and her legal team to profit from this attempt to extort millions from Mr. Prescott."

Prescott, 30, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State.

He's now entering his ninth season and the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract he signed in 2021. Prescott's salary-cap figure in 2024 is $59.5 million and the Cowboys reportedly have held preliminary discussions regarding a long-term extension.

Nine quarterbacks have signed contracts with higher total values since Prescott and the Cowboys completed their existing agreement.

Reports: Eagles adding former Bucs All-Pro LB Devin White

Reports: Eagles adding former Bucs All-Pro LB Devin White

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million including incentives, according to multiple media reports Thursday night.

White, 26, has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but sought a trade before last season after failing to get a contract extension and instead played out his fifth-year option.

He had his worst season, starting 13 of 14 regular-season games and sharing time with K.J. Britt before coming off the bench in two playoff games. White finished with 83 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Tampa Bay selected him fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of LSU and he started every game he played for his first four seasons. White was selected second-team All-Pro in 2020, when he recorded career highs of 140 tackles and nine sacks, and he was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2021.

He has totaled 566 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, six forced fumbles and three interceptions in 76 regular-season games (75 starts). He intercepted Patrick Mahomes in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 season.

Report: Texans sign new RB Joe Mixon to contract extension

Report: Texans sign new RB Joe Mixon to contract extension

The Houston Texans have locked in new running back Joe Mixon with a three-year, $27 million contract extension, including $13 million guaranteed, ESPN reported Thursday.

Mixon was traded from the Bengals to the Texans on Tuesday for a seventh-round draft pick (No. 224), after reports that Cincinnati planned to release him going into the final year of his contract. He was due $5.75 million, including a $3 million roster bonus this Sunday.

"I gotta say (the trade) was definitely shocking," Mixon said on Thursday. "I took that 24 to 48 hours to hurt. It took a while and I'm still having emotional feelings about it. But that's the place where I can forever feel like that's home for me."

Mixon, 27, is coming off his fourth career 1,000-yard season in 2023. He will have an opportunity to remain a starter with the Texans, who lost leading rusher Devin Singletary to the New York Giants.

Mixon appeared in 97 games (88 starts) over seven seasons with the Bengals after being selected by them in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. He gained 8,551 yards from scrimmage (6,412 rushing and 2,139 receiving) with 62 touchdowns.

Also on Thursday, the Texans signed defensive tackle Tim Settle to a two-year contract worth up to $7 million, NFL Network reported.

Settle, 26, played the last two seasons for the Buffalo Bills, playing in 32 games with four starts, 33 tackles, two sacks and five tackles for loss. He was selected in the fifth round by Washington in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech. For his career, Settle has 87 tackles, nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 95 games (six starts).

Winners, losers in free agency: Cheers to Commanders, ode to OGs

Winners, losers in free agency: Cheers to Commanders, ode to OGs

Two short years ago when the confetti flew at the start of the 2022 NFL league year, lines formed to congratulate the biggest winners of the early transaction period.

And who could blame them, what with the Denver Broncos solving a years-old quarterback quandary by trading away multiple players, draft picks and ultimately committing hundreds of millions for the magic elixir.

Well, Russell Wilson stands to count a record $85 million against the salary cap for the Broncos in 2024 while suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wilson won 11 of his 30 starts but takes with him a parting gift of the $161 million guaranteed from Denver for two years of service and a grand total of zero postseason snaps.

We're going to avoid the obvious -- 35-year-old, physically limited quarterback Kirk Cousins ($180 million with Falcons) and pass rusher Brian Burns (traded to Giants, deal includes $76 million guaranteed) are definitely lucky ducks, but you don't need us to point that out.

It's with this caveat we present the early reaction to the trades, signings and expected deals two days into the 2024 NFL league year. Please, hold the confetti.

Contract numbers are as reported by multiple outlets and listed by Spotrac.com.

--Free Agency Winners

Offensive guards

If you haven't seen new Panthers guard Robert Hunt moving in the open field, we recommend checking out the 6-foot-6, 327-pounder making a TD catch in the Dolphins-Ravens "Thursday Night Football" game that was called back because of a penalty. Hunt can play guard, tackle and probably salsa for his new salary of $20 million per year. He signed a five-year, $100 million deal to become a paver in front of the Panthers' new-look offense and quarterback Bryce Young.

Hunt wasn't the only big man to cash in.

The Eagles signed Landon Dickerson to an $84 million contract and is currently third in the NFL in total contract value at the position behind Hunt and Chris Lindstrom (Falcons), whose five-year deal is worth $102.5 million.

Patriots guard Michael Onwenu ranked No. 2 in total cash in his contract for 2024 at $26 million in 2024.

Running backs

Two of the top five contracts in terms of total value were handed out within minutes of the negotiating window opening Tuesday.

Saquan Barkley jumped from the Eagles to the Giants for $37.75 million and Josh Jacobs was welcomed to the Green Bay Packers on a four-year, $48 million agreement. His $14.8 million in total cash is more than Barkley will make this season -- $13.25 million -- and the 2023 franchise-tagged backs are 1-2 in total cash this season.

Washington Commanders

We knew they were planning to shop free agency, but Washington shuffled in 13 players in the first 48 hours of free agency without signing an individual that consumes more than 4.2 percent of the team's total cap space.

Defensive end Dorance Armstrong received the largest guarantee at a total of $22.125 million over the course of his contract.

The Commanders still have a few highlight moments ahead in the offseason. Washington holds the No. 2 overall pick and six of the top 100 selections in the 2024 draft.

--Free Agency Losers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Not signing franchise-tagged pass rusher Josh Allen to a long-term extension before March 13 meant Jacksonville would roll the dice on a deal with wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who convinced two teams -- the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans -- to bring better bids to the ball.

Ridley wound up with $50 million guaranteed and signed a four-year, $92 million deal and then celebrated with a keyboard TD dance of a signoff in Jacksonville, posting the statement: Chess not checkers.

Jacksonville didn't come up entirely empty-handed, luring Bills free agent Gabe Davis. That's what we call a downgrade.

But the Jaguars also lost superior players at other positions, namely safety. Jacksonville signed Darnell Savage (Packers) and lost Rayshawn Jenkins to the Seahawks.

Chicago Bears

By now, it's not clear to the outside world what the plan is at quarterback.

If the Bears held the line on Justin Fields because they believe he's the quarterback to build around -- spoiler alert, they didn't -- kudos to general manager Ryan Poles.

But not finding a landing spot for Fields creates doubt about the big picture.

Poles isn't out of shots by any stretch. There's the matter of the NFL draft, No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks, and plenty of free agency left.

Credit for re-signing cornerback Jaylon Johnson and landing an every-down running back in D'Andre Swift. Will he hold up in a regular role?

As for needs, can Poles still find proper solutions in bargain pass rushers and wide receivers and further repair an offensive line we'd rate as mediocre before picking his prize at quarterback?

Reports: Seahawks to acquire QB Sam Howell from Commanders

Reports: Seahawks to acquire QB Sam Howell from Commanders

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring quarterback Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Per reports, the Seahawks also will receive a fourth-round pick (No. 102) and a sixth-round selection (No. 179) in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 78) and a fifth-selection (No. 152) in the same draft.

Howell is expected to compete with Geno Smith for the starting quarterback job in Seattle. Drew Lock, who had served as the Seahawks' backup for the past two seasons, agreed to a deal with the New York Giants.

Howell, 23, started all 17 games last season for the Commanders. He led the NFL in passing attempts (612) and interceptions (21) to go along with 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Howell has completed 63.2 percent of his passes since being selected by Washington in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Commanders are expected to select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in next month's draft.

NFL looking into Falcons, Eagles for possible tampering

NFL looking into Falcons, Eagles for possible tampering

The NFL is looking into potential tampering by the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles prior to the start of free agency, a league spokesperson said Thursday.

The reviews center around quarterback Kirk Cousins agreeing to a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, and running back Saquon Barkley signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles.

The Falcons said in a statement Thursday that "due to the NFL's review, we are unable to provide information or have additional comment."

The Eagles have denied the claims, however Penn State head coach James Franklin told reporters that Barkley -- who played collegiately with the Nittany Lions -- had contact with Howie Roseman before the Philadelphia general manager was allowed to speak to anyone other than the running back's agent.

Barkley spoke on the topic on Thursday.

"Coach Franklin, I think, kind of misinterpreted it," Barkley said. "The truth was that the sales pitch was Penn State and how many Penn State fans are Eagles fans. But that (came) through my agent, my agent told me that."

Report: Dolphins signing CB Kendall Fuller to 2-year deal

Report: Dolphins signing CB Kendall Fuller to 2-year deal

The Miami Dolphins are signing free agent cornerback Kendall Fuller to a two-year contract worth $16.5 million, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Fuller, 29, could step in as a starter for the Dolphins, who released Xavien Howard last week.

Fuller recorded 79 tackles, nine passes defended and two interceptions in 15 games (all starts) last season with the Washington Commanders.

A Super Bowl champion with Kansas City during the 2019 season, Fuller totaled 486 tackles and 16 interceptions in 117 career games (93 starts) with the Washington franchise and the Chiefs. He was selected by Washington in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Report: LB Joey Bosa reworks deal to stay with Chargers

Report: LB Joey Bosa reworks deal to stay with Chargers

A day after Khalil Mack reportedly restructured his contract to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers, teammate and fellow defensive star Joey Bosa followed suit on Thursday, per an ESPN report.

Bosa, 28, had two years left on a five-year, $135 million extension he signed in 2020 and was a potential trade or cut candidate before restructuring his deal.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year has missed time the past two seasons with injuries, playing in just 14 games. Bosa's 2023 season ended in Week 11 when he sprained his foot.

Drafted No. 3 overall by the Chargers in 2016, Bosa has 67 sacks, 321 tackles, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 93 games (84 starts).

Mack agreed to restructure his deal, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

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