Rob Gronkowski retires from the NFL

Rob Gronkowski
Photo courtesy: Associated Press

The end of the Gronk era has finally come to New England.

On Sunday Rob Gronkowski took to his Instagram to announce his retirement from the NFL:

View this post on Instagram

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Following the announcement Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick each released a statement via the Patriots Twitter regarding the 29 year old tight end's announcement:

In his nine year NFL career Gronkowski amassed 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He is a three time Super Bowl champion, five time Pro Bowler, four time First Team All Pro, 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and 2011 receiving touchdowns leader.

NFL suspends Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt for 8 games

Kareem Hunt
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Kareem Hunt may have returned to football, but he won't be returning to the field any time soon.

On Friday the league announced their decision to suspend Hunt for the first eight games of the 2019 season for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

The suspension will start after the final roster cuts on August 31st. He will be eligible to return for the team's ninth game of the season.

Hunt released a statement via the Browns' Twitter taking responsibility for his actions and accepting the league's decision. Hunt also stated he will not appeal the length of his suspension.

Hunt was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt list last November before being released by the Chiefs. The Browns signed Hunt back in February reuniting him with John Dorsey who recruited him out of Toledo.

Free agency continues with more amazing moves

Will Lutz remains with the Saints- Kicker Will Lutz has spent his three year NFL career with the Saints. Lutz signed a five-year contract to remain with the team.

Earl Thomas to the Ravens- Safety Earl Thomas has spent his nine year NFL career with the Seahawks. Thomas signed a four-year $55 million contract with the Ravens with $32 million in guaranteed money and $14.33 million per year over the first three years.

Mark Ingram to the Ravens- Running back Mark Ingram has spent his eight NFL career with the Saints. Ingram signed a three-year $15 million contract with the Ravens.

Jamize Olawale to the Cowboys- Fullback Jamize Olawale spent his seven year NFL career with the Raiders. After being traded to the Cowboys Olawale agreed to terms with the team.

Jason McCourty remains with the Patriots- Cornerback Jason McCourty spent last season with the Patriots after previous stints with the Browns and Titans. McCourty signed a two-year deal to remain with the team.

Tyrod Taylor to the Chargers- Quarterback Tyrod Taylor spent last season with the Browns after previous stints with the Bills and Ravens. Taylor signed a two year $11 million contract with $6 million in guaranteed money.

AJ Cann remains with the Jaguars- Guard AJ Cann has spent his four year NFL career with the Jaguars. Cann signed a three-year $15 million deal to remain with the team.

Pierre Desir remains with the Colts- Cornerback Pierre Desir spent the last three seasons with the Colts after a previous stint with the Browns. Desir is signing a three year $25 million contract with $12 million in guaranteed money to remain with the team.

Jason Myers to the Seahawks- Kicker Jason Myers spent last season with the Jets after a previous stint with the Jaguars. Myers will sign a deal with the Seahawks.

Adrian Peterson remains with the Redskins- Running back Adrian Peterson spent last season with the Redskins after previous stints with the Cardinals, Saints and Vikings. Peterson signed a two year $8 million contract to remain with the team.

Ted Larsen to the Bears- Guard Ted Larsen spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins after previous stints with the Bears, Cardinals and Buccaneers . Larsen signed a one-year contract with the Bears.

Daryl Williams remains with the Panthers- Offensive tackle Daryl Williams spent the last four seasons playing for the Panthers. Williams signed a one-year $7 million contract to remain with the team.

Brandon Mebane remains with the Chargers- Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane spent the last three seasons with the Chargers after a previous stint with the Seahawks. Mebane signed a new contract to remain with the team.

Mychal Kendricks remains with the Seahawks- Linebacker Mychal Kendricks spent last season with the Seahawks after a previous stint with the Eagles. Kendricks signed a one year $4 million contract to remain with the team.

Tevin Coleman to the 49ers- Running back Tevin Coleman spent his four year NFL career with the Falcons. Coleman signed a two-year $8.5 million contract with the 49ers with a max value of $10.6 million with incentives.

Jimmie Ward remains with the 49ers- Safety Jimmie Ward spent his five year NFL career with the 49ers. Ward signed a one year $5 million contract to remain with the team.

Neville Hewitt remains with the Jets- Linebacker Neville Hewitt spent last season with the Jets after a previous stint with the Dolphins. Hewitt signed a one year contract to remain with the team.

Phillip Dorsett to the Patriots- Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett spent the last two seasons with the Patriots. Dorsett signed a one-year contract to remain with the team.

Eli Rodgers remains with Steelers- one year contract

K.J. Wright remains with Seahawks- two year $15.5 million

Mike Iupati to the Seahawks- one year contract

Ryan Griffin to the Buccaneers- two year $2.9 million

Tavon Austin remains with Cowboys-

D.J. Fluker remains with Seahawks- two year

Dan McCullers remains with Steelers- two year $2.75 million contract

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the Bears- one year deal

Golden Tate to the Giants-

Le'Veon Bell will sign with New York Jets

Le'Veon Bell
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Le'Veon Bell will be in the NFL in 2019 and in a new city.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 27 year old running back will sign a four-year $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets. The deal includes $35 million in guaranteed money and a max value of $61 million with incentives.

Bell last played in 2017 choosing to holdout rather than play on a second franchise tag for the Steelers. 

In his five year NFL career Bell amassed 5,336 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns along with 2,660 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. 

Giants trade Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns

Odell Beckham Jr.
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Odell Beckham will be reunited with his former LSU college teammate Jarvis Landry.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo announced on Tuesday that the Giants have traded the 26 year old wide receiver to the Browns. The team also traded linebacker Olivier Vernon to Cleveland.

Giants get the Browns 2019 first round and third round picks along with safety Jabrill Peppers and guard Kevin Zeitler.

Beckham has spent his entire five year NFL career with the Giants where he's amassed 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns. Despite injuries the last two seasons, he has remained one of the most reliable pass catchers in the league.

Free agency continues with more surprising moves

C.J. Mosley
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Day 2 of free agency has been just as exciting as Day 1. Here are the latest moves happening around the league:

C.J. Mosley to the Jets- Linebacker C.J. Mosley has spent his five year NFL career with the Ravens. Mosley is signing a five-year $85 million contract with the Jets with $51 million in guaranteed money.

Sheldon Richardson to the Browns- Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson spent last season with the Vikings after previous stops with the Seahawks and Jets. Richardson is signing a three-year $36 million contract with the Browns.

Za'Darius Smith to the Packers- Linebacker Za'Darius Smith has spent his four year NFL career with the Ravens. Smith has agreed to a deal with the Packers.

Adrian Amos to the Packers- Safety Adrian Amos has spent his four year NFL career with the Bears. Amos is signing a four-year $37 million contract with the Packers.

Preston Smith to the Packers- Linebacker Preston Smith has spent his four year NFL career with the Redskins. Smith is signing a four-year $52 million contract with the Packers with $16 million in guaranteed money.

Thomas Davis to the Chargers- Linebacker Thomas Davis has spent his entire 14 year NFL career with the Panthers. Davis is signing with the Chargers.

Billy Turner to the Packers- Guard Billy Turner spent the last three seasons in Denver after stops with the Ravens and Dolphins. Turner is signing a four-year $28 million contract with the Packers with a max value of $29.5 million with incentives.

Jordan Hicks to the Cardinals- Linebacker Jordan Hicks has spent his four year NFL career with the Eagles. Hicks is signing a four-year $36 million contract with the Cardinals with $12 million in guaranteed money.

John Brown to the Bills- Wide receiver John Brown spent last season with the Ravens after spending his previous four years with the Cardinals. Brown is signing a three-year $27 million contract with the Bills.

Cole Beasley to the Bills- Wide receiver Cole Beasley has spent his seven year NFL career with the Cowboys. Beasley is expected to sign with the Bills.

Anthony Barr remains with the Vikings- Barr has spent his five year NFL career with the Vikings. After initially agreeing to a deal with the Jets, Barr has agreed to sign a new five year $67.5 million contract to stay in Minnesota with $33.5 in guaranteed money and a max value of $77.5 million with incentives.

Roger Saffold to the Titans- Guard Roger Saffold has spent his nine year NFL career with the Rams. Saffold is signing a four-year, $44 million contract with the Titans with $22.5 million in guaranteed money.

Latavius Murray to the Saints- Running back Latavius Murray spent the last two seasons with the Vikings after a previous stint with the Raiders. Murray is signing a four-year, $14.4 million contract with the Saints.

DeVante Parker remains with the Dolphins- Wide receiver DeVante Parker has spent his four-year NFL career with the Dolphins. He is signing a new two-year $13 million contract to remain with the team.

Antoine Bethea to the Giants- Safety Antoine Bethea spent last season with the Cardinals after previous stints with the 49ers and Colts. Bethea will sign a two year contract with the Giants.

Bradley Roby to the Texans- Cornerback Bradley Roby has spent his five year NFL career with the Broncos. Roby will sign a one-year $10 million contract with the Texans.

Matt Paradis to the Panthers- Center Matt Paradis has spent his five year NFL career with the Broncos. Paradis is signing a three-year $27.03 million contract with the Panthers.

Breshard Perriman to the Buccaneers- Wide receiver Breshard Perriman spent last season with the Browns after previous stints with the Redskins and Ravens. Perriman is signing a one-year $4 million contract with the Buccaneers.

Cameron Wake to the Titans- Defensive end Cameron Wake spent his 10 year NFL career with the Dolphins. Wake is signing a three-year $23 million contract with the Titans with $10 million in guaranteed money.

Steven Nelson to the Steelers- Cornerback Steven Nelson spent his four year NFL career with the Chiefs. Nelson is signing a three-year $25.5 million contract with the Steelers.

Brett Hundley to the Cardinals- Quarterback Brett Hundley spent last season with the Seahawks after a previous stint with the Packers. Hundley is signing a one-year $2 million contract with the Cardinals with a max value of $3 million with incentives.

Dee Ford to the 49ers- Linebacker Dee Ford has spent his five year NFL career with the Chiefs. Chiefs have traded Ford to the 49ers for a 2020 second round draft pick. Ford is signing a five-year $87.5 million contract with San Francisco.

Cordarelle Patterson to the Bears- Wide receiver Cordarelle Patterson spent last season with the Patriots after previous stints with the Raiders and Vikings. Patterson is signing a two-year $10 million contract with the Bears.

Free agency begins with a frenzy of moves

Nick Foles
photo courtesy: Associate Press

Free agency is always a frantic time of year as players seek new and better deals from other teams. This year has been no exception. Here are some of the biggest moves that have happened in the last two days (besides Antonio Brown):

Eric Weddle to the Rams- Safety Eric Weddle spent the last three years with the Ravens after spending the previous nine seasons with the Chargers. Weddle signed a two year, $10.5 million contract with the Rams including $5.25 million in guaranteed money.

Dante Fowler remains with Rams- Linebacker Dante Fowler was traded to the Rams midseason last year. He impressed the team enough to garner a new one-year $14 million contract to remain with the team in 2019.

Danny Amendola to the Lions- Wide receiver Danny Amendola spent time with the Dolphins last season after spending the previous five seasons with the Patriots. He signed a one-year $5.75 million contract with the Lions with $4.5 million in guaranteed money.

Malik Jackson to the Eagles- Defensive tackle Malik Jackson spent four years with the Broncos before spending the last three years with the Jaguars. Eagles signed him to a three-year $30 million contract.

Trent Brown to the Raiders- Offensive tackle Trent Brown spent last season with the Patriots after spending the previous three with the 49ers. Brown signed a four-year $66 million contract with the Raiders with $36.75 million in guaranteed money.

Jason Peters remains with Eagles- Offensive tackle Jason Peters has spent the last 11 seasons in Philadelphia and will spend another one there this season. Peters signed a one-year $10 million contract with $5.5 million in guaranteed money.

Kwon Alexander to the 49ers- Linebacker Kwon Alexander has spent his four year NFL career with the Buccaneers. Alexander signed a four-year $54 million contract with $27 million in guaranteed money.

Justin Coleman to the Lions- Cornerback Justin Coleman spent the last two seasons with the Seahawks after spending time with the Patriots. Coleman signed a four-year $36 million contract with the Lions.

Landon Collins to the Redskins- Safety Landon Collins has spent his entire four year NFL career with the Giants. Collins signed a six-year $84 million contract with the Redskins with $45 million in guaranteed money.

C.J. Uzomah remains with the Bengals- Tight end C.J. Uzomah has spent his four year NFL career witht he Bengals. Uzomah signed a three-year $18 million contract to remain with the team.

Trey Flowers to the Lions- Defensive end Trey Flowers spent his four year NFL career with the Patriots. Flowers is signing a five-year $90 million contract with the Lions with $56 million in guaranteed money, $40 million of which is guaranteed at signing.

Craig Robertson remains with Saints- Linebacker Craig Robertson spent the last three seasons with the Saints after spending the previous four with the Browns. Robertson signed a two year contract extension worth $4 million.

Jesse James to Lions- Tight end Jesse James has spent the last four seasons with the Steelers. James has signed a four-year $25 million contract with the Lions with $11 million in guaranteed money.

Kenny Vaccaro remains with the Titans- Safety Kenny Vaccaro spent last season with the Titans aftr spending the previous five seasons with the Saints. Vaccaro signed a four-year $26 million contract with $11.5 million in guaranteed money.

Jamison Crowder to the Jets- Wide receiver Jamison Crowder spent his four year NFL career with the Redskins. Crowder signed a three-year $28.5 million contract with the Jets with $17 million fully guaranteed.

Frank Gore to the Bills- Running back Frank Gore spent last season with the Dolphins after three seasons with the Colts and 10 seasons with the 49ers. Gore signed a one-year $2 million contract with the Bills.

Nick Foles to the Jaguars- Quarterback Nick Foles spent two stints with the Eagles as well as time with the Rams and Chiefs. Foles signed a four-year $88 million contract with $50 million in guaranteed money.

DeSean Jackson to the Eagles- Jackson spent the last two seasons with the Buccaneers after spending time with the Redskins and Eagles. Buccaneers traded Jackson to Philly who re-worked his contract to give him a three-year $27 million deal.

Tyler Kroft to the Bills- Tight end Tyler Kroft has spent his four year NFL career with the Bengals. Kroft signed a three-year $18.75 million contract with the Bills.

Adam Humphries to the Titans- Wide receiver Adam Humphries spent four year NFL career with the Buccaneers. Humphries signed a four-year $36 million contract with the Titans.

Terrell Suggs to the Cardinals- Linebacker Terrell Suggs has spent his entire 16 year career with the Ravens. Suggs has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

Mike Davis to the Bears- Running back Mike Davis spent the last two seasons with the Seahawks after spending two seasons with the 49ers. Davis signed a two-year $6 million contract with a max value of $7 million with incentives.

Buster Skrine to the Bears- Cornerback Buster Skrine spent the last four years with the Jets after spending the previous four years with the Browns. Skrine signed a three-year $16.5 million contract with the Bears with $8.5 million in guaranteed money.

Tyrann Mathieu to the Chiefs- Safety Tyrann Mathieu spent last season with the Texans after spending the previous five with the Cardinals. Mathieu signed a three-year $42 million contract with $14 million in guaranteed money.

Devin Funchess to the Colts- Wide receiver Devin Funchess has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Panthers. Funchess signed a one-year $13 million contract with the Colts.

Josh Bellamy to the Jets- Wide receiver Josh Bellamy spent the previous five years with the Bears after brief stops with the Redskins, Chargers and Chiefs. Bellamy is expected to sign a two-year $7 million contract with the Jets with $2.75 million in guaranteed money.

Bobby Hart remains with the Bengals- Offensive tackle Bobby Hart spent last season with the Bengals after spending the previous three years with the Giants. Hart signed a three year $21 million extension with the Bengals.

Kareem Jackson to the Broncos- Safety Kareem Jackson spent his nine year NFL career with the Texans. Jackson has agreed to a three-year $33 million contract with the Broncos with $23 million fully guaranteed.

Mitch Morse to the Bills- Center Mitch Morse has spent his four-year NFL career with the Chiefs. Morse has agreed to a four-year $44.5 million contract with the Bills with $26.5 million guaranteed.

Ja'Wuan James to the Broncos- Offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James has spent his five-year NFL career with the Dolphins. James has agreed to a four-year $51 million contract with $32 million guaranteed.

Steelers trade Antonio Brown to the Raiders

Antonio Brown
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Antonio Brown is headed west.

According to Ian Rapoport the Steelers are trading the 30 year old receiver to the Raiders for a 2019 third round and fifth round pick.

Brown is getting a new re-worked contract with the Raiders. The new three year $50.125 million contract includes $30.125 million in guaranteed money and has a maximum value of $54.125 with incentives. His previous deal with the Steelers had no remaining guaranteed money.

Brown's new contract takes his salary from $17 million a year to $19.8 million a year making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL .

Brown took to Twitter to express his joy over the move:

☠️☠️☠️ #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/ul6lIVk9dE

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) March 10, 2019

He also expressed love for his new quarterback Derek Carr:

Love at first Sight...... @derekcarrqb pic.twitter.com/YiuCLq3G9z

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) March 10, 2019

Carr responded to the love with his own excitement over the move:

Brother let's get to work! https://t.co/L2JwgKypoP

— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) March 10, 2019

Raiders traded away Amari Cooper to the Cowboys last season for a first round pick. The move to acquire Antonio Brown for a third and a fifth round pick gives the team the top wide receiver in the league for little capital. The team still has three first round picks in this year's draft.

Steelers meanwhile have moved on from Brown and Bell and will rebuild this season through the draft and free agency without any further distractions.

Denver agrees to trade Case Keenum to Washington

Case Keenum
photo courtesy: Associated Press

With speculation high that Washington was in the running for Josh Rosen, the team made an unexpected move at quarterback. 

On Thursday, Ian Rapoport reported that Redskins were finalizing a deal with the Broncos to acquire Case Keenum. The final deal sends Washington’s 6th round pick to Denver in 2020 and Denver’s 7th round pick to Washington in 2020. The Broncos and Redskins will split Keenum’s 2019 contract with Denver paying Keenum a $500,000 restructured bonus and $3.5 million of his salary and Washington paying him the remaining $3.5 million. 

This deal seems to insure that Flacco is the likely starting quarterback for the Broncos in 2019 and that the team will likely draft a quarterback with their No. 10 pick.

Washington was in need of a reliable veteran quarterback. With Alex Smith's 2019 season doubtful, the team needed to bring in a second quarterback to go along with Colt McCoy. This also insures that Redskins aren't likely to draft a quarterback with their No. 15 pick.

This is Keenum's sixth team in his seven year NFL career. He finished 2018 with a 62.3 percent passer rating with 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. 

Jacksonville Jaguars expected to sign quarterback Nick Foles

Nick Foles
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Jaguars have made it clear that they are in the market for a new quarterback this season.

On Sunday Philly.com reported that Jacksonville is expected to sign Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles once free agency begins on March 13th. Eagles didn't franchise tag Foles this season and no other team appears to be a serious contender for his services. He will likely be an inexpensive option for the Jaguars.

In Foles' seven year NFL career he has played for the Rams, Chiefs and Eagles, starting 44 games and winning 26 of them including a Super Bowl. He has completed 974 passes for 11,165 yards and 68 touchdowns and rushed for five additional touchdowns. The 6'6" 30 year old has won Super Bowl MVP and holds the record for most touchdowns in a game at seven and tied for most consecutive complete passes at 25.

For the Jaguars who have struggled behind the play of Blake Bortles for years Foles' veteran leadership may be the spark the offense needs to propel the team back into the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving suspended indefinitely

David Irving
photo courtesy: USA Today

Cowboys were handed another blow to their defense on Friday.

On Friday the league announced that Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving has been suspended indefinitely for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Irving missed several mandatory drug tests which led to this latest suspension. He was previously suspended at the start of both the 2017 and 2018 seasons for violating the policy.

Irving played in just two games last season finishing with one sack and two tackles before a high ankle sprain kept him off the field. During this time Irving's lack of commitment to rehab and sporadic appearances only further alienated him from the team.

Irving is set to become a free agent this month and the Cowboys have shown no interest in retaining his services. With a lengthy suspension looming this may be a difficult offseason for the embattled lineman.