NFL free agency - Day 3: Live analysis for all major moves

The NFL offseason is kicking into high gear. Follow along for live analysis of all major transactions over the course of the league's free-agent negotiation period from Monday through Wednesday.

✂️ Jets release Aaron Rodgers

The Jets announced in mid-February that they'd move on from Rodgers this offseason. That move couldn't become official until the start of the new league year Wednesday, as New York will designate him as a post-June 1 cut to spread his dead-money hit over the next two seasons ($14 million in 2025, $35 million in 2026). Now, we wait for a decision. Most reports suggest that Rodgers is choosing between the Steelers and Giants. ESPN's Kevin Seifert added Wednesday that the Vikings have "at least been entertaining the possibility" of adding the veteran quarterback alongside J.J. McCarthy. The 2024 first-round pick is seen as the future in Minnesota, but would it be that crazy if the Vikings wanted to bring him along slowly after he missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury? Rodgers completing the Brett Favre career path would be fascinating.

🔁 Cowboys acquire Kaiir Elam

Trade terms: Bills send CB, 2025 6th-round pick to Dallas for 2025 5th-round pick, 2026 7th-round pick

A trade! Elam has been a major disappointment since landing in Buffalo as a first-round pick in 2022, starting only 12 games to this point. He's also only 23 years old, so it's easy to see why the Cowboys are willing to take a shot on his draft pedigree. That said, the Bills throwing in the towel after three years probably tells you everything you need to know about their evaluation. Getting a pick swap and an extra 2026 selection for a player the Bills just as easily could have cut is a good move for Buffalo.

✂️ Rams release Cooper Kupp

The Rams were always going to have trouble finding a trade partner for Kupp. Injuries have been an issue over Kupp's last three seasons, and the 31-year-old has shown some signs of slowing down when he is on the field. He could still be a productive target in the right situation, though. The Chargers haven't been able to fill their need at receiver; is staying in L.A. the most appealing option for Kupp at this stage of his career? The Patriots, meanwhile, desperately need a reliable target for Drake Maye, and if their reported big-money pitch to Chris Godwin is any indication, they might be the most willing to pay up. The Bears are another fun option to consider - they've been extremely aggressive in an effort to load up for Ben Johnson's first season as head coach. Kupp's ability from the slot, including his impact as a run-blocker, would be a nice way to round out the receiving corps.

✍️ Seahawks sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling

1-year deal worth up to $5.5M

Ideally, the Seahawks will make a more significant move at receiver after parting ways with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, whether it comes through free agency, a trade, or the draft. For the time being, Valdes-Scantling is an interesting addition. The veteran journeyman was shockingly productive after joining a beat-up Saints receiving corps last season, putting up 13 catches for 347 yards and four touchdowns over a five-game stretch. New Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who had the same role in New Orleans last year, clearly likes what he saw. Valdes-Scantling's ability to stretch the field could make him a decent WR3 if Seattle can find another starter to line up opposite breakout star Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

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