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We have reached the part of the NFL calendar where teams can now legally tamper with prospective free agents. Specifically, “clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2016 Player Contracts.” Although players cannot officially sign with new teams until 3 p.m. CST on March 9th (Thursday), deals can be consummated right now (if they haven’t been already).
Texans fans will surely be keeping an eye on what happens with A.J. Bouye. Houston’s decision not to tag Bouye means that the cornerback’s agent will be a particularly popular man (again, as if he wasn’t already). Many observers firmly believe that Bouye is bound for greener pastures; if that’s not already the case, it’s a virtual guarantee that happens if he officially hits the open market on Thursday afternoon.
In the meantime, please use this space to discuss or pass along any news, rumors, or rank speculation about NFL free agency. As always, take everything with a grain of salt until it’s confirmed by a source with a proven track record. Until then, the floor is open to you.
UPDATE: Some rumors and tidbits that are out there this afternoon...
Eagles Interested In Free Agent CB A.J. Bouye https://t.co/ohxRyZwW52 pic.twitter.com/0G22BixTpK
— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) March 7, 2017
Report: Eagles interested in free agent CB A.J. Bouye https://t.co/hzXGrHXGyI
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 7, 2017
A few former undrafted FAs are going to make big $. Among them: CB AJ Bouye (⬆️$12m per), TE Jack Doyle (⬆️$6m per). Good for them.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2017
My top 5 free agent defensive free agents: 1. Gilmore 2. Bouye 3. Logan Ryan 4. Tony Jefferson 5. Dontari Poe https://t.co/a0bmJzCeUH @gmfb
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 7, 2017
On @Midday180, @McClain_on_NFL says #Texans in $12M a year range for @AJBOUYE21, market likely to surpass that. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 7, 2017
UPDATE II: As expected, the Texans’ cornerback will have plenty of options.
Continue to hear the Jags as a potential landing spot for corner AJ Bouye
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 7, 2017
From what I've read add Eagles to list of teams interested in Bouye. Jaguars, Bears, Bucs, Titans also have been linked to him.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) March 7, 2017
AJ Bouye is the most sought after free agent. Most suitors, anyway.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 7, 2017
UPDATE III: Your Houston Texans did have themselves a couple of free agent transactions tonight after all.
UPDATE IV: Hope’s neat and all...
Per source, the Texans remain in negotiations with free-agent CB A.J. Bouye and hope to sign him before the... https://t.co/4C1OXaoInA
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 7, 2017
But don’t forget that hope (and the distinct possibility, if not outright probability, of making millions more than one would make in Houston) can drive a man insane.
UPDATE V: Not that the Texans ever pursued Jack Doyle, but considering he’s decided to stay with the Colts, this is tracker-worthy, I suppose.
Details of Jack Doyle’s new contract with the Colts show a fair deal for both sides https://t.co/AqjbQZIM3X
— Stampede Blue (@StampedeBlue) March 8, 2017