Chicago Bears

2017 NFL Free Agency Rumors Tracker: Jets, Jay Cutler Talking

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:30 a.m. ET

Fansided, Cody Williams/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Tracking all of the 2017 NFL free agency rumors that come across the wire on Monday, March 13

After a hectic first two days in 2017 NFL free agency, the signings seemed to sign down at least somewhat over the course of the weekend. Of course, that didn't stop the NFL free agency rumors from flowing. And there were really two central figures that popped up in the majority of them throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The first is expectedly linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Once the franchise-tagged players were taken out of the picture, many had him graded as the best available player in NFL free agency. However, the former New England Patriot has yet to sign and is testing the waters thoroughly. He met with several teams over the weekend, but no deal has been signed anywhere. The big news was that at least one team believed he would ultimately re-sign with the Pats.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have officially cut ties with Jay Cutler. Though the Vanderbilt product is much maligned for his demeanor and shortcomings, he's a veteran presence that has plenty of quality experience in this league. Thus, there will be a market for his services. However, all that came about throughout the weekend was simple speculation about teams that would make sense.

Those are just two of the big NFL free agency rumors that have been popping up recently. There is still word waiting to drop about big pieces like Dontari Poe, Johnathan Hankins, T.J. McDonald and of course Tony Romo. For now, though, we're all just waiting to see what happens with all of these players.

With that in mind, we'll be tracking all of the major 2017 NFL free agency rumors below, presented in reverse chronological order:

Hightower to the Steel City?

After meeting with multiple other teams, Dont'a Hightower will continue to make the rounds as he'll meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Jets and Cutler Have Been 'In Touch'

Though no official meeting has been set yet, NFL Network's Ian Rapaport reports that the New York Jets and Jay Cutler have been "in touch" and will likely schedule a meeting, per Pro Football Talk.

Cowboys Always Bluffing About Romo

There were reports that the Dallas Cowboys pulled back on releasing Tony Romo because they expected to trade him. Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that was never the case, but rather they were simply trying…and had their bluff called:

Pats Meeting With Burkhead

Per Field Yates of ESPN, the New England Patriots are meeting with running back Rex Burkhead in Foxborough on Monday:

After Re-Signing Foles, Daniels Likely Gone

Following the Philadelphia Eagles re-signing Nick Foles, Adam Caplan of ESPN is reporting that Chase Daniel is requesting his release and that the organization will grant him that.

Eagles Bringing Back Foles

After Chip Kelly sent him packing, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that they've agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Nick Foles:

#Eagles and QB Nick Foles agree to terms on a two-year deal. #FlyEaglesFly

More: https://t.co/rCGd9xxOM4 pic.twitter.com/f18RKWCJ53

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2017

Hightower Still Expected By Teams to Re-Sign

Per Ian Rapaport of NFL Network, Dont'a Hightower left an impression after meetings with the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans that he's going to re-sign with the New England Patriots:

#Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower visited #Jets this weekend and he's spent time with #Titans, as well. Both left convinced he re-signs in NE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2017

Saints Looking for Another Defensive Piece

Alex Okafor, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to meet with the New Orleans Saints, per Ian Rapaport:

#AZCardinals OLB Alex Okafor is visiting #Saints today, source said, as they continue to try to add defense. Played thru a torn bicep in '16

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2017

We'll see if there is any resolution that will be reached in the near future regarding Hightower, Poe or any of the other big names left on the market. Regardless, there will surely continue to be chatter.