With needs across the board on defense, Bills coach Sean McDermott is looking toward an old ally for help.
Buffalo has agreed in principle to sign former Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to a five-year deal when free agency launches Wednesday, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Lotulelei was ranked No. 28 in NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents of 2018.
McDermott spent four years coaching Lotulelei in Carolina, where the former Panthers defensive coordinator made the most of the first-round tackle's run-stuffing talents.
The 6-foot-2, 315-pound Lotulelei is a reliable presence, appearing in all but two games during his five-year NFL career. In Buffalo, Lotulelei will bolster a line reuniting with a familiar face in Kyle Williams, the 34-year-old tackle who struck a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Bills on Tuesday, per Rapoport. He will receive $5 million fully guaranteed, Rapoport added.
With so many needs on defense, look for the Bills to continue adding help at every level.
Here are other free agency moves we're monitoring Tuesday:
- The Houston Texans are finishing up signing former Jaguars cornerback Aaron Colvin to a four-year deal, Rapoport reports according to a source informed of the situation. Colvin ranked No. 58 in Top 101 Free Agents of 2018.
The Texans are also signing former Bills offensive lineman Seantrel Hendersonon a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, a source tells Rapoport. Henderson will add much-needed depth at tackle.
- Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel is joining the Chicago Bears on a four-year deal, GMFB's Peter Schrager confirms. Gabriel was ranked No. 66 on Top 101 Free Agents list.
- The Arizona Cardinals announced on Tuesday that they've released veteran running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson, who turns 33 in March, finished the season on injured reserve, missing the final five games of the 2017 season.
The Arizona Cardinals intend to sign quarterback Mike Glennonon Wednesday once he is officially released by the Bears, NFL Network's Tiffany Blackmon reports.
- Isaiah Crowell is signing with the New York Jets on three-year deal, Rapoport reports. The running back is ranked No. 68 on Top 101 Free Agents list.
- The Oakland Raiders and tight end Derek Carrier have agreed to terms on a three-year deal, Rapoport reports.
- The Lions have re-signed safety Tavon Wilson to a two-year, $7 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. He can earn up to $8 million max, Rapoport added.
- Former Eagles tight endTrey Burton has agreed in principle to a deal with the Chicago Bears, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The deal is for four years and $32 million, Rapoport added.
- The Denver Broncos picked up wide receiver Demaryius Thomas' $4 million contract option for 2018, NFL Network's James Palmer reported.
- Former New York Giants offensive lineman Weston Richburg will sign a five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers when free agency opens, a source informed of the situation told Rapoport.
- The Washington Redskins have reached a three-year, $6.875 million agreement in principle with kicker Dustin Hopkins, Rapoport reported. He receives a $1.2 million signing bonus, a source informed of the situation said.
- The Cleveland Browns tendered wide receiver Josh Gordon as an exclusive rights free agent, per a source informed of the situation. He has four credited seasons, so it's worth $790,000.
The Browns are expected to sign offensive tackle Chris Hubbard to a five-year deal worth $37.5 million with nearly $18 million guaranteed, Rapoport reports. Hubbard is ranked No. 99 on Top 101 Free Agents list.
- The Atlanta Falcons re-signed offensive lineman Austin Pasztor and CB Leon McFadden to one-year extensions, the team announced.
- The Miami Dolphins are re-signing defensive back Walt Aikens to a two-year contract, according to Rapoport.
- The Detroit Lions signed former Bears linebacker Christian Jones to a two-year deal worth $7.75 million, sources told Rapoport. He gets a $2.8 million signing bonus, Rapoport added.
Free-agent running back Frank Gore has a visit set with the Lions this week, NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reports.
- The Eagles released longtime tight end Brent Celek. Celek has been in Philadelphia since 2007.
- Former Denver Broncos tackle Donald Stephenson is joining the Browns on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, Garafolo reports.
- Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Colemanhas agreed to a three-year contract, the team announced Tuesday. Rapoport reports the deal is worth more than $15.75 million ($8 million guaranteed).
- The Baltimore Ravens are expected to sign former Redskins wide receiver Ryan Grant on a four-year deal worth $29 million with $14.5 million guaranteed, Rapoport reports.
- Veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara expected to sign three-year, $27 million contract with Bears, a source tells Garafolo.
- The New York Jets are expected to sign former Titans linebacker Avery Williamson to a three-year, $22.5 million deal with $16 million guaranteed, per Rapoport. Williamson was ranked No. 25 among Top 101 free agents.
