Tom Brady Ends Retirement; Washington Signs Troy Apke: NFL Tracker

Tom Brady

Tom Brady

Tom Brady talking with Bruce Arians

Brady announced his retirement two months ago, but revealed that he didn't want to part ways with the game just yet.

These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG

MARCH 13 GALLUP-ING BACK TO DALLAS One day after the Dallas Cowboys parted ways with wide receiver Amari Cooper, they expressed their commitment to another in-house receiver.

According to NFL Network, the NFC East rival Cowboys are signing Michael Gallup to a five year deal worth $62.5 million.

Gallup tore his ACL in January, but is expected to make a full recovery in time for the regular season when it kicks off in September.

MARCH 12 BROWN-OUT The Dallas Cowboys spent part of Saturday continuing to attempt to negotiate an affordable way to keep Amari Cooper. And then in the noon hour, they spent their final time with the Pro Bowl wideout, trading him to the Cleveland Browns for what CowboysSI.com is told is package featuring two late-round picks.

(It's now being reported: Cleveland gets Cooper and a sixth, the Cowboys get a fifth and a sixth.)

Teams were in part trying to gauge not only Cooper's trade cost, but also what they would do regarding his contract going forward - an issue not unlike what the Cowboys themselves were doing as a decision must soon be made on the receiver leading up to free agency.

And eight teams, we're told, were interested at some level.

Cooper finished this past season with 68 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. That was a subpar year for him in the explosive Dallas offense. But a bigger concern than that for the Cowboys: Before the trade, Cooper was due his entire $20 million salary for 2022 guaranteed if he was on the roster on March 21. In the meantime, Dallas must also be cap-compliant by March 16.

Moving him out will now create $16 million of cap room in Dallas. But from a Washington perspective: Didn't the defending division champs just get weaker?

MARCH 12 LA'EL COLLINS BREAKING

Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman La'ael Collins has been given permission to seek out a trade partner, and if he's unsuccessful, could find himself released by the team, according to a report by ESPN.

Collins is sure to draw some attention from NFL franchises looking for help in securing their offensive front, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently called the lineman, “one of the most outstanding offensive linemen in the country."

Why then is Dallas looking to move him? 

One big reason is the potential $10 million cap savings they get in a Post-June 1st move. 

Comparatively, any trade or release made before June 1st saves the Cowboys just $1 million, unless the team taking Collins agrees to take on the salary. 

MARCH 11 WATSON BREAKING 

Houston Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson will not face any criminal charges in the nine accusations against his name. With the grand jury unable to find enough evidence, Watson now is expected to be traded soon, possibly before the start of NFL free agency on March 16.

"Definitely a very emotional moment for me," Watson said following Friday's verdict. "I know that we're far from being done handling what needs to be handled on the legal side, but today is definitely a big day. I think my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for letting the truth be heard.''

Watson could still deal with civil issues regarding the women who are accusing him of sex-related crimes.

MAR 10 KHALIL MACK DEALT TO L.A. CHARGERS

The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers are working on a trade that will send six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack to L.A.

In return, the Bears receive the 48th overall pick in April's draft and a 2023 sixth-round selection.

Mack, 31, returns to the AFC West after spending the past four seasons in the Windy City. Mack played the first four seasons of his career with the Oakland Raiders.

The move comes just two days after the Denver Broncos acquired Russell Wilson, and this trade is the Chargers' response of improving alongside their competition in what is likely the best division in the NFL.

MAR 8 WILSON TO THE MILE HIGH CITY 

The Denver Broncos are trading for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster deal that is expected to be surrounded by multiple first-round picks. The deal is expected to be finalized pending a physical from Wilson.

The Broncos were expected to be in the market for a starting veteran quarterback after horrendous play from several starters since the end of the Peyton Manning era. Denver was interested in acquiring Green Bay Packers starter Aaron Rodgers, but the 37-year-old agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth up to $200 million Tuesday morning to remain in Green Bay.

The details of the trade have not been released as of this time, though former Broncos starter Drew Lock will be part of the offer sent back to Seattle. Wilson expressed interest in being traded last offseason, but the team elected to hold his rights for one more year. 

MAR 8 RODGERS STAYS WITH GREEN BAY

Aaron Rodgers has committed to the Green Bay Packers for next season.

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers exiting a game at Lambeau Field

Aaron Rodgers handing the ball off

Rodgers, a trade target for the Washington Commanders, was contemplating retirement or possibly forcing his way to the Denver Broncos to reunite with ex-offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, but he will now return to Green Bay to play his 18th NFL season.

Rodgers reportedly signed a contract keeping him in Green Bay for the next four years and is set to make $200 million over the course of the deal, making it the largest contract in NFL history. However, Rodgers tweeted out that the contract report was inaccurate.

MAR 7 HERE COMES MATT 

Almost a Commander.

The Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford could get as much as $45 million per year in a new contract, according to the Athletic - and Washington fans are left bemoaning what might've been.

A new deal for Stafford is a “priority” for the Rams this offseason, as we know. And the Rams are trying to "run it back'' by retaining their title-team core.

The story suggests the Rams could offer the 34-year-old a three- to four-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, Washington is lamenting having been out-bid a year ago in its attempt to trade for then-Lions QB Stafford ... and now coach Ron Rivera is trying to do it again, having conversations about trading for the likes of Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson.

MAR 4 AMARI COOPER 'LIKELY' TO BE CUT BY COWBOYS

Amari Cooper makes a catch against Washington

Amari Cooper attempts to make a catch vs. Washington

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are "likely" to release wide receiver Amari Cooper at the start of the league year on March 16.

Cooper caught 68 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

This opens the door for the Washington Commanders to sign Cooper and give Terry McLaurin a dominant running mate in the offense next season, similar to Cooper's role in Dallas next to CeeDee Lamb.

Washington fans will recall that before Cooper re-upped with Dallas two years ago, he actually got a better offer to come to D.C. but declined.

MAR 2 RUDOLPH LEAVES GIANTS 

Kyle Rudolph vs. Miami Dolphins

Kyle Rudolph vs. Washington

Kyle Rudolph tackled by Cole Holcomb

Kyle Rudolph is parting ways with the New York Giants after one season with the team.

Rudolph caught 26 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown this season for the Giants.

Rudolph, 32, spent 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a 2-year, $12 million contract with the Giants.

Rudolph now becomes one of the top veteran free agents at the tight end position.

FEB 20 COACH PHILLIPS Wes Phillips is continuing a rich family football tradition, the grandson of Bum Phillips, son of Wade Phillips and former Dallas Cowboys assistant now joining the Minnesota Vikings as their new offensive coordinator under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Phillips has been on the Rams staff, where McConnell was recently as Los Angeles won the Super Bowl.

Wes, 42, a native of Houston, was in Dallas from 2007 to 2013 in a variety of roles, including time when dad Wade, now 74, was the Cowboys head coach.

Grandfather Bum was of course a legendary former Houston Oilers coach.

FEB 19 FLORES HIRED The Steelers have named Brian Flores as their senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach.

Flores was most recently the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and in the wake of his recent firing - and his job interviews for head coaching positions that did not come to fruition, including in Houston - has filed a lawsuit against the NFL claiming racial injustices in the league's hiring practices.

"I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "Brian's resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team."