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NFL free agency: Tracking where Alabama players sign in 2023

47377776_10156854436900775_2208546246019252224_nby:Clint Lamb•04/24/23•

ClintRLamb

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Stephen Maturen, Getty Images

NFL free agency has been underway for awhile now. The legal tampering period came and went with NFL teams officially starting to sign their new players back in mid-March. Several former high-profile Alabama players have already found — or at least are searching for — a new home.

All-in-all, there are close to 25 former Alabama products who have been taking part in free agency this offseason. Most of these guys have been unrestricted free agents. It’s also possible that more could be added following the NFL draft, depending on which players selected and which players get released from their current contracts.

Below, we’ve put together an easy list for you to follow. This includes previous teams, new teams (including basic contract details), career stats and our thoughts on the landing spots. Be sure to check back in once the free agency frenzy officially gets underway to see where these former Crimson Tide stars end up.

DL A’Shawn Robinson

INGLEWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: A’Shawn Robinson #94 of the Los Angeles Rams playing against th eAtlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

Update (4/24): Robinson is signing with the Giants, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: Los Angeles Rams

New team (contract): New York Giants (one year, $8 million)

Career stats: 293 tackles, 20.0 TFL, 7.0 sacks, 20 QB hits, 5 FF, 1 INT, 1 TD (93 games)

Quick thoughts: The biggest area where Robinson is going to contribute is stopping the run. He’s been a quality run defender since entering the league as a second-round pick back in 2016. Fortunately for him, this is an area the Giants struggled last year, ranking No. 27 in the league in rushing yards allowed. It was also nice for the former Alabama All-American to land a contract right before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft, which is set for Thursday. He now joins a talented defensive line rotation that consists of Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. And while he’s limited to early downs, he’s still only 28 years old. Hopefully, he’s got a few more good years in him.

TE Irv Smith Jr.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 09: Irv Smith Jr. #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against Kyler Gordon #6 of the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Update (3/27): Smith has signed with the Bengals, according to Peter Schrager.

Previous team: Minnesota Vikings

New team (contract): Cincinnati Bengals (one year)

Career stats: 91 catches (126 targets), 858 yards (9.4 YPC), 9 TDs (37 games)

Quick thoughts: Smith’s NFL career got off to a promising start after being selected in the second round (No. 50 overall) in the 2019 draft. Sure, he dealt with back and groin injuries had held him out of a few games in 2020, but he still managed 66 combined catches for 676 yards and seven scores. Over the past two years, however, injuries have plagued him. A torn meniscus cost him the entire 2021 season, and a high ankle sprain forced him to miss half of 2022. Now, he’s looking to replace tight end Hayden Hurst as Joe Burrow‘s fourth option in Cincinnati’s passing attack. Unfortunately, he chose joining the Bengals over reuniting with his college QB Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.

RB Damien Harris

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 02: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots reacts in the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

Update (3/21): Harris is signing with the Bills, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: New England Patriots

New team (contract): Buffalo Bills (one year, $1.7 million)

Career stats: 449 carries, 2,094 yards, 20 TDs, 40 catches, 281 yards (38 games)

Quick thoughts: Harris is staying in the AFC East, after all. After four seasons with the Patriots, the former Alabama running back is taking his talents to Buffalo. It’s a great landing spot for him, too. First off, he’ll be a part of a Super Bowl-caliber roster with an elite quarterback in Josh Allen. And with Devin Singletary leaving for the Texans, the Bills were left with a couple of undersized, change-of-pace running backs in James Cook (5-11, 190) and Nyheim Hines (5-8, 198). At 5-11, 213, Harris gives their rushing attack more of a power element. Hopefully, he’s able to stay healthy and avoid more hamstring issues.

TE O.J. Howard

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 11: O.J. Howard #83 of the Houston Texans celebrates scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Update (3/20): Howard is signing with the Raiders, according to the team.

Previous team: Houston Texans

New team (contract): Las Vegas Raiders (one year, $1 million)

Career stats: 129 catches (203 targets), 1,882 yards (14.6 YPC), 17 TDs (72 games)

Quick thoughts: This is a good landing spot for Howard. Last season, the Raiders had what many considered to be one of the better tight end duos in Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. Unfortunately, Waller spent most of the year injured and was traded to the Giants earlier this month. Plus, Moreau is a free agent, leaving Las Vegas with a glaring need at the position. Howard got off to a hot start with the Texans this past season, as he had 38 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. From there, he only cause eight passes for 107 yards. Hopefully, the 28-year old will have more opportunities out West.

WR Cam Sims

LANDOVER, MD – JANUARY 01: Cam Sims #89 of the Washington Commanders in action against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the game at FedExField on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Update (3/20): Sims is signing with the Raiders, according to Ben Standig with The Athletic.

Previous team: Washington Commanders

New team (contract): Las Vegas Raiders (one year, $1.2 million)

Career stats: 57 catches (92 targets), 804 yards (14.1 YPC), 3 TDs (55 games)

Quick thoughts: Sims hasn’t been any sort of consistent impact player since entering the NFL in 2018, but as a former undrafted free agent, he’s done quite well for himself. He spent five seasons with the same franchise (Washington) while starting 17 games. His best season came in 2020 when he hauled in 32 of 48 targets for 477 yards and a touchdown. Now, he’s moving from the NFC to the AFC. Don’t expect any sort of large role at receiver, especially with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow all in Vegas. Still, it’s good to see him continue to get opportunities. He’ll continue to get work on special teams, too.

P JK Scott

Inglewood, CA, Sunday, January 1, 2022 – Los Angeles Chargers punter JK Scott (16) warms up before taking on the LA Rams at SoFi Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Update (3/17): Scott with re-sign with the Chargers, according to Adam Schefter.

Previous team: Los Angeles Chargers

New team (contract): Los Angeles Chargers (two years, $4 million)

Career stats: 271 punts, 11,999 yards, 44.3 avg. (66 games)

Quick thoughts: It’s good to see Scott land back in Los Angeles with more long-term commitment from the Chargers. Granted, two years isn’t anything to right home about, but it’s more security than the former Alabama punter had throughout the entire 2022 season. He averaged 43.6 yards per punt while downing 28 of his 73 total punts inside the 20-yard line. The good news? Scott is on a Super Bowl contender. The bad news? With that offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, he might not have to punt much.

LB Mack Wilson

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: Mack Wilson Sr. #30 of the New England Patriots reacts after a sack against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Update (3/16): Wilson is re-signing with the Patriots, according to Tom Pelissero.

Previous team: New England Patriots

New team (contract): New England Patriots (one-year, $2.2 million)

Career stats: 199 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF (60 games)

Quick thoughts: Wilson continues to be a perfect example of a guy who should’ve returned for his senior season at Alabama. While he was a highly-effective linebacker in coverage, his game still lacked nuance and consistency. Instead, he chose to leave Tuscaloosa a year early and fell all the way to the fifth round (No. 155 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He made it three seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Patriots last offseason. Now, he’s returning to New England on a one-year deal. He played in all 17 games with three starts, totaling 36 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. At only 25 years old, there’s still time for him to carve out a larger, more consistent role.

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DB Tony Brown

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 08: Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38) lines up for a play during the game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts on January 8, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Update (3/15): Brown is re-signing with the Colts, according to Jeremy Fowler.

Previous team: Indianapolis Colts

New team (contract): Indianapolis Colts (one year, $1.2 million)

Career stats: 65 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 6 PBU (49 games)

Quick thoughts: The Colts are bringing back Brown on a one-year contract. Most of the former five-star defensive back’s contributions came on special teams in 2022, but he did also post the first sack of his career against the Steelers back in late November. Should we expect more of those sort of plays moving forward? Probably not, but I like the decision by Indianapolis to bring back the soon-to-be 28-year-old. Hopefully, he can continue to make an impact on special teams and maintain his status as a special teams ace.

DL Jarran Reed

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Jarran Reed #90 of the Green Bay Packers looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Update (3/14): Reed is signing with the Seahaws, according to Tom Pelissero.

Previous team: Green Bay Packers

New team (contract): Seattle Seahawks (two years, $10.8 million)

Career stats: 289 tackles, 29.0 TFL, 27 sacks, 84 QB hits, 6 FF (106 games)

Quick thoughts: Reed was originally drafted by the Seahawks in the second round (No. 49 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons with the franchise before spending 2021 with the Kansas City Chiefs and 2022 with the Green Bay Packers. Now, he’s heading back to Seattle. At 30 years old, Reed is starting to get up there in age, but he’s still a good player. He set a career-high in tackles (52) this past year, but his career-highs in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (12) still came during the 2018 season, which came with the Seahawks.

DL Dalvin Tomlinson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Dalvin Tomlinson #94 of the Minnesota Vikings takes the field during player introductions before the game agains the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Update (3/13): Tomlinson is signing with the Browns, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: Minnesota Vikings

New team (contract): Cleveland Browns (four years, $57 million)

Career stats: 288 tackles, 26.0 TFL, 13 sacks, 37 QB hits, 2 FF, 2 FR (93 games)

Quick thoughts: The Browns had one of the league’s worst defensive tackle groups in 2022, according to The Athletic. Tomlinson’s mega deal might seem step for a guy who just turned 29 years old, but he’s been one of the most underrated players at his position dating back to his days at Alabama. Cleveland needed to get bigger upfront, and it achieved that by bringing in Tomlinson. I’m excited to see what he can do playing next to Myles Garrett.

OL Bradley Bozeman

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 25: Bradley Bozeman #56 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Update (3/13): Bozeman is re-signing with the Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: Carolina Panthers

New team (contract): Carolina Panthers (three years, $18 million)

Career stats: 79 games played (60 starts)

Quick thoughts: Carolina brought Bozeman in on a one-year deal in 2022 after a successful four years in Baltimore. The 2018 sixth-round draft pick had started three straight seasons with the Ravens, and he continued that with his new team by starting 11 of a possible 17 games this past year. Had it not been for an ankle injury suffered in August, the former Alabama standout likely would’ve been the starting center for the entire season. Now, he gets to protect whoever the Panthers take with the No. 1 pick. Will that be Alabama QB Bryce Young? Maybe.

DL Isaiah Buggs

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Detroit Lions defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) is seen on the sideline during a regular season NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day on November 24, 2022 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Update (3/13): Buggs is re-signing with the Lions, according to Tom Pelissero.

Previous team: Detroit Lions

New team (contract): Detroit Lions (two years, $6 million)

Career stats: 77 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 11 QB hits, 1 FF (46 games)

Quick thoughts: Buggs spent his first three seasons with the Steelers after being a sixth-round pick in 2019. That only led to seven starts in 29 games. After landing with the Lions this past season, Buggs slowly started to emerge as a vocal leader. He set career-highs in starts (13), tackles (46) and QB hits (10) while proving to be a quality interior run-stopper to complement fellow defensive linemen Alim McNeill and 2022 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson. I like that he’s sticking around in a place where we know he can succeed. Good for him for finally getting his first quality payday, too.

DL Daron Payne

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 30: Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders reacts after recovering a fumble in the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Update (3/12): Payne signed an extension with Commanders, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: Washington Commanders

New team (contract): Washington Commanders (four years, $90 million)

Career stats: 291 tackles, 40.0 TFL, 26 sacks, 55 QB hits, 4 FF, 1 INT (81 games)

Quick thoughts: Washington drafted Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft as insurance for Payne. Payne had played well in his first four years, but he was entering the final year of his contract and hadn’t had a real breakout season yet. Mathis unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in the opener, which allowed Payne to stay in his full-time role. He took full advantage, too, setting career-highs in tackles (64), tackles for loss (18) and sacks (11.5). Now, he’s earned a massive payday and will get to remain with Mathis and Jonathan Allen.

RB Josh Jacobs

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 01: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Update (3/6): Jacobs receives the franchise tag, according to Ian Rapoport.

Previous team: Las Vegas Raiders

New team (contract): Las Vegas Raiders (one year, $10.1 million)

Career stats: 1,072 carries, 4,740 yards, 40 TDs, 160 catches, 1,152 yards (60 games)

Quick thoughts: Jacobs started his NFL career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019-20. In fact, he totaled 2,619 yards and 19 scores over those first two years. He was good (1,220 total yards, nine touchdowns) in 2021, but many thought the Raiders would ride the former Alabama running back hard in 2022 before letting him walk in free agency. Then, something special happened. Jacobs led the league in rushing yards (1,653) while putting up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. Now, Vegas is rethinking that decision and have given him the franchise tag.

RB Mark Ingram II

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 25: Mark Ingram II #22 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass during warm ups before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Previous team: New Orleans Saints

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 1,817 carries, 8,111 yards, 65 TDs, 303 catches, 2,125 yards, 10 TDs (156 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

RB Kenyan Drake

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 04: Kenyan Drake #17 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Previous team: Baltimore Ravens

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 867 carries, 3,866 yards, 33 TDs, 216 catches, 1,624 yards, 8 TDs (101 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

WR Julio Jones

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Julio Jones #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Previous team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 903 catches (1,411 targets), 13,629 yards (15.1 YPC), 63 TDs (155 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

OL J.C. Hassenauer

PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 16: J.C. Hassenauer #60 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 16, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Previous team: Pittsburgh Steelers

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 45 games played (7 games started)

Quick thoughts: TBD

DL Da’Shawn Hand

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 20: Bud Dupree #48, Teair Tart #93 and DaShawn Hand #94 of the Tennessee Titans look over the offense during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Buccaneers 13-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Previous team: Tennessee Titans

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 54 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 2 QB hits, 3 FF (31 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

LB Rashaan Evans

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 01: Atlanta linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) reacts after a defensive stop during the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons on January 1st, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Previous team: Atlanta Falcons

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 476 tackles, 21.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF (76 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

DB/LB Landon Collins

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 18: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants celebrates stopping the Washington Commanders on third down during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Previous team: New York Giants

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 691 tackles, 42.0 TFL, 11 sacks, 12 INT, 7 FF (100 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

CB Anthony Averett

DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 20: Anthony Averett #29 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. The Las Vegas Raiders won in overtime (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Previous team: Las Vegas Raiders

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 114 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 3 INT, 23 PBU (51 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

DB Kareem Jackson

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) runs onto the field during player introductions before a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Previous team: Denver Broncos

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 901 tackles, 30.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 20 INT, 107 PBU, 7 FF (193 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

DB Ronnie Harrison Jr.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 03: Ronnie Harrison #33 of the Cleveland Browns before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Previous team: Cleveland Browns

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 223 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 5 INT, 1 TD, 23 PD (67 games)

Quick thoughts: TBD

LS Carson Tinker

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 15: Carson Tinker #46 of the Seattle Seahawks pats Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles #45 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of a game at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)

Previous team: Seattle Seahawks

New team (contract): TBD

Career stats: 18 tackles, 95 games played

Quick thoughts: TBD

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