Nov 6, 2011; Nashville,TN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent (2) smiles as he leaves the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans 24-17 at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The big NFL news for today is that NFL Free Agency is under way. Here’s a look at some of the big name trades, signings, and cuts across the league.

Tony Gonzalez has just informed the Atlanta Flacons that he will be returning for a 17th season in the NFL. He and the team are currently trying to work out a contract.

Wes Welker hasn’t officially been offered a contract by the New England Patriots. If he is offered a deal in the next couple of days, it will be the first time the Patriots have made him an offer after months of speculation.

The Bills announced the release of 8-year veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

CB Aaron Ross will re-join the New York Giants after playing a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed WR Plaxico Burress to a one-year deal. The contract is for the veteran-minimum salary. The Steelers have also resigned RB Jonathan Dwyer and ILB Larry Foote for 2013.

The Texans will reportedly release WR Kevin Walter after six years with the team.

The Minnesota Vikings have confirmed the release of veteran CB Antoine Winfield after he refused to take a pay-cut. After losing WR Percy Harvin, the Vikings have signed WR Jerome Simpson to a one-year deal.

Paul Kruger just reached a deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Green Bay WR Greg Jennings is drawing a good deal of attention from the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts and Browns are also interested, while the Packers are still trying to work out a deal with the veteran.

Former Steelers WR Mike Wallace will be a Miami Dolphin next season, according to NFL News.

Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, and Dannell Ellerbe could all be in play with the Ravens.

SS Charles Woodsen has been contacted by the NY Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and NY Giants.

Former Rams WR Danny Amendola is receiving interest from the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots.

The Bengals signed Wallace Gilberry to a three-year deal before he became an unrestricted free agent, and also gave kicker Mike Nugent a two-year deal.

The Falcons are currently the front-runner for RB Steven Jackson, although he is reportedly drawing interest from the Bengals and Steelers.

The Giants, 49ers, Patriots, Cowboys and Cardinals have all shown interest in Josh Cribbs.

The Lions and Cardinals are the frontrunners for Reggie Bush, although the Bengals have shown interest as well.

The Steelers have released OLB James Harrison.

There will be tons of updates in the next few days as deals are finalized and more players are shifted around. Be sure to check back in for the latest NFL Free Agency news.

Nov 25, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent (2) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

It’s becoming apparent that the Bengals’  first priority in free agency was making sure all of their primary special teams players were re-signed, and that theme continued to day with the announcement the club has re-signed kicker Mike Nugent:

#Bengals have agreed with Nugent according to agent Ken Harris. Deal to be announced by club Monday.

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) March 10, 2013

According to Pro Football Focus, the Bengals are making the right move re-signing Nugent, who they consider the third best free agent kicker in the league.

Although his field goal percentage of 84.2% doesn’t look great, he was perfect on kicks within 40 yards. While he is not one of the few kickers that is extremely accurate at long kicks, his average kickoff distance of 67.8 yards is the best of the free agent group, and that is a number that stays more consistent than field goal percentage. He is coming off an injury which might be a concern, but since the Bengals liked what they saw from Josh Brown, Nugent might be the most readily available good kicker.

Nugent essentially beat out Josh Brown, who took over towards the end of the year and was perfect from 20 to 29 yards (three of three), 30 to 39 yards (five of five) and 40 to 49 yards (four of four).

Nugent is almost 3 years younger than Brown (31 to Brown’s 34), and may actually come cheaper given that he is coming off of an injury. Mike Brown likes cheap, especially when Andre Smith is still left to be re-signed.

Nugent turned 31 last week and is 81.1% on FGs career. Brown turns 34 next month and is 81.3%.#Bengals

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) March 10, 2013

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Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent (2) during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals have placed kicker Mike Nugent on the injured reserve list. Nugent has missed the past three game with a calf injury, and Josh Brown had done so wll in his absence, the team felt it was better to go forward with Brown. Nugent, who originally strained his calf in practice, was given the franchise tag this offseason, and this latest development does not bold well for his long-term future in Cincinnati. He had hit all 12 field goals inside 40 yards, but was 7 /11 from beyond 40. Josh Brown is 8/9 this year, including the game-winning 43-yarder to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and clinch a playoff berth. His only miss was from 56 yards.

The team replaces him by signing CB Chris Lewis-Harris from practice squad. He originally signed with Bengals as college free agent and played in all four preseason games, notching 13 tackles and one sack before being signed to the PS. Harris was signed to the active roster and played in Week 3 vs. the Redskins, but was then cut and signed back to the PS.

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