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.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported earlier this offseason that the Baltimore Ravens were looking to sign receiver Anquan Boldin to a contract extension in order to reduce his salary cap number. As it stands, Boldin would make $7.5 million in 2013, and the  Ravens may be forced to cut Boldin if he doesn’t agree to a contract that would reduce his salary.

Now, it appears they’ve opted to trade him to rid themselves of his salary:

Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 11, 2013

Nice counter by the 49ers in light of the Seahawks’ trade for Percy Harvin.

Boldin previously said that if the Ravens cut him, he would retire this offseason, at the age of 32 and coming off his best season as a Raven. He has 772 career receptions for 10,165 yards and 58 touchdowns. It would be unfortunate to see a potential hall-of-famer call it quits over a contract dispute, but it looks as though his career will continue.

September 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs with the ball after making a catch next to Oakland Raiders defensive back Pat Lee (26) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace is regarded as one of the top free agent targets available this year, and is likely to command a contract worth somewhere between $40-50 million. But one NFL personnel man believes Wallace won’t be worth the big contract he’ll receive because he’s a limited route runner.

He has inconsistent hands and he is predominantly a vertical guy. He’s got some tightness through his hips and just struggles dropping his weight and getting in and out of routes. He can run fast. But there’s kind of limitations in what he can do. And it’s not like he’s a real strong guy after the catch.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Steelers have reached an impasse in contract restructuring talks with linebacker James Harrison, which could lead to his release soon.

NFL.com’s Brian Baldinger says the Cleveland Browns like Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones and could be in play with the 6th-overall pick.

Want more Bengals news? Like Stripe Hype on Facebook, or grab our RSS feed.

Follow @StripeHype

Follow @UK_Fans