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.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) leaves the field following his defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atalanta Falcons to advance to the Super Bowl last month, it was believed to be the last football game tight end Tony Gonzalez ever played in again, ending the 16-year career of arguably the greatest TE to ever play the game of football. He said throughout the 2012 season he was “95% certain” this would be his final season, but Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff believes there’s a good chance that Gonzalez returns:

I want to believe it’s a lot closer to 50/50, to be honest with you, and we’ve had discussions. Obviously Mike Smith has had discussions with him. We’re all in a good place. Ultimately it’s up to Tony to decide if he wants to come back and potentially catch 100 balls again. I think it’s one of those situations that Tony was so effective for us down the stretch and I can’t imagine that his appetite wasn’t sort of whet from his contributions in the playoffs.

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported last night the Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing a long-term deal with free agent receiver Dwayne Bowe. It was previously believed the Chiefs were set to move on from Bowe after he played the entire 2012 season under the franchise tag and managed just 801 yards and three touchdowns. If the two sides don’t work out a deal, he’ll be the top free agent receiver available.

The Washington Redskins believe quarterback Robert Griffin III’s (knee) recovery has progressed very well, and now believe he has a good chance to start in the Week 1 opener.

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Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) reacts after a fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Steelers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco DE Justin Smith continues to recover from a torn triceps muscle, but that shouldn’t keep him out of Saturday night’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers for their divisional round matchup. The two teams squared off in Week 1, and the 49ers pulled out a 30-22 win in Green Bay.

New Jaguars GM David Caldwell wasted no time in making headlines in Jacksonville, as he fired head coach Mike Mularkey. He also stated that the team will have an open quarterback competition this offseason and through training camp. The Jags will also bypass any opportunity to sign QB Tim Tebow.

New Cleveland Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to Cleveland, as he’ll be joining them for the third time as a coach. Chud previously served as the TEs coach in 2004 and offensive coordinator from 2007 through 2008.

The Dallas Cowboys are close to hiring Monte Kiffin as the teams’ next defensive coordinator.

Atalanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez still says he’s 95 percent certain that he will retire after the season.

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