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NFL rumors: News on franchise tag deadline, free agency, cap cuts and more

The latest NFL rumors and news.
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With the Super Bowl and the 2016 season behind us, the NFL off-season is well underway. The rumor mill is already churning with news of contract negotiations and potential trades.

The NFL scouting combine starts this week and the league year is set to begin in March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, leaving teams steadily preparing for the NFL draft in April.

Stay up to date on the latest NFL news and rumors below:

Wednesday, March 1

• The Patriots are not expected to trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)

• The Los Angeles Rams place the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson for the second season in a row. (Team announcement)

• The league's salary cap will be set at $167 million for the 2017 season. (NFL.com)

• The Chiefs are not expected to franchise tag defensive tackle Dontari Poe, while the Ravens are not expected to place the tag on defensive tackle Brandon Williams. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)

• Colin Kaepernick is opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com). Kaepernick was due almost $17 million in salary next season.

• Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is applying today for reinstatement according to his business manager. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)

• The Houston Texans are not expected to use the franchise tag on cornerback A.J. Bouye. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)

• Bills head coach Sean McDermott announces that defensive lineman Kyle Williams will return to the team next season.

Dallas Cowboys right tackle Doug Free is considering retirement. (Mike Fisher, 105.3 The Fan)

Tuesday, Feb. 28

• The Jets informed cornerback Darrelle Revis that they plan to release him. (Team announcement)

• The Patriots will not place the franchise tag on linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Hightower is expected to test the free agent market. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)

• The Chiefs are releasing running back Jamaal Charles, 30, after nine seasons with the team. (Adam Schefter, ESPN)

• The Chiefs are finalizing a six-year, $78 million deal with Eric Berry to make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)

• The Redskins have placed their franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins for the second year in a row. (Albert Breer, The MMQB)