NFL star Rob Gronkowski announces his retirement

(CNN) Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, a tight end in the NFL for 11 seasons as a member of the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement Tuesday on social media.

This is Gronkowski's second time retiring from the NFL, having previously hung up his cleats in New England after playing from 2010 to 2018 with the Patriots before returning in 2020 to play two seasons with the Buccaneers.

Gronkowski, 33, wrote on social media , "I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team. I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field.

"The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well. From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all."

Over his 11 NFL seasons, Gronkowski was part of four Super Bowl-winning teams, three times with the Patriots and again with the Buccaneers.

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Ex-New York Giants WR Victor Cruz announces retirement from NFL ...

EAST RUTHERFORD — The music has stopped playing in the NFL for Victor Cruz, but the former New York Giants star wide receiver promises that he isn't done dancing.

At 31, Cruz announced his retirement from the league Tuesday, informing The Record and NorthJersey.com shortly before officially making the news public with a video posted to Uninterrupted's YouTube channel.

The Giants released Cruz in February 2017 after seven seasons during which he emerged as one of the franchise's most popular players. His salsa dancing in the end zone to celebrate touchdowns made him famous, as did his remarkable rise to incredible heights as a Super Bowl champion with the Giants in 2011.

But when Cruz, now an uber celebrity and NFL analyst, is asked to what moment he goes back as the most unforgettable of his time with the Giants, his mind does not go to the Super Bowl, the fame he earned or the countless dances he did.

Cruz goes back to the moment when an undrafted long shot from Paterson, N.J., left everyone in awe as a rookie in a preseason game against the Jets.

"I close my eyes, when I go back: it's always the first one: preseason game, rookie year, up the sideline, first catch ever, first anything, against the Jets," Cruz told The Record and NorthJersey.com on Tuesday morning, the news of his retirement still flooding social media. "For that one to be a touchdown out of the gate, it was like, my season, my career could have ended right there, and I had already accomplished so much. Being from New Jersey, playing in Giants Stadium, scoring a touchdown like that, in front of my family and my mom, that moment alone takes the cake for me."

The story continues below the gallery.

Cruz had been a Giants fixture since August of 2010, when the undrafted rookie from UMass who grew up in the shadow of the Meadowlands stunned everyone with a breakthrough performance in a preseason game against the Jets. He rose to stardom with the Giants, celebrating his touchdowns with his trademark salsa dance and winning a Super Bowl in the 2011 season.

"Obviously Victor had a terrific career and a great Giant, and a guy who kind of exploded onto the scene in this preseason game versus the Jets coming up in 2010," Giants quarterback Eli Manning said Tuesday, adding: "Really just had a great feel for the offense, for his routes in that slot, and he was tough to cover. Running down the field, breaking in, we gave him a lot of options. He mastered some of those concepts and gave him a great opportunity to get open and make big plays for us. Tremendous player, and a great guy. He was in the locker room a few weeks ago. I got to talk with him and hang out with him. Obviously, I wish him all the best going forward. I think he’s gone to the dark side and has gone into the media [laughter]. I wish him all the best going over there."

Only Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall had more 100-yard receiving games than Cruz from 2011 to Week 6 of the 2014 season when the latter tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during a game against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Following his release from the Giants, Cruz signed with the Chicago Bears last summer. He was cut in the preseason, and spent the last year waiting for an offer that never came.

"When a year passes without a phone call, that's kind of the wake up call," Cruz said. "That's the biggest lesson I've learned: you have your moment when you make it to the top, and mine came so quickly. Everything's great, your career is ascending, and then in a blink of an eye, in Year 4 for me, I'm gonna play 15-20 years, win a couple championships, and then after Year 7, I'm done. That's what the league is telling me."

In trying to make it to the NFL, Cruz earned respect from so many along the way.

He once was a North Jersey teenager harboring a dream to play basketball at Duke University, not the NFL for his beloved Dallas Cowboys, let alone the Giants for whom he would star, becoming a worldwide celebrity of football and fashion.

Opposing coaches in the now-defunct Bergen-Passaic Scholastic League used to complain about how that kid wearing No. 9 for Paterson Catholic (now closed) was too physical, and all he did was push off in the end zone. That was the reason he was catching all those touchdown passes, they said.

Cruz committed to UMass on scholarship, but first had to attend prep school. Then he had to come home and work in retail at Garden State Plaza in Paramus after his grades at UMass led to his dismissal not only from the team, but the school, and not once, but twice.

Now he's a role model for all those who dream of following in his footsteps, including those involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America, which has honored him on several occasions through his foundation.

"My story, it wasn't easy to get here," Cruz said. "But I wouldn't change a thing."

It was Cruz's story that inspired many around the league: the kid who did that dance to honor his grandmother and his Puerto Rican heritage, the one who outworked the crowd at the bottom to make it to the top.

There's a reason why former Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly visited Cruz in a Philadelphia hospital the morning after Cruz's football world changed forever back in 2014 - and why Giants coach Pat Shurmur stepped to the microphone for his Tuesday news conference and opened with a salute to a player he never coached.

"What a great Giant," Shurmur said. "I remember playing against him when I was [coaching] in Philly and we were certainly well aware of the impact he could have on a ball game. I had a chance to meet him and be around him, and he certainly doesn’t need an invite from me, but much like all the ex-Giants, I look forward to seeing him at practice any time he wants to be here. So, congratulations to him."

Cruz will make his ESPN debut Wednesday during the 9 a.m. hour on both Get Up! and SportsCenter. He visited the Giants here at training camp two weeks ago after staying away for much of last year, still trying to come to grips with his exit.

This time, Cruz said he felt at home again.

"I'll always be blue 80 in New York in my opinion, in my mind, in my heart," Cruz said. "To me, the blue 80 jersey will always say Cruz on the back of it, New York City. I hope the fans don't lose that. That's where I was born, essentially, from a football perspective, and [the Giants and the New York City area] will always be home, always be family."

Email: stapleton@northjersey.com

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Tom Brady officially announces retirement from NFL - CNN

The 44-year-old, arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, announced the news on social media

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition -- if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," he said.

"There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore.

"I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved.

"My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

Brady celebrates after the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 at Super Bowl 51.

Brady has just finished his 22nd season in the NFL -- and second with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

During his 22-year career, Brady has won seven Super Bowl titles -- six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- and he retires as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards (84,520), touchdown passes (624), completions (7,263), regular season wins (243), playoff wins (35) and Super Bowl MVPs (five). He has also played in and won more regular-season games in his career than any other quarterback.

Over the weekend, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington and The Boston Globe, had reported that Brady was retiring, citing unnamed sources.

But on Sunday, a source familiar with the situation told CNN that "Brady contacted (Tampa Bay) Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht (on Saturday) to inform him he has yet to make a final decision about his future."

But after saying on Monday that he hadn't made decision on retiring, Brady confirmed the news on Tuesday.

JUST WATCHED Tom Brady throws Super Bowl trophy from one boat to another Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Tom Brady throws Super Bowl trophy from one boat to another 00:45

In his announcement, he thanked his Bucs teammates, coaching staff, family and agents.

"My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs," Brady continued. "When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending.

"As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against -- the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world."

The Bucs thanked Brady for the part he played with the team on Twitter, saying : "Forever a part of Buccaneers history. Thank you for everything, Tom Brady."

"The future is exciting," Brady said.

He added: "Exactly what my days will look like will be a work-in-progress. As I said earlier, I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives, just as so many have done for me."

"What a ride @tombrady ! So many memories! When I met you over 15 years ago, I didn't know the first thing about football." she wrote.

"But cheering for you and seeing you do what you love most made me learn about this wonderful game to the point that I seriously believed I knew more than the referees! We always had a special champions playlist for every drive on our way to the game. As a family, we always prayed for you, celebrated and supported you in every game, cheered every win and suffered with every loss."

She added, "I'm so proud of you, and of everything you have had to overcome physically and emotionally over the years."

NFL icon

Selected 199th overall in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft by the Patriots, Brady played 20 seasons in Foxborough.

He left New England as a free agent after the 2020 season and signed with the Bucs where he led the team to a Super Bowl win in his first season there.

Brady walks off the Raymond James Stadium field after a game.

With the Super Bowl win with Tampa Bay, Brady joined Peyton Manning as the only starting quarterbacks in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with multiple teams.

Brady is the first quarterback in league history to lead his team to seven Super Bowl wins, surpassing Terry Bradshaw (four) and Joe Montana (four). Brady's 10 Super Bowl appearances is more than any franchise in the Super Bowl era -- the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers each have eight.

In his final season, Brady led the league in passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43) and earned an NFL-best 15th Pro Bowl selection.

Brady was named to the league's 2000s All-Decade Team, the 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft paid his respects to Brady's career, saying in a statement that: "Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career.

"A generation of football fans have grown up knowing only an NFL in which Tom Brady dominated. He retires with nearly every NFL career passing record, yet the only one that ever mattered to him was the team's win-loss record. In his 20 years as a starter his teams qualified for the playoffs 19 times. He led his teams to 10 Super Bowls, winning an NFL-record seven championships. In a team sport like football, it is rare to see an individual have such a dominant impact on a team's success.

"You didn't have to be a Patriots fan to respect and appreciate his competitiveness, determination and will to win that fueled his success. As a fan of football, it was a privilege to watch. As a Patriots fan, it was a dream come true.

"I have the greatest respect for Tom personally and always will. His humility, coupled with his drive and ambition, truly made him special. I will always feel a close bond to him and will always consider him an extension of my immediate family."

JUST WATCHED See Tom Brady nail 'Hamilton' rap with late-night host Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH See Tom Brady nail 'Hamilton' rap with late-night host 01:35

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also paid his tributes to Brady in a statement on Tuesday.

"Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL," he said. "An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year.

"Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for years.

"He inspired fans in New England, Tampa and around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history. It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL. We thank him for his many contributions to our game and wish Tom and his family all the best in the future."

Tom Brady officially retires: QB says on social media his career over

A day after saying he was evaluating his options concerning his future, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady officially retired from the NFL.

Brady made the announcement via social media on Tuesday morning.

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition – if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady said. "There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

WINNERS, LOSERS OF BRADY RETIRING:Buccaneers QB's plan sends shockwaves through NFL

WHO WILL BE NEXT TOM BRADY?:Probably no one, but these seven quarterbacks might have a shot

Brady, 44, led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns this season and his final game was the NFC Divisional loss at home to the Los Angeles Rams.

USA TODAY Sports reported Saturday that Brady was set to announce his retirement after 22 seasons.

"Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

"Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for year."

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On Monday, Brady said on his SiriusXM podcast "Let's Go" that he wasn’t ready to announce plans for his future.

Brady's retirement brings an end to a storied career with seven Super Bowl titles, three MVP and five Super Bowl MVP awards and 15 Pro Bowl selections.

After being selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, Brady got his opportunity the next season in Week 2 when starter Drew Bledsoe was hit by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. Brady started the next week against the Indianapolis Colts, leading them to a 44-13 victory.

He set NFL career marks for touchdown passes (624), passing yards (84,250) and wins as a starting quarterback while also setting league records for playoff wins, touchdowns and passing yards.

OPINION:Brady's retirement serves as rare peek into legendary QB's human side

OPINION:Brady's legacy also includes blueprint he provided on NFL player empowerment

"Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "A generation of football fans have grown up knowing only an NFL in which Tom Brady dominated."

If there is one blemish on his record, it came during the 2015 AFC championship when the Colts accused Brady of using a deflated football.

The NFL investigated and found that it was “more probable than not” that Brady did use a football that was not up to league standards.

He was suspended four games, and the Patriots were fined $1 million and lost several draft picks because of the incident.

Tom Brady retires: Legendary QB walks away from NFL as the GOAT

The greatest to ever do it is walking away.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady officially announced his retirement Tuesday morning, just one day after he said he was contemplating his options.

Brady, 44, has played in the league half his life, with 22 full seasons to his name, two of which came with Tampa Bay after he left New England after the 2019 season.

Brady now walks away with a commanding grip on several NFL records, many of which — at first blush — would appear to be impossible to reach. Perhaps the most impressive of those relate to his success, and his teams’ successes, in the postseason. Brady started 24 conference championship games or Super Bowls in his career. Simply put, he dominated the league.

"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore," Brady said Tuesday in the post that announced his retirement. "I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.

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"I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

Here's everything we know about the G.O.A.T. walking away:

How did Tom Brady decide to retire?

On Saturday, USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones confirmed that Brady would be announcing his impending retirement. Brady, after the Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs in a 30-27 loss in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams, deflected on questions about his future, saying: "I haven’t put a lot of thought into it."

Brady's comments about his future, however, had notably softened from previous seasons, when he had said in no uncertain terms that he would be back and looked to play well into his mid-40s. After the loss against the Rams, Brady cited his family as an important factor in determining his future.

On Monday, in an appearance on the "Let's Go" podcast with Jim Gray, Brady said he was still contemplating his next steps and added: "I'm not going to race to some conclusion on that."

Then, just hours after that podcast published, Brady posted his announcement Tuesday morning on his social media channels and thanked former teammates, executives, coaches and fans in a lengthy statement. He also took the opportunity to thank his family for their support throughout his career.

ESPN had been the first outlet to report Saturday on Brady’s impending retirement.

Why did Tom Brady retire?

With increasing frequency, Brady has mentioned that his family and a desire to spend more time with them would be one of the main reasons why he would walk away. The recent increase of transparency in his thinking, alone, pointed to a rare glimpse into his human side.

His reasons for leaving New England had, in part, a lot to do with the grueling grind that comes with preparing for an NFL season and weekly games. While he found a more relaxed approach in Tampa Bay under coach Bruce Arians, preparing for opponents and seasons is still taxing. After 22 seasons, he has accomplished all there is to accomplish in the sport.

Brady has also ventured into several successful business and media ventures, not limited to his health, wellness and recovery brand TB 12 Sports, in partnership with personal trainer and friend Alex Guerrero. Now that he won't have to game plan and practice, he's expected to give those ventures more time.

"The future is exciting," Brady said in his retirement announcement before citing three companies that he cofounded and would look to continue to grow. "As I said earlier, I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives, just as so many have done for me."

What will Tom Brady's legacy be?

Undoubtedly, it will be as the greatest quarterback — and player — of all time. It's not just the poise and methodical approach he took toward seeking competitive advantages, it's the metronomic consistency he embodied when he played. In fact, his retirement announcement alone is sending ripples across the league that he dominated.

But, on the business side of things, Brady also provided a blueprint for player empowerment. He sought independent treatments for his body that he felt were in his best interests. It's hard to argue with the results. He focused on pliability and healthy eating and became a paradigm of dependability, even into his mid-40s. He was an advocate for improvements in player rights and asserting more control over offseason workout practices. And, in his departure from the Patriots, he also showed the importance of wielding agency and control in player movements.

Brady even controlled the narrative in the media over the final seasons of his career, launching several video stories in which he directed what information got out, and how.

Much of this can be traced all the way back to his days in Ann Arbor, as the University of Michigan quarterback who just happened to get selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft.

What are others saying about Tom Brady?

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the NFL and sporting world. Former Patriots teammates shared their favorite Tom Brady stories.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Brady "made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments." Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians called it "an honor" just to coach him.

Said Patriots owner Robert Kraft: "Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career."

"I have always admired & respected his competitiveness, his dedication, his discipline, and his commitment to being the best," friend and former competitor Peyton Manning said.

What are Tom Brady’s statistical accomplishments?

As mentioned above, Brady will likely be untouchable for several NFL records in the decades to come — if not for the rest of the league’s history.

To start with some of the more notable ones, Brady walks away with the NFL record for most career passing yards in both the regular season (84,520) and the playoffs (13,049). He also has thrown for more touchdowns (624) than anyone.

He has NFL records for most Super Bowl appearances (10), victories (seven), Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards (five).

The list goes on and on. We took a look at some of Brady’s more interesting stats here.

What's next for the NFL (and the Buccaneers)?

There will never be another Tom Brady. He's the product of a perfect storm of talent, drive and franchise stability. Still, there's a crop of young passers who might come close.

The Bucs will now need to find Brady's replacement and have some decisions to make about a roster that is still talented, but will look very different. Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert is set to hit free agency, so he may be on the move. That leaves third-string passer Kyle Trask, a second-round rookie Tampa selected in the 2021 draft, as the only quarterback currently left on the roster.

NFL free agency 2022: News, rumors on all of Tuesday's deals

The NFL had its initial rush of free-agency deals Monday, but the first wave isn't over.

The tampering window featured a slew of players and teams coming to agreements before contracts can become official Wednesday at the start of a new league year. But there are still many of the top free agents who remain uncommitted. Expect more action soon in the market, as well as more trades possibly coming together.

Check back with USA TODAY Sports often throughout Tuesday and the entire week for all the latest news and buzz on the free-agent market and what deals could be materializing:

MORE:Tom Brady's stunning return to NFL was a decision we should have seen coming

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Browns to sign dynamic return specialist Jakeem Grant

The Cleveland Browns and wide receiver/return specialist Jakeem Grant have agreed to a three-year contract, according to multiple reports.

Grant - a sixth-round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2016 - was traded by the Dolphins to the Chicago Bears on Oct. 5, 2021 and became a Pro Bowl selection. In his six NFL seasons, Grant has returned a combined six punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Last season, rookies Demetric Felton and Anthony Schwartz primarily handled punt and kickoff return duties. As a team, the Browns averaged 7.2 yards per punt return and 20.7 yards per kickoff return. By comparison, Grant has averaged 10.3 yards on punt returns and 24.5 yards on kick returns during his career.

-- Jim Reineking

Saints, Marcus Maye agree to contract

With safety Marcus Williams agreeing to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints got busy gathering in reinforcements for the secondary.

The Saints and former New York Jets safety Marcus Maye have agreed to a three-year, $28.5 million contract, according to multiple reports.

After being a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft by the Jets, Maye played five seasons with the team. A torn Achilles landed Maye on injured reserve after appearing in six games during the 2021 season, during which he played on the franchise tag.

On Monday, the Jets had put work into bolstering their secondary, with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead and former Seattle Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed agreeing to join the Jets.

-- Jim Reineking

Ravens to bolster o-line with Morgan Moses

Offensive tackle Morgan Moses has agreed to a three-year, $15 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple reports.

Moses was a third-round pick by Washington in the 2014 NFL draft, and spent seven seasons with the team before signing a one-year contract with the New York Jets in 2021.

The Ravens have a need at the tackle position after trading Orlando Brown last offseason and with Alejandro Villanueva announcing his retirement last week. Ronnie Stanley — the No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft — has appeared in just seven games the previous two seasons while dealing with ankle injuries.

Moses started all but one game last season with the Jets, and started every game for six consecutive seasons for Washington.

-- Jim Reineking

Giants will sign Tyrod Taylor to back up Daniel Jones

The Giants wanted an upgrade to the insurance policy behind Daniel Jones, hoping to avoid the backup quarterback disaster that unfolded last season, and now they have one.

Veteran Tyrod Taylor has agreed to terms with the Giants on a two-year deal worth up to a maximum value of $17 million, including $8.5 million guaranteed, an individual with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network on Monday night.

Initial value for Taylor's deal appears to be $11 million over two years, the individual said.

Taylor was with the Houston Texans last season, and did cross paths with Giants general manager Joe Schoen with the Buffalo Bills for one season, albeit one year prior to when Brian Daboll arrived as offensive coordinator.

The Giants have made the commitment to Taylor as a solid veteran quarterback behind Jones. What Taylor turns out to be with Big Blue is really up to Jones and how he performs.

The 32-year-old Taylor can be a well-compensated insurance policy at a position Schoen identified as a priority, or he can wind up as an ideal bridge to the next franchise quarterback if Jones struggles to develop.

-- Art Stapleton, North Jersey

Buccaneers swing trade for interior line help

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing on one of Tom Brady's former offensive linemen to help protect the quarterback.

The Buccaneers agreed to a trade with the New England Patriots to acquire offensive guard Shaq Mason, according to multiple reports, in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.

Mason, 28, has been a fixture of the Patriots' offensive line since he entered the NFL in 2015. In Tampa Bay, he will step in as a needed starter after the Buccaneers lost Alex Cappa to the Cincinnati Bengals. Earlier in the offseason, Pro Bowl offensive guard Ali Marpet opted to retire. Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, however, opted to return on a three-year contract.

New England, meanwhile, is undergoing its own offensive line reshuffling after losing offensive guard Ted Karras to the Bengals. Offensive tackle Trent Brown is set to become a free agent.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Jets bolster secondary with D.J. Reed, Jordan Whitehead

After focusing on offense to start free agency, the Jets' first move of Day 2 addressed one of their many glaring needs on defense, agreeing to sign former Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed, a person with knowledge of the situation told the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not become official until Wednesday.

The Athletic first reported the agreement. The contract is for three years and $33 million, according to multiple reports.

There's certainly a lot to like about Reed. He's 25 and started 14 games last season for the Seahawks, who run a similar defense. He also played two seasons with coach Robert Saleh in San Francisco, which should make his transition to the Jets even smoother.

Reed is only 5-foot-9, but he played nearly all his snaps last season at outside corner: another plus because that's where the Jets need help. But Reed is more of a No. 2 corner than the lockdown guy the Jets have been missing for so long. And considering last season was the first time he started more than eight games in a year, he still has something to prove.

Yes, the defense is going to look much different next year. And that's a good thing because the Jets were the worst in the league. Whitehead should help change that. He turns 25 later this week and has started 55 of 59 games in four years with the Bucs. He has meaningful experience, starting every game in the Bucs 2020 run to the Super Bowl and forcing two fumbles in the NFC Championship game.

- Andy Vasquez, North Jersey

Tom Brady gets a new receiver

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new slot receiver.

Russell Gage is expected to sign with the team, according to multiple reports.

Gage, 26, recorded 66 catches for 770 yards and four touchdowns last year for the Atlanta Falcons. He had 39 catches for 500 yards in his final six games.

In Tampa, Gage will serve as a tertiary option behind star wide receivers Chris Godwin, who is currently on the franchise tag, and Mike Evans.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Randy Gregory pulls NFL free agency about-face, will sign with Broncos rather than Cowboys

The Cowboys tweeted and deleted.

They posted to their website and soon after removed the link.

Because defensive end Randy Gregory, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports, pivoted.

After reaching a deal with the Cowboys that was believed to be the final say on his future, Gregory instead now plans to sign with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos offered Gregory a five-year, $70 million contract with $28 million in guarantees, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not signed.

Agreements cannot become official until the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

- Jori Epstein

Ravens make big splash with standout safety

The Baltimore Ravens made a sizable investment to upgrade their secondary.

Safety Marcus Williams agreed to a five-year deal worth $70 million with the team on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

Williams, 25, started all five seasons for the New Orleans Saints since he entered the NFL in 2017. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL's best at his position, patrolling the back end for New Orleans while also making plays against the run.

He should slide in next to starter Chuck Clark to provide an instant boost to Baltimore's defense.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth retires

Los Angeles Rams left tackle and reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Andrew Whitworth announced his retirement Tuesday at 40.

Whitworth had said after the Rams' Super Bowl victory he would take time to mull his future.

A two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, Whitworth was a vital part of the Rams' success in recent years, setting the tone for a stable offensive line.

The Rams secured his successor Monday by agreeing to a three-year, $40 million contract with Joseph Noteboom.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Dolphins add a lineman for Tua

The Miami Dolphins are adding left guard Connor Williams from the Dallas Cowboys.

Williams should be a key component as Miami attempts to augment a woeful and underperforming offensive line unit.

Williams, 24, has already started 51 NFL games since he was selected in the second round out of the University of Texas.

He will join the Dolphins on a 2-year deal.

- Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post

Steelers get reinforcements up front

After locking in Mitchell Trubisky to compete with Mason Rudolph for their starting quarterback job, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting some much-neede help elsewhere on offense.

Offensive guard James Daniels agreed to a three-year, $26.5 million contract with the Steelers, according to multiple reports.

Daniels, 24, would patch a major hole on the interior of the Steelers' line. Pittsburgh ranked 29th in the NFL with just 3.9 yards per carry last season.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Titans releasing Jackrabbit Jenkins

The Tennessee Titans are parting ways with one of their starting cornerbacks.

The Titans are releasing veteran Jackrabbit Jenkins, a person with direct knowledge of the move confirmed to the USA TODAY Network. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity, as the team has yet to announced the move.

Jenkin's release was anticipated, as the 33-year-old cornerback had a high cap number ($10.1 million) and the Titans were already financially strapped. Before cutting Jenkins, Tennessee was unofficially $1.8 million over the 2022 salary cap, per Over The Cap. They must be in compliance by 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, the start of the new league year.

Jenkins' release could also pave the way for 2021 first-round pick Caleb Farley to be a starter next season alongside Kristian Fulton. A former Virginia Tech star, Farley played just three games last season after battling a shoulder issue and a knee injury, which landed him on injured reserve. The Titans are also expected to add more depth at cornerback.

- Ben Arthur, The Tennessean

Jaguars releasing starting LB Myles Jack

After adding a horde of new players on Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars are bidding farewell to one on Tuesday.

Jack, 26, led the Jaguars with 108 tackles last season. He was set to count $13.15 million against the cap this season, the penultimate year of his contract, and his release saves the team $8.35 million.

The move further remakes the Jaguars' linebacker corps after the team agreed to a deal with Foye Oluokun on Monday.

- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Patriots, Browns swap defensive players in trade

The Cleveland Browns agreed Tuesday to trade linebacker Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots for edge defender Chase Winovich, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move was not yet official.

NFL Network first reported the deal involving Wilson, a fifth-round selection in 2019, and Winovich, a third-round choice in the same draft.

The trade cannot be finalized until 4 p.m. Wednesday, when free agency officially kicks off with the new league year.

In three NFL seasons, Winovich has started nine of his 45 regular-season games and compiled 85 tackles, including 11 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, an interception, two passes defensed and a forced fumble.

Wilson started 28 of the 43 games in which he appeared with the Browns and compiled 163 tackles, including a sack, nine passes defensed, a forced fumble, an interception and two quarterback hits.

- Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal

Lions add low-cost investment at wide receiver

In an exploding wide receiver market, the Detroit Lions took a measured approach to their free agent shopping at the position.

The Lions agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday with Jacksonville Jaguars receiver DJ Chark, a league source told the Free Press. The deal includes $10 million guaranteed and could be worth up to $12 million, according to ESPN.

Chark was considered in the second tier of available receivers, behind Detroit native Allen Robinson, but inflation rocked the market in recent days.

The Los Angeles Chargers signed Mike Williams to a three-year, $60 million contract before the start of free agency. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the franchise tag on Chris Godwin at the cost of about $19 million. The Cleveland Browns traded for Amari Cooper and his $20 million contract. And Christian Kirk agreed to a four-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Day 1 of free agency Monday that has a maximum value of $84 million.

The Lions entered free agency determined to add an outside receiver to their offense that struggled to push the ball downfield at times last season.

Chark, 6 feet 4, ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash coming out of college and has the speed to threaten defenses vertically.

He missed most of last season with a broken ankle, catching only seven passes for 154 yards in four games, but had career-highs of 73 catches 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019.

- Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press

Deshaun Watson to meet with Browns

Having met with officials from both the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints on Monday, Deshaun Watson will meet with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal personnel meetings.

Watson remains under contract with the Houston Texans. He has a no-trade clause in his contract and would have to waive that right, so the Texans cannot just trade him to whichever team they desire.

The Texans would prefer to trade Watson to an NFC team, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to comment publicly. However, Watson could force their hand.

- Mike Jones

Chiefs find likely replacement for Tyrann Mathieu

Looking to attempt to replace All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Kansas City Chiefs will sign Justin Reid, who was a teammate of Mathieu's on the Houston Texans in 2018.

Reid is expected to sign a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Chiefs, according to multiple reports.

Mathieu - who turns 30 in May - will be an unrestricted free agent on March 16. In Reid, the Chiefs sign a younger (he just turned 25) replacement for the defensive secondary.

In four seasons with the Texans, Reid collected seven interceptions - including a pick-six.

- Jim Reineking

Patriots coach Bill Belichick thanks Tom Brady upon QB's retirement ...

Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 22 record-breaking seasons. On Wednesday, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick — Brady's boss for 20 of those seasons — issued a statement thanking Brady "for his relentless pursuit of excellence" and said Brady will go down as "the best player in NFL history."

"I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner," Belichick wrote in a statement released by the team. "Tom's humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history.

"Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the number one player to stop. His pursuit of excellence was inspirational."

Brady was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft, No. 199 overall. He took over as New England's starter early in the 2001 season following an injury to Drew Bledsoe.

He never gave the job up, leading the Patriots to an improbable victory in Super Bowl 36. That marked the first of six championships Brady and Belichick won together.

The most successful coach-QB duo in NFL history finally broke up following the 2019 season as Brady signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He guided the Bucs to victory in Super Bowl 55, securing his seventh championship.

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Brady did not mention Belichick, the Patriots or New England owner Robert Kraft in his retirement message posted Tuesday.

That fact, naturally, caused speculation about lingering bad blood between Brady and the organization. But an omission from a statement does not alter 20 years of history. What Brady and Belichick accomplished together will likely never be replicated, something Belichick, one of the game's great historians, surely knows.

"Tom was professional on and off the field, and carried himself with class, integrity, and kindness," Belichick wrote. "I thank Tom for his relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact on me and the New England Patriots for 20 years."

49ers' Chris Borland retiring at 24, wary of head trauma

AP

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Wary of head trauma, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland is leaving football. And not even the promise of NFL stardom and piles of money could change his mind.

So now, after one stellar rookie season, he is retiring at age 24.

The 49ers announced his decision Monday night, without offering specifics. But Borland told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" earlier in the day he wants to do "what's best for my health."

Borland had a team-leading 108 tackles as a rookie, emerging as a punishing defender. He also had a sack and two interceptions.

"From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk," Borland said in the interview. "I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been. For me, it's wanting to be proactive. I'm concerned that if you wait till you have symptoms, it's too late."

49ers general manager Trent Baalke said the team was surprised by his move and called Borland a "consummate professional."

Borland's big announcement comes less than a week after five-time All Pro linebacker Patrick Willis walked away from football. Borland replaced Willis in the starting lineup after his October toe injury required surgery.

The NFL, like the 49ers, said it respects Borland's decision, adding that "playing any sport is a personal decision." The league stressed that "football has never been safer," noting progress with rule changes, tackling techniques, equipment, protocols and medical care.

"Concussions in NFL games were down 25 percent last year, continuing a three-year downward trend," Jeff Miller, NFL senior vice president of health and safety, said in a statement Tuesday.

"We continue to make significant investments in independent research to advance the science and understanding of these issues. We are seeing a growing culture of safety. Everyone involved in the game knows that there is more work to do and player safety will continue to be our top priority."

The retirements of Willis and Borland are big blows to a team that also lost coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio after the season, then watched Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox depart in free agency this past week. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula was promoted to head coach following an 8-8 season, the club's first time out of the playoffs in four years.

"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris' decision," Baalke said. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from Day One and a very well-respected member of our team and community.

"Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."

The NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, Borland injured an ankle on the final play of the first half against the Seahawks on Dec. 14 and didn't play again last season.

The 49ers selected Borland in the third round of the draft out of Wisconsin, where he was an imposing pass rusher.

___

AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

Read Tom Brady's retirement announcement - CNN

The 44-year-old, arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all time, announced the news on Instagram . Below is a full transcript of his statement:

I have always believed the sport of football is an "all-in" proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game. There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.

I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 10% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.

To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn't be happier with what we accomplished together.

To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!

To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!

To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.

To Jason Licht, thank you for your daily support and friendship - I will never forget it. I had never been through free agency, and I had some trepidation about how we could achieve success. Your leadership gave me confidence, and I will always be grateful.

To my head coach Bruce Arians, thank you for putting up with me! Your firm leadership and guidance were ideal. There is no way we could have had success without your experience, intuition, and wisdom. I am very grateful.

To all the Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.

To every single Bucs staffer and employee, thank you. Each of you is critically important, and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means so much to me. Your work is made up of long hours and hard tasks, but please know I see each and every one of you. Thank you so much.

To Alex Guerrero, thank you. I could never have made every Sunday without you; it's that simple. Your dedication to your craft and our friendship and brotherhood are immeasurable. We have an unbreakable bond, and I love you.

To Don Yee and Steve Dubin, thank you. You have been with me every step of the way since I left the University of Michigan and before I entered the league. What a journey it's been, and I couldn't do it without you.

To my parents and entire family (and extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love. I could never have imagined the time and energy you have given for me the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.

And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida (heart emoji)

My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

The future is exciting. I'm fortunate to have cofounded incredible companies like @autograph.io @bradybrand @tb12sports that I am excited to continue to help build and grow, but exactly what my days will look like will be a work-in-progress. As I said earlier, I am going to take it day by day. I know for sure I want to spend a lot of time giving to others and trying to enrich other people's lives, just as so many have done for me.

With much love, appreciation, and gratitude,

Tom

Carson Palmer retires after 15 seasons in NFL

USA TODAY Sports

Carson Palmer is calling it a career.

The Arizona Cardinals quarterback announced his retirement on Tuesday after 15 seasons in the NFL.

"For 15 years I have been lucky enough to play quarterback in the NFL and it has been the most incredible experience of my life," Palmer wrote in a statement. "There wasn't one second that I took it for granted or failed to appreciate what a tremendous privilege it is."

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The No. 1 pick out of USC in 2003, he spent seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals and two with Oakland Raiders before joining the Cardinals in 2013. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and led Arizona to the NFC Championship Game in the 2015 season.

Palmer played in just seven games in 2017 due to a broken arm.

His departure leaves Arizona with a significant hole at quarterback. Both Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert are set to become free agents, and neither thrived as starter when filling in for Palmer.

On Monday, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians also announced his retirement.

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