The NFL's "legal tampering" period kicked off with a whirlwind of activity, and a few former Penn State standouts found themselves at the heart of the action.
Jordan Stout, Jahan Dotson, and Odafe Oweh, all former Nittany Lions, have reportedly secured new contracts as free agents. Meanwhile, Connor McGovern and Blake Gillikin have been retained by their current teams just ahead of the tampering period.
These agreements will become official when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Let's dive into the details: Jordan Stout is set to join the New York Giants on a three-year deal worth $12.3 million. This contract reportedly makes him the highest-paid punter in the NFL.
Stout, who was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro for the Ravens in 2025, reunites with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, now with the Giants. Drafted by Baltimore in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Stout has made a significant impact on the field.
Jahan Dotson is heading to the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year deal that could be worth up to $17 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Dotson, who spent the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, managed 37 catches for 478 yards and a touchdown during that time. Originally a first-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022, Dotson has accumulated 121 catches for 1,519 yards and 12 touchdowns over his four-year career.
Odafe Oweh is signing a substantial four-year deal with the Commanders, valued at $100 million with $80 million guaranteed. Oweh, who split last season between the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers, recorded 7.5 sacks in the final 12 games after being traded from Baltimore. Over his five-year career, Oweh has notched 30.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss.
Blake Gillikin has secured a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals worth up to $2.65 million. Gillikin appeared in five games for the Cardinals last season and has played in 65 games over the past five years with Arizona and the New Orleans Saints.
Connor McGovern is staying put with the Buffalo Bills, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $52 million, with $32 million guaranteed. McGovern, who started 49 games over the past three seasons for the Bills and made the Pro Bowl in 2024, began his NFL journey with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
Lastly, linebacker Jesse Luketa signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots last week. Luketa, who joined the Los Angeles Rams practice squad in November, didn't see game action but previously appeared in 31 games with the Cardinals from 2022-24.
As the legal tampering period continues, some notable former Penn State players remain on the free-agent market. Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, and Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie are all ranked among the top-100 free agents by CBS Sports. As of late Monday, they remain unsigned, adding intrigue to the ongoing free agency frenzy.