Tracking former Buckeyes in NFL free agency
COLUMBUS — Ohio State opened the 2023 NFL season with 49 alums on NFL rosters.
Of those 49, 19 entered this week as NFL free agents looking for new homes or new contracts.
Lettermen Row is tracking where the former Buckeyes stars are landing, how much money they’re set to make in their new contracts and more details to know about Ohio State stars at the next level. Let’s get the tracker rolling.
Jonah Jackson joins Rams with massive contract
The first big news for former Ohio State stars came early on Monday, when NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Jackson will sign a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams after four seasons with the Detroit Lions. Jackson helped turn the Lions into one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. Now he’s taking his talents out West to join the Rams.
Tyquan Lewis resigns with the Indianapolis Colts
Former Buckeyes defensive end Tyquan Lewis re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a two-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 2016 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year has been with the Colts his entire career; they drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Jeff Okudah returns to home state for next NFL stop
Former Buckeyes star cornerback and top-five NFL Draft pick Jeff Okudah is heading home for his third NFL stop. After being drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, he was traded to Atlanta last offseason. Now he’s heading home, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Okudah signed a one-year, $4.75 million deal with the Houston Texans. Of that, $2.5 million is guaranteed.
Curtis Samuel lands role in elite offense
Former Buckeyes star Curtis Samuel is leaving the Washington Commanders. He is signing a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $30 million, including $15 million guaranteed, with the Buffalo Bills. He’ll play with the Buffalo offense that includes quarterback Josh Allen and elite wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Other free agent signings for Ohio State alums
+ Former Buckeyes punter Cameron Johnston signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending last season with the Houston Texans.
+ The Baltimore Ravens have re-signed former Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison to a new one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Harrison became a free agent this offseason — but he’s returning to Baltimore.
+ Wide receiver Noah Brown has re-signed with the Houston Texans, reuniting with quarterback C.J. Stroud after their stellar year together. Brown’s numbers on his deal, first reported by Dianna Russini, have not been revealed yet.
+ Veteran safety Vonn Bell has signed a deal with his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal is a $6 million, fully-guaranteed contract. The contract will be paid by his 2023 team, the Carolina Panthers. Cincinnati will reportedly be paying Bell the veteran minimum, according to Rapoport.
+ Buckeyes alum and former Rams safety Jordan Fuller is signing a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport.
+ Linebacker Jerome Baker, a former Buckeyes star, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Baker spent the first six seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Plenty of Buckeyes are still free agents
The list of Ohio State alums still available in free agency:
+ Running back JK Dobbins
+ Running back Ezekiel Elliott
+ Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins
+ Defensive end Chase Young
+ Wide receiver Parris Campbell
+ Defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes
+ Cornerback Eli Apple
+ Wide receiver Michael Thomas
+ Tight end Nick Vannett
Lettermen Row will continue to update this story as NFL free agency heats up this week.
