NFL players react on social media during free agency

NFL free agency is in full swing as players officially received clearance to sign new contracts on Thursday. Several of those on the move have taken to social media to deliver a variety of messages, including gratitude toward the cities they are leaving as well as optimism about their futures with new teams.

The San Francisco 49ers finalized a five-year deal with WR Pierre Garcon on Thursday. The veteran spent the past five years with the Washington Redskins, and thanked the city on Instagram. Former Buffalo Bills WR Robert Woods and former Redskins WR DeSean Jackson wrote similar messages upon signing with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.

The most powerful city in the WORLD. It was an amazing 5 years I love y'all. Always showed me love through it all. You fans are truly amazing and passionate. Everyday for the past 5 years I heard "I'm a DIE HARD Redskins fan" I love that and that drove me to keep going hard. Keep it up fans us players love it. I will miss you guys and I'll always be back. Like I've said before D.C. is home for me. ALWAYS #OneLove#PG88 #DoMeAFavorKeepTheWhitePartyGoingForTheBoysAndGirlsClub 🙏🏾

A post shared by Pierre Garcon (@pierregarcon) on Mar 9, 2017 at 2:21pm PST

Appreciate the love over the 4 years @buffalobills and #BillsMafia I loved every bit of playing for the Bills week in and week out. I'm happy I was able to start my career there and was able to call it home. Appreciate everything, thank you Buffalo!

A post shared by Robert T. Woods III (@robertw10ds) on Mar 9, 2017 at 8:24am PST

It's been a great 3 years & I want to send out Much Love & appreciation 2 The Washington Redskins for giving me a opportunity to Live out my Dream for The years we Shared!! Thanks to the #DMV ✌🏾

A post shared by Desean Jackson (@0ne0fone) on Mar 9, 2017 at 1:38pm PST

Another batch of receivers who switched teams included Torrey Smith and Brandon Marshall. Smith, who played the past two seasons with the Niners, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York Jets released Marshall last week, and he acknowledged what the move meant to his career in an Instagram post that coincided with his recent New York Giants deal.

New Journey.....I have all I need with me!!! Fly Eagles Fly!!! @eagles

A post shared by Torrey Smith (@torreysmithwr) on Mar 9, 2017 at 1:52pm PST

Last week as my release was made final I began thinking about what I really want from the rest of my career, what do I want the narrative to be?? So I began googling pictures of the Lombardi trophy to change my profile pics on IG and Twitter as a way of reminding myself constantly what I'm after. I found one I liked and made the switch. A couple days later my agent calls me and says "what are you doing, we are supposed to be keeping undercover." Apparently I chose a picture of a NY Giant player hoisting the trophy, not only was he a NY Giant but he was also a receiver, not only was a receiver but what number do you think he wore? #15 #NoCoincidence

A post shared by Brandon Marshall (@bmarshall) on Mar 9, 2017 at 6:19am PST

While TE Dwayne Allen, S Tony Jefferson, S Quintin Demps and DL Terrell McClain each thanked their former team, the social media posts from S D.J. Swearinger, S Antoine Bethea and DL Chris Baker focused more on their next chapters.

A post shared by Dwayne Allen (@dallen83) on Mar 8, 2017 at 2:02pm PST

#birdgang just wanna say thank you for being my home the past 4 years, you fans are truly special and I will always cherish the moments we had. Thank your Mr. Bidwill, Steve Keim , & Bruce Arians for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent I was molded into a winning culture and it will stick with me the rest of my career due to the leadership and standard you guys set. To my teammates I loved every single one you like brothers I really did , it was a joy to come to work everyday because of you guys. S/O to my coaches for challenging me and pushing me to my limits, Im a better player for it. #Birdgang I love you straight up! Oh & shout out to Los Favoritos for the Bomb Mexican food

A post shared by Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) on Mar 9, 2017 at 11:57am PST

Can't say Thank You enough. I really appreciate all the love. I appreciate the sneak disses too, more fuel for the mission. Salute...walkon

— Quintin Demps (@QDemps) March 9, 2017

It's been a great ride I want to give thanks to the cowboys and all the fans. The lord came thu and I'm truly blessed and ready #newchapter

— T Macc (@McclainTerrell) March 9, 2017

Whatsup WASHINGTON

A post shared by Dj Swearinger (@jungleboi_swaggg) on Mar 9, 2017 at 3:03pm PST

Let's get it Bird Gang!!!

— Antoine Bethea (@ABethea41) March 9, 2017

Let's Go #SwaggyToTampa #bucnation

A post shared by Chris Baker (@bigbake92) on Mar 9, 2017 at 2:27pm PST

For more on the latest signings and reaction from 2017 NFL free agency, visit our live tracker.

-- Nick Ostiller