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.

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.

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.

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

-- Nick Ostiller