2025 NFL Free Agency: Key Winners and Losers Revealed During the Legal Tampering Period

Which NFL teams are making big moves during early free agency? Let’s take a look at who’s winning and who’s struggling.

The excitement kicked off as teams began to negotiate contracts with free agents. Official signings will come later, but already we can see some clear trends for the 2025 season.

NFL Free Agency Winners

Chicago Bears
The Bears are making headlines by investing heavily this offseason, making a significant change in direction. They started by hiring sought-after head coach Ben Johnson and have big plans for their roster. Chicago came into the offseason with the fourth-most cap space and instantly made a splash by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. They also added center Drew Dalman and defensive talents like Grady Jarrett. They are banking on their rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, which might pay off big when he thrives in a well-supported environment.

New England Patriots
The Patriots are all in with their new strategy under coach Mike Vrabel. They’ve signed former Titans players who already know his system, like linebackers Harold Landry and Robert Spillane. They’ve secured offensive tackle Morgan Moses and defensive tackle Milton Williams, both with solid reputations. Though there’s a risk in spending over a quarter billion on free agents, it seems more calculated than reckless. This sets the stage for improving their draft, especially with a high fourth overall pick looming.

Green Bay Packers
Green Bay surprised many by signing guard Aaron Banks for $77 million. Historically, they’ve relied on the draft for offensive linemen, but this bold move seems aimed at protecting quarterback Jordan Love. They also grabbed cornerback Nate Hobbs to strengthen their defense. Although minimal, these moves are likely to set them up for a better future.

Denver Broncos
The Broncos are keeping things steady by re-signing backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, which is important for the growth of their star quarterback, Bo Nix. Additionally, they retained defensive tackle D.J. Jones and signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga. This gives their already formidable defense even more depth as they look to build on a strong previous season.

Indianapolis Colts
After some questionable past decisions, the Colts are focusing on strengthening their secondary. They’ve signed solid players like Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum to shore up their defense, a step away from their usual conservative spending patterns. This could be crucial for their new defensive plan under Lou Anarumo.

NFL Free Agency Losers

San Francisco 49ers
While the 49ers have had a track record of success under general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan, this offseason has seen key players like Deebo Samuel and Aaron Banks exit. They face pressure to nail their upcoming draft, where they possess 11 picks, especially with rumors swirling about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk potentially being on the trade block.

Houston Texans
The Texans are in trouble as their offensive line still struggles after trading Laremy Tunsil. Questions abound about who will provide protection for C.J. Stroud next season. While they’ve made some defensive additions, the lack of offensive clarity raises significant concerns as they head into September.

Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been strategic but conservative in free agency, which some view as a loss. They’ve often let opportunities slip by, such as not locking up star player Micah Parsons in previous offseason windows. The team’s reluctance to engage actively in free agency may hurt them as their star players demand more money in upcoming seasons.

Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ hefty investment in Dan Moore raises eyebrows. Though he had a solid pass block win rate, he still allowed the most sacks last season. If he fails to deliver, it could worsen a struggling offensive line—a risk the Titans may not be able to afford.

Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks made unexpected moves this offseason, letting go of key players like quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. While they signed Sam Darnold to take over the QB role, it poses various risks given their offensive line’s previous struggles. The team has a lot of rebuilding ahead if they want to remain competitive.

As we move further into the offseason, the dynamics of these teams might shift, but for now, it’s an exciting time in the league. The right moves can lead to playoff contention, while missteps can set a team back for years.

For ongoing analysis, keep up with the latest reports from trusted sources like ESPN, where you can find up-to-date information and insights on NFL free agency.

Source link