The NFL free agency for 2025 is officially upon us, although the chaos has already begun to unfold. As we kick off Day 1 of the Legal Tampering Period, teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting offseason. While the official start of the 2025 league year—and the official commencement of free agency—won't begin until Wednesday, Monday marks the first opportunity for NFL teams to engage in discussions with impending free agents.
During this Legal Tampering Period, deals are not supposed to be finalized until Wednesday, yet the buzz of rumors and unofficial agreements often saturates the news. This article will provide a comprehensive rundown of all major trades, signings, and rumors, particularly focusing on the New England Patriots and their strategies moving forward.
TRADE: The New England Patriots have made a significant move by trading defensive starter Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Godchaux was deemed a poor fit for the Patriots' revamped defensive scheme under head coach Mike Vrabel.
RUMOR: In an intriguing twist, it appears that Aaron Rodgers is now being considered for the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback position. With the Steelers at a crossroads regarding their quarterback situation, reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter suggest that the possibility of Rodgers playing for Mike Tomlin is under discussion.
RE-SIGNED: Adam Butler, a former defensive lineman for the Patriots, is set to remain with the Las Vegas Raiders. Butler, who initially joined New England as an undrafted free agent, has signed a three-year deal with the team led by Tom Brady.
PATRIOTS FREE AGENT SIGNING: In a major acquisition, the New England Patriots have signed Pro Bowl pass rusher Harold Landry to a three-year contract worth $43.5 million. Landry, who excelled under Mike Vrabel during his time in Tennessee, will now reunite with his former coach in New England.
PATRIOTS RE-SIGNING: Tight end Austin Hooper will be returning to the Patriots on a one-year deal worth $5 million, which could escalate to $7 million based on performance metrics, as reported by MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
FREE AGENT: Cornerback Jonathan Jones, the longest-tenured player on the Patriots roster, will not be re-signing before free agency officially begins. Instead, he will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent, according to MassLive’s Karen Guregian.
SIGNING: In a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Davante Adams has signed with the Los Angeles Rams after being released by the New York Jets.
TRADE: The Seattle Seahawks have traded wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which removes a desirable target from the Patriots' potential acquisitions. Pittsburgh has sent a second-round pick to Seattle while also offering Metcalf a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract.
RE-SIGNED: Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has opted to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens, a blow for the Patriots as he was highly regarded as the top tackle on the market. This move leaves New England searching for alternatives to bolster their offensive line.
RE-SIGNED: Myles Garrett, who earlier requested a trade, will remain with the Cleveland Browns after signing a contract that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
TRADE: The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seahawks, adding experience to their roster as they prepare for the next season.
TRADE: The Jacksonville Jaguars have opted to trade wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2026, avoiding a potential release.
As the NFL free agency period continues to unfold, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on further developments, especially regarding the New England Patriots. With numerous trades and signings already shaking up the league, there’s no doubt that this offseason will be one to remember.
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