The Cleveland Browns have made a significant move in the 2025 NFL free agency by signing offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas to a two-year contract worth $10 million. This addition comes at a crucial time, as the team faces injury concerns among their current tackles. Lucas brings valuable experience and flexibility, capable of playing on both the left and right sides of the line. Over the past six seasons, the 11-year veteran has consistently logged over 450 snaps, earning a 67.6 PFF overall grade or higher in each of those years.
Last season with the Washington Commanders, Lucas showcased his skills by ranking 29th among 80 qualifying tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade with an impressive score of 79.1. Notably, he allowed only one sack across 273 pass-blocking snaps, making him a reliable option for the Browns as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Jack Conklin slated to start at right tackle, Lucas may be called upon to step into a critical role, especially given Conklin’s history of health issues. Additionally, the Browns' young tackle, Dawand Jones, will also be vying for a spot but has faced his own challenges with injuries and inconsistent performance.
The Detroit Lions have successfully retained interior defender Levi Onwuzurike with a one-year contract valued at $5.5 million. This deal is a significant win for the team, especially considering that PFF projected Onwuzurike to command around $10 million per year in the open market. The former second-round pick had been plagued by injuries during his early career but made a notable comeback in 2024, accumulating 697 snaps and producing 47 quarterback pressures along with 20 defensive stops.
Onwuzurike ended the 2024 season with a 70.2 PFF overall grade, positioning him 25th out of 118 qualifying interior defenders. His ability to penetrate offensive lines effectively, demonstrated by a 12.5% pass-rush win rate, makes him a valuable asset for the Lions. At just 27 years old, Onwuzurike is entering the prime of his career, making this contract a potential steal if he can replicate or exceed his past performance this coming season.
The Miami Dolphins have strengthened their wide receiver corps by signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year deal worth $6.5 million, including $3.2 million guaranteed. Westbrook-Ikhine had an impressive showing during the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, where he ranked among the top ten wide receivers in receiving touchdowns with nine. His ability to make explosive plays, accounting for 11 receptions of 15 or more yards, makes him a valuable addition to the Dolphins.
At 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds, Westbrook-Ikhine brings much-needed size to the Dolphins’ receiving group, which includes smaller players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. His physicality not only enhances his blocking capability but also his proficiency in contested catches. The Dolphins have struggled to find consistent production from their WR3 position in recent years, and Westbrook-Ikhine aims to change that narrative in the 2025 season.
The Los Angeles Chargers have announced the re-signing of defensive interior player Teair Tart on a one-year contract worth $5.5 million. Tart enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, achieving a career-high PFF overall grade of 78.1. His performance included a 79.3 pass-rush grade and a 69.1 run-defense grade, solidifying his role as a vital rotational player on the Chargers’ defense.
Despite playing just 378 snaps over the past two seasons, Tart’s per-snap impact has been significant, ranking him among the 25 most valuable interior defenders based on PFF’s WAR metric. As the Chargers continue to evolve under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Tart's contributions will be crucial in helping the team build momentum for a promising 2025 campaign.
The Tennessee Titans have added veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to their roster with a one-year contract worth $9 million. At 34 years old, Zeitler has proven he is still among the elite guards in the league, finishing third out of 77 qualifying guards in PFF overall grade with a score of 86.8 in his first season with the Lions. His remarkable consistency has seen him play over 1,000 snaps in every season since 2015, except for one.
In 2024, he achieved a career-high 87.2 in run-blocking grade, demonstrating his capability to perform at a high level. As a former first-round pick from Wisconsin, Zeitler’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to the Titans' offensive line as they look to enhance their performance in the upcoming season.
As the 2025 NFL free agency unfolds, teams are making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters. The signings of players like Cornelius Lucas, Levi Onwuzurike, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Teair Tart, and Kevin Zeitler highlight the importance of both high-profile acquisitions and under-the-radar signings in shaping team dynamics. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, these additions may prove pivotal in their quest for success.
