The NFL offseason took a significant turn on Monday with the unofficial commencement of free agency. As the legal negotiating window opened, teams swiftly began to finalize contracts in principle ahead of the official signing period set to start on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. This period has already seen a flurry of notable player transactions, particularly at the key quarterback position.
One of the most significant moves involves Sam Darnold, who has agreed to become the new QB1 for the Seattle Seahawks following the trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the New York Jets have secured Justin Fields as their new signal-caller, marking a shift away from Aaron Rodgers and signaling a fresh start under head coach Aaron Glenn. The Indianapolis Colts have also made headlines by adding Daniel Jones, who will compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting spot in Shane Steichen's offense.
Over in New England, the Patriots, who entered the offseason with ample salary cap space, made a considerable impact on the first day of free agency. They landed former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, regarded as the top interior defender available, along with cornerback Carlton Davis. These additions are aimed at bolstering the team's defense as they gear up for the 2025 season.
As the dust settles from the first two days of free agency, we take a closer look at each team’s key additions and departures, along with an initial grade for their efforts.
Key additions: EDGE Josh Sweat, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, QB Jacoby Brissett
The Cardinals made headlines by signing pass rusher Josh Sweat to a lucrative four-year, $76.4 million contract. His prior experience with head coach Jonathan Gannon should allow him to make an immediate impact.
Key additions: LB Divine Deablo, EDGE Leonard Floyd
Despite securing a two-year extension for left tackle Jake Matthews, the Falcons faced setbacks with the departures of starting center Drew Dalman and standout defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.
Key additions: WR DeAndre Hopkins
Retaining left tackle Ronnie Stanley while adding reliable receiver DeAndre Hopkins has bolstered the Ravens' offense, although they did lose some versatile players on defense.
Key additions: WR Josh Palmer, DL Michael Hoecht, EDGE Joey Bosa
The Bills focused on maintaining their core by re-signing key players like Josh Allen while adding Josh Palmer to their receiving corps. However, they still have significant needs in the secondary.
Key additions: OL Jonah Jackson, OL Joe Thuney, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo
The Bears were proactive in strengthening their offensive line, making critical trades to acquire guards and adding a promising pass rusher in Odeyingbo.
Key additions: DT Tedarrell Slaton, RB Samaje Perine
While the Bengals retained Tee Higgins via the franchise tag, they need to address defensive issues after missing the playoffs last season.
Key additions: QB Kenny Pickett, OT Cornelius Lucas
Retaining Myles Garrett was crucial for the Browns, but they need to bolster their roster further to improve in the upcoming season.
Key additions: RB Javonte Williams, EDGE Payton Turner
The Cowboys made minimal moves on the first day of free agency, focusing on their core but still have significant cap space to work with.
Key additions: S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Dre Greenlaw
With a strong defense already in place, the Broncos enhanced their roster with these two key additions, although they still need more offensive weapons.
Key additions: CB D.J. Reed
Despite losing some key players, the Lions upgraded their secondary with the addition of D.J. Reed.
Key additions: OG Aaron Banks, CB Nate Hobbs
The Packers bolstered their offensive line and secondary, providing more protection for Jordan Love.
Key additions: WR Christian Kirk, DT Sheldon Rankins
The Texans faced a significant loss with the trade of Laremy Tunsil, raising concerns about their offensive line's stability.
Key additions: S Camryn Bynum, CB Charvarius Ward, QB Daniel Jones
The Colts made strides to improve their secondary and added Daniel Jones to the quarterback competition.
Key additions: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Jourdan Lewis
The Jaguars focused on improving their offensive line but lost a key contributor in Andre Cisco.
Key additions: OT Jaylon Moore, RB Elijah Mitchell
The Chiefs prioritized their offensive line with the addition of Jaylon Moore, hoping to improve after a tough Super Bowl loss.
Key additions: QB Geno Smith, S Jeremy Chinn, OG Alex Cappa
The Raiders made solid moves to address their quarterback situation and improve their defense.
Key additions: CB Donte Jackson, RB Najee Harris
While the Chargers filled some needs, they still have gaps to address, particularly at wide receiver.
Key additions: WR Davante Adams, DT Poona Ford
The Rams successfully maintained their core and added a star receiver in Adams to boost their offensive firepower.
Key additions: QB Zach Wilson, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu
The Dolphins lost a vital player in Jevon Holland, though they made some intriguing additions.
Key additions: OG Will Fries, C Ryan Kelly, DT Jonathan Allen
The Vikings made significant improvements on both sides of the ball, positioning themselves well for the future.
Key additions: DT Milton Williams, CB Carlton Davis
The Patriots made the most of their available cap space, landing top-tier talent to strengthen their defense.
Key additions: DT Davon Godchaux, S Justin Reid
The Saints added depth to their roster but faced challenges with limited cap space.
Key additions: CB Paulson Adebo, S Jevon Holland
The Giants made strides in improving their secondary but still lack a definitive quarterback solution.
Key additions: QB Justin Fields, CB Brandon Stephens
The Jets took a gamble on Fields, who may either blossom or face challenges in his new role.
Key additions: QB Doran Thompson-Robinson, OG Kenyon Green
Despite losing key defensive players, the Eagles retained some core talent while integrating new faces.
Key additions: WR DK Metcalf
While acquiring Metcalf is a significant step, uncertainty remains regarding their quarterback situation.
Key additions: CB Tre Tomlinson
The 49ers have seen significant talent depart, raising concerns about their roster depth.
Key additions: QB Sam Darnold
Acquiring Darnold presents both risks and potential rewards for the Seahawks as they navigate a transitional phase.
Key additions: EDGE Haason Reddick
Retaining Chris Godwin while adding Reddick strengthens the Bucs' roster heading into the new season.
Key additions: OT Dan Moore Jr., LB Cody Barton
The Titans are making moves to improve their offensive line but still face uncertainty at quarterback.
Key additions: WR Deebo Samuel, LT Laremy Tunsil
The Commanders have emerged as big winners in free agency, making moves that could significantly impact their success in 2025.
As the NFL free agency period unfolds, teams are making calculated moves to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. With each signing, the landscape of the league continues to change, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season ahead.
