As the NFL free agency period progresses, a rolling list of significant signings is emerging that could greatly influence fantasy football strategies for the 2025 season. This article will be continuously updated to reflect the latest transactions across the league. For real-time updates, be sure to check the Rotoworld player news page.
The Las Vegas Raiders made a notable move by acquiring quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025. This trade marks a significant upgrade for the Raiders, particularly for players like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, who struggled under the lackluster performances of quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell in the previous season. As highlighted by Rotoworld’s analyst Kyle Dvorchak, the Raiders ranked 28th in EPA per passing play, and their quarterbacks were graded poorly across the league.
Since stepping in for Russell Wilson in 2022, Smith has shown promise, ranking 12th in drop success rate and demonstrating proficiency with intermediate throws. His performance in 2024 placed him among the top fantasy quarterbacks, trailing only Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, and Josh Allen in passing fantasy points. Fantasy managers should expect Smith to focus heavily on Bowers in 2025, potentially making him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.
In a bold move, the Los Angeles Rams signed wide receiver Davante Adams to a lucrative two-year contract worth $46 million. This acquisition followed an intensive recruitment effort by Rams head coach Sean McVay. Now 32 years old, Adams will receive $26 million guaranteed, and his versatility as a large-framed target will be crucial for the Rams’ offense. Last season, Adams demonstrated his ability to get open from various alignments, boasting a career-high slot rate of 47 percent.
Despite a challenging season in both Las Vegas and New York, Adams maintained a solid performance, ranking in the top 20 for both yards per route run and yards after the catch. In Los Angeles, he is expected to take on WR2 responsibilities behind Puka Nacua, effectively stepping into the role vacated by Cooper Kupp. This shift should present Adams with ample opportunities to thrive, making him a potential plug-and-play WR2 in fantasy formats for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seahawks for a second-round pick. Metcalf's fantasy outlook will largely depend on the quarterback situation, as the Steelers continue to rely on Justin Fields. While Fields has supported a top-15 fantasy receiver in the past, the run-heavy nature of the Steelers’ offense may limit Metcalf's volume, potentially relegating him to WR3 status if George Pickens remains in the mix.
Despite the concerns, Metcalf's ability to generate air yards remains impressive. He recorded the highest number of downfield targets last year, suggesting that with the right quarterback, he could still deliver fantasy value. Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is set to step up as Seattle's WR1, potentially benefiting from increased target volume as the primary receiver.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured wide receiver Chris Godwin with a three-year, $66 million contract, representing a significant boost to his fantasy potential. Godwin's decision to remain in Tampa, despite leaving $20 million on the table, reflects his commitment to an offense that has shown promise under Baker Mayfield. Before a season-ending injury in 2024, Godwin was performing at a high level, ranking well in multiple efficiency metrics.
Since Mayfield took over, Godwin has been a top performer, sitting 22nd in EPA per target among qualifying wideouts. The departure of offensive coordinator Liam Coen could present some challenges, but if the Buccaneers can maintain their pass-first approach, Godwin is poised to continue his ascent as a reliable fantasy option.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, these transactions underscore the evolving landscape of fantasy football for 2025. Keeping an eye on player movements and their implications will be crucial for fantasy managers looking to gain an edge in their leagues.
