NFL Free Agency 2025: A Year of Subtle Moves
The 2025 NFL free agency period was not one for the history books. Unlike previous years, where blockbuster deals and shocking signings dominated the headlines, this year’s market was relatively tame. There were no jaw-dropping, bank-breaking contracts, and very few players made headlines with stunning address changes. Instead, the most impactful moves came through trades and contract extensions rather than splashy free-agent signings. While some teams made smart, calculated moves to improve their rosters, others left fans scratching their heads. As the dust settles on the first week of free agency, here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers so far.
The Winners of NFL Free Agency 2025
The Chicago Bears and their young quarterback, Caleb Williams, emerged as one of the biggest winners of free agency. After a rookie season in which Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times due to a struggling offensive line, the Bears took drastic measures to address the issue. Through a series of trades and free-agent signings, Chicago overhauled its offensive line, giving Williams the protection he desperately needs to reach his full potential. This move not only bolsters the Bears’ offense but also sends a clear message that the franchise is committed to building around its promising young quarterback.
The Minnesota Vikings also made significant strides during free agency. While their quarterback situation remains unclear—Aaron Rodgers is still a possibility, and J.J. McCarthy is waiting in the wings—the Vikings strengthened their offensive line with the signings of guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. These additions should provide better support for whoever ends up under center. On the defensive side, Minnesota added cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, giving defensive coordinator Brian Flores plenty of reasons to smile. These moves suggest the Vikings are lining themselves up for a competitive season in 2025.
Another standout winner was quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. After a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, during which he put up MVP-caliber numbers, Darnold appeared to be heading into a uncertain situation in Seattle. The Seahawks had traded away top wide receiver DK Metcalf and released No. 2 wideout Tyler Lockett, leaving Darnold with limited pass-catching options. However, Seattle quickly addressed this by signing Cooper Kupp, one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to join holdover Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Additionally, Darnold will reunite with new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, with whom he worked during his time as a backup with the 49ers. This continuity should help Darnold hit the ground running in Seattle.
The Colts’ defense also received a major boost with the addition of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. After leading a shorthanded Bengals defense to impressive performances, Anarumo now takes over a Colts unit that ranked 26th against the pass in 2024. Indianapolis wasted no time in surrounding him with talent, signing cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. Both players bring versatility and elite playmaking skills to a defense that badly needed a turnaround. With Anarumo at the helm and these new additions, the Colts’ defense is primed for a dramatic improvement.
New Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and the rest of New England’s front office also made waves during free agency. After a lackluster 2024 season, the Patriots had ample cap space to address their roster issues. Vrabel made it clear that his version of the Patriot Way would start with a strong defense, and the team delivered. The Patriots signed defensive lineman Milton Williams, pass-rushers Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, cornerback Carlton Davis, and linebacker Robert Spillane. These signings represent a dramatic overhaul of the defense and a clear commitment to building a competitive roster in 2025.
Finally, Davante Adams found a fresh start with the Los Angeles Rams. After a frustrating stint with the Raiders and Jets, Adams joins a first-class organization with a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl. With quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing to him and head coach Sean McVay designing plays, Adams will be in the best situation he’s had since leaving Green Bay. The addition of wide receiver Puka Nacua should also create favorable matchups for Adams, giving him the opportunity to return to elite form and chase the ring that has eluded him thus far in his career.
The Losers of NFL Free Agency 2025
While some teams and players seized the opportunity to improve their fortunes, others were left on the outside looking in. The San Francisco 49ers experienced a brutal free agency period, watching as key players like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Kinlaw, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks, Jaylon Moore, and Elijah Mitchell all signed elsewhere. The exodus didn’t stop there, as the 49ers also traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Commanders and running back Jordan Mason to the Vikings. Mason, in particular, had been a bright spot in the backfield when Christian McCaffrey was injured. While the 49ers managed to re-sign fullback Kyle Juszczyk a week after releasing him, the overall vibe suggests that general manager John Lynch is acknowledging the need to retool a roster that has been built on aging and injury-prone players. It seems like the 49ers are entering a rebuilding phase after years of contention.
Another loser from free agency was Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ 2019 first-round pick. After a lackluster start to his career, Richardson finds himself on a short leash entering Year 3. The Colts’ decision to declare an open competition at quarterback only adds to the pressure on Richardson. While he has the physical tools to succeed, time is running out for him to prove he’s the long-term answer in Indianapolis.
C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans also had a disappointing free agency period. While the Texans badly needed to upgrade their offensive line, they instead traded away five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders. Houston signed guard Laken Tomlinson and traded for guard Ed Ingram, but these moves don’t come close to replacing Tunsil’s production. The Texans are now gambling with Stroud’s health, as their young quarterback will likely face even more pressure behind a weaker line. While Houston has seven draft picks to address the issue, including a first-round pick, it’s unlikely a rookie tackle will be able to fill Tunsil’s shoes immediately. This move could set Stroud, and the Texans, back in the short term.
A Turning Point for Some, a Stumble for Others
The first week of NFL free agency in 2025 wasn’t filled with the usual fireworks, but it did reveal which teams are positioning themselves to contend in the near future and which ones are taking a step back. For players like Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, and Davante Adams, free agency brought new opportunities to shine and chase their first Super Bowl rings. For teams like the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and New England Patriots, smart moves in free agency have them feeling optimistic about the upcoming season.
On the flip side, teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans are dealing with the consequences of losing key players and making questionable decisions. For young quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud, the pressure is on to prove their worth after their teams made moves that suggest they’re not entirely confident in their abilities. As the quarterback carousel continues to spin and the draft approaches, the full picture of the 2025 NFL season will become clearer. For now, it’s clear that some teams are taking the right steps to build a winner, while others are taking a step back to retool.
