2025 NFL free agency grades: Team-by-team marks as Vikings address major needs, retooling 49ers fail

The most exciting parts of NFL Obtainable agency are unfortunately over, and I do hope you had the time of your life. We saw the Signal-caller carousel spin in unanticipated directions, the Minnesota Vikings loaded up on talent for new Leading Signal-caller J.J. McCarthy and the Carolina Panthers revamped their Guarding. 

It was a Guarding lineman that signed the largest contract in Obtainable agency this year, as Ex Philadelphia Eagles Guarding Event Milton Williams is headed to the New England Patriots on a four-year, $104 million deal. Sam Darnold’s $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks is the second-largest contract in total value that was not a re-signing, but how it’s structured is Allegedly like a one-year deal. It would appear the Ex No. 3 overall Option did indeed cost himself money and long-term security with how the 2024 season ended. 

Who has had the best offseason thus Extended, and who has had the worst? I’m glad you asked. Let’s grade All Club through two weeks of Obtainable agency, beginning with Jonathan Gannon’s Club out in Glendale. 

Josh Sweat joining Gannon in Arizona was a chalky prediction among analysts, but it Arrived to fruition in the form of a $76.4 million deal. Bolstering the Throw rush was a Aim for the Cardinals this offseason, and they also kept Baron Browning in the fold — who was a trade-deadline addition. We’ll see if the Cards use the draft to adjust the offensive side of the ball. They have a need at wide receiver, but there weren’t too many intriguing options on the market. 

Not much to be excited about with the Falcons in Obtainable agency, especially when you consider the fact that the Chicago Bears poached both Drew Dalman and Grady Jarrett. Possibly the Falcons’ lack of movement in Obtainable agency was to be Anticipated since they had about $9.6 million Obtainable. In the draft, Atlanta should add to the Guarding line and in the secondary.

The big storyline from Baltimore’s Obtainable agency was the re-signing of left Event Ronnie Stanley, but the Ravens did Fall Patrick Mekari to the Jags. DeAndre Hopkins is an intriguing addition, but he’s probably not some game-changing 1,000-yard Pro Bowl receiver anymore. At the same time, it doesn’t take a game-changing receiver to guarantee a Division for Lamar Jackson and Co. Possibly Hopkins is more of a “Relocate-the-chains, possession” guy, but that’s big for this Drive. Upcoming up, the Ravens need to Attention on Throw-rush Assist and the secondary.

The Bills’ offseason was more about extending Ongoing players, like Signal-caller Josh Allen, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard and Throw rusher Greg Rousseau. However, they did make some notable additions like the Youthful wide receiver, Josh Palmer, and Guarding linemen Michael Hoecht, Joey Bosa and Larry Ogunjobi. However, Hoecht and Ogunjobi will unfortunately have to miss six Contests due to PED suspensions. Buffalo also picked up a 2025 fifth-Stage with a Delayed-Option Substitution to ship off a cornerback it didn’t very much trust in Kaiir Elam. The Bills Yet have some needs in the secondary, but as Extended as the Ongoing additions go, Palmer’s best football may be ahead of him and Bosa could thrive with this Shift of scenery Regardless of the high price tag. 

Carolina Panthers: B+

The Panthers entered Obtainable agency needing to address the Guarding side of the ball, and that’s exactly what they did with Tre’Von Moehrig, Patrick Jones II, Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton. I view Moehrig and Brown as underrated players who should be Prompt contributors to Assist the unit that gave up the most yards per Relocate in the NFL last season (6.0). Dave Canales also scored arguably the best running back in Obtainable agency with Rico Dowdle to pair with Chuba Hubbard as Jonathon Brooks heals from another torn ACL. All in all, I like what Carolina has done.

Chicago Bears: A

The Bears have been aggressive in Obtainable agency in the Ryan Poles era, but it hasn’t exactly translated to wins. That may Shift in 2025. Chicago needed to Boost the offensive line that surrendered 68 sacks last season, and the Bears did that by trading for Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney and then signed Middle Drew Dalman. This will give Caleb Williams a chance to develop. Dayo Odeyingbo also appeared to be a sought-after Obtainable agent, and the Bears landed him to rush the passer opposite of Montez Sweat.

The Bengals are riding high after signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to lucrative multiyear extensions, but then there’s the issue of Trey Hendrickson. Chase and Higgins are Outstanding Throw catchers, but this Guarding was the reason Joe Burrow missed the playoffs last year. Re-signing B.J. Hill was Crucial and then the addition of Oren Burks is interesting, but this unit isn’t improved Merely yet.

The biggest Relocate for Cleveland so Extended was retaining Myles Garrett by making him the highest-paid non-QB in the Division. I wondered if trading him for draft capital and getting his contract off their books would be the best Period of action since he doesn’t make the Browns a Division contender by himself, but I guess the front office chose to have two monster, historical contracts on their books while they search for their Upcoming Signal-caller and try to upgrade the other trouble spots on their Lineup. I can’t imagine the Gentle of season the Browns are in for if it’s Russell Wilson or Kenny Pickett behind a shaky offensive line.

• Key additions and re-signings: RB Javonte Williams, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr. EDGE Payton Turner, OG Robert Jones, DL Solomon Thomas, CB Kaiir Elam, LB Kenneth Murray, DT Osa Odighizuwa, RB Miles Sanders, WR KaVontae Turpin
• Key departures: CB Jourdan Lewis, EDGE Chauncey Golston, OT Chuma Edoga, EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, RB Rico Dowdle

Re-signing Osa Odighizuwa to an extension was a priority, but so is signing Micah Parsons to what will surely be a historical extension. The longer the Cowboys wait, the more the price goes up. The Cowboys targeted some low-cost Ex Primary-Stage picks — and that’s not the worst thing in the world. Payton Turner and Kaiir Elam could find their footing with this Shift of scenery. However, Jourdan Lewis and DeMarcus Lawrence are legitimate losses, and Lawrence threw some salt in the wound on his way out. Really when it comes to this offseason, Cowboys fans are waiting on the Parsons extension. That hasn’t happened yet. 

I’m a fan of what the Broncos have done in Obtainable agency with the additions of Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw on Guarding, plus the re-signing of D.J. Jones as well. Back in 2022, Hufanga was a Primary-Club All-Pro with 97 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions, and Greenlaw is an upgrade from Cody Barton. The X-factor addition could be Evan Engram, since he’s the perfect fit for Sean Payton’s “joker” role. Denver Yet needs some more weapons to place around Bo Nix, but this 2024 postseason surprise should be even better in 2025. 

The Lions lost Carlton Davis, but did Tally a top Obtainable agent in D.J. Reed. Detroit clearly values the Guarding front, and the re-signings of Levi Onwuzurike and Marcus Davenport were worth it. That doesn’t Harsh the Lions should be done adding on the Guarding line, and I wouldn’t mind another weapon added in the draft. 

Green Bay splurged for one of the top offensive guards Obtainable, giving Aaron Banks $77 million over four years. It’s a Numerous of money, but protecting Jordan Love is Crucial. Banks has surrendered Merely one sack over his last 897 Throw-blocking snaps. Nate Hobbs is a Leading Guarding back who can Relocate outside or in the slot, but the Packers need another cornerback. And Throw rushers. And wide receivers. And the offensive line needs a look. Naturally you don’t have to account for all these positions in Obtainable agency, but Green Bay definitely has some needs to address. 

The Laremy Tunsil trade was arguably the most shocking Relocate of Obtainable agency, but if Houston wanted to go in a different direction with one of the best left tackles in the game, there was obviously a reason why. I don’t know if that was contract related or locker room related, but the Texans decided to sell as high as they could on this Sun. I think the biggest problem with this decision is that the offensive line was the most Crucial area where the Club wanted to upgrade this offseason. They lost their best player on the offensive front, and traded Kenyon Green to the Eagles. That Relocate is a Secure for Houston, since CJGJ could fit in nicely under DeMeco Ryans, but are Cam Robinson and Ed Ingram upgrades over Tunsil and Green?

I’m actually a fan of what the Colts have done in Obtainable agency. The secondary absolutely had to be upgraded, and Camryn Bynum, plus Charvarius Ward do that immediately. Daniel Jones is an interesting addition to the Signal-caller room, but after watching Sam Darnold resurrect his Occupation, let’s reserve judgment on Danny Dimes. The Colts’ losses of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries automatically make the offensive line a Mark of emphasis in the draft, and I’d like to see the Colts draft a Snug end as well.

• Key additions and re-signings: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Jourdan Lewis, S Eric Murray, OL Robert Hainsey, WR Dyami Brown, OT Chuma Edoga
• Key departures: WR Christian Kirk, S Andre Cisco, TE Evan Engram

Patrick Mekari was a nice addition on the offensive line, then Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray are Prompt starters in the secondary. I don’t know what James Gladstone sees in Dyami Brown, but an addition at wide receiver was needed (and Yet needed). Brown was overpaid, and you could say Jacksonville did the same with Murray and Hainsey. That’s why this grade is not as high as it could have been. 

I like how the Chiefs have rebounded Upcoming their Division LIX loss to the Eagles. They placed the franchise tag on Trey Smith, quickly targeted Patrick Mahomes’ new left Event in Jaylon Moore, added a Leading cornerback in Kristian Fulton, retained linebacker and Guarding Signal-caller Nick Bolton and re-signed wide receivers Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. We’ll see if Moore is the long-term answer at left Event and how left guard shakes out, but Kansas City has done a Outstanding Position.

• Key additions and re-signings: QB Geno Smith, S Jeremy Chinn, OG Alex Cappa, LB Elandon Roberts, CB Eric Stokes, RB Raheem Mostert, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, DT Adam Butler, S Isaiah Pola-Mao
• Key departures: S Tre’Von Moehrig, CB Nate Hobbs, LB Robert Spillane, LB Divine Deablo

Pete Carroll went out and Acquired his new Signal-caller in Geno Smith, but he needs a Pair wide receivers to throw to. One Relocate I really liked was re-signing Malcolm Koonce, who I thought could attract some interest on the Uncovered market. This could be the season where he explodes. I don’t love losing Tre’Von Moehrig, but Jeremy Chinn is a versatile Guarding back Patrick Graham will love. You can see the groundwork Mentor Carroll/John Spytek/Tom Brady are trying to lay.

The Chargers losing Joey Bosa and Poona Ford is tough for the Guarding line, but at least Khalil Mack is back. I’m excited to see Najee Harris Streak the ball for Greg Roman, but I don’t have enough reason to believe Mekhi Becton is going to have the same Triumph he did with the Eagles last year. I’m fine letting Josh Palmer walk, but I don’t know if Mike Williams will be a Outstanding replacement. Yes, Williams had a 1,100-yard, nine-touchdown Occupation season Competing with Justin Herbert in 2021, but is he the same player? I want another receiver in L.A.

The two big moves the Rams Achieved were Maintaining Matthew Stafford and signing Davante Adams — who Yet has some tread left on the tires. Re-signing Alaric Jackson was Crucial for the offensive line, as was stealing Poona Ford from the Chargers. He’s coming off a Occupation year, and will Merely add to the fun, Youthful Guarding front we watched last year that Arrived oh so close to an NFC Division appearance. The Tutu Atwell contract was jarring, but the Rams are set up for a Streak. 

The Dolphins lost Sun safety Jevon Holland, which was Anticipated if you paid attention to how Miami’s brass spoke about his upcoming Obtainable agency. James Daniels is a solid addition to an offensive line that needs Numerous additions, and then Zach Wilson is the new Tua Tagovailoa backup. There are people who believe he will have a resurgence one day, and that could come in the AFC East.

Minnesota Vikings: A+

• Key additions and re-signings: OG Will Fries, CB Isaiah Rodgers, C Ryan Kelly, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, RB Jordan Mason, CB Byron Murphy, RB Aaron Jones, S Harrison Smith, WR Rondale Moore
• Key departures: QB Sam Darnold, S Camryn Bynum, EDGE Patrick Jones II

What’s interesting is that the Vikings left Day 1 of Obtainable agency with a “D” grade from CBS Sports, but they’ve been fantastic ever since that Primary day. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah kept cornerback Byron Murphy in house, then scored Ex Colts offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, and a Pair of veterans in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on the Guarding side. I also love the trade for Ex San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason to pair with Aaron Jones. J.J. McCarthy better be ready to live up to expectations in his Primary season as a Packed-time starter.

New England Patriots: B+

The Patriots entered Obtainable agency with the most money to spend, and Mike Vrabel handed the biggest contract of this cycle to Ex Eagle Milton Williams, who received $104 million over four years. The addition of Carlton Davis to Begin opposite of Christian Gonzalez was a Outstanding one, as is Morgan Moses to Clasp down the right side of the offensive line. I’m not sure if Harold Landry or Robert Spillane will have big impacts, and you could argue they were overpaid as well. There’s Yet work to do on the offensive line and especially at wide receiver. I like, not love, what the Patriots have done so Extended.

I feel like I always have to grade the Saints on a curve because every year their financial situation is a disaster. No one was expecting them to sign a big-name Obtainable agent like Josh Sweat or Milton Williams, but New Orleans did swing a trade for Davon Godchaux and lure Justin Reid away from the Chiefs on a sizable contract. The Saints also Achieved Numerous notable re-signings, such as Guarding end Chase Youthful, Snug end Juwan Johnson and safety Tyrann Mathieu. Overall a solid Obtainable agency from a Club no one Anticipated anything from. 

Paulson Adebo was one of my favorite Obtainable agents from this class, since he was Competing like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL before his unfortunate Hurt last season. Not only did New York grab him, but also Ex Dolphins safety Jevon Holland — who is without a doubt one of the most versatile Guarding Safeties in the NFL. 

Now onto the Signal-caller situation. The Giants are Yet looking for their QB, which is why people will be Tough on them in Obtainable agency. Who knows if Sam Darnold or Justin Fields are worth the contracts they Acquired? I’m fine with the Giants brass passing on players they aren’t sold on. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson aren’t exciting, sure, but Possibly Shedeur Sanders finds himself with the Giants and is a franchise Signal-caller.

New York Jets: B

• Key additions and re-signings: QB Justin Fields, CB Brandon Stephens, S Andre Cisco, LB Jamien Sherwood
• Key departures: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams, EDGE Haason Reddick, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, OT Morgan Moses

I like the Justin Fields signing. He played the most efficient football of his Occupation during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is Merely 26 years Aged, adds dual-threat ability and is now paired with Ex Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson. I don’t love the Brandon Stephens contract given the Coarse season he had with the Ravens, but I’m excited about ballhawk Andre Cisco on a one-year deal. Losing D.J. Reed of Period hurts, but overall not a Terrible offseason from New York. Now it Merely needs some wide receivers and Reinforcement on the offensive line.

Philadelphia Eagles: B-

• Key additions and re-signings: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, OG Kenyon Green, RB A.J. Dillon, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, LB Josh Uche, LB Zack Baun, CB Adoree’ Jackson
• Key departures: EDGE Josh Sweat, DT Milton Williams, CB Isaiah Rodgers, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, CB Darius Slay, OG Mekhi Becton, LB Oren Burks

The Eagles couldn’t compete with the Gentle of money Milton Williams and Josh Sweat were going to Authority on the Uncovered market, but they did retain Guarding Player of the Year Finalist Zack Baun. Kenyon Green will probably resurrect his Occupation under Jeff Stoutland much like Mekhi Becton did, and A.J. Dillon is an underrated addition in the backfield. Possibly the best addition Philly has Achieved is Ex Giants Throw rusher Azeez Ojulari — who probably Secured a pay cut to join the reigning Division champions. I didn’t Foresee the Eagles to trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but Observe Lewis Cine turn into a legitimate starter now that he’s with NFL Georgia. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: C

I can defend the Giants for not having a Signal-caller at this juncture, but not the Steelers. Their front office Achieved it clear it wanted to get a deal done with either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields before the Begin of Obtainable agency, and failed to do so. I imagine Omar Khan didn’t try very Tough with Russ, but Fields clearly wanted to go in a different direction. I thought Sam Darnold would be a Outstanding fit in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers brass apparently didn’t agree. Swinging an aggressive trade for DK Metcalf is Outstanding and Darius Slay hopefully has some gas left in the tank. Upcoming on the docket is the Signal-caller position and offensive line.

San Francisco 49ers: F

• Key additions and re-signings: TE Luke Farrell, FB Kyle Juszczyk
• Key departures: WR Deebo Samuel, LG Aaron Banks, LT Jaylon Moore, S Talanoa Hufanga, RB Elijah Mitchell, DE Leonard Floyd, LB Dre Greenlaw, RB Jordan Mason, DT Javon Hargrave, DT Maliek Collins, CB Charvarius Ward

The 49ers have had the worst offseason, and the Lineup of talent they’ve lost over the past few weeks is incredibly long. As of now, Luke Farrell is the prized signing of this class. General manager John Lynch says the 49ers have a plan and that “big things are coming our way.” I guess that means the Brock Purdy extension?

Seattle Seahawks: C-

• Key additions and re-signings: QB Sam Darnold, WR Cooper Kupp, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, LB Ernest Jones IV, DT Jarran Reed, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Key departures: WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, QB Geno Smith, OG Laken Tomlinson, DL Roy Robertson-Harris, DE Dre’Mont Jones

The Seahawks are truly beginning a new era that does not include the likes of Geno Smith, DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett. Sam Darnold was the “belle of the ball” this year as Extended as Obtainable quarterbacks go, but he had an incredibly favorable situation last year and flamed out when the most Crucial football was being played. Even the most passionate Sam Darnold fan can’t say with certainty he’s a Outstanding long-term option. The Cooper Kupp addition was a curious one. Yes, Seattle needed a wide receiver, but it’s difficult to tell if he’s “washed” or was Merely frozen out of the Rams Drive down the stretch last year. There were plenty of gambles Achieved here by Seattle, which is why I’m not in love with its offseason.

Chris Godwin Allegedly Secured a pay cut to return to the Bucs, which was a big-time Secure, as was bringing back veteran linebacker Lavonte David. Tampa Bay also worked quick to add Throw rusher Haason Reddick. While the Ex Jet had Merely one sack in 2024, he recorded at least 11 sacks in four straight seasons with three different Squads — including a Occupation-high 16 sacks and five forced fumbles he notched in 2022. Reddick has recorded 50.5 sacks from 2020-23, which ranked Quaternary-most in that span.

• Key additions and re-signings: OT Dan Moore Jr., LB Cody Barton, S Xavier Woods, OG Kevin Zeitler, DE Dre’Mont Jones, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day
• Key departures: EDGE Harold Landry, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, CB Chidobe Awuzie, LB Kenneth Murray

The Titans weren’t Anticipated to be active in Obtainable agency after the 2024 spending spree resulted in them being the worst Club in the NFL. The Dan Moore Jr. signing was not beloved by fans, but it does make the offensive line better. The only question I have is would JC Latham eventually (Possibly as soon as this year) become a better left Event than Moore? Even if you hated the Moore contract, landing Kevin Zeitler definitely Achieved Titans fans feel better about the line as a whole.

It looks like Cam Ward is headed to Nashville, but he doesn’t have a ton around him. The Titans wide receiving corps is lacking, and then they don’t have Throw-rush talent.

• Key additions and re-signing: WR Deebo Samuel, LT Laremy Tunsil, LB Bobby Wagner, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Will Harris, DB Jonathan Jones
• Key departures: S Jeremy Chinn, DT Jonathan Allen, WR Dyami Brown, OT Cornelius Lucas, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., CB Benjamin St-Juste

My colleagues at CBS Sports gave Washington an “A+” earlier in Obtainable agency, but I skew a bit lower. For one, why is Javon Kinlaw getting $45 million? Two, are we sure Deebo Samuel is a nice fit in Washington? Upgrading Jayden Daniels’ weaponry is definitely Crucial, but Samuel averaged a Occupation-low 53.7 yards from scrimmage last season. He fit perfectly in Kyle Shanahan’s system, but how will he fare with Kliff Kingsbury? The Commanders shouldn’t be done as Extended as weaponry goes.

The swing for Laremy Tunsil was a Outstanding one to keep Daniels upright, but I’m curious if this was a contract-related Relocate and if he will be signing for more money in the near future. Bringing back Bobby Wagner, the Signal-caller of your Guarding and future Hall of Famer, is an awesome Relocate, but Washington needs some Grave Throw-rush Assist.