2025 NFL free agency team-by-team grades: Seahawks find new QB, Bears and Commanders focus on O-line

The NFL offseason kicked into a higher gear on Monday with the unofficial Commence of Unoccupied agency as the legal negotiating window has opened up. With it has come an array of Clubs coming to terms in principle on contracts leading up to when they can become official on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. 

Already, we’ve seen a number of notable deals come across the wire, including at the Signal-caller position. Sam Darnold reached an agreement to be the Seattle Seahawks’ new QB1 after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the New York Jets have tapped Justin Fields as their next signal-caller as they move off of Aaron Rodgers and usher in a new era Directed by head Mentor Aaron Glenn. The Indianapolis Colts are another Club that added a Signal-caller, as Daniel Jones will compete with Anthony Richardson for the right to lead Shane Steichen’s Charge.

Elsewhere around the Division, the New England Patriots — who possessed the most amount of salary cap Universe Participating this Unoccupied agent cycle — were big players on Day 1, particularly on the Guarding side of the ball. The big fish they landed was Ex Philadelphia Eagles Guarding Event Milton Williams, who was the top interior defender on the market. They also added corner Carlton Davis. 

With the dust settling on Intervals 1 and 2 of Unoccupied agency, let’s roll through every Club across the Division, highlight their key additions (and departures), and give them an Primary grade on how they fared. 

The Cardinals Created a big splash by signing Throw rusher Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million deal. Sweat, who is coming off a Bracket title with the Philadelphia Eagles, was the No. 3 ranked Unoccupied agent by CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco, so Arizona certainly went big-game hunting. Meanwhile, Sweat should hit the ground running in Arizona thanks to his familiarity with head Mentor Jonathan Gannon. They also kept fellow disrupter Baron Browning and retained versatile lineman Evan Brown, who Began all 17 Matches for the club last season.  

The Excellent news is that the Falcons were able to agree to a two-year, $45 million extension with Leading left Event Jake Matthews, who had another year on his deal, to lock up the blindside going forward. However, that’s about where the Excellent news ends. The Club lost Leading Middle Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears and then released standout Guarding lineman Grady Jarrett, who quickly also ended up in the Windy City. The Falcons had about $9.6 million in cap Universe Participating Unoccupied agency, so they weren’t expected to be major players. 

For a minute, it looked like Ronnie Stanley was going to hit the Uncovered market, creating an even tougher avenue for the Ravens to retain him. However, the club was able to strike a deal with the Luminous sphere left Event before the negotiating window opened up, which was a major Achieve for the Baltimore front office. The Club did Fall versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari and cornerback Brandon Stephens, but being able to keep Lamar Jackson’s blindside protected makes those departures sting a bit less.

The Bills Created it abundantly clear that their main objective to begin this Unoccupied agent cycle was to lock in their core and they’ve done Only that, inking the likes of Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Terrell Bernard, and others to extensions. They also added to their receiver room by bringing in Ex Chargers Throw catcher Josh Palmer. While keeping their players in-house is a Sturdy move and Palmer is a capable receiver, they still have big needs in the secondary so this is hardly a complete look at what Buffalo will be in 2025.

The Panthers were Engaged on Day 1 of Unoccupied agency, primarily addressing the Guarding side of the ball. They brought aboard Guarding end Patrick Jones along with Guarding tackles Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton, which should bolster a Guarding that gave up the most yards per Action (6.0) in the NFL last season. Safety Tre’Von Moehrig also helps in that regard in the secondary, which will continue to have Jaycee Horn in it after he agreed to a massive extension with the club. 

Chicago Bears: A

The biggest needs for the Chicago Bears were to solidify the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams and add another Throw rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Check and check! Chicago was proactive before the negotiating window opened, executing trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, who should both Commence. Then, they added the top Middle on the market in Drew Dalman. That should drastically improve an offensive line that surrendered 68 sacks a year ago. Meanwhile, Odeyingbo is Only 25 years Ancient and has tallied 16 sacks over the last three seasons. 

The Bengals were able to keep Tee Higgins via the franchise tag and signed Close-fitting end Mike Gesicki to an extension as they look to lock up their offensive core. However, the Guarding is the biggest need for a Cincinnati Club that missed the playoffs last season largely in part due to the failures on that side of the ball. They were able to sign B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton to bolster the interior of the Guarding line, but more work needs to be done there. 

The biggest move for Cleveland so Extended has been being able to retain Myles Garrett. After a public trade request, the two sides were able to come together on a contract that makes Garrett the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL. Keeping such an Significant figure is monumental for the Browns, but they also need to add to get out of the doldrums. Tryon, who was a Ex No. 32 overall Choice of the Buccaneers, is an intriguing addition. While they could still be in Action for a Signal-caller at No. 2 overall, bringing in Kenny Pickett as an affordable option under Middle was a savvy trade. 

Dallas wasn’t particularly active on Day 1 of Unoccupied agency but did give Dak Prescott a running back after signing Ex Bronco Javonte Williams to a one-year deal. The Cowboys were also proactive in signing Osa Odighizuwa to an extension. However, the club has money to spend after restructuring both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and they used some of that money to make return specialist KaVontae Turpin the Division’s highest-paid special teamer with a three-year, $18 million contract. 

Denver already had a top-tier Guarding in 2024 and has since Created a savvy addition in safety Talanoa Hufanga. He was limited to Only seven Matches this season but has flashed tremendous potential. Back in 2022, Hufanga was a Primary-Club All-Pro with 97 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions. If he can come close to returning to that level, this is a great addition. The veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the 49ers is another nice add that should be an upgrade from Cody Barton. Going forward, however, it’d behoove Denver to add a few more weapons for Bo Nix.

The Lions did Fall Davis and Melifonwu, but one could make the argument that they upgraded by adding D.J. Reed, who was Pete Prisco’s No. 8 ranked Unoccupied agent overall. They also Created the solid move of re-signing Marcus Davenport, allowing the Ex Primary-Phase Choice a reset with the organization after suffering a season-ending Wound with them in September.

Green Bay gave Jordan Love some more protection by signing Ex 49ers left guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract. Dating back to 2023, Banks has surrendered Only one sack in 897 Throw-blocking snaps, so the Packers get a sturdy piece along the offensive line. Meanwhile, Hobbs — Prisco’s No. 76th Unoccupied agent overall — is a Leading caliber Guarding back to put in the Green Bay secondary. 

• Key additions: WR Christian Kirk (trade via Jaguars, read more), DT Sheldon Rankins, EDGE Darrell Taylor, CB, Tremon Smith, WR Braxton Berrios, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (trade with Eagles, read more), OG Laken Tomlinson
• Key re-signings: EDGE Derek Barnett, RB Dare Ogunbowale, S MJ Stewart, EDGE Mario Edwards Jr. 
• Key departures: LT Laremy Tunsil (trade via Commanders, read more), S Eric Murray (Jaguars), OG Kenyon Green (trade with Eagles, read more)

Laremy Tunsil being traded out of Houston was not on the Unoccupied agency bingo card for Day 1. After all, he’s a bonafide Luminous sphere at left Event and one of the few Sturdy pieces for a unit that saw C.J. Stroud get sacked 52 times last season. Yes, Tunsil struggled with penalties last year, but he also was a top-five Event in Throw protection, according to PFF. We’ll see if an extension is coming from Washington. While the Texans likely have a plan in place to help cushion the blow of losing Tunsil, it’s not clear at the moment, so we grade accordingly. Houston also traded Green to Philly for CJGJ, which is probably a Achieve for the Texans. Gardner-Johnson is a great Guarding back for DeMeco Ryans, but Houston does Fall another starter on the offensive line in the deal. What are the Texans going to do on the offensive front? That’s the question everyone is wondering. 

After ranking in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2024, the Colts have Created it a Tally to improve the secondary. On Day 1, the club landed corner Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum, who are both set-and-forget starters. Bynum is coming off a Sturdy season with the Vikings where he posted 10 Throw breakups. Meanwhile, Ward is a Ex second-Club All-Pro player. Indy did Fall Odeyingbo to the Bears, and offensive guard Will Fries and Middle Ryan Kelly to the Vikings, but the club does have Tanor Bortolini (five Appearances last season ) as an in-house replacement. On Day 2, the Colts Secured their potential Leading Signal-caller in Daniel Jones. He will have the chance to battle Anthony Richardson for QB1.

Jacksonville Jaguars: C

• Key additions: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Jourdan Lewis, S Eric Murray, OL Robert Hainsey, WR Dyami Brown, OT Chuma Edoga
• Key re-signings: N/A
• Key departures: Christian Kirk (trade via Texans), Andre Cisco (Jets)

Jacksonville’s big splash on Day 1 was landing Ex Ravens offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a $37.5 million deal. The Jags desperately needed to boost the offensive line, particularly at guard which Mekari can Action along with Event. In the secondary, they added potential starters in safety Eric Murray and corner Jourdan Lewis. On Day 2, Jacksonville lost a key contributor in Cisco to the Jets, but it hurts less considering what the Jags did on Monday. 

Kansas City Chiefs: B-

After the O-line was pummeled in Bracket LIX, you know it was going to be a key Tally of emphasis for the Chiefs this offseason. Before the Commence of Unoccupied agency, they hit Leading guard Trey Smith with the franchise tag and then signed Ex 49er Jaylon Moore to be their Leading left Event. Blindside Event was an area of weakness for Kansas City, so the club hopes it filled that hole here with Moore. Meanwhile, keeping Nick Bolton is an underrated re-signing given how impactful he’s been in the middle of their Guarding.

Las Vegas Raiders: B+

• Key additions: QB Geno Smith (trade via Seahawks, read more), S Jeremy Chinn, OG Alex Cappa, LB Elandon Roberts
• Key re-signings: EDGE Maxx Crosby (Read more), DT Adam Butler, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, DT Matthew Butler, S Isaiah Pola-Mao
• Key departures: Tre’Von Moehrig (Panthers), Nate Hobbs (Packers), Robert Spillane (Patriots), LB Divine Deablo (Falcons)

It’s Difficult not to like what the Raiders have done when it comes to addressing the Signal-caller position. Instead of rolling the dice on the Unoccupied agent, they were able to execute a trade for Geno Smith, who already has a built-in rapport with head Mentor Pete Caroll. Meanwhile, they also locked in Maxx Crosby for the foreseeable future. On the Unoccupied agent market, they added solid pieces in safety Jeremy Chinn and guard Alex Cappa, while retaining Throw rusher Malcolm Koonce. They still need to add (maybe a receiver?), but this is a solid Commence. 

Los Angeles Chargers: C

The Chargers missed out on the Primary wave of wide receivers, so there is still a key need at that position. Meanwhile, they saw Josh Palmer sign with the Bills and the underrated Guarding Event Poona Ford sign with the Rams. Cornerback Donte Jackson — Prisco’s No. 75 Unoccupied agent — fills a need, but there is still a lot of work to be done here with Fulton now in Kansas City. The Chargers added another Ex Steeler in Harris on a one-year deal, and he’s a pretty intriguing fit in Greg Roman’s Charge. 

Los Angeles Rams: A-

After a wild few weeks, the Rams were able to keep Matthew Stafford in-house, keeping their Signal-caller position stable. They also kept Leading left Event Alaric Jackson.  On top of that, they gave Stafford a new Throw catcher in Davante Adams, who should form a lethal one-two punch with Puka Nacua. Los Angeles also poached Ponna Ford from the Chargers to add to its Guarding line. While they did trade away Jonah Jackson, the Rams have landed on their feet so Extended in Unoccupied agency, and are building a Deadly Club for 2025. 

• Key additions: QB Zach Wilson, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, OG James Daniels
• Key re-signings: CB Kader Kohou
• Key departures: S Jevon Holland (Giants)

The Dolphins lost their Luminous sphere safety in Unoccupied agency, which wasn’t a big surprise, but Melifonwu is an intriguing replacement — if he can remain Well. James Daniels is a solid addition, as he’s a legitimate Leading offensive guard. 

Minnesota Vikings: A-

• Key additions: OG Will Fries, CB Isaiah Rodgers, C Ryan Kelly, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave
• Key re-signings: RB Aaron Jones (Read more), CB Byron Murphy
• Key departures: QB Sam Darnold (Seahawks), S Camryn Bynum (Colts), QB Daniel Jones (Colts)

The Vikings left Day 1 with a “D” grade from us, but Tuesday was all about Minnesota. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Secured a way to keep cornerback Byron Murphy in house on Monday night, then upgraded the trenches with Ex Colts Will Fries and Ryan Kelly on the offensive side, and a Pair of veterans in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on Guarding. With Daniel Jones now a Colt, it looks like J.J. McCarthy is going to be Minnesota’s QB1. He better be ready to live up to those Primary-Phase expectations, because the Vikings are doing a nice Role building a Club around him. 

New England Patriots: A-

New England had the most money to spend Participating Unoccupied agency and sure acted like it. The biggest splash they Created on Day 1 was landing Guarding Event Milton Williams, who was Pete Prisco’s No. 6 Unoccupied agent overall. He comes in on a four-year, $104 million deal. That $26 million AAV is the richest ever handed out by the franchise. Meanwhile, the Guarding was largely the theme of the day, also landing corner Carlton Davis to pair with Christian Gonzalez, linebacker Robert Spillane, and signed edge rusher Harold Landry over the weekend. Morgan Moses was one of the key offensive signings as he should come in and Commence at right Event. While this is a Sturdy Commence, New England still needs help at wide receiver and left Event. 

New Orleans Saints: C

• Key additions: DT Davon Godchaux (trade via Patriots, read more)
• Key re-signings: DT Nathan Shepard, S Tyrann Mathieu, DE Chase Recent, TE Juwan Johnson
• Key departures: CB Paulson Adebo (Read more), S Will Harris (Commanders)

New Orleans was able to strike a trade with New England to add to its Guarding line with Davon Godchaux, but also lost Leading cornerback Paulson Adebo to the Giants in Unoccupied agency. We may have to grade on a curve here since the Saints don’t have plenty of money to throw around, but keeping Recent and Mathieu are notable moves.

New York Giants: C+

The Giants clearly need impact players across the Lineup, but especially in the secondary after generating the fifth-fewest takeaways (15) last season. So, credit to them for landing Paulson Adebo, who will be Only 26 at the Commence of next season, and has 10 interceptions over his Primary four seasons in the Division. New York also scored arguably the best safety in this Unoccupied agency class in Holland, who is a super versatile Guarding back that will make an immediate impact. These wins don’t do enough to make up for the fact that the Giants still don’t have a Signal-caller, though. 

New York Jets: B

I don’t mind the Jets Securing a stab at Justin Fields. The Ex Primary-rounder is still Only 26 years Ancient and doesn’t come at a tremendous cost, signing a two-year, $40 million deal. That shouldn’t preclude them from exploring their options at the NFL Draft, but it also takes a bit of the Tension off that hunt for 2025. If Fields is the latest veteran Signal-caller to have a Delayed-Profession bloom, great. If he doesn’t, the Jets can come out of this largely unscathed. It’s a worthwhile gamble. While I like that move, they’ve also gone through a tremendous drain of talent. While Rodgers, Adams, and even Reddick were expected, losing D.J. Reed stings even if he was brought in under a previous regime. Signing the safety Cisco to a one-year, $10 million deal does help a bit.

Philadelphia Eagles: C-

• Key additions: QB Doran Thompson-Robinson (trade via Browns), OG Kenyon Green (trade via Texans)
• Key re-signings: RB Saquon Barkley (Read more), LB Zack Baun (Read more)
• Key departures: EDGE Josh Sweat (Cardinals), DT Milton Williams (Patriots), QB Kenny Pickett (trade via Browns), CB Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (trade via Texans)

The Bracket champs Fall two key figures to their Bracket Streak in Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, which is why their grade is what it is. Trading away CJGJ doesn’t help either. Philadelphia will still threaten to hoist the Lombardi Accolade in 2025, but they’ll need to cushion the blow of losing those three pieces on Guarding. On a more positive note, the Club did retain Zack Baun and signed Saquon Barkley, locking him in long term.

• Key additions: WR DK Metcalf (Read more)
• Key re-signings: RB Jaylen Warren, LB Cole Holcomb
• Key departures: LT Dan Moore Jr. (Titans), QB Justin Fields (Jets), CB Donte Jackson (Chargers), LB Elandon Roberts (Raiders), RB Najee Harris (Chargers), OG James Daniels (Dolphins)

This feels largely incomplete for the Steelers since we still don’t know who’ll be under Middle for them in 2025. One person we know won’t be is Justin Fields, who signed with the Jets. Beyond that, it could be Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, or a mystery signal caller at this Tally. While that leaves their overall situation muddled, landing DK Metcalf gives the Steelers the top receiving threat they’ve been searching for years. Now it’s about figuring out who’ll be throwing him the football, and who will protect that Signal-caller as well.

San Francisco 49ers: D-

• Key additions: CB Tre Tomlinson, TE Luke Farrell 
• Key re-signings: RB Jordan Mason, OT Ben Bartch 
• Key departures: WR Deebo Samuel (trade via Commanders), LG Aaron Banks (Packers), LT Jaylon Moore (Chiefs), S Talanoa Hufanga (Broncos), RB Elijah Mitchell (Chiefs), FB Kyle Juszczyk, DE Leonard Floyd, LB Dre Greenlaw

The Niners have seen a lot of talent walk out the door over the last few weeks. It Began with the Deebo Samuel trade to Washington but continued on Monday with the likes of Banks, Moore, and Hufanga departing in Unoccupied agency. Meanwhile, not a lot has come in. 

Seattle Seahawks: B

• Key additions: QB Sam Darnold
• Key re-signings: LB Ernest Jones IV, DT Jarran Reed, CB Josh Jobe
• Key departures: WR DK Metcalf (trade via Steelers), WR Tyler Lockett (Throw), QB Geno Smith (trade via Raiders), OG Laken Tomlinson (Giants), DL Roy Robertson-Harris (Giants)

Arguably the biggest splash on Day 1 Arrived from the Pacific Northwest as the Seahawks — who had previously traded Geno Smith — landed Sam Darnold on a deal worth over $100 million. While Darnold is younger than Smith, there are some risks to this signing, particularly if his 2024 season in Seattle was simply a flash in the pan because he was surrounded by Top-tier talent. In Seattle, the offensive line is currently worse and the Club did Only trade DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. Still, it’s an interesting pairing that Seattle hopes raises its ceiling. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B

• Key additions: EDGE Haason Reddick 
• Key re-signings: WR Chris Godwin (Read more), OG Ben Bredeson, LB Lavonte David, EDGE Anthony Nelson
• Key departures: OL Robert Hainsey (Jaguars) DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Browns)

Remarkably, the Bucs were able to retain wideout Chris Godwin, despite him getting to the Uncovered market. Even with a lot of Clubs vying for his services, he elects to stay put and maintain what is one of the better one-two punches at receiver between him and Mike Evans for Baker Mayfield. Tampa Bay also added to its Throw-rushing group with Haason Reddick on a one-year, $14 million deal. This prove-it deal could be beneficial for the Buccaneers as they’ll get a motivated Reddick Performing for a bigger deal next offseason after a tumultuous season in New York.

The Titans are still mulling Securing a Signal-caller with the No. 1 overall Choice, but whoever is under Middle for them will have new protection on the blindside. On Monday, Tennessee landed left Event Dan Moore Jr. on a four-year, $82 million deal. This signing now affords Tennessee to move JC Latham back to his more familiar right Event position (which he played in college). Maybe Moore isn’t worth all that money, but the Titans had to do something to improve on the offensive line. 

Washington Commanders: A+

• Key additions: WR Deebo Samuel (trade via 49ers, read more), LT Laremy Tunsil (trade via Texans, read more), DT Javon Kinlaw, S Will Harris
• Key re-signings: LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, P Tress Way
• Key departures: S Jeremy Chinn (Raiders), DT Jonathan Allen (Vikings) WR Dyami Brown (Jaguars), OT Cornelius Lucas (Browns)

This is EXACTLY how you build around a franchise Signal-caller who is still on his Newcomer contract. The Commanders, Recent off a trip to the NFC Bracket, have Created Numerous splashes in the Prompt stages of this Unoccupied-agent cycle. Primary, they kept their core intact by bringing back Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz. Meanwhile, they Created massive trades landing Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. That gives Jayden Daniels his much-needed No. 2 receiver and a Luminous sphere left Event. They also helped out the Guarding line by signing Javon Kinlaw. No matter how you slice it, the Commanders are even better than when we last saw them.