The 2025 NFL offseason is heating up as the legal tampering period for free agency kicks off, allowing teams to negotiate deals with some of the biggest names on the market. With key players like Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf already part of trade discussions, the excitement is palpable for fans eager to see where their team's stars might land.
Effective March 10, 2025, all 32 teams are permitted to correspond with impending free agents, paving the way for discussions on potential contracts. Official signings and trades come shortly after, with the new league year commencing on March 12, 2025. This year’s free agency is particularly intense, as several high-profile players, including Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, are on the move.
This offseason’s buzz has already seen some significant names reshuffle their careers. For example, Davante Adams, who has left the Jets, will now don the jersey of the Rams, filling their need for veteran experience. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers was released by the Jets and is set to enter free agency as teams look at him as potentially one of the more significant acquisitions this year.
Other key players released from their respective teams include Joey Bosa from the Chargers on March 5, Tyler Lockett from the Seahawks on the same day, and Jonathan Allen from the Commanders shortly thereafter. Such moves mark the beginning of the gridiron reshuffle as teams attempt to address their weak spots through free agency before the upcoming draft.
With the draft approaching, teams are eyeing this years’ crop of talent closely. “The 2025 NFL draft class may impact how teams decide to use their resources,” remarked analysts at CBS Sports. The draft, combined with the dynamics of the free agent market, could lead to significant changes for several franchises, especially those with pressing needs for skillful quarterbacks and explosive playmakers, typically hard to find.
Looking at this year's mock draft, the Tennessee Titans are currently predicted to use their first-round pick to select Cam Ward, the dynamic quarterback from Miami. The selection reflects Tennessee's urgent need to strengthen their quarterback situation, especially with the potential shake-up across the league.
The Cleveland Browns, poised at the second overall pick, look to secure Abdul Carter, the edge rusher from Penn State. Similarly, the New York Giants are predicted to select Travis Hunter, showcasing the expectation of player talent being key this draft season.
All eyes are on the New England Patriots as they prepare for the fourth pick where they are expected to claim Armand Membou, filling their offensive line needs. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are anticipated to grab Will Campbell from LSU at the fifth position to complement their roster and bolster their offensive front to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Beyond the draft, veterans who have been released are expected to play pivotal roles for teams striving to reinvigorate their rosters. The Las Vegas Raiders, after trading for quarterback Geno Smith, have plans of using their first pick to draft Shemar Stewart, the edge rusher from Texas A&M. This choice aligns with the organization’s vision to amplify their defense, mirroring strategies accustomed to prioritizing strong edge rushers and offensive linemen.
The New York Jets, undoubtedly under pressure after last season, are set to pick Shedeur Sanders from Colorado at seventh overall, signaling their commitment to reconfigure their quarterback scenario and echoing the team’s historical highs and lows transitioning from their previous season.
Teams like the Carolina Panthers are eyeing Mykel Williams to shore up their defensive setup at eighth, and the New Orleans Saints are closely monitoring the depth of pass coverage with their upcoming choice of Jalon Walker from Georgia.
Each round of the draft promises to churn up drama. The first round alone has the potential to see significant shifts as teams make aggressive moves to either build upon their recent successes or correct miscalculations from the last season. At the end of this first round, there will likely be surprises, especially with the depth of prospects available.
Beyond just teams managing their drafts, the trade negotiations involving less desirable contracts also heighten the drama. For example, the Los Angeles Rams made headlines after trading up to claim Matthew Golden, whom they view as the premier wide receiver talent this season. This acquisition emphasizes the Rams’ intent to surround their offense with heightened talent as they pursue immediate returns.
By the second round, as prospects like Derrick Harmon and Jonah Savaiinaea come off the board, teams are also making strategic decisions on positions of need and areas of improvement directly informed by the outcomes of their free agency moves prior. The draft will undoubtedly reflect the past season’s performance and inform teams’ future trajectories.
Free agency, alongside the draft, has the potential to reshape teams as they eagerly look to bolster their rosters for the 2025 NFL season. The upcoming weeks promise excitement as clubs make strategic decisions with the aim of reclaiming or asserting their position within the league.