and style/format, with a summary section at the bottom.
NFL Free Agency Frenzy: A Day One Debrief
The National Football League’s 2025 league year is barely a day old, having officially kicked off at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, but already the landscape has shifted dramatically. While some moves were telegraphed weeks in advance – simmering free agent negotiations and meticulously planned trades – the official start of free agency unleashed a flurry of activity. The goal here is simple: to dissect the winners, the losers, and everything in between after the initial wave of signings and trades, focusing on the major moves everyone saw coming.
Philadelphia Eagles: Howie Roseman’s Masterclass Continues
Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ executive vice president and general manager, continues to solidify his reputation as one of the league’s shrewdest operators. He not only sweetened Saquon Barkley’s deal, despite no contractual obligation to do so, but also re-signed All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, a crucial move given Nakobe Dean’s injury. Adding to the intrigue is the acquisition of guard Kenyon Green via the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade. Green, a former first-round pick, has the potential to flourish under the tutelage of offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland.
While the Eagles lost some key contributors like CJGJ, Milton Williams, and Josh Sweat, Roseman seems to have contingency plans in place, hinting at a continuous flow of talent into Philadelphia.
Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns: The Wide Receiver Payday
The Cincinnati Bengals have publicly committed to making their All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. But the Cleveland Browns’ extension of Myles Garrett has set the bar even higher, pushing the annual salary well beyond Justin Jefferson’s $35 million benchmark and establishing a new marker near $40 million per year. With Jerry Jones and the Cowboys potentially needing to extend Micah Parsons after Chase, the receiver will most likely see an extended vacation soon.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s Team-Friendly Deal
Reigning league MVP Josh Allen took a team-friendly extension with the Buffalo Bills, signing a six-year, $330 million deal with a record $250 million guaranteed. Allen acknowledged leaving money on the table, believing the slight financial decrease would enable the Bills to retain core players like Greg Rousseau and Terrel Bernard while also signing free agents like Joey Bosa and Josh Palmer.
Seattle Seahawks: A Macdonald-Led Rebuild
The Seattle Seahawks are undergoing a significant transformation under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald. With a new quarterback in Sam Darnold, a new defensive enforcer in DeMarcus Lawrence, and a new deep threat in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Seahawks are also armed with five of the top 92 draft picks this year. Expect further reinforcements on the offensive line and at receiver as Macdonald attempts to mold the roster into his desired image: a tough, physical, and defense-oriented team.
The success of this rebuild hinges on Darnold’s performance and whether he can replicate his Pro Bowl form from his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings: Investing in the Future
With Sam Darnold’s departure, the Minnesota Vikings have plenty of cap space to spend. Veterans like Will Fries and Ryan Kelly have already capitalized, and the team has also retained key players like Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Byron Murphy Jr., Harrison Smith, and Aaron Jones. The focus now shifts to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who must prove capable of leading the offense without undermining the surrounding talent.
Tennessee Titans: Laying the Groundwork for a New Quarterback?
The Tennessee Titans have made relatively quiet moves in free agency, adding Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler. These additions, coupled with rumors, suggest the Titans might be positioning themselves to draft a quarterback, potentially Ward, with the top pick in the 2025 draft, rather than relying on Will Levis.
New England Patriots: A Spending Spree Focused on Experience
The New England Patriots made a splash in free agency, signing Milton Williams to a substantial deal and adding other experienced players like Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, Morgan Moses, and Mack Hollins. While the Patriots’ spending spree might lack star power, it addresses glaring talent deficiencies on the roster.
Chicago Bears: Fortifying the Trenches
The Chicago Bears significantly bolstered their offensive and defensive lines, acquiring All-Pro offensive lineman from the Kansas City Chiefs, G Jonah Jackson, and C Drew Dalman. On the defensive side, they added DT Grady Jarrett and DE Dayo Odeyingbo. These moves will undoubtedly benefit first-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
Washington Commanders: Building Around Their Young Quarterback
The Washington Commanders, under second-year GM Adam Peters, are focused on building around their young, cost-controlled quarterback. The acquisition of WR Deebo Samuel and LT Laremy Tunsil will address major offensive deficiencies. The Commanders also brought back veteran leaders like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz.
Los Angeles Rams: Adding a New Weapon
The Los Angeles Rams added Davante Adams who left the Jets. Sean McVay is betting on Adams’ continued production to elevate the Rams’ offense, with Puka Nacua potentially shifting into the primary receiver role.
The Curious Case of Rodgers and the Jets
The release of Aaron Rodgers opens up a new chapter in the NFL. As a free agent for the first time in his career, the four-time MVP will undoubtedly be a highly sought-after commodity.
Myles Garrett: Show Me the Money
Myles Garrett is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, a testament to his dominant performance. But his previous social media plea to leave Cleveland for a chance at a Lombardi Trophy now rings hollow.
Russell Wilson: Limited Options?
Despite expressing a desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Russell Wilson’s options appear limited.
Other Notable Moves and Losers
- Cooper Kupp was released by the Rams.
- DeAndre Hopkins will make no more than $6 million with the Baltimore Ravens.
- Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, and Amari Cooper remain unemployed.
- CJ Stroud sees his protection decrease as the Houston Texans lose Laremy Tunsil and Green.
- The Kansas City Chiefs kept some key players, but their offensive line remains a concern.
- The Carolina Panthers overpaid Jaycee Horn.
- The Indianapolis Colts will rely on Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
- The Seattle Seahawks are in full rebuild mode.
- The San Francisco 49ers are shedding veteran talent.
- Joe Burrow may have to carry the Cincinnati Bengals.
- The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator has lost several starters.
Summary:
Day one of NFL free agency brought a whirlwind of activity. Howie Roseman continued to work his magic in Philadelphia, Josh Allen took a team-friendly deal in Buffalo, and several teams made significant investments in their offensive and defensive lines. The wide receiver market exploded, with Ja’Marr Chase and Myles Garrett set to become the highest-paid non-quarterbacks. The Patriots, Seahawks, and Commanders are undergoing significant transformations, while the futures of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson remain uncertain. Ultimately, day one revealed teams’ immediate strategies and priorities, setting the stage for an intriguing 2025 season.
