NFL Free Agency 2025: Examining Every Team's Approach and Situation
A summary of how every team approached free agency and where things stand with each team.
With free agency done for the most part, save for a couple of pending moves, I wanted to examine each team's current position and what their approach resembled.
There are a couple of moves that could still happen — most notably, the decisions made by quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson regarding which teams they will join (unless they retire, which can't be ruled out). Otherwise, we are at the point in which teams will focus more on the draft, while making low-cost free agent signings along the way.
Here's my take on each of the 32 NFL teams and what they did. All cap figures come from Over the Cap, though it's possible the site hasn't accounted for every move a team has made (and in two cases, that appears to be the case). For each team, I named the three most notable moves made in terms of players acquired or extended, but I imagine some of you would argue there are teams who made more than three noteworthy moves.
Buffalo Bills
Current cap space: $2.2M
The three most notable moves: Extending Josh Allen, extending Gregory Rosseau, extending Khalil Shakir.
Summary: As I expected, the Bills weren't aggressive in free agency when it came to signing players from other teams. However, they were aggressive when it came to taking care of their own. The Allen extension was essentially the Bills tearing up his old contract in favor of a new one, though it comes with some giant cap numbers down the road.
Miami Dolphins
Current cap space: $18M
The three most notable moves: Renegotiating Bradley Chubb's contract, signing James Daniels, signing Zach Wilson.
Summary: This is another team that was quiet in free agency when it came to signing players from other teams. The Dolphins focused more on addressing their cap situation, which included a couple of cuts and a couple of renegotiated deals. There may be some questions about the time given to the current regime if the Dolphins don't improve their fortunes in 2025.
New England Patriots
Current cap space: $80.9M
The three most notable moves: Signing Milton Williams, signing Carlton Davis, signing Harold Landry.
Summary: The Patriots were one of the most aggressive teams in free agency. Given the cap space they had and the fact they are building around a quarterback on a cheap rookie contract, that's not surprising. The question will be how that will help turn their fortunes around, after having a decent start in 2024 but not playing well as the season progressed.
New York Jets
Current cap space: $27.8M
The three most notable moves: Signing Justin Fields, re-signing Jamien Sherwood, signing Brandon Stephens.
Summary: The Jets behaved like a rebuilding team, even if some of their moves suggest otherwise. The Fields contract fits the mold of a bridge quarterback to one the Jets would draft and develop, though in this case, they have a younger quarterback who might fare well in the right system. It's possible the Jets could be approaching things with an eye toward 2026, in which some have said the QB draft prospects will be better.
Baltimore Ravens
Current cap space: $11.2M
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Ronnie Stanley, signing DeAndre Hopkins, re-signing Ar'Darius Washington
Summary: The Ravens were business as usual, focusing more on keeping their own players and barely signing players from other teams. They will need to look at extensions for Tyler Linderbaum and Odafe Oweh in the coming months. The good news is their future cap situation is good, so they will have some flexibility with how extensions are covered in future seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals
Current cap space: $24M
The three most notable moves: Extending Ja'Marr Chase, re-signing Tee Higgins, re-signing B.J Hill.
Summary: The Bengals focused a lot on keeping their own players, though the Chase and Higgins contracts made the headlines. From a cap standpoint, the Bengals can make things work, but the question is how they will handle things from a cash standpoint. Now the question is whether they will be able to trade Trey Hendrickson or if they surprise everyone and agree to an extension with him.
Cleveland Browns
Current cap space: $20.2M
The three most notable moves: New contract for Myles Garrett, renegotiating Jack Conklin's contract, trading for Kenny Pickett.
Summary: The Browns kicked the can down the road with the DeShaun Watson contract again. That contract has become a major burden on their ability to improve the team. I'm surprised that the current regime has been retained, but if ownership is the one taking the blame for the Watson situation, that might explain why there hasn't been a shakeup in the front office or coaching staff.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Current cap space: $40.8M
The three most notable moves: Trading for and extending DK Metcalf, signing Malik Harrison, re-signing Jaylen Warren.
Summary: The Steelers didn't deviate much from what they usually do in the offseason, as they prefer not to explore free agency and focus on taking care of their own. They did make headlines with the Metcalf trade and extension. Of course, the question that remains is what they do at quarterback, in which both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have been linked to the Steelers.
Houston Texans
Current cap space: $18.5M
The three most notable moves: Extending Danielle Hunter, extending Derek Stingley Jr., trading for Christian Kirk.
Summary: The Texans were more active than I anticipated they would be. I was surprised that they traded Laremy Tunsil but they might have faith in some of the players they have on the roster or think the draft board will fall their way to replace him. Their main focus in 2025 will be to show that they can do more than just win the AFC South, but are primed for a deep playoff run.
Indianapolis Colts
Current cap space: $19.8M
The three most notable moves: Signing Charvarious Ward, signing Cam Bynum, signing Daniel Jones.
Summary: The Colts took a couple of swings in free agency but focused more on re-signing their own or looking for value after that. The question is what happens with the regime if things don't work out this season. Colts ownership has been patient with general manager Chris Ballard but it's worth asking how much longer he should get if the Colts remain stuck in mediocrity.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Current cap space: $35.7M
The three most notable moves: Signing Patrick Mekari, signing Dyami Brown, signing Jourdan Lewis.
Summary: The Jaguars were active in free agency but were more modest with their approach. They have a new front office and coaching staff, so it will be interesting to see if they take a similar approach in future seasons. Jaguars ownership has shown a willingness to spend in free agency, but it's possible the new regime see things differently. The big question, of course, is how well the new regime does with the draft.
Tennessee Titans
Current cap space: $35.2M
The three most notable moves: Signing Dan Moore Jr., signing Kevin Zeitler, signing Dre'Mont Jones.
Summary: The Titans have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and signs seem to indicate they will draft Cameron Ward, unless they get a really good offer to trade down. Their new general manager made just one big swing in free agency but otherwise looked for value. If they do draft Ward and he performs well, it will be interesting to see if the Titans choose to be aggressive in 2026.
Denver Broncos
Current cap space: $17.4M
The three most notable moves: Signing Talanoa Hufanga, signing Dre Greenlaw, signing Evan Engram.
Summary: As I expected, the Broncos were active but not aggressive in free agency. The contracts they gave Hufanga and Greenlaw were more team friendly than I expected. They seem to be confident in Bo Nix moving forward, so the question is whether they can take the next step toward challenging for the AFC West or making a deep playoff run.
Kansas City Chiefs
Current cap space: $15M
The three most notable moves: Franchising Trey Smith, signing Jaylon Moore, re-signing Nick Bolton.
Summary: The Chiefs made a couple of moves I didn't expect, with the main one being the decision to retain Smith while trading Thuney, the latter who was the team's best offensive lineman. They took a chance on Moore to fill a need at left tackle. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs' moves work out, particularly with the offensive line. If the Chiefs don't win the Super Bowl this coming season, then next season should be time to pause and reassess.
Las Vegas Raiders
Current cap space: $50.6M
The three most notable moves: Extending Maxx Crosby, trading for Geno Smith, re-signing Malcolm Koonce.
Summary: Trading for Smith means the Raiders don't need to draft a quarterback early, but it's possible they're a team that has its eyes on the 2026 QB draft class. Their other splashy move was extending Crosby, which wasn't a bad idea as they could get ahead of the curve with the pass rusher market. Time will tell if the new regime can turn the Raiders' fortunes around.
Los Angeles Chargers
Current cap space: $42.4M
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Khalil Mack, signing Donte Jackson, signing Najee Harris.
Summary: The Chargers entered 2025 with a lot of cap space but were more conservative with their free agency approach. It's possible they are thinking more about extensions for current players. If so, they have the cap space which gives them flexibility when it comes to extending those players and structuring deals to utilize more cap space now than later.
Dallas Cowboys
Current cap space: $38.5M
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Osa Odighizuwa, trading for Kenneth Murray, signing Robert Jones.
Summary: The Cowboys mostly focused on re-signing their own players, though they made a couple of trades along the way. Their biggest task ahead of them will be getting Micah Parsons extended. The question, of course, is whether Parsons and his agent are waiting to see what else happens with the edge rusher market.
New York Giants
Current cap space: $17.2M
The three most notable moves: Signing Paulson Adebo, signing Jevon Holland, re-signing Darius Slayton.
Summary: The Giants were fairly active in free agency and some favored them as a team to sign Aaron Rodgers. That does not appear to be likely now, but the question is whether the Giants spend a first-round pick on a quarterback. It's worth asking if this regime is on notice to win this season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Current cap space: $27.5M
The three most notable moves: Extending Saquon Barkley, re-signing Zach Baun, signing Kenyon Green.
Summary: As one might expect, the Eagles lost multiple players to free agency. This is typical for a team coming off a Super Bowl win, which often means the team must make some choices about who to keep and who to allow to depart. As always, Howie Roseman finds a way to make salary cap maneuvers without hurting the team in the long term that much.
Washington Commanders
Current cap space: $22.6M
The three most notable moves: Trading for Laremy Tunsil, trading for Deebo Samuel, signing Javon Kinlaw.
Summary: It's not surprising that the Commanders were aggressive in free agency. After reaching the NFC title game and Jayden Daniels showing he can be the quarterback to build around, the Commanders clearly see that Super Bowl window wide open. Now comes the question about how they address things in the draft.
Chicago Bears
Current cap space: $16M
The three most notable moves: Trading for Jonah Jackson, signing Dayo Odeybingo, trading for Joe Thuney.
Summary: The Bears have a new head coach and they have a quarterback who showed more than enough that he could be the player to build around. It isn't surprising that the Bears were aggressive, but now comes the draft, in which they need to find the right players to round out the roster. They are in a tough division, so it remains to be seen how patient ownership will be the new coaching staff.
Detroit Lions
Current cap space: $44.4M
The three most notable moves: Signing D.J. Reed, re-signing Derrick Barnes, re-signing Levi Onwuzurike.
Summary: The Lions mostly re-signed their own players and Reed was the only big swing they took in free agency. Their biggest task ahead is extending Aidan Hutchinson, who is certain to become one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the NFL. The Lions are in a good cap situation, which means they can be flexible in terms of contract structures going forward.
Green Bay Packers
Current cap space: $31.8M
The three most notable moves: Signing Aaron Banks, signing Nate Hobbs, re-signing Brandon McManus.
Summary: The Packers weren't that active in free agency, though they did commit significant money to Banks and Hobbs. Now they must determine which players with expiring contracts are worth keeping for the long term. They have the cap space to ensure flexibility when it comes to any extensions.
Minnesota Vikings
Current cap space: $31.2M
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Byron Murphy, signing Will Fries, signing Jonathan Allen.
Summary: The Vikings lost several free agents but gained or retained others. I see most of the talk about Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings as wishful thinking among pundits, but it will be interesting to see if they add a veteran QB, at least to serve as the backup to JJ McCarthy.
Atlanta Falcons
Current cap space: $14.1M over the cap (but see summary)
The three most notable moves: Signing Leonard Floyd, signing Divine Deablo, re-signing Mike Hughes.
Summary: I imagine there are some moves the Falcons have made to get under the cap which haven't been announced yet. It's not surprising that the Falcons were fairly quiet in free agency. What is surprising is they kept Kirk Cousins, though there are reports they are still hoping to trade him -- which won't necessarily be easy, given that Cousins has a no-trade clause.
Carolina Panthers
Current cap space: $17.6M
The three most notable moves: Extending Jaycee Horn, signing Trevon Moehrig, signing Tershawn Wharton.
Summary: The Panthers were active in free agency, which surprised me a bit considering their cap situation going into the offseason. But they found ways to create cap room, which allowed them to be active. They seem to believe that Bryce Young can be their quarterback moving forward, but a lot of their success in 2025 will depend on how Young further develops.
New Orleans Saints
Current cap space: $33.8M
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Chase Young, signing Justin Reid, re-signing Juwan Johnson.
Summary: The Saints went through another round of restructures, to include Derek Carr's contract, so he'll be the starter moving forward. They are projected to be above the cap in 2026 again, though, and they have a couple of players they may want to extend. The good news is the Saints have a good amount of cap space available, which would allow them to roll it over in 2026, as long as they don't use it all up in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current cap space: $13.4M above the cap (but see summary)
The three most notable moves: Re-signing Chris Godwin, signing Hasson Reddick, re-signing Lavonte David.
Summary: The Buccaneers brought back a number of free agents and only added a couple from other teams. As with the Falcons, it's possible some moves have yet to be reported that would make them cap compliant. Moving forward, the main thing for the Bucs to do is draft well and figure out which players with expiring deals are worth keeping for the long term.
Arizona Cardinals
Current cap space: $45.3M
The three most notable moves: Signing Josh Sweat, re-signing Baron Browning, signing Jacoby Brissett.
Summary: The Cardinals took just one big swing in free agency with the signing of Sweat. Otherwise, they were focused on keeping their own via low-cost contracts. The question for the Cardinals is whether or not they can get back to the playoffs this season. The current regime enters its third season and there may be some expectation that the team can take the next step.
Los Angeles Rams
Current cap space: $21.2M
The three most notable moves: Signing Davante Adams, re-signing Alaric Jackson, signing Poona Ford.
Summary: The Rams kept Matthew Stafford and appear to be a team that isn't going to change course that much so long as he wants to keep playing. They will probably be a favorite to win the division again, given that they were able to replace the players they lost in free agency or chose to cut.
San Francisco 49ers
Current cap space: $42M
The three most notable moves: Signing Luke Farrell, signing Demarcus Robinson, signing Mac Jones.
Summary: The Niners made more headlines for the players they lost rather than the players they gained. The team's approach shows they are reassessing their position. They do have to consider an extension for Brock Purdy, but I don't believe all the players they traded away or allowed to leave were simply about freeing resources for a new deal for Purdy. After things didn't go as planned in 2024, the Niners acted more like a team doing a soft rebuild.
Seattle Seahawks
Current cap space: $64M
The three most notable moves: Signing Sam Darnold, signing Demarcus Lawrence, signing Cooper Kupp.
Summary: What appeared at first to be a rebuilding year instead proved to be the Seahawks shifting direction. They got Darnold signed to a deal that's similar to Baker Mayfield and allows them to get out of the deal after one season. They are in a good position in the NFL draft with 10 total picks, so they can replenish the roster without much trouble. It's worth asking if the Seahawks may still have their eyes on the QB prospects expected to be available in 2026.