The NFL’s annual free agency and trade bonanza is here for 2025 with the open negotiations (aka “legal tampering” period) starting on Monday, March 10, and the new league year going into effect on Wednesday, March 12.
Like every year, several potential free agents are staying off the market, either re-signed or franchise-tagged by their teams, but many others are set to change clubs by either agreeing to terms with another team or being traded.
Sporting News will once again provide the latest analysis of the most significant moves around the NFL. Keep track of all the key signings and trades during 2025 NFL free-agency below:
NFL FREE AGENCY 2025: Live tracker | Winners and losers | Best still available
NFL free agency grades 2025: The latest key signings and trades
BEST FREE AGENTS AVAILABLE: QBs | RBs | WRs | Defense
Grading 75 overall free agent signings
Lions sign CB D.J. Reed for 3 years, $ 48M
Grade: A+ — The Lions pay a bargain price for the best corner and defensive player overall on the market to upgrade from Carlton Davis.
Colts sign CB Charvarius Ward for 3 years, $ 60M
Grade: A — The Colts had some money to spend and Ward fills their biggest need for a top-flight leader at cornerback.
Chargers re-sign EDGE Khalil Mack for 1 year, $ 18M
Grade: A — They made the right choice to keep Mack, the future Hall of Fame disruptor still playing at a high level into his 30s, over Joey Bosa.
Cardinals sign EDGE Josh Sweat for 3 years, $ 76.5M)
Grade: A — The Super Bowl pass-rushing hero ends up a sweet, predictable place with former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to shore up a big weakness.
Eagles re-sign LB Zack Baun for 3 years, $ 51M with $ 34M guaranteed
Grade: A — Philadelphia keeps its breakout defensive star with a considerable raise, but he was too important vs. the pass for Vic Fangio to let walk out his ideal scheme.
Patriots sign EDGE Harold Landry for 3 years, $ 43.5M
Grade: A — Landry reunites with former Titans coach Mike Vrabel to boost a totally dormant pass rush. He should stay very productive to fill a huge need.
Giants sign S Jevon Holland for 3 years, $ 45M)
Grade: A+ — This is a very good value for New York who has missed a different type of safety, Xavier McKinney. Holland is a big upgrade for upfield play at the position vs. run and pass.
Buccaneers re-sign WR Chris Godwin for 3 years, $ 66M
Grade A- — Tampa Bay got Godwin at a decent price even thought it might have been the right time to move on in their latest new passing game. He keeps the passing game rolling with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillman for Baker Mayfield.
Vikings sign G Will Fries for 5 years, $ 88M
Grade; A — Fries was one of the most underrated players available and adds to Minnesota working well on its.interior run blocking.
Titans sign G Kevin Zeitler for 1 year, $ 9M
Grade: A — Zeitler is an elite journeyman blocker who keeps getting the job done on any team and Tennessee gets a good value in the former Lion.
Ravens re-sign OT Ronnie Stanley for 3 years, $ 60M
Grade: A — The Ravens kept their left tackle intact after a strong, healthy season in front of Lamar Jackson for a very nice price.
Patriots sign CB Carlton Davis for 3 years, $ 60M, $ 34.5M guaranteed
Grade: A — The former Buccaneer and Lion big corner is a good get for a rebuilding secondary under Mike Vrabel.
Broncos sign LB Dre Greenlaw for 3 years, $ 35M
Grade: B+ — Greenlaw remains a strong well-rounded playmaker and the former 49ers mainstay will help clean up a lot in Denver.
Seahawks sign QB Sam Darnold for 3 years, $ 100.5M, $ 55M guaranteed
Grade: D — This makes no sense after the team moved on from recycled veteran bridge Geno Smith only to make this expensive move for a lateral addition.
MORE: Most overpaid NFL free agents in 2025
Rams sign WR Davante Adams for 2 years, $ 46M
Grade: A+ — With Cooper Kupp on the trading block, the Rams were wise to think about former Packer, Raider and Jet Adams as the ideal complement outside for Puka Nacua all the way through his prolific red zone scoring. Matthew Stafford is also a great QB choice for Adams’ downfield skill set.
Ravens sign WR DeAndre Hopkins for 1 year, $ 5M
Grade: A —The Ravens have a knack for adding the right complmentary veteran wide receivers over the years and Hopkins is the latest good fit.
Bears sign C Drew Dalman for 3 years, $ 42M
Grade: A+ — The Bears traded for new guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and this rounds out their overhaul of the interior offensive line to much better protect Caleb Williams and upgrade the run blocking.
Vikings re-sign RB Aaron Jones for 2 years, $ 20M
Grade: A — This was a solid deal for Jones as the Vikings realized he’s the ideal veteran back to all the little and big things right in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and that type is difficult to find elsewhere.
Broncos sign S Talanoa Hufanga for 3 years
Grade: B — The Broncos address a key need with the former 49er, who can be very effective when healthy.
Raiders re-sign EDGE Malcolm Koonce for 1 year, $ 12M
Grade: A — He was good to keep to take pressure off newly raised Maxx Crosby.
Buccaneers sign EDGE Haason Reddick for 1 year, $ 14M
Grade: B — Tampa Bay paid a decent price for the one-trick pass-rush mercenary.
Commanders re-sign LB Bobby Wagner for 1 year, $ 9.5M
Grade: A — Wagner continued to play at a high level cleaning up things as a future Hall of Famer and is key locker-room leader for a young playoff team.
Cardinals re-sign EDGE Baron Browning for 2 years, $ 15M
Grade: B — Browning been rather productive as a pure pass rusher for Jonathan Gannon so keeping him around was key at a good price.
Chiefs re-sign LB Nick Bolton for 3 years, $ 45M
Grade: B — The Chiefs may be could have considered a bit of upgrade, but he’s a still a valuable anchor as a run and coverage player for them.
Rams re-sign OT Alaric Jackson for 3 years, $ 57M
Grade: B — The Rams spent some good change here to keep their rising young left tackle in pass protection for Matthew Stafford and beyond for years to come.
Dolphins sign G/C James Daniels for 3 years, $ 24M
Grade: B — The Dolphins got the former Steeler to fill a key offensive line weakness.
Jets sign QB Justin Fields for 2 years, $ 40M, $ 30M guaranteed
Grade: C — This is way too expensive for him as a bridge after teh Steelers didn’t pay him much at all to start. New York’s desperation for an Aaron Rodgers replacement showed here.
Chiefs re-sign WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown for 1 year, $ 11M
Grade: B — They kept some veteran depth and are hopefully he’ll back to full speed to stretch the field for Patrick Mahomes.
Bears sign EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo for 3 years, $ 48M
Grade: B — Chicago has money to spend and got a little too splurgy here for a pass-rush boost.
Cowboys re-sign DT Osa Odighizuwa for 4 years, $ 80M
Grade: A- — Odighizuwa was a key inside pass-rush presence for Dallas last season and will continue to have impact in the new front scheme of Matt Eberflus.
Vikings re-sign CB Byron Murphy Jr for 3 years, $ 66M
Grade: A — Murphy broke out as big-time slot for Brian Flores’ coverage scheme in Minnesota so it was worth spending up a little to keep him.
Seahawks sign WR Cooper Kupp for 3 years, $ 45M
Grade: B- — Kupp is fading fast as a key receiver so this is rather pricey for him and yet another head-scratching move by Seattle to get older in some places and younger in others.
Saints re-sign TE Juwan Johnson for 3 years
Grade: B — He is a solid traditional receiver at the position but the Saints still might go for a higher upside option in the draft.
Saints sign S Justin Reid for 3 years, $ 31.5M
Grade: B — They get the Louisiana native to come back to the Bayou to flank Tyrann Mathieu, back at the other safety on a restructured deal.
Steelers sign CB Darius Slay for 1 year, $ 10M
Grade: B — The former Eagle and Lion is fading from his Pro Bowl self but still gives them a savvy outside coverage otpion.
Giants re-sign WR Darius Slayton for 3 years, $ 36M
Grade: A — This is a reasonable price to keep a venerable part of their passing game around to complement Malik Nabers and help their new starting QB of choice.
Seahawks sign EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence for 3 years, $ 42M
Grade: C — The long-time Cowboy finally changes teams but there’s limited pass-rush pop left in him.
Cowboys sign EDGE Dante Folwer Jr. for 1 year
Grade: C — They get the situational pass rusher back after the Commanders moved on without him.
Lions re-sign DT Levi Onwuzurike for 1 year, $ 5.5M
Grade: B — The Lions keep a strong rotational player for a pretty reasonable price.
Colts sign S Camryn Bynum for 4 years, $ 60M
Grade: B — The Colts get a much-needed playmaking position filled via the rising former Vikings star.
Patriots sign DT Milton Williams for 4 years
Grade: A — The Eagles lose a key sack figure from the Super Bowl as the Patriots make a shrewd move to bolster inside.
Chargers sign RB Najee Harris for 1 year, $ 9.5M
Grade: A- — Los Angeles decides to replace JK Dobbins with the former Steeler, a power back more in line with the scheme of Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh.
Seahawks re-sign LB Ernest Jones for 3 years, $ 33M
Grade: B — Jones, the former Ram and Titan, bailed out Seattle a bit with his coverage and run-playing skills after Tyrel Dodson didn’t pan out. The ‘Hawks bring him back on a very reasonable deal.
Giants sign EDGE Chauncey Golston for 3 years, $ 19.5M
Grade: A — The Giants pilfer a good value to help their pass-rotation from a division rival
Bengals re-sign DT B.J. Hill for 3 years, $ 33M
Grade: A — Hill was a key linchpin for their defense under Lou Anarumo and can be good all-around again for the new scheme.
Vikings re-sign S Harrison Smith for 1 year, $ 10.25M
Grade: A — Smith looks like he will finish his potential Hall of Fame career in Minnesota to lead the secondary, key with Bynum leaving.
Saints re-sign EDGE Chase Young for 3 years, $ 51M
Grade: C — Young was rather pricey to retain for a middle-pack pass rusher.
Panthers sign S Tre’Von Mohrig for 3 years, $ 51M
Grade: B — The Panthers get some much needed safety help but may have overspent a little to get it.
Buccaneers re-sign LB Lavonte David for 1 year, $ 10M
Grade: A- — David keeps getting retained despite his age and losing a few steps, but he just means so much as the glue for Todd Bowles’ defense.
Seahawks re-sign DT Jarran Reed for 3 years
Grade: B — The former and current Seahawk has continue to plug, play and produce as an inside pass rusher for them no matter what the scheme.
Panthers sign DT Tershawn Wharton for 3 years
Grade: B — Carolina gets a good value on some inside pass rush help straight from Kansas City.
Commanders sign CB Jonathan Jones
Grade: B — The Commanders have sneakily upgraded some issues in the secondary and the former reliable Patriot adds to the haul.
Buccaneers re-sign Lavonte David for 1 year, $ 10M
Grade: A — The Bucs keep their long-time savvy leader for a good deal considering he keeps on producing.
Jets sign S Andre Cisco for 1 year, $ 10M
Grade: B — They are banking on the former Jaguar to have a spike in his playmaking quotient again.
Patriots sign LB Robert Spillane
Grade: B — The former Raider can be a busy active leader of the defense under Vrabel.
Vikings sign C Ryan Kelly for 2 years, $ 18M
Grade: C — This was a rather big investment for a fading older player who doesn’t provide much of an upgrade over Garrett Bradbury.
Packers sign CB Nate Hobbs for 4 years, $ 48M
Grade: A — The Packers invest well in the former Raider who can ace the slot in nickel coverage.
Grading other key free agent signings
Broncos sign TE Evan Engram for 2 years, $ 23M
Grade: B — Denver addresses a key need for a intermediate receiver at the position for Year 2 of Bo Nix.
Eagles sign RB A.J. Dillon
Grade: C — Philadelphia adds a power back to join Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley after losing Kenneth Gainwell to Pittsburgh.
Panthers sign RB Rico Dowdle for 1 year, $ 6.5M
Grade: B — They upgrade with Dowdle, the former Cowboy, over Miles Sanders, to give Chuba Hubbard better insurance given the injury state of Johnathan Brooks.
Bills sign EDGE Joey Bosa for 1 year, $ 12.6M
Grade: B — Bosa was rumored to go to the Dolphins or 49ers after being cut by the Chargers in favor of Khail Mack, but instead the Bills get him as a replacement for the released Von Miller in their end rotation. He has a good chance to get more snaps over AJ Epenesa opposite Greg Rousseau.
Colts sign QB Daniel Jones for 1 year, $ 14M
Grade: B — Indianapolis needed an athletic young passer with upside to be a contingency for Anthony Richardson and Jones makes a lot of sense as such an option for Shane Steichen.
Vikings sign DT Jonathan Allen for 3 years, $ 60M
Grade: B- — There’s no doubt Allen helps the Vikings inside for Brian Flores, but they may have overpaid a bit for the former Commander, who’s 30 and coming off a rough season. He would instantly boost the pass rush if healthy.
Chiefs sign OT Jaylon Moore for 2 years, $ 30M
Grade: B — This was an interesting splurge for a solid well-rounded player as the Cheifs plug a key hole.
Commanders re-sign Zach Ertz for 1 year, $ 6.25M
Grade: A — He was another essential veteran to Washington’s turnaround and Jayden Daniels will be happy to have his reliable target back.
Broncos re-sign D.J Jones for 3 years, $ 39M
Grade: C — Jones is a decent inside pass-rush presence but his limitations vs. the run makes this about an average move.
Titans sign OT Dan Moore Jr. for 4 years, $ 82M
Grade: C — The former average Steelers starter can continue be that kind of blocker in Nashville.
Commanders sign DT Javon Kinlaw for 3 years, $ 45M
Grade: B — The former 49er and Jet has some inside pass-rush upside in trying to replace released Jonathan Allen.
Rams re-sign QB Jimmy Garoppolo for 1 year, $ 11M
Grade: B — Los Angeles keeps its QB room intact with Matthew Stafford and his seasoned top backup.
Jaguars sign WR Dyami Brown for 1 year, $ 10M
Grade: C — Jacksonville adds some depth behind Brian Thomas Jr. after cutting Christian Kirk.
Bills sign WR Joshua Palmer for 3 years, $ 36M
Grade: B — Buffalo gets a solid route-running all-around receiver to bolster Josh Allen.
Bears sign DT Grady Jarrett for 3 years, $ 43.5M
Grade: A — Chicago gets the ideal seasoned interior player for its new DC, Dennis Allen.
Packers sign G Aaron Banks for 4 years, $ 77M
Grade: B — The former 49ers solid start plugs a key hole in the interior run blocking.
Jaguars sign G Patick Merkari for 3 years, $ 37.5M
Grade: B — Merkari has been a valuable Raven and will continue to contribute wherever needed in Jacksonville.
Dolphins sign QB Zach Wilson for 1 year, $ 6M
Grade: B — This is a pretty decent flyer for Mike McDaniel to see what Wilson can do in his system as a contingency for Tua Tagovailoa.
MORE: NFL’s best bargain contracts in 2025 free agency
Grading notable player trades
Steelers trade second-round draft pick to Seahawks for WR DK Metcalf
Grade: A — The Steelers get a much-needed second No.1-like big-play and red zone htreat to pair with George Pickens as their reboot their downfield passing offense with a new QB.
Raiders trade third-round draft pick to Seahawks for QB Geno Smith
Grade: B — The Raiders decided to reunite Smith with Pete Carroll in their ideal move for a veteran bridge QB but let’s hope they still go after a franchise passer in the draft. It’s also notable that Smith also made the most sense operating the new offense of Chip Kelly.
Commanders trade fifth-round draft pick to 49ers for WR Deebo Samuel
Grade: A — Washington gave up little to get a seasoned option to help Jayden Daniels and lift up its younger receivers. Kliff Kingsbury will scheme up Samuel well to extract what he has left at 29.
Commanders trade multiple draft picks to Texans for OT Laremy Tunsil
Grade: A+ —The Commanders score a franchise left tackle who’s only 30 for Jayden Daniels with a package of reasonable picks between this year and the next.
Bears trade fourth-round draft pick to Chiefs for G Joe Thuney
Grade: A —Thuney is past his prime and was a misfit filling in at left tackle last season, but with Kansas City needing to move him for salary purposes, the Bears get a top veteran left guard. Ben Johnson is smartly going to work to upgrade the overall blocking in front of Caleb Williams.
Bears trade sixth-round draft pick to Rams for G Jonah Jackson
Grade: A- — The Bears took care of both starting guards by landing Jackson, a former top Lions starter under Johnson, for the right side. They will keep thinking about that offensive line overhaul at tackle and center in free agency and the draft.
Texans trade seventh-round draft pick to Jaguars for WR Christian Kirk
Grade: C — This rare intradivision deal doesn’t inspire much, as the Texans add the oft-injured Kirk, coming off a broken collarbone, for depth purposes with Tank Dell’s slow knee injury recovery and free agent Stefon Diggs set to walk following his torn ACL. Houston didn’t give up much, but it also didn’t get much for its passing offense.
Saints trade seventh-round draft pick to Patriots for DT Davon Godchaux
Grade: C — Godchaux gives New Orleans some average rotational depth at best.
Browns trade QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and fifth-round draft pick to Eagles for QB Kenny Pickett
Grade: B — Pickett is a better fit for the Browns’ offense and gives them a reclamation flyer to explore as they collect some young QB options to help move on from Deshaun Watson.
Eagles trade S C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans for G Kenyon Green
Grade: B — Gardner Johnson is on the move again from Philadelphia with some options at safety while the team gets a contingency for Mekhi Becton. CJGJ fills a good back-end hole in DeMeco Ryans’ defense, making it an even above-average deal.
Franchise-tagged players
The Chiefs wisely chose to keep Smith, only 25, as the co-anchor of their interior offensive line with Creed Humphrey over Thuney, who just turned 32. He would have had plenty of outside interest on the market and he signed not long after to lock in for 2025.
There’s a chance the Bengals can still trade Higgins after tagging him, but it’s more likely they will sort out a long-term deal for him while also extending top wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase this offseason.
