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Setting the Tone: 2025 Free Agency Recap
On Monday, March 10th, 2025, the NFL legal tampering period began, allowing organizations to speak with unrestricted free agents. Afterward, on Wednesday, the official free agency period began, along with a new league year.
Many teams took this new offseason as a chance to reload and improve their rosters and playoff chances. Here are the top franchises that positioned themselves for success heading into the new season.
(Source: wavy.com Photograph by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Date: October 3rd, 2024)
1. Commanders: Big Trades, Important Signings
After a magical season led by Jayden Daniels when the Commanders reached the NFC Conference Championship game for the first time in 33 years, General Manager (GM) Adam Peters decided to capitalize on Daniels’ rookie contract.
As the 2025 NFL free agency period approached, Peters had around $80 million in cap space to work with, the third most in the league. The Commanders had clear needs with the trenches, at cornerback, and at wide receiver.
Peters struck first by dealing a 5th round pick for 49ers WR Deebo Samuel during the first week of March. Although Samuel has not had a stellar season since his historic 2021 campaign, he brings elite versatility and complements WR1 Terry McLaurin, providing Daniels with two star receiving options.
Moreover, Peters traded for superstar offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil for a haul of picks, not including a first-rounder. It was a steep price for Tunsil, but he provides elite pass-blocking protection for Jayden Daniels on his blindside, a void the Commanders tried to fill with rookie Brandon Coleman last season.
Overall, the Commanders have addressed their needs in free agency and made league-changing trades that make them Super Bowl Contenders for the 2025-2026 season.
(Source: foxnews.com Photograph by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Date: November 28th, 2023)
2. Vikings: Aggressive and Patient
The Minnesota Vikings let Sam Darnold leave to the Seattle Seahawks for $100 million after a disappointing end to the 2024-2025 season with two critical losses. The Vikings were patient and did not rush to resign Sam Darnold, instead opting for the smarter move in trusting in McCarthy and building around him while he is on his rookie contract.
The Vikings bolstered their offensive line with the signings of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, both from the Colts, who were two of the top linemen in the pool. The Vikings also improved their defensive line with the signings of Javon Hargave and Jonathan Allen.
They also resigned crucial pieces in running back Aaron Jones Sr. and cornerback Bryon Murphy Jr. All of these players will help the Vikings push for the Super Bowl as they have elite offensive weapons in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison along with elite coaching in Kevin O’Connell.
Still, the acquisitions cost the Vikings around $270 million and $102 million for this upcoming season, a significant amount of money.
Ultimately, the Commanders receive a higher ranking because they improved while minimizing risk by mostly signing one-year deals, rather than Minnesota’s heavy approach on two-year or longer contracts.
(Source: si.com Photograph by Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Date: Feburary 1st, 2025)
3. New England Patriots: New and Rejuvenated
After a horrific 2024 season, the New England Patriots fired first-year head coach Jarod Mayo and hired former Tennessee Titans head coach and player Mike Vrabel. The franchise was ready to commit with Vrabel, spending hundreds of millions during the 2025 NFL free agency period.
However, this young talent will also be assisted by veteran talent such as defensive tackle Milton Williams, who signed for $104 million, and signed cornerback Carlton Davis III on a long-term deal. Intriguingly, the Patriots did not find much help for Maye, suggesting that they are targeting offensive players in the draft such as WR/CB Travis Hunter or TE Tyler Warren.
Still, they made improvements to the offensive line and the wide receiver room by adding right tackle Morgan Moses and WR Mack Hollins.
Overall, the Patriots improved significantly, but they do not rank higher because they are still a subpar team who likely will not compete for a deep playoff run. However, these additions may have made this team the second-best in the AFC East.
(SportAI Inc TM)
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