The 2025 NFL free agency period has been filled with exciting events and major moves for each team. As teams look to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season, high-profile signings, surprising trades and key contract extensions have been in the limelight and have reshaped the leagues’ landscape.
NFL free agency is the period when players who are not under contract with any team can sign with a new team. It allows teams to acquire talent outside of the draft or trades.
Some notable signings include Stefon Diggs joining the Patriots, Devin White heading to the Raiders and Jameis Winston signing with the Giants.
Meanwhile, star player Aaron Rodgers visited with the Steelers and sparked speculation about his next destination. With teams aggressively pursuing top talent, this off-season is proving to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
“I don’t think he’ll sign with the Steelers,” said Andrew Young, a junior accounting major. “I honestly think he’s just going to retire. He’s like 42, and football is an extremely demanding sport, especially as you get older.”
Including Rodgers, several other notable NFL free agents remain unsigned. Wide Receiver Amari Cooper is being watched by several teams who lack consistency in their offensive game. Teams like the Chicago Bears or Baltimore Ravens could benefit substantially from the addition of Cooper on their O-line.
Additionally, the Indianapolis Colts or New Orleans Saints, both seeking to bolster their receiving game, might pursue free agent Keenan Allen or Cooper.
Within free agency and the upcoming draft, the pool of talented quarterbacks remains rather barren, so teams will need to ignore their most important position and build their team based on the impact of supporting roles.
Despite the shortcomings in the free agency pool, many previously mentioned notable signings have been underway in the past few weeks.
The Patriots have secured veteran wide receiver Diggs on a three-year, $69 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed. Diggs is a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection and is expected to enhance New England’s receiving.
The Patriots have struggled offensively since the retirement of star quarterback Tom Brady, but adding a star receiver like Diggs gives them a true No. 1 target. This could make them serious playoff contenders again, especially if their young quarterback takes a step forward. With Diggs, the Patriots’ offense becomes much more dangerous in the competitive AFC East, challenging the Bills, Dolphins and Jets.
On the other side of the country, linebacker White has signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafted fifth overall in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he is anticipated to compete for a starting role in Las Vegas.
The Raiders have quietly improved with the additions of White at linebacker and Geno Smith at quarterback. White brings speed and leadership to the defense, while Smith provides stability to the offense. Should Smith demonstrate consistent QB play, the Raiders could challenge the Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West.
“The Patriots just got a total game-changer in Stefon Diggs,” said Jackson Harrison, a junior marketing major. “He’s going to bring the explosiveness they’ve been missing. And Devin White to the Raiders? That defense just got a whole lot scarier. Both of these guys are going to make an immediate impact.”
While many big names have already signed into teams, others remain unsigned, with the addition of these players contributing to a change in the balance of power among NFL teams.
The Bears are making strong moves to protect their quarterback, signing Joe Thuney to solidify the offensive line. If they also draft a franchise quarterback, they could become a serious force in the NFC North, especially with Green Bay and Minnesota in eras of rebuilding.
The NFC East remains unpredictable, but teams like the Eagles and Cowboys could still make big moves. The Eagles have been linked to potentially sign cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., while the Cowboys may need to address their offensive line after losing Tyron Smith.
Teams like the Patriots, Raiders and Bears have made the biggest improvements in the signing season, while the Bills and Cowboys must make additional moves in order to stay competitive.