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NFL free agency grades 2025: Live analysis of every key free agent signing and trade
13
Mar
Mar
Seattle Seahawks
Notable Transactions:
Trade: Sent WR D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Signings: QB Sam Darnold (3 years, $100.5M), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (3 years, $42M, $18M guaranteed).
Analysis: The Seahawks are undergoing a significant roster transformation. Trading Metcalf suggests a shift in offensive philosophy, particularly with the acquisition of Darnold, who is poised to take charge of the offense. Meanwhile, signing Lawrence aims to address weaknesses in their defense from the previous season.
Grade: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers
Notable Transactions:
Trade: Acquired WR D.K. Metcalf from Seattle.
Signings: LB Malik Harrison (2 years, $10M).
Analysis: Bringing in Metcalf gives the Steelers a dynamic offensive playmaker, significantly bolstering their passing game. Additionally, Harrison strengthens their linebacker unit, shoring up a key defensive position.
Grade: A
New England Patriots
Notable Transactions:
Signings: DT Milton Williams.
Analysis: The Patriots have taken a calculated approach in free agency, prioritizing strategic additions. Signing Williams reinforces their defensive line, a crucial area they needed to strengthen.
Grade: B
New York Jets
Notable Transactions:
Trade: Acquired QB Justin Fields.
Signings: CB Brandon Stephens (3 years, $36M).
Analysis: The Jets are aggressively revamping their roster. Trading for Fields signals a commitment to a fresh offensive approach, while adding Stephens helps solidify their secondary, an area that has long been a concern.
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills
Notable Transactions:
Signings: WR Josh Palmer, DE Joey Bosa (1 year, $12.6M), RB Darrynton Evans.
Analysis: The Bills have been proactive in strengthening both sides of the ball. Palmer provides valuable receiving depth, Bosa enhances their pass rush, and Evans adds versatility to the backfield.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens
Notable Transactions:
Signings: WR DeAndre Hopkins (1 year, $5M), FB Patrick Ricard (1 year, $3M), OT Ronnie Stanley (3 years, $60M).
Analysis: The Ravens have prioritized experience and reliability in free agency. Hopkins brings a dependable target for their quarterback, Ricard remains a versatile asset, and re-signing Stanley ensures stability on the offensive line.
Grade: A-
Kansas City Chiefs
Notable Transactions:
Signings: OT Jaylon Moore, RB Elijah Mitchell, CB Kristian Fulton.
Re-signings: OG Trey Smith (franchise tag), LB Nick Bolton, WR Marquise Brown, P Matt Araiza.
Departures: S Justin Reid (signed with the Saints), WR DeAndre Hopkins (signed with the Ravens).
Analysis: The Chiefs have focused on continuity by retaining key players while making strategic new acquisitions. However, losing Reid and Hopkins could impact their depth, though the new signings should help mitigate these losses.
Grade: B-
New York Giants
Notable Transactions:
Signings: S Jevon Holland.
Analysis: The Giants have reinforced their secondary with the addition of Holland, aiming to improve their pass defense.
Grade: B
Dallas Cowboys
Notable Transactions:
Signings: RB Javonte Williams, DL Solomon Thomas.
Analysis: The Cowboys are strengthening both their offense and defense. Williams adds explosiveness to the backfield, while Thomas bolsters the defensive line.
Grade: B+
Washington Commanders
Notable Transactions:
Trade: Acquired OT Laremy Tunsil.
Analysis: The Commanders have made a significant investment in protecting their quarterback by bringing in Tunsil, a proven talent at left tackle.
Grade: A-
Detroit Lions
Notable Transactions:
Signings: CB D.J. Reed.
Analysis: The Lions are addressing a key defensive need by adding Reed, improving their pass coverage.
Grade: B
New Orleans Saints
Notable Transactions:
Re-signings: DE Chase Young, TE Juwan Johnson.
Analysis: The Saints are focusing on continuity by retaining core players who contributed significantly last season.
Grade: B+
