Free agency in 2025 features a deep pool of impact players available. For example, lists such as the Top 100 free agents show names like Asante Samuel Jr., Christian Wilkins, Diontae Johnson and more.
At the same time, many teams have already locked up major free agents, re-signed key players, or structured extensions.
This article goes team-by-team (by division) to outline what each franchise is doing in the free agency window: who’s left, who’s coming in, what gaps remain.
team breakdown of every
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
- Notable free-agent losses: The Bills have several players coming off expired contracts (see roster-update trackers).
- Major signings in: The Bills did bring in some help early in free agency.
- Needs and outlook: Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl-run, so their free-agent strategy leans toward upgrading their secondary and rotational pass rush especially given the depth of talent on the market this year (cornerbacks and edge rushers are plentiful).
- Key names to watch: For example, free-agent cornerbacks such as Rasul Douglas (listed No. 1 available by ESPN) could fit their mold.
Miami Dolphins
- Signings: Miami locked down players such as OL James Daniels (3 years, ~$24 M) and added other depth pieces.
- Departures: They’ll have some vet players hitting the market; balancing cap space with extensions is part of their strategy.
- Strategic focus: The Dolphins need to protect their QB and shore up the defence, particularly in the trenches and at safety. With so many impactful free agents this season, they’ll want to strike early.
New England Patriots
- Big signings: The Patriots made splash moves in free agency. They signed DT Milton Williams (4 years, ~$104 M) and CB Carlton Davis (3 years, ~$54-60 M).
- Departures/gaps: They had several notable departures via free agency and need to continue adding to their pass rush and secondary.
- Outlook: New England appears to be in a re-tooling phase investing heavily in defence via free agency. Their offensive build may need internal growth.
New York Jets
- Free-agent activity: The Jets signed QB Justin Fields (2 years, ~$40 M) among other pieces.
- Needs: With a young QB at the helm (Fields) they’ll prioritise offensive line upgrades, receiving corps, and defensive reinforcement.
- Free-agent market: The Jets have cap flexibility and may look to add one or two impact free agents rather than large scale signings.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
- Free-agent losses: The Ravens saw a number of vets hit market. Examples include WR Deonte Harty, OT Ben Cleveland, FB Patrick Ricard, among others.
- Signings: Not as many headline free-agent acquisitions announced yet in public tracker lists.
- Needs: Baltimore needs to maintain its run-heavy identity, but also invest in pass defence and perhaps add more explosive offensive weapons.
- Cap strategy: They have historically managed cap well; this year will test whether they leverage free agency or rely on drafting and cost-controlled players.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Activity: The Bengals will enter free agency looking to protect their young core (QB, WRs) and perhaps upgrade their defensive depth.
- Free-agent market: With lots of pass-rushers and edge guys available, they may make a move here.
- Risk: They must balance re-signing their own players vs chasing external free agents.
Cleveland Browns
team breakdown of every
- Free-agent decisions: The Browns decided not to tender DE James Houston, making him a free agent.
- Signings: They re-signed several players and picked up new ones via free agency.
- Needs: Cleveland must shore up offensive line, pass rush, and secondary. They have a solid foundation, but must make moves to remain competitive in AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Free-agent situation: The Steelers will have multiple players hitting free agency. They may lean toward re-signing key contributors rather than large external signings given their typical model.
- Needs: With ageing stars in some spots, Pittsburgh must plan for succession especially on defence.
- Free-agent strategy: Historically conservative; this year may see more modest moves rather than big blockbuster signings.
AFC South
Houston Texans
- Free-agent signings: The Texans were active they signed CB Tremon Smith (2 years, $7 M), LB Nick Niemann (2 yrs, $6.5 M), DT Sheldon Rankins (1 yr, $7 M), among others.
- Free-agent losses: They have other players set to hit market and some key roles to fill.
- Needs: As a young team, Houston needs veteran leadership, especially on defence, and perhaps to add offensive weapons to accelerate their rebuild.
Indianapolis Colts
- Signings: Colts added S Camryn Bynum (4 years, ~$60 M) and CB Charvarius Ward (3 years, ~$60 M).
- Strategy: They’re going big on secondary improvement, which suggests they’re serious about defence.
- Needs: With the offensive side still in flux, the Colts must supplement their receiving corps and protect their QB.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signings: Jaguars brought in OL Patrick Mekari (3 years, $37.5 M), CB Jourdan Lewis (3 years, $30 M), S Eric Murray (3 years, $22.5 M).
- Free-agent losses: Some players departed; Jax must keep contending in a competitive division.
- Needs: Maintaining momentum means adding defensive depth and ensuring offensive consistency.
Tennessee Titans
- Free-agent market: The Titans didn’t make as many headlines in the early wave; they may focus on internal re-signings and strategic niche signings.
- Needs: Tennessee’s run-first identity means trenches matter; adding pass-rush and offensive line will be priorities.
- Approach: Likely a balanced approach not chasing marquee names but supplementing intelligently.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
- Free-agent signings: Denver re-signed DT D.J. Jones (3 years, $39 M) and T Matt Peart (2 years, $7 M).
- Free-agent losses: Some gaps emerged in RB and QB areas (e.g., Javonte Williams signed elsewhere).
- Needs: Denver has to get their quarterback position locked down, and build an offensive scheme around it. Defence upgrades continue to be important.
- Strategy: Destination for free-agent big signings? Possibly, but they appear to balance internal and external moves.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Free-agent activity: The Chiefs retained many key players (e.g., Nick Bolton) and added CB Kristian Fulton (2 yrs, $15 M), OT Jaylon Moore (2 yrs, $30 M).
- Needs: With continual contention, KC focuses on ensuring depth and maintaining championship-level personnel rather than major overhauls.
- Approach: Smart, high-efficiency signings rather than massive splash free agent moves.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Free-agent signings: The Raiders signed S Jeremy Chinn (2 yrs, $16 M) and OG Alex Cappa (2 yrs, $11 M).
- Free-agent losses: They have to replace or supplement parts around their core.
- Needs: Las Vegas needs to add a pass-rush upgrade, better defensive back depth, and more consistent offensive production. Free agency will play a big role.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Free-agent signings: The Chargers picked up OL Mekhi Becton (2 yrs, $20 M) and CB Donte Jackson (2 yrs, $13 M).
- Free-agent losses: Some major names in the secondary and pass-rush came off the market.
- Needs: With a young QB and rising offence, LA needs to continue adding around the edges of their roster—especially in the trenches and at defensive back.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
- Free-agent activity: Dallas traded for CB Kaiir Elam and LB Kenneth Murray (per tracker).
- Free-agent signings: They continued to invest in their core.
- Needs: To stay at the top, Dallas must improve their pass-rush and secondary depth key areas in the 2025 free-agent pool.
- Strategy: Win-now mode; likely to spend aggressively if the right player becomes available.
New York Giants
- Free-agent signings: The Giants signed CB Paulson Adebo (3 yrs, $54 M) and S Jevon Holland (3 yrs, $45 M).
- Free-agent losses: They had to let go several players to make room.
- Needs: Big-time upgrades at edge rusher and offensive line if they want to move toward competitiveness.
- Approach: Quite active in free agency; expecting continued movement.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Free-agent market: The Eagles continue maintaining their championship-level roster; they will pick and choose free agents rather than overhaul.
- Needs: While they are deep, replacing the inevitable loss of veterans will be important.
- Strategy: fewer big names, more value plays especially in free agency.
Washington Commanders
- Free-agent situation: Washington has several players hitting the market; a key focus will be on stabilising the QB position and improving defence.
- Needs: Offensive line, pass-rush, secondary all are on the agenda.
- Strategy: Potentially aggressive if the right target is available.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
- Free-agent strategy: Bears are in rebuild mode, using free agency to add young talent and affordable contracts.
- Free-agent market: Many mid-tier free agents may appeal to them.
- Needs: QB long-term solution, offensive line, pass-rush free agency alone won’t solve everything, but they’ll participate actively.
Detroit Lions
- Free-agent signings: Detroit retained LB Derrick Barnes (3 yrs, $25.5 M), DT Levi Onwuzurike (1 yr, $5.5 M).
- Free-agent losses: Some depth players have moved on.
- Needs: The Lions have offensive momentum but must sustain it with defensive improvements.
- Approach: Balanced keep the core, add strategic free-agent pieces.
Green Bay Packers
- Free-agent signings: The Packers signed OG Aaron Banks (4 yrs, $77 M) and CB Nate Hobbs (4 yrs, $48 M).
- Free-agent losses: They may lose other contributors.
- Needs: With a young QB, Green Bay must protect their offensive investment and add defensive playmakers.
- Strategy: Mix of high investment in key positions and internal development.
Minnesota Vikings
- Free-agent signings: Vikings brought in OG Will Fries (5 yrs, $88 M), DT Jonathan Allen (3 yrs, $60 M), DT Javon Hargrave (2 yrs, $30 M), CB Isaiah Rodgers (2 yrs, $15 M).
- Significant investment: Especially on the defensive front.
- Needs: While defence is being upgraded, the Vikings must ensure offensive continuity and perhaps add weapons around their QB.
- Approach: They’re spending big expecting to contend soon.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
- Free-agent landscape: The Falcons have several players hitting free agency and are rebuilding.
- Needs: Offensive line, pass-rush, primary receiver. Free agency gives them an opportunity to pick up value pieces.
- Strategy: Opportunistic less likely to throw big money at ageing stars, more likely value contracts.
Carolina Panthers
- Free-agent strategy: Panthers are in a transitional phase; free agency is about building for the future.
- Needs: QB clarity, offensive line, defensive upgrades.
- Approach: Probably stay modest in free-agency spend, focusing on younger players.
New Orleans Saints
- Free-agent losses: The Saints lost CB Paulson Adebo, S Ugo Amadi, ILB Willie Gay Jr., among others.
- Free-agent signings: They signed S Justin Reid (3 yrs, $37.5 M) and WR Brandin Cooks (2 yrs, $13 M).
- Needs: New Orleans must replace older contributors on defence and maintain offensive firepower.
- Strategy: Smart spending adding proven vets rather than reaching for unknowns.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Free-agent retention: Bucs kept WR Chris Godwin (3 yrs, $66 M) and other key players.
- Free-agent additions: Some depth pieces made; main roster remains stable.
- Needs: Transitioning from veteran-heavy roster; finding younger contributors and continuing cap flexibility.
- Approach: Balanced re-sign core, add selective free agents.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
- Free-agent signings: While early moves for the Cardinals are fewer in trackers, they’ll likely lean on free agency to revamp their roster.
- Needs: Quarterback future, offensive line, pass-rush.
- Strategy: Rebuild mode; free agency plus draft will be critical.
Los Angeles Rams
- Free-agent signings: The Rams signed WR Davante Adams (2 yrs, $46 M), DT Poona Ford (3 yrs, ~$29.6 M).
- Free-agent outlook: They’re going for high-impact players to accelerate their window.
- Needs: Given significant investment, the Rams must maximise return; they may need to upgrade defence further.
- Strategy: Aggressive making big splashes in free agency.
San Francisco 49ers
- Free-agent activity: Some incremental signings; full list less visible but they have retained core.
- Needs: After being near the top, the Niners must replenish depth and maintain elite-level personnel.
- Strategy: Modest, refined free-agent signings rather than major overhaul.
Seattle Seahawks
- Free-agent losses: Seahawks lost TE Pharaoh Brown, CB Tre Brown, CB Artie Burns, among others.
- Free-agent signings: QB Sam Darnold (3 yrs, ~$100.5 M) and WR Cooper Kupp (3 yrs, $45 M) were part of the major moves.
- Needs: Offensive line and pass-rush.
- Strategy: Repositioning key signings made, now building around them.
Major Themes & Trends
- Defensive backs and pass rushers dominate the free-agent market. Rankings show many top free agents being CBs, safeties, edge rushers.
- Teams in contention vs rebuilders approach differently. Contenders (KC, BUF, PHI) aim for key upgrades; rebuilders (CAR, ARI) look for value and young talent.
- Cap space and flexibility matter. With big contracts like Milton Williams’ $104 M deal in New England, teams must plan carefully.
- Free agency cannot do it all. Drafting and developing players remain crucial. Depth beyond marquee signings often decides outcomes.
- Timing is strategic. Some teams sign early (to lock in targets), others wait to react later once market clarity emerges (e.g., some interior linemen still available late).
Final Thoughts
team breakdown of every
The 2025 free-agent window is one of opportunity and challenge. For teams that execute well, adding the right veteran(s) can tip the balance. For others, overpaying or mis-allocating resources can hamper longer-term flexibility.
- Teams on the rise (e.g., Minnesota, New England, Los Angeles Rams) appear to be spending to leap upward.
- Teams in transition/rebuild will need to balance free-agent signings with smart drafting and cap control.
- Across the league, the key questions for each franchise become: Which free agents fit our scheme? What age/contract risk are we willing to take?
- Ultimately, free agency is one piece of the puzzle performance on the field, injuries, coaching, and draft picks will determine success.
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