The Best and Worst Moves From the 2025 NFL Offseason
This offseason turned into a constant shuffle of talent and strategy. Teams traded proven stars and made draft choices that sparked debate in every front office. However, there were a few decisions that might completely reshape how certain franchises play in 2025.
Here’s how the 20 most significant shifts stack up.
Seahawks Bring In Cooper Kupp – Grade: C-
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Seattle’s three‑year, $45 million deal for Cooper Kupp relies on memories of his peak seasons. But at 32, with 18 missed games in three years, his durability is a concern. Expecting him to match DK Metcalf’s production feels overly ambitious and leaves this as more of a sentimental swing.
Giants Trade Up for Jackson Dart – Grade: C+
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The Giants packaged multiple picks to snag Jackson Dart, even though Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are already in place. Dart’s arm talent intrigues scouts, but he hasn’t seen NFL speed. Sacrificing picks for a potential future starter could backfire if he spends the year on the sidelines.
Patriots Invest in Milton Williams – Grade: B-
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Milton Williams turned flashes of brilliance into a four‑year, $104 million deal in New England. He’s shown dominance in stretches, including Super Bowl LIX, but consistency hasn’t followed. The Patriots’ defense is still being rebuilt, so tying up that kind of money in potential rather than proven output is risky.
Cardinals Sign Josh Sweat – Grade: B
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Josh Sweat arrives in Arizona on a four‑year, $76.4 million deal after steady production in Philadelphia. The Cardinals desperately needed a premier edge rusher, but they paid premium dollars for a player who’s good rather than transformative. If his output stalls at mid‑tier numbers, this contract could age poorly.
Bills Add Joey Bosa – Grade: B
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Buffalo’s front office took a swing by signing Joey Bosa to a one‑year, $12.6 million deal. Injuries have limited him in recent years, but the upside is enormous if he stays healthy. For a defense seeking pressure, this is a calculated shot worth taking despite the inherent uncertainty.
Seahawks Swap Geno Smith for Sam Darnold – Grade: B
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Seattle traded Geno Smith for a third‑round pick and gave Sam Darnold a three‑year, $100.5 million contract. Darnold showed competence in Minnesota, but his career remains uneven. The Seahawks clearly believe their system can pull consistency out of him, though that remains more hope than guarantee.
Cowboys Acquire George Pickens – Grade: B+
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Dallas filled a need by trading mid‑round picks for George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Pickens’ career has been streaky, but his upside alongside CeeDee Lamb is intriguing. The cost wasn’t overwhelming, either.
Patriots Sign Stefon Diggs – Grade: B+
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A three‑year, $63.5 million deal brought Stefon Diggs to Foxborough. He’s 31 and returning from a torn ACL, which adds risk, but he also brings route savvy and production that the Patriots have lacked. If Diggs regains his prior form, this move could stabilize a young offense quickly.
Commanders Acquire Laremy Tunsil – Grade: A-
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Washington gave up multiple picks to land Laremy Tunsil, widely regarded as one of the league’s best tackles. Protecting Jaden Daniels became a clear priority after a playoff run with a shaky line. If Tunsil remains healthy, that price will feel like a bargain for a position of need.
Jets Sign Justin Fields – Grade: A-
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With Aaron Rodgers out, New York turned to Justin Fields on a two‑year, $40 million deal. Fields’ mix of speed and arm strength provides a new spark for an offense craving identity. It’s a reasonable commitment to a player whose growth trajectory is still being written.
Vikings Sign Ryan Kelly and Will Fries – Grade: A-
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Minnesota aggressively addressed protection issues by signing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Kelly’s veteran leadership and Fries’ five‑year commitment anchor a revamped interior. Combined with existing bookends, this line could set the tone for both the run game and pass protection. It’s a foundational upgrade that made sense.
Packers Sign Aaron Banks – Grade: A-
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Green Bay’s four‑year, $77 million signing of Aaron Banks shows rare free‑agent boldness. Banks surrendered just one sack last season and thrives in run blocking. Pairing him with Josh Jacobs creates an identity up front.
Titans Draft Cam Ward First Overall – Grade: A
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Tennessee selected Cam Ward as the first overall pick to capitalize on his dual‑threat talent and reshape their offense. His skill set mirrors the quarterbacks currently redefining NFL playbooks. Patience will be required as he develops, but the upside justifies the bold choice for a franchise in need of direction.
Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers – Grade: A
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Pittsburgh’s bet on Aaron Rodgers is about steadying the quarterback position rather than chasing fireworks. His numbers with the Jets last year show he still reads the field well and avoids major mistakes.
Steelers Trade for DK Metcalf – Grade: A
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Before bringing in Rodgers, Pittsburgh traded for DK Metcalf and extended him for four years. His physicality and deep‑ball skills add a new dimension to their passing game. Lining him up with a quarterback known for taking calculated shots could elevate the offense beyond its recent limits.
Jaguars Trade Up for Travis Hunter – Grade: A
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Jacksonville paid a premium, but Travis Hunter’s rare versatility could reshape both offense and defense. He draws attention away from Trevor Lawrence and creates mismatches wherever he is lined up. Sacrificing future picks stings, yet Hunter’s ceiling is so high that this bold move feels warranted.
Lions Sign D.J. Reed – Grade: A
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Detroit addressed a glaring hole by signing D.J. Reed, a corner known for disciplined coverage. He hasn’t allowed a passer rating over 90 since 2019, which is exactly the kind of reliability their secondary needed. With Carlton Davis gone, Reed steps in as a steadying force for a defense aiming higher.
Commanders Trade for Deebo Samuel – Grade: A+
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Washington swung a clever deal for Deebo Samuel by giving their offense another versatile threat alongside Terry McLaurin. Samuel still forces defenses to account for him in multiple ways, and the draft capital involved was surprisingly light.
Rams Sign Davante Adams – Grade: A+
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The Rams replaced Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams on a two‑year, $44 million contract. Adams remains a high‑end producer who averages over 1,300 yards when healthy. His consistency when healthy remains rare, and his fit in Los Angeles’ system is clear. The terms and timing of this signing make it a standout decision.
Bears Overhaul the Offense – Grade: A+
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The Bears went all-in to build around Caleb Williams. They brought in top linemen like Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson to protect him and drafted playmakers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III to give him weapons. Combined with Ben Johnson’s arrival as head coach, these moves signal intent to compete immediately.