NFL free agency has started to slow down since officially opening on March 12, so it's a good time to take stock of the moves.
Some teams have made splash signings, adding standouts like Sam Darnold, Davante Adams, Justin Fields, Josh Sweat and Carlton Davis III to their rosters. Other top free agents -- notably Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Stefon Diggs -- are still searching for their next team. What were the best and most puzzling moves so far in free agency? Which teams secured the top value contracts and improved the most overall? And what future move could we see from a team that took a step backward?
We asked a bunch of our NFL experts to weigh in with their picks from the past two weeks. Let's start with the teams that could've done more in free agency.
Jump to:
Best moves | Head-scratching moves
Top bargain deals | Most improved teams
Teams that took a step back
Which team has taken a step backward?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The San Francisco 49ers. With quarterback Brock Purdy set to cash in on a new deal, Kyle Shanahan's team had to move on from core players. The 49ers said goodbye to Deebo Samuel Sr., Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and more. However, the 49ers could make a trade with Philadelphia for edge rusher Bryce Huff, who had 10 sacks in 2023 for the Jets under new Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Jeremy Fowler, national NFL reporter: The Los Angeles Chargers. Free agency is hardly the only way to improve the roster, and sometimes it represents false hope. But the Chargers' roster took a hit, losing talent in Kristian Fulton, Poona Ford and Joshua Palmer, without equal replacements in return. Star receivers such as Davante Adams and DK Metcalf were open to playing for the Chargers but ultimately went elsewhere. General manager Joe Hortiz is from the Ravens, who often let key free agents walk. So, I'll trust the Chargers' process. But there's work to be done. One move the Chargers can make: offer wideout Stefon Diggs an enticing one-year deal to help Justin Herbert.
Eric Moody, fantasy football writer: The Buffalo Bills. They needed a game-changing wide receiver heading into free agency. Though Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel bring a lot to the table, it's hard to get excited about the addition of Palmer, who has never proven he can be a game changer. The Bills could also use a new starting cornerback and a 1-technique defensive tackle in 2025.
Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: The Kansas City Chiefs. I understand franchising Trey Smith and the domino effect that forced the trade of Joe Thuney, but Thuney is still a really hard player to replace. Justin Reid is another real loss in the secondary. It would be smart to draft a cornerback in the first couple of rounds who can compete with Kristian Fulton and Jaylen Watson for a starting job on the outside. This could then allow Trent McDuffie to play more in the slot again, which in turn would free Chamarri Conner to replace Reid at safety.
Ben Solak, NFL analyst: The Seattle Seahawks. They downgraded at quarterback and also shipped impactful receiver DK Metcalf. If Sam Darnold retains his level of play from Minnesota to Seattle, the dropoff from Geno Smith to him won't be too damaging -- but it's likely that Darnold won't match his 2024 output. The Seahawks have also not addressed their offensive line, electing to spend big money on aging edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off a foot injury. I don't see the vision.
Mike Tannenbaum, NFL front office insider: The Dallas Cowboys. Though some of their signings will add depth and talent to their roster (running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, in particular), they lost quality players -- Jourdan Lewis, DeMarcus Lawrence, Rico Dowdle and Zack Martin. However, the Cowboys' most fundamental mistake was not signing Micah Parsons sooner. Now that the defensive end market has been "reset" by $6 million more per year because of Myles Garrett's new contract, Dallas once again will pay a premium after waiting to commit to a star.
Seth Walder, NFL analyst: The Chiefs. They entered the offseason with the offensive line as a question, and we should feel less confident in that group now. Thuney is gone and an unproven Jaylon Moore is in at left tackle. Plus, Reid's departure will likely hurt the defense (though Fulton was added to that side of the ball). Kansas City should select another tackle fairly early in the draft. Even if Moore plays well, the rookie could replace Jawaan Taylor on the right side in 2026.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: The 49ers. I don't expect the 49ers' record to dip again after an injury-riddled 6-11 season in 2024, but this team will have a much different look. The defensive line will be largely reshaped, and the receiver room is guaranteed to look different after the trade of Deebo Samuel Sr. But this offseason did not catch San Francisco off guard: The departures, trades and releases are setting up a substantial raise for quarterback Brock Purdy and a new phase of team building.
Which is the most improved team after free agency?
Bowen: The Chicago Bears. The Bears addressed critical needs on the interior of the offensive line, trading for veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and then signing center Drew Dalman. They also added help to the defensive line, with edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and tackle Grady Jarrett. These are major moves from general manager Ryan Poles to rebuild the front for new head coach Ben Johnson.
Fowler: The Carolina Panthers. Carolina's defense was the league's thinnest last season, so the front office aggressively pursued quality starters and depth. Most teams agreed that Tre'von Moehrig played better than any other free agent safety in 2024. The Panthers secured him for three years as a dynamic player in the secondary. They missed on Milton Williams but got two interior rushers -- Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III -- for a combined $22 million per year, less than what Williams got on his own ($26 million). Couple that with some quality adds at other positions, and Carolina is much better positioned for success than it was a year ago.
Pamela Maldonado, sports betting analyst: The Bears. They seem like the obvious choice, and they're worth the hype. They've gone all-in to protect quarterback Caleb Williams with the additions of Dalman, Thuney and Jackson. That's not just improving; it's building an impenetrable fortress. On defense, grabbing Odeyingbo and Jarrett transforms Chicago's front line into a serious problem for opponents. The Bears gear in my office space may finally have some hope again.
Moody: The Minnesota Vikings. While much of the attention has been on the team losing quarterback Sam Darnold to the Seahawks, I appreciate how Minnesota has prioritized both lines in free agency. It also managed to keep cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and added Isaiah Rodgers. Minnesota has built a solid foundation to support J.J. McCarthy in his first season as the team's starting signal-caller.
Schatz: The New England Patriots. This doesn't mean they are now a good team, but the Patriots had a ton of cap space and spent the money. Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis III are the biggest additions, but linebacker Robert Spillane was on my list of underrated free agents, and stop-gap right tackle Morgan Moses at least helps stop the bleeding along the offensive line. They also added former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to replace the released David Andrews.
Solak: The Patriots. They are the most improved team, as the biggest strides in free agency are usually taken by a team looking to go from bad to league-average. By signing Harold Landry III, Williams, Davis, Spillane, Moses and Bradbury, the Patriots added a ton of veteran experience along with some upside. The roster is still a year away from competing, and big needs remain along the offensive line and in the wide receiver room -- but it is improved.
Tannenbaum: The Bears. They attacked their glaring weakness at the offensive line, which should make Williams immeasurably better. Give the Bears credit for trying to address their pass rush needs by signing Odeyingbo and Jarrett, too.
Lindsey Thiry, national NFL reporter: The Bears. Going into Ben Johnson's first year as coach, the Bears addressed the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. On offense, they rebuilt their line to allow Caleb Williams to feel more comfortable in his second season. And on the other side of the ball, Jarrett and Odeyingbo can immediately impact a new-look defense under coordinator Dennis Allen.
Walder: The Las Vegas Raiders. This is very close between a few teams, but I'll go with Vegas. It speaks to the leverage of the quarterback position, since upgrading from Aidan O'Connell to Geno Smith just makes that large of a difference. Also, the team is in better shape with Malcolm Koonce and Adam Butler coming back after both were potential departures a week ago.
Yates: The Washington Commanders. There are certain instances in which quality over quantity matters to me in free agency, and Washington would fit that criteria in this instance. Acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil solidifies a premium spot in front of Jayden Daniels, while a small-cost trade for receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. provides a boost as well. Washington should feel emboldened to make moves now following what was maybe the best rookie quarterback season ever.
What was the best bargain signing of free agency?
Bowen: The Dolphins signing wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Miami landed Westbrook-Ikhine on a two-year, $6.5 million deal, which is a bargain for a potential No. 3 receiver. With his build-up speed on the perimeter, he can be schemed at the third level. He's also a willing blocker in the run game and brings special teams upside as a gunner. In 2024 with the Titans, Westbrook-Ikhine caught nine touchdowns on just 32 receptions.
Fowler: The Jets signing center Josh Myers. This is a quality center who started all but one game for Green Bay over the past three seasons. But he didn't get big money in free agency -- he signed for one year, $2 million ($3.5 million with incentives) -- similar to Chicago's Drew Dalman and Minnesota's Ryan Kelly. So the Jets capitalized. Though New York has Joe Tippmann slated as the starter, the presence of Myers -- new Jets quarterback Justin Fields' center at Ohio State -- looms large.
Maldonado: The Chargers signing running back Najee Harris. His $5.5 million for one year is like hitting a value bet. His running style aligns with the Chargers' offensive goals -- physical, consistent and reliable. It's not flashy, but this kind of move pays off when games get gritty.
Moody: The Panthers signing running back Rico Dowdle. The Panthers needed another proven running back behind starter Chuba Hubbard, especially with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks still rehabbing from ACL surgery on the same right knee he injured in college. It was impressive for the Panthers to land Dowdle on a one-year, $3 million deal (up to $6.5 million); he shined for the Cowboys after Week 11 with 22 touches and 108.0 total yards per game.
Schatz: The Chargers signing cornerback Donte Jackson. Jackson was excellent for the Steelers in 2024. His coverage DVOA improved dramatically after adjusting it for his difficult assignments, and he finished the season at minus-23.9% (14th out of 92 qualified cornerbacks). He probably won't be that good again, but he comes at a good price (two years, $13 million) even if he's just an average starting corner. That's less annual salary than Kristian Fulton or Brandon Stephens, for example.
Solak: The Lions re-signing defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. He spent much of last season moonlighting as a defensive end when Detroit was ravaged by injuries. But when rushing from an interior alignment, Onwuzurike had a better pressure rate than Tershawn Wharton and Javon Kinlaw, who are both making triple his salary on their new deals. (Onwuzurike landed a one-year, $5.5 million deal.) Expect a "breakout" season from Onwuzurike if he plays at his natural position.
Tannenbaum: The Jets signing quarterback Justin Fields. Every season, a quarterback "breaks through," and that list has included Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith and Sam Darnold in the past few seasons. Though there are no guarantees with Fields, expect him to play well under new head coach Aaron Glenn. If he plays "B" or better football, the $20 million per year will be a bargain.
Thiry: The Colts signing quarterback Daniel Jones. The sixth overall pick in 2019, Jones arrives in Indianapolis with the expectation that he will challenge third-year pro Anthony Richardson for the starting role. Coming out of Minnesota, where he spent part of last season on the practice squad after his release from the Giants, coaches and teammates said Jones impressed on and off the field. In Indy on a one-year, $14 million deal, he could either prove himself as a starter or inspire improved play from Richardson.
Walder: The Titans signing guard Kevin Zeitler. It's understandable that NFL teams with holes at guard are hoping for a long-term solution. But is there any free agent guard who deserves our confidence more than Zeitler? He ranked sixth in pass block win rate at guard last season and 12th in 2023, and $9 million for one year is a good deal.
Yates: The Ravens re-signing offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. He was the top tackle available in what was an average free agent class before an average draft class at the position. Baltimore retaining him on any reasonable terms was a major coup but doing so at $20 million annually is a substantial win. Stanley was healthy and terrific last season, maintaining the chance to be a career-long Raven with his new deal.
What was the biggest head-scratcher signing of free agency?
Bowen: The Jaguars signing safety Eric Murray. He can play in split-field coverages, and Murray has the demeanor to operate near the line of scrimmage. Plus, he can contribute to all four core special teams units. But with only three interceptions in 124 career games, the Jags overpaid for the 31-year-old on a three-year, $22.5 million deal.
Fowler: The Jaguars signing center Robert Hainsey. No other team was paying him $21 million over three years -- he wasn't a starter last season. He has familiarity with coach Liam Coen from Tampa Bay, and you want to see quality veterans get paid. But the Jaguars probably could have gotten him for less.
Maldonado: The Titans signing offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. Giving him a four-year, $82 million contract feels like a massive gamble. Moore is now among the league's top-paid tackles despite his consistent struggles in pass protection. By committing substantial cap space on potential rather than proven performance, Tennessee risks limiting its ability to address other roster needs. If Moore doesn't dramatically improve, the Titans will be dealing with the costly consequences of this deal for years.
Moody: The Commanders signing defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. The three-year, $45 million contract was surprising, considering the depth of the 2025 draft class at defensive line. The $30 million in guaranteed money is also concerning because of Kinlaw's health and statistical production. He has played in just 58 games since being drafted in 2020, with only 9.5 sacks and 74 pressures.
Schatz: The Jets signing cornerback Brandon Stephens. Stephens -- who got a three-year, $36 million deal -- was the clear weakness in Baltimore's secondary last season. Yes, cornerback stats are inconsistent from year to year, but he ranked 81st out of 92 qualifying cornerbacks in my coverage DVOA metric in 2024.
Solak: The Commanders signing Kinlaw. It is a big overpay, though it's not surprising why it happened. Commanders general manager Adam Peters drafted Kinlaw with the 49ers, and he remains one of the most physically impressive defensive tackles. Dan Quinn's defense is a good fit for his skill set, too -- simple, upfield responsibilities. But $15 million per year is a huge number for a player who hasn't strung together consistent, starting-caliber play.
Tannenbaum: The events in Pittsburgh. The DK Metcalf trade and extension is understandable, especially in light of George Pickens going into the final year of his contract. But Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are the only quarterbacks on the Steelers' 2025 roster at the moment. Until that position is settled, everything else is irrelevant.
Thiry: The Jaguars signing Murray. The Jags needed to upgrade their defense, especially at secondary after ranking among the league's worst against the pass in 2024. However, this three-year, $22.5 million price tag seems steep given Murray's lack of production. Perhaps first-year general manager James Gladstone and Coen value Murray's intangibles and versatility more than his ability to make plays on the ball.
Walder: I will give two here because there have been so many: the Bears signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a deal with $28.5 million fully guaranteed, and the Chiefs signing offensive tackle Jaylon Moore for two years, $30 million. Jarrett's numbers have been declining for years, bottoming out at a 9% pass rush win rate last season (though he was coming off an ACL tear). As for Moore, there are spots in roster-building where taking risks makes sense. Patrick Mahomes' left tackle is not one of them. Moore is somewhat of an unknown, but what we do know isn't pretty. His 83% career pass block win rate would have ranked 63rd out of 67 tackle qualifiers last season.
Yates: The Jaguars signing Murray. He was very solid for the Texans last season and will help remake the Jaguars' secondary, but it's surprising Jacksonville filled two secondary gaps with players who will be 30 or older when the season begins (former Cowboys nickel corner Jourdan Lewis being the other). A lower-tier value like this isn't crippling, but I thought Jacksonville might lean younger under new leadership.
What was the best overall move from free agency week?
Bowen: The Rams signing wide receiver Davante Adams. He's an upgrade over Cooper Kupp on his new two-year deal, as Adams can get loose against press coverage and create separation to the ball. Opposite Puka Nacua, Adams can win one-on-one as the "X" receiver, plus he will be schemed to attack zone voids off motion and in play-action. This is a really good fit for Sean McVay's offense.
Fowler: The Bucs signing defensive end Haason Reddick. Tampa Bay got out of its draft-and-develop comfort zone and invested $14 million in a one-year deal with Reddick, who had four consecutive double-digit-sack seasons before last year's holdout sabotaged his 2024 campaign with the Jets. With a full offseason, he should get back on track. And the Bucs know they are at their best with an elite pass rush, as they proved during their 2020 Super Bowl run.
Maldonado: The Vikings signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Minnesota's defense desperately needed disruption and toughness, especially against the run. Landing Allen at three years, $60 million instantly fixes that. He can stop plays cold and send quarterbacks scrambling. It's a move that reshapes the Vikings' defensive identity and significantly elevates their competitiveness in the NFC North.
Moody: The Chargers signing running back Najee Harris. The union of Harris and offensive coordinator Greg Roman bodes well for his 2025 season outlook, regardless of whether Los Angeles adds a running back in the draft. Harris -- who signed for one year and up to $9.25 million -- has had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and more touches than any player in the league since his rookie year in 2021. He's a great fit behind an offensive line the Chargers have heavily invested in.
Schatz: The Bills signing edge rusher Joey Bosa. Buffalo signed Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract, which is a swing for the fences on a player who constantly battles injuries. But big swings are necessary for a team that is on the edge of winning a Super Bowl. The Bills wanted to load up on the pass rush so they can take down Patrick Mahomes, and if this move works out, it will be a big step toward doing that. If it doesn't work out, they're out of it in a year.
Solak: The Ravens re-signing offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. Right before free agency, Baltimore kept one of the best possible free agents in the building when it re-signed Stanley to a three-year, $60 million extension -- far less than he would have made on the open market. The Ravens remain in a competing window given the MVP-caliber play of quarterback Lamar Jackson and could not let a franchise left tackle leave without a succession plan in place.
Tannenbaum: The Patriots signing defensive tackle Milton Williams. While $26 million per year for Williams is extremely high, it's rare to get someone so young (26 next month) with outstanding interior pass rush ability. His production has been modest (11.5 sacks in 67 games), but look for his game to reach the next level in Mike Vrabel's system with the Patriots. He will become a frontline staple for years to come.
Thiry: The Rams signing Adams. After retaining Matthew Stafford with a reworked contract, the addition of Adams provides Stafford a 1-2 punch along with Nacua. For a team that missed the NFC Championship Game by a mere play last season, the addition of Adams should be enough to help bring another deep playoff run.
Walder: The Lions signing cornerback D.J. Reed. He has been consistently good at a volatile position, allowing less than 1.1 yards per coverage snap (the average for an outside corner) in four consecutive seasons, per NFL Next Gen Stats. I also think he was the best corner in this free agency class, making him an upgrade over Carlton Davis III. The Patriots are now paying Davis $20 million per year, while the Lions are paying Reed only $16 million. So not only did the Lions get a great player to fill a crucial need, but they did it for a good value.
Yates: The Raiders trading for quarterback Geno Smith. This happened a few days before free agency kicked off, but I really like this move. For a team searching for quarterback certainty, there may not have been a better available option than Smith. The Raiders still have plenty of work to do to compete in the AFC West, but securing a starter at the most important position for just a third-round pick was too good to pass up. Familiarity with coach Pete Carroll only emboldens my confidence in this acquisition.