NFL Free Agency Kicks Off: Winners and Losers of the Offseason So Far
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and with the start of free agency, teams are making their moves to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. As franchises make bold signings, key trades, and shakeups on their rosters, it’s time to reflect on who’s come out on top so far and who has some work to do. Let’s break down the winners and losers of the 2025 NFL Free Agency period.
Winners
1. Miami Dolphins – The Bold and the Beautiful
The Miami Dolphins have been aggressive in free agency, strengthening both sides of the ball. The Dolphins have been relentless in their pursuit of talent, and their efforts have already yielded results. The signing of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, paired with an offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, makes the Dolphins a dangerous contender in the AFC East. With a dynamic passing attack and a bolstered defense, Miami looks primed to challenge for the division title.
On top of that, the Dolphins added key pieces to their offensive line and deepened their secondary. This all-in approach signals that Miami is ready to contend now, not just in the future.
2. Chicago Bears – A Rebuilt Future
The Chicago Bears may have had one of the most active offseasons, using their cap space and draft assets wisely to rebuild their roster. The addition of wide receiver DJ Moore via trade was a significant move to help second-year quarterback Justin Fields develop into a more consistent passer. Pairing Moore with other promising talent gives Fields a true No. 1 target, which should help improve the Bears’ offense considerably.
Additionally, the Bears strengthened their defensive line and bolstered their secondary, shoring up weaknesses that had plagued them in recent seasons. The future is looking bright in Chicago, and their smart, well-rounded moves have the potential to pay off quickly.
3. New York Jets – Eyes on a Playoff Spot
The New York Jets have been a team on the rise, and they took significant steps this offseason to push for a playoff berth. The biggest news came when the Jets added veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While the trade for Rodgers has dominated headlines, it’s not just the quarterback position that the Jets improved.
New York made a splash by strengthening their offensive line and adding solid pieces to their defense, which already boasts one of the league’s most ferocious front sevens. With Rodgers now under center, the Jets look like a serious contender in the AFC East, capable of competing with any team in the league.
4. Kansas City Chiefs – Staying on Top
The reigning Super Bowl champions haven’t been inactive by any means, continuing to build around their core of Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs added another weapon for Mahomes in wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, bolstering their receiving corps alongside the already dangerous Travis Kelce.
Additionally, Kansas City’s defense has been a point of focus, and they’ve brought in key pieces to maintain a well-rounded team. The Chiefs’ ability to keep their roster competitive year after year is a testament to their smart, consistent approach to free agency. As long as Mahomes is leading the offense, Kansas City will remain a top contender.
Losers
1. Green Bay Packers – Transition Trouble
The Green Bay Packers are going through one of the more significant transitions in recent NFL memory. With Aaron Rodgers leaving for New York, the team is in full rebuild mode with Jordan Love now under center. While Love’s potential is intriguing, the Packers’ lack of major moves in free agency has raised concerns about whether they can adequately support their new quarterback.
Green Bay didn’t do enough to address key needs on both sides of the ball, particularly at wide receiver and on the offensive line. For a team in transition, the Packers’ somewhat passive approach to free agency could leave them struggling to contend in a competitive NFC North.
2. New England Patriots – Stagnation Strikes
While Bill Belichick is still one of the NFL’s most respected coaches, the New England Patriots have failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented in free agency. Despite having ample cap space, the Patriots haven’t been able to make the big splash signings that would put them back into championship contention.
While New England has made some low-key moves, such as adding depth to their defense and offensive line, they haven’t done enough to keep up with the firepower in the AFC. With teams like the Dolphins and Jets improving, the Patriots may find themselves falling behind in the ever-competitive AFC East.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Rebuilding from the Ground Up
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at the beginning of a rebuilding phase, and their free-agent moves have been mostly underwhelming. Despite having significant cap space, the team has largely stayed quiet, instead opting for low-risk, low-reward signings. While this approach might be prudent in the long run, it leaves Arizona with plenty of holes on the roster heading into the new season.
The loss of key players in free agency, paired with the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Kyler Murray’s health, puts the Cardinals in a tough position. If they can’t make a move soon, they risk falling further behind in a competitive NFC West.
Honorable Mentions
Los Angeles Chargers – Staying Competitive The Chargers were able to strengthen their defense in free agency, adding key pieces to their pass rush and secondary. While the offense remains stacked with talent, including quarterback Justin Herbert, Los Angeles focused on getting better on defense to make a playoff push.
Buffalo Bills – Steady as She Goes The Bills didn’t make any huge moves, but their strategy of maintaining continuity and making small upgrades has kept them in a strong position. As long as Josh Allen is under center, Buffalo will remain a playoff contender in the AFC.
As free agency rolls on and the draft approaches, there’s still plenty of time for teams to reshape their rosters. While some franchises have made significant strides toward immediate success, others are still searching for the right formula. One thing’s for certain—the NFL landscape is shifting, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the books.