All 32 NFL (National Football League) teams have made significant moves in the free agent market. The deal details for each team shines a light on the strategies being employed for the upcoming season.
The New England Patriots, for instance, have made their biggest spending spree in club history, with more than a dozen players added or brought back. Notably, they signed tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry to contracts totaling $56 million. In contrast, the Green Bay Packers have notably been quiet in the free agent market, only adding a single new player, AJ Dillon.
The Las Vegas Raiders have focused on their defense, signing Yannick Ngakoue, a former second-round pick who has 45.5 sacks in five seasons. Simultaneously, a salary-cap crunch led the New Orleans Saints to lose several key players, including Janoris Jenkins, Emmanuel Sanders, and Jared Cook. They, however, managed to bring back key free agent Jameis Winston.
Where the Miami Dolphins have made a breakthrough is in acquiring a wide receiver in Will Fuller, touted as a potentially game-changing acquisition. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams have parted ways with several veteran players to presumably make room for incoming quarterback Matthew Stafford, in a trade deal with the Detroit Lions.
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys retained their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, by signing him to a record-setting 4-year, $160 million contract – demonstrating the team’s conviction in his value despite a serious injury in the previous season.
Each team’s moves in the free agent market highlight their approach to the next season, whether it’s strengthening their roster, dealing with cap limitations, or planning ahead for the future. With these moves, every franchise is looking to position themselves favorably for 2021, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing NFL season.
Last modified: March 15, 2025
