Yesterday, March 12th , NFL free agency final began. This also marks the start of the 2025 league year. Some players like DK Metcalf have been traded, while others like Cooper Kupp were released as their former clubs struggled to find a trade partner.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has found his new home in Seattle while older guys like, Rusell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers are still trying to find the right fit to finish out their respective careers. All we know now is that we are in for an exciting couple of weeks leading up to the draft with familiar faces finding their new homes!
The legal tampering period began on March 10th, this is where the trades are made and when teams are legally allowed to negotiate with the players. One of the first big moves that came during this period was DK Metcalf being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittburgh Steelers for a second-round draft pick. Following the trade Metcalf and Pittburgh agreed on a new four-year, $132 Million dollar extension. DK, who is now 27 hopes to continue his dominate career for his new city.
In other wide receiver news, Hollywood Brown (Cheifs) and Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) both resigned with their teams. There is also a new receiver for the Los Angeles Rams as Davante Adams signed a 2-year, $46 million dollar deal with $26 million guaranteed.
This comes after the Rams parted ways with Cooper Kupp who joins Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen as some of the top free agent wide receivers available at this time. Sam Darnold is also on the move since Minnesota decided to move on from him after his electrifying year. Darnold agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks signing a 3 year, 100-million-dollar deal.
The decision to pursue Darnold comes after Seattle traded Geno Smith to the Raiders in exchange for a third rounder in this year’s draft.
“My love for Seattle cannot be described in words. I wish I could’ve done more to express that,” Smith in a message on X. “Thank You for a memorable 6 years!”
Smith will reunite with Head Coach Pete Carrol in Las Vegas. Minesota signed Guard, Will Fries, The Titans signed tackle Dan Moore and Green Bay signed Guard Aaron Banks. Hopefully these new additions on the offensive line can help protect their team’s respective quarterback for the 2025 season.
Now let’s dive into some of the Big Moves on the defensive side of the ball. Milton Williams who was the best free agent available signed a huge contract with the New England Patriots for 4 years, $104 million. The former Super Bowl Champion hopes to make a difference on New England defensive line.
Joey Bosa was released last week by the Chargers, and it didn’t take him too long to find a new home as Bosa signed a one-year $12.6 million dollar deal with the Buffalo Bills. Some people thought we might see a Bosa brother reunion up in San Francisco, but Bosa decided to switch coast and play for the Bills this season.
Buffalo was obviously looking to replace edge rusher Von Miller whom they released earlier in the week. The Denver Broncos have decided to strengthen their already star-studded defense with the additions of Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw. Denver had one of the best defenses in football last season and with these two huge additions they look forward to being just as good if not better this season.
Now obviously, there are still some big-name free agents out there who will make an impact on whatever team they sign with but this is when fans start to question whos going to go where.
Is Aaron Rodgers going to follow in Brett Farves footsteps and go to Minnesota or will he travel to the other side of Met Life and Play for the Giants? Will Cooper Kupp, Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen sign with contenders to get a ring? And where will Justin Simmons play, who was once one of the best safeties in football as a Bronco. All these questions will soon be answered as the weeks progress leading up to the NFL Draft on April 24th.