NFL free agency frenzy: Breaking down the winners and losers so far

The 2025 NFL free agency period has been a whirlwind, with several star players changing teams and others securing blockbuster extensions to stay put.

With many of the most significant moves already made, DAZN News analyses which teams have made savvy decisions and which have stumbled.

Winners

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota's Super Bowl LIX hopes were dashed after their offensive line allowed nine sacks in an upset loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.

Allowing quarterback Sam Darnold to sign a big-money deal elsewhere gave the Vikings ample cap space to address their other roster needs, and they started by upgrading their offensive line.

Former Indianapolis Colts centre Ryan Kelly was brought in on a two-year, $18 million deal to replace the struggling Garrett Bradbury, who was released shortly after.

Minnesota also landed one of the best guards available in free agency when they signed guard Will Fries on a five-year, $88 million deal.

The Vikings then turned their attention to the interior of their defensive line, adding talented veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to a unit to form a unit that instantly became one of the best in the league.

Extending the contracts of 2024 standout cornerback Byron Murphy, running back Aaron Jones, and playmaking safety Harrison Smith ensured the Vikings emerged from free agency as a clear winner.

Washington Commanders

Boasting a healthy amount of cap space entering free agency, the Commanders were always likely to be one of the more active teams in the market.

Jayden Daniels was the architect of one of the best rookie seasons by a rookie quarterback in history, but the Commanders' offense desperately needed an upgrade at wide receiver.

Washington addressed that need in March, acquiring versatile wideout Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is not the player he once was, but even at 34 years old, he remains an integral part of the Commanders' offense. Signing a familiar presence to a one-year, $6.25 million extension was a shrewd investment.

On Monday, the Commanders made arguably their biggest addition, acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans in exchange for multiple draft picks.

Tunsil allowed too many penalties in 2024 but remains one of the best pass-blockers in the league and represents an upgrade on Cornelius Lucas, who left in free agency.

The Commanders may have overspent on Javon Kinlaw, but the former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle will help shore up the position after the release of Jonathan Allen.

Extending future hall-of-fame linebacker Bobby Wagner ensures continuity in the Commanders' front seven.

Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams endured an up-and-down rookie season in 2024 behind one of the NFL's most porous offensive lines. Finding a way to protect the former Heisman winner was a priority for new head coach Ben Johnson.

The Bears wasted no time fixing the problem, trading for Chiefs guard Joe Thuney and Rams guard Jonah Jackson while also signing center Drew Dalman, previously of the Atlanta Falcons.

Thuney and Dalman will immediately improve this unit, providing Johnson with the foundation they need to make much-needed offensive improvements.

Chicago's defensive signings included ascending defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Time will tell whether the Bears overspent in offering Odeyingbo a three-year $48 million deal, including $32 million guaranteed. Perhaps the modern market for young pass rushers and the glaring need for an impact player opposite Montez Sweat forced Chicago's hand.

New York Jets

The Jets took a gamble in signing Justin Fields as their new quarterback, but the move allows them to move out from under the shadow of the Aaron Rodgers era.

Fields' $40 million deal includes $30 million in guarantees, but it's a prove-it deal as he's only under contract for two years. At worst, he will be a bridge option, allowing the Jets time to find and potentially develop their future signal caller.

Releasing veteran wide receiver Davante Adams creates a void at wide receiver, but his departure seemed inevitable considering his close ties with Rodgers.

Re-signing linebacker Jamien Sherwood was a masterstroke. The young linebacker excelled as Mosley's replacement when the latter missed time due to injury in 2024.

The signings of safety Andre Cisco and cornerback Brandon Stephens were less impressive, but if the change of scenery helps them to improve, the Jets will have addressed glaring needs in their secondary.

Losers

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers entered free agency with needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive line and were expected to spend some of their ample cap space signing some of the best talent available.

Instead, the Chargers have focused on retaining existing talent, bringing back edge rusher Khalil Mack, center Bradley Bozeman, and veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman.

As much as edge rusher Joey Bosa struggled to remain healthy, his release will be felt, considering the money saved was not spent replacing him.

Adding former Philadelphia Eagles guard Mekhi Becton and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris will undoubtedly help the Chargers' fortunes. Still, question marks remain at wide receiver despite following underwhelming signings such as Mike Williams and Jalen Reagor.

There is still time for the Chargers to improve their free agency haul. They currently have $58.5 million cap space remaining, ranking behind only the New England Patriots, and have been rumoured to be interested in several of the best remaining free agents.

Pittsburgh Steelers

It was rumoured that the Steelers wanted to retain the services of quarterback Justin Fields, but they were forced to watch as the New York Jets prised the youngster away.

With veteran Russell Wilson now a free agent, and considering the lack of capable quarterbacks available, it appears the Steelers' offense will take a step back in 2024, even after the blockbuster signing of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.

The addition of veteran cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal helps bolster the cornerback group, but it was a rare bright moment in an otherwise disappointing free agency for the Steelers.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers failed to lure Milton Williams to Carolina, and Tershawn Wharton was a vastly inferior consolation prize.

Wharton achieved a career-high of 6.5 sacks in 2024. Still, giving him a three-year, $45 million contract, including $30 million guaranteed, is a significant investment in a player who has struggled against the run.

Retaining Jaycee Horn was a wise move, albeit at great expense, and re-signing Michael Jackson should prove beneficial.

However, the Panthers overpaid in signing former Vikings defensive end Pat Jones II. Jones had a career-high of seven sacks in 2024 but produced only 24 pressures.

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