Free agency fallout and the impact on the NFL Draft: Three key takeaways

Many of the dominoes have fallen in NFL free agency, as seven of the top 50 players have already committed to teams for the 2025 season or beyond.

The transactions teams have made, or lack thereof, often provide an insight into their intentions in the NFL Draft.

DAZN News evaluates three free agency takeaways that could affect how the draft unfolds.

Tennessee Titans

Most of us knew the Titans needed a franchise quarterback long before the 2024 season ended.

2023 second-round Will Levis failed to develop in his second year before being benched during a three-interception performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 15.

The pool of available, starting-calibre quarterbacks in free agency was relatively small, but the Titans had the cap room to make moves if they wished.

The fact that Tennessee chose not to compete with other teams to sign a quarterback speaks volumes.

The Titans may view Ward as the quarterback who can inspire a Washington Commanders-esque turnaround in their fortunes.

Las Vegas Raiders

Trading with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire quarterback Geno Smith doesn't necessarily mean the Raiders won't select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Smith is only under contract until the end of the 2025 season, and the Raiders will surely want a young quarterback to develop behind the 34-year-old veteran.

The Raiders may trade with the Patriots to acquire Joe Milton, but Las Vegas may be unwilling to invest the 68th overall pick in a player who has never started an NFL game.

In NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft, he predicts Shedeur Sanders will be the second quarterback selected in the draft by the New York Giants with the third overall pick.

If the Giants pass on Sanders, he could still be available for the Raiders at the sixth overall pick, as neither of the two teams picking between the Giants and Raiders are desperate for a quarterback.

In that scenario, and considering the perceived drop-off in talent at quarterback beyond Sanders, trading that pick could net the Raiders a handsome package of picks or players to help address one of their many roster needs.

New England Patriots

Travis Hunter may be the most talented player in the draft, and he can become one of the most accomplished two-way players ever, according to the player who currently holds that crown.

However, quarterbacks often dominate early draft picks, and the Titans and Browns, picking first and third, are desperate for a franchise signal-caller.

ESPN's Mel Kiper believes Hunter will be available to the Patriots with the fourth overall selection, and he would address a significant need for a team devoid of playmakers at wide receiver.

New England is well aware of Hunter's talents. According to a report from Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, they view him as the best wide receiver and cornerback in the draft.

However, despite spending more than any other team in free agency, the Patriots only upgraded one of the two offensive tackle spots they need to better protect quarterback Drake Maye in 2025.

According to Kiper, the first offensive tackle selected will be Armand Membou by the San Francisco 49ers with the 11th overall pick.

While foregoing a generational talent like Hunter would not be advisable, the Patriots could trade their fourth selection, acquire additional draft picks, and still select one of the top offensive tackles in the middle of the first round.

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