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NFL Free Agency’s Biggest Winners: Experts Debate the Best Signings and Trades
Which Teams Made the Smartest Moves This Offseason?
NFL free agency is always a whirlwind of excitement, but as the dust settles, it’s time to evaluate which teams came out on top. Some franchises made bold moves to upgrade key positions, while others played it safe, focusing on long-term stability.
From blockbuster signings to under-the-radar steals, experts have weighed in on the best deals of the offseason. Let’s dive into the top moves that could shape the 2025 season.
Rams Go All-In with Davante Adams
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the splashiest signings of free agency by landing star wide receiver Davante Adams on a two-year deal.
NFL analyst Matt Bowen sees Adams as a clear upgrade over Cooper Kupp, thanks to his ability to dominate press coverage and create separation. Playing alongside Puka Nacua, Adams is expected to thrive as the “X” receiver in Sean McVay’s offense. Lindsey Thiry of ESPN echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that this move gives quarterback Matthew Stafford a lethal duo at wideout.
For a team that narrowly missed the NFC Championship Game last season, Adams could be the missing piece for another deep playoff run.
Tampa Bay Bets on Haason Reddick
The Buccaneers stepped out of their usual draft-and-develop strategy to sign veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14 million contract.
Jeremy Fowler praised the move, noting that Tampa Bay thrives when their pass rush is elite—just like they did in their 2020 Super Bowl run. Though Reddick’s 2024 season was hampered by a holdout with the Jets, a full offseason in Tampa’s system should put him back on track.
If Reddick returns to form, the Bucs could have one of the most disruptive defenses in the league.
Vikings Strengthen the Trenches with Jonathan Allen
Defense wins championships, and the Minnesota Vikings made a major investment in their front line by signing Jonathan Allen to a three-year, $60 million deal.
Pamela Maldonado emphasized how crucial this signing is for a team that struggled with run defense. Allen is a game-wrecker who can collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks into bad decisions. His presence alone should elevate the Vikings’ defensive identity and make them a legitimate threat in the NFC North.
Chargers Find a Workhorse in Najee Harris
The Los Angeles Chargers added a much-needed boost to their ground game by signing Najee Harris to a one-year, $9.25 million deal.
Eric Moody highlighted Harris’ incredible durability, noting that he’s had more touches than any other player in the NFL since his rookie year in 2021. His bruising running style fits perfectly with the Greg Roman-designed offense, and behind a heavily invested offensive line, Harris could be poised for a career year.
Buffalo Swings Big on Joey Bosa
The Buffalo Bills took a high-risk, high-reward approach by signing Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract.
Aaron Schatz pointed out that while Bosa has battled injuries, the Bills needed to bolster their pass rush to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. If Bosa stays healthy, he could be a game-changer for Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations. If not, the Bills can move on without long-term financial consequences.
Ravens Lock Down Ronnie Stanley
In a move that flew under the radar, the Baltimore Ravens re-signed Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million extension—far less than what he could have made on the open market.
Ben Solak stressed how vital this deal was for the Ravens, as protecting Lamar Jackson remains their top priority. With Jackson playing at an MVP level, losing a franchise left tackle would have been a major setback. Instead, Baltimore ensured their offensive line remains intact for another playoff push.
Patriots Make a Big Bet on Milton Williams
The New England Patriots made a surprising move by signing Milton Williams to a massive $26 million per year contract.
Mike Tannenbaum acknowledged the high price tag but believes Williams’ interior pass-rush skills will shine in Mike Vrabel’s system. While his production has been modest (11.5 sacks in 67 games), the Patriots clearly see him as a foundational piece for the future.
Lions Get a Steal with D.J. Reed
The Detroit Lions quietly made one of the best value signings of free agency by landing D.J. Reed for $16 million per year—$4 million less per year than what the Patriots are paying Carlton Davis III.
Seth Walder praised Reed’s consistency, noting that he has allowed less than 1.1 yards per coverage snap for four straight seasons. For a team looking to improve its secondary, Reed represents a major upgrade at a bargain price.
Raiders Secure Stability with Geno Smith
In a move that happened just before free agency officially began, the Las Vegas Raiders traded for quarterback Geno Smith, acquiring him for just a third-round pick.
Field Yates believes this was a brilliant move for a team desperate for quarterback stability. Smith, who has familiarity with coach Pete Carroll, offers the Raiders a reliable starter without the hefty price tag of other available quarterbacks.
Final Thoughts
While free agency isn’t over yet, these moves stand out as the most impactful so far. Some teams went all-in for immediate success, while others made smart, long-term investments.
As the season approaches, we’ll see which of these signings and trades truly lived up to the hype—and which ones turned out to be costly gambles.