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
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.
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 in efforts to fix 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.
Re-signing linebacker Jamien Sherwood was necessary, given the doubts over veteran C.J. Mosley's future. Sherwood 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
Pittsburgh Steelers
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.
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.
How to watch the NFL on DAZN
NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass
Every NFL game during the regular season and playoffs — including the Super Bowl — is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.
DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with access to every regular-season NFL game and every playoff matchup. That's 335 games per season, and each game is available live* and on demand.
NFL GPI will be available through the DAZN app either as a standalone subscription or an add-on to an existing DAZN package to customers worldwide**, excluding the United States and China.
* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.
** Viewers in Canada can access all NFL content through their regular DAZN subscription.
For more information and to sign up, head here now.
What devices are supported on DAZN?
DAZN is available is watch anywhere and everywhere on any smart device including TV's, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.
More NFL