With mandatory minicamp wrapped up for all 32 teams, the barren wasteland that is the NFL offseason has commenced. While there are plenty of great free agents still available, clubs are mostly done with assembling their rosters before preseason. As such, today we’ll be looking at each team’s best addition through free agency. Positional value and contract numbers will be taken into account.
Detroit Lions: CB DJ Reed
After being unable to keep Carlton Davis III in Detroit, the Lions needed veteran help in their CB room to compliment the young talent in place. DJ Reed fills this hole. An eight year veteran, Reed allowed just a 57.1 percent completion rate when targeted this past year. Furthermore, the last time he had a passer rating against of 90 was 2019. The Lions had the worst passing defense in the NFC in 2024, Reed will help fix that.
Minnesota Vikings: RG Will Fries
When Sam Darnold was sacked nine times against the Rams on wildcard weekend, Minnesota’s front office prioritized fixing their line of protectors. They did so by adding Ryan Kelly and his teammate Will Fries. Fries’ 2024 season was looking like a promising year prior to injury. Nevertheless, he kept his QB upright, allowing just six pressures on 153 pass blocking snaps. Additionally, he’ll be opening holes for Aaron Jones in the run game, as he had the 5th best PFF run-block grade among guards.
Green Bay Packers: CB Nate Hobbs
During the time of Hobbs’ signing, it was unclear whether or not the Packers would keep Jaire Alexander. Following Alexander’s release, Green Bay’s signing of Hobbs becomes even more important to their success as a defense. Hobbs’ versatility is sure to be utilized to its fullest by second year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. He’ll see a lot of snaps as an outside corner next to Keisean Nixon, as Javon Bullard did prove he can play in the slot if eased into it.
Chicago Bears: C Drew Dalman
Another team with offensive line woes, the Bears completely reshaped their interior unit of protectors this offseason. Drew Dalman is part of that new look line next to Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. First year head coach Ben Johnson will enjoy having Dalman’s skillset. The former Stanford Cardinal had the fourth best PFF score among centers in 2024, and was notably fifth best in run-blocking.
Los Angeles Rams: WR Davante Adams
Cooper Kupp’s release showed the Rams’ wish to upgrade their receiving core. That upgrade is Davante Adams. After being reunited with former QB Aaron Rodgers, Adams proved that he could still dominate. He logged 834 receiving yards alongside 7 touchdowns in his 11 games as a Jet. But a key ability that Davante brings, which the Rams didn’t have with Kupp, is availability. He’s missed just three games the past three seasons, compared to Kupp’s eighteen.
Seattle Seahawks: QB Sam Darnold
This offseason, the Seahawks completely reshaped their offense, tailor making it for new OC Klint Kubiak. As part of that new identity, they sent Geno Smith to Las Vegas, and brought in Sam Darnold. Darnold will earn 33 million annually for three years in Seattle. Darnold had 4319 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. The biggest determiner of his success will be protection, and the Seahawks are hoping that their offensive line will have improved in order to get the most out of Darnold.
San Francisco 49ers: CB Tre Brown
San Francisco didn’t make any splash signings, given the fact that they had to pay Brock Purdy top dollar. Regardless, they still added a few players who could be key contributors. After Charvarius Ward signed with Indianapolis, CB3 became a spot that needed to be filled. Tre Brown will help to keep stability at the position till the Niners find a long term solution. He’s a solid man corner who notably had the best press coverage PFF grade among corners in 2023.
Arizona Cardinals: DE Josh Sweat
Following a successful tenure in Philadelphia where he amassed 42 sacks in 64 games as starter, Josh Sweat signed with The Cardinals this offseason. Sweat returns to former DC Jonathan Gannon, who helped him have his best year in 2022 with 11 sacks. The former Nole will be part of a reshaped defensive line in Arizona. GM Monti Osenfort has added Sweat and Calais Campbell through free agency alongside using a first round selection on DT Walter Nolen.
Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Azeez Ojulari
Philadelphia had a relatively quiet free agency cycle, prioritizing resigning their own. But after Bryce Huff’s disappointing season, the Eagles wanted more at OLB. Vic Fangio and the Eagles staff chose former division rival Azeez Ojulari to be that upgrade. Ojulari’s a solid pass rusher, who’s main problem does not stem from his on field performance, but rather, his inability to stay healthy. He was on track to have double digit sacks in 2 of his past 3 years if not for injuries. However, if he can stay upright, he’ll make a big impact on an already fearsome defensive line.
Washington Commanders: S Will Harris
Will Harris is a cheaper alternative for Jeremy Chinn, who the Commanders did not re-sign. He does share some similarities with Chinn, the main one being his ability to be effective at different positions. Alongside playing mostly at free safety, he saw time at nickel as well as outside corner. Furthermore, Harris already has experience playing with Marshon Lattimore from when they were both in New Orleans last year.
Dallas Cowboys: DE Dante Fowler Jr.
“I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids.” said Jerry Jones when asked about the team’s plans for free agency. He followed through with that claim, making small signings for rotational/backup roles. Fowler was one of those signings, and he’ll be part of a Matt Eberflus defense that will rotate players in and out. Fowler got to the signal caller 10.5 times last year, and will see plenty of playing time while Sam Williams heals up.
New York Giants: S Jevon Holland
The Giants prioritized improving their secondary to compliment what looks to be a fierce front seven. Alongside CB Paulson Adebo, they brought in the versatile safety Jevon Holland. The G-men sorely missed Xavier McKinney’s presence in their secondary. They hope that Holland will take that spot once held by McKinney as the team’s star safety.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Haason Reddick
Another club that made keeping their players in the building the priority, Tampa Bay re-signed 12 players. Of their third party acquisitions, Haason Reddick has the potential to give the most return on investment. Following Reddick’s holdout, he failed to deliver for New York, recording just one sack in 10 games played. The Buccaneers hope that with a contract dispute no longer in question, he’ll return to form. Reddick had 4 double digit sack seasons in a row before his stint with the Jets.
Atlanta Falcons: DE Leonard Floyd
For the past several years, edge rusher is a position that the Falcons have not received much production from. This offseason they hope to change that. Along with two first round rookies, Atlanta signed former Bulldog Leonard Floyd to be a veteran presence on the edge. Floyd reunites with former DC Raheem Morris, who he was coached under during his time in LA. He’s logged at least 8.5 sacks in his past five seasons, and will help develop Atlanta’s rookie duo.
New Orleans Saints: S Justin Reid
Joining Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid will play opposite of the Honey Badger to form an intimidating safety duo. Reid spent his last three years with the Chiefs as a perennial super bowl contender. Now in New Orleans, he’ll help first time head coach Kellen Moore focus on the offense by bringing stability to the secondary and defense as a whole.
Carolina Panthers: DT Bobby Brown III
Carolina ranked dead last when it came to most defensive rankings last year. A big part of that was their inability to stop the run, allowing a staggering 179.8 rushing yards per game on average. At 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, Bobby Brown will settle in nicely as a run stopping nose tackle for Ejero Evero’s 3-4 scheme. While his pass rushing fundamentals could use some work, the Panthers signed him to be a force in the middle to help their edge rushers do the rest of the work.
Baltimore Ravens: CB Jaire Alexander
The rich get richer, and Baltimore’s secondary becomes even better with the addition of CB Jaire Alexander. Alexander has been a top 10 corner in the league when on the field. His flaws come from the fact that he struggles to stay on it. If he’s able to stay healthy, Jaire will be an excellent piece on a DB room that already has Marlon Humphrey, last year’s standout rookie Nate Wiggins, Kyle Hamilton and first round pick Malaki Starks.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Aaron Rodgers
If Pittsburgh wanted to be taken seriously this upcoming season, Mason Rudolph couldn’t be the starting man under center. With no better option available, they turned to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is the best signal caller the black and gold have had since Roethlisberger. Whether that is something to be excited for is a debate in of itself. However, Rodgers did prove last year he could log above average numbers. With more time gone by since his Achilles tear, he could make some noise one last time before retiring.
Cincinnati Bengals: LB Oren Burks
The Bengals defense was notoriously terrible this past year. It became worse after Cincinnati released long-time linebacker Germaine Pratt to free up cap space. Oren Burks will get the starting role next to Logan Wilson, acting as the replacement for Pratt. He notably started for Philadelphia during their playoff run, after Nakobe Dean sustained an injury in the wildcard round. He recorded 25 tackles, 3 TFLs and a sack during that run.
Cleveland Browns: G Teven Jenkins
Despite the fact that Chicago’s offensive line had issues, particularly in the interior, Teven Jenkins was not one of them. Jenkins has been rock solid since being drafted in 2021. Last year, he ranked eighteenth among guards in PFF score, and 15th in pass blocking grade. If he can stay healthy, him and Joel Bitonio will make for a very effective guard duo in Cleveland.
Kansas City Chiefs: LT Jaylon Moore
Left tackle was an issue all year for the Chiefs. Rookie Kingsley Suamataia did not perform well at the role, and veterans Wanya Morris along with DJ Humphries also struggled. Joe Thuney played well temporarily, but was never going to be the long term answer. Moore has started just 12 games in the past 4 years. However, 5 of those games were in 2024, and he allowed just 1 sack and 10 pressures. With more time as the starter, he could become Kansas City’s blindside protector long-term.
Los Angeles Chargers: G Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton revived his career after failing to deliver as a franchise left tackle in New York. With Jeff Stoutland’s coaching and a move to guard, Becton proved he could be a quality starter on the offensive line. The Chargers were 20th in rushing yards per game, with the interior of their offensive line not being particularly strong. Los Angeles hopes that the addition of Becton along with first rounder Omarion Hampton will change that number.
Denver Broncos: TE Evan Engram
While it would be reasonable to say LB Dre Greenlaw is more deserving of the placement for the Broncos, the upgrade that Engram will provide is immense. Last year, Denver’s three tight ends Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins combined for just 461 yards. In a year filled with injuries, Engram had 365. Furthermore, Engram plays the role of a seam ripping tight end, a role that Sean Payton loves and knows how to utilize to its fullest.
Las Vegas Raiders: S Jeremy Chinn
Following Tre’von Moehrig’s departure for Carolina, the Raiders pivoted and signed versatile Jeremy Chinn. Chinn has played north of a thousand snaps at safety and OLB, 389 at ILB, and over 900 at nickel. He had 117 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 sacks and an interception last year with the Commanders. Alongside fellow newcomer Eric Stokes, Chinn can help make the Raiders secondary a unit that will be feared.
Buffalo Bills: DE Joey Bosa
Another player who’s injury concerns have been the only thing holding him back, is Joey Bosa. Bosa was a staple on the Chargers defense for almost 10 years, and consistently got to the QB when healthy. Those last two words are key however, as he’s constantly missed time due to his inability to stay on the field. The Bills needed immediate help on the edge following Von Miller’s release, Bosa will give them that help if healthy.
Miami Dolphins: G James Daniels
The Dolphins desperately needed to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. With Robert Hunt joining the Panthers, Liam Eichenberg and Rob Jones struggled to fill the hole at guard Hunt left in 2024. Now, the Fins turn to James Daniels and Rookie Jonah Savaiinaea to fix their interior. Daniels’ year was cut short following an Achilles tear in week 4. Nonetheless, in the 209 snaps played he allowed just 1 sack and 5 pressures. Furthermore, he’s allowed a total of just 6 sacks through his seven year career.
New York Jets: QB Justin Fields.
Justin Fields has yet to improve his passing numbers enough to earn the title of franchise QB. But with the draft lacking depth at signal caller, New York opted to give Fields a shot. He’ll be paid 20 million annually, and will lead the new-look Jets offense after the Aaron Rodgers era did not go as planned.
New England Patriots: OT Morgan Moses
Morgan Moses brings more than just stability at right tackle, his locker room presence and mentorship will have long term benefits for New England. The Patriots needed to establish their unit of protectors for second year QB Drake Maye. Moses will keep Maye upright, while simultaneously mentoring rookie Will Campbell and 2024 third rounder Caedan Wallace. Additionally, with tackles like Dan Moore getting north of 20 million a year, Moses’ 7 million AAV is much more team friendly, even if he’s on the older side.
Houston Texans: G Laken Tomlinson
The Texans used free agency to bolster their depth chart and raise the floor of their team. The only addition who could realistically start is veteran Laken Tomlinson. Tomlinson will compete to earn the starting guard job in Houston. He’s notably yet to miss a single game for his seventh season in a row.
Indianapolis Colts: S Camryn Bynum
The Colts and GM Chris Ballard did something uncharacteristic for their organization, paying top dollar for a safety. Cam Bynum is one who’s worth that money. In 2024, Bynum had career highs in passes defensed with 10, interceptions with 3 and allowed a passer rating of just 77.6 when the ball was thrown his way. He’s also an iron man, not having missed a game throughout his four year career. He and Charvarius Ward will help lower the 69.4 completion percentage that the Colts allowed last year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Jourdan Lewis
Another team that had difficulties defending the pass, the Jaguars allowed a league-worst average 257.4 passing yards per game. Now, after making Jourdan Lewis the highest paid slot corner in the game, they hope that those woes against the pass will no longer continue. Lewis’ PFF coverage grade of 79 was 14th among all corners. Additionally, he made 71 tackles and logged an interception in 2024.
Tennessee Titans: G Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler was part of Detroit’s elite offensive line in 2024 and played at a high level. His 86.5 PFF grade ranked him as fifth best among his peers at guard. Now in Tennessee, his task is to protect the Titans’ first overall selection Cam Ward. He’ll especially help in the Titans run game, which gave their RBs just 0.67 yards before contact last year.
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