The 2025 NFL free agency period has dramatically shifted the league’s balance of power. Using PFF grades, contract analytics, and team needs, we analyze every major move, its impact, and which franchises improved (or regressed) the most.
🏆 Winners: Teams That Got Significantly Better
1. Chicago Bears – All-In Around Caleb Williams
Key Additions:
- Chris Jones (DT, Chiefs) – PFF Grade: 92.3 (1st among DTs)
- Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers) – PFF Grade: 85.7 (Top-10 WR)
- Josh Jacobs (RB, Raiders) – PFF Grade: 78.9 (Elusive Rating: 92)
Why They Improved:
✅ Historic Defensive Upgrade – Jones + Montez Sweat gives Chicago a top-3 pass rush.
✅ Weapons for Caleb Williams – Evans + DJ Moore is the best WR duo Williams has ever had.
✅ Cap Space Used Wisely – Still have $18M left after spending big.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Bears had the best free agency in the NFL.”
2. Tennessee Titans – From Rebuild to Playoff Dark Horse
Key Moves:
- Kirk Cousins (QB, Vikings) – PFF Grade: 84.1 (6th among QBs)
- Patrick Queen (LB, Ravens) – PFF Grade: 79.2 (Elite in coverage)
- Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Colts) – PFF Grade: 80.5 (70+ catches last 3 years)
Why They Improved:
✅ Massive QB Upgrade – Went from Will Levis (58.9 PFF Grade) to a proven veteran.
✅ Defense Gets Faster – Queen fixes their 29th-ranked LB unit.
✅ Cap Flexibility – Structured deals to keep $22M in space for 2026.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Titans are now the favorites to win the AFC South.”
3. Las Vegas Raiders – Defense Becomes Elite
Key Signings:
- Justin Madubuike (DT, Ravens) – PFF Grade: 89.4 (12 sacks in 2024)
- L’Jarius Sneed (CB, Chiefs) – PFF Grade: 87.1 (Allowed 0.48 yards/cover snap)
Why They Improved:
✅ Pass Rush Now Top-5 – Maxx Crosby + Madubuike = 50+ sack potential.
✅ Secondary Shutdown – Sneed + Jack Jones = best CB duo in AFC West.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Raiders’ defense could carry them to a wild-card spot.”
📉 Losers: Teams That Got Worse
1. Kansas City Chiefs – Dynasty at Risk?
Key Losses:
- Chris Jones (DT → Bears) – PFF’s #1 interior defender (92.3 grade)
- L’Jarius Sneed (CB → Raiders) – Allowed just 48% completion rate
Why They Regressed:
❌ No Replacement for Jones – Signed Derrick Nnadi (PFF Grade: 56.1) as a downgrade.
❌ Secondary Now Vulnerable – Sneed’s departure leaves a huge hole in man coverage.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Chiefs are still Super Bowl contenders, but their defense is no longer elite.”
2. Dallas Cowboys – Jerry Jones Fails Again
Key Departures:
- Tyron Smith (LT → Jets) – PFF Grade: 84.1 (Best pass-blocker on team)
- Tony Pollard (RB → Texans) – PFF Grade: 76.3 (1,200+ scrimmage yards in 2024)
Why They Regressed:
❌ O-Line Disaster – Replaced Smith with Jason Peters (PFF Grade: 62.3, age 42).
❌ No RB Solution – Ezekiel Elliott (PFF Grade: 68.9) is a huge downgrade.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Cowboys did nothing to fix their biggest weaknesses.”
3. Green Bay Packers – Wasted Jordan Love’s Window?
Key Misses:
- Lost Aaron Jones (RB → Vikings) – PFF Grade: 80.1 (Elite in pass game)
- No Safety Upgrades – Still starting Rudy Ford (PFF Grade: 54.3).
Why They Regressed:
❌ No RB Replacement – AJ Dillon (PFF Grade: 65.2) isn’t a starter.
❌ Ignored Defense – Packers ranked 28th in pass defense but signed no help.
PFF’s Verdict: “The Packers are betting too much on internal development.”
🔍 Underrated Moves That Could Pay Off
| Team | Signing | PFF Grade | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | G Kevin Dotson (Rams) | 78.4 | Fixes worst O-line in NFL |
| Falcons | CB Kendall Fuller (Commanders) | 79.8 | Upgrades 32nd-ranked pass defense |
| Patriots | WR Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) | 81.2 | Finally gives Drake Maye a WR1 |
🏈 Long-Term Implications
- Bears & Titans are now playoff locks after stellar offseasons.
- Chiefs’ defense may cost them a 3-peat bid.
- Cowboys & Packers could miss playoffs due to inactivity.
Final Verdict
The 2025 free agency period created clear winners (Bears, Titans, Raiders) and losers (Chiefs, Cowboys, Packers). Teams that addressed weaknesses aggressively improved, while others stagnated or got worse.
FAQ: 2025 NFL Free Agency
Q: Which team improved the most?
A: Chicago Bears – Added three elite starters (Jones, Evans, Jacobs) while keeping cap flexibility.
Q: Who had the worst offseason?
A: Dallas Cowboys – Lost two Pro Bowlers (Smith, Pollard) without adequate replacements.
Q: Best bargain signing?
A: Kirk Cousins to Titans (2 years, $50M) – A steal for a top-10 QB.