Free Agency Frenzy: Top 5 Storylines

Free Agency Frenzy: Top 5 Storylines

We have seen a busy off-season so far in the NFL. The salary cap number went up in 2025 after the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a number of $279.2 Million per team. This number represented a $23.8 Million increase from 2024.

This allowed teams to spend quickly after the window opened, and I looked at some of the notable signings and trades.

Chase and Higgins return to the Bengals:

It was a shock to me that both are returning. Chase, I expected back; you couldn't let the best wide receiver in the NFL walk. His four-year contract was worth $161 million, with a $73.9 million guarantee.

Higgins received a four-year deal worth $115 million. With these signings, the Bengals locked up their offence for at least 4 years. This is the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.

This news is great for Joe Burrow, who has his top weapons locked in. However, you can only win so many games by outscoring teams. You must also hope Higgins and Burrow stay healthy; they have had injury issues.

What about the defence?

This is one of the worst defences in the NFL

25th in points allowed (25.5 PPG)

26th in total yards allowed (348)

25TH in sacks (36)

They will need to be lucky in the draft this year and hope multiple defensive players step up on the defensive end.

This Bengals offence will be fun to watch, at least for the next four years, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this defence improves with limited cap space to spend on free agents.

QB Moves:

Seattle decided to switch things up at QB, trading away Geno Smith to the Raiders and signing Sam Darnold. We also saw the Jets get a new QB, taking a chance on Justin Fields on a reasonable contract.

Sam Darnold

Is this an upgrade? I would say NO. Seattle is rebuilding this offence, starting with trading away DK Metcalf to the Steelers, and Tyler Lockett seems to be out the door any day now. They brought in a new weapon for Sam, Cooper Kupp. If he can stay healthy, I like it; that is a BIG IF, though. 

I'm aware a lot of this was due to money and that Seattle didn't want to pay Geno. I don't believe Seattle has gotten better with this QB swap and the loss of Metcalf; however, sometimes you just need to move on and try something different. They weren't winning enough with the current roster.

Geno Smith

It's a much-needed upgrade for the Raiders at QB. Geno will love the best young tight end in the NFL, Brock Bowers, but the Raiders need other reliable weapons to help.

The Raiders also had a poor offensive line last year, earning a D rating and a below-average overall ranking. They allowed a 36% pressure rate and struggled against the blitz, allowing a 46% rate.

Let’s not forget about their below-average run game, which won’t help Geno. An upgrade at QB, for sure, but will the results be much different? I doubt it.

Justin Fields

I like what the Jets did bringing in Justin Fields. Give him a shot to start and see if he can shine in the Big Apple. They didn’t overpay him for 2 years at 40 million;

At times, we have seen flashes of Fields taking over games with his legs and having a nice deep ball. Does he have enough weapons to help him, though? That will be the question: Can that OL be better at protecting him? Calling it now, he has a better season than Aaron Rodgers did, which isn’t a high bar.

The Eagles: Superbowl Champs

This team will look dramatically different after suffering several free-agent losses. Some notable names were Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Darius Slay, and Mekhi Becton, to name just a few. 

It was a big hit to the defence; however, they could resign stand-out linebacker Baun, who had one of the best seasons of any defensive player in the league.

The good news is that the offence will remain the same, but their stellar defence has taken a hit.

Washington Commanders

This team went from being the laughingstock of the NFL a few years ago to drafting the right QB and is now a Super Bowl contender. Competent teams capitalize when QBs are on rookie deals. The Commanders continue to add big names to this roster.

Adding Lamery Tunsil from Houston will help the OL, which allowed 47 sacks last year. Although the team did have to give away many draft picks, it is in win-now mode.

I also like Deebo Samuel's addition. He is a veteran who can do it all, but you have to hope he stays healthy for this to pay off. He will be the second-leading receiver behind Terry McLaurin and should fit into Kingsbury’s offence just fine.

Steelers trade for Metcalf

I can’t say that adding a guy like DJ Metcalf is a bad thing. You have two scary guys on the outside pairing him up with Pickens. The big question is, who is throwing him the ball?

They did bring in Aaron Rodgers for a visit today. However, he is a big question. He did not look good with the Jets, 41 now, and seems more focused on a spiritual journey than football.

Whatever quarterback they sign, the team won’t have a great offensive line. Last year, the team was given a D rating, allowing a 38.6% pressure rating, 29th in the NFL.

Their run game was also terrible, ranking 28th in the NFL. Harris won’t be back, and today, their lead-backs are Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren.

Other notable moves:

The Rams sign Davante Adams.

The Ravens resigned Ronnie Stanley and brought in Deandre Hopkins.

The Bucs resigned Chris Godwin

The NFL draft is approaching, and teams will have the opportunity to improve through the draft. In early April, we will examine the draft and our favourite bets in early April.