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Grading 2025 NFL Free-Agency Signings and Trades for Friday's Latest Moves
The opening of NFL free agency on Monday brought a flood of player movement. While things have slowed a bit over the last few days, good players are still finding homes for the 2025 season.
Notable names, including a pair of likely Hall of Fame quarterbacks, remain available as well.
Free agency may have entered its second wave, but there's plenty of activity to follow heading into the weekend. Friday's transaction wire figures to be filled with both big names and valuable bargain signings.
Bleacher Report has been tracking the activity all week—B/R's Gary Davenport provided grades for all of Thursday's major moves—and we're back to evaluate Friday's action.
Seahawks Land WR Cooper Kupp
1 of 20
Contract Terms: Three years, $45 million (per ESPN's Adam Schefter)
When Cooper Kupp was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, he instantly became one of the biggest names available on the remaining free-agent market.
Several teams were interested in landing the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, including the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, per The Athletic's Jeff Howe.
Kupp chose the Seahawks and is expected to make $15 million per season on his new contract.
On one hand, that's a reasonable price if Kupp can stay healthy and perform at a No. 2 receiver level. On the other, Kupp will turn 32 in June and has missed time in each of the past three seasons.
The move makes sense for Seattle, which is looking to support new quarterback Sam Darnold. Kupp can do that if he can stay on the field and avoid an age-related decline. There's no guarantee that will happen, though, which prevents this from being the sort of home-run signing it might have been a few years ago.
Grade: B-
Chargers Add to O-Line, Land Mekhi Becton
2 of 20
Contract Terms: Undisclosed terms (per team)
Late Friday evening, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that they had signed guard and reigning Super Bowl champion Mekhi Becton.
While terms of the deal weren't immediately available, this should be a terrific signing for the Chargers, barring a massive overpay. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking to build a powerful offensive line, and the 6'7", 363-pound Becton should be a force between offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
Becton didn't work out as an offensive tackle for the New York Jets, but the Eagles moved him to guard and he thrived. The 25-year-old was ranked 21st among 135 guards by Pro Football Focus for the 2024 season.
In Alt, Slater, Becton and Zion Johnson, Los Angeles now has four first-round talents on their offensive line. All of them are young enough to be long-term contributors for the club.
Grade: A
Cowboys Find DeMarcus Lawrence Replacement, Bring Back Dante Fowler Jr.
3 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, $8 million (per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
The Dallas Cowboys lost edge-defender DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seattle Seahawks early in free agency. On Friday, they found a new pass-rushing partner for Micah Parsons by bringing back an old friend.
Dante Fowler Jr. played for the Cowboys in 2022 and 2023 before following Dan Quinn to the rival Washington Commanders in 2024. Last season, Fowler racked up 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterback pressures.
Fowler isn't the reliable and disruptive run defender that Lawrence is, and the 30-year-old isn't a long-term answer on the edge. As a pure pass-rusher, though, he can add some juice to the Cowboys' defensive front.
To get the most out of Fowler, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will want to use him as a situational rusher only. However, Fowler can be a difference-maker, and getting him at a team-friendly price is one of the best moves Dallas has made this offseason.
Grade: A-
Lions Bring Back WR Tim Patrick
4 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, up to $4 million (per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo)
Wide receiver Tim Patrick was a feel-good story for a feel-good Detroit Lions team in 2024. After missing two straight seasons with the Denver Broncos due to a torn ACL and a torn Achilles, Patrick re-emerged with the Lions last season and immediately meshed with the team's culture.
"He fits us just the way he is, the way he works, his attention to detail, and he brings a little something different," head coach Dan Campbell said, per Benjamin Raven of MLive.
The 31-year-old had a strong season as Detroit's No. 3 wideout, finishing with 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns. Bringing him back was a smart move.
Patrick—who topped 700 receiving yards in both 2020 and 2021—could be even better with another offseason between him and his two season-ending injuries.
Grade: B
Chiefs Keep Leading Rusher, Re-Sign Kareem Hunt
5 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, $1.5 million (per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
The Kansas City Chiefs added running back Kareem Hunt during the 2024 season after Isiah Pacheco suffered a broken fibula that ultimately limited him to seven games.
Hunt provided some punch to Kansas City's backfield. While he's lost some of the burst he had earlier in his career, the 29-year-old remains a physical back who can get the tough yards and is a functional receiver out of the backfield.
In 13 games last season, Hunt rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 176 yards and made eight starts.
Pacheco should return to the starting role in 2024, and Kansas City may dip into a talented rookie running back pool next month. However, Hunt is a tremendous complementary back for Andy Reid's offense, and retaining him at a bargain price is a big win for the Chiefs.
Grade: A-
Commanders Add Line Depth with Nate Herbig
6 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, undisclosed terms (per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
The Washington Commanders found their quarterback last season in rookie Jayden Daniels. They're now working to better protect their star signal-caller, which is why they executed this week's trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Friday's signing of guard Nate Herbig won't generate as much buzz as the Tunsil deal, but it's the sort of savvy signing that could turn into a big win for Washington.
Herbig missed the 2024 season with a torn rotator cuff. However, he logged 30 career starts with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers over the previous four seasons.
The 26-year-old Herbig is still in his playing prime, and he's healthy again, according to Fowler. He could compete for playing time on the interior and should be a quality backup at worst.
While terms of the deal are not yet available, the Commanders are presumably getting Herbig at a relative bargain compared to some of the big-money contracts for linemen we saw early in the week.
Grade: B-
Patriots Sign S Marcus Epps
7 of 20
Contract Terms: One-year, up to $4.4 million (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The New England Patriots have been on a mission to overhaul their defense in free agency. Over the last few days, they've added the likes of edge-rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, edge Harold Landry III, defensive tackle Milton Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis.
The Patriots added another piece on Friday, signing safety Marcus Epps to a one-year deal.
Epps was a starter for the Eagles in 2022 before spending two years with the Raiders, again in a starting role. While he performed well two seasons ago, he struggled in 2024 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 3.
This feels like a bit of a gamble for New England, albeit a low-cost one. According to Pelissero, Epps is expected to be cleared "well before" training camp. If Epps is healthy, the Patriots could wind up getting a quality rotational player on a budget price.
Grade: B
Falcons Sign DT Morgan Fox
8 of 20
Contract Terms: Two years, $8.5 million (per Fox Sports' Peter Schrager and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero)
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines at the start of free agency when they released longtime standout defensive tackle Grady Jarrett—who quickly signed with the Chicago Bears.
While Morgan Fox won't make Falcons fans forget about Jarrett, the 30-year-old will help fill the void along the defensive interior. He has appeared in every regular-season game since his second season NFL season (2017) and has been a strong rotational player for the Los Angeles Chargers over the past two years.
Fox finished the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and six quarterback hits. He should be a terrific depth piece in Jeff Ulbrich's defense and could vie for a starting role.
Grade: B
Giants Add DT Jeremiah Ledbetter
9 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, $1.8 million (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The New York Giants made a couple of additions to their defense in early free agency, adding edge-rusher Chauncey Golston and safety Jevon Holland. They added another piece on Friday, signing defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter.
Ledbetter spent the last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and appeared in 32 games over the past two. He finished the 2024 season with 38 tackles, two sacks and eight tackles for loss.
The 30-year-old projects as a run-stopping specialist in Shane Bowen's defense, but he should be quite valuable in that role. Pro Football Focus ranked Ledbetter 33rd among 219 interior defenders in run defense last season.
With a team-friendly contract that includes $2 million in incentives, per Pelissero, this is a solid add for New York.
Grade: B
Chiefs Sign DT Jerry Tillery
10 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport)
The Chiefs added some depth to their defensive line on Friday, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with defensive tackle Jerry Tillery.
A 2019 first-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, Tillery has spent most of his career in the AFC West. He logged a year-and-a-half with the Las Vegas Raiders before playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
The 28-year-old will now join Kansas City, where he'll likely provide depth. While Tillery did make 11 starts for the Vikings last season, he's been at his best in a rotational role and part-time interior pass-rusher.
As a full-time player, Tillery largely underwhelmed last season. Pro Football Focus graded him 171st among 219 interior defenders in pass-rushing and 112th in run defense.
Adding Tillery represents a solid bet on upside, but Kansas City is looking to remain in the Super Bowl picture. It won't be a total surprise if he doesn't make the final roster.
Grade: D
Vikings Bring Back LB Eric Wilson
11 of 20
Contract Terms: Terms undisclosed (per team)
There was a run on linebackers early in free agency, but the Minnesota Vikings didn't in on the action then. However, they picked up a solid defensive piece on Friday by signing linebacker Eric Wilson.
Wilson first joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He spent his first four years in Minnesota, spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans and eventually settled in with the Green Bay Packers.
The 30-year-old appeared in all 17 games with Green Bay last season and started 12, finishing with 72 tackles, two sacks and seven tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus graded him 82nd overall among 189 linebackers for the season.
Wilson should be viewed as a mid-level starter or a high-end backup or rotational defender at worst.
Grade: B-
Eagles Add TE Kylen Granson
12 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, undisclosed terms (per ESPN's Adam Schefter)
The Philadelphia Eagles are accumulating tight end depth in free agency and, specifically, appear to be targeting strong pass-catchers. After adding Harrison Bryant earlier in the week, the Eagles signed Kylen Granson on Friday.
Granson, a 2021 fourth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, never put up gaudy numbers in Indy's offense. However, he's a very capable receiver with a good combination of burst and athleticism, and he's been mostly reliable as a blocker.
In his four seasons with the Colts, Granson caught 86 passes for 958 yards and a touchdown. At only 26 years old, he has upside and could turn into a long-term contributor for Philadelphia.
Grade: B-
Dolphins Add TE Depth With Pharaoh Brown
13 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
In Mike McDaniel's first two years as the Miami Dolphins' head coach, the offense didn't feature tight ends heavily in the passing game. But last season, Jonnu Smith emerged as an offensive staple, finishing with a team-high 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
While Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should serve as Tua Tagovailoa's top two targets (if healthy) in 2025, McDaniel should continue using tight ends to create mismatches. That's why Friday's signing of Pharaoh Brown is a solid move.
Brown is a seven-year veteran and a dependable in-line blocker who can serve as an ancillary receiver. He had only eight catches for 65 yards with the Seattle Seahawks last season, but he caught 13 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown with the New England Patriots in 2023.
Brown, who also provides special teams value, is a nice piece of depth to have behind Smith on Miami's depth chart.
Grade: C
Bills Bring Back CB Dane Jackson
14 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo)
While fans are usually excited about NFL free agency, team decision-makers never appeared particularly thrilled with the 2025 free-agent class.
"It’s a really bad group overall," one unnamed AFC executive told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.
That could explain the early explosion of activity we saw this week, as teams quickly pursued their top targets. It could also explain why so many teams moved to re-sign their own standouts or bring in familiar faces.
The Buffalo Bills brought back a very familiar player on Friday, signing cornerback Dane Jackson to a one-year deal. Jackson spent his first four years in Buffalo before spending the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers.
Jackson had some struggles in 2023 and missed time with a hamstring injury last season. However, he started 14 games for the Bills in 2022 and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.1 that season.
This year, the 28-year-old should compete for playing time or provide valuable depth as a player who knows Buffalo's personnel.
Grade: B-
Cowboys Add to New-Look Backfield With Miles Sanders
15 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler)
The Dallas Cowboys had their fair share of issues in 2024, including injuries and an inability to run the ball consistently. While their ground game wasn't great overall, they appeared to find a breakout star in running back Rico Dowdle, who tallied 1,328 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
However, Dallas has seemingly decided to go in a different direction this offseason. The Cowboys agreed to add former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams on Monday, the first day of the legal tampering period, and Dowdle signed with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.
Overnight, the Cowboys then added former Panthers running back Miles Sanders on a one-year deal.
This feels like a dart throw on a back who had a Pro Bowl season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 but failed to become a reliable starter in Carolina. Sanders is turning 28 in May and can add some interesting competition to the Dallas backfield, but he isn't a sure-fire starter at this stage of his career.
This feels a lot like last season, when the Cowboys patched together a backfield and hoped for the best. It would behoove them to target the running back position in next month's draft.
Grade: C-
Rams Retain DL Depth, Re-Sign Larrell Murchison
16 of 20
Contract terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per team)
One of the Rams' keys to success in 2024 was a young and ascending defense that was particularly aggressive up front. They added to that front when they added defensive tackle Poona Ford during the legal-contact window.
Los Angeles will be retaining a rotational piece after signing defensive lineman Larrell Murchison to a one-year deal.
Murchison began last season on injured reserve and didn't appear in a game, butplayed 25 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023 and recorded 16 tackles that seasons.
In four seasons with the Rams and Titans, the 27-year-old has appeared in 44 games with eight starts.
Grade: C
Colts Add More Secondary Depth With CB Corey Ballentine
17 of 20
Contract Terms: Terms undisclosed (per ESPN's Stephen Holder)
The Indianapolis Colts have been busy trying to reload a defense that ranked 26th in passing yards allowed last season. They added safety Camryn Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward early in the week. They added another depth piece on Friday, signing six-year veteran Corey Ballentine.
Ballentine primarily played on special teams last season, but he played 55 percent of the defensive snaps for the Packers in 2023. That season, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 81.2 in coverage.
While Bynum and Ward should be immediate starters for the Colts, Ballentine will likely be a backup or rotational player who also provides value on special teams.
With that said, Friday's signing was a solid one for a team that desperately needed to overhaul its defensive backfield.
Grade: C
Patriots Add Line Depth With Wes Schweitzer
18 of 20
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The New England Patriots have their quarterback in Drake Maye. Protecting him has to be a priority moving forward, and New England knows it.
The Patriots added offensive tackle Morgan Moses in free agency, and after releasing longtime center David Andrews on Thursday, they've helped to reload their interior dept. Eight-year veteran Wes Schweitzer will be joining the squad on a one-year deal.
While Schweitzer hasn't been a regular starter since 2020, he has 62 starts on his resume and has experience playing all three interior positions. He may get a chance to compete for a starting role, but even as a backup, his versatility should be valuable in New England.
Grade: B
Other Signings
19 of 20
49ers Sign LS Jon Weeks
Contract Terms: One year, $1.4 million (per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston)
On Thursday evening, the 49ers found a new veteran to aid their special teams group. They added long snapper Jon Weeks, who spent 15 years with the Texans and made the Pro Bowl in 2015.
The 39-year-old, who has appeared in 244 regular-season games, will continue to do what he does best in San Francisco. It's not a flashy signing, but it should add some stability to the Niners' special teams unit.
Grade: C
Colts Add K Spencer Shrader
Contract Terms: Two years, terms undisclosed (per James Boyd of The Athletic)
The Colts added another kicker on Thursday evening, signing Spencer Shrader.
The 25-year-old signed with Indianapolis last offseason as an undrafted free agent and also spent time with the Jets and Chiefs. He appeared in 14 games overall and went 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts along with 9-for-9 on extra-point attempts.
Shrader will provide competition to Matt Gay and could supplant the veteran as Indy's long-term kicker.
Grade: B
Eagles Sign LS Charley Hughlett
Contract Terms: One year, $1.4 million (per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston)
Fans probably won't get excited about adding a long snapper, but teams have to have them to function, and the Eagles are adding an experienced one in Charley Hughlett.
Hughlett appeared in only five games last season due to a rib injury, but he has 152 games on his NFL resume. This presumably means that longtime Eagles long snapper Rick Lovato will not return.
Grade: C
Chiefs Bring Back QB Bailey Zappe
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero)
The Chiefs added depth behind Patrick Mahomes on Thursday when they added Gardner Minshew. They added a bit more on Friday by re-signing Bailey Zappe, who spent time on their practice squad in 2024.
Zappe, who has nine starts on his NFL resume, should compete with Minshew for the backup role. This is purely a depth move, but adding a QB with system familiarity never hurts.
Grade: C
Chargers Add Special Teamer Del'Shawn Phillips
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo)
The Chargers added some special teams help on Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran Del'Shawn Phillips. The 28-year-old has played over 1,300 special teams snaps in his career and played 77 percent of the special teams snaps with the Texans last season.
Grade: C
Bills Sign G Kendrick Green
Contract Terms: One year, undisclosed terms (per team)
The Bills are taking a flier on Kendrick Green, a 2021 third-round pick of the Steelers.
While Green has never developed into a reliable starter, he has appeared in 36 games with 19 starts for Pittsburgh and Houston. This is a pure depth signing, and the 26-year-old may have to battle in camp just to make the 53-player roster.
Grade: C-
Buccaneers Re-Sign WR Sterling Shepard
Contract Terms: One year, undisclosed terms (per Bucs GM Jason Licht)
According to Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, who should be a fairly reliable source, Tampa Bay is bringing back receiver Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old appeared in 14 games for the Buccaneers last season. He had 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown while rekindling his chemistry with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield.
Grade: B-
Other Signings, Continued
20 of 20
Eagles Sign LB Patrick Johnson
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per team)
The Eagles are bringing back linebacker Patrick Johnson, who spent his first three seasons in Philadelphia—and part of 2024—before spending most of last season with the rival Giants. Primarily a special teamer, Johnson has experience under coordinator Michael Clay and should have a chance to stick on this year's roster.
Grade: C
Jets Re-Sign RB/KR Kene Nwangwu
Contract Terms: One year, $2.5 million (per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport)
The Jets are bringing back running back and kick returner Kene Nwangwu on a one-year deal. Nwangwu spent most of last season on the practice squad but appeared in two games and had a 99-yard kick-return touchdown.
The 27-year-old was a second-team All-Pro as a returner for the Vikings in 2022.
Grade: B
Cardinals Sign WR Simi Fehoko
Contract Terms: Terms undisclosed (per team)
The Cardinals are taking a flier on wide receiver Simi Fehoko. A 2021 fifth-round pick of the Cowboys, Fehoko still has upside, but he's only occasionally flashed it on the field.
In four seasons with the Cowboys and Chargers, Fehoko logged 10 catches for 139 yards and one touchdown.
Grade: C
Eagles Add PR/KR Avery Williams
Contract Terms: One year, terms undisclosed (per The Athletic's Dianna Russini)
The Eagles are adding former Falcons utility player Avery Williams. The 26-year-old has primarily been used as a punt and kicker returner, though he's also spent time at cornerback and running back.
Last season, Williams returned 20 punts and 15 kickoffs for averages of 9.3 and 27.2 yards, respectively.
Grade: C
Lions Add TE Kenny Yeboah
Contract Terms: One year, terns undisclosed (per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press)
The Lions bolstered their tight end depth on Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Kenny Yeboah. The 26-year-old has appeared in 33 games over four seasons with the Jets and has recorded nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Yeboah has also logged 610 career special teams snaps and could provide depth behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright in Detroit.
Grade: C-
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