The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2025 Offseason
A month following the NFL draft, teams continue to shape the complexion of rosters with trades, signings, cuts and extensions. As coaches make early assessments at organized team activities (OTAs), expect more changes.
Every year, veterans, rookies and upstart talent battle for lead positions and roles in rotations as clubs structure depth charts to field the best 53-man roster and build a solid practice squad for the 2025 season. Also, front offices must budget for key players to avoid extended holdouts and hold-ins.
We will suggest one roster move each team must make for the remainder of the offseason. These recommendations range from locking star players into big-money extensions to free-agent signings and major trades that can address needs.
In some cases, we suggested the least obvious roster move rather than a likely transaction.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: Sign Conor McDermott
The Bills can take a page from the Philadelphia Eagles' offseason playbook. They need more insurance at offensive tackle. Four-time Pro Bowler Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown haven't missed much time over the last few years. Still, in a 17-game season, Buffalo should have an experienced veteran ready to go in case one or both miss extended time.
Ryan Van Demark and Tylan Grable have started in three games combined. McDermott could provide much-needed experience at both tackle spots in a second stint with the Bills.
Miami Dolphins: Sign CB Shaquill Griffin
According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Dolphins will part ways with cornerback Jalen Ramsey. If that happens, Miami would have a glaring need in the secondary. Storm Duck and Cam Smith are the top two boundary cornerbacks behind Ramsey on the roster. In 2024, Duck appeared in 14 games, started in three, and allowed a 100.2 passer rating in coverage. Smith has yet to log an NFL start.
Griffin can fill a void in the Dolphins' pass coverage. Last year, he allowed a 75.8 passer rating while only giving up two touchdowns in a rotational role with the Minnesota Vikings. He would be Miami's top cornerback, assuming the team moves on from Ramsey.
New England Patriots: Sign CB Michael Davis
New England took an aggressive approach in free agency, signing five players to deals worth $11 million or more annually. As the Patriots ramp up offseason activities, they should consider an addition to the secondary to build depth at cornerback.
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are locked in as starters. If Marcus Jones maintains the lead role in the slot, New England needs a backup boundary cornerback behind Gonzalez and Davis. Starting in 76 career games, (Michael) Davis would be a solid addition on the boundary.
New York Jets: Sign WR Garrett Wilson to an extension
Last offseason, the Jets' previous regime had a messy contract situation with edge-rusher Haason Reddick that resulted in a lengthy holdout. Gang Green's new administration, led by general manager Darren Mougey, can send a strong message that the team will reward productive players, especially its own talent.
Mougey told reporters his "to-do list is to keep good young players on the team and add good players." He can start with extending Wilson, who has racked up 1,042-plus receiving yards in all three of his seasons.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: Sign C Tyler Linderbaum to an extension
The Ravens declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option, though they do want to retain him long-term. As ESPN's Jamison Hensley explained, the Ravens didn't pick up the additional year on Linderbaum's rookie deal because it would have exceeded the highest-paid center's contract by a little more than $5.4 million.
Now, Baltimore has to speed up the clock on signing Linderbaum to an extension before he hits free agency in 2026. Linderbaum deserves a big-money deal that tops Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens' four-year, $68 million contract.
Cincinnati Bengals: Sign Trey Hendrickson to an extension
Hendrickson has been vocal about the lack of communication between the Bengals and his camp on a new deal. Defensive end Sam Hubbard has retired. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart hasn't joined the team because of a dispute over training camp bonuses. Cincinnati isn't in a position to be stubborn with its best pass-rusher, who's coming off an All-Pro campaign.
Cleveland Browns: Sign OT George Fant
Jack Conklin has missed 34 games since 2021. Dawand Jones has sat out 13 games in two years. The Browns haven't re-signed Jedrick Wills Jr. Their top two offensive tackles have an extensive recent injury history, so they need reliable depth at that position. Fant has 75 career starts with experience on both sides of the line. He can fill in for Conklin or Jones.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trade for QB Will Levis
Regardless of Aaron Rodgers' decision to play for the Steelers or retire, Pittsburgh should offer a fourth-round pick for Levis. Rodgers will turn 42 in December. At this point, he's a year-to-year player. Levis has two years left on his rookie deal.
If the Steelers finish the 2025 season with a mediocre record and Rodgers only sticks around for one year, they would at least have an experienced young starter in Levis, whom they can develop for the long term. In seven seasons, Mason Rudolph has been a game manager. At 25, Levis, with his big arm and mobility, has far more upside.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: Trade WR John Metchie III
This offseason, the Texans acquired Christian Kirk from the Jaguars and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the second and third rounds, respectively. Houston has put the writing on the wall for Metchie's departure and should place him on the trade block. He showed the ability to overcome adversity, recovering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, and is only 24 with major upside. Metchie will have a market if available.
Indianapolis Colts: Trade for Cincinnati Bengals LB Germaine Pratt
The Colts need a linebacker after they lost E.J. Speed in free agency. Cameron McGrone is a backup who mostly contributes on special teams. The Colts hired former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to the same position. They can reunite him with Pratt, who, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, requested a trade in February. Pratt would be a no-brainer fit in Anarumo's system at a position of need.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign S Julian Blackmon
In 2024, the Jaguars gave up the most passing yards and logged the third-fewest interceptions (six). They signed Eric Murray, but he has only three interceptions in nine seasons. Darnell Savage has two interceptions over the last three years. Jacksonville needs a game-changer at safety. Julian Blackmon has registered seven interceptions over the previous two terms, and he can play both safety spots.
Tennessee Titans: Sign Edge Matthew Judon
After releasing Handry Landry III, the Titans will rely on Dre'Mont Jones and Arden Key to generate a pass rush off the edge. Perhaps rookie second-rounder Oluwafemi Oladejo cracks the rotation as a contributor, but Tennessee can add veteran insurance by signing Judon.
Entering his age-33 term, Judon is past his prime. However, he can still record a handful of sacks for a team that doesn't have a standout pass-rusher.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Sign EDGE Nik Bonitto to an extension
Bonitto is one of the league's most underrated pass-rushers. He has increased his sack total every year since his 2022 rookie campaign. Bonitto isn't on the same tier as star pass-rushers Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt and Aidan Hutchinson, who could soon sign megadeals. Yet, according to The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson, the Pro Bowl pass-rusher could command more than $20 million annually on a new deal.
With Bonitto coming off a 13.5-sack campaign, Denver should look to pay him this offseason because he can significantly increase his contract demands with another Pro Bowl year.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sign G Brandon Scherff
Ahead of OTAs, the Chiefs have a major question mark at left guard. They traded two-time All-Pro Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, and Kingsley Suamataia will transition from left tackle to left guard. At BYU, Suamataia made all of his 22 starts at tackle.
The Chiefs are playing for Super Bowls, and they must protect Patrick Mahomes. With rookie first-rounder Josh Simmons pushing for the starting job at left tackle, Kansas City should add a grizzled veteran at left guard to solidify that side of the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Scherff didn't give up a sack while on the field for 625 pass-blocking snaps last year.
Las Vegas Raiders: Sign CB Mike Hilton
The Raiders have glaring needs at linebacker and cornerback, and Hilton would help fill the latter as one of the best free agents available. Last season, Hilton recorded 73 tackles, 12 for loss, five pass breakups and an interception while allowing 8.7 yards per reception.
Darnay Holmes has experience in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's system as the slot cornerback. Hilton would be an upgrade with his starting experience and productivity. He's a feisty nickelback who fits the competitive spirit that head coach Pete Carroll likes to see in his defense.
Los Angeles Chargers: Sign OT Rashawn Slater to an extension
In the second offseason under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have made a point to establish a physical identity. They signed 6'7", 363-pound guard Mekhi Becton and running back Najee Harris and then drafted bruising tailback Omarion Hampton in the first round.
The Chargers are built to win games at the line of scrimmage, so they should place a premium on the value of their offensive linemen. Slater is coming off his second Pro Bowl year and should be rewarded for being a strong pillar in the Chargers' new-look offense. He has a shot to be the highest-paid offensive tackle. Los Angeles has $26.8 million in cap space this year and a whopping $131 million slated for 2026.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Sign CB Kendall Fuller
The Cowboys secondary could have a rocky start to the upcoming season. Team executive vice president Stephen Jones said, "There's a good chance" cornerback Trevon Diggs misses the beginning of the campaign as he recovers from knee surgery. Rookie third-rounder Shavon Revel Jr. is working his way back from a torn ACL. Dallas lost slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis in free agency.
Dallas can bring in Fuller to shore up its pass coverage. He can line up outside to fill in for Diggs and transition into the slot if none of the young defensive backs impress in nickel duties. The 30-year-old has extensive experience playing on the boundary and as a nickelback.
New York Giants: Trade QB Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston's stint in New York would be fun to watch with his personality. However, the Giants must think about the complexion of their quarterback room and how they can squeeze value out of it.
Head coach Brian Daboll has tabbed Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. Big Blue traded back into the first round for Jaxson Dart. Winston is in no-man's land between the team's current and potential future starting quarterbacks. The Giants should try to trade him for an early Day 3 draft pick. Winston has some value as a backup. Last year, he threw for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games (seven starts) with the Cleveland Browns.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sign DL John Cominsky
If the Eagles were to add another defensive lineman, it wouldn't shock anyone because they constantly stack talent for that position group. Philadelphia added edge-rushers Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche to compensate for losing Josh Sweat in free agency and Brandon Graham, who retired. However, the team didn't bring in veteran reinforcements for the defensive line despite Milton Williams' departure.
John Cominsky is a versatile defender who can line up at different positions across the front line. After recording 66 tackles, seven for loss, six sacks and 29 pressures in two years with the Detroit Lions, he would be a solid pickup to help replace Williams' production.
Washington Commanders: Sign EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
Last season, Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington in sacks with 10.5. In free agency, he signed with his former team, the Cowboys. The Commanders have tried to shore up the defensive end position, signing Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin. They can continue to stockpile veterans to bolster their pass-rushing committee.
At 32, Clowney can be productive in a rotational role. Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 64 percent of the defensive snaps.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: Sign EDGE Tanoh Kpassagnon
The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract. He'll line up opposite Montez Sweat on the edge. Austin Booker has a chance to take on the third-most snaps at defensive end, but he's unproven, going into his second term after playing 27 percent of Chicago's defensive snaps last year.
While with the New Orleans Saints, Kpassagnon played in Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense between 2021 and 2024. He would provide quality depth as a plug-and-play rotational end.
Detroit Lions: Sign EDGE DeMarcus Walker
DeMarcus Walker moved between the defensive line and outside linebacker early in his career with the Denver Broncos. After settling in as an edge-rusher, he's provided quality depth and started in 29 games over the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears.
The Lions cut Za'Darius Smith. Marcus Davenport has missed 28 games over the previous two terms. Walker would be a more reliable starter and rotational pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who's working his way back from a fractured tibia and fibula.
Green Bay Packers: Sign CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Whether the Packers retain Jaire Alexander or not, they need a potential starter at cornerback. If they trade Alexander, the move would create a clear need in the secondary, though he's missed 10 games in back-to-back campaigns.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Samuel underwent neck surgery in April, but he plans to play this year and will remain in contact with several teams following a check-up in July. The Packers can hold Alexander until they get clarity on Samuel's medicals in the summer. If doctors clear Samuel to play, Green Bay should sign him and trade Alexander.
Minnesota Vikings: Sign S John Johnson
At safety, the Vikings have Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus in starting spots and not much behind them. Fourth-year veteran Theo Jackson and third-year pro Jay Ward have played 285 career defensive snaps combined.
Johnson has experience at both safety positions, and he can also take on assignments in the slot. Last September, he suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula. Now healthy, the 29-year-old can fill multiple roles.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: Trade QB Kirk Cousins
In Week 16 of the previous season, the Falcons made a quarterback switch from Cousins to Michael Penix Jr. Though general manager Terry Fontenot has said the team is willing to keep Cousins in a backup role, the Falcons should accept the best offer available for him.
At most, the Falcons can save $27.5 million in cap space if they trade Cousins after June 1, per Over the Cap. Even if they pay some of his salary, it's far better than retaining his full $40 million cap hit for 2025.
Carolina Panthers: Trade for CB Jaire Alexander
Carolina can take a big swing to bolster its historically bad defense from a year ago. Yes, the Panthers signed safety Tre'von Moehrig, edge-rusher Patrick Jones II, defensive end Tershawn Wharton and nose tackle Bobby Brown III, but they should still bring in a proven veteran to upgrade at cornerback. Remember, Michael Jackson allowed six touchdowns and a 106.5 passer rating in coverage last season.
Alexander has been sidelined for more than half of the previous two terms because of injuries, but when healthy, he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player. The 28-year-old is worth the gamble if Carolina can reduce his $24.6 million 2025 cap hit with a restructured deal.
New Orleans Saints: Sign QB Carson Wentz
In seven contests (six starts) as a rookie last season, Spencer Rattler threw for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 57 percent of his passes. He's the most experienced starter in the Saints' quarterback room.
Perhaps rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough, Jake Haener and Rattler bring out the best in one another in a training camp battle. Still, the Saints should add veteran competition to challenge the young candidates. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Haener is dealing with an oblique injury. Wentz can push the young talent at the position. He could also provide a spark in the passing game with his big arm and ability to extend plays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sign G Dalton Risner
In five seasons, Ben Bredeson has played for three teams. He's a replaceable left guard. Tampa Bay can find an upgrade on the interior to strengthen its offensive line. Risner is one of the better pass-blocking guards in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one quarterback hit and zero sacks while on the field for 345 pass-blocking snaps last season. He would be a solid bodyguard for Baker Mayfield, who threw the fifth-most passes last year.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: Sign S Justin Simmons
According to NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, Simmons wants to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have a proven starter in Reed Blankenship at the position, and Sydney Brown could fill the other safety spot after the team traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. Rookie second-rounder Andrew Mukuba will have opportunities as well.
Simmons may have to look elsewhere for a landing spot, maybe in the desert. Arizona has Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson entrenched in starting safety roles, but neither of the two recorded an interception last season. The Cardinals need to force more turnovers. In 2024, they tied for 20th in takeaways. Simmons has 32 career interceptions in nine seasons. He can help Arizona with game-changing plays in coverage.
Los Angeles Rams: Trade for Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey
When asked about the possibility of trading for Ramsey, Rams head coach Sean McVay said, "Those conversations are ongoing" during an interview with Adam Schein of SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio.
The Rams need a boost at cornerback. In 2024, Cobie Durant had a solid showing in 15 games (14 starts), allowing a 71.2 passer rating in coverage. Still, Los Angeles can find an upgrade over 32-year-old Darious Williams, who allowed a 101.7 passer rating in coverage last year. Having played with the Rams between 2019 and 2022, Ramsey is familiar with the coaching staff, and he's still a high-level starter.
San Francisco 49ers: Sign WR Amari Cooper
The 49ers agreed to terms on a five-year, $265 million extension with quarterback Brock Purdy. Now, they must add another proven playmaker at receiver to help support him.
Brandon Aiyuk might miss half the 2025 campaign recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. General manager John Lynch said (via The Athletic's Matt Barrows) the league could suspend Demarcus Robinson for the first three games of the upcoming term because of a November DUI arrest.
Cooper battled injuries throughout the 2024 season, which limited his production. But if he's healthy, the 30-year-old would be a quality pickup. As Christian McCaffrey ages, Purdy must take on more of the offensive workload with his arm. So, San Francisco should load up on able-bodied and available receivers.
Seattle Seahawks: Sign WR Gabe Davis
The Seahawks have enough room to add another big-play wideout to the offense. Wideout Cooper Kupp is an injury-prone possession receiver who has missed 18 games over the last three years and averaged 10.6 yards per catch last season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling averages a career 17.4 yards per reception, but he has an alarming 49.5 percent catch rate.
Davis has been inconsistent and couldn't find his groove in the Jacksonville Jaguars' aerial attack last season. Yet he would be a solid No. 3 option in the Seahawks' passing attack and primary big-play target if Valdes-Scantling isn't able to carry over his momentum from the previous season in Klint Kubiak's system.
Because of Kupp's injury history, Seattle needs quality depth at receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Davis has missed more than two games in a single term once in five years and averages 16.2 yards per catch.
Player contract and team salary cap details are courtesy of Over the Cap.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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