Re-Grading Biggest Trades, Free-Agent Signings of 2025 NFL Offseason

With NFL training camps set to begin later this month, the offseason is officially coming to an end. More player movement will unfold in the coming weeks—and rosters will be trimmed to 53 players on August 26—but the biggest moves of 2025 have already been made.

Some of those early offseason moves may seem a little different than they did initially because of subsequent decisions too. NFL fans are well aware that not every blockbuster deal is going to age well.

With training camp rosters largely set, now is the perfect time to take another look at some of the most notable signings and trades of the offseason.

Where applicable, we'll examine how the biggest moves were judged. We'll then view each deal as a piece of the entire offseason and grade it based on value, team fit, long-term implications and any other relevant team-specific factors.

Seahawks Trade DK Metcalf to Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Freed

WR DK Metcalf

Steelers Get: WR DK Metcalf, 2025 6th-Round Pick

Seahawks Get: 2025 2nd-Round Pick, 2025 7th-Round Pick

One of the first big moves of the 2025 offseason unfolded several days before the start of free agency. The Seattle Seahawks signaled the start of their roster retooling when they sent DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

At the time, I considered the move a win for both franchises. Pittsburgh got itself a great perimeter complement to George Pickens, while Seattle got a solid return for a receiver entering a contract year.

However, a lot has changed for both teams since the deal was done. The Seahawks essentially replaced Metcalf with Cooper Kupp on a three-year, $45 million deal—quite a price for a 32-year-old wideout with significant injury concerns.

The Steelers signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and traded Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 pick swap.

Pittsburgh also inked Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million extension.

The 27-year-old has been a far more consistent receiver than Pickens, and he'll probably fit better with Rodgers than Pickens would have. However, the Steelers still paid a lot to lock up a player who has never played for them before, which isn't typical for the franchise. Swapping the two pass-catchers is a bit of a gamble.

Seattle, meanwhile, likely downgraded its receiving corps, which is potentially problematic with the team taking a big swing on quarterback Sam Darnold.

Steelers Grade: B

Seahawks Grade: C+

Seahawks Trade Geno Smith to Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Geno Smith

Raiders Get: QB Geno Smith

Seahawks Get: 2025 3rd-Round Pick

Metcalf wasn't the only notable player Seattle agreed to move ahead of free agency. It also dealt quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round pick.

The deal was a big win for Las Vegas and, specifically, new head coach Pete Carroll. Smith will turn 35 in October, but he's a Pro Bowl-caliber signal-caller at his best. By reuniting him with Carroll, the team should have a chance to open a playoff window within the next couple of seasons.

The price to acquire Smith, who was entering a contract year, was more than reasonable. So was the two-year, $75 million extension he subsequently signed with Las Vegas.

Seattle made an effort to extend Smith early in the offseason but quickly decided to go in a different direction.

"It became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to get a deal done," general manager John Schneider told reporters.

The trade represented a big risk by the Seahawks since it required them to find a new starter after Smith delivered three consecutive winning seasons. Seattle got its guy in Darnold, who probably has more long-term upside than Smith. However, that doesn't change the fact that the return was underwhelming for a starting-caliber QB.

Raiders Grade: A

Seahawks Grade: C

Seahawks Sign QB Sam Darnold

AP Photo/John Froschauer

QB Sam Darnold

Contract Terms: Three Years, $100.5 Million

Signing Darnold wasn't necessarily a home run move by the Seahawks. The 28-year-old did have a Pro Bowl campaign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, but he had a terrific supporting cast last season and struggled to even be an average starter for most of his NFL career.

Still, his three-year, $100.5 million contract was reasonable, especially considering the going rate for quarterbacks and the fact that Seattle can get out of the deal after a year. The Seahawks could release him with a post-June 1 designation next offseason and save $27.5 million in cap space.

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport initially gave the Seahawks an "A-" grade for the signing.

"If Darnold can come close to last season's production, then signing him for less than $35 million per year could be viewed as one of 2025's best free-agent values," he wrote.

The deal looks even better now. Signing Darnold, who could start for another decade or more, was a low-risk, high-reward move. Seattle then got itself a developmental Plan B when it drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in Round 3.

Milroe may be on the unpolished side but has the ceiling of an elite dual-threat quarterback in the mold of Lamar Jackson—who head coach Mike Macdonald saw plenty of as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator.

If Darnold maintains his Pro Bowl form in Seattle, great. At worst, he'll give the Seahawks time to develop and evaluate Milroe while examining options in future draft classes.

Grade: A

49ers Trade Deebo Samuel to Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

WR Deebo Samuel

Commanders Get: WR Deebo Samuel

49ers Get: 2025 5th-Round Pick

While the Seahawks were one of the league's most active teams in the early offseason, they weren't the first to trade a notable wide receiver.

At the beginning of March, the San Francisco 49ers dealt wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

While the 29-year-old had a down season in 2024, his upside as a multi-faceted runner and receiver makes the move a win for both Washington and second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.

San Francisco wasn't as clearly a winner, considering the low return, but this wasn't the worst move for the 49ers.

Samuel was entering a contract year and had asked the 49ers to help him find a new home.

"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," he said, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "But I have to do what's best."

While the 49ers ate a $31 million dead-cap hit to trade Samuel, they made a clean financial break—he had void years running through 2029. This helped give general manager John Lynch a clear path extending both tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy during the offseason.

The Commanders, meanwhile, got a versatile offensive weapon who should complement Kliff Kingsbury's offense. After a contract restructuring, Samuel will carry a cap hit of just $5.2 million this season.

Commanders Grade: A

49ers Grade: C+

Texans Trade Laremy Tunsil to Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

OT Laremy Tunsil

Commanders Get: OT Laremy Tunsil, 2025 4th-Round Pick

Texans Get: 2025 3rd-round pick, 2025 7th-Round Pick, 2026 2nd-Round Pick, 2026 4th-Round Pick

The Commanders were early buyers on the trade market, and they took a big swing to bolster their offensive line at the onset of free agency. They acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans for a package of draft picks.

While the five-time Pro Bowler isn't quite an elite tackle and will turn 31 in August, he's an above-average starter who should have several good years ahead of him. Adding him and investing in Daniels' protection was a sensible move by Washington.

Houston's decision to do the deal was a little more curious, though. Inconsistent offensive line play was one of the Texans' biggest issues in 2024, and Tunsil was arguably their most reliable player.

"The Commanders 'won' this deal—handily," Davenport wrote while giving Washington an "A" grade and Houston a "D" grade for the exchange.

The value for Houston doesn't look much better in retrospect, though its plan has become clearer. Moving Tunsil was a part of a complete overhaul of the offensive line. The Texans also moved 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green while adding Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Ed Ingram, Trent Brown and rookie tackle  Aireontae Ersery.

Houston is looking for an identity shift along the line.

"We're going to be more nasty up front," guard Tytus Howard said, per Jonathan M. Howard of the Houston Chronicle.

A different line isn't guaranteed to be a better one, which leaves the Texans' grade on the lower side for this deal.

Commanders Grade: A

Texans Grade: C-

Cardinals Sign Edge Josh Sweat

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Josh Sweat

Contract Terms: Four Years, $76.4 Million

Pass-rusher Josh Sweat was the top-ranked player on Bleacher Report's 2025 free agent big board for a couple of reasons. He plays a premium position and had a very impactful year for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.

The 28-year-old tallied eight regular-season sacks and another 2.5 postseason sacks during Philly's run to a Super Bowl victory. He parlayed that campaign into a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.

Davenport gave Arizona an "A-" grade for signing Sweat, who will reunite with head coach and former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

"Sweat was one of the best edge-rushers available this year," he wrote. "The Cardinals needed an upgrade opposite the recently re-signed Baron Browning. And the Redbirds got Sweat for less than $20 million a season."

This signing looks even better for the Cardinals when viewed alongside the rest of the offseason. General manager Monti Ossenfort clearly prioritized the defense, using six of seven draft selections on that side of the ball.

Alongside Sweat, first-round pick Walter Nolen and third-rounder Jordan Burch should help bolster Arizona's defensive front significantly. Second-round cornerback Will Johnson should help solidify things on the back end.

Will Gannon replicate the defensive success he previously had with Philadelphia? That remains to be seen, but the Cardinals' offseason strategy was sound, and Sweat is a terrific player coming in at a sensible price point.

Grade: A

Detroit Lions Sign CB D.J. Reed

AP Photo/Doug Murra

CB D.J. Reed

Contract Terms: Three Years, $48 Million

The Detroit Lions made a significant splash on the opening day of free agency when they signed cornerback D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract.

This was a big move because A) Detroit was one of the league's best teams during the 2024 regular season but needed defensive help and B) Reed was one of the best defenders available.

The 28-year-old, who was ranked 42nd overall among cornerbacks in 2024 by Pro Football Focus, was the top-ranked corner on Bleacher Report's free agent big board.

Davenport gave the Lions an "A" grade adding Reed shortly after losing Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots.

"An argument can be made that the Lions actually upgraded here. Reed has toiled away on bad Jets teams, but he's a sure tackler who has allowed a passer rating below 90 in each of the past five seasons," he wrote.

Reed should indeed be an impactful addition, and his $16 million annual salary is extremely reasonable—Derek Stingley Jr. currently leads the market with an annual value of $30 million.

Adding Reed also fit well with Detroit's overall plan for reloading the defense. The Lions brought back pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, added Reed and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and used a first-round pick on defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.

If the Lions can find better luck in the defensive health department, they should have one of the NFL's most complete rosters in 2025.

Grade: A

Giants Sign S Jevon Holland

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

S Jevon Holland

Contract Terms: Three Years, $45.3 Million

One could argue the New York Giants' double-signing of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson deserves a spot on this list. However, those two veteran signal-callers will provide little more than a bridge to 25th overall pick Jaxson Dart.

As "big" moves go, New York's signing of safety Jevon Holland was more notable.

He didn't have the most impressive season with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, but he was good enough to be the second-ranked overall player on the B/R free agent big board.

Holland's age—he only turned 25 in March—also made him an attractive option. Getting him on a deal worth $15.1 million annually was a win for the Giants. Kerby Joseph leads the safety market with a deal worth $21.5 million per year.

Now, New York's decision to sign Holland does highlight the fact that the team lost safety Xavier McKinney in 2024 free agency, and he went on to have a first-team All-Pro campaign. But it doesn't mean that signing the former Dolphins standout wasn't a smart move.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton gave the Giants an "A" grade for the signing.

"Holland can fill that void and immediately help a defense that finished 21st in points allowed and 24th in yards allowed last season," he wrote.

The Holland signing looks just as good in retrospect. By making him an early offseason priority, the Giants were free to address other critical needs early in the draft and take a best-player-available approach with the third overall selection.

New York's early draft haul of Dart, pass-rusher Abdul Carter, defensive lineman  Darius Alexander and running back Cam Skattebo was one of the most impressive of draft weekend.

Grade: A

Steelers Sign QB Aaron Rodgers

AP Photo/Matt Freed

QB Aaron Rodgers

Contract Terms: One Year, $13.65 Million

The Steelers finally signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers in June, which means they finally have their starter for the 2025 season. However, it seems they will embark on a one-year run with the future Hall of Famer.

"I'm pretty sure this is it," Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show (h/t ESPN's Brooke Pryor).

The abbreviated window with the 41-year-old does nothing to suggest this was a brilliant gamble by the Steelers. They have lacked a long-term answer at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, and Rodgers isn't it.

That said, the four-time NFL MVP was probably the best option the Steelers had after the early offseason passed.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh wanted to re-sign Justin Fields and "explored" a trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Eventually, the franchise pivoted to Rodgers.

Can the Steelers win their first playoff game in nearly a decade with Rodgers at the helm? Maybe, and in that context, it's hard to hate the move. However, the Steelers could have outbid the New York Jets for Fields or drafted a quarterback before taking a sixth-round flier on Will Howard.

Rodgers probably isn't delivering a Lombardi Trophy this season, and the Steelers will likely be right back in the QB hunt next offseason. At least the veteran's $13.7 million price point makes him a budget bridge option for the coming season.

Grade: C

Steelers and Dolphins Swap Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

CB Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Get: CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith 2027 7th-Round Pick

Dolphins Get: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, 2027 5th-Round Pick

The Steelers may not be among the NFL's top title contenders in 2025, but they've certainly been one of the most active teams during the offseason.

An uncharacteristic win-now approach has led to multiple big moves, including one of the biggest shockers of the summer.

At the tail end of June, Pittsburgh agreed to acquire cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a late 2027 pick swap.

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay labeled the Steelers as "winners" and the Dolphins as "losers" for the trade. It's hard to argue with that assessment, even if post-trade reports make the deal seem a little more logical for Miami.

"He constantly undermined defensive coordinator Vic Fangio two years ago and coach Mike McDaniel last season in a manner that spread like a bad odor through the larger team," Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel wrote.

A split with Ramsey was all but inevitable for the Dolphins, and they did get a quality safety back in Fitzpatrick—who should immediately replace the departed Holland. However, Miami also included Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith in the deal, which will sting.

Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He'll reunite with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who previously coached him with the Falcons and Tennessee Titans.

Of course, this wasn't a landslide victory for Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick hasn't been as productive in recent years but is still a 28-year-old Pro Bowl safety. Ramsey will turn 31 in October and appeared to decline a bit in 2024. Smith should be a solid complement to Pat Freiermuth, but he's still coming to the Steelers as a second tight end.

The potential upside for Pittsburgh is high, though, as Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay could form one of the league's top cornerback groups.

Steelers Grade: C+

Dolphins Grade: C-

*Contract information via Spotrac.