NFL Free Agency is in full effect, with defense dominating the first-day traffic and quarterbacks already on the move. Naturally, teams will improve and weaken along with the strength of players’ situations. So, we’ll look at 2025’s biggest early winners and losers before heading into day two of the frenzy.
Winner: Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields
Justin Fields did enough in his early season start with the Steelers to earn back a starting job with the Jets. He’ll reunite with Garrett Wilson to hopefully recreate their college magic and unlock the potential that both have only scratched. The Jets still need offensive help beyond the talent that Aaron Rodgers dragged in, but you love to see a player land on his feet.
Loser: Drake Maye
The Patriots haven’t figured out wide receiver since Julian Edelman, and they’ve missed out on a trade with every available talent. Chris Godwin even reportedly took less money to stay in Tampa, which is a concerning optic for an organization trying to rebuild its offense. Moreover, their young quarterback still has one of the worst receiver rooms in the NFL, with only Mack Hollins as an upgrade. New England will now look to one of the weaker receiver drafts in recent memory to get Maye help.
Winner: Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams
The Bears have done everything right so far this offseason. Offensive guru Ben Johnson can install a real playbook, and GM Ryan Poles has been wheelin’ and dealin’ to improve one of the league’s worst offensive lines. Chicago is now in a position to draft the best available player without reaching for need and can dip into the talented pool of defensive players. They have the receiving group to bring out the most of Caleb Williams. Now, they have protection up front to give him time to make things happen.
Loser: Seattle Seahawks
I don’t think anybody is looking over Seattle’s roster after trading DK Metcalf and Geno Smith and convincing themselves that Sam Darnold sets them on the path of a rebuild. It’s a lateral move from Smith that still leaves a Metcalf-sized hole in their roster at best, and Darnold is an FA bust who got paid off a single-season fluke at worst.
Winner: Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels
The Commanders are doing everything in their power to build on their momentum by trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel and retaining a key player like Zach Ertz. Javon Kinlaw signing a modest three-year, $45 million deal that puts Washington in a position to draft the Best Player Available. The NFC East is weak beyond the Eagles, and the Commanders should see themselves back in the playoffs in 2025.
Loser: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ biggest tasks in the last two offseasons were keeping their stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson, and their problem gets worse the longer they put it off. Tee Higgins is back on the franchise tag for a second year, Hendrickson has been granted permission to seek a trade, and the price for Chase goes up by the minute. The window for success is now or never for Cincinnati.
