By Anthony Gutierrez, March 25, 2025
The 2025 NFL offseason has been filled with blockbuster trades, massive contract extensions and big-name free agents who are still searching for a new team.
These moves are reshaping the league and setting teams up for the upcoming season.
The Seattle Seahawks made headlines when they traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick. Smith has one year and $31 million left on his deal, and the Raiders will cover the contract along with a potential $16 million bonus.
Reuniting with the Raiders new head coach Pete Carroll, Smith brings veteran leadership to a team that has struggled to find stability at the quarterback position, according to Sports Illustrated.
“We are trying to take it as far as we can as soon as we possibly can,” said Carrol in an interview with ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal with $55 million guaranteed. Darnold replaces Smith and offers a younger, cheaper option under center.
The Seahawks also added wide receiver Cooper Kupp on a three-year, $45 million deal. The former Super Bowl MVP gives Darnold an experienced target alongside wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Gabriel Santos, an engineering student, said he believes Seattle made the most underrated move.
“Darnold could really thrive in the Seahawks’ system”, Santos said. “With weapons like Kupp and Smith-Njigba, he finally has support. If the (offensive line) holds up, he could surprise people.”
The Seahawks sent wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick. Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh through 2030.
Pairing him with another wide receiver George Pickens gives the Steelers a formidable receiving duo.
“In Metcalf, the Steelers finally landed their long-sought-after big-play pass catcher,” ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor said.
Netza Lopez, an engineering student, sees Pittsburgh as the biggest winner.
“Getting DK Metcalf is huge,” Lopez said “Their defense has always been solid, but they needed a playmaker on offense. Now, with Pickens and Metcalf, they have a dangerous duo.”
Wide receiver Davante Adams signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams after being released by the New York Jets. His contract includes an $8 million base salary in 2025, $16 million in 2026 and a $12 million signing bonus.
Adams returns to the NFC West and provides the Rams with a veteran playmaker on offense.
The San Francisco 49ers traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick, with Washington taking on his $17.5 million salary.
The acquisition of Samuel, who requested a trade during the 2025 Super Bowl, adds another set of hands for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“I have to do what’s best,” Samuel in an interview with ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. “I’m more than thankful for the Niners, but now it’s best that we find another team.”
The Cincinnati Bengals secured its top two receivers. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension with $112 million guaranteed, setting a record for the highest annual salary for a non-quarterback. The Bengals also extended wide receiver Tee Higgins for an additional four years at $115 million deal.
The duo now forms the highest-paid wide receiver tandem in the NFL.
Elijah Ramos, a kinesiology student, thinks Cincinnati made the smartest move.
“Locking up Chase and Higgins was a must, Ramos said. “Burrow needs them to keep the offense rolling. Now they don’t have to worry about contract disputes.”
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, despite previous trade rumors, signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Browns. He will earn $40 million annually, with $123.5 million guaranteed.
Garrett, a dominant pass rusher, is now locked in as Cleveland aims for a Super Bowl push next season. He recorded 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss (most in the NFL), and three forced fumbles in 2024, earning his fourth first-team All-Pro selection.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen signed a record-breaking deal six-year, $330 million extension with the Bills, including $250 million guaranteed — the highest in NFL history.
The Bills will secure their franchise quarterback through 2030, keeping their championship hopes alive.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, one of the biggest names in free agency, has yet to make a decision on his next move. After spending nearly two decades with the Green Bay Packers and the last two seasons with the Jets, his future remains uncertain.
Feature image courtesy of Edwin Hooper/Seattle Seahawks
