NFL free agency: Aaron Rodgers, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams - the biggest deals

2025-03-29 05:02:00

Abstract: NFL free agency sees Rodgers & Wilson in demand. Seahawks revamp. Bengals extend Chase & Higgins. 49ers face cap issues, trade Samuel. Jets sign Fields.

The NFL's free agency market is always a period of active maneuvering for various teams. This year, two quarterbacks who have led their teams to Super Bowl victories, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, have both entered the free market, sparking widespread speculation about their future destinations.

The Seattle Seahawks, under the leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald, are embarking on an aggressive first season, even though they missed the playoffs. Now, the Seahawks' management has taken a series of bold moves aimed at completely moving on from Pete Carroll's 14-year coaching era, truly transforming the team into Macdonald's team with a fresh vision.

Meanwhile, some teams are focusing on rebuilding their offensive lines, preparing for the 2025 season. The Cincinnati Bengals demonstrated strong offensive firepower at the end of the season but failed to seize the playoff opportunity in time. Their defense performed poorly at the beginning of the season, ultimately dragging the team down, while quarterback Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdown passes, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown. The Bengals have already extended four-year contracts with Chase and another wide receiver, Tee Higgins, with Chase becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with a contract worth $161 million, and Higgins receiving a contract worth $115 million.

The Cleveland Browns reached a new $160 million deal with Myles Garrett, while the Las Vegas Raiders' new contract with Maxx Crosby made him the third-highest-paid non-quarterback in average annual salary, behind only Chase and Garrett. As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to offer quarterback Brock Purdy a long-term contract, they have had to let go of many talented players to free up salary cap space. Versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel is one of the players leaving, as he was traded to the Washington Commanders, therefore, after losing two of the past six Super Bowls, the 49ers' championship window may have closed.

The New York Jets were considered potential Super Bowl contenders last season, rebuilding their roster around Aaron Rodgers, but that gamble did not pay off. The Jets replaced the 41-year-old with former Chicago and Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields and released wide receiver Davante Adams, who was signed by the Los Angeles Rams to replace Cooper Kupp. Russell Wilson left Pittsburgh to join the New York Giants, while Rodgers' decision is still pending, as he has spoken with the Giants, Steelers, and Vikings. The Indianapolis Colts gave Daniel Jones a chance to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting position. The New England Patriots signed wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Buffalo selected former Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa, and the Baltimore Ravens provided Lamar Jackson with another weapon by signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.