The NFL’s 2025 offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with blockbuster trades, record-breaking contract extensions, and surprising roster moves reshaping the league. Sunday and Monday brought a flurry of deals that ended long-standing player tenures while securing others for the foreseeable future.
Blockbuster Trades and Departures
Several stars have left their longtime teams in dramatic fashion: (NFL Photo Credits)
- Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers to Washington Commanders): After six seasons with the 49ers, Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick. Samuel requested a trade following a disappointing 2024 season in which he posted career lows in receptions (51), yards (670), and touchdowns (3). The Commanders will pick up the final year of his $71.55 million deal, paying him $17.55 million in 2025. Paired with Terry McLaurin, Samuel gives Washington another dynamic playmaker in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
- DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks to Pittsburgh Steelers): Metcalf was traded to the Steelers for a second-round pick and signed a five-year, $150 million contract. After six seasons with Seattle, the explosive receiver joins a Pittsburgh offense looking for a top target.
- Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers to Los Angeles Rams): Adams signed a two-year, $46 million deal with the Rams after years of dominance in Green Bay. His arrival gives Los Angeles a new offensive weapon in their rebuilding effort. It also likely spells the end of tenure for Cooper Kupp unless something changes.
- Von Miller (Buffalo Bills): The veteran pass rusher was released in a cost-cutting move after three seasons with Buffalo.
- Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars): The Pro Bowl tight end was released by Jacksonville after injuries limited him in 2024. His departure ends a productive three-year stint with the team. The Denver Broncos are hosting his visit soon to try to nail him down.
- Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks): After ten seasons with the Seahawks, Lockett was released as part of Seattle’s roster overhaul.
- Jonathan Allen (Washington Commanders), a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle and the heart of Washington’s defensive line since 2017, was released after eight seasons. The move saved the Commanders $16.5 million in cap space.
- Grady Jarrett (Atlanta Falcons), In a somewhat surprising move, the Falcons are moving on from defensive tackle and fan favorite Grady Jarrett, a franchise players over the past decade. They released the two-time Pro Bowler on Monday in a cost-saving move. Jarrett’s cap number for 2025 was $20,375,000, and the Falcons save $12,125,000 by releasing him, according to Roster Management System. There was thought to be a possibility of restructuring and extending Jarrett, but Atlanta ended up cutting him outright.
Record-Breaking Extensions
While some players were on the move, others secured their futures with massive contracts:
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): The MVP quarterback agreed to a six-year, $330 million extension with $250 million guaranteed—the most ever for an NFL player. Allen remains the centerpiece of Buffalo’s dominance in the AFC East. He still has not won a division championship, let alone “the big one”, but he has the talent.
- Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): Garrett signed a four-year extension worth $160 million, including $123.5 million guaranteed. At $40 million per year, he becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This deal ends public tension between Garrett and the Browns after his earlier trade request.
- Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers): The young cornerback inked a four-year, $100 million deal with $70 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
Other Notable Moves
Monday brought additional deals that solidified rosters across the league:
- Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings): The running back re-signed on a two-year, $20 million deal.
- Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers): 9-time Pro Bowler Mack agreed to return to the Chargers on a one-year, $18 million contract.
- Trey Smith (Kansas City Chiefs): The guard signed his $23.4 million franchise tag and will negotiate a longer-term deal.
- Harold Landry (New England Patriots): The linebacker agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal to bolster New England’s defense.
- Ernest Jones IV (Seattle Seahawks): Jones signed a three-year, $33 million extension with $15 million guaranteed.
- Jake Matthews (Atlanta Falcons): The left tackle extended his tenure with Atlanta on a two-year, $45 million deal.
- Haason Reddick ( New York Jets) has agreed to terms on a 1-year deal for $14 million, including $12 million guaranteed with the Buccaneers. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus.
A League in Flux
The 2025 offseason has already delivered seismic changes to rosters across the league. From DK Metcalf’s move to Pittsburgh to Josh Allen’s historic extension in Buffalo, teams are making bold decisions to reshape their futures. As more blockbusters loom on the horizon, fans can expect this offseason to continue delivering surprises. Stay tuned for updates as the NFL landscape evolves!