While some fans may think the NFL hits the pause button immediately after the Super Bowl, the truth is that the offseason is anything but a break. For teams looking to rebuild completely or add key pieces for a playoff run, it’s a critical time that will reshape the league’s future. Front offices across the league are already scrambling to make the right moves in free agency, the trade market, and the upcoming draft in April to build competitive teams for the fall.
Take last year’s Philadelphia Eagles, for example. Their busy offseason helped set the stage for their Super Bowl run. The team made big moves in free agency, acquiring All-Pro talent like Saquon Barkley and Zach Baun while locking up key players such as Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata, and DeVonta Smith with contract extensions. They further bolstered their roster in the draft, adding to their secondary with picks like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean. With these moves, the Eagles built a well-rounded squad ready to make a deep playoff push.
Other teams want to replicate that kind of success this off-season to improve their chances. While some organizations have already made notable moves, the most significant moves of this offseason are still on the horizon, and there’s plenty more action to come.
The Top Moves So Far
In the early stages of this NFL offseason, there’s been no shortage of significant moves across the league. While much will still unfold in the upcoming weeks, it’s clear that front offices are hard at work, making several key decisions that could lead to a ripple effect in the rest of free agency and the trade market. Let’s look at the most notable moves so far and how they can shift the balance of power in the league.
Two teams in the NFC West have arguably been the most active so far in the offseason. For the Los Angeles Rams, rumors of contract disputes involving Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford had many speculating about his future in LA. There were even whispers of him testing the market with other teams. Talks of Stafford leaving LA have now come to rest as both sides agreed to a revised contract that extends him through the 2025 season. With Stafford off the market, quarterback-needy teams must turn their attention elsewhere. The Rams continue to make waves in free agency, signing star receiver Davante Adams to a two-year contract worth $46 million. The signing solidified speculation that the Rams are looking to part ways with former triple-crown-winning receiver Cooper Kupp.
The Seattle Seahawks have been heavily active in free agency and the trade market. The organization moved on from quarterback Geno Smith, sending him to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick. To fill the void at quarterback, the Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a 3-year deal worth $100.5 million. The team’s wide receiver room has also changed significantly, with Tyler Lockett’s release and a trade that sent Pro Bowl pass-catcher D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick. Metcalf will sign a 5-year $150 million contract extension with the Steelers. After entering the offseason with one of the tightest cap situations in the NFL, Seattle is now in the top 10 for teams with the most cap space.
Besides the Rams and the Seahawks, several other teams have made their mark through trades, signings, and releases. The San Francisco 49ers dealt Pro Bowler Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a 5th-round draft pick. Justin Fields is heading to New York, where he signed a 2-year, $40 million deal with the Jets. As expected, the Rams released Cooper Kupp, who is now an intriguing option for teams in need at the receiver position. Veteran pass rushers Von Miller and Joey Bosa were released by the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively. While Bosa quickly inked a one-year deal with Buffalo, Miller has yet to find a new home. 
While many players will be suiting in new uniforms next season, several stars have signed record-breaking contract extensions with their current teams. Josh Allen agreed to a 6-year, $330 million extension with the Bills, including $250 million, the most extensive guarantee ever given in the NFL. On the defensive side of the ball, Myles Garrett became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a 4-year extension with the Cleveland Browns that averages $40 million per year. In addition to these monumental deals, Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), Aaron Jones (Vikings), Khalil Mack (Chargers), and Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) have all agreed to stay with their respective teams.
The Rumors and Speculation
The early days of this offseason have already produced some significant shakeups, but the most intriguing stories may still be unfolding. Rumors and speculation are swirling as several potential blockbuster moves remain on the table. It’s only a matter of time before the following big headline emerges.
The most prominent storyline this offseason may center around the uncertain future of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As of March 12, his release from the Jets has been made official, and the two teams considered frontrunners to land him are the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. However, the Minnesota Vikings have also emerged as a potential suitor, which could bring some deja vu to fans, reminding them of another time the Vikings signed a former Packer and Jets quarterback, Brett Favre. The move resulted in a deep playoff run, fueling speculation that history may repeat itself. The longer this drags out, the more Rodgers finds himself in a delicate position. He has some leverage over these teams, but his pool of suitors could quickly shrink if they decide to address their quarterback needs elsewhere.
As mentioned earlier, former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp’s release has left many wondering where his next landing spot will be. Though Kupp’s injuries have piled up over the last couple of seasons, he was one of the NFL’s most dominant players not long ago. The Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys may all be interested in Kupp’s services. (update: Kupp signed a 3-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks) In addition to Kupp, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, and Keenan Allen are other notable receivers still on the market.
As we move deeper into the offseason, it’s evident that the chaos isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With the significant moves already made and more on the way, the NFL is gearing up for a season that could be even more thrilling than the last. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams continue to adjust their rosters, and their decisions will impact the upcoming season.
