NFL Free Agency: Teams That Spent the Most
- NFL free agency has slowed down since its official start last Wednesday, making it an opportune time to assess team movements.
- Several teams made meaningful acquisitions, adding notable players such as Sam Darnold, Davante Adams, Justin Fields, Josh sweat, and Carlton Davis III to their rosters.
- The central question remains: which teams, after the initial wave of free agency signings, re-signings, and trades, are left with the most significant holes?
NFL Experts Weigh In: Which Teams Missed the Mark in Free Agency?
Table of Contents
Published: March 23, 2025
NFL free agency has slowed down since its official start last Wednesday, making it an opportune time to assess team movements.
Several teams made meaningful acquisitions, adding notable players such as Sam Darnold, Davante Adams, Justin Fields, Josh sweat, and Carlton Davis III to their rosters. However, some high-profile free agents, including Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Stefon Diggs, are still seeking new teams.
The central question remains: which teams, after the initial wave of free agency signings, re-signings, and trades, are left with the most significant holes? Multiple NFL analysts shared their perspectives.
Teams That Regressed in Free Agency
San Francisco 49ers
With quarterback brock Purdy due for a contract extension,the 49ers had to part ways with key players,including Deebo Samuel Sr. and Dre Greenlaw. However, they may acquire pass rusher Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles, who had 10 sacks in 2023 with the New York Jets under Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Los Angeles Chargers
Free agency isn’t the only way to improve a roster, but the Chargers lost talent like Kristian Fulton, Poona Ford, and Joshua Palmer without adequate replacements. Star receivers Davante Adams and DK metcalf were potential targets but chose other destinations. The Chargers may consider offering Stefon Diggs a one-year deal to aid Justin Herbert.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills needed an impactful receiver in free agency. While Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and curtis Samuel contribute, the addition of Palmer is not especially exciting. The Bills could also benefit from a new starting cornerback and a defensive tackle for 2025.
Kansas city Chiefs
The franchise tag on Trey Smith and the trade of Joe Thuney leave a void, as Thuney is tough to replace. Justin Reid is another significant loss. Drafting a cornerback early could allow Trent McDuffie to play in the slot,freeing Chamarri Conner to replace Reid at safety.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks lost ground at quarterback and receiver, parting ways with DK Metcalf. while Sam Darnold may maintain his level of play from the Minnesota Vikings,he may not match Geno Smith’s 2024 production. The Seahawks also spent heavily on veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off an injury.
Dallas Cowboys
While signings like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders add depth, the Cowboys lost quality players such as Jourdan Lewis, DeMarcus Lawrence, Rico Dowdle, and Zack martin. the biggest mistake was not extending Micah parsons’ contract, which will now cost more due to Myles Garrett’s market reset.
Kansas City Chiefs (Continued)
The offensive line was already a concern, and the departure of Thuney exacerbates the issue. The unproven Jaylon Moore is now the left tackle. The loss of Reid will also likely hurt, despite the addition of Fulton. Kansas City should draft another tackle early, and Moore could perhaps replace Jawan Taylor at right tackle in 2026.
San Francisco 49ers (Continued)
After a 6-11 season in 2024, the 49ers’ roster will look very different. The defensive line will be revamped, and the receiving corps will have a new look after trading Deebo Samuel Sr. Thes moves prepare for Brock purdy’s contract extension and a new phase of team reconstruction.
NFL Experts Weigh In: Which Teams Missed the Mark in Free Agency?
Published: March 23, 2025
NFL free agency is a crucial period where teams can significantly improve their rosters. However, not all teams achieve their goals. This article examines which teams are left with significant holes after the initial wave of free agency signings, re-signings, and trades.
What is NFL Free Agency?
Free agency in the NFL is a period where players whose contracts have expired can sign with any team. This period begins with a “legal tampering” period, allowing teams to negotiate with free agents, followed by the official start of the new league year when signings can be finalized.
Which Teams Regressed the Most in Free Agency?
Several teams experienced setbacks during the early stages of free agency. Here’s a look at some of the teams that may have missed the mark:
San Francisco 49ers
Key Losses: Deebo Samuel Sr., Dre Greenlaw.
Impact: The 49ers had to part ways with key players. The defensive line and receiving corps will be noticeably different.
Los Angeles Chargers
Key Losses: Kristian Fulton,Poona Ford,Joshua Palmer.
Missed Opportunities: The Chargers couldn’t secure high-profile receivers like Davante Adams and DK Metcalf. They may consider a one-year deal for Stefon Diggs.
Buffalo Bills
Needs: An impactful receiver, a new starting cornerback, and a defensive tackle.
Acquisitions: The addition of Palmer isn’t notably exciting.
Kansas City Chiefs
Key losses: Joe Thuney, Justin Reid.
Impact: The Chiefs could address their needs by drafting a cornerback early.
Seattle Seahawks
Key Losses: DK Metcalf.
Uncertainty: Sam Darnold’s production may not match Geno smith’s 2024 performance. Heavy spending on an injured DeMarcus Lawrence also raises concerns.
Dallas Cowboys
Key Losses: Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle, Zack martin.
Mistake: Failing to extend Micah Parsons’s contract.
Kansas City Chiefs (Continued)
Ongoing Concerns: The offensive line is still a concern, and the loss of Thuney exacerbates this.
Potential solutions: draft another tackle early.
San Francisco 49ers (Continued)
* Rationale: The moves prepare for Brock Purdy’s contract extension and a new phase of team reconstruction.
Summary of Team Needs and missed Opportunities
| Team | Key Losses/missed Opportunities | Areas of Concern |
| ——————— | —————————————————————————————————– | —————————————————– |
| San Francisco 49ers | Deebo Samuel Sr., Dre Greenlaw | Changes to the defensive line and receiving corps |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Kristian Fulton, Poona Ford, Joshua Palmer. Missed out on targets: Davante Adams, DK metcalf | offensive line, Possible one-year deal for Stefon Diggs |
| Buffalo Bills | Failed to acquire impactful receiver | New starting cornerback and a defensive tackle |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Joe Thuney, Justin Reid | Offensive line, Draft a CB early |
| Seattle Seahawks | DK Metcalf, Questions about Sam Darnold. Spending on injured players. | quarterback and receiver |
| dallas Cowboys | Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle, Zack Martin, and failing to extend Micah Parsons | Depth on defense, contract considerations |