NFL · 7 months ago

Top 10 Winners from Week 1 of 2025 NFL Free Agency

Grant White

Host · Writer

Daniel Jones
It's hard not to consider Daniel Jones a winner after this year's debacle. His falling out with the New York Giants could have signaled the end of his career, but he was able to sign on with the Minnesota Vikings to end the campaign. More impressively, he tricked the Indianapolis Colts into paying him $14 million next season. Presumably, Jones will compete with Anthony Richardson for next year's starting job.

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Cincinnati Bengals
We weren't sure if they could do it, but the Cincinnati Bengals managed to keep their core together. The Bengals re-upped with Tee Higgins on a four-year pact, insulating Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase for years to come. Moreover, they locked in Mike Gesicki for three more seasons, amplifying their championship chances heading into next season.

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Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O'Connell is out to prove that last season wasn't just a flash in the pan. The Minnesota Vikings were ready to move on from Sam Darnold, as J.J. McCarthy is ready to step in under center. Thankfully, he'll be well protected by four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly. The Vikings weren't done there, adding Jordan Mason to their backfield and rebuilding their defensive line. Move over, Detroit.
Justin Fields
We don't want to give the New York Jets too much credit because it hasn't worked out in the past. But we consider Justin Fields a winner this offseason. The oft-maligned quarterback reached a deal with the New York Jets and is the presumptive starter heading into next season. With a plethora of tools to work with, we could see Fields finally unlock his potential in the Big Apple.
Buffalo Bills
Last offseason, the Buffalo Bills shed some salary to build a more sustainable future. And they're doing precisely that. The Bills went on a spending spree early in free agency, re-building their defensive line. Moreover, they've returned some underappreciated offensive contributors while re-structuring Josh Allen's contract. Surely, these moves elevate the Bills' Super Bowl chances heading into next season.
Chase Young
It wasn't so long ago that Chase Young's once-promising career appeared to be on the decline. Despite being a second-overall pick a few years earlier, injuries had de-railed Young's trajectory. However, after re-asserting himself as a force on the defensive line, Young was rewarded with a three-year contract worth $51 million to stay with the New Orleans Saints.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a few star players in the free-agent pool. Thankfully, they were able to bring back their top playmakers while adding a few more notable additions to round out their roster. The Bucs averted disaster by re-signing Chris Godwin, and they'll be looking to make the most of Lavonte David's twilight years. With Haason Reddick now in the fold, the Bucs look as dangerous as ever.
Lane Johnson
The Philadelphia Eagles were in a precarious salary cap position, and that came at the expense of several of their top playmakers. But not Lane Johnson. No, the aging tackle earned a contract extension with the Eagles, keeping him in Philadelphia until 2027 and paying him an extra $30 million. By then, he'll be nearly 37 years old and well past the usual playing time of an offensive lineman.
Las Vegas Raiders
At first, it was addition by addition. Then, it was addition by subtraction for the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas addressed its longstanding need for a quarterback by acquiring Geno Smith early this offseason. Subsequently, they cut ties with Gardner Minshew and Andre James, creating enough space to sign Jeremy Chinn. But most importantly, they locked up standout defensive end Maxx Crosby on a three-year extension.
AFC West Bettors
The Kansas City Chiefs have run roughshod over their AFC West counterparts for years. But that dominance will not be tolerated for much longer. Every team in the division got better this offseason, signaling a potential end to the Chiefs' reign. While Kansas City lost several players via free agency, the teams around them were able to add to their rosters. Keep an eye on AFC West odds heading into next season.
Daniel Jones
It's hard not to consider Daniel Jones a winner after this year's debacle. His falling out with the New York Giants could have signaled the end of his career, but he was able to sign on with the Minnesota Vikings to end the campaign. More impressively, he tricked the Indianapolis Colts into paying him $14 million next season. Presumably, Jones will compete with Anthony Richardson for next year's starting job.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Cincinnati Bengals
We weren't sure if they could do it, but the Cincinnati Bengals managed to keep their core together. The Bengals re-upped with Tee Higgins on a four-year pact, insulating Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase for years to come. Moreover, they locked in Mike Gesicki for three more seasons, amplifying their championship chances heading into next season.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

Top 10 Winners from Week 1 of 2025 NFL Free Agency

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