Big Trades
The 2025 NFL offseason delivered a tidal wave of roster movement: blockbuster trades, marquee free-agent signings, and surprise deals reshaping nearly every team. Here’s a look at the 20 most impactful players who switched teams—and what each move might mean for the upcoming season.
1. Micah Parsons → Green Bay Packers
In a blockbuster trade, the All-Pro edge rusher moved from Dallas to Green Bay, securing a record-setting four-year, $188 million extension, making him the highest-paid non‑quarterback in NFL history.
2. DK Metcalf → Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle traded the powerhouse receiver and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Steelers for two draft picks. A move that signals Pittsburgh’s aggressive retooling.
3. Jalen Ramsey → Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh further bolstered their defense by acquiring elite cornerback Jalen Ramsey—along with Jonnu Smith and a seventh-round pick—in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-rounder.
4. Deebo Samuel → Washington Commanders
San Francisco sent the dynamic receiver to Washington for a fifth‑round pick—an early March deal that adds star power for the Commanders.
5. Joe Thuney → Chicago Bears
Kansas City dealt the seasoned guard to Chicago for a 2026 fourth‑round pick, giving the Bears an immediate interior boost.
6. Jonah Jackson → Chicago Bears
Another trade connecting Detroit’s trenches to Chicago—Jackson was sent in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
7. Geno Smith → Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders acquired the veteran quarterback via trade from Seattle, part of a renewed push under a new regime.
8. Adam Thielen → Minnesota Vikings
Veteran Thielen returned to his old stomping grounds via trade, rejoining the Vikings late in the offseason.
Notable Free-Agent Signings
9. Aaron Banks → Green Bay Packers
Signed a lucrative four-year, $77 million deal with Green Bay to fortify their offensive line.
10. Nate Hobbs → Green Bay Packers
The Packers added the cornerback from Las Vegas on a four-year, $48 million deal as a key secondary upgrade.
11. Jonathan Allen → Minnesota Vikings
A major defensive addition from Washington—Allen joined the Vikings on a three-year, $60 million contract.
12. Will Fries & Ryan Kelly → Minnesota Vikings
Both offensive linemen signed with Minnesota—Fries inked a five-year, $88 million deal, while Kelly joined on a two-year, $18 million contract.
13. Milton Williams → New England Patriots
The dynamic Eagles defensive lineman signed a four-year, $104 million contract—a cornerstone of New England’s offseason blitz.
14. Harold Landry → New England Patriots
The veteran linebacker was added on a three-year, $43.5 million deal—one of several defensive reinforcements.
15. Carlton Davis → New England Patriots
Patriots lured the cornerback from Detroit on a three-year, $54 million deal—another eye-popping acquisition.
16. Robert Spillane → New England Patriots
Las Vegas’ linebacker joined New England on a three-year, $33 million contract as a key defensive depth piece.
17. Stefon Diggs → New England Patriots
In their free-agency mega-splash, the Patriots signed the star receiver from Houston to a three-year, $63.5 million contract.
18. Joshua Dobbs → New England Patriots
The quarterback arrived from San Francisco on a two-year, $8 million deal—adding experienced depth under center.
More Movement Highlights
19. Tim Patrick → Jacksonville Jaguars
In a smaller but impactful move, the Jaguars acquired veteran receiver Tim Patrick from Detroit for a 2026 sixth-round pick—boosting their WR corps depth.
20. Drew Dalman → Chicago Bears
The Bears added Atlanta’s center—Dalman—to shore up their offensive line as part of a broader free-agent haul.
One-Line Recap of All Movers
| Player | From → To | Deal Type |
|---|---|---|
| Micah Parsons | DAL → GB | Trade + $188M deal |
| DK Metcalf | SEA → PIT | Trade |
| Jalen Ramsey | MIA → PIT | Trade |
| Deebo Samuel | SF → WAS | Trade |
| Joe Thuney | KC → CHI | Trade |
| Jonah Jackson | DET → CHI | Trade |
| Geno Smith | SEA → LV | Trade |
| Adam Thielen | MIN → MIN | Trade (return) |
| Aaron Banks | SF → GB | Free Agent |
| Nate Hobbs | LV → GB | Free Agent |
| Jonathan Allen | WAS → MIN | Free Agent |
| Will Fries | IND → MIN | Free Agent |
| Ryan Kelly | IND → MIN | Free Agent |
| Milton Williams | PHI → NE | Free Agent |
| Harold Landry | TEN → NE | Free Agent |
| Carlton Davis | DET → NE | Free Agent |
| Robert Spillane | LV → NE | Free Agent |
| Stefon Diggs | HOU → NE | Free Agent |
| Joshua Dobbs | SF → NE | Free Agent |
| Tim Patrick | DET → JAX | Trade |
| Drew Dalman | ATL → CHI | Free Agent |
Analysis & Impact
- Patriots clearly dominated the free-agency market, splashing on high-profile defenders (Williams, Landry, Davis, Spillane) and bolstering both sides with Diggs and Dobbs—telling of a serious bid to return to contention.
- Packers made a bold statement with Micah Parsons and reinforcing both the offensive and defensive fronts—signaling serious Super Bowl aspirations.
- Steelers anchored their defense with trades for Ramsey and Metcalf—transformative moves on both defense and offense.
- Vikings prioritized both line protection and defensive strength, investing heavily in key positional players.
- Commanders and Jags made judicious moves; Washington lands Deebo for offensive dynamics, while Jacksonville adds depth in Patrick.
The 2025 offseason was rich in bold moves and blockbuster contracts—setting the stage for a season that promises high drama and shifted power balances across the league.
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