The 2025 NFL free agency period kicked off on March 10th, with the legal tampering window opening. This unleashed a wave of jaw-dropping signings, trades, and extensions. In this article, I’ll break down some of the top NFL free agent signings or trades from Day 1 of the 2025 NFL free agency period.
From Najee Harris bolting to the Chargers to Josh Allen’s $330 million payday with the Bills, Day 1 delivered non-stop action for football fans. Whether you’re scouting your 2025 fantasy football squads or following your favorite NFL team, this recap has you covered with the top moves. Keep in mind that the 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, so this is just the beginning of the NFL off-season excitement.
2025 NFL Free Agency Day 1 Recap
The 2025 NFL free agency period kicked off with a bang as the legal tampering window opened at 12:00 noon, EST. Keep in mind that contracts can’t be finalized until the new league year begins on March 12th at 4:00 PM. However, Day 1 delivered a flurry of blockbuster extensions, re-signings, trades, and early tampering agreements. From Josh Allen’s massive extension to Davante Adams landing with the Rams, here’s your complete recap of the top moves from Day 1 of the 2025 NFL free agency.
Josh Allen Stays in Buffalo: 6-Year, $330 Million Extension
The Buffalo Bills wasted no time securing their franchise quarterback, signing Josh Allen to a massive 6-year, $330 million extension. This deal ensures the Bills’ offensive cornerstone remains in place through the decade, solidifying their status as AFC contenders. Overall, this one isn’t surprising at all, but it’s still crazy to see these types of numbers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Trade for DK Metcalf: 5-Year, $150 Million Deal
One of the day’s biggest surprises came from Pittsburgh, where the Steelers traded for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and immediately signed him to a 5-year, $150 million extension. This bold move gives quarterback Russell Wilson (or whoever’s under center) an elite weapon, making the Steelers’ offense a force to watch in 2025. Look for George Pickens and Metcalf to be a very interesting and talented group in 2025 and beyond.
Sam Darnold Signs with Seahawks: 3-Year, $100.5 Million Deal
After sending Geno Smith to the Raiders for a third-round pick, the Seattle Seahawks have their new quarterback in Sam Darnold. This includes $55 million in guaranteed money. This comes as no surprise as Darnold just threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns last year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Davante Adams Joins the Rams: 2-Year, $46 Million Contract
After his release from the New York Jets, superstar wide receiver Davante Adams didn’t stay on the market long. The Los Angeles Rams swooped in with a 2-year, $46 million deal, pairing Adams with Matthew Stafford. Ultimately, this signing bolsters an already potent Rams offense. Keep in mind that the Rams are expected to release Cooper Kupp if they can’t find a trade partner.
Myles Garrett Locked Up by Browns: 4-Year, $160 Million Extension
The Cleveland Browns made sure their defensive anchor stayed put, signing edge rusher Myles Garrett to a 4-year, $160 million extension. Garrett, one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, keeps Cleveland’s defense elite. Despite the scare he may have given to Cleveland fans, Garrett is, in fact, sticking with the Browns.
Tampa Bay Keeps Chris Godwin: 3-Year, $66 Million Deal
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers prioritized continuity, re-signing wide receiver Chris Godwin to a 3-year, $66 million contract. Godwin’s chemistry with Baker Mayfield makes this a smart move for the Bucs. It’s also reported that the Patriots were willing to pay much more. However, Godwin was clearly willing to take a discount to stay with his team. Look for Godwin and Mike Evans to be one of the top wide receiver duos in the NFL again this year.
Najee Harris Signs with Chargers: 1-Year, $9.5 Million Deal
Running back Najee Harris, fresh off four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is headed to the Los Angeles Chargers on a 1-year deal worth up to $9.5 million, per reports. The durable 27-year-old brings reliability to a Chargers backfield that lost J.K. Dobbins to free agency.
Dre Greenlaw Signs with Broncos: 3-Year, $35 Million Deal
After playing in just two games in 2024 since his torn Achilles in the Super Bowl LVII loss, Dre Greenlaw lands with the Denver Broncos. This deal is for three years and up to $35 million. The former star is just 27 years old and has a ton of potential yet.
Javonte Williams Signs with Cowboys: 1-Year, $3 Million Contract
Former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams lands with the Dallas Cowboys on a prove-it deal. This is a one-year contract for $3 million. Back in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was drafted 35th overall and is a versatile running back with some juice left. This could be a great landing spot, assuming the Cowboys don’t draft Ashton Jeanty in the NFL Draft.
Darius Slayton Re-Signs with Giants: 3-Year, $36 Million Deal
Since being drafted by the New York Giants back in 2019, Darius Slayton has played all six seasons with the team. In total, he has racked up 3,897 and 21 touchdowns during that time.
Byron Murphy Re-Signs with Vikings: 3-Year, $66 Million Contract
After being selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2024, Byron Murphy has been re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He’s coming off his best season to date, with 6 interceptions. Keep in mind that Murphy is still just 27 years old and has plenty of game left in him.
Justin Fields Signs with Jets: 2-Year, $40 Million Deal
After getting just six starts in 2024, Justin Fields finds a new home with the New York Jets. Now, he’ll have a chance to really take a starting role on and lean into star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Fields has shown plenty of flashes over the years and could be a dual-threat fantasy football stud in the near future.
More Day 1 NFL Free Agency Signings
Josh Sweat to the Cardinals: The former Eagles edge rusher agreed to a 4-year, $76.4 million deal ($41 million guaranteed), bolstering Arizona’s defense.
Kenny Pickett to the Browns: Former Eagles and Super Bowl champion quarterback Pickett has been traded to the Cleveland Browns. This trade was for a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Haason Reddick to the Buccaneers: Impressively, Reddick has double-digit sacks in four-straight season. The former Eagles pass rusher has signed a one-year deal with the Bucs for $14 million.
Talanoa Hufanga to Broncos: The ex-49ers safety signed a 3-year deal worth up to $45 million, upgrading Denver’s secondary.
Cam Bynum to Colts: Indianapolis landed the Vikings safety on a 4-year, $60 million contract, addressing a key defensive need.
Harold Landry to the Patriots: New England added the outside linebacker on a 3-year, $43.5 million deal, strengthening their front seven.
Chase Young returns to the Saints: New Orleans re-signed their defensive end to a 3-year, $51 million contract ($33 million guaranteed).
Other Key Day 1 Moves
Kansas City Chiefs: Re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton to a 3-year, $45 million deal, keeping their defense stout.
Los Angeles Chargers: Secured edge rusher Khalil Mack for 1 year at $18 million, a bargain for his production.
Carolina Panthers: Made cornerback Jaycee Horn the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history (terms TBD).
New England Patriots: Added outside linebacker Harold Landry on a 3-year, $43.5 million deal.
Atlanta Falcons: Released defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, a surprising cap-space move.
Early NFL Free Agency Winners and Losers
The Bills, Steelers, Bears, Buccaneers, and Rams emerged as early winners, landing or retaining game-changers. Meanwhile, the Jets, Patriots, and Titans faced scrutiny for questionable moves—whether it’s New England’s Landry signing or other unreported decisions.
What’s Next for 2025 NFL Free Agency?
With the tampering period running through March 12, expect more agreements to surface as teams chase remaining free agents like Aaron Jones, J.K. Dobbins, and others. Day 1 set a thrilling pace with stars like Najee Harris finding new homes. Overall, Day 1 set the tone with extensions and trades. However, the tampering period runs through March 12th. Expect more deals to leak as teams negotiate with unrestricted free agents like running backs, offensive linemen, and defensive stars still on the market.
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