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2025 NFL Free Agency Update: Still Waiting on Aaron Rodgers to Decide

Photo of Scott Kacsmar Scott Kacsmar17/03/2025 - 10:06 am
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 05: Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp (10) breaks free from Jacksonville Jaguars Safety Andrew Wingard (42) on his way to a touchdown during the NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams on December 5, 2021, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The NFL started free agency last week with a flurry of moves we covered already, including Sam Darnold‘s departure to the Seahawks, Davante Adams’s departure to the Rams, Josh Sweat’s departure to the Cardinals, and the Steelers’ trading for DK Metcalf.

Going into Monday, we’re still waiting for the huge quarterback domino to fall on Aaron Rodgers as teams like the Steelers, Giants, and Vikings are reportedly still interested.

But we will again focus on those key positions like quarterbacks, pass rushers, offensive tackles, and wide receivers while also noting some of the other key signings since last Wednesday.

Quarterbacks: Where Does Aaron Rodgers Go?

We are still waiting to see where Aaron Rodgers signs, which can impact where Russell Wilson signs and possibly whether a deal is made for Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. But not everyone can wait forever for these players.

Meanwhile, we have seen some significant backup movement as the 49ers added Mac Jones, which if anyone can prove he’s a quarterback whisperer and get something out of him, it’s Kyle Shanahan. The Cardinals added Jacoby Brissett, an interesting backup for Kyler Murray, and the Ravens went against the grain by getting a pocket passer like Cooper Rush (Cowboys) to back up Lamar Jackson.

Premier League Abroad: Aaron Rodgers could throw a London touchdown
(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Steelers Bring Mason Rudolph Back But Where Does Aaron Rodgers Stand?

Without getting into a political debate about the merits of an online betting platform like Polymarket, let’s just say their current odds still favor the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign Aaron Rodgers for 2025. However, his chances of going to the Vikings are barely above retiring:

The Giants still have a chance too, though if that team knows what’s good for them, they’ll settle on the rookie quarterback they prefer between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. With the Vikings and Steelers, two playoff teams from 2024, it makes more sense why they’d be interested in a veteran quarterback with playoff experience for teams that are trying to win now.

But if you’re Rodgers, the choice would have to be Minnesota, right? They at least have an elite wideout in Justin Jefferson, an easier conference and arguably division – NFC North will see regression in 2025 – and some great playmakers on defense. They just beefed up the defensive line by adding Jonathan Allen (Commanders) and Javon Hargrave (49ers). They also added a couple of Indy’s offensive line starters in center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. Kevin O’Connell’s offense is very quarterback-friendly.

But my question is why should the team be interested in a quarterback going on 42 years old who doesn’t move that well anymore? Sure, it’d be hilarious to see Rodgers follow the Brett Favre path of Packers to Jets to Vikings, and I’m sure he’d see that as the ultimate troll move to Green Bay fans too.

But why not just go with J.J. McCarthy for 2025, assuming his medical looks good after meniscus surgery? I’d still be surprised if the Vikings pull the trigger here.

Meanwhile, the Steelers getting DK Metcalf feels like a pro-Russell Wilson move, but there is still no movement on that signing. There is talks with Rodgers, but he moves even worse than Wilson now, so that’s an odd pick if they go that route. Also a more expensive one.

The Steelers brought Mason Rudolph back, who had a good end to the 2023 season to help the team make the playoffs. I don’t think you can win a Super Bowl or even a playoff game with Rudolph as your QB1 all year, but he’s at least been serviceable in spots for the team in the past.

This situation is still fluid, so maybe we’ll get a resolution this week.

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - JULY 20: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets run drills during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on July 20, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey.
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Colts Sign Daniel Jones

The Colts signed Daniel Jones to a 1-year deal worth $14 million, noting there will be an open competition for the QB1 job with Anthony Richardson, who is going into his third year. What a quarterback room this is.

Jones got six years to prove his worth with the Giants and it just never really materialized. Similar to Richardson, he has consistency and durability issues, and he’s really at his best when he’s using his legs rather than his arm, which isn’t a good way to stay durable or consistent in this NFL.

So, we’re going to find out a lot about coach Shane Steichen here. His offense has arguably fared better under quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew (2023) and Joe Flacco (2024), two pocket passers than it has with Richardson. I’m not sure Jones can deliver a significantly better performance based on his history, so it’s really up to Richardson to show he’s got this job or the Colts will probably be looking for a new QB1 in 2026.

Browns Trade for Kenny Pickett

The Cleveland Browns were thought to be a team that could be interested in Kirk Cousins, but that may not be necessary. They traded Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick to the Eagles for Kenny Pickett, bringing him back to the AFC North with a chance to start against the Steelers even.

At least that’s what Pickett says has him excited about his second trade in as many offseasons. Given the way Deshaun Watson has played when healthy and the way his Achilles recovery is going poorly, maybe Pickett will be the team’s starter in 2025.

Pickett really struggled to move the ball well in Pittsburgh, but coach Kevin Stefanski has shown he can get quite a few different quarterbacks to play well in his offense. Unfortunately for him, the notable exception has been Watson, the expensive anchor who holds this franchise hostage with his absurd contract.

Wide Receivers: New Look for Seahawks

All wide receivers are a bit envious now of the deals reportedly signed Sunday night by the Bengals’ top duo of Ja’Marr Chase (4-year deal worth $161 million – a record for non-QB) and Tee Higgins (4-year deal worth $115 million – a record for WR2), locking them up in Cincinnati for another four seasons.

That is the greatest example of why it is so important to pay these players early as the price will only go up the longer you wait. The Bengals waited too long and now they’ll try to field a better roster with less money to spend on other positions.

On the free agent front, there is only one $45 million contract going out to a receiver on a new team in 2025, and it was the kind of move Seattle almost had to make to make up for losing DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

But in addition to Lockett, there are still some interesting names out there, including Stefon Digs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, and Brandin Cooks.

Seahawks Sign Cooper Kupp and MVS

The Seahawks signed Cooper Kupp to a 3-year deal worth $45 million. He’ll likely fall back to a WR2 role behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had his breakout season in 2023. The team also added a big-play weapon in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, otherwise known as MVS, which I like to say is Mistakes vs. Speed as he is prone to drops. But he had some huge plays for the Saints last year.

It’s definitely a much different-looking receiver crew than the Seahawks had last year with Metcalf, Lockett, and JSN. Is it better? No, and I think that’s especially true for someone like Darnold taking over. He’s a lesser passer than Geno Smith, but at least Kupp is a reliable receiver who can play the slot and outside.

But Darnold is going to miss the crazy catch radius and highlight-worthy plays that Jefferson made look so easy. The good news is Seattle at least has tried to replace what they’ve lost.

I just think JSN is a bottom-tier WR1 as he only averages 11 yards per catch and isn’t much of a red-zone threat. But you never know with QB-WR combos. Sometimes they click better than expected, and JSN isn’t a finished product going into Year 3 of his NFL career.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after a 27-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Ravens Add DeAndre Hopkins

Leave it up to the Ravens to kick the tires on a veteran wide receiver whether it’s Steve Smith (2014), Michael Crabtree (2018), Dez Bryant (2020), Sammy Watkins (2021), DeSean Jackson (2022), Nelson Agholor (2023), or Odell Beckham Jr. (2023).

Last season, they acquired Diontae Johnson, but that was pretty much a disaster/joke as he caught 1-of-5 targets and the team suspended him for his conduct for one game. I never thought it was a great fit, but it’s hard to believe it went that poorly.

But you can say the Ravens may need that insurance with Rashod Bateman’s injury history, and obviously, Zay Flowers was injured for the playoff run with bad timing/luck for the offense.

By adding DeAndre Hopkins, I’m not sure it’s going to do much for the team. This will be his fourth team since 2022, and he doesn’t get much separation anymore and was always more of a 50/50 ball receiver even in his prime anyway. The Ravens did a great job with speed and separation in their passing game last year as Lamar Jackson makes defenders nervous with his rushing ability.

But I’m not sure you can expect much help from Hopkins, who basically had one great game (vs. Buccaneers) for the Chiefs before turning into a mistake-prone veteran with far too many dropped passes on third-and-long targets.

Mike Williams: Going Back to Cali

In a bit of a surprise move, deep threat Mike Williams is going back to the Chargers on a 1-year deal worth $6 million. The Chargers drafted him in 2017, but most will tell you ex-coach Brandon Staley did Williams dirty by playing him too many snaps in a meaningless Week 18 game in the 2022 season, which led to an injury that cost him a playoff appearance.

Williams was again injured in 2023, so he only played three games that year before the Chargers let him explore free agency. The year he was gone, it was quite the journey from a failed stint with the Jets where he couldn’t seem to get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers.

Many will say Rodgers urged the team to trade for Davante Adams and move on from Williams, which happened soon after a couple of game-ending picks were thrown by Rodgers with Williams the target.

Then when the Steelers signed Williams, he seemed like a good fit to be another deep threat for Russell Wilson. But the Steelers would throw him one ball, he’d make a great catch, then they’d never go back to him the rest of the game or maybe one more target at best. It was maddening to watch.

So, maybe back in Los Angeles, Williams can rekindle some of that magic with Justin Herbert at quarterback and provide some needed big plays. At the very least, he should be more trustworthy than throwing a ball to Jalen Reagor. Also, don’t forget the team lost Josh Palmer, so there is a need to replace that production in 2025.

Tight Ends: Evan Engram Joins Sean Payton in Denver

We knew the tight-end market was going to be quite weak this year. The Saints ended up re-signing Juwan Johnson to a 3-year deal worth just over $30 million. If they didn’t do that, then Sean Payton and the Broncos may have been interested as Johnson was an undrafted free agent in New Orleans in 2020 when Payton was still the coach.

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 25: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos walks along the sideline during the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High on August 25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

But I think they got the better end of things by signing Evan Engram from Jacksonville. Engram had some bad hands in New York when he was with the Giants, but he showed good improvement in Jacksonville and was a fairly reliable target for Trevor Lawrence.

The Broncos really haven’t had a reliable tight end who can catch the ball in many years now. In fact, the 2024 offense didn’t have any tight end with 20 catches as their top seven receivers in catches were all wideouts or running backs.

Engram isn’t explosive by any means and he’s on the wrong side of 30 now, but he can definitely provide Bo Nix with a security blanket on short, easy throws. He just had 114 catches in Jacksonville in 2023 before injuries cost him half of 2024. But if he stays healthy, he’ll have the potential for 100-plus targets this year in Denver. It’s a dimension they basically ignored last season.

The Pass Rushers: Did the Bills Get Their Man or Settle for Him?

When it comes to the pass rushers, we talked last week about what the frustration level must be for contenders who were maybe hoping to trade for a stud like Myles Garrett (Browns) or Maxx Crosby (Raiders). They’re staying put after inking huge deals with their teams.

Buffalo is definitely one of the teams we highlighted who needed to make a power move for a star edge rusher if we are to ever believe this team can get past Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in January. We saw it in the Super Bowl and just about any other time the Chiefs lose a big game in recent years. You have to put pressure on Mahomes without blitzing and make him hold the ball longer than he wants.

Well, the Bills did what they could with the scraps out there and signed Joey Bosa to a 1-year deal worth just over $12.5 million. Going into Year 10, the veteran said he’s getting old and ready to win.

Ready to win in Year 10? I would have hoped for some time sooner than that, but we’ll see. I don’t want to hate this move as I said the Bills needed a player like this, but I’m just being honest.

This feels like a signing where Bosa will be awesome for a few games, help the Bills beat the Chiefs (again) in the regular season, but then come playoff time when he’s needed the most, he’ll be in street clothes because of an injury.

Call it bad luck or whatever, but it seems like the Bills are often injured on defense at the end of the year. Bosa himself missed 12 games in 2022, eight games in 2023, and three games last year. He turns 30 in July too and hasn’t notched double-digit sacks since 2021.

He’s not as good as his brother Nick in San Francisco, period. He also hasn’t had much success against Mahomes and the Chiefs in his career despite playing them twice a season. But maybe Sean McDermott’s defense will be a good change for him.

For at least as long as he is healthy and on the field. I just wonder if bringing Leonard Floyd back wouldn’t have been a better move. Floyd got $10 million for a deal in Atlanta, he’s had at least 8.5 sacks in five straight seasons, he hasn’t missed a game since 2017, and he had 10.5 sacks for the Bills in 2023.

But with the 2025 draft still to come, it could be Bosa or bust for this pass rush in Buffalo. Good luck with that.

Offensive Tackles: Commanders Make a Move

Again, 2025 is not a good year to overpay for offensive linemen, especially tackles, in free agency. There wasn’t much there, which is probably why the Commanders made a trade we forgot to include last week for Houston’s Laremy Tunsil.

It was an exchange of mid-round picks with the Commanders giving up nothing higher than a third-round pick while getting a fourth-round pick in return with the veteran tackle who maybe has always had more of an elite reputation than actual on-field play.

Tunsil was hyped as a Hall of Famer when the Dolphins drafted him in 2016, but he became a 5-time Pro Bowler with the Texans. He turns 31 in August and could even solidify that HOF bust with a strong run in Washington, protecting the blindside of phenom Jayden Daniels.

Again, I don’t think Tunsil is as elite as his reputation suggests, but I applaud the Commanders for recognizing they could upgrade one of the most important positions in the game with a proven player without using a high draft pick to do so. They already got so far last year with mostly a rookie playing left tackle in Brandon Coleman, who they can move to guard or the right side of the line.

Best Secondary Move Goes to Pittsburgh

Finally, for the secondary, a lot of funny money has been exchanged with the Colts throwing out the two highest-dollar contracts to Camryn Bynum ($60M) and Charvarius Ward ($54M). I’m also not sure the Giants needed to spend $45 million on a safety like Jevon Holland (Dolphins) after using a high pick on Tyler Nubin last year, but I guess they regret letting Xavier McKinney go to Green Bay in 2024.

But the secondary move I really like is the Pittsburgh Steelers adding Darius Slay from the Eagles. He’s 34 years old, so it’s probably not going to be anything more than a one-year rental but maybe Slay can pass some wisdom on to a young secondary with players like Joey Porter Jr. and Beanie Bishop. He helped Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell adjust quickly to the NFL last year for a Super Bowl-winning defense.

Mike Tomlin has won a lot of games despite often not having good players at the corner, but Slay would be one of the best players he’s ever coached. He‘s still covering at a high level too when you look at his 2024 stats for the Eagles:

Plus, can you imagine how tense practice will be like with Slay going up against Metcalf and George Pickens? This move should help toughen up the Steelers in what is always a position of need for them.

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Photo of Scott Kacsmar Scott Kacsmar17/03/2025 - 10:06 am