The legal tampering period opened up Monday afternoon, and to no surprise, plenty of agreed to free agency deals flooded the NFL transaction list. From the Washington Commanders to the Denver Broncos, here are five of the biggest winners from Day one of the NFL Free Agency
5 Biggest Winners on Day one of NFL Free Agency
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were very active on the first day of free agency. They signed Javon Kinlaw, a player who is familiar with Commanders General Manager Adam Peters as he helped draft him in San Francisco. From there, the Commanders pulled off one of the most significant trades of the offseason, trading for Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil, sending a 2026 second-round and fourth-round pick to go along with a seventh-rounder. It was the type of move that signals that the Washington Commanders believe they are a Super Bowl contender in 2025
Along with the Tunsil trade, Washington was able to keep most of the free agents, which had a big impact on their historic 2024 season. They were able to bring back Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz and also made a trade for offensive weapon Deebo Samuel. The Commanders have done everything they could so far to position themselves for a 2025 run, and they still have the draft to add to what they are building.
Denver Broncos
After having one of the best defenses in 2024, having Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II on the Broncos continued to add strength. They signed a three-year deal with free agent safety Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga has dealt with injuries the last two seasons on the San Francisco 49ers; however, he was an All-Pro safety in 2022. The Broncos also signed enforcer linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the 49ers as well. Greenlaw has been a team leader and has been instrumental in the team’s defensive success during their Super Bowl run.
Los Angeles Rams
The LA Rams feel like a team that knows they can make a run at a Super Bowl in 2025. They were able to retain quarterback Matthew Stafford after a lot of off-season trade talk. They added All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the mix while also re-signing some key free agents in left tackle, Alaric Jackson and wide receiver Tutu Atwell. They also addressed their run defense by adding defensive tackle Poona Ford to the mix. The Rams are solidifying themselves as a contender in 2025, and they could be the biggest threat to the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. After all, they were the only team in the playoffs to scare the Eagles.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots had the most cap space in the NFL this offseason, so they have no choice but to spend the money. Their big-ticket free agent item was Super Bowl champion Milton Williams, signing him to a four-year $104 million deal. They also signed Super Bowl-winning cornerback Carlton Davis to a three-year $60 million deal.
It is a good use of money for the Patriots, who are singing vets who come from winning cultures. Any veteran you can add with Super Bowl experience would be good for any team. With a team like the Patriots who are trying to establish a new culture under coach Mike Vrabel, it was important to get players in that building with some type of pedigree.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were able to retain their star receiver, Chris Godwin, who had significant interest if he had hit the open market. They also signed Haason Reddick, a low-risk, high-reward pass rusher who will have the chance to come in and make an impact right away for the Bucs. The Bucs were also able to re-sign starting offensive lineman Ben Bredeson to a three-year deal.
