The NFL offseason is underway, as 31 NFL teams will work to unseat the Eagles as Super Bowl champions.
With free agency less than a month away, organizations will have to decide how they want to approach building their teams this year. Players like Sam Darnold, Tee Higgins, and Trey Smith headline this year’s free agent class, so there should be plenty of intrigue as to which players will change teams.
Higgins is likely to be the most sought-after player in the group, as the Bengals wide receiver could be on the move. Higgins has spent the past five years in Cincinnati, but he and the team haven’t been able to agree on a long-term contract extension.
Additionally, Darnold is the most intriguing quarterback available, as the Vikings signal-caller is coming off a strong season despite a poor finish. Quarterback-needy teams will need to assess Darnold and decide if he’s worth signing to a free agent contract.
With the new league year quickly approaching, here’s a look at all the key dates for the 2025 NFL offseason.
MORE NFL OFFSEASON NEWS:
At noon ET on March 10, NFL teams can “legally tamper” and speak with free agents but not officially sign them. That will last for 52 hours until 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12, which is the official start of the new league year, at which point NFL teams can sign free agents to contracts.
As the NFL’s new league year is set, here’s a list of other deadlines that teams must keep in mind:
Before the new league year begins, teams will have to decide whether to keep players who have a bonus due within the first several days of the season.
This section will be updated
SN’s Vinnie Iyer ranked the top 75 free agents for the 2025 season. Here’s a look at the top 20.
Higgins is coming off a huge second half with Joe Burrow as his QB. He has appeal as an all-around No. 1 outside of Cincinnati, who might not be able to re-sign him post-franchise tag with a lucrative Ja’Marr Chase extension looming.
Smith has been a smooth blend of athleticism and power for Kansas City since his rookie season and can cash in big-time elsewhere if not re-signed.
Reed had his best all-around season in coverage and other key parts of the game, standing out as New York‘s best corner in a down year for Sauce Gardner.
Mack hasn’t dropped off too much from his dominant Defensive Player of the Year days. He’s still a productive pass rusher, but he also is mulling retirement.
Ward missed time last season after his young daughter tragically passed, but his down season in coverage is bound to tick back in the right direction next season in his prime.
Sweat has been a good supplemental pass rusher and just came through with eight sacks in Vic Fangio’s system.
Baun was the perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s defense, giving the Eagles an elite cover linebacker who also holds his own upfield in pursuing vs. the run and rushing the passer when needed
Holland had some unexpected issues making enough plays in coverage, but he can be strong in that area on top of his still great run support.
Godwin was having a huge spike season again with Baker Mayfield in Liam Coen’s offense for the first time since the Tom Brady era, but it was disrupted by another major injury, this time to his ankle. His best fit would be back in Tampa Bay working opposite Mike Evans and rising outside star Jalen McMillan.
Diggs was having a good first season on his third team as a good-hands route-runner for C.J. Stroud, despite losing a few steps as a field-stretching threat. He should return despite the age and torn ACL that cut short his season, given the Texans‘ tougher injury situation with Tank Dell.
Fries was outstanding as a run blocker for Jonathan Taylor and also has proved to be one of the league’s most reliable inside pass protectors.
Zeitler keeps on plugging away as a well-traveled, smart, athletic blocker, whether he’s in the AFC North or NFC North.
Stanley has been a long-time fixture up front for Baltimore, and the team should try to keep him to solidify the left side given its inexperience elsewhere.
Davis has learned to use his size well in coverage, but he could be a little more consistent with his sometimes shutdown play.
Greenlaw kept executing at a high level after coming back late from his devastating Achilles injury in Super Bowl 58. He cleans up against the run and remains effective in coverage.
Darnold had a strong regular season until the very end in Kevin O’Connell’s terrific downfield passing system. His value may have diminished a little late, but he still stands out as the best free-agent starting option with Minnesota ready to move to J.J. McCarthy.
Cooper found a good spot with the Browns after his Raiders and Cowboys stints, but he was a bit of a misfit with the Bills and Josh Allen. There’s a chance one of his former teams will want his savvy route-running back.
Hopkins operates well as a good hands route-runner who can still get open everywhere, but he’s lost a few steps as a big-play target.
Dalman has emerged as one of the best athletic line leaders and a high-level run blocker.
The former Jaguars starter helped the Vikings plug a massive hole after Christian Darrisaw went down. Robinson can still start for many teams on the left side.
