The clock is ticking down to the 2025 NFL free agency showdown, which officially started at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12th. The doors swung wide open for teams to make the best deals for the upcoming season.
But the action starts up even earlier! From Monday, March 10th to Wednesday, March 12th, clubs can legally reach out and start hammering out deals with the certified agents of players who will soon become unrestricted free agents.
It’s a three-day activity where anything can happen, where dreams are made, and the next big game-changers are waiting to be snatched up.
The Categories of Free Agency
It’s that time of year when players hit the market as either “restricted free agents” or “unrestricted free agents.”
Some might even get tagged as franchise or transition players by their former clubs. So, when’s the big signing starting? Here’s the accurate breakdown:
| Player Status | 2025 Signing Deadline |
| Restricted Free Agents (RFA) | April 18th |
| Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) with Tenders | July 22nd (Or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later) |
| Franchise Players | November 11th (The Tuesday following Week 10 of the 2025 regular season) |
| Transition Players | July 22nd |
But here’s the kicker: if deals aren’t inked by November 11th, 2025, these players are sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The Difference Between Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agent
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs):
- RFAs are players whose contracts have ended, but their current team can keep them by matching any offers by other teams.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs):
- UFAs are players whose contracts are up, and they can sign with any team they want.
According to the 2025 Free Agency guide, if a player has played for three accrued seasons and gets a good offer, they become a “restricted free agent” when their contract ends on March 12.
But if a player has played for four or more accrued seasons, they’re an “unrestricted free agent” and can join any team without the old team getting any special compensation.
What is an Accrued Season?
A season in which a player hits the field for six or more regular season games, whether they’re on the active roster, inactive list, reserve/injured, or reserve/physically unable to perform lists.
2025 Free Agency Overview For Each Team
As we gear up for the new league year, dive into each franchise’s top choices for free agents.
1. Green Bay Packers
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest Signings (New Players)
- G Aaron Banks
- CB Nate Hobbs
- WR Mecole Hardman
- LB Isaiah Simmons
Latest Re-signings
- K Brandon McManus
- LB Isaiah McDuffie
- LB Kristian Welch
- TE John FitzPatrick
Latest Departures
- CB Jaire Alexander
- C Josh Myers
- RB A.J. Dillon
- CB Eric Stokes
- DT T.J. Slaton
- LB Eric Wilson
2. Arizona Cardinals
Source: ESPN
Latest Signings (New Players)
- Josh Sweat
- Dalvin Tomlinson
- Jacoby Brissett
- Calais Campbell
- Akeem Davis-Gaither
- Roy Lopez
- Zay Jones
- Joey Blount
Latest Re-signings
- Baron Browning
- Kelvin Beachum
- Evan Brown
- Will Hernandez
- Trystan Colon
- Dennis Gardeck
- Greg Dortch
- Aaron Brewer
Latest Departures
- Zach Pascal
- Victor Dimukeje
- Naquan Jones
- Julian Okwara
- Khyiris Tonga
3. New York Giants
Source: Yahoo Sports
Latest Signings
- Russell Wilson
- Jameis Winston
- Paulson Adebo
- Jevon Holland
- Roy Robertson-Harris
- Chauncey Golston
- James Hudson
- Chris Board
- Greg Van Roten
- Jeremiah Ledbetter
- Victor Dimukeje
Latest Re-signings
- Darius Slayton
- Tommy DeVito
- Jamie Gillan
- Chris Manhertz
- Greg Van Roten
- Aaron Stinnie
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
- Tomon Fox
- Dyontae Johnson
Latest Departures
- Azeez Ojulari
- Jason Pinnock
- Adoree’ Jackson
- Isaiah Simmons
4. Dallas Cowboys
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest signings:
- Kenneth Murray Jr.
- Javonte Williams
- Dante Fowler Jr.
- Solomon Thomas
- Miles Sanders
- Robert Jones
- Jack Sanborn
- Kaiir Elam
- Payton Turner
- Parris Campbell
- Hakeem Adeniji
- Saahdiq Charles
Latest re-signings:
- Osa Odighizuwa
- KaVontae Turpin
- Trent Sieg
- Bryan Anger
- C.J. Goodwin
- Juanyeh Thomas
- Tyrus Wheat
- Brock Hoffman
Latest departures:
- Zack Martin (Retired)
- DeMarcus Lawrence
- Brandin Cooks
- Trey Lance
- Jourdan Lewis
- Cooper Rush
- Chuma Edoga
- Rico Dowdle
5. Detroit Lions
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- CB D.J. Reed
- DT Roy Lopez
- QB Kyle Allen
- CB Avonte Maddox
- LB Grant Stuard
- TE Kenny Yeboah
- WR Tim Patrick
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
Latest re-signings:
- LB Derrick Barnes
- LB Anthony Pittman
- CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
- K Jake Bates
- TE Brock Wright
- LS Scott Daly
Latest departures:
- CB Carlton Davis
- DE Za’Darius Smith
- G Kevin Zeitler
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- DE Marcus Davenport
- S Will Harris
- WR Josh Reynolds
6. Minnesota Vikings
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest signings:
- Jonathan Allen
- Javon Hargrave
- Ryan Kelly
- Will Fries
- Aaron Jones
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Tavierre Thomas
- Blake Cashman
- Eric Wilson
- Jeff Okudah
- Rondale Moore
Latest re-signings:
- Harrison Smith
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Theo Jackson
- Ryan Wright
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Johnny Mundt
- Brandon Powell
Latest departures:
- Kirk Cousins
- Sam Darnold
- Danielle Hunter
- Jordan Hicks
- Camryn Bynum
- Nick Mullens
- Johnny Mundt
- Patrick Jones
7. Cleveland Browns
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Kenny Pickett
- Jerry Jeudy
- Maliek Collins
- Cornelius Lucas
- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
- Jerome Baker
- Devin Bush
- Joe Flacco
- Teven Jenkins
- DeAndre Carter
- Julian Okwara
Latest re-signings:
- Tony Brown
- Winston Reid
- Blake Whiteheart
- Nick Chubb
- Elijah Moore
- Charley Hughlett
- Michael Dunn
Latest departures:
- Jameis Winston
- Dalvin Tomlinson
- Mike Ford
- D’Anthony Bell
- James Hudson
- James Proche II
- Bailey Zappe
- Sione Takitaki
- Anthony Walker
8. San Francisco 49ers
Source: Wikipedia
Latest signings:
- Mac Jones
- Luke Farrell
- Demarcus Robinson
- Tre Brown
- Luke Gifford
- Richie Grant
- Jason Pinnock
- Siran Neal
- Jon Weeks
- Ross Dwelley
- Andre Dillard
Latest re-signings:
- Ben Bartch
- Kevin Givens
- Curtis Robinson
- Kyle Juszczyk
- Patrick Taylor Jr.
Latest departures:
- Deebo Samuel
- Charvarius Ward
- Dre Greenlaw
- Talanoa Hufanga
- Javon Hargrave
- Maliek Collins
- Aaron Banks
- Jaylon Moore
- Elijah Mitchell
- Joshua Dobbs
- Brandon Allen
- Isaac Yiadom
- Eric Saubert
9. Indianapolis Colts
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Daniel Jones
- Charvarius Ward
- Camryn Bynum
- Khalil Herbert
- Neville Gallimore
- Corey Ballentine
- Spencer Shrader
- Xavien Howard
- Joe Bachie
Latest re-signings:
- Michael Pittman Jr.
- Grover Stewart
- Mo Alie-Cox
- Kenny Moore II
- David Long Jr.
- Ashton Dulin
- Danny Pinter
- Wesley French
- Tyler Goodson
- Segun Olubi
- Cameron McGrone
Latest departures:
- Joe Flacco
- Ryan Kelly
- Will Fries
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- E.J. Speed
- Kylen Granson
- Grant Stuard
- Sam Ehlinger
- Matt Gay
- Raekwon Davis
10. Baltimore Ravens
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest signings:
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Cooper Rush
- Jaire Alexander
- Chidobe Awuzie
- Joseph Noteboom
- Jake Hummel
- John Jenkins
- Tre’Davious White
- D’Ernest Johnson
Latest re-signings:
- Ronnie Stanley
- Patrick Ricard
- Ben Cleveland
- Tylan Wallace
- Ar’Darius Washington
- Brent Urban
Latest departures
- Brandon Stephens
- Patrick Mekari
- Josh Jones
- Michael Pierce (Retired)
- Marcus Williams
- Justin Tucker
- Arthur Maulet
- Malik Harrison
- Kristian Welch
- Josh Johnson
- Steven Sims
- Diontae Johnson
- Geno Stone
11. Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Yahoo Sports
Latest signings:
- CB Kristian Fulton
- QB Gardner Minshew
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- DT Jerry Tillery
Latest re-signings:
- DT Chris Jones
- WR Marquise Brown
- LB Nick Bolton
- LS James Winchester
Latest departures:
- OG Joe Thuney (Traded to Bears)
- S Justin Reid
- WR Justin Watson
- DT Tershawn Wharton
- CB L’Jarius Sneed (Traded to Colts)
12. Atlanta Falcons
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Leonard Floyd
- Divine Deablo
- Morgan Fox
- Mike Hughes
- Jordan Fuller
Latest re-signings:
- KhaDarel Hodge
- Ta’Quon Graham
- Feleipe Franks
- Dee Alford
- Storm Norton
Latest departures:
- Grady Jarrett
- Drew Dalman
- Avery Williams
- Jonnu Smith
- Rondale Moore
13. Carolina Panthers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Tre’von Moehrig
- Tershawn Wharton
- Rico Dowdle
- Patrick Jones II
- Bobby Brown III
Latest re-signings:
- Jaycee Horn
- Tommy Tremble
- Michael Jackson
- Austin Corbett
- Nick Scott
Latest departures:
- Brian Burns
- Frankie Luvu
- Xavier Woods
- Johnny Hekker
- Dane Jackson
14. Chicago Bears
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Grady Jarrett
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Drew Dalman
- Durham Smythe
- Joe Thuney (Acquired via trade)
Latest re-signings:
- Jaylon Johnson
- Scott Daly
- Travis Homer
- Doug Kramer Jr.
- Amen Ogbongbemiga
Latest departures:
- D’Andre Swift
- Darnell Mooney
- Teven Jenkins
- Coleman Shelton
- Jack Sanborn
15. Los Angeles Rams
Source: CBS Sports
Latest signings:
- Davante Adams
- Poona Ford
- Nate Landman
- Coleman Shelton
- D.J. Humphries
Latest re-signings:
- Alaric Jackson
- Tutu Atwell
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Ahkello Witherspoon
Latest departures:
- Cooper Kupp
- Aaron Donald (Retired)
- Bobby Brown III
- Michael Hoecht
- Jonah Jackson (Traded to Bears)
16. New Orleans Saints
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Justin Reid
- Chase Young
- Brandin Cooks
- Davon Godchaux (Acquired via trade)
- Isaac Yiadom
Latest re-signings:
- Juwan Johnson
- Demario Davis (Restructure)
- Tyrann Mathieu (Restructure)
- Dante Pettis
- Ugo Amadi
Latest departures:
- Paulson Adebo
- Will Harris
- Payton Turner
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Jamaal Williams
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Za’Darius Smith
- Adoree’ Jackson
- A.J. Dillon
- Joshua Uche
- Azeez Ojulari
Latest re-signings:
- Saquon Barkley (Extension)
- Lane Johnson (Extension)
- Cam Jurgens (Extension)
- Zack Baun
- Reed Blankenship
Latest departures:
- Darius Slay
- James Bradberry
- Josh Sweat
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Traded)
- Kenny Pickett (Traded)
- Brandon Graham (Retired)
18. Seattle Seahawks
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Sam Darnold
- Cooper Kupp
- DeMarcus Lawrence
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Josh Jones
Latest re-signings:
- Ernest Jones IV
- Jarran Reed
- Josh Jobe
- Johnathan Hankins
Latest departures:
- Geno Smith (Traded to the Raiders)
- DK Metcalf (Traded to Steelers)
- Tyler Lockett
- Dre’Mont Jones
- Rayshawn Jenkins
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Haason Reddick
- Anthony Walke
- Charlie Heck
- Riley Dixon
- Kindle Vildor
Latest re-signings:
- QB Baker Mayfield
- WR Mike Evans
- S Antoine Winfield Jr.
- K Chase McLaughlin
- LB Lavonte David
- DL Greg Gaines
Latest departures:
- C Ryan Jensen (retired)
- CB Carlton Davis (traded to Detroit Lions)
- Shaq Barrett
20. Washington Commanders 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Laremy Tunsil (Acquired via trade)
- Deebo Samuel (Acquired via trade)
- Javon Kinlaw
- Jonathan Jones
- Deatrich Wise Jr.
Latest re-signings:
- Bobby Wagner
- Zach Ertz
- Marcus Mariota
- John Bates
- Tress Way
Latest departures:
- Jonathan Allen (Released)
- Jeremy Chinn
- Kendall Fuller
- Kamren Curl
- Austin Ekeler
21. Buffalo Bills 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Joey Bosa
- Joshua Palmer
- Michael Hoecht
- Larry Ogunjobi
- Darrick Forrest
Latest re-signings:
- Reid Ferguson
- Ty Johnson
- Reggie Gilliam
- Damar Hamlin
- Dane Jackson
Latest departures:
- Von Miller
- Mack Hollins
- Will Clapp
- Casey Toohill
- Rasul Douglas
22. Cincinnati Bengals 
Source: Sports Illustrated
Latest signings:
- S Geno Stone
- RB Zack Moss
- TE Mike Gesicki
Latest re-signings:
- WR Tee Higgins (franchise tag)
- TE Drew Sample
- G Cody Ford
Latest departures:
- RB Joe Mixon (traded to Houston Texans
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- TE Irv Smith
-
23. Denver Broncos
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Talanoa Hufanga
- Dre Greenlaw
- Evan Engram
- J.K. Dobbins
- Trent Sherfield
Latest re-signings:
- D.J. Jones
- Jarrett Stidham
- Matt Peart
- Michael Burton
- Mitchell Fraboni
Latest departures:
- Javonte Williams
- Zach Wilson
- Riley Dixon
- Tremon Smith
- Cody Barton
24. Houston Texans 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- RB Joe Mixon (via trade with Bengals)
- DE Danielle Hunter
- DL Denico Autry
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- CB Lonnie Johnson
- CB Jeff Okudah
Latest re-signings:
- TE Dalton Schultz
- K Ka’imi Fairbairn
Latest departures:
- RB Devin Singletary
- DE Jonathan Greenard
- LB Blake Cashman
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Jourdan Lewis
- Patrick Mekari
- Robert Hainsey
- Eric Murray
- Dyami Brown
Latest re-signings:
- Josh Allen
- Ezra Cleveland
- Cole Van Lanen
Latest departures:
- Christian Kirk (Traded to Texans)
- Evan Engram
- Andre Cisco
- Mac Jones
- Mitch Morse (Retired)
26. Las Vegas Raiders 
Source: Bleacher Report
Latest signings:
- DT Christian Wilkins
- QB Gardner Minshew
Latest re-signings:
- C Andre James
- RB Ameer Abdullah
Latest departures:
- RB Josh Jacobs
- OL Jermaine Eluemunor
- CB Amik Roberston
27. Los Angeles Chargers 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Najee Harris
- Mekhi Becton
- Andre James
- Mike Williams
- Tyler Conklin
Latest re-signings:
- Khalil Mack
- Bradley Bozeman
- Trey Pipkins
- Jalen Reagor
- Denzel Perryman
Latest departures:
- Joey Bosa
- Joshua Palmer
- Gus Edwards
- Kristian Fulton
- J.K. Dobbins
28. Miami Dolphins 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- S Jordan Poyer
- DE Shaq Barrett
- TE Jonnu Smith
- LB Anthony Walker
- C Aaron Brewer
- LB Jordyn Brooks
Latest re-signings:
- CB NIk Needham
- OL Robert Jones
Latest departures:
- G Robert Hunt
- DT Christian Wilkins
- S Brandon Jones
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel
- LB Jerome Baker (released)
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (released)
29. New England Patriots 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Jacoby Brissett
- RB Antonio Gibson
- TE Austin Hooper
- LB Sione Takitaki
- OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Latest re-signings:
- S Kyler Dugger
- OL Mike Onwenu
- WR Kendrick Bourne
- TE Hunter Henry
- WR Jalen Reagor
- LB Anfernee Jennings
- LB Josh Uche
- OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
- LB Christian Elliss
Latest departures:
- QB Mac Jones (traded to Jaguars)
- TE Mike Gesicki
- LB Mack Wilson
- ST Matthew Slater (retired)
30. New York Jets 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- OL John Simpson
- CB Isaiah Oliver
Latest re-signings:
- K Greg Zuerlein
- P Thomas Morstead
Latest departures:
- DE Bryce Huff
31. Tennessee Titans 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- Tyler Lockett
- Dan Moore Jr.
- Kevin Zeitler
- Xavier Woods
- Dre’Mont Jones
Latest re-signings:
- Morgan Cox
- Sebastian Joseph-Day
- Mike Brown
- Amani Hooker
- Corey Levin
Latest departures:
- Kenneth Murray (Traded to Cowboys)
- Tony Pollard
- Chidobe Awuzie
- Calvin Ridley
- Derrick Henry
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Source: ESPN
Latest signings:
- DK Metcalf (Acquired via trade)
- Darius Slay
- Aaron Rodgers
- Patrick Queen
- Mason Rudolph
Latest re-signings:
- T.J. Watt
- Isaac Seumalo
- Jaylen Warren
- Elandon Roberts
- Ben Skowronek
Latest departures:
- Najee Harris
- Justin Fields
- Dan Moore Jr.
- Larry Ogunjobi (Signed with Bills)
- Donte Jackson
What is a Franchise Player?
A franchise player has a one-year contract with a team. NFL teams can use this franchise tag once per offseason.
It allows them to strategically retain a player with a guaranteed deal and fixed salary. There are two main types of franchise players:
Exclusive Franchise Player: These types of franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. They receive a salary based on either the average of the top five salaries at their position for the current year or 120% of their previous salary, whichever is higher.
Non-Exclusive Franchise Player: These types of franchise players can negotiate with other teams. If they agree to terms with a new team, their original team can either match the offer or decline, receiving two first-round picks as compensation.
The salary for a non-exclusive tag is determined by either the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position from the previous five years applied to the current salary cap or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is higher.
FAQs- 2025 NFL Free Agency
How many franchise and transition players can a team designate each year?
A club has the option to select either one franchise player or one transition player from its pool of potential restricted or unrestricted free agents.
Is it possible for a club to withdraw its franchise or transition designation on a player?
Yes! If a club removes its franchise or transition tag, the player automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent. If this happens after the start of the 2025 League year, the player becomes a free agent right away.
If it happens before the 2025 League year starts, the player becomes a free agent once their 2023 contract ends.
What is the salary cap set for the year 2025?
Each club has a salary cap of $279.2 million for the year 2025.
When do teams need to follow the salary cap rules?
The 2025 League year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12th, and teams are obligated to follow the salary cap rules from that point onwards.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL free agency period started on Wednesday, March 12th. The teams are gearing up for action.
The excitement has begun even earlier, with negotiations allowed from March 10th to 12th. This is a crucial time for teams to make strategic moves and secure key players for the upcoming season.
Additionally, teams must ensure they comply with the salary cap rules right from the start of the league year.
