NFL: Key Offensive Moves, Adams to the Rams and More Signings 2025

NFL training camps are already underway, and the 2025 season is shaping up with significant changes. After an exciting draft and important signings in free agency, the rosters of the 32 teams are taking shape. One of the most impactful moves was the transfer of Jalen Ramsey, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jonnu Smith, who found new teams. But, what were the most important acquisitions of this offseason? Which rookies have the most potential to improve their new franchises? Following last year’s methodology, a ranking of the 50 most impactful acquisitions was carried out, including free agent signings, transfers, and draft picks. The Steelers, Broncos, Patriots, and Giants lead the list with four players each. In addition, six top 10 draft picks and a second-round running back made it into the ranking. Here’s the complete ranking, starting with a wide receiver ready to make a splash in Southern California.Signing | Draft Pick | Acquisition by Trade

1. Davante Adams, WR: Signed by Los Angeles Rams

Adams represents an immediate upgrade over Cooper Kupp, thanks to his ability to beat coverage and separate as an “X” receiver. Alongside Puka Nacua, Adams can win in one-on-one situations or attack the spaces in Sean McVay’s passing game. With five consecutive seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, Adams tops this list, as he can boost the Rams, who are aiming to reach the NFC playoffs.

2. Cameron Ward, QB: Drafted by the Tennessee Titans

Selected with the number 1 pick of the 2025 draft, Ward possesses the qualities to have an immediate impact as a rookie. Last season, he accumulated 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in Miami, demonstrating his precision and ability to create plays outside the structure. In Tennessee, Ward will have two experienced receivers: Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. In addition, the team reinforced the offensive line to protect their young quarterback.

3. Joe Thuney, G: Traded to the Chicago Bears

Thuney, a leader on the offensive line, upgrades a critical need for the Bears on the interior of their front. With a pass-blocking success rate of at least 98% in the last three seasons, Thuney is still considered one of the best guards in the league, even after his brief stint as a left tackle for the Chiefs last season. His presence will keep the protection firm for second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB: Drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders

With his ability for explosive plays and excellent balance, Jeanty will have a large volume of play in Chip Kelly’s offense. His 2,601 rushing yards and 126 missed forced tackles led the FBS last season. In addition, he possesses qualities to stand out as a receiver out of the backfield. Given his role in an offense that will depend on the running game, the sixth pick is the leading candidate to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

5. Laremy Tunsil, OT: Traded to the Washington Commanders

The Commanders gave up a total of four picks to acquire Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler who immediately upgrades the offensive line’s ends for Kliff Kingsbury. When healthy, Tunsil can shut the door in pass protection, using his length, foot speed, and technique to keep the pocket clean. This is especially important for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

6. Josh Sweat, Edge: Signed by the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals needed more reinforcements on the edge, and they found help in someone who played under Cardinals coach John Gannon in Philadelphia. Sweat is a long and angular player who can win with speed and power. He also has built-in counter-attack moves to disengage from offensive tackles. Sweat recorded eight sacks and 33 pressures during the 2024 regular season. He added 2.5 more sacks in the Eagles’ victory at Super Bowl LIX.

7. Milton Williams, DT: Signed by the New England Patriots

Williams is one of the Patriots’ best additions, after they recorded only 28 sacks last season. He possesses the strength to displace blockers at the point of attack, with the agility and speed to beat interior offensive linemen. After recording five sacks and 18 pressures last season, Williams will now join Christian Barmore to give new coach Mike Vrabel two disruptive interior defenders.

Description: 0:47 Booger analyzes the Patriots’ improvements under Vrabel. Booger McFarland explains why Drake Maye and the Patriots will be one of the most solid teams in the NFL this season.

8. Sam Darnold, QB: Signed by the Seattle Seahawks

After recording record numbers in Minnesota last season, Darnold is now in a system that suits his qualities under coordinator Klint Kubiak. With play-action passes and designed verticals, Darnold has the arm strength and mobility to produce with receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.

9. George Pickens, WR: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys

Pickens brings explosive playmaking ability and a vertical element to the Cowboys’ offense. He has 35 receptions of 20 or more yards in the last two seasons, tied for fifth in the league. Alongside CeeDee Lamb, Pickens will operate on the field side for Dallas, giving quarterback Dak Prescott two multi-level targets in the passing game.

10. Abdul Carter, Edge: Drafted by the New York Giants

This rookie has the physical tools to play a disruptive role from the start of the season in defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense. With the quickness to attack offensive tackles and the flexibility to run the arc, Carter is ready to make plays alongside Brian Burns. He has game-changing potential, after 12 sacks and 61 pressures in his final college season.

11. Geno Smith, QB: Traded to the Las Vegas Raiders

Meeting with his former coach Pete Carroll, Smith is a major upgrade for the Raiders at the quarterback position, after throwing for a career-high 4,320 yards last season. He can throw the ball anywhere on the field when throwing from a clear platform, and now has two targets who can get open in tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers.

12. Travis Hunter, WR/DB: Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has a rare set of skills to impact both sides of the ball. Hunter’s 15 touchdown receptions and 23 receptions of 20 or more yards tied for second in the nation last season, in addition to having nine interceptions throughout his college career. Alongside Brian Thomas Jr. on offense, Hunter is an exciting element for new coach Liam Coen. I also see All-Pro potential on the defensive side of the ball for the former Colorado star.

13. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S: Traded to the Miami Dolphins

A safety with multidimensional qualities, Fitzpatrick fills a void in Miami’s secondary as a free safety with coverage ability and ball skills. His numbers decreased last season in Pittsburgh, but he has the instincts to make plays in Anthony Weaver’s defense. Fitzpatrick has 20 interceptions in eight professional seasons.

14. DK Metcalf, WR: Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Metcalf enters the season as the Steelers’ number 1 receiver after totaling 48 touchdowns in six seasons in Seattle. In Arthur Smith’s offense, Metcalf will attack the top of the route tree on play-action and isolation throws. In addition, Metcalf will receive quick-game targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on inside routes and screens, which suit his explosive straight-line speed after the catch.

15. Mekhi Becton, G: Signed by the Los Angeles Chargers

With his enormous 6-7, 363-pound frame, Becton can overwhelm and move defenders in Jim Harbaugh’s power running game, as well as having the physical tools and footwork to win as a pass protector. He’s just entering his prime years and is a key addition for the Chargers between tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

16. DJ Reed, CB: Signed by the Detroit Lions

Reed was signed to improve a Lions defense that allowed 244 passing yards per game in 2024, the third-most in the league. He is a highly competitive coverage cornerback with man-to-man qualities and the transition speed to break up the throw. More of a ball disruptor than a playmaker, Reed has 40 pass breakups, compared to six interceptions, during his career. He will start alongside second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold.

17. Jalen Ramsey, CB: Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Ramsey shouldn’t be viewed as a top-tier player at this stage of his career, but he will bring versatility to Pittsburgh’s secondary. He can still match patterns in perimeter coverage, and has the qualities to push inside as a slot cornerback in sub-package sets. When playing inside, Ramsey has the vision to advance to blitz and find the ball. He had a sack and 12 pressures with Miami last season.

Description: 1:33 Does the movement of Jalen Ramsey show that the Steelers are all in this season? Mike Tannenbaum and Dan Graziano react to the trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers by the Dolphins.

18. Joey Bosa, Edge: Signed by the Buffalo Bills

There are concerns about Bosa’s availability, as he has only played 28 games in the last three seasons due to injuries. But when he’s healthy, he’s a savvy technician who can hit the quarterback. The Bills needed an edge rusher who could close out games and also disrupt the pocket against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. That could be Bosa, who has 72 career sacks.

19. Aaron Rodgers, QB: Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodgers’ arm strength and field vision remain at a high level, allowing him to attack tighter windows and identify coverage rotations with ease. While his mobility and composure in the pocket are declining, he should be seen as an upgrade over Russell Wilson in Arthur Smith’s offense. The key here is how Smith game plans with Rodgers, who threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns with the Jets last season.

20. Stefon Diggs, WR: Signed by the New England Patriots

A quality route runner who can create separation and produce after the catch, Diggs is poised to become the primary target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, once he is fully healthy and cleared to play. Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards in eight games before an ACL tear ended his 2024 campaign. He had recorded six consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards before last year.

21. Justin Fields, QB: Signed by the New York Jets

With the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, look for Fields to work on a passing game that relies heavily on play action. Engstrand was the passing game coordinator last season with the Lions, who led the league with 204 play action attempts. Fields would benefit from more defined reads in New York, with a playbook that maximizes his dual-threat abilities. In six starts with the Steelers last season, Fields completed 65.8% of his passes and ran for 289 yards with five touchdowns.

22. Charvarius Ward, CB: Signed by the Indianapolis Colts

Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or bail off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone. He posted record numbers in 2023, with five interceptions and 14 pass breakups. While he didn’t have the same ball production last season, Ward’s experience and technique are an upgrade for the Colts’ secondary under new coordinator Lou Anarumo.

23. Omarion Hampton, RB: Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers

Hampton has the profile to fit as Harbaugh’s team’s primary running back. He’s a downhill hammer with the quickness in short areas to hit the daylight cracks and the juice to create explosive plays. Hampton ran for more than 1,500 yards in each of his last two seasons at North Carolina, and he plays with the lower-body balance and pad level to produce between the tackles in the Chargers’ run scheme.

24. Jevon Holland, S: Signed by the New York Giants

The Giants allowed Xavier McKinney to leave via free agency last season, leading to a lack of a playmaker at the top. Holland checks that box as a versatile safety with range and coverage skills. Yes, splash plays were lacking on Holland’s tape last season, but he showed up in all the stats with 5 interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles, and 5 sacks during his four years at Miami.

25. Jaire Alexander, CB: Signed by the Baltimore Ravens

Alexander has only played 14 games in the last two seasons due to injuries, but he could prove to be a key addition for the Ravens if he is healthy. At his best, he can still match up in coverage and has the zone instincts to bait quarterbacks. He is expected to play on the perimeter in nickel packages for the Ravens (alongside Nate Wiggins) with Marlon Humphrey in the slot.

26. Will Fries, G: Signed by the Minnesota Vikings

An important addition to the Vikings’ interior offensive line, Fries will improve both the running and passing game in Kevin O’Connell’s offense alongside first-round guard Donovan Jackson and veteran center Ryan Kelly. Before a right tibia injury ended his 2024 season in Week 5, Fries had recorded career-best results in pass block success rate (92.4%) and run block success rate (74.3%). It may lack high-end qualities, but it has a fundamentally solid playing style, the lower body mobility to handle power hunters, and the ability to maintain contact blocks.

27. Evan Engram, TE: Signed by the Denver Broncos

Engram joins a Broncos offense that has the pieces to be one of the most explosive units in the league. He caught 47 passes in nine games with the Jags last season, a year after his record-breaking 114 receptions in 2023. Expect him to work the seams in Sean Payton’s offense, while being designed as a matchup/motion target on catch-and-run throws from quarterback Bo Nix.

28. Tetairoa McMillan, WR: Drafted by the Carolina Panthers

With 6 feet 4 inches, McMillan has the frame and the matchup ability to immediately become a boundary target for quarterback Bryce Young. In addition, he can push inside as a power slot receiver. McMillian surpassed 1,300 receiving yards and 80 receptions in each of his last two college seasons at Arizona. He should be a volume target in the first year.

29. Kevin Zeitler, G: Signed by the Tennessee Titans

Tennessee’s offensive line renovation, through free agency and the draft, included the signing of Zeitler in March. The veteran guard is a physical presence on the interior with the power to displace defensive tackles and the movement ability to pull in gap schemes. Routinely wins in pass protection, using his strong base to keep interior rushers at bay. Zeitler had a 94.4% pass block success rate with Detroit last season, his thirteenth year in the league.

30. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR: Traded to the Washington Commanders

Samuel has the alignment and scheme versatility to fit into Kingsbury’s offense as a motion/movement player. He will likely see the ball on screens, jet sweeps, and backfield touches, just as he did in San Francisco. Samuel’s play speed and production decreased last season, but he had a strong campaign in 2023 with 12 touchdowns and over 1,000 all-purpose yards.

31. Will Campbell, OT: Drafted by the New England Patriots

The fourth overall selection in the NFL draft, Campbell occupies the left tackle position for a team that allowed 52 sacks (the fifth-most) and recorded a pass-blocking success rate of only 50.9% (31st) in 2024. Campbell has the movement skills, technique, and playing toughness to win in pass protection, and will push defenders off the ball in the running game. Campbell should be viewed as a cornerstone for Vrabel’s team.

32. Drew Dalman, C: Signed by the Chicago Bears

The Bears continued to address the interior of the offensive line with Dalman, the best center available in free agency. He wins his assignments with movement and leverage to compensate for a smaller frame (6-3, 300 pounds). He’s a technician on tape, who best fits the wide zone run game under new coach Ben Johnson in Chicago. Dalman’s pass-blocking success rate of 95.1% ranked ninth among centers with at least 500 plays last season.