Indianapolis is buzzing as the NFL’s new league year is set to kick off on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. This is the moment when free agents can officially sign new contracts for the upcoming 2025 season and beyond. In the lead-up to this date, NFL teams are scrambling to make crucial roster decisions. Some teams are focused on re-signing their star players, while others are contemplating using the franchise tag ahead of the March 4 deadline and exploring potential trades to bolster their teams.
Already, it’s clear that the 2025 offseason will see several big-name players changing teams. Notably, Deebo Samuel has been traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders, although the deal won’t be finalized until the new league year begins. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is rumored to be moving on to his third NFL team, looking to make a fresh start after a tough stint with the New York Jets.
In other developments, Tee Higgins of the Bengals has announced he was given the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, which secures him a one-year salary of $26 million. Cincinnati will also work on long-term contracts for Higgins and his teammate Ja’Marr Chase. The Philadelphia Eagles, on the other hand, are expected to release veteran cornerback Darius Slay to save $4.3 million in cap space. Slay’s performance dipped last season, making him more expendable as younger talent emerges.
The Dallas Cowboys are also in talks to either extend or franchise tag their standout pass rusher Osa Odighizuwa. If tagged, he stands to earn $25.1 million in 2025. The 49ers are reportedly also looking into trading Brandon Aiyuk, depending on the market for a player recovering from injury.
Additionally, the New York Giants are eyeing veteran quarterbacks to replace Daniel Jones. With Matthew Stafford signing a restructured deal with the Rams, they are now exploring options like Aaron Rodgers and Sam Darnold as they seek more experience at the quarterback position.
As the deadline approaches, fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting the flurry of action that is sure to unfold, marking another exciting chapter in the NFL’s offseason saga.
