The start of the new NFL season is all but underway, meaning extensions and deals with unrestricted free agents are coming in fast.
PFF will be providing live reactions and analysis for all major transactions, and we'll give each deal one of four grades: below average, average, above average, good, very good and elite. These ratings will be updated throughout the week as additional news comes in.
For even more information about the best free agents on the market, monitor PFF's free-agent rankings, which include contract projections, wins above replacement (PFF WAR), PFF grades and analysis.
Chronological Deal Grades
Click here to jump to team-by-team deal grades
WR Tyquan Thornton re-signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 66.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.17
Contract: 2 years, $11 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million
PFF Contract Grade: Average
After spending his first three seasons in New England, Thornton settled into a more effective role with the Chiefs. He boasted a career-high 68.4 PFF receiving grade and 1.70 yards per route run in 2025 while not dropping any of his 36 catchable targets. Thornton returns to Kansas City as a nice complementary piece for Patrick Mahomes, with more chances to convert on deep passes given his prolific speed.
S Alohi Gilman signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 70.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.09
Contract: 3 years, $24.75 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $13.5 million
PFF Contract Grade: Average
Across stops with both the Chargers and Ravens in 2025, Gilman was an effective player against multiple offensive facets by earning a 71.6-plus PFF run-defense and coverage grade. While he could stand to improve his tackling (career 14.4% miss rate), his postional versatility is a definite asset. Gilman comes in slightly above projected value but should be a good replacement for Bryan Cook.
LB Devin Lloyd signs with Carolina Panthers
2025 PFF Grade: 88.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $48 million
PFF Contract Grade: Good
After two years as a good linebacker, Lloyd became one of the game’s best in 2025 by producing an 85.2 PFF run-defense grade and a 78.9 PFF coverage mark. Carolina lands a much-needed playmaker over the middle after placing 29th in PFF overall grade at linebacker, and to add Lloyd below market projection is terrific.
G Cole Strange signs with Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 54.9
2025 PFF WAR: -0.05
Contract: 2 years, $13 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The former first-rounder started every game after Week 3 for the Dolphins in 2025, although his inconsistent showings yielded sub-60.0 PFF grades in pass blocking and run blocking. Strange has plenty of starting experience through four NFL seasons, three with the Patriots, but his 0.01 PFF Wins Above Replacement over his career ranks just 128th among guards.
CB Joshua Williams signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 75.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.02
Contract: 2 years, TBD
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Titans’ cornerback overhaul continues with Williams. Although he logged only 17 defensive snaps in 2025, he recorded a 68.3 PFF coverage grade with four pass breakups over 282 coverage snaps in 2024. At the very worst, the 26-year-old is solid depth next to newcomers Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor.
RB Rico Dowdle signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 63.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.08
Contract: 2 years, $12.25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Dowdle started the 2025 season strongly, becoming the Panthers’ de facto RB1 before ceding carries to Chuba Hubbard. He notched a 70.7-plus PFF rushing grade for the second straight season, and his 3.12 yards after contact per carry placed 12th among qualified rushers. While Dowdle doesn’t bring the same receiving acumen as Kenneth Gainwell, he should be a very capable backup to Jaylen Warren.
T Braxton Jones re-signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 55.5
2025 PFF WAR: -0.04
Contract: 1 year, $5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Jones appears to be back in Chicago as a backup, coming off a 55.5 PFF overall grade on 210 snaps in 2025. That was the lowest-graded season of his four-year career, although he generated a career-high 77.4 PFF overall grade in 2024, including an 80.8 PFF pass-blocking grade. Jones can earn another $5 million in incentives, likely tied to playing time, and if he hits those, he could parlay this deal into a long-term contract a year from now.
WR Kendrick Bourne signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 62.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 2 years, $11.47 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a nice fit for both parties, with Bourne likely to compete to be the fourth option in the Cardinals' passing attack behind wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride. Bourne has averaged 1.40 yards per route run in six of the past seven seasons, a number that is absolutely fine for a complementary receiver.
LB Quincy Williams signs with Cleveland Browns
2025 PFF Grade: 45.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Williams had a fantastic 2023 season, earning an 88.7 PFF coverage grade. But that is the only season of his career where he produced a 70.0-plus mark. He's coming off a poor 35.2 PFF coverage grade and five touchdowns surrendered in coverage in 2025.
S Reed Blankenship signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 42.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.03
Contract: 3 years, $24.75 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $21 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Blankenship really struggled in 2025, earning a 29.9 PFF coverage grade, but the previous three seasons of his career mean that this past season was the outlier. As a starter in the previous two seasons, Blankenship earned 78.0 and 69.1 PFF coverage grades, and he has combined for 20 interceptions and pass breakups in four NFL seasons.
G Isaac Seumalo signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 73.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Contract: 3 years, $31.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
A three-year deal is good business for the 32-year-old Seumalo, and his level of play was worth the slight overpay versus the PFF per-year projection for him. He's coming off a season where he earned a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking seventh among guards. That's a significant improvement from 2025 starting left guard Evan Brown, who earned a 60.2 PFF pass-blocking grade last year.
WR Rashid Shaheed re-signs with Seattle Seahawks
2025 PFF Grade: 66.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.27
Contract: 3 years, $51 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $42 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Shaheed was key to the Seahawks' Super Bowl after arriving via a trade from the New Orleans Saints during the season. A big play threat, he has averaged 14.9 yards per catch throughout his career, and has dropped just 1.3% of the catchable targets thrown his way since entering the league. He's also one of the best returners in the NFL, earning an 86.3 PFF grade on kick and punt returns and scoring three touchdowns in 2025.
EDGE Malcolm Koonce re-signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 59.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 1 year, $11 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $6 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Koonce struggled in 2025, earning a 59.1 PFF grade and racking up 35 total pressures from 331 pass-rushing snaps, but he was coming back from an ACL injury that caused him to miss all of 2024. He was much better in 2023, racking up 52 pressures from 344 pass-rushing snaps. If he can get back to that form now that he is another year removed from the injury, the Raiders will be happy with this deal.
LB Quay Walker signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 46.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.02
Contract: 3 years, $40.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Walker has been in the NFL for four seasons now, and has earned PFF grades below 60.0 in all four of those years. He's coming off a season that saw him earn a 40.9 PFF coverage grade that was tied for 11th worst among linebackers, and it's tough to square that level of performance with this contract. On the plus side, he is one of the better tacklers in the NFL, ranking 9th at the position with a 6.7% missed tackle rate last season.
LB Nakobe Dean signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 62.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.05
Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $41 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Dean struggled coming off an injury in 2025, but his 2024 performance is right in line with a deal of this value. While he is just solid in coverage, with 62.4 and 62.6 PFF coverage grades in each of the past two seasons, he is at his best as a run defender, earning an 82.5 PFF run defense grade in 2024. He's also a useful blitzer, racking up 26 pressures from 101 pass-rushing snaps over the past two seasons.
LB Alex Singleton re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.2
Contract: 2 years, $15.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $9 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Singleton finished 2025 as the 12th-most-valuable linebacker in the NFL, per PFF Wins Above Replacement. He converted the best season of his career into a two-year deal to stay in Denver. While he's not a standout in coverage, with PFF coverage grades below 60.0 in each of the past three seasons, he is one of the league's best against the run, having earned an 88.5 PFF run-defense grade in 2025.
TE Travis Kelce re-signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.38
Contract: 1 year, $12 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
News broke earlier today that Kelce had told interested teams that he would be returning to Kansas City, and now we have the terms. While he's not the same player he once was, Kelce still ranked fourth among tight ends in PFF Wins Above Replacement last season while placing among the top 20 players at the position in PFF overall grade.
T Jermaine Eluemunor re-signs with New York Giants
2025 PFF Grade: 63.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.17
Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Eluemunor has been an above-average pass blocker in each of his two seasons with the Giants, earning 71.0 and 76.7 PFF pass-blocking grades in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This past season, he allowed just 19 pressures from 638 pass-blocking snaps. Retaining a plus pass blocker at $13 million per year is a good deal for the Giants.
DI Tim Settle signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 71.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.12
Contract: 3 years, $25.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $11.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a little steep, per PFF projections, but Settle is coming off a pair of solid pass-rushing seasons for the Texans. He earned PFF pass-rush grades of 68.7 and 78.0 in 2024 and 2025, respectively, with 60 total pressures from 653 pass-rushing snaps in that span.
EDGE Kwity Paye signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 59.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.07
Contract: 3 years, $48 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
At 27 years old, Paye still has time to develop, but he is coming off a season that saw him produce career lows in PFF overall grade and sacks. While he has earned a 65.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in four straight seasons, $16 million per year for an edge defender who doesn't offer much consistently as a pass rusher is a bit strong.
QB Tua Tagovailoa signs with Atlanta Falcons
2025 PFF Grade: 62.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.99
Contract: 1 year, $1.3 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Tagovailoa was not good in 2025, but the cost is important in this deal. Due to the nature of his release from the Miami Dolphins, the Falcons don't have to spend big here, and the potential upside is huge. Tagovailoa earned PFF overall grades of 81.9 and 86.9 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. If he can return to that level, then this is an absolute steal for Atlanta. If he can't, then it's a low-cost move that doesn't prevent the Falcons from seeing what Michael Penix Jr. looks like again in 2026.
TE Cade Otton re-signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 57.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $32 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for Otton, with the Buccaneers clearly wanting to keep him around. But considering some of the other options available, did Tampa Bay need to sign him to a contract worth $10 million per year? He's a solid player but has averaged just 1.04 yards per route run in his four-year NFL career.
EDGE Odafe Oweh signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 75.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.03
Contract: 4 years, $100 million
PFF Contract Projection: 4 years, $77 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Oweh is coming off a career-high 81.0 PFF pass-rush grade in 2025, a season during which he was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Los Angeles Chargers. He has grown more consistent at converting pressure into sacks in recent years, and he had his best game of the year in the playoffs against the New England Patriots, registering three sacks.
S Jalen Thompson signs with Dallas Cowboys
2025 PFF Grade: 68.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.06
Contract: 3 years, $33 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $19 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
The Cowboys needed more proven secondary help, and Thompson has never earned a sub-64.0 PFF overall grade in seven NFL seasons. His 6.3% missed tackle rate over the past two years ranks fifth among qualifying safeties. The 27-year-old was even the fourth-most-valuable safety in 2023, per PFF WAR. If he reaches those heights in Dallas, this will end up as an excellent signing.
EDGE Boye Mafe signs with Cincinnati Bengals
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.09
Contract: 3 years, $60 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $49 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
The Bengals make their second addition of the tampering period's first day, and it's another strong move to boost their defense. Mafe has earned a PFF overall grade above 70.0 and produced 40 or more pressures in each of the past three seasons. Given that Trey Hendrickson is unlikely to return to Cincinnati, this was a shrewd move at a reasonable price, all things considered.
QB Marcus Mariota re-signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 71.4
2025 PFF WAR: 1.00
Contract: 1 year, $7 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a good deal for arguably the best backup quarterback in the NFL right now. Mariota filled in admirably for Jayden Daniels in 2025, producing a 6.9% big-time throw rate and earning a 72.3 PFF passing grade. In an ideal world for the Commanders, he doesn't see the field in 2026. But he's a good insurance policy.
S Bryan Cook signs with Cincinnati Bengals
2025 PFF Grade: 83.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 3 years, $40.25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Cook's 83.5 PFF overall grade in 2025 ranked fourth among all safeties. Meanwhile, the Bengals‘ starting safeties ranked tied for 57th and 72nd. This moves the needle for Cincinnati's defense, giving it a sure tackler who notched PFF grades above 80.0 both against the run and in coverage last season.
CB Josh Jobe re-signs with Seattle Seahawks
2025 PFF Grade: 57.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.12
Contract: 3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Jobe is coming off a career-high 936 snaps in 2025 but earned a 52.9 PFF coverage grade. He registered 10 pass breakups yet committed 10 penalties over the course of the season. He did earn PFF coverage grades of 65.0 or better in four of the final six games of the season, so the Seahawks are perhaps gambling on his continued improvement, but it's a contract that he hasn't fully justified yet in his career.
CB Alontae Taylor signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 63.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.27
Contract: 3 years, $60 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Taylor seemed to turn a corner last year with a career-best 67.7 PFF coverage grade, but he still surrendered eight touchdowns and permitted a 108.2 passer rating when targeted. While the Titans succeeded in acquiring another starting cornerback, this is a huge deal for a player without a proven track record.
EDGE Arden Key signs with Indianapolis Colts
2025 PFF Grade: 63.7
2025 PFF Grade: 0.01
Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $21.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Joining the third AFC South team of his career, Key is coming off his worst season since 2018 in terms of PFF pass-rush grade. He is a solid player overall, though, and if he can get back to his level of play from 2021 and 2024, he could be a nice addition for the Colts. At worst, Key should be good for 30-40 pressures and five or more sacks.
RB J.K. Dobbins re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 76.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.06
Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Dobbins anchored Denver’s rushing attack in 2025 before suffering a season-ending foot injury, registering an 80.8 PFF rushing grade and averaging 3.18 yards after contact per attempt. Staying on the field has been Dobbins’ primary weakness in the pros, but he’ll get the chance to pick up where he left off behind the Broncos’ elite offensive line.
CB Cor'Dale Flott signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 65.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.26
Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Flott showed flashes of great coverage play with the Giants, headlined by an elite 90.1 PFF coverage grade in Week 7 against the Broncos in 2025, but he is a below-average run defender and tackler. His coverage ability will certainly be valuable in Tennessee, hence the hefty contract. Tennessee will have to hope he can improve in other areas to not be a liability, though.
TE Charlie Kolar signs with the Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 77.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $24.3 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.75 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Kolar is coming off a career year and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. That being said, $8 million per year is a steep price to pay for a player who set a career high with 10 receptions this past season. Given the Chargers' struggles on the offensive line, perhaps they view standout blockers at other positions to be even more important, but this is a big contract for the former Raven.
DI John Franklin-Myers signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 63.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: 3 years, $63 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grader: Good
While this deal comes in at $6 million per year above where PFF projections had Franklin-Myers, if you're going to pay up for something, make it pass-rushing ability. Franklin-Myers has never had a season with a PFF pass-rush grade below 65.0 and has generated at least 40 pressures in six straight campaigns. He possesses the versatility to move around the line, too, something that will perfectly fit new head coach Robert Saleh's defense.
G Zion Johnson signs with Cleveland Browns
2025 PFF Grade: 56.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.13
Contract: 3 years, $49.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $51 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
A first-round draft pick in 2022, Johnson has yet to earn a 65.0-plus PFF overall grade for a season. He has been durable at least, logging 1,000 or more snaps in each of his first four years in the NFL. This contract is only a fraction above the PFF projection, but the Browns are paying the “former first-rounder tax” here, hoping that the 26-year-old still has room to develop.
CB Jamel Dean signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 80.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.34
Contract: 3 years, $36.75 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $27 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Dean turned in his best year yet in 2025 with an 80.6 PFF overall grade and a 47.7 passer rating when targeted. Having earned at least a 72.5 PFF coverage grade in every season of his career, the 29-year-old fills a big need for Pittsburgh, where he should form a formidable perimeter duo next to the ascending Joey Porter Jr.
WR Mike Evans signs with San Francisco 49ers
2025 PFF Grade: 69.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Contract: 3 years, $60.4 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $48 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
In a stunning turn of events, Evans will suit up elsewhere for the first time in his 13-year career. Although his production dipped in 2025 after he endured multiple injuries, he still managed a solid 1.62 yards per route run and caught 48% of his contested targets. Evans’ presence will be coveted in a 49ers receiving room that will likely lose both Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk.
LB Devin Bush signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 87.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.26
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
The Bears immediately replace Tremaine Edmunds, whom they recently released, with Bush, who revived his career in Cleveland to the tune of back-to-back 79.0-plus PFF overall grades. Bush, PFF's ninth-ranked free agent, surrendered just a 69.3 passer rating in coverage this past season, the second-best mark among linebackers. He keeps the Bears' defense in great shape at a reasonable price point.
Dl David Onyemata signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 78.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.16
Contract: 1 year, $10.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
After trading away Quinnen Williams last season, the Jets have targeted Onyemata to help fill his void. Onyemata was stout against the run in 2025 with a 74.2 PFF run-defense grade, and his 9.7% pass-rush win rate sat in the 67th percentile at the position. New York gave Onyemata more than his projection, but he’s still a valuable pickup.
WR Jalen Nailor signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 66.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $35 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Nailor should infuse juice into the Raiders’ receiving corps after producing a 67.1 PFF receiving grade and dropping just one of his 49 targets. However, this is an extremely rich deal for a player who has averaged 1.18 yards per route run in his career.
DI Khyiris Tonga signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 67.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 3 years, $21 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Tonga played a career-high 415 snaps for the Patriots in 2025, although his middling production — 17 quarterback pressures and 15 run stops — likely isn't worth $7 million per year. Still, Tonga has proven he can fill out a team's interior depth well over the course of his five-year NFL career, and now he'll slot in alongside Chris Jones.
G David Edwards signs with New Orleans Saints
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.37
Contract: 4 years, $61 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $35 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Edwards enjoyed a career season with Buffalo in 2025, sporting a 70.3 PFF overall grade, which was boosted by a great 75.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. Edwards gives the Saints another long-term, plus starter along a young offensive line to protect Tyler Shough — but New Orleans may have overcommitted based on projections.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 70.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.37
Contract: 4 years, $70 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $63 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Robinson produced a career season in 2025 with 1.87 yards per route run and a 69.8 PFF receiving grade. The Titans were desperate for more receiver help for Cam Ward, and they got that on a better-than-projected deal on the slot-oriented Robinson.
RB Travis Etienne signs with New Orleans Saints
2025 PFF Grade: 74.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: 4 years, $52 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $34.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Etienne bounced back in a big way with the Jaguars last year, earning a 74.5 PFF rushing grade and racking up 28 carries of 10 or more yards. Although the Saints may have invested slightly more in Etienne than was projected, he’ll be a big boost to an offense that ranked 29th in rushing EPA per play in 2025.
RB Tyler Allgeier signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 71.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 2 years, $12 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $10 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
While he's unlikely to be a workhorse, Allgeier has consistently been solid since arriving in the NFL out of BYU in 2022. He has never fumbled on a rushing attempt while averaging 3.27 yards after contact per carry. Signing him doesn't take the Cardinals out of the running to draft Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the draft, either, as Allgeier has already shown he can spell a top draft pick in Bijan Robinson in Atlanta.
C Tyler Linderbaum signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 80.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.29
Contract: 3 years, $81 million
PFF Contract Projection: 4 years, $80 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The player makes this an excellent signing, but the contract raises eyebrows. Linderbaum will play on the largest per-year deal of any interior offensive lineman. He has earned PFF run-blocking grades above 80.0 in three of his four NFL seasons and is one of the best in the league in that regard. He has earned a PFF pass-blocking grade above 65.0 just once in his career, though, which is concerning since his per-year average would rank fifth among offensive tackles.
TE Daniel Bellinger signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 62.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for a player whose best season as a receiver yielded 33 receptions for 290 yards. Bellinger is a solid run blocker, though, and has dropped just three passes in his NFL career. Given the other free-agent options at tight end, it's not a stretch to say a better player could have likely been had for around the same cost.
CB James Pierre signs with Minnesota Vikings
2025 PFF Grade: 86.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.33
Contract: 2 years, $8.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Pierre looked really good in limited work in 2025, earning an 86.2 PFF overall grade on 408 snaps, so this is a worthwhile swing of the bat for the Vikings. It's a bigger contract than PFF was projecting, but even if all he is is a good depth player, it's a perfectly reasonable signing. The upside is that if Pierre can continue to improve, as we saw this past season, the Vikings could be getting a starting-caliber cornerback for a steal.
C Cade Mays signs with Detroit Lions
2025 PFF Grade: 61.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.02
Contract: 3 years, $25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Mays is solid in pass protection, having earned a 67.6 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, but has endured struggles as a run blocker. He ranked in the 20th percentile for negatively graded run-blocking plays last season. Given who the Lions want to be on offense, that is a bit of a concern. This deal could work out for the Lions, but it comes with a reasonable amount of risk.
S Coby Bryant signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.1
Contract: 3 years, $40 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Bryant has developed into a solid starting safety over the past two seasons and should be a good fit for the Bears. He earned a 68.0 PFF coverage grade in 2024 and a 67.2 in 2025, powered by four interceptions and four pass breakups this past season. The one concern is that he has missed a lot of tackles, leading to a career-worst 18.7% missed tackle rate in 2025.
CB Amik Robertson signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 48.6
2025 PFF WAR: -0.05
Contract: 2 years, $16 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The Commanders needed more cornerback help next to Trey Amos after cutting Marshon Lattimore, but Robertson didn’t necessarily stand out with the Lions. He was particularly ineffective in 2025, earning a 48.0 PFF coverage grade and a 49.0 PFF run-defense grade, making his deal feel overly rich.
LB Alex Anzalone signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 67.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Anzalone has produced a 65.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons and now turns that into a solid deal with the Buccaneers. He excels in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer, providing the Buccaneers with a three-down presence at linebacker. Perhaps this signing means they aren't tied to selecting a linebacker early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dl Neville Gallimore signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 56.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.08
Contract: 2 years, $12 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Gallimore flashed in 2025 with a 70.2 PFF pass-rushing grade while playing a limited role with the Colts, and that ability to get after the quarterback is something the Bears need on the interior. However, his career play against the run — including a 45.8 PFF run-defense mark last year — hinders his ceiling and makes him more of a rotational option.
LB Demario Davis signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 81.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.23
Contract: 2 years, $22 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Despite his age, Davis has continued to play at a really high level for the Saints and now returns to the Jets to potentially finish out his career. 2016 was the last time Davis earned a PFF overall grade below 70.0, and his 88.9 PFF run-defense grade in 2025 ranked sixth best among linebackers.
RB Kenneth Gainwell signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 72.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 2 years, $14 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Gainwell unexpectedly burst into a big role for the Steelers in both their pass and run games, posting a 74.7 PFF rushing grade and a 70.5 PFF receiving grade in 2025. Although he fetched more than was expected on an annual basis, Gainwell should serve as a nice complement to Bucky Irving, especially with Rachaad White expected to depart in free agency.
EDGE Kingsley Enagbare signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 61.2
2025 PFF WAR: -0.01
Contract: 1 year, $10 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The Jets are paying up for edge defenders early in free agency. Enagbare has never had a season with a PFF pass-rush grade of 65.0 or better, and his career high for pressures is just 27, which he set in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 70.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Steelers Deal Grade: Very Good
Colts Deal Grade: Average
The Colts needed to make this move after signing Alec Pierce to such a hefty deal, and it profiles as a big upgrade for the Steelers‘ offense. Pittman has a safe pair of hands, dropping just 5.0% of the catchable targets he has seen throughout his NFL career, and is another big target for whoever the Steelers' quarterback is in 2026.
EDGE Joseph Ossai signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 64.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.01
Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $7 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for a player who has recorded just 15 sacks through his first four NFL seasons. On one hand, Ossai is only 25 years old and coming off his best season. On the other hand, he hasn't proven to be a particularly strong pass rusher early in his career, and this deal is considerably above his PFF contract projection.
G John Simpson signs with Baltimore Ravens
2025 PFF Grade: 56.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: $3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Simpson was at his best in 2024, earning a 77.3 PFF overall grade — fueled by 70.0-plus marks in pass protection and run blocking. However, that is the only season of his six-year career in which he has topped 60.0. He will be a veteran presence up front for the Ravens, but it's fair to wonder if there were better options available at this price point.
TE Isaiah Likely signs with New York Giants
2025 PFF Grade: 56.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.17
Contract: 3 years, $40 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $28 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Likely stays with John Harbaugh, who became the Giants‘ head coach after his time in Baltimore ended in January. Likely could have commanded an even bigger deal if not for a down year after an injury, but he has averaged at least 1.29 yards per route run in each of his four NFL seasons.
QB Malik Willis signs with Miami Dolphins
2025 PFF Grade: 92.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.44
Contract: 3 years, $67.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $40 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
After announcing that they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins made their big move at quarterback by adding Malik Willis. He produced a 92.3 PFF overall grade in 2025, but it came on just 97 snaps. This likely locks him in as the starter for the next two seasons, giving Miami a young quarterback who can become a franchise player.
EDGE Jaelan Phillips signs with Carolina Panthers
2025 PFF Grade: 74.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.09
Contract: 4 years, $120 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This deal grade could change depending on the guarantees, but the contract is a big risk for the Panthers, given how much time Phillips has missed in his career because of injuries. At his best, he can be a top-15 to top-20 edge defender in the NFL. He ranked tied for 26th in PFF overall grade at the position last year but played fewer than 500 snaps in each of the previous two years.
CB Jaylen Watson signs with Los Angeles Rams
2025 PFF Grade: 74.1
2025 PFF Grade: 0.31
Contract: 3 years, $51 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
The Rams add a cornerback from the Chiefs for the second time in the past few days. A seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Watson has played 500 or more snaps in every season as an NFL player. He has also earned PFF coverage grades above 65.0 in each of the past three campaigns. The Rams have already taken huge steps to improve their defense this offseason.
RB Kenneth Walker III signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 91.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.16
Contract: 3 years, $43 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $34.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Super Bowl MVP lands with the Chiefs in one of the best fits of the earlier moves so far. Walker accounted for 42 explosive runs in 2025 and led the league with a 91.5 PFF rushing grade. His 77 forced missed tackles were the second most among running backs. He lands with a team, against whom defenses will not be able to sell out to stop the run when quarterback Patrick Mahomes is back healthy.
CB Eric Stokes re-signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 73.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.43
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $14 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Stokes enjoyed a career revival after arriving in Las Vegas on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season, setting career highs in snaps and PFF overall grade. He earned a 73.5 PFF coverage grade in 2025 after allowing catches on just 56.0% of the passes into his coverage. The deal is perhaps a little rich, but the Raiders reward a player who has recently impressed.
EDGE Dre'Mont Jones signs with the New England Patriots
2025 PFF Grade: 64.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Titans traded Jones to the Ravens at the deadline in 2025, and he turned a solid end to the season into a modest deal with the Patriots. It's slightly above the contract PFF projected, but not significantly so. For a player who has produced 40-plus pressures in each of the past five seasons and can play on the interior on obvious passing downs, the move makes sense for the Patriots.
WR Alec Pierce re-signs with Indianapolis Colts
2025 PFF Grade: 79.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.58
Contract: 4 years, $116 million
PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $96 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
One of the top free agents stays home in Indianapolis on a monster deal that seemed more and more likely in recent days. Pierce becomes a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL by per-year salary on the back of a career year. His 2.10 yards per route run average was 0.28 higher than in any other season in his career, and he has averaged more than 20 yards per reception in each of the past two years.
DI Sheldon Rankins re-signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 70.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: Two years, TBD
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $7.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Rankins is 31 years old but still has enough pass-rush juice to justify a strong contract. He racked up 86 pressures from 899 pass-rushing snaps with the Texans in 2023 and 2025, and he's an excellent fit for what they want to do defensively. While Rankins is not a standout against the run, he'll contribute as an important pass rusher for Houston again in 2026.
Green Bay Packers trade EDGE Rashan Gary to Dallas Cowboys
2025 PFF Grade: 68.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.05
Cowboys Deal Grade: Average
Packers Deal Grade: Good
Gary's PFF pass-rush grade has dropped consistently in each of the past four seasons, so the Cowboys are unlikely to be acquiring a major pass-rush threat. However, he has remained an above-average run defender and still racked up 60 quarterback pressures last season. There is still some upside for Dallas, which sent a 2027 fourth-round draft pick for the 28-year-old. It's even better business for the Packers after Gary announced his departure days ago on Instagram before reports indicated his account was hacked.
Miami Dolphins trade S Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 81.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Jets PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Dolphins PFF Deal Grade: Average
Fitzpatrick is coming off the second-highest-graded season of his career, so for the Jets to acquire him for just a seventh-round draft pick is a good deal. As part of the move, they are signing him to a three-year, $40 million contract, which is also reasonable for a safety of his caliber. For the Dolphins, they clear his salary from the books and at least get something in return as their rebuild continues.
CB Asante Samuel Jr. re-signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 70.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 1 year, $4 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
After signing with the Steelers late in the 2025 NFL season, Samuel produced well enough on 249 snaps in black and yellow to earn himself another one-year deal. If all the Steelers get is a full season at the level he played at in 2025, then this is a solid signing. But Samuel produced excellent play in the 2022 and 2023 seasons before dealing with some injuries, so there is some upside for the team here, too.
CB Montaric Brown re-signs with the Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.36
Contract: 3 years, $33 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
There were reports that Brown would command a strong salary, and that's what has come to pass before the new league year begins. Brown's PFF coverage grade has improved every season he has been in the league, and while there is some risk here due to the price, he is still an ascending player coming off his best NFL season. It makes sense for the Jaguars to lock him up into his late 20s.
Buffalo Bills trade CB Taron Johnson to Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 57.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Bills PFF Deal Grade: Average
Johnson, who was expected to be released, winds up being traded to the Raiders in a deal that involves a sixth- and seventh-round pick swap. While he hasn't matched his peak play from 2021 to 2023 recently, Johnson is still a capable starter in the slot. He earned a 63.7 PFF coverage grade in 2025. The Raiders can handle his cap hits of $8.7 and $10 million over the next two seasons. For the Bills, it's a marginal draft capital gain for a player whom they were going to release anyway, so they at least get something in the move.
G Ed Ingram re-signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 73.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.23
Contract: 3 years, $37.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a strong deal for Ingram, who hit free agency at just the right time after a career-high 73.8 PFF overall grade in his fourth season out of LSU. He has just one season with a 60.0 PFF pass-blocking grade or better, but his 79.9 PFF run-blocking grade in 2025 ranked sixth best at the position. It's not a cheap deal for Houston, but given the early signals from this free-agent offensive line class, it's not too surprising to see him command $12.5 million per year.
LB Justin Strnad re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 72.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Contract: 3 years, $18 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a slight overpay based on PFF projections, but the $10 million in guarantees puts this closer to that number. Strnad is coming off the highest-graded season of his career and earned PFF grades above 60.0 in run defense and coverage in 2025. He added 17 quarterback pressures from 84 pass-rushing snaps and missed just 9.3% of his tackle attempts last season.
Las Vegas Raiders trade EDGE Maxx Crosby to Baltimore Ravens
2025 PFF Grade: 79.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Ravens PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Elite
In a blockbuster deal, the Ravens trade the 14th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and their first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders for edge defender Maxx Crosby. While Crosby hasn't been as dominant in the past two seasons, his 46 tackles resulting in a defensive stop in 2025 tied for the second most. It's a steep price to pay, but it will be worth it for the Ravens if he can return to his 2023 form.
For the Raiders, two first-round draft picks to help build around presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza at quarterback makes all the sense in the world, especially given that a trade of Crosby always seemed likely.
C Connor McGovern re-signs with Buffalo Bills
2025 PFF Grade: 70.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.22
Contract: 4 years, $52 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
The Bills lock up their starting center right at the projected per-year average in a key move before free agency begins. Coming off his highest-graded season in the NFL, McGovern gives the Bills a top-10 player at the position, and he can be counted on to protect quarterback Josh Allen. He hasn't allowed a sack in pass protection since Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season.
Green Bay Packers trade DI Colby Wooden to Indianapolis Colts for LB Zaire Franklin
Wooden's 2025 PFF Grade: 50.6
Franklin's 2025 PFF Grade: 38.4
Packers PFF Deal Grade: Average
Colts PFF Deal Grade: Average
A player-for-player swap likely means the Packers are willing to let pending free agent linebacker Quay Walker sign elsewhere. Franklin is coming off the lowest-graded season of his career but has played more than 1,000 snaps in each of the past four seasons. Wooden was on the field for 622 snaps for the Packers last season and will provide some depth for the Colts, though he has yet to earn a 60.0-plus PFF overall grade for a season.
EDGE Khalil Mack re-signs with Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 79.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Contract: 1 year, $18 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $14 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
While this is a slight overpay based on the PFF contract projection, locking Mack in for another year is a good piece of business for the Chargers. He racked up 42 pressures from 296 pass-rushing snaps last year and is still one of the better run defenders in the NFL at the position.
Team-by-Team Deal Grades
Arizona Cardinals
RB Tyler Allgeier signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 71.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 2 years, $12 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $10 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
While he's unlikely to be a workhorse, Allgeier has consistently been solid since arriving in the NFL out of BYU in 2022. He has never fumbled on a rushing attempt while averaging 3.27 yards after contact per carry. Signing him doesn't take the Cardinals out of the running to draft Notre Dame‘s Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the draft, either, as Allgeier has already shown he can spell a top draft pick in Bijan Robinson in Atlanta.
G Isaac Seumalo signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 73.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Contract: 3 years, $31.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
A three-year deal is good business for the 32-year-old Seumalo, and his level of play was worth the slight overpay versus the PFF per-year projection for him. He's coming off a season where he earned a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade, ranking seventh among guards. That's a significant improvement from 2025 starting left guard Evan Brown, who earned a 60.2 PFF pass-blocking grade last year.
WR Kendrick Bourne signs with Arizona Cardinals
2025 PFF Grade: 62.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 2 years, $11.47 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a nice fit for both parties, with Bourne likely to compete to be the fourth option in the Cardinals' passing attack behind wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride. Bourne has averaged 1.40 yards per route run in six of the past seven seasons, a number that is absolutely fine for a complementary receiver.
Atlanta Falcons
QB Tua Tagovailoa signs with Atlanta Falcons
2025 PFF Grade: 62.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.99
Contract: 1 year, $1.3 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Tagovailoa was not good in 2025, but the cost is important in this deal. Due to the nature of his release from the Miami Dolphins, the Falcons don't have to spend big here, and the potential upside is huge. Tagovailoa earned PFF overall grades of 81.9 and 86.9 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. If he can return to that level, then this is an absolute steal for Atlanta. If he can't, then it's a low-cost move that doesn't prevent the Falcons from seeing what Michael Penix Jr. looks like again in 2026.
Baltimore Ravens
Las Vegas Raiders trade EDGE Maxx Crosby to Baltimore Ravens
2025 PFF Grade: 79.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Ravens PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Elite
In a blockbuster deal, the Ravens trade the 14th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and their first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders for edge defender Maxx Crosby. While Crosby hasn't been as dominant in the past two seasons, his 46 tackles resulting in a defensive stop in 2025 tied for the second most. It's a steep price to pay, but it will be worth it for the Ravens if he can return to his 2023 form.
For the Raiders, two first-round draft picks to help build around presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza at quarterback makes all the sense in the world, especially given that a trade of Crosby always seemed likely.
G John Simpson signs with Baltimore Ravens
2025 PFF Grade: 56.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: $3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Simpson was at his best in 2024, earning a 77.3 PFF overall grade — fueled by 70.0-plus marks in pass protection and run blocking. However, that is the only season of his six-year career in which he has topped 60.0. He will be a veteran presence up front for the Ravens, but it's fair to wonder if there were better options available at this price point.
Buffalo Bills
C Connor McGovern re-signs with Buffalo Bills
2025 PFF Grade: 70.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.22
Contract: 4 years, $52 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
The Bills lock up their starting center right at the projected per-year average in a key move before free agency begins. Coming off his highest-graded season in the NFL, McGovern gives the Bills a top-10 player at the position, and he can be counted on to protect quarterback Josh Allen. He hasn't allowed a sack in pass protection since Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season.
Buffalo Bills trade CB Taron Johnson to Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 57.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Bills PFF Deal Grade: Average
Johnson, who was expected to be released, winds up being traded to the Raiders in a deal that involves a sixth- and seventh-round pick swap. While he hasn't matched his peak play from 2021 to 2023 recently, Johnson is still a capable starter in the slot. He earned a 63.7 PFF coverage grade in 2025. The Raiders can handle his cap hits of $8.7 and $10 million over the next two seasons. For the Bills, it's a marginal draft capital gain for a player whom they were going to release anyway, so they at least get something in the move.
Carolina Panthers
EDGE Jaelan Phillips signs with Carolina Panthers
2025 PFF Grade: 74.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.09
Contract: 4 years, $120 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This deal grade could change depending on the guarantees, but the contract is a big risk for the Panthers, given how much time Phillips has missed in his career because of injuries. At his best, he can be a top-15 to top-20 edge defender in the NFL. He ranked tied for 26th in PFF overall grade at the position last year but played fewer than 500 snaps in each of the previous two years.
LB Devin Lloyd signs with Carolina Panthers
2025 PFF Grade: 88.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $48 million
PFF Contract Grade: Good
After two years as a good linebacker, Lloyd became one of the game’s best in 2025 by producing an 85.2 PFF run-defense grade and a 78.9 PFF coverage mark. Carolina lands a much-needed playmaker over the middle after placing 29th in PFF overall grade at linebacker, and to add Lloyd below market projection is terrific.
Chicago Bears
Dl Neville Gallimore signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 56.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.08
Contract: 2 years, $12 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Gallimore flashed in 2025 with a 70.2 PFF pass-rushing grade while playing a limited role with the Colts, and that ability to get after the quarterback is something the Bears need on the interior. However, his career play against the run — including a 45.8 PFF run-defense mark last year — hinders his ceiling and makes him more of a rotational option.
S Coby Bryant signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.1
Contract: 3 years, $40 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Bryant has developed into a solid starting safety over the past two seasons and should be a good fit for the Bears. He earned a 68.0 PFF coverage grade in 2024 and a 67.2 in 2025, powered by four interceptions and four pass breakups this past season. The one concern is that he has missed a lot of tackles, leading to a career-worst 18.7% missed tackle rate in 2025.
LB Devin Bush signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 87.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.26
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
The Bears immediately replace Tremaine Edmunds, whom they recently released, with Bush, who revived his career in Cleveland to the tune of back-to-back 79.0-plus PFF overall grades. Bush, PFF's ninth-ranked free agent, surrendered just a 69.3 passer rating in coverage this past season, the second-best mark among linebackers. He keeps the Bears' defense in great shape at a reasonable price point.
T Braxton Jones re-signs with Chicago Bears
2025 PFF Grade: 55.5
2025 PFF WAR: -0.04
Contract: 1 year, $5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Jones appears to be back in Chicago as a backup, coming off a 55.5 PFF overall grade on 210 snaps in 2025. That was the lowest-graded season of his four-year career, although he generated a career-high 77.4 PFF overall grade in 2024, including an 80.8 PFF pass-blocking grade. Jones can earn another $5 million in incentives, likely tied to playing time, and if he hits those, he could parlay this deal into a long-term contract a year from now.
Cincinnati Bengals
S Bryan Cook signs with Cincinnati Bengals
2025 PFF Grade: 83.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 3 years, $40.25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Cook's 83.5 PFF overall grade in 2025 ranked fourth among all safeties. Meanwhile, the Bengals‘ starting safeties ranked tied for 57th and 72nd. This moves the needle for Cincinnati's defense, giving it a sure tackler who notched PFF grades above 80.0 both against the run and in coverage last season.
EDGE Boye Mafe signs with Cincinnati Bengals
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.09
Contract: 3 years, $60 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $49 million
PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
The Bengals make their second addition of the tampering period's first day, and it's another strong move to boost their defense. Mafe has earned a PFF overall grade above 70.0 and produced 40 or more pressures in each of the past three seasons. Given that Trey Hendrickson is unlikely to return to Cincinnati, this was a shrewd move at a reasonable price, all things considered.
Cleveland Browns
G Zion Johnson signs with Cleveland Browns
2025 PFF Grade: 56.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.13
Contract: 3 years, $49.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $51 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
A first-round draft pick in 2022, Johnson has yet to earn a 65.0-plus PFF overall grade for a season. He has been durable at least, logging 1,000 or more snaps in each of his first four years in the NFL. This contract is only a fraction above the PFF projection, but the Browns are paying the “former first-rounder tax” here, hoping that the 26-year-old still has room to develop.
LB Quincy Williams signs with Cleveland Browns
2025 PFF Grade: 45.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Williams had a fantastic 2023 season, earning an 88.7 PFF coverage grade. But that is the only season of his career where he produced a 70.0-plus mark. He's coming off a poor 35.2 PFF coverage grade and five touchdowns surrendered in coverage in 2025.
Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers trade EDGE Rashan Gary to Dallas Cowboys
2025 PFF Grade: 68.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.05
Cowboys Deal Grade: Average
Packers Deal Grade: Good
Gary's PFF pass-rush grade has dropped consistently in each of the past four seasons, so the Cowboys are unlikely to be acquiring a major pass-rush threat. However, he has remained an above-average run defender and still racked up 60 quarterback pressures last season. There is still some upside for Dallas, which sent a 2027 fourth-round draft pick for the 28-year-old. It's even better business for the Packers after Gary announced his departure days ago on Instagram before reports indicated his account was hacked.
S Jalen Thompson signs with Dallas Cowboys
2025 PFF Grade: 68.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.06
Contract: 3 years, $33 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $19 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
The Cowboys needed more proven secondary help, and Thompson has never earned a sub-64.0 PFF overall grade in seven NFL seasons. His 6.3% missed tackle rate over the past two years ranks fifth among qualifying safeties. The 27-year-old was even the fourth-most-valuable safety in 2023, per PFF WAR. If he reaches those heights in Dallas, this will end up as an excellent signing.
Denver Broncos
LB Justin Strnad re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 72.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Contract: 3 years, $18 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a slight overpay based on PFF projections, but the $10 million in guarantees puts this closer to that number. Strnad is coming off the highest-graded season of his career and earned PFF grades above 60.0 in run defense and coverage in 2025. He added 17 quarterback pressures from 84 pass-rushing snaps and missed just 9.3% of his tackle attempts last season.
RB J.K. Dobbins re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 76.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.06
Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $5.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Dobbins anchored Denver’s rushing attack in 2025 before suffering a season-ending foot injury, registering an 80.8 PFF rushing grade and averaging 3.18 yards after contact per attempt. Staying on the field has been Dobbins’ primary weakness in the pros, but he’ll get the chance to pick up where he left off behind the Broncos’ elite offensive line.
LB Alex Singleton re-signs with Denver Broncos
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.2
Contract: 2 years, $15.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $9 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Singleton finished 2025 as the 12th-most-valuable linebacker in the NFL, per PFF Wins Above Replacement. He converted the best season of his career into a two-year deal to stay in Denver. While he's not a standout in coverage, with PFF coverage grades below 60.0 in each of the past three seasons, he is one of the league's best against the run, having earned an 88.5 PFF run-defense grade in 2025.
Detroit Lions
C Cade Mays signs with Detroit Lions
2025 PFF Grade: 61.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.02
Contract: 3 years, $25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Mays is solid in pass protection, having earned a 67.6 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, but has endured struggles as a run blocker. He ranked in the 20th percentile for negatively graded run-blocking plays last season. Given who the Lions want to be on offense, that is a bit of a concern. This deal could work out for the Lions, but it comes with a reasonable amount of risk.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers Trade DI Colby Wooden to Indianapolis Colts for LB Zaire Franklin
Wooden's 2025 PFF Grade: 50.6
Franklin's 2025 PFF Grade: 38.4
Packers PFF Deal Grade: Average
Colts PFF Deal Grade: Average
A player-for-player swap likely means the Packers are willing to let pending free agent linebacker Quay Walker sign elsewhere. Franklin is coming off the lowest-graded season of his career but has played more than 1,000 snaps in each of the past four seasons. Wooden was on the field for 622 snaps for the Packers last season and will provide some depth for the Colts, though he has yet to earn a 60.0-plus PFF overall grade for a season.
Green Bay Packers trade EDGE Rashan Gary to Dallas Cowboys
2025 PFF Grade: 68.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.05
Cowboys Deal Grade: Average
Packers Deal Grade: Good
Gary's PFF pass-rush grade has dropped consistently in each of the past four seasons, so the Cowboys are unlikely to be acquiring a major pass-rush threat. However, he has remained an above-average run defender and still racked up 60 quarterback pressures last season. There is still some upside for Dallas, which sent a 2027 fourth-round draft pick for the 28-year-old. It's even better business for the Packers after Gary announced his departure days ago on Instagram before reports indicated his account was hacked.
Houston Texans
G Ed Ingram re-signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 73.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.23
Contract: 3 years, $37.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a strong deal for Ingram, who hit free agency at just the right time after a career-high 73.8 PFF overall grade in his fourth season out of LSU. He has just one season with a 60.0 PFF pass-blocking grade or better, but his 79.9 PFF run-blocking grade in 2025 ranked sixth best at the position. It's not a cheap deal for Houston, but given the early signals from this free-agent offensive line class, it's not too surprising to see him command $12.5 million per year.
DI Sheldon Rankins re-signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 70.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: Two years, TBD
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $7.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Rankins is 31 years old but still has enough pass-rush juice to justify a strong contract. He racked up 86 pressures from 899 pass-rushing snaps with the Texans in 2023 and 2025, and he's an excellent fit for what they want to do defensively. While Rankins is not a standout against the run, he'll contribute as an important pass rusher for Houston again in 2026.
S Reed Blankenship signs with Houston Texans
2025 PFF Grade: 42.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.03
Contract: 3 years, $24.75 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $21 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Blankenship really struggled in 2025, earning a 29.9 PFF coverage grade, but the previous three seasons of his career mean that this past season was the outlier. As a starter in the previous two seasons, Blankenship earned 78.0 and 69.1 PFF coverage grades, and he has combined for 20 interceptions and pass breakups in four NFL seasons.
Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers Trade DI Colby Wooden to Indianapolis Colts for LB Zaire Franklin
Wooden's 2025 PFF Grade: 50.6
Franklin's 2025 PFF Grade: 38.4
Packers PFF Deal Grade: Average
Colts PFF Deal Grade: Average
A player-for-player swap likely means the Packers are willing to let pending free agent linebacker Quay Walker sign elsewhere. Franklin is coming off the lowest-graded season of his career but has played more than 1,000 snaps in each of the past four seasons. Wooden was on the field for 622 snaps for the Packers last season and will provide some depth for the Colts, though he has yet to earn a 60.0-plus PFF overall grade for a season.
WR Alec Pierce re-signs with Indianapolis Colts
2025 PFF Grade: 79.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.58
Contract: 4 years, $116 million
PFF Projected Contract: 4 years, $96 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
One of the top free agents stays home in Indianapolis on a monster deal that seemed more and more likely in recent days. Pierce becomes a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL by per-year salary on the back of a career year. His 2.10 yards per route run average was 0.28 higher than in any other season in his career, and he has averaged more than 20 yards per reception in each of the past two years.
Indianapolis Colts trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 70.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Steelers Deal Grade: Very Good
Colts Deal Grade: Average
The Colts needed to make this move after signing Alec Pierce to such a hefty deal, and it profiles as a big upgrade for the Steelers‘ offense. Pittman has a safe pair of hands, dropping just 5.0% of the catchable targets he has seen throughout his NFL career, and is another big target for whoever the Steelers' quarterback is in 2026.
EDGE Arden Key signs with Indianapolis Colts
2025 PFF Grade: 63.7
2025 PFF Grade: 0.01
Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $21.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Joining the third AFC South team of his career, Key is coming off his worst season since 2018 in terms of PFF pass-rush grade. He is a solid player overall, though, and if he can get back to his level of play from 2021 and 2024, he could be a nice addition for the Colts. At worst, Key should be good for 30-40 pressures and five or more sacks.
Jacksonville Jaguars
CB Montaric Brown re-signs with the Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.36
Contract: 3 years, $33 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
There were reports that Brown would command a strong salary, and that's what has come to pass before the new league year begins. Brown's PFF coverage grade has improved every season he has been in the league, and while there is some risk here due to the price, he is still an ascending player coming off his best NFL season. It makes sense for the Jaguars to lock him up into his late 20s.
Kansas City Chiefs
RB Kenneth Walker III signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 91.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.16
Contract: 3 years, $43 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $34.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Super Bowl MVP lands with the Chiefs in one of the best fits of the earlier moves so far. Walker accounted for 42 explosive runs in 2025 and led the league with a 91.5 PFF rushing grade. His 77 forced missed tackles were the second most among running backs. He lands with a team, against whom defenses will not be able to sell out to stop the run when quarterback Patrick Mahomes is back healthy.
DI Khyiris Tonga signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 67.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.07
Contract: 3 years, $21 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $2.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Tonga played a career-high 415 snaps for the Patriots in 2025, although his middling production — 17 quarterback pressures and 15 run stops — likely isn't worth $7 million per year. Still, Tonga has proven he can fill out a team's interior depth well over the course of his five-year NFL career, and now he'll slot in alongside Chris Jones.
TE Travis Kelce re-signs with Kansas City Chiefs
2025 PFF Grade: 72.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.38
Contract: 1 year, $12 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
News broke earlier today that Kelce had told interested teams that he would be returning to Kansas City, and now we have the terms. While he's not the same player he once was, Kelce still ranked fourth among tight ends in PFF Wins Above Replacement last season while placing among the top 20 players at the position in PFF overall grade.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders trade EDGE Maxx Crosby to Baltimore Ravens
2025 PFF Grade: 79.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Ravens PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Elite
In a blockbuster deal, the Ravens trade the 14th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and their first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders for edge defender Maxx Crosby. While Crosby hasn't been as dominant in the past two seasons, his 46 tackles resulting in a defensive stop in 2025 tied for the second most. It's a steep price to pay, but it will be worth it for the Ravens if he can return to his 2023 form.
For the Raiders, two first-round draft picks to help build around presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza at quarterback makes all the sense in the world, especially given that a trade of Crosby always seemed likely.
Buffalo Bills trade CB Taron Johnson to Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 57.9
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Raiders PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Bills PFF Deal Grade: Average
Johnson, who was expected to be released, winds up being traded to the Raiders in a deal that involves a sixth- and seventh-round pick swap. While he hasn't matched his peak play from 2021 to 2023 recently, Johnson is still a capable starter in the slot. He earned a 63.7 PFF coverage grade in 2025. The Raiders can handle his cap hits of $8.7 and $10 million over the next two seasons. For the Bills, it's a marginal draft capital gain for a player whom they were going to release anyway, so they at least get something in the move.
CB Eric Stokes re-signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 73.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.43
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $14 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Stokes enjoyed a career revival after arriving in Las Vegas on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season, setting career highs in snaps and PFF overall grade. He earned a 73.5 PFF coverage grade in 2025 after allowing catches on just 56.0% of the passes into his coverage. The deal is perhaps a little rich, but the Raiders reward a player who has recently impressed.
C Tyler Linderbaum signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 80.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.29
Contract: 3 years, $81 million
PFF Contract Projection: 4 years, $80 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The player makes this an excellent signing, but the contract raises eyebrows. Linderbaum will play on the largest per-year deal of any interior offensive lineman. He has earned PFF run-blocking grades above 80.0 in three of his four NFL seasons and is one of the best in the league in that regard. He has earned a PFF pass-blocking grade above 65.0 just once in his career, though, which is concerning since his per-year average would rank fifth among offensive tackles.
WR Jalen Nailor signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 66.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $35 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Nailor should infuse juice into the Raiders’ receiving corps after producing a 67.1 PFF receiving grade and dropping just one of his 49 targets. However, this is an extremely rich deal for a player who has averaged 1.18 yards per route run in his career.
EDGE Kwity Paye signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 59.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.07
Contract: 3 years, $48 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
At 27 years old, Paye still has time to develop, but he is coming off a season that saw him produce career lows in PFF overall grade and sacks. While he has earned a 65.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in four straight seasons, $16 million per year for an edge defender who doesn't offer much consistently as a pass rusher is a bit strong.
EDGE Malcolm Koonce re-signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 59.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 1 year, $11 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $6 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Koonce struggled in 2025, earning a 59.1 PFF grade and racking up 35 total pressures from 331 pass-rushing snaps, but he was coming back from an ACL injury that caused him to miss all of 2024. He was much better in 2023, racking up 52 pressures from 344 pass-rushing snaps. If he can get back to that form now that he is another year removed from the injury, the Raiders will be happy with this deal.
LB Quay Walker signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 46.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.02
Contract: 3 years, $40.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Walker has been in the NFL for four seasons now, and has earned PFF grades below 60.0 in all four of those years. He's coming off a season that saw him earn a 40.9 PFF coverage grade that was tied for 11th worst among linebackers, and it's tough to square that level of performance with this contract. On the plus side, he is one of the better tacklers in the NFL, ranking 9th at the position with a 6.7% missed tackle rate last season.
LB Nakobe Dean signs with Las Vegas Raiders
2025 PFF Grade: 62.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.05
Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $41 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Dean struggled coming off an injury in 2025, but his 2024 performance is right in line with a deal of this value. While he is just solid in coverage, with 62.4 and 62.6 PFF coverage grades in each of the past two seasons, he is at his best as a run defender, earning an 82.5 PFF run defense grade in 2024. He's also a useful blitzer, racking up 26 pressures from 101 pass-rushing snaps over the past two seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers
EDGE Khalil Mack re-signs with Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 79.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Contract: 1 year, $18 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $14 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
While this is a slight overpay based on the PFF contract projection, locking Mack in for another year is a good piece of business for the Chargers. He racked up 42 pressures from 296 pass-rushing snaps last year and is still one of the better run defenders in the NFL at the position.
TE Charlie Kolar signs with the Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 77.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $24.3 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.75 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Charlie Kolar is coming off a career year and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. That being said, $8 million per year is a steep price to pay for a player who set a career high with 10 receptions this past season. Given the Chargers' struggles on the offensive line, perhaps they view standout blockers at other positions to be even more important, but this is a big contract for the former Raven.
G Cole Strange signs with Los Angeles Chargers
2025 PFF Grade: 54.9
2025 PFF WAR: -0.05
Contract: 2 years, $13 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The former first-rounder started every game after Week 3 for the Dolphins in 2025, although his inconsistent showings yielded sub-60.0 PFF grades in pass blocking and run blocking. Strange has plenty of starting experience through four NFL seasons, three with the Patriots, but his 0.01 PFF Wins Above Replacement over his career ranks just 128th among guards.
Los Angeles Rams
CB Jaylen Watson signs with Los Angeles Rams
2025 PFF Grade: 74.1
2025 PFF Grade: 0.31
Contract: 3 years, $51 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
The Rams add a cornerback from the Chiefs for the second time in the past few days. A seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Watson has played 500 or more snaps in every season as an NFL player. He has also earned PFF coverage grades above 65.0 in each of the past three campaigns. The Rams have already taken huge steps to improve their defense this offseason.
Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins trade S Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 81.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Jets PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Dolphins PFF Deal Grade: Average
Fitzpatrick is coming off the second-highest-graded season of his career, so for the Jets to acquire him for just a seventh-round draft pick is a good deal. As part of the move, they are signing him to a three-year, $40 million contract, which is also reasonable for a safety of his caliber. For the Dolphins, they clear his salary from the books and at least get something in return as their rebuild continues.
QB Malik Willis signs with Miami Dolphins
2025 PFF Grade: 92.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.44
Contract: 3 years, $67.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $40 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
After announcing that they will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins made their big move at quarterback by adding Malik Willis. He produced a 92.3 PFF overall grade in 2025, but it came on just 97 snaps. This likely locks him in as the starter for the next two seasons, giving Miami a young quarterback who can become a franchise player.
Minnesota Vikings
CB James Pierre signs with Minnesota Vikings
2025 PFF Grade: 86.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.33
Contract: 2 years, $8.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Pierre looked really good in limited work in 2025, earning an 86.2 PFF overall grade on 408 snaps, so this is a worthwhile swing of the bat for the Vikings. It's a bigger contract than PFF was projecting, but even if all he is is a good depth player, it's a perfectly reasonable signing. The upside is that if Pierre can continue to improve, as we saw this past season, the Vikings could be getting a starting-caliber cornerback for a steal.
New England Patriots
EDGE Dre'Mont Jones signs with the New England Patriots
2025 PFF Grade: 64.7
2025 PFF WAR: 0.01
Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $20 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Titans traded Jones to the Ravens at the deadline in 2025, and he turned a solid end to the season into a modest deal with the Patriots. It's slightly above the contract PFF projected, but not significantly so. For a player who has produced 40-plus pressures in each of the past five seasons and can play on the interior on obvious passing downs, the move makes sense for the Patriots.
New Orleans Saints
RB Travis Etienne signs with New Orleans Saints
2025 PFF Grade: 74.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: 4 years, $52 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $34.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Etienne bounced back in a big way with the Jaguars last year, earning a 74.5 PFF rushing grade and racking up 28 carries of 10 or more yards. Although the Saints may have invested slightly more in Etienne than was projected, he’ll be a big boost to an offense that ranked 29th in rushing EPA per play in 2025.
G David Edwards signs with New Orleans Saints
2025 PFF Grade: 70.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.37
Contract: 4 years, $61 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $35 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Edwards enjoyed a career season with Buffalo in 2025, sporting a 70.3 PFF overall grade, which was boosted by a great 75.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. Edwards gives the Saints another long-term, plus starter along a young offensive line to protect Tyler Shough — but New Orleans may have overcommitted based on projections.
New York Giants
TE Isaiah Likely signs with New York Giants
2025 PFF Grade: 56.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.17
Contract: 3 years, $40 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $28 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Likely stays with John Harbaugh, who became the Giants‘ head coach after his time in Baltimore ended in January. Likely could have commanded an even bigger deal if not for a down year after an injury, but he has averaged at least 1.29 yards per route run in each of his four NFL seasons.
T Jermaine Eluemunor re-signs with New York Giants
2025 PFF Grade: 63.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.17
Contract: 3 years, $39 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Eluemunor has been an above average pass blocker in each of his two seasons with the Giants, earning 71.0 and 76.7 PFF pass-blocking grades in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This past season, he allowed just 19 pressures from 638 pass-blocking snaps. Retaining a plus pass blocker at $13 million per year is a good deal for the Giants.
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins trade S Minkah Fitzpatrick to New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 81.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.10
Jets PFF Deal Grade: Very Good
Dolphins PFF Deal Grade: Average
Fitzpatrick is coming off the second-highest-graded season of his career, so for the Jets to acquire him for just a seventh-round draft pick is a good deal. As part of the move, they are signing him to a three-year, $40 million contract, which is also reasonable for a safety of his caliber. For the Dolphins, they clear his salary from the books and at least get something in return as their rebuild continues.
EDGE Joseph Ossai signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 64.0
2025 PFF WAR: -0.01
Contract: 3 years, $36 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $7 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for a player who has recorded just 15 sacks through his first four NFL seasons. On one hand, Ossai is only 25 years old and coming off his best season. On the other hand, he hasn't proven to be a particularly strong pass rusher early in his career, and this deal is considerably above his PFF contract projection.
EDGE Kingsley Enagbare signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 61.2
2025 PFF WAR: -0.01
Contract: 1 year, $10 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The Jets are paying up for edge defenders early in free agency. Enagbare has never had a season with a PFF pass-rush grade of 65.0 or better, and his career high for pressures is just 27, which he set in 2023.
LB Demario Davis signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 81.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.23
Contract: 2 years, $22 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Despite his age, Davis has continued to play at a really high level for the Saints and now returns to the Jets to potentially finish out his career. 2016 was the last time Davis earned a PFF overall grade below 70.0, and his 88.9 PFF run-defense grade in 2025 ranked sixth best among linebackers.
Dl David Onyemata signs with New York Jets
2025 PFF Grade: 78.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.16
Contract: 1 year, $10.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
After trading away Quinnen Williams last season, the Jets have targeted Onyemata to help fill his void. Onyemata was stout against the run in 2025 with a 74.2 PFF run-defense grade, and his 9.7% pass-rush win rate sat in the 67th percentile at the position. New York gave Onyemata more than his projection, but he’s still a valuable pickup.
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Asante Samuel Jr. re-signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 70.1
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 1 year, $4 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
After signing with the Steelers late in the 2025 NFL season, Samuel produced well enough on 249 snaps in black and yellow to earn himself another one-year deal. If all the Steelers get is a full season at the level he played at in 2025, then this is a solid signing. But Samuel produced excellent play in the 2022 and 2023 seasons before dealing with some injuries, so there is some upside for the team here, too.
Indianapolis Colts trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 70.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Steelers Deal Grade: Very Good
Colts Deal Grade: Average
The Colts needed to make this move after signing Alec Pierce to such a hefty deal, and it profiles as a big upgrade for the Steelers‘ offense. Pittman has a safe pair of hands, dropping just 5.0% of the catchable targets he has seen throughout his NFL career, and is another big target for whoever the Steelers' quarterback is in 2026.
CB Jamel Dean signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 80.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.34
Contract: 3 years, $36.75 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $27 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Dean turned in his best year yet in 2025 with an 80.6 PFF overall grade and a 47.7 passer rating when targeted. Having earned at least a 72.5 PFF coverage grade in every season of his career, the 29-year-old fills a big need for Pittsburgh, where he should form a formidable perimeter duo next to the ascending Joey Porter Jr.
RB Rico Dowdle signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 PFF Grade: 63.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.08
Contract: 2 years, $12.25 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Dowdle started the 2025 season strongly, becoming the Panthers’ de facto RB1 before ceding carries to Chuba Hubbard. He notched a 70.7-plus PFF rushing grade for the second straight season, and his 3.12 yards after contact per carry placed 12th among qualified rushers. While Dowdle doesn’t bring the same receiving acumen as Kenneth Gainwell, he should be a very capable backup to Jaylen Warren.
San Francisco 49ers
WR Mike Evans signs with San Francisco 49ers
2025 PFF Grade: 69.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Contract: 3 years, $60.4 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $48 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
In a stunning turn of events, Evans will suit up elsewhere for the first time in his 13-year career. Although his production dipped in 2025 after he endured multiple injuries, he still managed a solid 1.62 yards per route run and caught 48% of his contested targets. Evans’ presence will be coveted in a 49ers receiving room that will likely lose both Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk.
Seattle Seahawks
CB Josh Jobe re-signs with Seattle Seahawks
2025 PFF Grade: 57.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.12
Contract: 3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Jobe is coming off a career-high 936 snaps in 2025 but earned a 52.9 PFF coverage grade. He registered 10 pass breakups yet committed 10 penalties over the course of the season. He did earn PFF coverage grades of 65.0 or better in four of the final six games of the season, so the Seahawks are perhaps gambling on his continued improvement, but it's a contract that he hasn't fully justified yet in his career.
WR Rashid Shaheed re-signs with Seattle Seahawks
2025 PFF Grade: 66.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.27
Contract: 3 years, $51 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $42 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Shaheed was key to the Seahawks' Super Bowl after arriving via a trade from the New Orleans Saints during the season. A big play threat, he has averaged 14.9 yards per catch throughout his career, and has dropped just 1.3% of the catchable targets thrown his way since entering the league. He's also one of the best returners in the NFL, earning an 86.3 PFF grade on kick and punt returns and scoring three touchdowns in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Kenneth Gainwell signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 72.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.11
Contract: 2 years, $14 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Gainwell unexpectedly burst into a big role for the Steelers in both their pass and run games, posting a 74.7 PFF rushing grade and a 70.5 PFF receiving grade in 2025. Although he fetched more than was expected on an annual basis, Gainwell should serve as a nice complement to Bucky Irving, especially with Rachaad White expected to depart in free agency.
LB Alex Anzalone signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 67.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.14
Contract: 2 years, $17 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Anzalone has produced a 65.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons and now turns that into a solid deal with the Buccaneers. He excels in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer, providing the Buccaneers with a three-down presence at linebacker. Perhaps this signing means they aren't tied to selecting a linebacker early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
TE Cade Otton re-signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 PFF Grade: 57.4
2025 PFF WAR: 0.32
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $32 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for Otton, with the Buccaneers clearly wanting to keep him around. But considering some of the other options available, did Tampa Bay need to sign him to a contract worth $10 million per year? He's a solid player but has averaged just 1.04 yards per route run in his four-year NFL career.
Tennessee Titans
TE Daniel Bellinger signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 62.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.24
Contract: 3 years, $24 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
This is a strong deal for a player whose best season as a receiver yielded 33 receptions for 290 yards. Bellinger is a solid run blocker, though, and has dropped just three passes in his NFL career. Given the other free-agent options at tight end, it's not a stretch to say a better player could have likely been had for around the same cost.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 70.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.37
Contract: 4 years, $70 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $63 million
PFF Deal Grade: Above Average
Robinson produced a career season in 2025 with 1.87 yards per route run and a 69.8 PFF receiving grade. The Titans were desperate for more receiver help for Cam Ward, and they got that on a better-than-projected deal on the slot-oriented Robinson.
DI John Franklin-Myers signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 63.0
2025 PFF WAR: 0.15
Contract: 3 years, $63 million
PFF Projected Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Deal Grader: Good
While this deal comes in at $6 million per year above where PFF projections had Franklin-Myers, if you're going to pay up for something, make it pass-rushing ability. Franklin-Myers has never had a season with a PFF pass-rush grade below 65.0 and has generated at least 40 pressures in six straight campaigns. He possesses the versatility to move around the line, too, something that will perfectly fit new head coach Robert Saleh's defense.
CB Cor'Dale Flott signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 65.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.26
Contract: 3 years, $45 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Flott showed flashes of great coverage play with the Giants, headlined by an elite 90.1 PFF coverage grade in Week 7 against the Broncos in 2025, but he is a below-average run defender and tackler. His coverage ability will certainly be valuable in Tennessee, hence the hefty contract. Tennessee will have to hope he can improve in other areas to not be a liability, though.
CB Alontae Taylor signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 63.8
2025 PFF WAR: 0.27
Contract: 3 years, $60 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
Taylor seemed to turn a corner last year with a career-best 67.7 PFF coverage grade, but he still surrendered eight touchdowns and permitted a 108.2 passer rating when targeted. While the Titans succeeded in acquiring another starting cornerback, this is a huge deal for a player without a proven track record.
CB Joshua Williams signs with Tennessee Titans
2025 PFF Grade: 75.6
2025 PFF WAR: 0.02
Contract: 2 years, TBD
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
The Titans’ cornerback overhaul continues with Williams. Although he logged only 17 defensive snaps in 2025, he recorded a 68.3 PFF coverage grade with four pass breakups over 282 coverage snaps in 2024. At the very worst, the 26-year-old is solid depth next to newcomers Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor.
Washington Commanders
CB Amik Robertson signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 48.6
2025 PFF WAR: -0.05
Contract: 2 years, $16 million
PFF Deal Grade: Below Average
The Commanders needed more cornerback help next to Trey Amos after cutting Marshon Lattimore, but Robertson didn’t necessarily stand out with the Lions. He was particularly ineffective in 2025, earning a 48.0 PFF coverage grade and a 49.0 PFF run-defense grade, making his deal feel overly rich.
QB Marcus Mariota re-signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 71.4
2025 PFF WAR: 1.00
Contract: 1 year, $7 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $15 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a good deal for arguably the best backup quarterback in the NFL right now. Mariota filled in admirably for Jayden Daniels in 2025, producing a 6.9% big-time throw rate and earning a 72.3 PFF passing grade. In an ideal world for the Commanders, he doesn't see the field in 2026. But he's a good insurance policy.
EDGE Odafe Oweh signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 75.5
2025 PFF WAR: 0.03
Contract: 4 years, $100 million
PFF Contract Projection: 4 years, $77 million
PFF Deal Grade: Good
Oweh is coming off a career-high 81.0 PFF pass-rush grade in 2025, a season during which he was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Los Angeles Chargers. He has grown more consistent at converting pressure into sacks in recent years, and he had his best game of the year in the playoffs against the New England Patriots, registering three sacks.
DI Tim Settle signs with Washington Commanders
2025 PFF Grade: 71.3
2025 PFF WAR: 0.12
Contract: 3 years, $25.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 2 years, $11.5 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
This is a little steep, per PFF projections, but Settle is coming off a pair of solid pass-rushing seasons for the Texans. He earned PFF pass-rush grades of 68.7 and 78.0 in 2024 and 2025, respectively, with 60 total pressures from 653 pass-rushing snaps in that span.
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