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The NFL league calendar places free agency about six weeks ahead of the annual draft. That means teams have an opportunity to fill some needs before the draft, which can shift their selection priorities once draft weekend rolls around in late April.
There have been a few free agent signings and trades in the past few days that have (or should have) altered team needs enough that some prospects or positions no longer make much sense--particularly in the first round. It's imprudent to rule anything out at this juncture, but these teams would raise some eyebrows by making some position choices high in the 2025 NFL Draft after some recent moves.
Signing Sam Darnold to a 3-year, $100 million contract signifies a deeper level of commitment from Seattle to the 27-year-old quarterback than was widely anticipated. The Atlanta Falcons proved that teams will still get QB crazy with last year's Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix situation. This particular QB class, however, makes Seattle going for one before Day 3 now seem wildly unlikely.
The Patriots were a popular landing spot for Michigan DT Mason Graham at No. 4 overall in quite a few recent mock drafts, but that pick no longer seems plausible. The Patriots paid former Eagles DT Milton Williams over $100 million for the next four years to play next to Christian Barmore, who signed a 4-year, $83 million contract last April.
Just for good measure, New England also added stop-gap vets Khyiris Thomas and K'Lavon Chaisson to the front on one-year deals. Those two signings shouldn't impact the draft, but it does buy new head coach Mike Vrabel a little time if the Patriots opt to bring in a more developmental-type player in the middle rounds.
The Bears entered the offseason desperately needing to replace both guards and center for new head coach Ben Johnson. Mission accomplished.
Chicago traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, two experienced starters and recent Pro Bowlers. As soon as free agency started, the Bears added the top center on the market in Drew Dalman. All three are under contract through at least 2026 and will cost over $13 million per year apiece. Chicago still needs depth, but that can come much later in the draft.
Minnesota signed two big-name vets in Javon Hargrave (2 years, $30 million) and Jonathan Allen (3 years, $51 million) to bolster a front that still has nose tackle Harrison Phillips (2 years, $15 million extension), pass rusher Jonathan Greenard (4 years, $78 million a year ago) and last year's first-round pick, Dallas Turner. The Vikings need depth, but that can wait in the draft.
Adding lightning rod C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a safety group that already features impressive 2024 rookie Caden Bullock and quality depth in Jimmie Ward and M.J. Stewart gives Houston enviable depth; Ward could start for many teams if he's fully healthy. "CJGJ" is a short-term proposition, but the Texans have enough other needs (OL, WR) that taking a safety like Nick Emmanwori or Malaki Starks in the first round doesn't seem like an option anymore.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: NFL draft: Updated needs following free agency signings
Continue reading...
There have been a few free agent signings and trades in the past few days that have (or should have) altered team needs enough that some prospects or positions no longer make much sense--particularly in the first round. It's imprudent to rule anything out at this juncture, but these teams would raise some eyebrows by making some position choices high in the 2025 NFL Draft after some recent moves.
Seattle Seahawks - Quarterback
Signing Sam Darnold to a 3-year, $100 million contract signifies a deeper level of commitment from Seattle to the 27-year-old quarterback than was widely anticipated. The Atlanta Falcons proved that teams will still get QB crazy with last year's Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix situation. This particular QB class, however, makes Seattle going for one before Day 3 now seem wildly unlikely.
New England Patriots - Defensive tackle
The Patriots were a popular landing spot for Michigan DT Mason Graham at No. 4 overall in quite a few recent mock drafts, but that pick no longer seems plausible. The Patriots paid former Eagles DT Milton Williams over $100 million for the next four years to play next to Christian Barmore, who signed a 4-year, $83 million contract last April.
Just for good measure, New England also added stop-gap vets Khyiris Thomas and K'Lavon Chaisson to the front on one-year deals. Those two signings shouldn't impact the draft, but it does buy new head coach Mike Vrabel a little time if the Patriots opt to bring in a more developmental-type player in the middle rounds.
Chicago Bears - Interior offensive line
The Bears entered the offseason desperately needing to replace both guards and center for new head coach Ben Johnson. Mission accomplished.
Chicago traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, two experienced starters and recent Pro Bowlers. As soon as free agency started, the Bears added the top center on the market in Drew Dalman. All three are under contract through at least 2026 and will cost over $13 million per year apiece. Chicago still needs depth, but that can come much later in the draft.
Minnesota Vikings - Defensive line
Minnesota signed two big-name vets in Javon Hargrave (2 years, $30 million) and Jonathan Allen (3 years, $51 million) to bolster a front that still has nose tackle Harrison Phillips (2 years, $15 million extension), pass rusher Jonathan Greenard (4 years, $78 million a year ago) and last year's first-round pick, Dallas Turner. The Vikings need depth, but that can wait in the draft.
Houston Texans - Safety
Adding lightning rod C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a safety group that already features impressive 2024 rookie Caden Bullock and quality depth in Jimmie Ward and M.J. Stewart gives Houston enviable depth; Ward could start for many teams if he's fully healthy. "CJGJ" is a short-term proposition, but the Texans have enough other needs (OL, WR) that taking a safety like Nick Emmanwori or Malaki Starks in the first round doesn't seem like an option anymore.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: NFL draft: Updated needs following free agency signings
Continue reading...
