The early waves of NFL free agency have come and gone, leaving behind a clearer picture of where teams are headed as they gear up for the 2025 season. While the headlines now shift toward draft prep and final roster tweaks, fans and analysts are still sorting through the offseason's biggest moves.
From star wide receivers landing major extensions to quarterback shakeups and surprise trades, there’s already been plenty to digest. And with so much shifting around the league, betting fans are right in the mix — drafting hot takes, predicting playoff paths, and placing early bets — often sweetened by the BetRivers bonus code for the US, which makes watching all these roster moves even more rewarding.
With that in mind, let’s look back at some of the smartest and most impactful offseason decisions so far — and which teams may have set themselves up for something big in 2025.
Seattle Seahawks Bet Big on Sam Darnold
The Seattle Seahawks had been stuck in neutral. Geno Smith provided stability but not much spark. So, general manager John Schneider hit the reset button, trading Smith and signing 27-year-old Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal. It was a bold play — but one that made sense.
Darnold is coming off a quiet resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings and reunites in Seattle with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with him in San Francisco. The familiarity is key, as is the upside Darnold showed when surrounded by talent last season. Add in the signing of former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, and suddenly the Seahawks offense looks ready to evolve.
The contract is flexible, giving Seattle a chance to reassess after one year. It is low risk, high reward—exactly what a team in transition needs.
Cincinnati Bengals Lock Down Their Stars
The Cincinnati Bengals proved they’re serious about keeping the core intact by extending both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase landed a four-year, $161 million deal, while Higgins signed for four years and $115 million. Those are massive numbers, but keeping Joe Burrow’s top two targets in place ensures the Bengals’ window to contend stays wide open.
Critics might argue about investing heavily at receiver, but Cincinnati isn't betting on potential — they’re investing in production. And in today’s pass-happy NFL, it’s the kind of move that keeps you in the hunt year after year.
Los Angeles Rams Upgrade With Davante Adams
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the savviest moves of the offseason when they landed wide receiver Davante Adams after his release from the New York Jets.
The Rams were already exploring options for moving on from Cooper Kupp, whose injuries and contract had become a concern. Instead of settling, they upgraded.
Adams brings five straight 1,000-yard seasons and a clean bill of health. Now paired with quarterback Matthew Stafford, standout rookie Puka Nacua, and rising running back Kyren Williams, Adams has a real chance to contribute on a contender again.
Chicago Bears Build a Wall for Caleb Williams
Chicago Bears fans finally have something they haven’t had in a long time: hope and protection.
After giving rookie quarterback Caleb Williams an arsenal of weapons in 2024, general manager Ryan Poles spent this offseason fixing the offensive line. He brought in All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, former Rams starter Jonah Jackson, and top center Drew Dalman from Atlanta — a trio of plug-and-play starters with track records of success.
There’s also the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft, which could easily be used to grab a top-tier left tackle. It’s a smart, complete overhaul. Poles knew the pressure was on, and he responded with a blueprint that should give his franchise quarterback time to grow — and win.
Washington Commanders Make a Statement With Deebo Samuel
New general manager Adam Peters wasted no time reshaping the Washington Commanders, but the Deebo Samuel trade turned heads.
The Commanders didn’t just get a receiver. They acquired a weapon. Samuel’s 2024 numbers were underwhelming, but context matters. San Francisco dealt with injuries across the board, and Samuel was often left trying to carry the offense. Now in Washington, he joins quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin in a system boasting a top-three rushing attack.
Final Word
Big moves don’t guarantee big results. But smart teams know when to push, when to pivot, and when to build around their stars. The Seahawks, Bengals, Rams, Bears, and Commanders took different paths this offseason — but all found ways to reshape their rosters with purpose.
2025 will be full of storylines, and these five teams have given us a few more to watch.
