Winners And Losers Of Free Agency Featuring The Patriots, Cowboys, 49ers, And More

New England Patriots – Winner

The New England Patriots had arguably the best free agency of any team in the league, making several significant impact signings. Most notably, the Patriots brought in defensive tackle Milton Williams who’s fresh off winning Super Bowl 59 as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams was also a foundational player for a defense that ranked near the top of the NFL in most major categories.

The Patriots were able to improve many different areas of their roster by adding players like cornerback Carlton Davis, edge rusher Harold Landry, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, linebacker Robert Spillane, and wide receiver Mack Hollins. The Patriots will hope that the signings can expedite their rebuild and bring them closer to a return to relevancy.

Dallas Cowboys – Loser

It’s been yet another free agency where the Cowboys have failed to make a big-name signing. Dallas has not added a free agent on a contract worth more than $6 million per year since 2015. The additions of running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders should prove to be an upgrade to their running game, but it will do little to make the overall team any better.

To make matters worse, the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seahawks, Rico Dowdle to the Panthers, and Jourdan Lewis to the Jaguars. Not only have they failed to address their glaring needs at certain positions, they have also arguably gotten worse.

Buffalo Bills – Winner

Considering how close the Bills were to finally conquering the Chiefs in the playoffs last season, adding a player like Joey Bosa can end up being a difference-maker. Extending Josh Allen through 2031 gives Buffalo the freedom to now focus on building up the rest of their roster.

The Bills have also benefited from the fact that none of their main rivals in the AFC have improved. Neither the Chiefs nor Ravens have made any big additions yet, making Buffalo’s position even more favorable.

San Francisco 49ers – Loser

San Francisco has been forced to make significant roster subtractions as a big contract extension for Brock Purdy lies in the very near future. Among their notable departures are Aaron Banks, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave, Talanoa Hufanga, Jaylon Moore, Charvarius Ward, and Leonard Floyd. They also traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders before free agency began.

The losses give the 49ers major holes to fill in their defense and offensive line, with very little money to do it with. San Francisco is in need of a strong draft class next month if they are to rebound from the disappointing season they had in 2024.

Seattle Seahawks – Winner

The Seahawks had a fantastic offseason in almost every aspect. They upgraded at quarterback going from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold, the latter of whom is seven years younger than his predecessor. Seattle also added Cooper Kupp to solidify their receiving corps. Furthermore, the Seahawks managed to add multiple 2025 draft picks in the first three rounds through the Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades.

Seattle has a young and talented roster on both sides of the ball. As a team that already managed to win ten games in 2024, they are well-positioned to make the postseason for the first time since 2022.

Philadelphia Eagles – Loser

The defending champs have had a rough offseason so far. Even with the recent addition of former Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, the Eagles have suffered major losses on their defense, including Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, and Oren Burks.

Philly still has one of the best rosters in the NFL, if not the best. However, they will have to find a way to replace the production of the players they lost, or their defense will not be as stout as it was in 2024.

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