25 bold predictions for the 2025 NFL offseason

Watson has two years remaining on his guaranteed contract, but it’s clear the Browns need to move on in some capacity. He’s struggled in his first three seasons with the team, and Cleveland could be headed for an immediate rebuild. Even with the major cap implications, the Browns could be set to cut their quarterback.

New GM Mike Borgonzi has some interesting choices to make this offseason, with the Titans having plenty of cap space and the first overall draft choice. It doesn’t appear Will Levis is the long-term solution at quarterback, but the team could be making a mistake if they draft from a weak quarterback class this year. Alternatively, the team could undergo a slow and steady rebuild, starting with the addition of two-way star Travis Hunter out of Colorado.

Minnesota has 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy returning from knee surgery next season, but Darnold’s breakout season provides them a difficult decision. The team could franchise and trade Darnold or simply keep him for at least one more season. Despite Darnold’s struggles late in the year, it will be tough for the Vikings to move on.

Mack is a likely future Hall of Famer, but the Chargers might not be able to re-sign him this offseason. Teams will still line up for a player with Mack’s talent and pedigree, and he’s a natural fit as a University of Buffalo alum as the Bills possibly lose Von Miller. 

The offensive line was KC’s most significant issue for much of 2024, and they finally addressed left tackle by shifting All-Pro guard Joe Thuney outside. That’s not a long-term solution, but Ravens star Stanley would be a great fit as a free agent to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

Diggs had a disappointing 2024 season due to injury, and could be a free agent bargain after two down years. The prospect of playing with his younger brother, Dallas cornerback Trevon Diggs, could be enough to entice Diggs to move across the state as he tries to rehab his value.

Dallas clearly made a mistake when they didn’t address running back adequately in the offseason. Harris is the type of power runner that the team has coveted in the pass, and could be a great fit to complement a now less mobile Dak Prescott.

Carr had a clear love for the Raiders organization before he was released by Josh McDaniels. Now with Pete Carroll in charge, the team is in the market for a quarterback and could look at bringing Carr back with the Saints needing cap relief.

Garrett has demanded a trade out of Cleveland, and there should be plenty of interesting suitors. As the Lions try to win now before their Super Bowl window closes, it’s a great time to add Garrett opposite star Aidan Hutchinson.

Lawrence made multiple Pro Bowls in Dallas when Quinn was defensive coordinator but played only four games in 2024. He could be a free agent bargain, and Quinn could utilize him in Washington.

Hill added speculation that he wanted out of Miami with his postseason comments. It remains to be seen if he was serious, but it’s clear Hill was frustrated with the quarterback play in Miami during 2024. The decline might have started in 2024, though 31 other teams should still have interest in his elite playmaking ability.

McCarthy effectively had a red-shirt year after missing his rookie season due to injury and might have lost the starting job in Minnesota after Sam Darnold’s fine season. If Minnesota retains Darnold, they could look to cash in on their 2024 first-rounder. The Jets are among the teams desperate for a quarterback with a weak 2025 draft class after the Aaron Rodgers debacle.

Richardson has struggled throwing the ball in his two seasons, and it remains to be seen if the Colts see him as a solution. It’s likely they will at least add competition in the offseason, and Fields could be a strong fit as a mobile quarterback with a similar skill set. 

Metcalf’s struggles in 2024 could be an indication that he’s breaking down, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team put him on the trade block with a new offense. New head coach Pete Carroll has a history with Metcalf, and the Raiders could use another weapon after trading Davante Adams last season.

While Hopkins wasn’t highly productive in 2024 with the Titans and Chiefs, he clearly has good football left. He’d be a fine leader and weapon for the Pats, also reuniting with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

It remains to be seen if Rodgers will retire this offseason, but he probably couldn’t resist another starting opportunity in the spotlight. The Giants are desperate to win now after retaining Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, and Rodgers couldn’t even have to sell real estate to go from the Jets to Giants.

The Rams have placed Kupp on the trade block, and several teams should be interested despite his quickness slowing due to age. Chicago could be at the top of the list with new head coach Ben Johnson, especially if the team is unable to re-sign Keenan Allen.

Hunt was a difference-maker for the Chiefs in 2024 as a complementary back who was excellent in short yardage. That role would make him a nice fit for the Bears, and he would also have the opportunity to reunite with Eric Bieniemy.

Samuel has often been mentioned on the trade block in San Francisco, and this could finally be the year he’s moved with the 49ers sporting plenty of wideout depth. Miami could use more offensive weapons, and Samuel would remain in the same offense as former 49ers assistant Mike McDaniel.

Higgins is arguably the top free agent available, and plenty of teams new receiver help. The wide receiver depth is lacking in LA for Justin Herbert, and the Chargers have more flexibility this offseason after making some tough decisions last offseason.

Hubbard had a down year with the Bengals in 2024, and could be a trade candidate in a new Cincy defense. Still, several teams would be happy to trade for him, including the Colts after hiring his former defensive coordinator.

Mathieu hasn’t broken down as quickly as the Chiefs thought when they move on from him after 2021, and the team could be in the market for a safety with Justin Reid headed toward free agency. The Chiefs have some safety talent behind Reid, but Mathieu would fit as a cheaper veteran leader in his return.

Payton’s love for Hill is well-documented, and the Saints could finally be forced to move on from the utility man due to cap issues. Denver is a natural fit, allowing Payton to add another weapon for Bo Nix.

The Steelers have struggled to replace Ben Roethlisberger, striking out with the additions of Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields. That doesn’t mean they should stop swinging, and Sanders shows big upside after a productive two seasons at Colorado. Pittsburgh enters the draft with the 21st pick, and would likely need to trade up for Sanders.

Buffalo eventually replaced Stefon Diggs veteran presence in 2024 with Amari Cooper, and they would do well to find another proven wideout to support Josh Allen and the offense. Allen is a nice fit on the downside of his career, showing off surehandedness and veteran leadership for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.