With the 2025 NFL offseason officially here, a number of teams are looking to reshape their rosters and game plans to be more competitive next season.
Five teams — the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants — look to warrant significant changes.
All of these teams have their own problems, ranging from quarterback questions to roster holes that must be filled soon, but they must also work through the intricacies of the salary cap to have enough financial room to make a difference.
1. New York Jets
The Jets finished the 2024 season at a disappointing 5-12 despite a full season with Aaron Rodgers and a heroic attempt at saving their season by acquiring Davante Adams in mid-October.
The Jets cut Adams on Tuesday, ending the wideout’s half-season stint with the team. With Rodgers and Adams gone, a new regime is soon to commence. The Jets should be among teams interested in Sam Darnold, Jacoby Brissett or Jameis Winston.
Breece Hall led the Jets in rushing yards this season (876), but left much to be desired. Braelon Allen was the No. 2 option and flashed a little brilliance here and there, but the Jets should look to the draft or a veteran in free agency to shore up the run game.
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2. Cleveland Browns
Taking last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record, the Browns need a solution at quarterback and it is an unquestioned top priority for them.
They also appear to be moving on from running back Nick Chubb, who appeared in only 10 games over the last two seasons.
The Browns own the second overall pick in April’s draft, and may more than likely get their quarterback of the future. They must also decide on numerous free agents of their own.
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3. Tennessee Titans
Like the Browns, the Titans limped to a 3-14 record in 2024 and desperately need to replace Will Levis under center.
Levis threw for 13 touchdowns while adding 12 interceptions in 2024. Fortunately for the Titans, they own the top pick in April’s draft and appear destined to take Cam Ward first overall.
Cameron Wolfe mentions the possibility of the Titans trading out of the first pick, but they would have to receive a steep return to pull the trigger on that.
Defensive depth and receiving corps reinforcements are among Tennessee’s other priorities as well.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders finished the 2024 season 4-13 and took last in the AFC West.
Like most of the mentioned teams, they suffered from inefficient QB play, and did not have much of a receiving threat outside of TE Brock Bowers and WR1 Jakobi Meyers. They hold the No. 6 pick in the draft and could go after a top-end receiver like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
The Raiders also need to buff up their defensive line. Perhaps pairing a rookie defensive tackle with Christian Wilkins could fortify the Raiders’ interior attack.
One thing that does give hope for the next season is the fact that Chip Kelly took over as the offensive coordinator.
5. New York Giants
A 3-14 record left the Giants last in the NFC East and with numerous problems, including, as you’ve heard ad nauseum, a lack of a solid quarterback.
They pick third in April’s draft and hope to get answers while retaining core defensive elements and improving their offense. Trading up might be an option, but a veteran could be what they go with. The Giants are the latest favorites to land Aaron Rodgers in free agency.
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They’ll need someone who can throw to Malik Nabers while developing what was a nonexistent tight-end game. It’s evident that Brian Daboll is in the hot seat, and he may be on his last leg if he can’t find success in 2025.
Contract Considerations
The 2025 offseason is a crucial window for these underachieving teams to retool and rebuild their rosters.
For these squads, managing expiring deals is essential. Veterans like Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers are players with uncertain futures. Teams must weigh the importance of retaining veterans against generating cap room for newer players. The Saints, for instance, can consider trading Carr as part of a greater rebuilding effort.
Teams must also examine the possibility of contract extensions for younger players whose rookie deals are set to expire, securing core contributors for the future.
Since they all suffer from a similar ailment, filling a quarterback hole will determine their fate for the 2025 season.
Ultimately, it will come down to how effectively these teams handle the intricacies of the ever-evolving NFL offseason.
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