Bags are being packed, and new faces are appearing across the league as NFL free agency officially gets underway. The New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks have already made headlines, setting the stage for a frantic start to the offseason.
The league’s free agent negotiation period began Monday, bringing a wave of reported deals. While teams cannot officially announce signings until Wednesday, when the new league year begins, news of blockbuster moves is already making waves.
Monday’s frenzy followed a weekend filled with major headlines. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen reportedly agreed to a massive six-year, $330 million contract extension. The Cleveland Browns locked in superstar defensive end Myles Garrett with a four-year deal worth $40 million annually, including $123.5 million guaranteed—making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams reportedly picked up wide receiver Davante Adams after his release from the Jets, and the Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
That was just the appetizer. Now, the main course of NFL free agency is being served.
Top Reported Deals from Monday
Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks
Darnold, coming off a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings, has turned his success into a massive payday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and multiple reports, the former USC quarterback has agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks. CNN has reached out to the team for confirmation.
The 27-year-old found himself in a complicated situation in Minnesota. Despite leading the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season record, he was never considered the franchise’s long-term quarterback. That title was expected to go to rookie JJ McCarthy, who suffered a preseason knee injury and never played a competitive snap for the team.
Sam Darnold passes the ball against the Houston Texans during a September game in Minneapolis,
Sam Darnold is coming off a breakout season in Minnesota, where he threw for over 4,300 yards, 35 touchdowns, and posted a 102.5 quarterback rating. His impressive performance earned him a third-place finish in the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year race.
Now, he’s heading to Seattle, a team undergoing major changes. According to multiple reports, including ESPN and NFL Network, the Seahawks have traded star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving Darnold with a reshaped offense.
Justin Fields Signs with the New York Jets
Justin Fields is trading the Steel City for the Big Apple. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the dual-threat quarterback has agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets.
Fields steps into one of the NFL’s most high-pressure roles, succeeding Aaron Rodgers as the Jets’ starting quarterback. New head coach Aaron Glenn wasted no time making his mark on the team, opting to release Rodgers in a bold move that left the franchise in need of a fresh face under center.
The 26-year-old will relish the chance to once again be a starter after spending much of last year backing up Steelers starter Russell Wilson. Fields, the former Chicago Bears starting QB only played in 10 regular season games last year and threw one pass in the Steelers’ AFC Wild Card round loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.
Chris Godwin Re-Signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Longtime Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is staying in Tampa. The team announced Monday that Godwin has re-signed, keeping him with the only franchise he’s ever played for.
Godwin’s 2024 season was cut short due to an ankle injury, but the Bucs are betting on their star receiver to bounce back in 2025.
Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network reported the deal was worth $66 million over three years and the team reposted a post on X that included that figure on Monday. Godwin dislocated his ankle in a loss to the Ravens just seven weeks into the season and was on track for yet another stellar season.
