Although the NFL free agency period is still ongoing, most players have found new homes this offseason. Big names such as Sam Darnold, Milton Williams, Zach Baun, and Ronnie Stanley have all signed new deals. However, there have been many other notable signings that have flown under the radar. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of these signings and how they could reshape the NFL landscape.
The Most Underrated Moves Of The NFL Offseason
Some amazing players have signed new contracts this offseason, including new extensions. This was an extremely busy offseason for wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both signed new deals to remain with the Cincinnati Bengals. Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, and Stefon Diggs all signed new contracts with new teams. However, these are not the only moves that could shift the power balance in the NFL. Here are a few important, under-the-radar moves of the 2025 NFL offseason.
Minnesota Vikings Address the Trenches
The headline of the Minnesota Vikings offseason was the massive decision at quarterback. Sam Darnold led the team to 14 wins last season but was an impending free agent heading into the NFL offseason. The Vikings spent their 2024 first-round NFL draft pick on J.J. McCarthy. This led to a big decision for the front office, ultimately one that led to Minnesota letting Darnold walk and sign with the Seattle Seahawks. However, this was not the only notable move the Vikings made.
Minnesota signed offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly as well as defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to new contracts. The Vikings are coming off of a 14-3 season however, the weakness was clearly the offensive and defensive line. The front office more than addressed these concerns, signing Fries and Kelly from the Indianapolis Colts to help keep future starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy upright in the pocket. Defensively, the team struggled on the interior part of the line. Hargrave and Allen are two proven veterans who will surely boost the Vikings interior. If J.J. McCarthy can be a solid quarterback in his first year as the starter, the rest of this roster looks ready to win now. These signings make Minnesota big winners this NFL offseason.
Davante Adams Heads to Los Angeles
Davante Adams is a household name at wide receiver. However, this is still frankly an underrated move for the Rams. This is a team that is still looking to compete now. The Rams have made the playoffs in four of the last five years, including winning the Super Bowl in 2022. However, star wide receiver Cooper Kupp is now with the Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles had a massive hole to fill next to Puka Nacua on the outside.
Enter Davante Adams, who signed a two-year, $46 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. This move allows the Rams to keep pace with the rest of the contenders in the NFC. Los Angeles was a few plays and a few seconds away from knocking off the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round. This is a franchise that is not far off of winning another Super Bowl. With an air attack featuring future Hall of Famers, Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams, as well as star Puka Nacua, this is a dangerous offense. Running back Kyren Williams led a balanced ground attack last year, and head coach Sean McVay is an offensive genius. This offseason move kept the Rams in contention around the NFL.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer – Imagn Images
The post Vikings, Rams Highlight The Most Underrated Moves Of The NFL Offseason appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.