Findings from the 2025 NFL Draft’s free agency signings and trades
all pick remains unclear. After signing left tackle Dan Moore Jr., some assumed they were set on selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward. However, this move doesn’t necessarily confirm that decision. The Titans have yet to acquire a veteran quarterback to compete with Will Levis, and while Levis could return as the starter with an upgraded offensive line, drafting a quarterback is still a possibility.
Additionally, Tennessee released their top pass rusher from last season, Harold Landry III, and has yet to find a replacement. With needs at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive end, and cornerback, potential draft targets include Ward, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, or Colorado’s Travis Hunter. A trade is also on the table if the Titans receive a compelling offer.
Quarterback Market & Draft Implications
Several QB-needy teams made moves in free agency, but none of those transactions necessarily rule out drafting a quarterback. The Raiders acquired Geno Smith, the Jets signed Justin Fields, and the Browns traded for Kenny Pickett. Meanwhile, the Giants, Steelers, and Browns remain linked to veterans like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
Some of these teams might opt for both a short-term and long-term solution by drafting Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. For instance, the Giants, who have struggled with QB stability, could select Sanders at No. 3 even if they land Rodgers or Wilson. This could also buy time for head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, who need to show progress in 2025.
Similarly, the Steelers could pair a veteran QB with a draft pick. Mason Rudolph re-signed, but Pittsburgh might still target a quarterback like Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) at No. 21 or wait until the third round for options like Tyler Shough (Louisville) or Jalen Milroe (Alabama).
Wide Receiver Market Leaves Teams Looking to the Draft
The 2025 free-agent receiver class lacked elite options, leading to a slow market. The Steelers traded for DK Metcalf, while the Seahawks replaced him by signing Cooper Kupp. However, with top-tier receivers like Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins staying put, teams with WR needs still have those gaps. As a result, many franchises will likely turn to the draft for reinforcements.
This is great news for prospects like Travis Hunter, Missouri’s Luther Burden III, Texas’ Matthew Golden, and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. The Patriots could start the WR run at No. 4, followed by teams like the Jaguars, Raiders, Jets, Panthers, and Saints, all of whom could target receivers in the first round.
Running Back Market & Draft Strategy
Free agency has shown that teams are content waiting until the draft for running backs. Only a handful of RBs signed multiyear deals, with Aaron Jones (Vikings) being the exception. Players like Najee Harris (Chargers), Rico Dowdle (Panthers), and Javonte Williams (Cowboys) settled for low-cost, one-year contracts.
This aligns with the strength of the 2025 RB class, which is considered the deepest since 2017. With 32 draftable players at the position, a large number of running backs could come off the board, particularly on Day 2. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton both hold first-round grades.
San Francisco 49ers Face a Crucial Draft
The 49ers will enter 2025 looking very different after numerous departures due to cap constraints. Gone are Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, Talanoa Hufanga, and others. With stars like Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and Brandon Aiyuk coming off injury-riddled seasons, this is a pivotal draft for head coach
