The NFL offseason is officially a week away, but the buzz has already begun. With teams scrambling to free up cap space ahead of free agency, several notable players have been shown the door. Some franchises attempted to trade their high-profile assets but ultimately decided to cut ties, allowing those players to hit the open market.
It's not just depth players on the chopping block—several household names, including Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, and even a four-time MVP, are now searching for new teams. These moves have set the stage for a wild free agency period, where contenders and rebuilders alike will look to reshape their rosters. Without further ado, let's dive into some of the most significant releases ahead of the 2025 free agency season.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets
Yes, you read that right. The Aaron Rodgers era with the New York Jets has come to an end after just two seasons. After arriving with sky-high expectations, Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets didn’t pan out as hoped. Now, the 41-year-old veteran is once again looking for a new home. Among his potential landing spots? The New York Giants—allowing him to stay in New Jersey without much of a move.
2. Davante Adams, WR, Jets
In what feels like a domino effect, Rodgers’ favorite target, Davante Adams, is also out in New York. The Jets acquired Adams in a midseason trade, and while he produced respectable numbers—67 receptions, 854 yards, and seven touchdowns in 11 games—it wasn’t enough to justify keeping him around. At 32, Adams still has gas left in the tank and could be a major asset to a contending team looking for a reliable wideout.
3. Christian Kirk, WR, Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars made the expected decision to part ways with wide receiver Christian Kirk. Entering the final year of his contract with a hefty $15.5 million salary (none of it guaranteed), the Jags opted to clear cap space. Kirk, now 28, struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, missing a total of 13 games. His best season came in 2022, when he hauled in 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns.
4. Darius Slay, CB, Eagles
Fresh off helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX, Darius Slay is surprisingly hitting the market. The six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro remains a reliable defensive back, allowing an 81.9 passer rating in coverage last season. While not quite at the peak of his career, Slay still has plenty to offer, and he hasn’t ruled out a potential return to Philly.
5. James Bradberry, CB, Eagles
Joining Slay on the free agency list is James Bradberry, another key piece of the Eagles’ championship-winning secondary. Just one year removed from his first All-Pro nod, Bradberry's production took a dive last season. He allowed a 114.3 passer rating on 101 targets—a steep decline from the impressive 51.6 rating he posted in 2023. At 31, he’ll need a strong bounce-back year to prove he still belongs among the league’s top corners.
6. Gardner Minshew, QB, Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from Gardner Minshew as they search for their next franchise quarterback. While Minshew has shown flashes of brilliance over his six-year career, he hasn't proven to be a long-term solution as a starter. That said, he remains a solid backup option who could serve as a valuable bridge quarterback for a team planning to draft a rookie signal-caller.
7. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks
A Seattle Seahawks legend is now available. Tyler Lockett, who has been one of the league’s most consistent receivers over the past decade, will hit free agency for the first time in his career. The Seahawks opted to part ways with the veteran wideout to revamp their receiving corps. Despite posting his lowest yardage total since 2017 (600 yards in 17 games), Lockett remains a trustworthy and productive option in the passing game. With four 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, he won’t be on the market for long.
8. Jamaal Williams, RB, Saints
Remember when Jamaal Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022? That feels like a distant memory now. Since joining the New Orleans Saints, Williams' production has plummeted, managing just 470 rushing yards on 154 carries over two seasons. While his personality and leadership are beloved, his role in a backfield rotation will likely be limited moving forward.
9. Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins
Another running back with a recent dominant season, Raheem Mostert, has been released by the Miami Dolphins. Mostert had an incredible 2023 campaign, scoring an NFL-best 21 total touchdowns while rushing for 1,012 yards. However, injuries in 2024 limited his role, and he found himself behind De’Von Achane in the depth chart. At 32, Mostert will need to prove his durability to land a meaningful role elsewhere.
10. Alex Cappa, OL, Bengals
Unlike the other players on this list, Alex Cappa has already found a new home. Released by the Cincinnati Bengals, the veteran offensive lineman quickly signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Cappa has been a steady presence on the offensive line, starting 96 games over seven seasons. Now, he’ll be responsible for protecting whoever the Raiders choose as their next starting quarterback—whether it’s Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, or a promising rookie.
What’s Next?
With these notable names now on the open market, the free agency period is bound to be electric. Teams looking for veteran leadership, playmaking ability, and depth will be eager to make moves. From future Hall of Famers to underrated gems, this offseason could reshape the landscape of the league in a major way.
Keep an eye out—this is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling NFL offseason!
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