The 25 best moves NFL teams made in 2025

Chicago has experienced an incredible turnaround under Johnson, particularly on offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams looks like a different player, as the team has gone from near the bottom of the league in points to the top 10 while competing for first place in the NFC North.

Chicago's offensive line has made drastic strides this season due to its moves in the offseason. That started with Thuney, who was acquired from the Chiefs and signed a two-year extension.

Hufanga was an All-Pro in 2022, but couldn't stay healthy the following two seasons. Denver took a risk in signing him to a three-year, $45 million deal, and the risk has paid off so far. He's played at an All-Pro level again, with 94 tackles, two sacks, and 10 passes defensed in 13 games.

It's fair to say the start of Bush's career was a disappointment, but he's found something in 2025. After signing a one-year deal worth less than $3 million guaranteed, Bush has been an elite playmaker with 91 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions through 13 games.

The drafting of Egbuka in the first round was somewhat controversial, with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin already on the Bucs. Following Evans' early-season injury, it's scary to think where Tampa Bay would be without Egbuka. He's caught 54 balls for 806 yards and six touchdowns through 13 games.

Campbell returned to the team that drafted him in 2008, possibly fitting the finishing touches on his remarkable career. As he nears age 40, Campbell continues to prove he has something left with 5.5 sacks and 35 tackles in 13 games. He's been quite the bargain, with a contract that guaranteed only $5.5 million.

Jones signed a one-year deal with the Colts in the offseason. Not only did he unseat former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, but he led them back to competitiveness with over 3,000 yards passing and a 64.1 QBR in 13 games. Unfortunately, Jones' season ended prematurely in Week 14 due to a torn Achilles.

Washington's season hasn't worked out largely due to Jayden Daniels' injury issues, but their offseason effort should be commended. Samuel was acquired from Washington for a fifth-round pick and has rebounded with Terry McLaurin missing much of the year. He has 610 yards from scrimmages and six touchdowns through 12 games played.

Protecting Jayden Daniels' blindside was high on Washington's priority list in the offseason, and Tunsil has done the job with flying colors. The veteran could be on his way to his sixth Pro Bowl this season.

As he did in Pittsburgh, Pickens has had his fair share of slip-ups in Dallas. Still, there's no doubt the Cowboys would do the deal again, as they sent only a third- and fifth-round pick to the Steelers for the star wideout. He's having a career year, with 78 catches for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns in his first 13 games.

Williams showed flashes in his first four seasons with Denver, including two 1,000-yard-from-scrimmage seasons. He's taken his game to another level with Dallas, after signing a one-year deal that maxed out at $3.5 million. Williams has 1,150 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns in his first 13 games.

Williams is the Cowboys' midseason answer after trading Micah Parsons prior to Week 1. A dominant interior defender, he's made an immediate impact on the defense. The price was hefty, including a 2026 second-rounder and a 2027 first-round pick, but it was a move that was desperately needed.

Pittsburgh effectively traded Fitzpatrick to Miami for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Fitzpatrick has continued to play at an elite level, while Ramsey and Smith have been inconsistent in their new home.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan proved again that he's a quarterback whisperer, helping Jones play some of the best football of his career when Brock Purdy was sidelined this season. The former Patriots first-round pick went 5-3 as a starter with a 63.8 QBR in 10 games, keeping San Francisco in the NFC West hunt.

An acclaimed offensive coordinator previously with the Rams and Buccaneers, Coen is already proving his value in Jacksonville. Jacksonville is well on its way to a playoff return after a 10-4 start, with the offense making small strides.

The trade of Parsons from Dallas to Green Bay before Week 1 shook the football world after the star pass rusher held out of training camp. He wasn't cheap, costing the Packers two first-round picks and Kenny Clark, but Parsons played at an elite level for his new team.

Dowdle left Dallas to sign a one-year, $6.25 million deal in Carolina. Carolina has shown surprise improvement this season, and Dowdle's contribution has been a big reason. He had 1,183 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in his first 13 games, unseating Chubba Hubbard as the team's leading ball carrier.

It's common for teams to add weapons for young quarterbacks, so the addition of Diggs on a three-year, $69 million deal wasn't a surprise. He might not be the receiver he was at his peak in Buffalo, but Diggs remains an impact player, and the team's leading receiver with 64 catches for 705 yards and three touchdowns in his first 13 games.

Vrabel proved himself in Tennessee with four consecutive winning seasons before the roster teardown and eventual firing two years ago. The Patriots turned to their former linebacker this year, and the team has performed even better than expected in Vrabel's first year at the helm. With an 11-2 start, they've returned to the top of the AFC East.

New England also spent big on defense, with the additions of Davis and Milton Williams. The veteran Davis has joined young Christian Gonzalez to form an elite corner combo for the Patriots, shutting down opposing receivers with only 32 catches allowed through 13 games.

Los Angeles moved on from Cooper Kupp in the offseason in favor of Adams. Adams is doing his best Cris Carter impersonation, leading the league in touchdowns through Week 14. He has 14 touchdowns on only 56 catches, becoming a perfect complement for Puka Nacua.

Landman was an under-the-radar addition in the offseason that's really paid off for the Rams. He's been a constant playmaker, recording 108 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles through 13 games.

After missing significant time in two of the last three seasons, Awuzie had to settle for a one-year deal with Baltimore in the offseason. The veteran has been an outstanding role player for the Ravens, holding opposing quarterbacks to a sub-53% completion rate with seven passes defensed in 11 games.

Seattle is a legitimate NFC contender again, and Darnold's addition is the biggest reason. He's helped spark the Seahawks after signing a three-year contract in the offseason. The Seahawks are off to a 10-3 start, with Darnold leading the league in yards per attempt.

Lawrence was a star in Dallas, but injuries limited him last season. Seattle saw that he had something left at age 33, and Lawrence has proven them right with five sacks and two fumble return touchdowns, along with 17 quarterback hits in 12 games. Lawrence signed a three-year deal in the offseason, but was only guaranteed $18 million.