2025 NFL Free Agency

[Thirteen Below]

There’s about a Dozen WR’s who hold a Day1-2 grade this draft. There’s probably 3-4 that fit our team pretty well. I’d also consider working a trade for a known quantity, veteran WR.

The last three mocks I saw had us taking a WR at #23, and none of them the same player. I'd have been happy with any of them, although I'd rather we go CB.

But that's assuming we even draft at #23, which I think is pretty much a coin toss. In 7 years, Gutekunst has traded either up or down in the first round something like 6 times, and sometimes both in the same year. I think there's a pretty good chance that Gutekunst trades down into the lower end of the 1st, and still takes a receiver. There'll be a good one still on the board 5 or 6 picks later, and Gute loves having extra picks - especially in a year in which we only have 8.

Gute has made 8 picks only once in 7 years, and averages over 10 picks per draft - 71 picks in 7 years. I'm sure he's going to do some wheeling and dealing at some point before it's all said and done.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

The last three mocks I saw had us taking a WR at #23, and none of them the same player. I'd have been happy with any of them, although I'd rather we go CB.

But that's assuming we even draft at #23, which I think is pretty much a coin toss. In 7 years, Gutekunst has traded either up or down in the first round something like 6 times, and sometimes both in the same year. I think there's a pretty good chance that Gutekunst trades down into the lower end of the 1st, and still takes a receiver. There'll be a good one still on the board 5 or 6 picks later, and Gute loves having extra picks - especially in a year in which we only have 8.

Gute has made 8 picks only once in 7 years, and averages over 10 picks per draft - 71 picks in 7 years. I'm sure he's going to do some wheeling and dealing at some point before it's all said and done.

My guess pick #23 plays defense.

DT, CB, edge rusher...One of those.

 

[Thirteen Below]

We are essentially the same team, less an above average Box Defender in losing E Wilson.

Same team, but - with an additional year's experience for almost all of our key players, most of whom only have 2 years or less in the NFL. It's often said that for most good players, it seems that the improvement when they move from Year 2 to Year 3 is the biggest step forward in their entire career. I'm eager to see who starts to take big next steps in camp this summer.

When I read that McKinney was getting, I think, a $17 mil AAV contract that looked high by $3 or $4 mil. But hey, the guy lived up to his contract and then some. Same for Jacobs.

Not only that, but that contract that we locked McKinney into last year would have been significantly more expensive if we'd signed him this year. It's looking like a bargain, in the context of this year's free agent price tags. If Aaron Banks is worth $77M over 6 years, Xavier McKinney is a steal at $68M for 4.

This was just not a good year for Gluten to chase WRs and Edge guys. Sometimes the best course of action is to stand pat.

I initially wanted to get a veteran WR this year, until they started ringing them up at the register. When I saw the contracts, I wanted no part of them. This draft is very deep at both positions, and we should be able to get quality players both on Day One and Day Two.

we need to key at WR, LB and iDL. Yet we’re have the rest of FA, the Draft and cutdowns. Lots of time to get better, but time is $$ and waiting is prudent.

I doubt we'll see any more free agent action in Green Bay until at least after the draft, and much more likely after roster cuts. From the way Gutekunst is managing this offseason, I just have a stronger and stronger feeling that's his plan unless a bargain should somehow present itself. But the odds of that happening at this point are slim. Either way, I don't think he has any interest in any of the remaining free agents.

 

[Thirteen Below]

There's something fundamentally wrong with the Bears' organization. I have no idea what is is.

As for the Vikes, it's been almost sixty years of....... nothing. There's been a lot of hype, and some really good teams, but they can't pull free from their past.

Totally agree with both; there's just no arguing it.

But remember - things can always change, and change quickly. Just 2 years ago at this time, we were saying exactly the same thing about the Lions. Then what happened? They finally smartened up and hired a very good GM, who set about building a winning culture. He started drafting well, and hired a very good head coach who immediately put together a very good staff. In 3 years, Detroit has emerged as one of the Top 5 teams in the NFL, a serious championship contender for the first time in 70 years.

The Vikings appear to be following a similar path - hired a good GM, who hired a very good head coach, and the two of them began building a winning culture. They haven't become as good as Detroit, but they're at an earlier stage, and they have to be taken seriously.

The Bears? I dunno. They're still the Bears, until they start to prove that they no longer are. And they're sure not there yet. Far as I'm concerned, jury is still out on Poles, but I give him credit for finally hiring a head coach who has the potential to be great, and - again - is totally committed to building a winning culture. And they've drafted a quarterback who still has a number of question marks, but has the tools to become an elite QB.

Of course, the Bears have a track record of destroying young quarterbacks, and that may very well be what happens again. And like I said, I'm not sure bout Poles at all - I really think he's in over his head, because he makes some incredibly stupid personnel decisions, but... sometimes people learn from their mistakes.

I think this is the year we find out how good Poles actually is. He made some very bold moves in free agency, but overall his free agency history is uneven, and not particularly impressive. This year's group is very "boom or bust" - if it works, he'll look like a genius, but he took some real risks and committed a lot of salary cap to some players who don't exactly look like bargains. They're going to have to play just about to their maximum potential to justify their contracts.

His drafting history is also less than impressive. They only have 7 picks this year, so he's going to have to make every single one of them count, but again they draft in the Top Ten, so he has that going for him.

The Bears don't appear to be an immediate threat, but if Ben Johnson succeeds in uniting and motivating the team, and some of Poles' free agents and draft choices turn out to be better than they have, they might become a much tougher team to beat. But I don't think this would be the year yet.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think we need to security blanket through FA at 2-3 of
WR
LB
DT
or maybe TE
with lower $ signings (under $5mil yearly)
Then use our Top 5 Rounds in 2-3 of those areas to overlap with a young, inspiring player. Might get lucky with a young Kenny Clark type

As FA winds down, it’s shaping up to be very possible that GB selects at WR and early.

I won't be surprised if Gluten takes a WR at #23, but I don't expect it. Most likely he takes the best CB/Edge guy available. LB not out of the question.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Totally agree with both; there's just no arguing it.

But remember - things can always change, and change quickly. Just 2 years ago at this time, we were saying exactly the same thing about the Lions. Then what happened? They finally smartened up and hired a very good GM, who set about building a winning culture. He started drafting well, and hired a very good head coach who immediately put together a very good staff. In 3 years, Detroit has emerged as one of the Top 5 teams in the NFL, a serious championship contender for the first time in 70 years.

The Vikings appear to be following a similar path - hired a good GM, who hired a very good head coach, and the two of them began building a winning culture. They haven't become as good as Detroit, but they're at an earlier stage, and they have to be taken seriously.

The Bears? I dunno. They're still the Bears, until they start to prove that they no longer are. And they're sure not there yet. Far as I'm concerned, jury is still out on Poles, but I give him credit for finally hiring a head coach who has the potential to be great, and - again - is totally committed to building a winning culture. And they've drafted a quarterback who still has a number of question marks, but has the tools to become an elite QB.

Of course, the Bears have a track record of destroying young quarterbacks, and that may very well be what happens again. And like I said, I'm not sure bout Poles at all - I really think he's in over his head, because he makes some incredibly stupid personnel decisions, but... sometimes people learn from their mistakes.

I think this is the year we find out how good Poles actually is. He made some very bold moves in free agency, but overall his free agency history is uneven, and not particularly impressive. This year's group is very "boom or bust" - if it works, he'll look like a genius, but he took some real risks and committed a lot of salary cap to some players who don't exactly look like bargains. They're going to have to play just about to their maximum potential to justify their contracts.

His drafting history is also less than impressive. They only have 7 picks this year, so he's going to have to make every single one of them count, but again they draft in the Top Ten, so he has that going for him.

The Bears don't appear to be an immediate threat, but if Ben Johnson succeeds in uniting and motivating the team, and some of Poles' free agents and draft choices turn out to be better than they have, they might become a much tougher team to beat. But I don't think this would be the year yet.

FWIW the Lions played their hand brilliantly when they traded Stafford to the Rams. The Rams collapsed the following year and the picks the Lions got became much more valuable. So I wasn't that surprised to see them thrive, but like the Vikes, they have to escape the gravitational pull of their past.

In fairness, the Lions D was decimated by injuries going into the playoffs. So it takes a little luck to wi a SB as well as a lot of talent. They have a chip on their shoulder after losing to the Commanders. Campbell will make the most of that.

 

[Thirteen Below]

My guess pick #23 plays defense.

DT, CB, edge rusher...One of those.

Personally, I'm hoping CB. Edge might be a good choice, if the right player falls to 23, but I think it would be easier to meet that need on Day 2 than it would be to get a quality QB in Rounds 2 or 3.

I won't be surprised if Gluten takes a WR at #23, but I don't expect it. Most likely he takes the best CB/Edge guy available. LB not out of the question.

I'll go a step further and say I wouldn't necessarily be disappointed if he goes WR, if he thinks it's the right guy. I don't see him using such a high pick ion a linebacker though, after taking Cooper and Hopper so early last year - and especially when we really don't know yet what we have in Hopper.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Personally, I'm hoping CB. Edge might be a good choice, if the right player falls to 23, but I think it would be easier to meet that need on Day 2 than it would be to get a quality QB in Rounds 2 or 3.



I'll go a step further and say I wouldn't necessarily be disappointed if he goes WR, if he thinks it's the right guy. I don't see him using such a high pick ion a linebacker though, after taking Cooper and Hopper so early last year - and especially when we really don't know yet what we have in Hopper.

Yeah LB would be a long shot at #23, esp considering other needs. Hopper may make a sophomore jump, and I think just the presence of Cooper will allow Walker to focus more on his strengths.

The WR like is Matthew Golden, although he may be a reach at #23. Most mocks I've seen have him going late 1st, early 2nd.

I have to remind myself that the Packers already have a good D. Their biggest failing last year was an inability to get pressure on the QB. Trading for Hendrickson from Cinn seems to still be on the table. I just don't see Gluten making a commitment to a 30 year old guy, at any position.

So where is the most help needed, offense or defense? I think it's a toss up and gives Gluten the luxury of taking the BPA at #23.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

FWIW the Lions played their hand brilliantly when they traded Stafford to the Rams. The Rams collapsed the following year and the picks the Lions got became much more valuable. So I wasn't that surprised to see them thrive, but like the Vikes, they have to escape the gravitational pull of their past.

In fairness, the Lions D was decimated by injuries going into the playoffs. So it takes a little luck to wi a SB as well as a lot of talent. They have a chip on their shoulder after losing to the Commanders. Campbell will make the most of that.

I'm waiting to see how the Lions do now that they have to replace both coordinators.

 

[OldSchool101]

The last three mocks I saw had us taking a WR at #23, and none of them the same player. I'd have been happy with any of them, although I'd rather we go CB.

But that's assuming we even draft at #23, which I think is pretty much a coin toss. In 7 years, Gutekunst has traded either up or down in the first round something like 6 times, and sometimes both in the same year. I think there's a pretty good chance that Gutekunst trades down into the lower end of the 1st, and still takes a receiver. There'll be a good one still on the board 5 or 6 picks later, and Gute loves having extra picks - especially in a year in which we only have 8.

Gute has made 8 picks only once in 7 years, and averages over 10 picks per draft - 71 picks in 7 years. I'm sure he's going to do some wheeling and dealing at some point before it's all said and done.

Amen. IF the perfect selection isn’t there.. I LOVE the idea of trading back 2,4,6 spots etc. Often in Day 1 that’s an earlier 4th Round to later 3rd pickup (maybe parting with a later Day3 selection). Having a pair of 4ths is strong. Totally agree as long as the trade is fair I’m not desperate either.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm waiting to see how the Lions do now that they have to replace both coordinators.

Good point Suds.

I don't remember the last time a team lost both coordinators in one season. Not only were they good, they gave Campbell the luxury of keeping an eye (and ahead of) the entire game. It's something I wish MLF would consider, or even a game-manager coordinator, or something like that.

Anyway you look at it, it's a huge loss for the Lions. I think Campbell will be up to the task of replacing them. The Lions will still be a tough out.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Amen. IF the perfect selection isn’t there.. I LOVE the idea of trading back 2,4,6 spots etc. Often in Day 1 that’s an earlier 4th Round to later 3rd pickup (maybe parting with a later Day3 selection). Having a pair of 4ths is strong. Totally agree as long as the trade is fair I’m not desperate either.

I won't be surprised if Gluten trades back from round 1, draft day in GB or not. As Ty pointed out, making a first round pick on draft day in GB will not come before doing what it best for the team, the way it should and will be.

This draft really drops in quality toward the back half of round 1, but is strong in iDL and Edge. By now, nothing Gluten can do will surprise us....... I think.

 

[PikeBadger]

Kendall Fuller releasing from Dolphins is just the signing I could embrace. Being a cut won’t impact comp pick formula even which isn’t a worry but is a bonus.

Why was he cut?

 

[tynimiller]

Why was he cut?

Dolphins shed some vets for space reasons.