Free agency is one of the most significant events of the entire NFL offseason. General managers are finally given the chance to make improvements to their teams by signing players who are no longer under contract to new deals.
Obviously, this has a major impact on fantasy football. Players signing with new teams affect not only their own production but also the production of those around them. This being the case, keeping up to date with NFL free agency and the NFL Draft is vital for success in fantasy football.
In this article, we will determine the biggest winners of the first few days of NFL free agency. Not all of these players were signed to new contracts. Many of them were just directly impacted by the deals that their teams made. Let’s get into the list!
(Note: This list includes players impacted from signings over the first few days of NFL free agency, not just Monday.)
Caleb Williams
(QB, CHI)
I found this one to be pretty obvious. Since hiring former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their new head coach, Chicago has put together one of the best-looking offseasons in the league. The team’s biggest issue was the offensive line, and their front office has done a great job reconstructing it.
Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were added to the interior via trade, and Drew Dalman was signed on Monday to be the team’s new starting center. Thuney and Jackson were acquired for middling draft capital, and Dalman was just signed to a three-year, $42 million contract.
These additions will aid in the development of Caleb Williams, last year’s first-overall pick and Chicago’s franchise quarterback. The Bears allowed a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, setting their passing game up for failure and contributing to a 5-12 record.
Caleb Williams still has an impressive supporting cast with receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears also hold the tenth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could allow them to select another offensive playmaker. Overall, I think Caleb Williams is in line for a breakout season and could be a top-12 fantasy quarterback in 2025.
Matthew Stafford
(QB, LAR)
I believe that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford still has some great football left in him. The 2021 Super Bowl Champion led Los Angeles to a Divisional Round appearance while turning in another solid season. The Rams continue to exceed expectations every single season despite the circumstances.
One of the offense’s issues over the last few seasons has been the health of wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Since winning the Triple Crown in 2021, Kupp has not played more than 12 games in a season. This was concerning enough for the Rams to consider a change of scenery for the veteran wide receiver and released him on Monday.
However, the day before this, Los Angeles signed star wideout Davante Adams to a two-year, $46 million contract. I like this move for a number of reasons. First, it gives Stafford another fantastic receiver duo, pairing Adams with Puka Nacua, one of the most productive receivers in the entire NFL. Secondly, Davante Adams has only missed three games over the last three seasons. This is an upgrade in the availability category.
In 2024, Adams showcased that he can still be a terrific receiver at 32 years old. If the Rams can get a full season out of him and Nacua, Matthew Stafford will have no problem putting up strong numbers yet again if he can stay healthy. While Stafford hasn’t been a great fantasy option since 2021, I think he can definitely improve on his 2024 fantasy finish next season.
Najee Harris
(RB, LAC)
The Chargers needed a new starting running back, and it appears that former Pittsburgh Steeler Najee Harris will fill that role in 2025.
After a few underwhelming seasons in Pittsburgh, Harris hit the open market, hoping to find an available starting spot on a solid team. He did exactly that, signing a one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million with Los Angeles. Assuming the Chargers don't draft a running back, which could absolutely still happen, Harris will remain a fantasy-relevant option in 2025.
I think this is a solid landing spot for Najee Harris. He gets a fresh start on a new team and has the opportunity to earn the starting job immediately. This was one of the best possible outcomes for Harris in terms of fantasy outlook.
If he can play well enough to earn the bulk of the team’s carries, Harris could turn in an extremely productive season. Again, he’s not the highest on my board in 2025 fantasy drafts, but this was as good a free-agency destination as Harris could’ve hoped for. Again, this could all change if L.A. decides to draft a running back next month, but for now, Najee Harris looks like he could be the team’s starter next season.
Aaron Jones
(RB, MIN)
After setting a career-high in rushing yards in 2024, veteran running back Aaron Jones re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $20 million contract that ties him to the team for the next few seasons.
I am a big fan of this move for Aaron Jones because he is ending up right back where he succeeded in 2024. Jones logged 1,546 scrimmage yards last season, putting up one of the most productive seasons of his career. If he is able to earn the starting role once again in 2025, he could be leaned on even more as second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy makes his debut as the team’s starting quarterback.
Similarly to Najee Harris, Aaron Jones could end up in a committee backfield if his team decides to draft a running back. However, if that doesn’t happen, I think there is a definite path to Jones finishing as a top-20 fantasy running back once again.
Because of the lack of teams to which Jones could have signed and become the top option on the depth chart, I think this was among his best possible landing spots. Another year in Minnesota could end up working out well for both sides.
Chris Godwin
(WR, TB)
After dislocating his ankle during a Week 7 matchup against Baltimore, veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin saw his incredible season cut to an unfortunate and early end. After posting 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns in seven games, Godwin was viewed as one of the best receiver options on the open market. However, Tampa Bay was able to re-sign him to a three-year, $66 million deal on Monday.
I think this is a massive win for both sides. Godwin gets a chance to continue right where he left off, with quarterback Baker Mayfield playing the best football of his career. Tampa Bay also gets to keep their core group of offensive playmakers together. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Cade Otton will make a great group of weapons for Mayfield to work with again in 2025.
If Tampa Bay continues to be red-hot on offense, they will make the playoffs again in 2025. If they can fix their pass defense, they will be top-tier contenders next season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
(WR, SEA)
Seattle has gone through a true metamorphosis in terms of offensive personnel this offseason. Over the past week, Quarterback Geno Smith was traded to Las Vegas for a third-round pick, wideout DK Metcalf was dealt to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick, and veteran receiver Tyler Lockett was released by the team.
This left Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the team’s only starting receiver from last year. Things were beginning to look bad for the Smith-Njigba, who broke out in 2024. However, Seattle decided to make a big move in free agency, signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract.
Darnold, like Smith-Njigba, enjoyed a massive leap in production last season. He figures to be the team’s franchise quarterback and will have a clear top target in the passing game. JSN should enjoy plenty of targets as the unquestioned top receiver on the team. I think that he will put up another great year in 2025 after Seattle’s active offseason in free agency.