5 NFL teams that got better in 2025 free agency
While there are still plenty of good NFL free agents to sign this March, some teams have already made massive strides to get better.
Spending money in March isn't always the best path to winning a Super Bowl, but free agency additions can come quite in handy when trying to get wins in the NFL.
Just look at the Philadelphia Eagles last year, who added running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Zack Baun to contracts and watched them soar on the big stage en route to a championship.
These five NFL teams were all active in free agency this month, and they all look better as a result.
New England Patriots
The Patriots added real talent to the defensive side of the ball with big additions like defensive tackle Milton Williams, outside linebacker Harold Landry, inside linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis.
On offense, New England got quarterback Drake Maye some extra help up front with tackle Morgan Moses and a new receiver in Mack Hollins. Re-signing tight end Austin Hooper was a solid move, too.
As far as Mike Vrabel's return to the Pats, free agency has gone swimmingly so far.
Chicago Bears
The Bears spent a lot of money to reinforce the offensive and defensive lines this March.
The offensive line has undergone a complete overhaul on the interior, with center Drew Dalman and guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney all joining the mix to keep quarterback Caleb Williams upright. The Bears desperately needed to address the offensive line, and they did so with gusto.
On the defense, the team added defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Both of those guys should provide more pop up front to help Chicago get after the passer and stuff the run.
Spending big money in free agency doesn't always lead to success, but Chicago got better this week.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings did a more condensed version of what the Bears did, adding two new starters on the offensive line in center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries.
The team also signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and is expected to add defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, too. Locking in cornerback Byron Murphy, running back Aaron Jones and safety Theo Jackson were smart in-house moves.
While Fries is still in his 20s, a lot of this improvement depends on how much Kelly, Allen and Hargrave can stay on the field. All three of those guys are on the wrong side of 30 with injury histories. All four new players raise this team's floor somewhat, at least for now.
Minnesota will probably roll with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in 2025, so a period of adjustment is understandable. At the least, the Vikings have given McCarthy better protection up front and their defense a nice infusion of veteran talent.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have beefed up their defensive line with guys like defensive ends Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, which is huge for a Buffalo team with title aspirations.
Adding wide receiver Josh Palmer was an underrated addition to Buffalo's offense, too.
Bosa, Hoecht and Ogunjobi will help the Bills in the trenches, making a fierce team even fiercer where it matters. Palmer should also be a good weapon for quarterback Josh Allen.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders should be on this list for adding left tackle Laremy Tunsil alone.
Getting quarterback Jayden Daniels one of the best left tackles in the NFL is no small feat, and it raises this team's ceiling a good bit to contend in the NFC. A sophomore slump might be inevitable for Daniels, so improving his offensive line this substantially is a major feat.
On top of that, Washington has added wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the offense and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and safety Will Harris to the defense.
The team also retained key veterans like linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight ends Zach Ertz and John Bates, running back Jeremy McNichols, punter Tress Way and kicker Zane Gonzalez.
Washington should be in Super Bowl contention this fall, and these moves helped solidify that.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2025 NFL Free Agency: 5 teams that got better
