NFL 2025 Offseason Winners and Losers: Eagles Still Soaring; Will Aaron Rodgers Help Steelers?

The 2025 NFL offseason has been a whirlwind of blockbuster trades, surprising free-agent signings, and franchise-altering draft picks. Some teams have clearly improved, while others are left with more questions than answers. Below, we break down the biggest winners and losers of the offseason, examining how key moves—like Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers—could shape the upcoming season.

Offseason Winners

1. Philadelphia Eagles: Still Soaring After Stellar Moves

The Eagles entered the offseason with a clear mission: reload for another Super Bowl run. After narrowly missing the NFC Championship in 2024, GM Howie Roseman worked his magic once again.

• Key Additions:

  • Saquon Barkley (RB, Free Agency) – The Eagles finally landed an elite running back, giving Jalen Hurts a dynamic weapon in both the rushing and passing game.

  • Trevon Diggs (CB, Trade with Cowboys) – In a shocking intra-division trade, Philly acquired Diggs to bolster a secondary that struggled at times last season.

  • First-Round Draft Picks: The Eagles added two impact players in the draft—DE Jared Verse (pass-rush help) and WR Xavier Worthy (explosive deep threat).

With an already elite offensive line and Hurts entering his prime, the Eagles look like the team to beat in the NFC.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: High-Risk, High-Reward with Aaron Rodgers

The Steelers made the most polarizing move of the offseason by trading for Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a lost season due to injury.

• Why It Could Work:

  • Rodgers, even at 41, is a massive upgrade over Kenny Pickett and gives Pittsburgh a true franchise QB.

  • The Steelers also added WR Calvin Ridley in free agency, giving Rodgers another weapon alongside George Pickens.

  • The defense remains elite, with T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick leading the charge.

• Potential Concerns:

  • Rodgers’ health and age are question marks.

  • The offensive line is still shaky, which could be problematic.

If Rodgers stays healthy, the Steelers could be AFC contenders. If not, this move could backfire spectacularly.

3. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Era Begins with Loaded Offense

The Bears finally have their franchise QB in Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. But Chicago didn’t stop there.

• Key Moves:

  • Traded for WR Tee Higgins to pair with DJ Moore, giving Williams elite weapons.

  • Signed RB Josh Jacobs in free agency, upgrading the backfield.

  • Added LT Joe Alt in the draft to protect Williams’ blindside.

With a revamped offense and a defense that showed promise last season, the Bears could be a surprise playoff team.

4. Houston Texans: Stroud Gets Even More Help

After a breakout 2024 season, C.J. Stroud has even more firepower in 2025.

• Key Additions:

  • WR Mike Evans (Free Agency) – A veteran deep threat to complement Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

  • DT Christian Wilkins (Free Agency) – A massive upgrade to the defensive line.

  • Drafted CB Quinyon Mitchell to shore up the secondary.

The Texans are now legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the AFC.

5. New York Jets: Finally Fixing the Offensive Line

The Jets’ biggest weakness in 2024 was their offensive line, which got Aaron Rodgers hurt early in the season. This year, they aggressively addressed it.

• Key Moves:

  • Signed LT Tyron Smith and LG Jonah Jackson in free agency.

  • Drafted C Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first round.

  • Added WR Mike Williams to give Rodgers another weapon.

If Rodgers stays upright, the Jets could be a playoff team.

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Offseason Losers

1. Dallas Cowboys: All Talk, No Action

Jerry Jones promised an “all-in” offseason, but the Cowboys did little to improve.

• Key Losses:

  • Traded Trevon Diggs to the Eagles.

  • Lost LT Tyron Smith and C Tyler Biadasz in free agency.

  • Did not make any major free-agent signings.

Dak Prescott is still waiting for real help, and the defense took a step back. Another disappointing season could be looming.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Lost Key Pieces

The Chiefs are still Super Bowl favorites, but they took some hits this offseason.

• Key Losses:

  • DT Chris Jones (Free Agency – 49ers) – A massive blow to the defense.

  • WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Free Agency – Chargers) – Not a star, but a reliable deep threat.

  • LT Donovan Smith (Retired) – Patrick Mahomes’ blindside is now a question mark.

Kansas City still has Mahomes and Andy Reid, but the margin for error is thinner.

3. Las Vegas Raiders: Stuck in QB Purgatory

The Raiders had a chance to draft a QB but instead traded back and took TE Brock Bowers.

• Biggest Issue:

  • Still rolling with Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew at QB.

  • No true No. 1 WR after losing Davante Adams.

Until they find a franchise QB, the Raiders will remain mediocre.

4. Tennessee Titans: Rebuilding… Again

The Titans are in full reset mode after moving on from Derrick Henry and trading Jeffery Simmons for draft picks.

• Biggest Concerns:

  • Will Levis is still unproven.

  • The offensive line is shaky.

  • The defense lost its best player (Simmons).

This could be a long season in Nashville.

5. New England Patriots: Still Searching for an Identity

The Patriots drafted Drake Maye, but did little to help him.

• Key Issues:

  • No true No. 1 WR.

  • The offensive line is still a work in progress.

  • The defense lost key veterans.

Maye has talent, but he’s being set up to struggle as a rookie.

The Eagles, Steelers, and Bears had the best offseasons, while the Cowboys, Raiders, and Patriots failed to make necessary improvements. The biggest wild card is Aaron Rodgers—if he stays healthy, the Steelers could be a powerhouse. If not, Pittsburgh’s gamble will backfire.

One thing is certain: the 2025 NFL season will be as unpredictable as ever.