Dean Burmester wins the twelveth  LIV Golf event of 2025 at Chicago and earns $4.75 million. 

Chicago Top 10

The new CBA which was first announced last August but released in full in April had a number of changes in it, including that starting with the 2025 league year, all contracts have to be guaranteed (as compared to semi-guaranteed contracts) and changes to short-term contracts which has changed how teams construct their rosters throughout the season. 

A guaranteed contract is one that a team cannot terminate prior to the end of its term due to performance, injury, or needing roster space. Teams can only buy-out one guaranteed contract a year because the cash to buy out starts to count against their salary caps. Comparatively, semi-guaranteed contracts can be terminated at any time ahead of the roster freeze for a season (which usually occurs with about a month left in the regular season). There are no limits on the number of semi-guaranteed contracts that can be terminated in a season. (There also is no public transparency into whether older contracts are guaranteed or semi-guaranteed)

Under the previous CBA there were only five types of short-term contracts — which could be guaranteed or semi-guaranteed) : National Team Replacement, Season-Ending Injury, Short-Term Injury, Goalkeeper Replacement, or loaned Player contracts. 

With the elimination of any new semi-guaranteed contracts (the ones still under contract will eventually run out), the league expanded a bit on the available short-term contracts and broke them up into three main buckets: roster relief contracts, salary cap exempt contracts, and amateur players. Additionally, all short-term contracts are guaranteed. 

Roster relief contracts can be signed for National Team Replacement, Season-Ending Injury (SEI), Short-Term Injury (45-Day injury list), Goalkeeper Replacement, Maternity/Parental Leave, or Mental Health Leave. The Maternity/Parental Leave and Mental Health Leave relief contracts are new. Teams are also allowed to sign up to four Salary Cap Exempt players who must be signed to the league minimum salary but do not count toward the team salary cap. 

Amateur players – a player who has not signed a letter intent to enroll in college or is not enrolled in college, but they are only allowed to play in Exhibition Games and Unofficial Tournaments. In pre-CBA years, amateur players were allowed to play in official league games but were defined very vaguely, “An amateur Player is any person other than a professional Player. An amateur Player may not receive or retain any remuneration for playing except expenses directly related to a game or games which have actually been incurred by the Player.”

Comparing 2024 short term contracts to 2025 short term contracts is hard not only because of the changes to the CBA, but also because of the number of FIFA Breaks and the existence of the NWSL x LIGA MX Summer Cup (an official NWSL tournament). 

Over the 2024 season, 36 players were signed to short-term contracts, with eight of those having more than one short-term contract. Thus far in 2025 there have been 25 players with short-term contracts and an additional (at least) eight players who appeared on July friendly gameday rosters. One big change from the fan side is that under the new CBA, teams have done a much better job at announcing the lengths of the short-term contracts compared to previous years. 

As training camps break, preseason games begin, and roster cuts loom - so too will the pressure to lock in important players for the foreseeable future. Spotrac has identified a player or two from each NFL team who could be in line for a last minute extension this offseason, including a calculated valuation for each.

Arizona Cardinals

K Chad Ryland

The 26-year-old was a 4th Round pick by New England back in 2023, but fell out of favor and was waived a little over a year later. Arizona brought him on board last October, and he’s impressed through and into 2025. Set to play out a minimum $1.03M salary this season, a consistent summer could lead to a long-term investment. Calculates Value: 3 years, $12M

Atlanta Falcons

WR Drake London

The #8 overall pick from 2022 is extension-eligible for the first time this summer, and just turned 24 2 weeks ago. He fits the bill as the prototypical “young core weapon”, and should be intertwined with the Michael Penix Jr. era (especially before he gets expensive). Calculated Value: 3 years, $90M

Baltimore Ravens

QB Lamar Jackson

Entering Year 3 of his 5 year, $260M contract, Lamar holds cap hits of $74.5M in each of 2026 & 2027, putting pressure on the Ravens to strike early with his extension this time around. It won’t be easy, as Jackson has produced video-game-like numbers in each of the past 2 seasons, raising his value north of $68M per year. Calculated Value: 5 years, $341M

C Tyler Linderbaum

The 2022 1st Rounder enters a contract year this season, after Baltimore declined a $23.4M 5th-year option (improperly valued as an “offensive line” figure). That hasn’t stopped the two sides from discussing his long-term future in purple, as the 25-year-old likely seeks a top of market extension. Calculated Value: 4 years, $77M

S Kyle Hamilton

Extension-eligible for the first time this summer, Hamilton resetting the safety market isn’t a matter of if - it’s when. He checks every box on and off the field. Calculated Value: 3 years, $60M

Buffalo Bills

RB James Cook

The 25-year-old hold-in is coming off of back-to-back strong campaigns in Buffalo, but has been rendered last in line to receive an extension from the Bills’ front office. Kyren Williams’ recent 3 yrs, $33M re-up in LA could prove to be fruitful. Calculated Value: 3 years 32M

C Connor McGovern

A Top 10 center in 2024 according to PFF, McGovern enters a contract year in 2025. Buffalo poses one of the most consistent O-Lines in football, and should be motivated to keep the band together as long as possible. Calculated Value: 3 years, $40M

Carolina Panthers

OT Ikem Ekwonu 

The 2022 #6 overall pick has improved annually, putting pressure on the organization to consider his future this offseason. Carolina exercised a $17.5M option for 2026, but they declined to extend RT Taylor Moton this offseason (as of yet). All of the signs point to Ekwonu keeping the reins long-term, so locking him in makes sense. Calculated Value: 4 years, $86M

Chicago Bears

S Jaquan Brisker

The 2022 2nd rounder battled concussion symptoms to finish off 2024, putting his status & extension likelihood on notice. Brisker came out firing in 2022 with a very strong debut campaign, but his inability to remain healthy and productive could limit his value going forward. Calculated Value: 2 years, $13M

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Trey Hendrickson

He’s earned $33M from Cincy over the past two seasons while producing 36 sacks across that span. The 2017 3rd rounder is now 30, and is set to enter 2025 on a 1 year, $16M deal. It shouldn’t take too much to understand he has been, and remains worth far more. Calculated Value: 3 years, $111M

Cleveland Browns

TE David Njoku

Njoku is entering the final year of a 4 year, $55M deal in Cleveland, set to earn $15.25M in 2025. The 29-year-old posted 64 catches, 505 yards, and 5 TDs last season. Calculated Value: 3 years, $50M

Dallas Cowboys

DE Micah Parsons

In typical Cowboys fashion, this one’s getting ugly late. The Cowboys are looking for value in a situation that simply has no room for it, putting Parsons on pace for $42M+ per year, $120M+ guaranteed, and all but full control of the situation. If Dallas isn’t willing, the trade return could be franchise altering. Calculated Value: 4 years, $151M

G Tyler Smith

⅗ of the Cowboys projected starting O-Line for 2025 is on a rookie contract, setting up Smith, a former 1st rounder, to potentially strike early on his extension. With 2 years, $24M remaining on his rookie deal, Jerry Jones likely sees plenty of daylight ahead to delay this deal, but at some point sooner has to be better, right? Calculated Value: 4 years, $78M

Denver Broncos

OLB Nik Bonitto

The 2022 2nd-rounder had a breakout campaign last season, securing 14 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $5.3M thanks for a performance bonus. Calculated Value: 4 years, $83M

DE John Franklin-Myers

Signed a 2 year, $15M restructured extension to remain in Denver last season, then responded with career-highs in sacks (7), tackles (40), and overall PFF rating. He figures to bookend Zach Allen, who just scored a 4 year, $102M extension himself. Calculated Value: 3 years, $52M

Detroit Lions

DE Aidan Hutchinson

His path to an immediate payday was derailed by a devastating leg injury mid-2024, but the Lions appear fully ready to recommit going forward. The #2 overall pick from 2022 has secured 30 sacks in 39 games. Calculated Value: 4 years, $142M

LB Alex Anzalone

A fractured arm limited Anzalone’s ability to maximize his 2024 campaign, and the 30-year-old now enters a contract year, set to earn $6.35M in 2025. Calculated Value: 2 years, $16M

Green Bay Packers

DT Devonte Wyatt

The 27-year-old has established himself as the most reliable interior lineman for the Pack, who exercised a $12.9M option for 2026 this past April. Calculated Value: 3 years, $50M

Houston Texans

SAVE FOR MARCH

The Texans locked in CB Derek Stingley Jr., CB Jalen Pitre, and DE Danielle Hunter to notable extensions this past offseason, but the focus now must turn to next March, when QB C.J. Stroud & OLB Will Anderson become eligible for the first time. Both are in line for near or at top of market contracts - a dangerous recipe for a single Spring.

Indianapolis Colts

WR Alec Pierce

The lower-end WR2 market has taken a nice jump over the past few months, doubling the standard pricepoint. Pierce doesn’t possess a total resume that jumps off of the page, but he had timely production in 2024 (7 TDs), and has been reliable based on usage. Calculated Value: 4 years, $50M

Jacksonville Jaguars

ILB Devin Lloyd

The Jaguars declined a $14.7M 5th-year-option for Lloyd next season, but that shouldn’t rule out his place among the roster going forward. The former 1st rounder simply isn’t the conversation for a $14M+ price point going forward. Calculated Value: 3 years, $35M

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Trent McDuffie

The #21 overall pick back in 2022 appears to be the next man up in the CB reset market, with Jaycee Horn, Derek Stingley Jr., & Sauce Gardner all combining to push the line past $30M per year this offseason. Calculated Value: 4 years, $104M

Las Vegas Raiders

WR Jakobi Meyers

Despite erratic QB play the past few seasons, Meyers’ production continues to improve year in and year out, culminating with an 87 catch, 1,027 yard 2024 campaign. He’s on an expiring contract, set to earn $11M this season. Calculated Value: 2 years, $50M

G Dylan Parham

The Raiders are pushing Parham a little extra this summer, asking him to take snaps on the left side of the line after maintaining 2+ reliable seasons as a RG. The role boost could prove costly, as the 26-year-old is entering a contract season in Vegas, and could see his value soar with a strong 2025 campaign. Calculated Value: 4 yrs, $56M

Los Angeles Chargers

OT Jamaree Salyer

A 2022 6th round pick out of Georgia, Salyer has heard his name mentioned more than a few times this offseason and was already bubbling up to potential “breakout” status even before the unfortunate loss of LT Rashawn Slater (torn patellar). It stands to reason now that Joe Alt will be next up to replace Slater, pushing Salyer into the starting RT role to begin 2025. The 25-year-old is heading toward the final year of his rookie contract ($3.4M). Calculated Value: 4 years, $45M

Los Angeles Rams

S Quentin Lake

The 6th rounder out of UCLA became a tackling machine in 2024, producing 2 sacks and 111 total tackles across a career-high 1,000+ snaps. He’s one of the only drafted starters to not receive a contract extension in LA as of yet. Calculated Value: 4 years, $51M

Miami Dolphins

No Candidates

Minnesota Vikings

RT Brian O'Neill

The 29-year-old is entering Year 5 of a 6 year, $95M contract, set to earn $18M in 2025. As the RT market continues to climb, tacking on 2-3 years with a pot-sweetener for O’Neill makes good business sense. Calculated Value: 2 years, $44M

New England Patriots

CB Marcus Jones

The 2022 3rd-rounder is quietly establishing himself as one of the better nickelbacks in the game. Jones enters a contract year in 2025, and should be in the Patriots future plans. Calculated Value: 4 years, $40M

New Orleans Saints

OL Trevor Penning

After back to back inconsistent seasons at tackle, the Saints moved Penning to LG this summer, a move that could quickly change the outlook for the former #19 overall pick. The 26-year-old is set to earn $2.6M in his contract year. Calculated Value: 3 years, $33M

New York Giants

WR Wan'dale Robinson

A strong candidate for “good stats bad team” player of the year, Robinson secured 93 catches for 700 yards and 3 TDs in 2024. Improved QB play and a little more experience with the offense could mean even more substance for 2025, a contract season for the 24-year-old. Calculated Value: 4 years, $44M

New York Jets

G Alijah Vera-Tucker

The 2021 1st rounder is set to play out a fully guaranteed $15.3M option for the Jets in 2025, and is coming off of his healthiest season in three years. A much run-heavier offensive playbook this season could benefit the 26-year-old. Calculated Value: 4 years, $40M

Philadelphia Eagles

No additional candidates

Pittsburgh Steelers

K Chris Boswell

Despite holding 2 years, $6.34M remaining on his current contract, Boswell has made it clear to the Steelers that he is seeking a new top of the market deal. Pittsburgh generally frowns upon renegotiations of deals with more than 1 year remaining, but the guaranteed portion of Boswell’s deal expired 2 seasons ago. Calculated Value: 4 years, $25M

DE Cameron Heyward

Heyward has quietly sat out of Steelers’ practices as he seeks a renegotiated deal - despite the fact that his deal was reworked in September of 2024. The 36-year-old posted 8 sacks and 71 tackles across a full 2024 season, and is slated to earn $14.75M in 2025. Calculated Value: 1 year, $24M

San Francisco 49ers

WR Jauan Jennings

Lingering injuries to Brandon Aiyuk/Ricky Pearsall, and the loss of Deebo Samuel via trade should provide Jennings much more opportunity to produce in 2025. He and his agent agree, and have publicly asked the Niners to rework his deal accordingly. The 28-year-old is set to earn $7.5M for the upcoming season. Calculated Value: 2 years, $38M

Seattle Seahawks

RB Kenneth Walker

On the heels of a solid extension for Kyren Williams in LA (3 years, $33M, $23M guaranteed), Walker and the Seahawks remain radio silent in terms of his expiring contract. The 24-year-old is set to earn $1.85M for the upcoming season. Calculated Value: 4 years, $41M

S Coby Bryant

The former 4th round pick saw his 2025 salary escalate to $3.4M thanks to a proven performance bonus, and is slotted to start alongside Julian Love for the upcoming campaign. Seattle used a 2nd round pick this May on what should be a starting safety for the future (Nick Emmanwori), but Bryant had a strong enough 2024 to be considered for the future. Calculated Value: 3 years, $17.5M

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RT Luke Goedeke

The Bucs have taken care of a good portion of their offense the past two summers, but Goedeke is entering a contract year this season. The 2022 2nd rounder is set to earn $3.4M in 2025. Calculated Value: 4 years, $66M

TE Cade Otton

The numbers don’t jump off of the page, and you won’t find Otton in very many Top TE rankings, but to this Bucs offense (and Baker Mayfield specifically), there’s more than enough worth and value to consider him for the future. The 4th rounder is owed $3.6M in his contract season. Calculated Value: 3 years, $35M

Tennessee Titans

S Amani Hooker

A new regime in Tennessee is likely treading water with some of their carryover players, but Hooker has both age and production on his side heading toward the 2025 season. Locking the contract-year vet down to a strong, but not top of market, extension makes sense for a developing roster. Calculated Value: 3 years, $51M

Washington Commanders

WR Terry McLaurin

The 29-year-old continues to make his presence with the team despite a serious gap with extension discussions. McLaurin is scheduled to bank $19.65M in 2025, but is seeking a figure at or around Brandon Aiyuk’s $30M mark (plus a more important multi-year guarantee). Calculated Value: 3 years, $80M

We’ve officially reached #NBAugust. The month of August used to be the driest period on the calendar for transactions. A handful of contract guarantees would trigger during this month, along with the occasional camp signing. Essentially, August was when the NBA world went on vacation, returning in September to fill out rosters ahead of training camp.

About seven or eight years ago, that started to change. Now, August is usually filled with some lingering trade rumors, usually those surrounding stars who may or may not have asked out of their current situations. We also get some roster shuffling with two-way contracts, and, of course, camp deals galore.

This summer, we’ve got all that, plus we still have some good free agents on the market. It’s a weird time, where real NBA news is still pending, despite NBA front offices sneaking in a day off here and there when they can.

Today, we’re going to look at some free agent situations, as well as a few roster questions that are top of mind despite being firmly in #NBAugust.

The Restricted Free Agents

• Josh Giddey
• Quentin Grimes
• Jonathan Kuminga
• Cam Thomas

We opened the summer wondering what might happen with these four restricted free agents. Over a month into free agency, we’re no closer to having any answers on any of this quartet.

There are a number of factors keeping this foursome unsigned. All are restricted free agents, meaning a rival team would have to make a big offer to pry them away from their incumbent teams. The challenge this summer is that only three teams went the cap space route.

The Brooklyn Nets, who already hold the RFA rights for Cam Thomas, are still sitting on cap space. However, they aren’t investing in big contracts through free agency, as the Nets are rebuilding. The Milwaukee Bucks went for cap space, but used it to sign Myles Turner in a targeted signing. The Memphis Grizzlies also went the cap space route, but used their space to renegotiate-and-extend Jaren Jackson Jr.

That means that finding a team willing to extend an offer sheet was nearly impossible for the restricted free agents. Sign-and-trade deals have been discussed, but that’s a tripod that can be tricky to balance. The incumbent team needs to agree, the new team needs to agree and the player needs to agree. Getting two parties in sync is hard enough. Adding a third ratchets up the difficulty quite a bit.

Restricted free agency is always hard on the players. That’s by design. The CBA (and this isn’t anything new with the current CBA, by the way!) is set up for teams to have an advantage on re-signing the players they drafted (or “discovered”) and developed. It’s been this way for years and often results in the players taking deals that are at least somewhat team-friendly.

Only two players in recent years have signed offer sheets as restricted free agents. Deandre Ayton is the most famous example, as the Indiana Pacers signed him to an offer sheet that the Phoenix Suns almost immediately matched in 2022. A year later, Matisse Thybulle signed an offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks that was matched by the Portland Trail Blazers. Every other player to make it to restricted free agency over the last four offseasons has seen the process play out without an offer sheet.

Of this year’s remaining quartet, Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls seem the most likely to stay together, but are reportedly apart on contract terms. Both years and dollars seem to be an issue here. Still, both sides here don’t seem to be so far apart that they can’t get there. This one mostly seems to be a lack of urgency on the part of either party. The Bulls know that no one is signing Giddey to an offer sheet. Giddey feels strongly enough about his value as a player that he’s not pressed to come down from his ask. Expect something to still get done here that sees Giddey in Chicago long-term.

Things have been largely silent with Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers. Early on, it was posited that Grimes wanted a deal worth $20-25 million AAV. The counter was that the Sixers wanted Grimes on something in the $15 million AAV range. Since then, things have gone quiet. Much like with Giddey and the Bulls, there isn’t a lot of urgency here. Unlike Giddey and the Bulls, Grimes and the Sixers seem to be fairly far apart on a new deal. Re-signing Grimes to anything north of $15 million will put Philadelphia over the second apron. Going to anything near $25 million will likely mean that the 76ers will finish the season as a second-apron team, barring a major salary-shedding move. That’s the gap these two need to bridge.

Cam Thomas is in a complicated situation. The Nets still have a whole bunch of cap space, even when you account for agreed-to-but-not-signed deals for Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams and Ricky Council IV. But because they are the only team with cap space, Brooklyn has no reason to move on a new deal for Thomas that they don’t deem a fair value. Thomas has been outspoken about where he sees himself as a player. That’s understandable, as tagging the scoring guard with the “empty calories” tag is unfair. Thomas has improved as a playmaker and can score in a variety of ways that is only matched by the best scorers in the league. This situation is a flashing warning light for Thomas to sign the qualifying offer. That will see him paid $5.9 million for the upcoming season, which is a steal for the Nets by any measure. Following this year, Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent. And, crucially, he’ll have a no-trade clause this year, as Thomas would lose his Bird Rights if traded while playing on the qualifying offer.

As for Jonathan Kuminga…this one is a mess. Kuminga and the Warriors aren’t close to a new deal. There are teams, the Sacramento Kings chief among them, who would like to work a sign-and-trade for Kuminga. That’s a complicated process, where Base Year Compensation (BYC - essentially Kuminga would count for half of his new salary on the outgoing side for the Warriors, while counting for the full amount of his new salary for the acquiring team) would be triggered. But it’s not so complicated that it can’t be overcome.

There’s also a world where the Warriors don’t seem to be thrilled with the idea of losing Kuminga, but also don’t seem to want to pay the young forward either. That’s left Kuminga with short-term offers on the table that are effectively one-year deals. However, Golden State seems intent that Kuminga waives his implied no-trade clause if he signs what is effectively a one-year deal. That’s a no-go for Kuminga, as that essentially equals signing a delayed sign-and-trade deal, but without Kuminga having any say in where he’s being traded to. The qualifying offer doesn’t really seem to be in play here…yet. But each day we get close to camp at the end of September is one day closer to Kuminga betting on himself and playing out the year on the qualifying offer with a one-year no-trade clause. Keep an eye on a sign-and-trade eventually getting done, as that seems the best way to satisfy both Kuminga and the Warriors.

The Veteran Free Agents

• Precious Achiuwa
• Chris Boucher
• Malcolm Brogdon
• Amir Coffey
• Al Horford
• Trey Lyles
• De’Anthony Melton
• Gary Payton II
• Ben Simmons
• Russell Westbrook

The above list represents the 10 best available free agents, removing the aforementioned foursome of restricted free agents. There’s a bit of everything there, as you have some guards, a couple of forwards and a handful of bigs.

Horford, Melton and Payton are long-rumored to be signing with the Golden State Warriors (more on them in a bit!). Their situations, both contract value and length, are tied to the Jonathan Kuminga situation. The Warriors aren’t signing any free agents to a deal that will hard cap them, which could put an unmatchable offer sheet in play for Kuminga. Right now, the Brooklyn Nets seemingly have little interest in signing Kuminga using cap space. Same with any team sitting on their Non-Taxpayer MLE. But if the Nets or another team knew they could land Kuminga with the Warriors having no ability to match, that could change things.

Because of that, Horford, Melton and Payton are in a holding pattern. Given that trio seemingly has a preferred destination of the Bay Area, they seem content to wait it out.

The rest of the list has largely been crickets as far as free agency goes. There have been the occasional whispers surrounding Simmons, Westbrook and Brogdon, but nothing has come to pass just yet. Brogdon is the most plug-and-play of this group, and there are a handful of teams that could use his on- and off-ball skills. Simmons and Westbrook are trickier fits, because they are on-ball playmakers whose need for usage no longer matches their ability to justify that usage.

Coffey will end up as one of the best value deals of the offseason at this point. He’s a playable rotation wing, in a class that didn’t have many of those. It’s kind of a mystery why he’s still on the market, but perhaps holding on for a while will see him land a deal above the veteran minimum amount.

Lyles, Boucher and Achiuwa are all backup bigs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have value. All three could help teams who need to fill out their frontcourt rotation. Given how late we are in the process, all three are probably looking at veteran minimum deals. But landing in the right spot should help their value for another run at free agency next offseason.

Teams Who Need to Sign a Player(s)

• Cleveland Cavaliers - must sign at least one player
• Detroit Pistons - must sign at least one player
• Golden State Warriors - must sign at least five players
• New York Knicks - must sign at least two players
• Philadelphia 76ers - must sign at least one player

NBA teams have to carry at least 14 players on standard contracts. There are exceptions to this rule, which allow for teams to drop below 14 players for up to 14 days at a time, with a max of 28 days per season. Because of this minimum roster requirement, it’s fairly rare to see a team enter the regular season with fewer than 14 players signed to a standard deal.

The group of five teams above are all in slightly different places with hitting their roster minimum.

The Cavs are currently the only NBA team that is above the second apron, as they sit $19.7 million over that marker. That means Cleveland is facing a massive tax bill. However, they’ll sign a 14th player eventually, because they have to. Look for one more targeted veteran minimum signing, likely in the frontcourt. Running it back with Tristan Thompson likely makes the most sense here.

The Pistons are miles away from the aprons or the luxury tax. They simply haven’t found a player to fill out their roster with yet. Detroit is limited to offering veteran minimum deals to free agents. However, having a bunch of flexibility under the luxury tax, as well as having a TPE of $14 million, has the Pistons in great shape to take a player on in trade from a team that needs to shed some salary.

We touched on the Warriors above when discussing both Jonathan Kuminga and the veteran free agents. They’ve got a lot of work to do, but everything will hold until the Kuminga situation is resolved one way or another.

The Knicks are again dancing around a second-apron hard cap. New York can fit in a rookie minimum deal (James Nnaji? Mohamed Diawara?) and a veteran minimum signing. This roster is at least two-deep with rotation players at every spot, so the Knicks can afford to be picky with filling out the bench. No team in the league has done a better job over the last year or so with working with tight margins under a hard cap than New York has.

As for Philadelphia, their 14th spot seems earmarked for Quentin Grimes. That’s the logical path, at least. From there, the Sixers can figure out how/when/if they want to fill out to the 15th spot, which would increase the team’s post-Grimes tax bill.

Teams Who Need to Waive a Player(s)

• Brooklyn Nets - need to waive at least two players
• Charlotte Hornets - need to waive at least three players
• Dallas Mavericks - need to waive at least one player

These three teams are in different spots from each other, but all have roster moves to make to get down to the maximum allowable of 15 players on standard contracts.

The Nets are still sitting on over $20 million in cap space, even after factoring in reported agreements with Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams and Ricky Council IV. That means that eating a couple of contracts is no big deal for Brooklyn. In fact, they’ll be the prime trade partner for teams that need a facilitator by taking on another contract or two.

Brooklyn has to get to the salary floor before the start of the regular season, or they’ll have a cap hold for the difference put on their books. Even more important: The Nets would miss out on the luxury tax disbursement from the NBA at the end of the season. That means they will get to the salary floor one way or another. If that comes through taking on contracts and having dead money on the book, so be it. It all counts the same when it comes to the floor.

As it stands, there aren’t any “easy” cuts for the Nets at the moment. They have some high-salary vets who aren’t going anywhere. They drafted five players in the first round of this year’s draft, and those players are all staying. And there are a few other players who the team likes a lot. Plus, Cam Thomas is still unsigned.

If we had to make a projection right now, we’d say that Drew Timme, one of Tyrese Martin or Jalen Wilson, and Dariq Whitehead have the least chances of sticking around. The team has added a lot of frontcourt depth, lessening the need for Timme. Same on the wing with Martin or Wilson. Whitehead is a former first-round pick, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy or to break through. It’s probably time to cut bait there.

The Hornets are over the cap, but well under the tax. They’ve got 18 players on standard deals though, and none are camp deals. That means that Charlotte has three cuts to make. Pat Connaughton was acquired in a salary-clearing move. The Hornets have a bunch of younger wings that they are prioritizing playing. That means Connaughton is likely gone.

Things get a bit more difficult after that. DaQuan Jeffries saw some rotation minutes last year, but the guard group is pretty full. He’s also on a non-guaranteed deal.

The last one is the most difficult. Moussa Diabate also has a non-guaranteed contract, but he’s an important player for frontcourt depth. He’s not going anywhere. That means cutting another guaranteed deal. The guess here is that decision comes down to Nick Smith Jr. or Josh Green. Smith played better last season, but he’s stuck behind a lot of other off-ball guard options. Green can swing up to play the three and he’s a better 3&D option for a team that needs that skillset. For now, Smith is probably the one who goes.

Dallas is in a tough spot too. They reportedly have an agreement to re-sign Dante Exum, but the Mavericks don’t have a roster spot for him at the moment, nor the room under their second-apron hard cap. That means that someone will have to go for Exum to come back.

Brandon Williams has the only non-guaranteed contract on the roster, so that’s where you probably look first. However, Dallas is still light on ballhandlers while Kyrie Irving rehabs.  Could that mean Williams stays, while Mavs mainstay Dwight Powell could be on the chopping block? He’s got an expiring deal at $4 million. If Dallas were to trade Powell into a team’s exception or cap space, they could create some additional wiggle room under that second-apron hard cap. Powell has been there forever, but the Mavericks are deep in frontcourt options, Powell has fallen out of the rotation and the long-time center was brought in under different ownership and front office groups. That’s the safer, and more logical, move than waiving Williams. But safety and logic don’t always win out in the NBA.

Cameron Young wins Wyndham Championship. Young earns $1.48 million bringing his 2025 on-course earnings to $4.67 million and his career earnings to $27.09 million.

Wyndham Championship Top 10 Payouts

In 2025 the NWSL’s Secondary Window is almost 90% longer than previous years. Twenty-nine days into the 55 day long window covers the same window length as the 2023 and 2024 secondary windows. Here’s a dive into how the first 29 days compare to previous year’s windows. 

In terms of signings and trades, the 2025 window thus far is pretty close in comparison to 2023 with only two less new signings and one more trade (although in both years none of the trades have included player movement). 

One potential factor in the big difference between the 2024 and 2025 windows is the fact that the new CBA effectively ended the trade windows. This isn’t the only factor as even without narrow windows for trades there were only three trades between the start of the season and the secondary window opening. Another potential component could be the new CBA’s requirement of player approval on trades. The new CBA wasn’t announced until August 22nd in 2024 (towards the end of the window), but there is no way to really quantify if this could be impacting things from publicly known information. 

A comparison of 2024 and 2025 secondary windows including trades/signings/loans/joining or leaving active roster

Deep diving a bit into 2024 and 2025, looking at both trades and signings the 2024 window had over twice the number of players joining new teams, and less players leaving the active rosters — whether by trade, SEI, or loans. In 2025 the only teams to not have any incoming players are Orlando, Portland, and Louisville. 

In a stark contrast to their 2024 secondary window, Angel City has the highest number of players joining the active roster at five — ACFC’s incoming account for over 25% of the league total additions to active rosters. 

With an additional 26 days left in the 2025 secondary window, teams outside of the top four really need to focus on finding those special pieces which can help elevate their clubs in the second half of the season. 

Dave Parker

Selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the 1970 MLB Draft, Dave Parker signed a $6,000 bonus to join the organization. He would rise through the minor league levels quickly, seeing his MLB contract purchased (for good) on July 12, 1973.

Parker would play on near-minimum salaries through 1978, earning an estimated $620,000 over that span, before he and the Pirates agreed to a then-historic 5 year contract extension that averaged over $1M per year. Based on reporting, the contract came with a $7.75 total value, but $5.625M of that was deferred from 1988-2007, lowering its present day value significantly.
Parker would play out the contract in its entirety, before signing a 2 year, $1.6M free agent contract to join the Cincinnati Reds in the winter of 1983.

He remained in Cincy for 4 seasons, earning over $3.7M during that span, before heading to Oakland in a trade for two prospects. After two seasons in the bay, Parker joined the Brewers on a 2 year, $3M free agent contract, spending one season in Milwaukee before a trade to California in 1991. The Angels released Parker out of the deal in early September, allowing him to join the Blue Jays for the final month of his career.

Spotrac is estimating that Dave Parker earned over $17.1M in his 19 year career.

CC Sabathia

The Cleveland Indians’ 1st Round (#20 overall) pick back in 1998 secured a $1.3M signing bonus to join the organization. C.C. Sabathia’s minor league tenure concluded after the 2000 season, as the Indians purchased Sabathia’s contract out of camp in April of 2001. Sabathia signed a 4 year, $9.5M extension prior to the 2002 season, buying out the remainder of his team control through 2006.

A 2 year, $17.5M extension kept him in Cleveland a little longer, but the Indians traded Sabathia to Milwaukee near the 2008 deadline for a 4-player package that included Michael Brantley.

The Yankees would pounce the following winter, locking in Sabathia to a 7 year, $161M free agent contract. He remained in the Bronx for the rest of his career, adding 1-year extensions of $30M, $10M, and $8M through 2019.

Spotrac is estimating that C.C. Sabathia earned $265M in his 19 year career.

Ichiro Suzuki

27-year-old Ichiro Suzuki signed a 3 year, $14M foreign professional contract with the Seattle Mariners after being posted by the Orix BlueWave of the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan. Seattle paid a $13.25M posting fee to Orix as part of the deal. This first MLB contract came with a laundry list of attributes, including $7M cash deferred, a full no trade clause and significant awards/plate appearance incentives, turning a base value $14M contract into nearly $22M when all said and done.

The two sides avoided all arbitration years thereafter with a 3 year, $44M contract extension in the winter of 2003 that increased to $45.6M after factoring in earned incentives.

From there things got real, with Ichiro locking in a 5 year, $90M contract extension through 2012 that included $25M in deferred compensation, and standard award bonuses. He’d remain in Seattle for 4 of those seasons before being shipped to the Bronx, where the Yankees would extend the 38-year-old at 2 years, $13M.

41-year-old Suzuki then went on to spend 3 seasons in Miami, before returning to Seattle on a minor league contract that would see him into retirement before the start of the season.

Spotrac is estimating that Ichiro Suzuki earned over $178M in his 19 year career.

Billy Wagner

Drafted by Houston #12 overall back in 1993, Billy Wagner secured a $550,000 signing bonus to join the organization. His MLB contract would be purchased a little over 2 years later (September 13, 1995), putting him on track to take on a significant role beginning with the 1996 campaign.

Wagner played out near-minimum salaries through his pre-arbitration process, but locked in a 3 year, $10.3M contract in 1999 that bought out 3 of his first 4 years of arbitration control. A 3 year, $27M extension thereafter would take care of the final control year + 3 years of free agency with an exercised club option. Wagner spent the final two seasons of this contract in Philadelphia, where he was traded in exchange for 3 prospects following the 2003 campaign.

The Mets picked up 34-year-old Wagner in free agency on a 4 year, $43M contract that included award bonuses and a full no trade clause. Wagner would lift that clause to accept a trade to Boston at the 2009 waiver deadline where he would finish out the deal.

The Atlanta Braves added 38-year-old Wagner that winter on a 1 year, $7M free agent contract through the 2010 season. The deal included a $6.5M vesting option for 2011 that became fully guaranteed based on appearances. However, Wagner agreed to waive that guarantee in lieu of retirement, allowing the Braves to retain his rights should he opt for a comeback at any point in time.

Spotrac is estimating that Billy Wagner earned just under $95M in his 16 year career.

Joaquin Niemann wins the eleventh LIV Golf event of 2025 at United Kingdom and earns $4.375 million. 

United Kingdom Top 10

Kurt Kitayama wins 3M Open. Scheffler earns $1.51 million bringing his 2025 on-course earnings to $2.46 million and his career earnings to $14.49 million.

3M Open Top 10 Payouts

With training camps underway, the time to reflect on the spring/summer that was is also here. Spotrac details notable acquisitions by way of free agency, extension, or trade for every NFL team, while also detailing the current QB1 financial status for each.

Arizona Cardinals

Quarterback
Kyler Murray is under contract for another 4 years, $157.8M through 2028, with early vesting guarantees through the 2027 season. For practical purposes this is a 3 year, $111M deal going forward.

Free Agency
Signed OLB Josh Sweat to a 4 year $76.4M contract that includes $38M fully guaranteed through 2026. Sweat projects to become 1 of 6 new starters on the defensive side of the ball for Arizona in 2025.

Extension
Signed TE Trey McBride to a 4 year, $76M extension that includes $35.5M guaranteed through 2026 and 3 years, $44M for practical purposes. The deal makes McBride the 2nd highest paid TE in football by almost every financial metric.

Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback
Messy. Michael Penix Jr. enters Year 2 of his rookie deal, carrying 3 years, $8.6M fully guaranteed through 2027, plus the 5th-year option available in 2028. That is largely overshadowed however by the $37.5M fully guaranteed to Kirk Cousins, including $27.5M this season, and $10M in 2026.

Free Agency
Signed OLB Leonard Floyd to a 1 year, $10M fully guaranteed contract - the largest guarantee Atlanta handed out this free agent season. Floyd should bookend new first round pick Jalon Walker, factoring into a highly rebuilt defense for 2025.

Extension
OT Jake Matthews garnered a 2 year, $45M extension that includes $38M fully guaranteed through 2026, his 34-year-old season. The final 2 years, $38M of the deal are loosely considered option years.

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback
Lamar Jackson has 3 years, $146.75M remaining on his contract, but is staring down future cap hits of $74.5M in each of 2026/2027. Baltimore will be motivated to spread this out a bit more both for cash and capflow purposes. Mathematically speaking, Jackson is a $68M per year player in our system.

Free Agency
WR DeAndre Hopkins’ fully guaranteed 1 year, $5M contract is the largest guarantee Baltimore handed out this free agency. The 33-year-old can add another million to the deal by way of incentives.

Extension
The two largest extensions likely haven’t happened yet (QB Lamar Jackson, S Kyle Hamilton) but OT Ronnie Stanley’s 3 year, $60M contract to avoid free agency was certainly a good start. The deal includes $44M fully guaranteed through 2026, putting Stanley on track to eclipse $150M in career earnings.

Buffalo Bills

Quarterback
Josh Allen’s new contract guarantees him $232.5M through 2028, making it a 5 year $272.5M deal for practical purposes. Allen will be 33 years old after the 2029 season, setting himself up for (at least) one more big payday thereafter.

Free Agency
WR Josh Palmer leaves the Chargers on a 3 year, $29M free agent contract that includes $18M guaranteed through 2026. The 26-year-old can add $2M per year based on receiving incentives. He’s a not-so-sneaky big season candidate.

Extension
Many. QB Josh Allen did a start-over 6 year, $330M contract ($250M guaranteed) that replaced 4 years, $171M remaining previously. While Allen didn’t “max out” on this new deal, the 4 year, $220M payout structure is easily the new high bar. Elsewhere, DE Greg Rousseau extended out of his 5th-year option on a 4 year, $80M deal that includes $54M guaranteed through 2027. CB Christian Benford turned a $3.3M salary into $37.6M fully guaranteed on his new 4 year, $69M extension. WR Khalil Shakir locked in $30M guaranteed on his 4 year, $53M extension, while LB Terrel Bernard is guaranteed nearly $24M on his new 4 year, $42M contract.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback
Bryce Young enters the all important Year 3 of his rookie contract, with 2 years, $10.1M fully guaranteed remaining - plus an available 5th-year option for 2027. Young showed signs of life in 2024, and will become extension-eligible for the first time this coming January.

Free Agency
S Trevon Moehrig left the Raiders on a 3 year, $51M contract that includes $34.5M fully guaranteed through 2026. He can add $1.5M per year based on Pro Bowl/All-Pro honors.

Extension
Jaycee Horn was the first big cornerback extension domino to fall this offseason, when Carolina locked him in to 4 years, $100M new through 2029. The 26-year-old gets $72M in early-vesting guarantees, setting up 4 years, $87.5M for practical purposes.

Chicago Bears

Quarterback

Caleb Williams enters Year 2 of a rookie deal that contains 3 years, $13.1M fully guaranteed remaining plus a 5th-year option in 2028. Williams won’t become extension-eligible until after the 2026 season.

Free Agency
DE Dayo Odeyingbo left Indy on a 3 year, $48M free agent contract that includes $29.5M fully guaranteed through 2026. The 26-year-old should see $33M over the next two seasons for practical purposes. Also of note, C Drew Dalman was added from Atlanta on a 3 year, $42M contract ($26.5M fully guaranteed).

Extension
Guards Jonah Jackson (3 years, $52.5M, $24.5M guaranteed) & Joe Thuney (2 years, $35M, $33.5M guaranteed) were both acquired and extended to immediately reinforce Caleb Williams’ interior line. NB Kyler Gordon’s 3 year, $40M deal ($21M guaranteed) helps to solidify the secondary for two more seasons as well.

Trade
The Bears acquired G Jonah Jackson from the Rams in exchange for a 2025 6th Rd Pick and G Joe Thuney from the Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 4th Rd Pick. Both players were subsequently extended.

Cincinnati Bengals

Quarterback
Joe Burrow enters Year 3 of his 7 year, $310M total value contract in Cincy, set to earn over $35M for the upcoming season. The guarantee structure makes this a 3 year, $107M contract for practical purposes, setting up Burrow for another splash payday at around 32-years-old.

Free Agency
DT Tedarrell Slaton joined from Green Bay on a 2 year, $14.1M contract that includes $5M fully guaranteed, the largest guarantee handed out by the Bengals this free agency. Slaton projects to start on a defensive line that is very much in flux right now.

Extension
Still one more to come (Trey Hendrickson), but the Bengals were aggressive in locking in top weapons this offseason, signing WR Ja'Marr Chase (4 years, $161M new, $112M guaranteed), and WR Tee Higgins (4 years, $115M, $41M guaranteed). For Chase it’s a 4 year, $138M deal practically, while Higgins secures a much more tempered 2 year, $59M protected outlook. At over $79M in combined AAV, the Bengals now carry the highest paid WR room in football.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback
TBD. Joe Flacco holds $3M guaranteed on a max $13M salary, Kenny Pickett is fully guaranteed his $2.6M salary this season, Dillon Gabriel’s $1.1M signing bonus is the only locked in portion of his rookie contract, as is Shedeur Sanders’ $447,380. And of course despite his $92M guaranteed through 2026, Deshaun Watson is not expected to return to action for the Browns.

Free Agency
DT Maliek Collins joins from San Francisco on a 2 year $20M free agent contract that includes $10M fully guaranteed, all in 2025. Collins figures to join new first round pick Mason Graham on the interior of Cleveland’s starting defensive line this season.

Extension
Cleveland’s singular extension this offseason was a big one, removing Myles Garrett from the trade hot stove with a 4 year, $160M new money extension that includes $123.5M of full, early vesting guarantee through the 2028 season. Garrett earned $100M across 5 seasons on his previous contract, but will now see exactly that much over the next 3 seasons combined.

Trade
The Browns acquired QB Kenny Pickett from Philly, giving up QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 5th Rd Pick. Pickett comes with a 1 year, $2.6M contract, and is very much in the mix to be the Week 1 starting QB.

Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback
Dak Prescott enters Year 2 of his 5 year, $274M total value contract that includes $149.75M more of early vesting guarantees through 2028. It’ll take a full salary buyout to get out of this contract anytime soon.

Free Agency
DE Dante Fowler Jr. signed a 1 year, $6M contract that includes $5M fully guaranteed, $1M in per-game active bonus, and $2M more if he reaches 11 sacks this season.

Extension
Micah Parsons’ blockbuster is still pending, but the Cowboys got their offseason off to a hot start with an early March 4 year, $80M contract extension for DT Osa Odighizuwa. The pending free agent secured $39M fully guaranteed through 2026.

Trade
Dallas began the league year by acquiring CB Kaiir Elam (1 year, $2.5M) from the Bills, LB Kenneth Murray (1 year, $7.5M) from the Titans, and QB Joe Milton III (3 years, $3.2M) from the Patriots. The Cowboys relinquished 4 late round draft picks to process these trades. In May, Dallas finalized the acquisition of WR George Pickens (1 year, $3.6M) from Pittsburgh with a 6th Rd pick in exchange for 3rd & 5th Rd picks.

Denver Broncos

Quarterback
Bo Nix enters Year 2 of a rookie contract that has 3 years, $7.5M remaining plus a 5th-year option in 2028. He won’t become extension-eligible until after the 2026 season.

Free Agency
S Talanoa Hufanga joins from San Francisco on a 3 year, $39M free agent contract that includes $20M fully guaranteed through 2026. The 26-year-old can add another $1.5M annually based on interceptions and All-Pro honors.

Extension
A few more candidates remain (WR Courtland Sutton, DE Zach Allen) but Denver was able to keep DT D.J. Jones off of the open market with a 3 year, $30M extension that includes $26M fully guaranteed through 2026.

Detroit Lions

Quarterback
Jared Goff enters Year 2 of a 5 year, $240M contract that includes $95M more guaranteed through the 2027 season. Goff threw for a career-high 37 TDs in 2024.

Free Agency
CB D.J. Reed leaves the Jets on a 3 year, $48M free agent contract that includes $31M fully guaranteed through 2026. Reed should slide right into a starting RCB role amidst a very talented secondary in Detroit.

Extension
Speaking of which: S Kerby Joseph signed a 4 year, $86M extension out of the final year of his rookie contract that includes $36M practically guaranteed through the 2027 season. Joseph posted a career-high 9 INTs in 2025, and now has 17 in just 3 NFL seasons.

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback
Jordan Love enters Year 2 of his 4 year, $220M rookie extension, set to earn $13M in 2025. The 26-year-old has $84M of early vesting guarantee remaining on the deal through the 2027 season.

Free Agency
G Aaron Banks leaves San Francisco on a massive 4 year, $77M free agent contract that includes $27M fully guaranteed at signing. The 28-year-old will earn $29.4M this season, $47.5M through 2026.

Extension
RT Zach Tom locked in a 4 year, $88M extension just prior to camp that puts him under contract through 2029 at $91.5M. The 26-year-old secures $30.2M fully guaranteed.

Houston Texans

Quarterback
C.J. Stroud enters an all-important Year 3 of his rookie contract, set to earn $4M in 2025. The 23-year-old becomes extension-eligible for the first time after the upcoming season, and could be in line to reset the QB market.

Free Agency
LT Cam Robinson leaves the Vikings on a 1 year, $12M contract that includes $10.75M fully guaranteed. Robinson can add another $2.5M based on playing time & Pro Bowl honors.

Extension
CB Derek Stingley Jr. extended out of the final 2 years of his rookie contract on a massive 3 year, $90M deal that keeps him on the books through 2029. The 24-year-old gets 4 years of full/early vesting guarantee at over $89M. Fellow CB Jalen Pitre (3 years, $39M; $20M guaranteed) & DE Danielle Hunter (1 year, $35.6M fully guaranteed).

Trade
Houston acquired WR Christian Kirk (1 year, $16.5M) from Jacksonville in exchange for a 7th Rd pick to begin the league year. Shortly after, the Texans sent G Kenyon Green and a 5th Rd pick to Philly in exchange for  S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (2 years, $20M), then brought over G Ed Ingram from Minnesota for a 6th Rd pick.

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback
Daniel Jones (1 year, $14M; $13M guaranteed) will compete this summer with Anthony Richardson who has 2 years, $9.2M fully guaranteed remaining plus a 5th-year option for 2027.

Free Agency
Camryn Bynum leaves Minnesota on a 4 year, $60M free agent contract that includes $26M fully guaranteed, and 2 years, $31M for practical purposes. He figures to step in as the Week 1 starting free safety for Indy. Elsewhere, CB Charvarius Ward joins from San Francisco (3 years, $54M; $27M fully guaranteed), while Daniel Jones, the assumed Week 1 QB1, signed a 1 year, $14M ($13M guaranteed) that includes $3.7M more of incentives.

Extension
No notable signings.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence is locked in on a 4 year, $163M early vesting guarantee through the 2028 season, keeping the pressure on the Jaguars to build/improve/replace every offseason.

Free Agency
G Patrick Mekari joins from Baltimore on a 3 year, $37.5M free agent contract that includes $20M fully guaranteed through 2026. The 27-year-old figures to be the Week 1 starting right guard in front of Trevor Lawrence. Elsewhere CB Jourdan Lewis leaves Dallas on a 3 year, $30M contract at $20M guaranteed & C Robert Hainsey joins from Tampa (3 years, $21M; $10M guaranteed).

Extension
P Logan Cooke is the lone extended-player for Jacksonville this summer, to the tune of 4 years, $16M. The 29-year-old secures $9.5M fully guaranteed through 2026. 

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback

Patrick Mahomes might have 7 years, $315.7M remaining on his contract, but this is a 3 year, $160M deal for practical purposes. The Chiefs pulled significant money from the 2028-2029 seasons forward to keep Mahomes properly compensated from a cashflow perspective through 2027.

Free Agency
OT Jaylon Moore joins from San Francisco on a 2 year, $30M contract that includes $21.2M fully guaranteed. The 28-year-old will compete with 1st Round pick Josh Simmons for a starting tackle spot in 2025. Elsewhere CB Kristian Fulton leaves the Chargers on a 2 year, $20M free agent deal at $15M fully guaranteed and should slot into the starting RCB role for KC.

Extension
G Trey Smith was extended out of a franchise tag to the tune of 4 years, $94M, $70M of which is a full/early vesting guarantee. It’s a 3 year, $70.5M contract for practical purposes. Shortly after, DE George Karlaftis was extended out of the final two years of his rookie deal to a 4 year, $88M deal. The 24-year-old snags $32M fully guaranteed at signing. Elsewhere, LB Nick Bolton avoided free agency on a 3 year, $45M deal ($30M fully guaranteed), and CB Trent McDuffie is very likely to see a blockbuster extension before the summer sets.

Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback
Newly acquired Geno Smith signed a 2 year, $75M extension that includes $58.5M fully guaranteed, with 2 years, $66.5M on the books for practical purposes. Smith can add $3.5M annually based on playoff wins.

Free Agency
S Jeremy Chinn joins from Washington on a 2 year, $16.25M free agent contract that includes $12.25M fully guaranteed. The 27-year-old projects to be the Week 1 starting strong safety in Vegas.

Extension
DE Maxx Crosby eliminated trade talks by signing a 3 year, $106.5M extension through 2029 that provides him $91.5M of full/early vesting guarantee. The 28-year-old gets a very aggressive $94M payout over the next 3 seasons.

Trade
The Raiders acquired QB Geno Smith from Seattle in exchange for a 3rd Rd pick. Smith was subsequently extended to a 3 year, $106M total value contract.

Los Angeles Chargers

Quarterback
Justin Herbert enters Year 3 of his rookie extension set to earn $60M in 2025. The 27-year-old has 5 years, $222.5M remaining, with 4 years, $172M of it full/early vesting guaranteed.

Free Agency
CB Donte Jackson joins from Carolina on a 2 year, $13M free agent contract that includes $7M fully guaranteed (all in 2025). The 30-year-old projects to be the Week 1 starting LCB in LA. Additionally, RG Mekhi Becton leaves the Eagles on a 2 year, $20M contract with $6.94M fully guaranteed (all in 2025).

Extension
Despite free agency/retirement rumors, EDGE Khalil Mack re-upped in LA in a 1 year, $18M fully guaranteed extension this March. The Chargers also avoided free agency with S Elijah Molden on a 3 year, $18.5M extension that includes $13.5M fully guaranteed through 2026.

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback
Matthew Stafford signed a 2 year, $84M renegotiated contract this offseason that includes $40M fully guaranteed at signing, all in 2025. The 37-year-old received a $17M raise for the upcoming season, but no security for 2026, where his $40M compensation becomes fully guaranteed on the 5th league day next March.

Free Agency
WR Davante Adams joins from the Jets on a 2 year, $44M contract, $26M of which is fully guaranteed at signing. The 32-year-old can add $1M more annually based on Pro Bowl/Playoff wins. The Rams also signed DT Poona Ford away from the Chargers on a 3 year, $27.6M free agent contract that includes $15.6M fully guaranteed through 2026.

Extension
LT Alaric Jackson avoided free agency with a 3 year, $56.3M extension to remain Matthew Stafford’s blindside tackle. The 27-year-old secures $30M fully guaranteed at signing.

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa enters Year 2 of his rookie extension set to earn over $51M for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old has 4 years, $192M remaining on the deal, though there’s a pretty clear “out” available after the 2026 season.

Free Agency
G James Daniels joins from Pittsburgh on a 3 year, $24M free agent contract that includes $7.25M fully guaranteed, all in 2025. The 27-year-old figures to be the Week 1 starting left guard for Miami.

Extension
No notable signings.

Trade
Miami made two notable summer acquisitions, bringing back S Minkah Fitzpatrick (2 years, $33M) and a 5th Rd pick in exchange for CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith, & a 7th Rd pick and bringing TE Darren Waller out of retirement in exchange for a late-round pick swap. Waller signed a 1 year, $2M contract upon arrival.

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback
22-year-old J.J. McCarthy takes the reins in 2025, entering Year 2 of a rookie contract that contains 3 years, $8.3M fully guaranteed remaining plus a 5th-year option for 2028. The #10 overall pick won’t become extension-eligible until after 2026.

Free Agency
G Will Fries leaves Indy on a 5 year, $87.7M blockbuster free agent contract that includes $34M fully guaranteed through 2026. The 27-year-old figures to start on the right side of the line, and can add $1.5M annually based on All-Pro honors. Additionally, NB Byron Murphy returns on a 3 year, $54M contract that comes with a 2 year, $35M cost for practical purposes, DT Jonathan Allen leaves Washington on a 3 year, $51M deal ($23.2M fully guaranteed), and Javon Hargrave leaves the Niners on a 2 year, $30M contract ($19M fully guaranteed).

Extension
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel tacked a 1 year, $23M guarantee on to the final year of his previous contract, securing himself a $7M raise for the upcoming season. While TE Josh Oliver signed a 3 year, $23.25M extension that locks him in at $16M across the next two seasons.

Trade
The Vikings added RB Jordan Mason (2 years, $10.5M) in exchange for a 5th Rd pick and a 6th Rd swap. A month later they secured QB Sam Howell (1 year, $1.1M) from Seattle in exchange for a 5th Rd pick swap.

New England Patriots

Quarterback
Drake Maye enters Year 2 of a rookie contract that has 3 years, $12.3M fully guaranteed remaining plus a 5th-year-option in 2028. He won’t become extension-eligible until after 2026.

Free Agency
DL Milton Williams leaves the Eagles on a massive 4 year, $104M free agent contract. The deal includes $51M fully guaranteed at signing through 2026, including $32M for the upcoming season. WR Stefon Diggs joins from Houston on a 3 year, $63.5M contract with $16.6M fully guaranteed. CB Carlton Davis leaves Detroit on a 3 year, $54M deal that comes in at 2 years, $34.5M for practical purposes. LB Harold Landry joins from Tennessee on a 3 year, $43.5M contract that brings in $26M fully guaranteed through 2026. OLB Robert Spillane leaves Las Vegas on a 3 year, $33M deal with $20.6M fully guaranteed through 2026. RT Morgan Moses leaves the Jets on a 3 year, $24M free agent contract that comes with $11M guaranteed through 2026.

Extension
TE Austin Hooper avoids free agency with a 1 year, $5M contract that includes $4M guaranteed, and an additional $2M to be made based on playing time & receptions.

New Orleans Saints

Quarterback
Derek Carr’s retirement certainly changed the landscape for New Orleans in 2025 (and handed them around $30M of reduced cash/dead cap going forward), paving the way for newly drafted Tyler Shough to take the reins. The 2nd round pick signed a fully guaranteed 4 year, $10.8M contract this month that includes a $4.5M signing bonus.

Free Agency
DE Chase Young returned on a 3 year, $51M contract that includes $27M fully guaranteed into 2026. The 26-year-old played out a 1 year, $13M contract in New Orleans last season. S Justin Reid leaves KC on a 3 year, $31.5M free agent contract that holds $22.25M fully guaranteed through 2026. TE Juwan Johnson returns on a 3 year, $30.75M contract that guarantees him over $21M across the next two seasons.

Extension
DT Nathan Shepherd signed a 1 year, $8.5M renegotiated extension that includes $4.5M guaranteed, all in 2025.

Trade
DT Davon Godchaux (2 years, $11M) was brought over from New England in exchange for a 7th Rd pick.

New York Giants

Quarterback
Russell Wilson joins from Pittsbugh on a 1 year, fully guaranteed $10.5M contract that can max out at $21M with incentives. The 36-year-old has already been named the Week 1 starter.
Free Agency
CB Paulson Adebo leaves New Orleans on a 3 year, $54M free agent contract that comes with $34.75M fully guaranteed into 2026. The 26-year-old figures to start across from Deonte Banks in Week 1. Additionally, S Jevon Holland joins from Miami on a 3 year, $45.3M contract that contains $27.4M guaranteed into 2026. WR Darius Slayton gets $22M fully guaranteed into 2026 on his 3 year, $36M contract to return to NY.

Extension
P Jamie Gillan signed a 3 year, $9M extension to avoid free agency, including a $4M guarantee into 2026. The 28-year-old has been punting for NY since the 2022 season.

New York Jets

Quarterback
Justin Fields signed a 2 year, $40M free agent contract that comes with $30M fully guaranteed into 2026. Fields secures a $20M payout in 2025 after finishing off his rookie contract in Pittsburgh last season.

Free Agency
CB Brandon Stephens leaves Baltimore on a 3 year, $36M free agent contract that includes $23M guaranteed through 2026. The 27-year-old projects to be the Week 1 starting RCB.

Extension
WR Garrett Wilson added 4 years, $130M to the two years remaining on his rookie contract, putting him at over $150M in total base value through 2030. The deal contains $90M of full/early vesting guarantee into 2028, locking up the 25-year-old for 4 seasons. Sauce Gardner reset the CB market with a 4 year, $120.4M that secures him over $85M through the 2028 season. LB Jamien Sherwood avoided free agency with a 3 year, $45M contract that includes $30M guaranteed through 2026.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback
Jalen Hurts enters Year 3 of his 6 year, $261M total contract, set to earn $42.5M for the upcoming season. $116M of the remaining $197M contains a full or early vesting guarantee into 2027.

Free Agency
No notable signings.

Extension
C Cam Jurgens returns on a 4 year, $68M free agent contract that includes $39M of full/early vesting guarantee through 2027. The 25-year-old is set to enter Year 2 as the starting center for Philly. LB Zack Baun turned a 1 year, $3.5M showcase deal last season into 3 years, $51M, $34M fully guaranteed going forward. The 28-year-old will secure over $17M in 2025. RB Saquon Barkley had 2 years, $27.25M remaining on his previous contract, but the Eagles rewarded him with a 2 year, $41.2M extension that now guarantees him $36M into 2027. RT Lane Johnson secured a 1 year, $25M, fully guaranteed extension that locks in that amount for 2025, with a $15M injury guarantee built in for 2026.

Trade
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (2 years, $2.1M) was acquired with a 5th Rd pick from Cleveland in exchange for QB Kenny Pickett. G Kenyon Green (1 year, $1.3M) was brought over with a 5th Rd pick in exchange for S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 6th Rd pick.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers leaves the Jets on a 1 year, $13.65M free agent contract that includes $10M fully guaranteed and $5.85M of additional Playoff/MVP incentives.

Free Agency
CB Darius Slay leaves Philly on a 1 year, $10M free agent contract that comes with $8.745M guaranteed. He joins S Juan Thornhill (1 year, $3M) and CB Jalen Ramsey (4 years, $84.7M) for a mostly-new secondary in Pittsburgh.

Extension
EDGE T.J. Watt gets a 3 year, $123M extension that includes a whopping $108M fully guaranteed at signing through 2027. While WR D.K. Metcalf pulls in $60M fully guaranteed through 2026 on his 4 year, $132M extension in a Trade/Extend from Seattle.

Trade
Pittsburgh acquired WR D.K. Metcalf & a 6th Rd pick in exchange for a 2nd & 7th Rd pick. Metcalf was extended into a 5 year, $150M total value contract. A few months later, the Steelers acquired CB Jalen Ramsey (4 years, $84.7M) & TE Jonnu Smith (2 years, $16M) with a 7th Rd pick in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 5th Rd pick.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback
Brock Purdy gets his big payday, securing $177.5M of full/early vesting guarantee into 2029 on his 5 year, $265M contract extension. While a few expensive outs exist after 2026, this is a 4-year contract at its surface.

Free Agency
TE Luke Farrell gets a $6M guarantee on his 3 year, $15.75M free agent contract away from Jacksonville, adding to a now very deep Tight End room for San Francisco. FB Kyle Juszczyk returns on a 2 year, $7.5M contract that includes $3.45M fully guaranteed in 2025. WR Demarcus Robinson joins from the Rams on a 2 year, $8M free agent deal that secures him $6M fully guaranteed into 2026.

Extension
TE George Kittle snags a 4 year, $76.4M extension through 2029 that includes $33M fully guaranteed through 2026. The 31-year-old was entering a contract year at a non-guaranteed $15M previously. LB Fred Warner added 3 years, $63M to 2 years, $36.5M remaining with $56.7M of it all fully guaranteed into 2027.

Trade
EDGE Bryce Huff (2 years, $34M) was added from Philly in exchange for a conditional 5th Rd pick.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback
Sam Darnold leaves Minnesota on a 3 year, $100.5M free agent contract that secures him $37.5M guaranteed, all in 2025. $17.5M of 2026 compensation becomes fully guaranteed 5 days after the upcoming Super Bowl.

Free Agency
WR Cooper Kupp joins from the Rams on a 3 year, $45M free agent contract that includes $17.5M fully guaranteed, all in 2025. The 32-year-old can add another million annually based on receptions/yards. DE DeMarcus Lawrence leaves Dallas on a 3 year, $32.5M contract that comes with $13M guaranteed, all in 2025.

Extension
LB Ernest Jones avoids free agency with a 3 year, $28.5M extension that secures him $10M at signing, all in 2025. DT Jarran Reed stayed in Seattle with a 3 year, $22M contract that gets him $8M guaranteed in 2025. P Michael Dickson tacked on 4 years, $16.2M through 2029 including $7.5M guaranteed, all in 2025.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback
Baker Mayfield enters Year 2 of his 3 year, $100M contract, set to earn $30M in the upcoming season. He can earn an additional $5M based on Passing production & playoff wins. Mayfield is signed through 2026 at $40M, but none of that compensation is guaranteed.

Free Agency
LB Haason Reddick leaves a tumultuous Jets tenure on a 1 year, $14M contract that includes $12M fully guaranteed. Additionally, LB Anthony Nelson returned on a 2 year, $10M contract with $5.5M guaranteed, all in 2025.

Extension
Despite lucrative offers elsewhere, Chris Godwin signed a 3 year, $66M contract to return to Tampa Bay. The deal includes $44M fully guaranteed at signing through 2026, and $1.625M of annual incentives based on receiving production & playoff wins. LG Ben Bredeson avoided free agency on a 3 year, $22M contract that contains $12.5M guaranteed through 2026.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback
Will Levis’ season-ending shoulder surgery leaves zero doubt that Cameron Ward will begin his rookie season as the Week 1 starter in Tennessee. The 23-year-old signed a fully guaranteed 4 year, $48.8M contract this summer that includes a $32.1M signing bonus.

Free Agency
OT Dan Moore leaves Pittsburgh on a 4 year, $82M free agent contract that includes $42.5M guaranteed into 2026. It’s a 2 year, $50M contract for practical purposes. LB Cody Barton joins from Denver on a 3 year, $21M contract that contains $9M fully guaranteed into 2026.

Extension
No notable contracts.

Washington Commanders

Quarterback
Jayden Daniels enters Year 2 of a rookie contract that includes 3 years, $12.7M remaining plus a 2028 5th-year option. The 24-year-old won’t become extension-eligible until after 2026.

Free Agency
DT Javon Kinlaw leaves the Jets on a 3 year, $45M free agent contract that contains $30M fully guaranteed through 2026. QB2 Marcus Mariota returns on a 1 year, $8M base value contract that includes $7.39M fully guaranteed, and $4M of incentives.

Extension
TE John Bates avoided free agency on a 3 year, $21M extension that includes $11.52M guaranteed through 2026. The 27-year-old can secure an additional $2M annually with incentives. LB Bobby Wagner garnered a $2.5M raise, securing a 1 year, $9M extension to remain in Washington through 2025.

Trade
WR Deebo Samuel (1 year, $17.5M) was added from San Francisco in exchange for a 5th Rd pick. Washington then acquired LT Laremy Tunsil (2 years, $42M) and a 4th Rd pick from Houston in exchange for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 7th Rd picks.

RELATED LINKS
2025 NFL Free Agency
NFL Trade Tracker
Team Salary Caps
Manage Roster Tool