2025 NFL free agency bold predictions: Sam Darnold back with Jets, Cowboys spend money and more

Four surprising free agency moves, or lack thereof, that could occur this offseason

The NFL's 2025 NFL free agency period could be more wild than ever in terms of the amount spent on players thanks to the league's surprising salary cap increase. 

The 2025 salary cap rose higher than expected all the way up to $279.2 million thanks to the league's increasing media rights deal. That's why there have already been some major moves that have taken place: the Washington Commanders trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the Las Vegas Raiders making edge rusher Maxx Crosby the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, the Chicago Bears trading for All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thuney, the Philadelphia Eagles extending running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Zack Baun and the Cowboys re-signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, just to name a few. 

There are plenty of big names up for grabs, and there are 12 teams that possess over $45 million in effective cap space per OverTheCap.com, which sets up for a frenetic opening to free agency. This also includes stars who have requested trades like Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. The Cincinnati Bengals gave 2024 NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. So what could happen next? Let's take a look with four bold predictions.