The 2025 NFL free agency period brought plenty of movement, but the Cowboys' grade? Yeah, no surprises there. Some teams landed big-name talent to reshape their rosters, while others struggled to hold onto their stars. With blockbuster trades, unexpected signings, and a few major departures, the offseason shake-up is already shifting the league's power balance. Here's how every franchise grades out after their free agency moves.

Ranking Every NFL Franchise's Free Agency Moves in 2025: Cowboys' grade shouldn't surprise anyone

Ranking Every NFL Franchise’s Free Agency Moves in 2025: Cowboys’ Grade Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone

The Cardinals made a strong push to bolster their defense, headlined by the addition of Josh Sweat (4 years, $76.4M) and the retention of Baron Browning (2 years, $15M) to keep their pass rush formidable. Dalvin Tomlinson (2 years, $29M) adds strength to the interior, while Akeem Davis-Gaither (2 years, $11M) and Mykal Walker (1 year, $1.79M) provide solid linebacker depth. The offense saw minimal upgrades, with Zay Jones (1 year, $4.4M) re-signed and Jacoby Brissett added as a veteran backup. While these moves improve the roster, Arizona could have done more to address its offensive needs.

6. Arizona Cardinals (Adjusted Cap: $293M | Available Cap: $285M)

32. Arizona Cardinals-Grade: B

Once again, the Falcons avoided making a splash at pass rusher, leaving fans wondering when that investment will come. Their biggest move was adding linebacker Divine Deablo (2 years, $14M), but outside of that, they played it safe. They did retain key pieces like Jake Matthews (2 years, $45M) and Mike Hughes (3 years, $18M) while also bringing in Leonard Floyd (1 year, $10M) to help the defense. However, the lack of bold moves keeps this free agency haul underwhelming.

31. Atlanta Falcons- Grade: D

Retaining Ronnie Stanley (3 years, $60M) was the Ravens' top priority, and they got it done, securing their anchor on the offensive line. With limited cap space, big splash moves weren't realistic, but they did bring in DeAndre Hopkins (1 year, $6M) to give Lamar Jackson another weapon. Tylan Wallace (1 year, $2.25M) also returns to the receiving corps, while Patrick Ricard stays in place at fullback. It wasn't a flashy offseason, but keeping key pieces intact was a win.

30. Baltimore Ravens-Grade: C

Locking in Josh Allen (6 years, $330M) ensures long-term stability, and keeping Greg Rousseau (4 years, $80M), Khalil Shakir (4 years, $60.2M), and Terrel Bernard (4 years, $50M) was a smart investment. However, the addition of Josh Palmer (3 years, $36M) doesn't exactly solve their need for a true No. 1 receiver. They also bolstered their defense with Joey Bosa (1 year, $12.6M) and Larry Ogunjobi (1 year, $8.3M), adding much-needed depth. While they retained key talent, a more impactful offensive move would have made this offseason a bigger success.

29. Buffalo Bills- Grade: C

Carolina went all-in on defense, re-signing Jaycee Horn (4 years, $100M) while adding Tershawn Wharton (3 years, $54M) and Trevon Moehrig (3 years, $51M) at hefty prices. They also bulked up the trenches with Bobby Brown III (3 years, $21M) and Patrick Jones II (2 years, $20M). On offense, they kept key contributors like Andy Dalton (2 years, $8M) and Tommy Tremble (2 years, $10.5M), but no major skill-position upgrades stand out. The defensive focus was necessary, but missing out on Milton Williams stings.

28. Carolina Panthers- Grade: B

The Bears went all-in on the trenches, revamping their offensive line by trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney while signing center Drew Dalman (3 years, $42M). They also beefed up the defensive front with Grady Jarrett (3 years, $43.5M) and Dayo Odeyingbo (3 years, $48M), adding much-needed power in the trenches. Gardner Minshew II was brought in as a veteran QB option, and they retained key depth pieces like Amen Ogbongbemiga (2 years, $5M). Chicago made major upgrades where it mattered most, setting the foundation for a stronger 2025 season.

9. Chicago Bears (Adjusted Cap: $284M | Available Cap: $280M)

27. Chicago Bears- Grade: A

This offseason hinges on what happens with Ja'Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson—making this grade a total wild card. The Bengals at least made the right call by franchise-tagging Tee Higgins, keeping a key weapon in place. Retaining B.J. Hill (3 years, $33M) and Mike Gesicki (3 years, $25.5M) helps maintain stability while signing Tedarrell Slaton (2 years, $15.1M) bolsters the defensive line. Whether this offseason is a success or disaster remains to be seen, but Cincinnati isn't done making moves.

26. Cincinnati Bengals- Grade: Incomplete

Locking down Myles Garrett (4 years, $160M) was a massive win, but beyond that, it was a quiet offseason. Trading for Kenny Pickett doesn't exactly fire up the fanbase, especially with questions about his long-term upside. Maliek Collins (2 years, $20M) and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (1 year, $4.75M) add depth to the defensive front, but the Browns didn't make any splashy moves. This offseason was more about maintenance than transformation.

28. Cleveland Browns (Adjusted Cap: $325M | Available Cap: $273M)

25. Cleveland Browns-Grade: C

Locking up Osa Odighizuwa (4 years, $80M) was smart, but the rest of the offseason? Not so much. The Cowboys stuck to bargain-bin additions like Solomon Thomas (2 years, $8M) and Javonte Williams (1 year, $3M), moves that won't close the gap on the Eagles or Commanders. Even trading for Kenneth Murray Jr. (1 year, $7.4M) and Kaiir Elam (1 year, $2.5M) feels more like a patchwork than progress. Dallas played it safe—maybe too safe.

5. Dallas Cowboys (Adjusted Cap: $306M | Available Cap: $285M)

24. Dallas Cowboys- Grade: D-

Denver's defense wasn't exactly a problem, but they doubled down on making it elite. Adding Talanoa Hufanga (3 years, $45M) and Dre Greenlaw (3 years, $35M) brings even more physicality and playmaking to an already tough unit. But the real boost? Evan Engram (2 years, $23M) is a dynamic tight end who adds a much-needed weapon on offense. The Broncos didn't just get better—they got meaner.

23. Denver Broncos- Grade: B+

The Lions made some moves, but nothing that shifted the needle. Swapping Carlton Davis for D.J. Reed (3 years, $48M) feels like a lateral move rather than a major upgrade. Beyond that, retaining key depth pieces like Derrick Barnes (3 years, $25.5M) and Marcus Davenport (1 year, $4.75M) was smart, but Detroit's offseason lacked fireworks. For a team on the rise, this free agency period felt more like treading water.

17. Detroit Lions – Grade: A-

22. Detroit Lions-Grade: C

The Packers spent big, but was it worth it? Aaron Banks (4 years, $77M) and Nate Hobbs (4 years, $48M) are solid players, but both contracts feel inflated. Green Bay also kept kicker Brandon McManus (3 years, $15.3M) and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (2 years, $8M), but this free agency class doesn't have the same impact as last year's. It's not a disaster, but it's far from a home run.

11. Green Bay Packers (Adjusted Cap: $297M | Available Cap: $278M)

21. Green Bay Packers-Grade: C-

What's the plan here? The Texans needed offensive line help, but instead, they traded away two starting linemen, making a bad situation worse. Even adding pieces like Sheldon Rankins (1 year, $7M) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (traded from the Eagles) doesn't make up for ignoring the team's biggest issue. Until they fix the trenches, everything else feels irrelevant.

20. Houston Texans- Grade: F

The Colts made some moves, but did they improve? Losing key linemen hurts, and while adding Charvarius Ward (3 years, $60M) and Camryn Bynum (4 years, $60M) strengthens the secondary, it's not enough to offset those losses. The Daniel Jones signing ($14M for 1 year) is a head-scratcher—he's a pricey insurance policy unless Anthony Richardson completely unravels. If the trenches don't hold up, none of this will matter.

19. Indianapolis Colts-Grade: D+

The Jaguars played it smart, spreading their money across multiple positions without breaking the bank. Patrick Mekari (3 years, $37.5M) brings versatility to the offensive line, while Jourdan Lewis (3 years, $30M) adds needed depth to the secondary. They even found a budget-friendly weapon in Dyami Brown (1 year, $10M) and a backup QB in Nick Mullens (2 years, $6.5M). It's a steady, practical offseason—nothing flashy, but it could pay off.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars- Grade: B

Figuring out a way to bring back Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, and Hollywood Brown was important, and the Chiefs got it done. Smith stayed on the franchise tag ($23.4M), Bolton re-upped for three years ($45M), and Brown added speed for another season ($11M). Restructuring Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones helped make it all work. Jaylon Moore (2 years, $30M) was a smart signing to patch a problem at tackle, making this a strong offseason for the defending champs.

14. Kansas City Chiefs (Adjusted Cap: $286M | Available Cap: $273M)

17. Kansas City Chiefs- Grade: A-

The Raiders found an upgrade at quarterback, locked in their defensive star, and kept a key pass rusher at a discount. Geno Smith takes over under center after a trade, while Maxx Crosby's three-year, $106.5M extension keeps him happy. Malcolm Koonce returns on a budget-friendly one-year, $12M deal, and Jeremy Chinn (2 years, $16M) brings versatility to the secondary. Losing some defensive pieces hurts, but overall, Vegas made moves that should keep them competitive.

16. Las Vegas Raiders- Grade: B

The Chargers had the resources to make a splash, but they mostly played it safe. Keeping Khalil Mack for another year at $18M helps maintain pass-rushing firepower, but the rest of the moves felt like maintenance rather than improvement. Najee Harris arrives on a one-year, $9.25M deal, but will he thrive behind a questionable offensive line? Adding Donte Jackson (2 years, $13M) and Benjamin St-Juste strengthens the secondary, but overall, this offseason lacked urgency.

4. Los Angeles Chargers

15. Los Angeles Chargers- Grade: D

Matthew Stafford is staying put, and now he's got Davante Adams to throw to—talk about a major upgrade. The offense looks primed to make noise, but the Rams didn't do enough to fix lingering issues at cornerback and linebacker. Poona Ford (3 years, $29.6M) bolsters the defensive front, and keeping Tutu Atwell (2 years, $10M) adds depth, but the back end of the defense remains a concern. If they don't shore up those weak spots, even Adams might not be enough to get them over the hump.

14. Los Angeles Rams- Grade: B

Losing Jevon Holland stings, but at least Miami found some offensive line help in James Daniels (3 years, $24M). Zach Wilson joins the QB room, but that doesn't exactly move the needle. The secondary took a hit, though Ifeatu Melifonwu (1 year, $4M) and Ashtyn Davis (1 year, $2.5M) bring depth. It's a patchwork offseason so far, with no major game-changers stepping in.

13. Miami Dolphins- Grade: C-

Once Sam Darnold was out, the Vikings wasted no time putting that cap space to work. Aaron Jones Sr. (2 years, $20M) and Byron Murphy Jr. (3 years, $66M) stayed put while massive investments in the trenches reshaped the roster. Jonathan Allen (3 years, $60M) and Javon Hargrave bolster the defensive front, while Will Fries (5 years, $88M) and Ryan Kelly (2 years, $18M) solidify the o-line. It's an aggressive, smart offseason that makes Minnesota a much tougher team.

13. Minnesota Vikings (Adjusted Cap: $284M | Available Cap: $273M)

12. Minnesota Vikings- Grade: A

New England went all-in on defense, throwing big money at Milton Williams (4 years, $104M), Carlton Davis (3 years, $60M), and Harold Landry III (3 years, $43.5M). They may have overpaid in some spots, but this roster badly needed talent, and they got it. Morgan Moses (3 years, $24M) provides much-needed stability at tackle, while Josh Dobbs (2 years, $8M) gives them an intriguing backup QB option. It's a classic Patriots offseason—calculated, aggressive, and all about getting better in the trenches.

11. New England Patriots-Grade: A-

The Giants made some moves in the secondary, but letting 2024 All-Pro Xavier McKinney walk still stings. Jevon Holland (3 years, $45M) and Paulson Adebo (3 years, $54M) should help, but the QB situation remains a major issue. Darius Slayton (3 years, $36M) sticking around gives their offense a reliable target, but is that enough? With no real answer under center and only modest additions elsewhere, this offseason feels more like treading water than true progress.

10. New York Giants- Grade: D

If you're all-in on Justin Fields (2 years, $40M), then this offseason might look better. But beyond the gamble at quarterback, the Jets didn't make many impactful moves and lost key pieces like Morgan Moses and D.J. Reed. Brandon Stephens (3 years, $36M) and Andre Cisco (1 year, $10M) bring help to the secondary, but nothing here screams "win-now." Unless Fields delivers in a big way, this offseason feels more like a lateral move than a step forward.

9. New York Jets- Grade: D

Running it back with Chase Young (3 years, $51M) at that price? Bold. The Saints' cap woes continue and restructuring deals for Tyrann Mathieu and Nathan Shepherd just kick the can down the road. Justin Reid (3 years, $31.5M) is a solid addition, but nothing here screams "game-changer." New Orleans needed to get younger and cheaper, but instead, they doubled down on expensive risks.

8. New Orleans Saints- Grade: F

Philly will survive, but losing some of the offseason's top free agents stings. Keeping Zack Baun (3 years, $51M) helps, but the additions of Kenyon Green (trade), A.J. Dillon, and Joshua Uche don't exactly make up for the departures. Saquon Barkley (2 years, $41.2M) staying put ensures firepower in the backfield, but this roster took more hits than upgrades. The Eagles are still contenders, but this free agency wasn't a win.

7. Philadelphia Eagles- Grade: D

The DK Metcalf trade (5 years, $150M) is a headline grabber, but its impact depends on who's throwing him the ball. Mason Rudolph (2 years, $8M) is back, but is he the answer? Darius Slay Jr. (1 year, $10M) bolsters the secondary, and Malik Harrison (2 years, $10M) adds defensive depth. Until the Steelers clarify their quarterback situation, this free agency haul remains a big "wait and see."

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (Adjusted Cap: $285M | Available Cap: $282M)

6. Pittsburgh Steelers-Grade: Incomplete

Losing Deebo Samuel Sr. in a trade to Washington was a gut punch, and the rest of free agency didn't ease the pain. Mac Jones (2 years, $7M) doesn't move the needle at quarterback, and while Demarcus Robinson (2 years, $9.5M) adds depth, he's no Deebo. Luke Farrell (3 years, $20.25M) provides a solid tight-end option, but where's the game-changing addition? Right now, the 49ers look worse than they did when last season ended.

4.San Francisco 49ers – Round 3, Pick 100

5.San Francisco 49ers- Grade: F

Is Sam Darnold (3 years, $100.5M) an upgrade over Geno Smith? That's the million-dollar—or, in this case, hundred-million-dollar—question. Cooper Kupp (3 years, $45M) gives him a star target, and DeMarcus Lawrence (3 years, $42M) bolsters the defense, but offensive line issues remain a glaring concern. If Darnold flops behind a shaky front, this offseason could look a lot worse in hindsight.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Round 5, Pick 172

4. Seattle Seahawks- Grade: C+

The Bucs kept the band together, locking in Chris Godwin (3 years, $66M) and Lavonte David (1 year, $10M) while making a splash with Haason Reddick (1 year, $14M). That pass rush boost could be huge if Reddick delivers. The offensive line remains a bit of a question mark, but Ben Bredeson (3 years, $22M) helps solidify things. It's a solid offseason but not a transformative one.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Grade: B

The Titans threw big money at Dan Moore Jr. (4 years, $82M), but will he be worth it? The O-line needed help, but that's a hefty price. Cody Barton (3 years, $21M) and Xavier Woods (2 years, $10M) add depth, but neither moves the needle much. Unless these signings surprise, this offseason feels more like spending for the sake of spending.

15. Tennessee Titans

2. Tennessee Titans- Grade: D+

Deebo Samuel Sr. and Laremy Tunsil bring star power, but will they be enough to push Washington forward? Bobby Wagner (1 year, $9.5M) still has gas in the tank, and Zach Ertz returns on a one-year deal. Overpaying for Javon Kinlaw (3 years, $45M) is a head-scratcher, but the front office added talent across multiple positions. If the veterans hold up, this could be a sneaky strong offseason.