AFC Rankings After Week One of the 2025 NFL Free Agency
The first week of the 2025 NFL free agency period brought a flurry of activity, reshaping team rosters across the conference. With significant player movements and key signings, it’s crucial to reassess standings in the AFC. Let’s break down the current ranking from 16 to 1 based on recent developments.
16. Cleveland Browns
Key Additions
- DT Maliek Collins
- QB Kenny Pickett
Key Losses
- DT Dalvin Tomlinson
After a dismal 3-14 record in the previous season, the Browns face further uncertainty with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s status. While acquiring Kenny Pickett may not resolve their quarterback conundrum, keeping Myles Garrett on the roster remains a silver lining.
15. Tennessee Titans
Key Additions
- LT Dan Moore Jr.
- LB Cody Barton
- S Xavier Woods
- OG Kevin Zeitler
Key Losses
- EDGE Harold Landry
- WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
- LB Kenneth Murray
The Titans have taken a cautious approach in free agency, highlighted by the signing of Dan Moore Jr. to bolster their offensive line. With several key departures, including Westbrook-Ikhine, their quarterback situation remains under scrutiny.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions
- OL Patrick Mekari
- CB Jourdan Lewis
- WR Dyami Brown
- S Eric Murray
Key Losses
- TE Evan Engram
- S Andre Cisco
- WR Christian Kirk
The Jaguars have made strategic additions designed to uplift their offensive structure, notably improving protection for Trevor Lawrence. Despite these enhancements, they remain a work in progress as they navigate through the ongoing roster changes.
13. New England Patriots
Key Additions
- DT Milton Williams
- CB Carlton Davis
- EDGE Harold Landry
- LB Robert Spillane
- RT Morgan Moses
Key Losses
- DT Davon Godchaux
- DB Jonathan Jones
With the acquisition of Milton Williams, who signed the largest contract of the free agency period at $104 million, the Patriots look to rebuild under Mike Vrabel. Strategic improvements are notable; however, they will need further depth at key positions.
12. New York Jets
Key Additions
- QB Justin Fields
- CB Brandon Stephens
- S Andre Cisco
Key Losses
- CB D.J. Reed
- DT Javon Kinlaw
- WR Davante Adams
The Jets’ fortunes may balance on Justin Fields’ performance as he steps into the starting role. The team bolstered its secondary with Cisco, but the losses will challenge their overall depth.
11. Miami Dolphins
Key Additions
- OG James Daniels
- DB Ifeatu Melifonwu
- QB Zach Wilson
- WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Key Losses
- S Jevon Holland
- OG Robert Jones
While the Dolphins have added several players, the loss of safety Jevon Holland is significant. The addition of James Daniels is a step forward for the offensive line, but Miami needs more to solidify its playoff aspirations.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions
- CB Darius Slay
- WR DK Metcalf
Key Losses
- LT Dan Moore Jr.
- QB Justin Fields
- OL James Daniels
The Steelers’ offseason remains clouded by uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. Nevertheless, the addition of DK Metcalf enhances their receiving options, promising excitement for the upcoming season.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Key Additions
- OG Mekhi Becton
- CB Donte Jackson
- WR Mike Williams
- RB Najee Harris
Key Losses
- WR Josh Palmer
- DT Poona Ford
- CB Kristian Fulton
- EDGE Joey Bosa
Re-signing Khalil Mack is a strategic retention for the Chargers, but the departures on defense raise practical concerns. The addition of Najee Harris positions them well for a more formidable ground game.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
Key Losses
- OL Patrick Mekari
- CB Brandon Stephens
The inability to capture a substantial influx of talent in free agency leaves the Ravens with modest adjustments. Although DeAndre Hopkins brings experience, he will need to demonstrate he can still perform at a high level despite age-related concerns.
7. Denver Broncos
Key Additions
- S Talanoa Hufanga
- LB Dre Greenlaw
- TE Evan Engram
Key Losses
- LB Cody Barton
- RB Javonte Williams
With strategic additions to both their offense and defense, the Broncos aim to enhance their competitive edge. The pursuit to surround Bo Nix with weapons indicates a focused direction for the upcoming season.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions
- DT Tedarrell Slaton
- LB Oren Burks
Key Losses
- OG Alex Cappa
- LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
After retaining star players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals look to strengthen their defensive capabilities. Still, the pressure remains to upgrade their defensive lineup following last year’s playoff absence.
5. Buffalo Bills
Key Additions
- WR Josh Palmer
- EDGE Michael Hoecht
- EDGE Joey Bosa
- DT Larry Ogunjobi
Key Losses
- CB Kaiir Elam
- EDGE Von Miller
The Bills have strategically strengthened their roster through targeted signings, yet they face the challenge of suspensions affecting the early part of the season. Their overall roster remains a formidable contender.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Key Additions
- S Jeremy Chinn
- OG Alex Cappa
- QB Geno Smith
- RB Raheem Mostert
Key Losses
- S Trevon Moehrig
- CB Nate Hobbs
- LB Robert Spillane
- LB Divine Deablo
The Raiders have made noteworthy enhancements to their roster, particularly with the addition of experienced quarterback Geno Smith. How effectively he transitions to a new offense will be critical for the team’s success.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Key Additions
- S Camryn Bynum
- CB Charvarius Ward
- QB Daniel Jones
Key Losses
- OG Will Fries
- EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo
- C Ryan Kelly
The Colts have taken significant steps in free agency, particularly with the signing of Daniel Jones in pursuit of a competitive quarterback dynamic. While their defense looks bolstered, they must address the losses along the offensive line for optimal performance.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Key Additions
- LT Jaylon Moore
- CB Kristian Fulton
- RB Elijah Mitchell
Key Losses
- DT Tershawn Wharton
- S Justin Reid
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
- OLB Josh Uche
- OG Joe Thuney
The Chiefs have continued their trend of excellence by acquiring key players that align with their game plan. Despite some significant losses, they retain their status as favorites in the conference.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
Key Losses
- OL Patrick Mekari
- CB Brandon Stephens
The Ravens have made headlines with the acquisition of Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to complement their offensive threat. Their established core combined with this new talent keeps them thoroughly competitive as they eye a deeper playoff run.
The movement in the AFC has certainly raised the stakes as teams position themselves for the upcoming season. The next wave of free agency and the draft will play pivotal roles in affirming these rankings as the 2025 NFL season approaches.