• The Rams lead the way: Davante Adams, Poona Ford and Nate Landman have all molded Los Angeles’ spectacular season.

• A big-time backup: Mac Jones entered 2025 sitting behind Brock Purdy, but his performance helped mitigate his lengthy absence and push the 49ers to the postseason.

• Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.

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Only two weeks remain in the 2025 NFL regular season, and all but four playoff spots have yet to be claimed. While many of those slots have been filled by perennial contenders, other teams have taken massive leaps. In particular, work done in free agency has fueled several notable ascensions.

With a more than representative sample size in hand, below are the 20 best free-agent acquisitions from this past offseason. Note that players had to be a free agent and join a separate franchise in order to make this list — apologies to Tee Higgins, Devin Bush and others.

When the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders in mid-March, many questioned what kind of plan general manager John Schneider was pondering. As it turns out, signing Darnold wasn’t just the corresponding move — but also the best by any team in free agency in 2025.

In his first season in Seattle, Darnold has galvanized the team to the current No. 1 seed in the NFC and a 12-3 mark, positioning itself as a Super Bowl contender. His 81.0 PFF passing grade is fifth among qualified quarterbacks, and his 6.2% big-time throw rate is the second-highest. Moreover, Darnold’s 2.16 Wins Above Replacement are the seventh-most in the league.

Darnold’s rapport with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, ability to rise in clutch situations (see: Week 16’s unreal comeback against the Rams) and avoid mistakes have all led the Seahawks to the brink of an NFC West title. He’s transcended his three-year, $100.5 million contract.

The Rams compiled a tremendous offseason on several fronts, headlined by extending Matthew Stafford. But, their signing of Adams in particular has paid immediate dividends in helping the team become a Super Bowl frontrunner.

Even at age 33, Adams has returned to peak form in his first year catching passes from Stafford and running routes alongside Puka Nacua. His 84.1 PFF receiving grade is not only the 11^th-best among qualified receivers, but also his highest since 2022. The ex-Packer has been extremely friendly for his quarterback with a 112.6 passer rating when targeted, too.

The Rams pace the NFL in offensive EPA per play and success rate, and Adams’ contributions have certainly helped spur that production.

Few teams have enjoyed a more dramatic revival than the Patriots, who sit 12-3 after concluding last season only 4-13. New England spent $65 million more than any team this offseason, adding multiple premier talents — but none has been better than Diggs.

Coming off a torn ACL at age 32, Diggs has offered Drake Maye the reliable weapon he desperately needed. His 84.2 PFF receiving grade is tied for ninth among qualified receivers, and his 45 first downs gained are tied for 12^th. Staggeringly, Diggs has also dropped only 2.6% of his targets and holds a league-high 76.9% contested catch rate.

Patriots receivers have transformed from 32^nd to fifth in receiving grade in just one season, and Diggs is at the root of that.

In an AFC playoff field that looks as open as ever, the Bills may be positioned to make an evasive Super Bowl appearance. In large part, that’s thanks to Bosa’s efforts along the team’s defensive line.

After arriving from the Chargers, Bosa has been a pressure specialist for Buffalo. His 88.9 PFF pass-rushing grade is the sixth-highest among qualified edge defenders in 2025, and his 15.8% pass-rush win rate is 20^th in that same group.

Bosa hasn’t been quite as much of an asset in run defense or tackling, but his pass-rush juice is exactly what the Bills have coveted for so long. Buffalo’s defense still has its warts, but Bosa has lifted the unit to sit seventh in pass-rush grade.

The Bears have been one of the darlings of the NFL, and for good reason. Head coach Ben Johnson has guided a marvelous turnaround for NFC North-leading Chicago, and his revamped offensive personnel has been a catalyst. That includes Dalman in the middle.

The ex-Falcon has played like one of the better centers in the league in his first year working with Caleb Williams. Dalman’s 78.4 overall PFF grade is sixth among qualified centers, and he’s one of four at the position with a 71.0-plus PFF pass- and run-blocking mark. Additionally, his 0.39 WAR is third among his counterparts.

The Bears field the league’s fourth-highest-graded offensive line, and Dalman is an inextricable part of that.

The Chargers are headed back to the postseason for a second consecutive campaign under Jim Harbaugh. The team’s defense has helped carry the freight despite multiple personnel losses, and Jackson’s play has been a significant factor why.

Among cornerbacks to play 450 or more snaps, Jackson ranks seventh in PFF coverage grade (77.8) and ninth in overall PFF grade (76.3). Further, his 43.9 passer rating when targeted is the lowest among qualified corners, and his 16.9 snaps per reception is the sixth-best mark.

Considering Jackson was signed from Pittsburgh on a two-year, $13 million deal, he’s sure looking like a steal for Jesse Minter — especially after struggling in 2024.

Miami’s 2025 season has been a disappointing one, featuring a 1-6 start and the eventual benching of Tua Tagovailoa. While questions may loom in South Beach, one move that should be praised is the team’s signing of Douglas.

The veteran cornerback didn’t land with the Dolphins until late August, but he needed little time to acclimate himself to another squad. Douglas’ 78.5 PFF coverage grade is tied for third among qualified corners, and his 315 yards surrendered are the 12^th-fewest. The ex-Bill also sits tied for fourth in WAR at the position (0.37).

Considering how well he’s played in Miami, lots of other teams are probably wishing they had scooped up Douglas. He should net a bigger payday this offseason at age 30.

The Rams already boasted top-notch defensive line talent going into 2025 in the form of Jared Verse, Byron Young and Kobie Turner. Still, that didn’t stop general manager Les Snead from making a splash in Ford — and the addition has been phenomenal.

Ford has proliferated his outstanding play from a year ago in SoFi Stadium. In 2025, his 89.5 overall PFF grade is the second-best among qualified interior defenders. While Ford has been good as a pass-rusher with a 73.2 PFF pass-rushing grade, he’s made his mark in run defense — procuring an 85.5 PFF run-defense grade with a 12.7% run stop rate.

Los Angeles’ defensive line holds top-five figures against both the pass and run this year, and Ford is an indispensable part of that.

As it turns out, New England’s offense isn’t the only group on the team that was overhauled. Lead executive Eliot Wolf also bolstered the Patriots’ defense, which included signing Spillane up the middle.

The former Raider has played representatively of his three-year, $33 million deal in 2025. His 76.3 overall PFF grade is ninth at the position, and his 87.3 PFF run-defense grade has helped New England sit 13^th in rushing success rate allowed.

Even though linebacker play can be volatile, Spillane has established himself as one of the game’s better run-defending players at the position. His third straight year with an 87.3-plus run-defense grade has certainly come to fruition as Mike Vrabel anticipated.

Amid a gauntlet of frenzied quarterback moves this offseason, a headliner was the 49ers extending Brock Purdy on a monstrous five-year, $265 million deal. However, Jones’ quiet arrival as Purdy’s backup undoubtedly helped San Francisco return to the playoffs.

As Purdy missed eight games due to a lingering early-season toe ailment, Jones stepped up masterfully in his stead. The former Patriot posted a 76.0 PFF passing grade across his eight starts, racking up an 80.1% adjusted completion rate. Indeed, Jones still ranks 16^th among quarterbacks in WAR despite not playing since Week 10.

Purdy’s performance of late — highlighted by his 96.6 overall mark in Week 16 — has shut down the idea that Jones could have realistically supplanted him. Still, the former first-round pick acted as a lifeline to lift the 49ers to an 11-4 record.

The Browns’ season has gone awry for a second straight year under Kevin Stefanski, with multiple foundational changes likely on the horizon. But what shouldn’t be ignored is Cleveland’s excellent defense, which featured Collins making plays before injury.

Collins indisputably performed like one of the game’s best interior defenders prior to suffering a quad injury in Week 13. Among defensive linemen with 450 or more snaps, Collins’ 87.2 PFF pass-rush grade is the third-highest, and his 14.0% pass-rush win rate is tied for seventh.

Under contract for one more season in Cleveland — pending an extension — Collins should return to reunite a tremendous defensive line with Myles Garrett, Mason Graham and Alex Wright in 2026.

The Colts began the season 8-2 and in prime position to contend for the AFC. While a number of prongs have led to the team’s mid-season demise, Ward’s injuries are hard to overlook.

While on the field for Indianapolis, Ward has been a game-changer. Among corners to play 450 or more snaps, his 77.1 overall PFF grade is sixth; his 77.4 PFF coverage grade is ninth; and his 73.7 PFF run-defense grade is 17^th.

Ward is currently on injured reserve after suffering his third concussion of the season, a scary proposition that could have far-reaching ramifications for 2026 and beyond. Still, the former Pro Bowler has played at a very high level in the first season of a three-year deal with Indianapolis.

The Falcons’ 2025 campaign quickly took a wayward turn, leaving lingering doubts about the organization’s leadership going into 2026. Still, Atlanta’s defense has taken steps forward under Jeff Ulbrich — highlighted by Deablo.

The former Raider was an unsung addition, but has played like one of the league’s better linebackers this season. Deablo’s 76.9 overall PFF grade is the sixth-best at the position, and his 78.7 PFF coverage grade is second. Additionally, the 27-year-old has missed just 9.2% of his tackle attempts.

Atlanta’s defense still needs additional help — likely along the defensive line and in coverage — but Deablo looks like a keeper in the box.

Although the Cowboys sit 6-8-1, Dallas’ offense has been one of the premier in football all season. Part of that explosion has been a much-improved run game, powered by Williams.

The former Bronco has looked fully recovered from significant knee injuries in 2025, churning out an 80.5 PFF rushing grade. Williams has operated well on his own with 3.58 yards after contact per carry — the fourth-most among qualified rushers — while also totaling 26 runs of 10 or more yards.

Dallas’ unique approach to signing two veteran running backs seems to have paid off because of the 25-year-old Williams, who should fetch a nice raise this coming offseason.

Hardly anything has followed the plan put in place by Pete Carroll and John Spytek in their first year in Las Vegas, with the Raiders only 2-13 and contending for the No. 1 overall pick. Yet some of the team’s new faces have played solidly, including Stokes.

The former Packer has turned in a career season in the silver in black. His 72.3 PFF coverage grade is 16^th among qualified corners, although he sits top-two in both snaps per target (10.6) and snaps per reception (19.1). Also, Stokes is fourth in WAR at the position (0.37).

The Raiders are still in dire need of plenty more on both sides of the ball, but Stokes has played like an above-average cover corner worth retaining this spring.

In spite of Justin Herbert flourishing, the Chargers’ offense has yet to fully realize form in Greg Roman’s second season. That’s primarily due to a boatload of offensive line injuries — and not the fault of pass-catchers like Allen.

Allen has looked as comfortable as ever back in Los Angeles. His 79.9 PFF receiving grade is 13^th among receivers with at least 80 targets, and his 1.77 yards per route run is 22^nd.

Chargers wideouts sit 10^th in receiving grade this year and have improved from 17^th to eighth in positive EPA rate. Allen’s veteran presence has unquestionably been a crutch for Herbert.

Like many other teams on this list, the Cardinals have endured a cataclysmic season in Jonathan Gannon’s third year. What many projected to be an improved defense sits 27^th in success rate, although Sweat has done his part.

After winning Super Bowl 59 with the Eagles last year, Sweat headed west to join Arizona on a four-year, $76.4 million contract. He’s immediately boosted a team craving pass rush, sitting 22^nd among qualified edge defenders in PFF pass-rush grade (75.3) and tied for 17^th in pass-rush win rate (16.0%).

The Cardinals’ defensive line is still 28^th in pass-rush grade, but Sweat seems to be a cornerstone next to other high-ceiling talent like Walter Nolen.

The Broncos’ defense has propelled Denver to the top of the AFC West in 2025, especially as its offense has searched for consistency with Bo Nix. Prior to injury, Dobbins was helping offer optimism on the ground.

Dobbins recorded an 80.8 PFF rushing grade before suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Across 153 carries, he forced 32 missed tackles and had 12 runs of 15 or more yards.

The Broncos have gone from 14^th to 24^th in rushing EPA per play since Dobbins’ exit, and that’s not a coincidence. The former Raven and Charger had played like his rookie self but will hit the market after experiencing another frustrating stoppage.

In a shocking turn of events, the Ravens sit 7-8 with only a 6% chance to reach the postseason. Lamar Jackson missing time contributed to an avalanche of problems for Baltimore, but the team has obtained nice value in Awuzie.

Awuzie has suited up on only 487 snaps, working as Baltimore’s third cornerback behind Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. At the same time, he’s been tremendous in coverage when on the field. Awuzie’s 78.3 PFF coverage grade is the fifth-best among corners to play at least 300 snaps in coverage, and his 51.2% catch rate is tied for the 10^th-lowest.

The 30-year-old could be another underrated signing for a team this offseason after rebounding in a big way in Baltimore.

Los Angeles’ defense has been nearly as effective as its offense, placing sixth in EPA per play and eighth in success rate. While the team’s defensive line is particularly ferocious, positive plays from those like Landman have also been instrumental.

Landman was an unheralded signing from the Falcons but has performed like an above-average linebacker in Los Angeles. His 73.7 overall PFF grade is 18^th among qualifiers, and his 79.4 PFF run-defense grade is 16^th in that same group. Landman also places in the 81^st percentile in PFF coverage grade (67.4) and in the 90^th percentile in run stop rate (9.2%).

The Rams were so impressed with Landman that they bestowed a three-year, $22.5 million extension upon him in late November. He’s definitely helped shore up what had previously been a shakier portion of Chris Shula’s defense.