The NFL landscape has seen significant changes this season, with several high-profile players making moves to new teams. Notable quarterback shifts include Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers and Russell Wilson heading to the New York Giants. Additionally, Davante Adams has made a transition to the Los Angeles Rams, while Cooper Kupp has made an unexpected move to Seattle. Meanwhile, the seasoned coach Pete Carroll has returned to the sidelines, now leading the Las Vegas Raiders after a brief one-year hiatus following his 14-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.
Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, has chosen Pittsburgh as the backdrop for the final chapter of his career after experiencing two disappointing seasons with the New York Jets. At 41 years old, Rodgers recorded the worst win-loss record of his career last season, finishing 5-12. Nonetheless, he demonstrated his durability by throwing for 3,897 yards, achieving 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, and maintaining a 90.5 passer rating. The Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin are hopeful that Rodgers can lead them back to playoff contention.
Russell Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, finds himself with the Giants, completing a move to his fourth team in five seasons. After starting strong with a 6-1 record in Pittsburgh, the Giants faced challenges finishing the season, losing five consecutive games. Wilson amassed 2,482 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and a passer rating of 95.6 over 11 games in the previous regular season. Jameis Winston has also joined the Giants following the drafting of quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round.
The trends continue with other quarterbacks on the move, including Geno Smith, who reunited with Carroll in Las Vegas after a successful run in Seattle. Smith was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and brings much-needed stability to the Raiders’ QB position. Sam Darnold, fresh off a breakout year with the Minnesota Vikings, has also signed with the Seahawks. He put up impressive stats last season with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 102.5.
Justin Fields, the No. 11 overall pick in 2021 by the Chicago Bears, showed promise during his brief time in Pittsburgh. Now, he will have the opportunity to prove himself with the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Davante Adams continues to have a dynamic career trajectory, having moved from Las Vegas to New York last season and then back to the West Coast with the Rams, where he totaled 85 catches for 1,083 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Cooper Kupp, the 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year, has also joined the Seahawks after a history-making season. He had 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns over 12 games in 2024, though he has yet to play an entire season since 2021. DK Metcalf, another prominent receiver, moved to the Steelers as the team looked to enhance its offensive unit, having had a robust season last year with 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns in Seattle.
The wide receiver carousel continues with Deebo Samuel moving from San Francisco to the Washington Commanders, providing Jayden Daniels with another playmaker. Four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs signed with the New England Patriots as he continues to recover from a torn ACL, while George Pickens is now with the Dallas Cowboys, teaming up with CeeDee Lamb for stronger offensive production.
On the defensive front, standout players are also changing addresses. Super Bowl contributors Josh Sweat and Milton Williams landed lucrative deals following their performances against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Sweat secured a $76.4 million deal moving to the Arizona Cardinals, while Williams landed a $104 million contract with the New England Patriots. Darius Slay transitioned to the Steelers from the Eagles, strengthening their defense.
In further trades, Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro cornerback, was acquired by Pittsburgh while Minkah Fitzpatrick was shipped to Miami in a deal that also brought tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers. Other notable defensive moves include Jonathan Allen, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Grady Jarrett moving to the Chicago Bears, and the departures of Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw from San Francisco to Denver. Finally, Joey Bosa has joined the Buffalo Bills after nine seasons with the Chargers.
