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By Brooke Pryor and Stephen Holder | July 21, 2025
Though technically the NFL is in its offseason, the league has seen plenty of activity in the five months since the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl victory in New Orleans.
This period featured numerous changes—new coaches stepping in, fresh quarterbacks taking the helm, and some traditional rules being challenged. Naturally, the offseason also was not short on drama involving Aaron Rodgers.
ESPN NFL Nation reporters Brooke Pryor and Stephen Holder will track the 32 teams as they head into training camp, providing updates on all the significant developments you might have missed during the preseason kickoff.
A New Steelers Era
The Pittsburgh Steelers, once quiet in free agency, have shaken things up this offseason with General Manager Omar Khan aggressively reshaping the roster. Before free agency’s official tampering period began, Khan made a splash by trading for Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. Since then, Pittsburgh has brought in cornerbacks Darius Slay and Rogers, acquired Jalen Ramsey and tight end Johnne Smith through trades, and parted ways with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and wideout George Pickens.
Other teams made their moves too. The Las Vegas Raiders acquired quarterback Geno Smith from Seattle, which subsequently signed Sam Darnold to a massive three-year, $100 million deal. Meanwhile, former Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both headed to New York but joined different teams—the Jets and Giants, respectively. Trades involving key wide receivers like Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, and Davante Adams also reshaped many rosters this offseason.
Coaching Overhaul
This year saw seven NFL teams change head coaches, nearly a quarter of the league. One of the most talked-about hires was former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who took over as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson aims to unlock quarterback Caleb Williams’ full potential and lead the Bears back to success.
Returning coaching veterans Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots) and Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders) now face the challenge of reviving teams that won just four games last season. The Dallas Cowboys promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, hoping for better postseason outcomes. Other fresh faces include Liam Cohen with Jacksonville Jaguars, Aaron Glenn with New York Jets, and Kellen Moore with the New Orleans Saints.
Rule Changes: Tush Push Survives
Despite intense debate, the short-yardage "tush push" play, popularized by the Eagles, will remain in the NFL. Attempts to ban it during the league’s March and May meetings failed by narrow voting margins. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie passionately defended the play behind closed doors, even inviting former Eagles center Jason Kelce to speak on its safety.
Other rule updates include changes to kickoff procedures, moving the touchback spot to the 35-yard line to encourage more returns, and modifications to overtime rules to ensure both teams get possession during extra periods in the regular season. Replay officials will also have expanded authority to overturn calls without coach challenges when clear evidence exists.
Aaron Rodgers Retires After a Final Season
Aaron Rodgers, after a rocky stint with the Jets, entered free agency for the first time in his career this spring. Though initially linked to the Steelers, Rodgers surprised many by signing a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in June, declaring the upcoming season would likely be his last.
The 41-year-old quarterback, now married, expressed that this decision was made from the heart rather than ego, eager to finish his career in a positive environment. Rodgers aims to compete for a Super Bowl ring one final time while embracing the “fun and peace” of his closing chapter.
NFLPA Turmoil
The NFL Players Association has been mired in internal strife recently. Executive Director Lloyd Howell resigned amid ongoing FBI investigations into financial dealings involving the NFLPA and OneTeam Partners. Concerns about conflicts of interest and past misconduct allegations against Howell have further complicated the union’s leadership.
Additionally, Chief Strategy Officer JC Tretter resigned from his role and withdrew from interim executive director consideration. Meanwhile, the NFLPA prepares to appeal arbitration rulings related to payroll disputes, continuing to navigate challenging legal and organizational issues.
Other Noteworthy Headlines
- Top pass rushers Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and TJ Watt secured record-breaking contract extensions, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league.
- MVP quarterback Josh Allen signed a six-year, $330 million contract, while stars like Saquon Barkley and Garrett Wilson also landed lucrative deals.
- Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a surprising draft slide, going in the fifth round to the Cleveland Browns despite earlier projections as a first-round pick.
- Veterans Derek Carr, Mike Williams, Brandon Graham, and Tyron Smith announced retirements due to injuries or declining performance.
- Vikings’ Jordan Addison resolved his 2024 DUI case, while Chiefs linebacker Laci Rice received a prison sentence related to a serious 2024 crash, both facing NFL disciplinary actions.
Fan Take: This offseason’s whirlwind of trades, coaching changes, and rule debates signals an exciting new era for the NFL, filled with fresh talent and strategic innovation. For fans, it means more unpredictability and drama, highlighting how the sport continues to evolve both on and off the field.
