The Boston Red Sox made the latest splash in MLB Free Agency, locking in INF Alex Bregman to a 3 year, $120M contract. The deal includes $40M salaries each year, though a significant portion (reportedly around $10M per season) is expected to be deferred. Bregman will have the ability to opt-out after 2025 & 2026, giving him a chance to re-hit the open market next winter based on his status. Bregman is expected to play 2B for the Red Sox in 2025.

FC Dallas acquires the 2023 MLS MVP, Luciano Acosta, from FC Cincinnati in a major blockbuster trade before the 2025 MLS season kicks off. Dallas utilized the new cash-for-player mechanism to acquire Acosta.

Dallas receives: Luciano Acosta

Cincinnati receives: $5 million guaranteed cash, conditional $1 million cash for performance-based metrics, trade %

RELATED: FC Dallas Roster, FC Cincinnati Roster

The 2025 NBA trade deadline is behind us. We’ll still have a handful more transactions to come, but for the most part, the major moves are done. Extensions are the big deals to watch, along with some buyouts, signings and two-way conversions also on tap. That means it’s time to look forward to the summer of 2025!

The 2025 NBA offseason looks like a weird one. The new media rights money will start hitting, but the NBA and NBPA agreed to cap the cap growth at no more than 10% from one year to the next. That means the cap is projected to go from $140.6 million this season to just over $154.6 million for next season. That $14 million jump is a big one, but it’s not going to result in a whole of cap space around the NBA.

The reason for that is teams have gotten really aggressive in recent years with extensions. More and more players are forgoing free agency and taking the certainty of extensions. In the 2024 offseason, the only big-name All-Star to change teams via direct free agency was Paul George. A few others moved via sign-and-trades and standard trades, but free agency itself wasn’t how stars moved.

That’s likely to continue in the summer of 2025. As you’ll see, there’s barely any cap space projected to be out there this summer. Also, the free agent class projects to be devoid of stars. Most of the All-Star level guys are good bets to re-sign with their current teams, or to extend before free agency opens.

However, that doesn’t mean having spending power is completely useless. With the Apron Era fully upon us, NBA teams are embracing exceptions in different ways. This summer, there will be some value signings available, simply because the means to overpay those players as free agents aren’t available. That should make for an active summer of role player movement.

In addition, it’s going to be a big-time trade summer. If you want to acquire a star, a trade will be the way to do it. And if deadline and post-deadline rumblings are any indicator, there are going to several stars available this offseason.

With all that said, here’s how things look today for 2025 offseason spending power around the NBA. For reference: The Non-Taxpayer MLE projects to be $14.1 million for 2025-26. The Taxpayer MLE projects to be $5.1 million.

(Note: These projections are made using the noted cap and tax figures above, draft pick cap holds based on projected standings and a projection on all option and guarantee decisions by players and teams. No extensions or trades have been projected. We will call out where those types of situations could impact a team projection.)

Cap Space Team – 1 Teams

1. Brooklyn Nets: $54.8 million in cap space

The Brooklyn Nets currently project to be the only team we can say with certainty will hit the summer with cap space. How much is somewhat up in the air. The Nets didn’t move Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton, or most of their high-salaried players at the deadline. So, they remain in place for now.

What could swing this projection even higher is the status of pending restricted free agent Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe. If the Nets were to let Thomas and Sharpe leave town, they could create up to $76.3 million in cap space.

Here’s the thing though: Why let Thomas and Sharpe leave for nothing? Brooklyn isn’t ready to spend all that much, as they are in the early stages of their rebuild. Thomas and Sharpe are good players. With no other cap space teams out there, the Nets might be able to get both back on team-friendly deals.

And, of course, keep an eye on Sean Marks with restricted free agents from other teams too. When Brooklyn previously had copious amounts of cap space, Marks tossed around several offer sheets. In the end, no matter what direction they take, the Nets are in a great place to be active players this offseason.

Swing Cap Space and Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams – 3 Teams

1. Detroit Pistons: up to $24.6 million in cap space
2. Memphis Grizzlies: up to $6.9 million in cap space
3. Utah Jazz: up to $30.0 million in cap space

The Pistons could be a cap space team this summer, with up to $24.6 million to spend. That could aid in bringing back Malik Beasley, if he’s looking at more than the Non-Taxpayer MLE (NTMLE). If Detroit can get Beasley to come back for the NTMLE, they’re better off staying over the cap and using various Bird Rights to re-sign players like Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Utah is pretty straight forward: if John Collins opts in, they’ll be over the cap. If he doesn’t, the Jazz could have over $30 million in cap space. Given Collins will find it hard to recoup the $26.6 million he’d give up by opting out, bet on Utah to stay over the cap.

Memphis is in a super interesting situation. The Grizzlies can’t create any kind of meaningful cap space. The most they can get to is about $6.9 million, while retaining restricted free agent rights for Santi Aldama. That’s not normally enough cap space for a team to bother with, and they’ll just stay over and use the NTMLE.

However, in this specific situation, that could be enough to bump up Jaren Jackson Jr.’s salary to over $30 million in a renegotiation-and-extension. That’s an interesting way to use cap space, given the Grizzlies wouldn’t have to give up on Aldama to get it done. Of course, if Jackson makes All-NBA, he’ll be eligible for a 35% of the cap max and the Grizzlies will then stay over the cap.

Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams – 7 Teams

1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Charlotte Hornets
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Houston Rockets
5. LA Clippers
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Washington Wizards

This is an interesting group of teams. A few playoff teams, some up-and-coming teams and a few rebuilding teams.

Atlanta is firmly in this mix. They moved out some long-term salary, but to re-sign some free agents, or replace them, the Hawks will stay over the cap. But they should have enough clearance to use the NTMLE.

Charlotte took themselves out of the running for cap space when they took on Jusuf Nurkic’s contract for next season. That’s fine though, since the Hornets got paid a first-round pick to do so. They’re fine being a NTMLE for another season, as the rebuild continues.

Chicago moved Zach LaVine, but kept everyone else. The Bulls will have enough room to use the NTMLE, as long as things don’t get silly with Josh Giddey’s new contract.

Houston is firmly in NTMLE range. They’ll probably work out a new deal with Fred VanVleet after declining their team option, but that won’t be enough to get the Rockets to being a cap space team.

The Clippers have done such a good job managing their roster and cap sheet. LA will be able to bolster an already-strong roster by adding an NTMLE signing to the mix next season.

It feels like the Spurs shouldn’t have much money on the books, but after bringing in De’Aaron Fox, they’ll be over the cap. And that’s fine. They’ve got a strong, developing roster and they’ll be able to add to it with a NTMLE player.

Washington went the pre-agency route and took on salary for next season early by trading for Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart. That will keep the Wizards over the cap. Don’t rule out a value NTMLE signing, as they did a nice job in the Jonas Valanciunas sign-and-trade a year ago, but Washington’s real work will get done via the trade market.

Swing Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams and Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams – 6 teams

1. Indiana Pacers
2. Milwaukee Bucks
3. New Orleans Pelicans
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Portland Trail Blazers
6. Sacramento Kings

Another mix of teams that are would-be contenders, plus teams just trying to find their footing as they reset their rosters.

Indiana will be around or over the tax line, and potentially pushing the first apron, if they re-sign Myles Turner. Given they didn’t trade him for the umpteenth deadline in a row, bet on Turner getting a new deal from the only NBA team he’s ever known.

Milwaukee did a good job getting off money at the deadline. That will put the Bucks in position to possibly use the NTMLE. The big question will be how much Brook Lopez re-signs for this offseason, assuming the veteran center doesn’t call it a career.

The Pelicans are in transition. Brandon Ingram is gone, but New Orleans still has a lot of money on their books for next season and beyond. Look for more rebalancing trade, as where the team lands in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery might determine their direction moving forward.

The Sixers are kind of a mess. Things haven’t gone as planned, as Joel Embiid and Paul George have been unable to stay healthy. With those two on the books, the team is very, very expensive. But Philadelphia might be able to squeeze in a NTMLE signing, if they make another move or two around the core group.

Portland is far too expensive for a bad team. The Blazers didn’t make any moves at the deadline. That means this roster remains flush with a confusing mix of veterans and young players trying to find their way in the NBA. There’s a lot of work to be done here this offseason.

The Kings took on some long-term money by adding Zach LaVine and Jonas Valanciunas, but they also got off some money too. Sacramento will be straddling the line of NTMLE vs Tax MLE, and hard-capping themselves at the first apron might not be worth it for using the NTMLE.

Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams – 4 teams

1. Denver Nuggets
2. Miami Heat
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Toronto Raptors

This group is a bit larger than usual. The Nuggets and Thunder are title contenders. Miami is resetting, while the Raptors are starting to push their rebuild forward.

Denver should have just enough room to fit in a Taxpayer MLE signing. However, that would mean another hard cap at the second apron. The Nuggets might want to avoid that complication for a third consecutive season.

The Heat moved off Jimmy Butler, but they took on some other long-term money in that deal. Their roster is also mostly full. If there’s the right guy to use the Taxpayer MLE on, Miami will do it, but don’t lock that in.

The Thunder have a full roster. Their big question i: How will they fit in at least two, and possibly more, first-round picks? They could use the Taxpayer MLE, but why go into the tax now? It’s probably best to delay the inevitable for as long as you can in Oklahoma City.

When Toronto extended Brandon Ingram, they pushed right up to the tax line. They have enough room to fit in a Taxpayer MLE signing, but will they want to? It’d have to be someone who can really lift the Raptors. Otherwise, this group will focus on bringing back Chris Boucher and maybe some smaller moves around the edges of the rotation.

Swing Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception Teams and Second Apron Teams – 4 teams

1. Golden State Warriors
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Orlando Magic

Four teams that all have playoff aspirations, even if all have stumbled at points this season. That will probably be the same story a year from now.

Golden State locked into being a tax team when they extended Jimmy Butler. The big question: Can they fit in a Taxpayer MLE signing before hitting what would be a second-apron hard cap?

The Lakers situation will be determined by LeBron James. Will he take a little less for some flexibility with a signing? Will he take the max he can get? Will James just pick up his player option? Will he stay in LA? Will James retire? It feels like everything is on the table more than ever.

If Minnesota re-signs Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they’ll be a second apron team. If they lose Reid, the Taxpayer MLE comes into play. It’s really that simple for the Wolves.

Orlando might be a surprise here, but they’ve got a max extension kicking in Franz Wagner and a near-max first-year salary coming online for Jalen Suggs. Add to it that the Magic have aggressively re-signed their own players, and this team is carrying a lot more salary than most realize. They’ve got a little flexibility to get under the tax line, but things are tighter in Orlando than they have been in years.

Second Apron Teams (no signing exceptions) – 5 Teams

1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Dallas Mavericks
4. New York Knicks
5. Phoenix Suns

This group grew throughout the season. Boston and Phoenix have been here and will continue to be, barring something really unexpected. The Celtics are still title favorites, so their second-apron status feels earned. The Suns aren’t, and a Kevin Durant trade could throw things into flux. But given the salary-matching rules, it’s not overly likely a Durant trade would get Phoenix all the way under the second apron.

Cleveland will join this group by virtue of acquiring De’Andre Hunter, along with extensions kicking in for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. The Cavs have never shied away from paying for a contender, so they’ll likely end up even deeper into the tax after re-signing a couple of key free agents too.

Dallas moved Luka Doncic, but Anthony Davis is starting a max extension next season. Kyrie Irving is likely to opt out and push for a max or near-max deal too. The Mavericks have a solid roster, but they are going to be a second-apron team with limited resources to improve it.

When New York landed Karl-Anthony Towns, they basically locked in second-apron status. Yes, Jalen Brunson took less to give the Knicks some flexibility, but this team is still carrying a ton of guaranteed salary. That’s not the worst thing, given New York is a contender. But it’s going to be hard for them to do much, beyond minor moves around the edges of the rotation.

Brandon Ingram and the Toronto Raptors have agreed to a 3 year, $120 million contract extension after having been traded from the New Orleans Pelicans at the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. The contract reportedly has a 2027-28 Player Option.

Estimated Contract Structure:
2025-26: $38,095,238
2026-27: $40,000,000
2027-28: $41,904,762 (Player Option)

This will bring Ingram's career earnings to $303 million if the contract is completed in full.

2024 #NFL Playoff Pay (per player)

Philadelphia Eagles: $357,000
Kansas City Chiefs: $277,000
Wasington Commanders: $186,000
Buffalo Bills: $186,000
Los Angeles Rams: $109,000
Baltimore Ravens: $109,000
Houston Texans: $109,000
Detroit Lions: $104,000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $54,500
Minnesota Vikings: $49,500
Green Bay Packers: $49,500
Los Angeles Chargers: $49,500
Pittsburgh Steelers: $49,500
Denver Broncos: $49,500

17 MLB players exchanged numbers at the January 9th deadline. At the time of this piece, 13 have avoided or settled with their respective team, leaving 4 decisions still to come. Our look at how each scenario has unfolded thus far.

RELATED: 2025 Arbitration Tracker

Kyle Tucker (OF, CHC)

Avoided Arbitration;  1 yr / $16,500,000

Player Filed: $17,500,000 /  Team Filed: $15,000,000 / Difference: $2,500,000

Tucker was traded to Chicago entering his final year of team control. The two sides commenced their relationship by exchanging salary figures but ultimately avoided arbitration on a one year deal. That’s a rare result in the ‘file and trial’ era as most of these go to a hearing or get settled as extensions. Players and teams have swapped salaries 73 times over the last three offseasons with only Tucker and Gleyber Torres agreeing on one year contracts. The gap between these filings was the largest since 2023 when Tucker (with Houston) and Bo Bichette both filed $7.5M against $5M. The Cubs last arbitration hearing was in 2021 when they lost to Ian Happ.

Nathaniel Lowe (1B, TEX)

DECISION PENDING

Player Filed: $11,100,000 /  Team Filed: $10,300,000 / Difference: $800,000

Michael King (SP, SD)

Avoided Arbitration + Mutual option;  1 yr / $7,750,000

2025: $4M ($1M base + $3M signing bonus)
2026: $15M Mutual option ($3.75M buyout)

Player Filed: $8,800,000 / Team Filed: $7,325,000 / Difference: $1,475,000

The unique structure of this saves the Padres some cash in 2025 as they attempt to contend while evening out the payroll. The Mutual option is a technicality so consider this a one year guarantee. King will earn $4M this year ($1M base / $3M signing bonus) and the balance will pay via buyout ($3.75M) once the option is officially declined. Now it's been over a decade since the Padres last hearing with Andrew Cashner in 2014.

William Contreras (C, MIL)

Avoided Arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $6,100,000

2025: $6M
2026: $12M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $6,500,000 / Team Filed: $5,600,000 / Difference: $900,000

Contreras is in uncharted arbitration territory at the position. His guarantee is the highest recorded ARB1 (non Super Two) salary for a catcher and eighth including all batters. The Club option value is his 2026 ceiling so Contreras might need a third straight MVP caliber season to make that relevant. Otherwise, Milwaukee won’t hesitate to decline it and reestablish his value in arbitration as they did with Devin Williams this year.

Luis Rengifo (3B, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing: 1 yr / $5,950,000

2025: $5,950,000
2026: UFA

Player Filed: $5,950,000 / Team Filed: $5,800,000 / Difference: $150,000

Rengifo won his arbitration filing, settling in on a near $6M payout for the upcoming 2025 season.The 27-year-old started 72 games for the Angels last season, posting 13 doubles, 24 stolen bases, and a .347 on base percentage.

Jarren Duran (OF, BOS)

Avoided arbitration + Club option; 1 yr / $3,850,000

2025: $3.75M
2026: $8M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

His 2025 salary ranks 5th among first year Super Two outfielders behind only Bellinger, Soto, Arozarena and Springer. It puts Duran on pace for a 2026 arbitration value around $7-9M. The Club option can escalate from $8M to $12M based on MVP voting although a 25-50% increase could inflate the price beyond his ceiling arbitration comps. Boston is basically  protected from an outlier season in either direction. They can decline if the option value jumps too much OR Duran underperforms.

Jorge Mateo (SS, BAL)

Avoided arbitration + Club option; 1 yr / $3,550,000

2025: $3.55M
2026: $5.5M Club option ($500k incentives)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,100,000 / Difference: $900,000

Mateo has stuck on this roster despite the Orioles pipeline of younger talent. It’s evidence they value his versatility (2B,SS,OF) which is hard to replicate at a similar cost. Baltimore also added an extra year of team control which is a similar strategy used last offseason with Ryan O’Hearn who is now back on a Club option. The Orioles avoided arbitration with all of their league most 12 eligible players.

Brendan Donovan (OF, STL)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; 1 yr / $2,850,000

Player Filed: $3,300,000 /  Team Filed: $2,850,000 / Difference: $450,000

The 28-year-old will play out his first season of arbitration on a $2.85M salary, leaving two more years of control still ahead of him before becoming eligible for free agency in 2028.

Lars Nootbar (OF, STL)

WON ARBITRATION HEARING; 1 yr / $2,950,000

Player Filed: $2,950,000 /  Team Filed: $2,450,000 / Difference: $500,000

Despite missing 6 weeks of 2024 with an oblique injury, Nootbar has still shown enough over the past few seasons to come out on top at his first go-around in arbitration. The 27-year-old CF still has two more arbitration-eligible years before free agency becomes available in 2028.

Alex Vesia (RP, LAD)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / 2,300,000

2025: $2.25M
2026: $3.55M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $2,350,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $300,000

This guarantee is just under their ask but the Club option will cost Vesia his final year of arbitration eligibility.  The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with all eligible players for the fifth consecutive season. Their last hearings were with Joc Pederson and Pedro Baez in 2020.

Andre Pallante (SP, STL)

WON ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT; 1 yr, $2,100,000

Player Filed: $2,100,000 /  Team Filed: $1,925,000 / Difference: $175,000

A Super-2 arbitration player, Pallante will earn the higher end of his 1st run through the process, locking in $2.1M for his first of four controlled seasons. He won't be eligible for free agency until 2029.

Mark Leiter Jr. (RP, NYY)

LOST Arbitration Hearing;  1 yr / $2,050,000

Player Filed: $2,500,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $450,000

Leiter Jr. (34) was the oldest player to exchange numbers at the deadline. Unfortunately his arbitration earning potential is limited by overall role and usage which translates to more Holds than Saves. This was the Yankees first hearing since Dellin Betances in 2017.

Mickey Moniak (OF, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing; $2,000,000

Player Filed: $2,000,000 / Team Filed: $1,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

Moniak won despite a significant step back (79 wRC+) from his breakout 2023 season. The higher starting point in his first year of arbitration might not impact future earnings if he’s limited to a fourth outfielder role this season but it’s a sizable raise nonetheless. The Angels have had at least one arbitration each of the last three seasons.

Dennis Santana (RP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $1,400,000

Player Filed: $2,100,000 / Team Filed: $1,400,000 / Difference: $700,000

Santana was DFA’d by the Yankees after a disastrous start but the Pirates claimed him and a pitch mix change helped unlock a promising second half. But that stretch wasn’t enough to overcome his otherwise inconsistent career and the arbitration panel sided with Pittsburgh. Santana needs to replicate those results over a full season to build a stronger case heading into his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2026. 

Taylor Walls (SS, TBR)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,400,000

2025: $1.35M
2026: $2.45M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $1,575,000 / Team Filed: $1,300,000 / Difference: $275,000

Walls’ deal correlates with newly acquired free agent Ha-Seong Kim. The former will start 2025 at shortstop while the latter recovers from offseason shoulder surgery but Kim has a 2026 Player option that could affect how the Rays handle their Club option with Walls. Either way he’s under team control through 2027. Tampa Bay had been to six hearings over the prior two seasons but successfully avoided arbitration with this year's group of players.

Jose Quijada (RP, LAA)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,075,000

2025: $1.075M
2026: $3.75M Club option

Player Filed: $1,140,000 / Team Filed: $975,000 / Difference: $165,000

This agreement lands just above the midpoint but gives the Angels control over his final year of arbitration eligibility. It might not matter here considering the price of that 2026 Club option. Quijada missed the start of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery but the lefty reliever should serve a more prominent role in 2025.

Johan Oviedo (SP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $850,000

Player Filed: $1,150,000 / Team Filed: $850,000 / Difference: $300,000

Oviedo missed the entire 2024 season (Tommy John surgery) and there’s some role uncertainty entering 2025 so this outcome isn’t too surprising. He’s under control for two more years and can reestablish his value with a return to preinjury form. The Pirates have now won all four of their arbitration hearings since 2015.

As the NFL calendar flips to the offseason, teams are now settling in for the quick push to March 12, the official start of the 2025 league year and free agency.

Spotrac has identified one player from each of the 32 teams set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, including projected market values and a few honorable mentions for each.

RELATED:
2025 NFL Free Agents
Spotrac’s Market Values

Arizona Cardinals

OLB Baron Browning

Acquired at the deadline from Denver, Browning has proven to be a productive edge rusher - when he remains healthy (12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT through his rookie contract). The 25-year-old is a 2 year, $11M player in our system heading toward March.

Also: Kyzir White (LB), Dennis Gardeck (OLB), Will Hernandez (G)

Atlanta Falcons

C Drew Dalman

Dalman likely hits the open market as the best available center, a spot that’s proven fruitful for notable players in recent offseasons. The 4th round pick out of Stanford calculates near $7M per year in our system, but demand likely brings this contract near $10M per year when it’s all said and done.

Also: Justin Simmons (S), Matt Judon (DE), Mike Hughes (CB)

Baltimore Ravens

OT Ronnie Stanley

Injuries over the past 4 seasons forced Baltimore to re-negotiate Stanley down to a 1 year, $7.5M “prove-it” deal in 2024. He proved it, returning to the top of the offensive tackle list, and should find himself a multi-year guarantee again this offseason. He’s a 2 year, $42M player in our system.

Also: Patrick Mekari (G), Brandon Stephens (CB)

Buffalo Bills

WR Amari Cooper

A deadline acquisition from Cleveland, Cooper battled injuries during his short tenure with Buffalo. While WR is certainly a position of need for the Bills this spring, bringing back Cooper at his currently valued 2 years, $28M+ may prove too costly.

Also: Rasul Douglas (CB), Damar Hamlin (S), Mack Hollins (WR)

Carolina Panthers

CB Michael Jackson

Acquired from Seattle before the 2024 season, Jackson played almost every snap for the Panthers, compiling 76 tackles, 2 interceptions, and strong coverage percentage grades as an outside CB. He’ll be a value option for a team not looking to swing too big this spring, projecting toward a 3 year, $24M contract in our system.

Also: Tommy Tremble (TE), Jordan Fuller (S)

Chicago Bears

G Teven Jenkins

A 2nd Round pick out of Oklahoma State, Jenkins has now posted 3 straight strong seasons on the Bears’ O-Line, and should hit the open market as one of the top interior options available. He projects toward a 3 year, $31M contract in our system (but demand should push this closer to $15M per year).

Also: Keenan Allen (WR), Coleman Shelton (C/G)

Cincinnati Bengals

WR Tee Higgins

Another franchise tag? A tag/trade? An extension to stay? Walking free into the open market? Everything appears to be on the table still with this (and a few other) Bengals’ conundrums, but the fact of the matter remains this: Higgins is set to be the best available offensive weapon, by a lot. The math says he’s a $27M per year player, but demand probably lifts this over the $30M mark. Related: Next Contract: Tee Higgins

Also: Mike Hilton (CB), B.J. Hill (DT), Mike Gesicki (TE)

Cleveland Browns

QB Jameis Winston

Winston proved he can still energize an offense when needed - just not for too long. The good and bad has always seemed to even out for the 31-year-old over the course of his career, putting him on track to secure another backup contract this offseason. He’s a 1 year, $6M valuation in our system.

Also: Jedrick Wills (OT), Nick Chubb (RB), Elijah Moore (WR)

Dallas Cowboys

DT Osa Odighizuwa

Not exactly a house-hold name nationally (yet), but this likely ends up being the contract that turns heads in the coming weeks. The 3rd Round pick out of UCLA could be considered the best interior defensive linemen on the open market, with a 3 year, $63M projection in our system.

Also: DeMarcus Lawrence (DE), Zack Martin (G), Chauncey Golston (DE)

Denver Broncos

DT D.J. Jones

The 30-year-old just completed a 3 year, $30M contract in Denver, and is still a valuable commodity on the D-Line. He’s in line for another deal right around the $10M per year mark again.

Also: Javonte Williams (RB), Cody Barton (LB)

Detroit Lions

CB Carlton Davis

Acquired from Tampa Bay before the start of the 2024 season, Davis proved his value, factoring into a much improved Lions defense. He’s valued right around the $14.5M salary he earned this past season, projecting toward a 3 year, $42M contract this March.

Also: Kevin Zeitler (G), Levi Onwuzurike (DT)

Green Bay Packers

C Josh Myers

Myers has started nearly every game for the Packers over the past three seasons, setting himself up for a nice payday in his first trip to the open market. The 2nd round pick out of Ohio State projects toward a 3 year, $22M deal in our system.

Also: Isaiah McDuffie (OLB)

Houston Texans

WR Stefon Diggs

A week 8 ACL tear put Diggs’ season, and potentially his future, in peril. Assuming he can work his way back to full health, an Odell Beckham Jr. type deal in the 1 year, $13.5M range (heavily incentive-laden) should get the job done.

Also: Derek Barnett (DE), Jeff Okudah (CB)

Indianapolis Colts

ED Dayo Odeyingbo

The former 2nd Round pick out of Vanderbilt has steadily increased his production, consistency, and in turn - snap count. There’s a very real world where the 25-year-old scores a legitimate starting edge rusher pay day in the coming weeks, projecting toward a 4 year, $64M contract in our system.

Also: Will Fries (G), Ryan Kelly (C), Julian Blackmon (S), E.J. Speed (LB)

Jacksonville Jaguars

S Andre Cisco

After very productive seasons in 2022 & 2023, Cisco (and much of the Jacksonville defense) had a bit of a bumpy ride in 2024 that included him being pulled from the starting lineup at times. It’s certainly plausible that a change of scenery gets him back on track, but a 1 year, $10M “showcase” deal could be in the works first.

Also: Brandon Scherff (G), Mac Jones (QB)

Kansas City Chiefs

G Trey Smith

It was a rough (Super Bowl) finish admittedly, but the 6th Round pick out of Tennessee has already done more than enough to stake claim as one of the top pending free agents in the league. There’s a legitimate path to Smith securing a contract at or near Landon Dickerson’s current $21M per year mark.

Also: Justin Reid (S), Nick Bolton (LB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Charles Omenihu (DE)

Las Vegas Raiders

ED Malcolm Koonce

Koonce had a legitimate breakout season in 2023 (8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) but suffered a season-ending knee injury before the start of 2024, making his first trip to the open market a little murky. Will teams squeeze him down to a “showcase” deal, ensuring that 2023 wasn’t a fluke? He’s a 2 year, $40M player in our system.

Also: Trevon Moehrig (S), Robert Spillane (OLB)

Los Angeles Chargers

ED Khalil Mack

The 33-year-old is still doing things at a high level, filling up the statlines on a weekly basis this past season in LA on a renegotiated 1 year, $192.M contract. Despite the age, Mack projects toward a 3 year, $70M contract in our system, and as we tend to say often around this time of the year - it only takes one team.

Also: Asante Samuel Jr. (CB), Poona Ford (DE), JK Dobbins (RB), Teair Tart (DT)

Los Angeles Rams

OT Alaric Jackson

A UDFA out of Iowa, Jackson finished off 2024 on a $4.9M restricted tender, setting up what should prove to be a nice pay raise in his first trip to the open market. The 26-year-old projected toward a 3 year, $48M contract in our system.

Also: TuTu Atwell (WR), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Joseph Noteboom (OT)

Miami Dolphins

S Jevon Holland

Holland’s production dipped a bit in 2024 - a weird year across the board in Miami - but he’s done more than enough through his first four seasons to establish himself as the top safety set to hit the open market.The 25-year-old carries a 4 year, $60M base projection in our system.

Also: Calais Campbell (DE), Tyrel Dodson (LB), Liam Eichenberg (G)

Minnesota Vikings

QB Sam Darnold

Darnold’s 2024 is a rollercoaster ride we haven’t experienced at the QB position, with seemingly zero expectation to start, maximum output nearing the finish line, then a drop off of a cliff to end the season. Where does that leave the 27-year-old going forward? A tag to keep him in Minnesota is likely too expensive ($40M+), and with limited options of his age and ability set to become available this March, it’s fair to assume that at least one team will be ready to open their wallet for the former #3 overall pick. Darnold carries a 4 year, $160M projection in our system.

Also: Byron Murphy (CB), Camryn Bynum (S), Cam Robinson (OT), Aaron Jones (RB)

New England Patriots

CB Jonathan Jones

The coverage numbers have dipped, and Jones even found himself in & out of the starting lineup at times in 2024, but the 31-year-old is still a viable role option for a secondary in need. He’s a 2 year, $5M projection in our system heading toward March.

Also: Austin Hooper (TE), Jacoby Brissett (QB)

New Orleans Saints

ED Chase Young

Young backed up an 8-sack campaign for San Francisco back in 2023 with a 6-sack performance in New Orleans, playing on a 1 year, $13M contract. It stands to reason that he’s done enough to warrant a multi-year guarantee this time around, projecting toward a 4 year, $70M deal in our system.

Also: Paulson Adebo (CB), Juwan Johnson (TE)

New York Giants

WR Darius Slayton

Slayton’s time in NY has been tumultuous to say the least. A change of scenery with a proven QB1 could quickly change the direction of his career (though drops have been a big part of his portfolio). A weak WR market this March could elevate Slayton’s contract terms when it’s all said and done, leading toward a 3 year, $47M projection in our system.

Also: Azeez Ojulari (OLB), Drew Lock (QB)

New York Jets

CB D.J. Reed

One of the more consistent players at the position over the past 6 seasons, Reed should be rewarded with a nice pay raise this March, having completed a 3 year, $33M contract in NY. The 28-year-old heads toward free agency with a 4 year, $58M projection in our system.

Also: Haason Reddick (OLB), Tyler Conklin (TE), Tyron Smith (OT)

Philadelphia Eagles

ED Josh Sweat

Sweat signed a renegotiated 1 year, $10M to “stick around” with Philly this past March, rewarding them with another highly productive season, and a big finish in Super Bowl 59. The 27-year-old will hit March as one of the most coveted free agents on the market, carrying a 3 year, $57M projection in our system.

Also: Milton Williams (DT), Mekhi Becton (OL), Zack Baun (OLB)

Pittsburgh Steelers

OT Dan Moore Jr.

Moore has improved every year on a Pittsburgh O-Line that has badly needed more consistent production. With so many teams (including major contenders) looking to upgrade at the left tackle position this March, don’t be surprised if Moore locks in a big pay day, potentially even to stay with the Steelers. The 26-year-old enters the open market on a 3 year, $38M projection.

Also: Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Fields (QB), James Daniels (G), Najee Harris (RB)

San Francisco 49ers

CB Charvarius Ward

Ward, and the rest of the 49ers, had a big step back year in 2024, but he’s a year removed from one of the more productive seasons at the position, and should hit the open market with plenty of offers. The 29-year-old is a 3 year, $46M player in our system.

Also: Talanoa Hufanga (S), Dre Greenlaw (LB), Aaron Banks (G)

Seattle Seahawks

LB Ernest Jones

Jones bounced from the Rams to the Titans before landing in Seattle at the trade deadline. The two sides showed immediate interest in a long-term relationship, but it now appears as though the 25-year-old will hit the open market this March. The 3rd Rounder out of South Carolina should be one of the more coveted off-ball linebackers in free agency, projecting toward a 4 year, $52M contract in our system.

Also: Jarran Reed (DT), Johnathan Hankins (DT)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin

Godwin was on pace for another Godwin-like campaign in 2024 before an ankle injury derailed his season. Teams will have some pause when assessing the 28-year-old coming back from his second major injury, but a weak WR market will help sustain his ability to cash in. The former 3rd round pick carries a 3 year, $66M valuation in our system.

Also: Lavonte David (LB)

Tennessee Titans

DT Sebastian Joseph

The 29-year-old started 12 games for the Titans in 2024, compiling 3 sacks & 44 tackles in that span. Joseph should be inline for a contract similar to the 1 year, $4M deal he just completed in Tennessee, projecting toward a 2 year, $9M deal in our system.

Also: Nick Westbrook (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR)

Washington Commanders

LB Bobby Wagner

Now 34-years-old, Wagner is showing almost no sign of decline, filling up the stat board on a weekly basis (especially as it pertains to shutting down opposing run-games). A reunion with this fun, talented Commanders group makes a lot of sense, and a 1 year, $7M (incentive-laden) contract does too.

Also: Dante Fowler Jr. (DE), Jeremy Chinn (S), Zach Ertz (TE)

Thomas Detry wins WM Phoenix Open. Detry earns $1.67 million million bringing his 2025 on-course earnings to $2.6 million and his career on-course earnings to $9.19 million. 

WM Phoenix Open Top 10 Payouts

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RELATED: 2025 Earnings List

As the offseason officially arrives, here are a few important upcoming dates to keep in mind, including the franchise/transition tag window, negotiation period, and official 2025 league year start.

• 2/18: Tag Window Opens
• 2/24-3/3: NFL Combine
• 3/4: Tag Window Closes
• 3/10-3/12: Negotiation Period
• 3/12: League Year Begins*
  
  *All teams must be Top 51 salary cap compliant by 4PM ET. Spotrac is currently projecting a $275M league salary cap in all NFL views.

The Cleveland Cavaliers loaded up to aid in a title push. The Hawks reset their roster and cap sheet bit.

Here are the particulars:

Cleveland Cavaliers acquire: De’Andre Hunter

Atlanta Hawks acquire: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, right to swap 2026 first-round picks with the Cavaliers, right to swap 2028 first-round picks with the least favorable of Cavaliers and Jazz, 2027 Cavaliers second-round pick, 2029 Cavaliers second-round pick and 2031 Cavaliers second-round pick

Let’s dive in!

Cleveland Cavaliers

Incoming salary: $21.7 million in 2024-25

• De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF, three years, $69.9 million)

Outgoing salary: $25.1 million in 2024-25

• Caris LeVert (SG/SF, one year, $16.6 million)
• Georges Niang (PF, two years, $16.7 million)

The Cavaliers are all in. De’Andre Hunter should be a terrific fit for the Cavaliers. He’ll likely start as the team’s small forward, but he’ll slide up and play plenty of small-ball power forward too. That’s the sort of versatility that Cleveland was lacking from their forward group.

Hunter has put together his best offensive season this year. He’s done well as a spot-up shooter, and in creating his own looks. Hunter has become a bit overrated as a defender, but he’s still solid on that end. He’ll give Cleveland more size to throw at the likes of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby among their chief competitors in the Eastern Conference.

What makes this an all-in move is two-fold. Cleveland gave up most of their remaining draft capital in this deal. The Cavs traded away three seconds, while also giving Atlanta first-round swap rights in a couple of other years.

The other all-in component is on the cap sheet. The Cavaliers now have over $198 million in guaranteed salary for eight players on their books for next season. By the time they fill out the roster, Cleveland will have one of the most expensive teams in the NBA next season. That’s why ducking the luxury tax in this trade was important. That keeps the repeater clock from starting for one more year.

The Cavs did lose some on-ball playmaking in Caris LeVert, but they’ve got enough in reserve to cover for that with Ty Jerome and Craig Porter Jr. Georges Niang was a nice stretch-four for Cleveland, but Hunter and Dean Wade should be able to handle Niang’s role without much worry.

Cleveland does have a couple of roster spots to fill, so they’ll be active on the buyout market. Keep an eye on a backup center and possibly a veteran point guard.

The Cavaliers are right there in terms of being a title contender. They’ve had a terrific season to date, but there was still a sense they needed one more player to truly compete with Boston at the top of the conference. Now, Cleveland should feel good about their chances, no matter who they run into in the postseason.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming salary: $25.1 million in 2024-25

• Caris LeVert (SG/SF, one year, $16.6 million)
• Georges Niang (PF, two years, $16.7 million)

Outgoing salary: $21.7 million in 2024-25

• De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF, three years, $69.9 million)
• Note: Atlanta also sent Cody Zeller’s $3.5 million contract to the Houston Rockets in a roster/salary clearing 

When you combine this move with their other deals, the Hawks really reset things with their roster and cap sheet. Moving De’Andre Hunter seems like a step backwards, but Atlanta got back players who can play.

Caris LeVert is a good scorer and ballhandler. With Jalen Johnson out for the season, Atlanta has really been struggling for shot creation outside of Trae Young. LeVert will help with that quite a bit. He’s not the defender Hunter is, but the Hawks defense wasn’t exactly their calling card with Hunter.

Niang is also a nice addition. Atlanta didn’t really have a stretch big on the roster. Niang should give them solid minutes beside Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela in the frontcourt.

In the Zeller salary-dump, the Hawks gave the Rockets back their 2028 second-round pick. That deal helped Atlanta clear a roster spot and to get under the tax. Considering Zeller never actually joined the Hawks after being a throw-in as part of the Dejounte Murray deal last summer, that’s not a loss.

On the cap sheet, Atlanta has cleaned things up considerably. Even though he’s played well this season, let’s not forget that a year ago many were suggesting that Hunter’s deal was a cap-clogger. Now, that’s gone.

The Hawks aren’t in line to have cap space next summer, but they should be well clear of the luxury tax. More importantly, in the summer of 2026, which is shaping up to potentially have a monster free agent class, Atlanta could be real players.

This trade might not make the Hawks better this season. But it probably won’t make them worse. And they added a lot of draft capital and cap flexibility for the future. That’s a win for a team that was very much stuck in the middle.