NFL Free Agency Unleashes Major Player Moves Ahead of New Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The NFL‘s 2025 free agency kicked off with a flurry of significant player movements on March 10, as teams began to solidify their rosters ahead of the new season. Notably, the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs made headlines with key signings, including former Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who signed a three-year, $54 million deal with Carolina.

Wharton, 26, had the best season of his career in 2024, registering a career-high 6.5 sacks while stepping onto the field in 17 games. His standout performance included a critical Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded two sacks to help secure a 19-17 victory for the Chiefs. After joining Kansas City as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri S&T in 2020, Wharton has totaled 13.5 sacks over five seasons.

In addition to Wharton, Carolina has also secured cornerback Zach Jackson for two years at $14.5 million. Jackson led the Panthers last season with 17 pass deflections and is expected to bolster what has been a struggling secondary. Carolina General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized the importance of these acquisitions in fortifying the team’s defensive lineup.

“We believe that these moves will provide immediate impact and long-term stability,” Morgan stated. “Wharton’s performance has proven his capabilities, and we’re excited about what he will bring to our defensive scheme.”

On a broader league level, the commencement of the negotiating window for free agency saw multiple other franchises making bold moves. The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots were particularly aggressive, with the Eagles retaining running back Saquon Barkley on a long-term deal, while the Patriots signed defensive tackle Milton Williams to a record-setting four-year, $104 million contract.

Pats head coach Bill Belichick acknowledged the necessity of these moves to maintain competitive standing. “The addition of Williams is crucial for enhancing our defensive efforts and setting the tone as we move into the new season,” he commented.

As teams continue to navigate free agency, the decisions made in the coming days will likely shape the trajectory of the NFL season. The legal tampering period allows teams to negotiate and finalize contracts, leading to the official opening of free agency on March 12.

In total, the league-wide increase in the salary cap to $279.2 million per team has opened opportunities for teams to make significant roster improvements, with many franchises looking to maximize their available cap space.

As the new league year approaches, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch closely as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the 2025 NFL draft, which begins on April 24.