The new NFL league year commenced with notable player movements featuring two former Super Bowl MVPs entering free agency. The Los Angeles Rams released wide receiver Cooper Kupp shortly after signing Davante Adams as his successor. Meanwhile, the New York Jets parted ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers after a disappointing two-year tenure.
The Rams decided to cut Kupp after attempts to trade him proved unsuccessful. The 2021 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, eager to remain with the Rams, had expressed his wish to stay, but his $20 million salary for the upcoming season deterred other teams from pursuing a trade. In his illustrious 2021 season, Kupp claimed the receiving triple crown and earned Super Bowl MVP honors by catching 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. His playoff performance was equally impressive, with 33 receptions for 478 yards and six touchdowns, including the game-winner in the Super Bowl on home turf against Cincinnati. However, Kupp’s production has declined in recent years, with injury setbacks limiting his contribution.
The Jets announced Rodgers’ release early Thursday, having earlier communicated their intention to explore other quarterbacking options for 2025. New York recently secured Justin Fields, signaling a new direction for their offensive strategy. Rodgers’ move to the Jets in April 2023 was aimed at ending their Super Bowl drought, but his debut season was cut short by a torn left Achilles in his first game. Despite starting every match in the following season, the team ended with a disappointing 5-12 record, and Rodgers faced challenges regaining his form, throwing 28 touchdowns for 3,897 yards. The Jets simultaneously released linebacker C.J. Mosley, indicating further roster adjustments.
Elsewhere in the league, the Buffalo Bills reinforced their defense by re-signing safety Damar Hamlin and adding tackle Larry Ogunjobi on a one-year deal worth $8 million guaranteed. Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback renowned for his recent Super Bowl victory with Philadelphia, is set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract.
The Seattle Seahawks addressed crucial roster holes with the signing of speedy receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $5.5 million deal and DeMarcus Lawrence, a former Dallas defensive star, for three years at $42 million. These moves follow the departures of Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, and aim to bolster both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings secured two-time Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave for $30 million over two years to strengthen their defensive line. The agreement comes on the heels of Hargrave’s release by the San Francisco 49ers after an injury-hampered 2024 season.
In other transactions, Maliek Collins inked a two-year, $20 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. Tight end Evan Engram joined the Denver Broncos on a two-year, $23 million contract. Tennessee reached an agreement with guard Kevin Zeitler, while Detroit added Roy Lopez to their defensive tackles. The San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Mac Jones, and Washington retained Marcus Mariota as a backup quarterback.
The Dallas Cowboys were active in the trade market, acquiring linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. from Tennessee and cornerback Kaiir Elam from Buffalo. They exchanged draft picks in these deals, augmenting their roster with fresh talent in preparation for the upcoming season.
