The 2025 NFL Free Agency period is in full swing, with Day 4 bringing a fresh wave of activity to the league. While many premier free agents secured lucrative deals earlier in the week, Thursday saw a handful of players finding new homes or agreeing to terms with new teams. Often, some of the best deals of the offseason come after the initial flurry of big-name signings, offering teams the opportunity to fill out their rosters at a lower price.
Amidst the various moves on Day 4, several transactions stood out for their impact on teams and players alike. The Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings made significant changes to their offensive lines, the Las Vegas Raiders added a former Pro Bowl player to their roster, and the Philadelphia Eagles sought to bolster their pass rush after losing key defensive starters. As the dust settles on these deals, it’s time to assess the winners and losers of the latest free agency moves.
### Chiefs Secure Gardner Minshew as Patrick Mahomes’ Backup
In a familiar scenario for the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has once again shuffled their backup quarterback position. After relying on Carson Wentz as the second-string QB behind Patrick Mahomes last season, the Chiefs have now turned to Gardner Minshew, formerly of an AFC West rival. Despite missing a significant portion of the 2024 season due to injury, Minshew brings experience and moxie to the role, making him a suitable fit for Andy Reid’s offensive scheme. While Minshew’s ball control may raise some concerns, his track record as a reliable fill-in quarterback adds depth to the Chiefs’ roster.
**Grade: A**
### Eagles Bolster Defense with Adoree’ Jackson
Facing departures of key defensive players in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles opted to bring in veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to shore up their secondary. With Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers moving on, Jackson’s 41 career starts between the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants provide the Eagles with a battle-tested option. In addition to his defensive prowess, Jackson’s background as a return specialist adds versatility to Philadelphia’s special teams unit. While the Eagles had promising young players waiting in the wings, Jackson’s experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to the roster.
**Grade: B**
### Texans Acquire Ed Ingram to Bolster Offensive Line
In a bid to strengthen their offensive line, the Houston Texans made a relatively low-cost move by trading for guard Ed Ingram. Despite giving up a 2026 sixth-round pick, the Texans’ decision to part ways with Kenyon Green, a promising young guard, in favor of Ingram raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy. While Ingram brings experience to the position, his performance as a pass blocker may not match the potential displayed by Green. As Houston looks to protect their quarterback C.J. Stroud, the transition from Green to Ingram could be a pivotal move for the team.
**Grade: C-**
### Raiders Add Raheem Mostert to Running Back Corps
With changes in their backfield personnel, the Las Vegas Raiders turned to veteran running back Raheem Mostert to bolster their rushing attack. Despite Mostert’s age and recent decline in performance, his history of explosive plays and touchdown production offer a glimmer of hope for the Raiders’ offense. While concerns about Mostert’s durability linger, his one-year deal at a reasonable price makes him a low-risk, high-reward addition to the team’s roster. As Las Vegas transitions to a new offensive scheme led by Geno Smith, Mostert’s speed and experience could prove valuable in a rotational role.
**Grade: B-**
### Steelers Retain Mason Rudolph as Backup Quarterback
As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for a starting quarterback, they opted to bring back Mason Rudolph in a backup capacity. While Rudolph’s familiarity with the team and system provides a sense of continuity, questions remain about his ability to step into a starting role if needed. Despite showing flashes of potential in spot starts, Rudolph’s inconsistent performances have kept him in a backup role throughout his career. With the Steelers still seeking a long-term solution at quarterback, Rudolph’s return offers stability but falls short of addressing the team’s larger concerns under center.
**Grade: C**
### Eagles Invest in Joshua Uche for Pass Rush Support
In a strategic move aimed at maintaining salary cap flexibility, the Philadelphia Eagles signed edge rusher Joshua Uche to bolster their pass rush. As the team looks to balance short-term needs with long-term planning, Uche represents a low-risk, high-reward option off the edge. While Uche’s production has been limited by his rotational role in the past, his potential for growth under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio adds a layer of intrigue to the Eagles’ defense. With Philadelphia focusing on building for the future after their recent Super Bowl success, Uche’s addition contributes to their ongoing roster reshaping efforts.
**Grade: C+**
As the 2025 NFL Free Agency period unfolds, each team’s decisions on player acquisitions carry implications for the upcoming season. While some moves may appear minor in the grand scheme of things, the cumulative effect of these transactions will shape the competitive landscape of the league. Stay tuned for more updates as free agency continues to unfold, bringing new opportunities and challenges for NFL teams and players alike.
