The 2024 NFL draft is behind us, and teams are already beginning to look towards 2025. Some decisions are simple, like picking up the fifth-year option on successful draft picks (or choosing not to exercise options for struggling players). Other calls won’t be so clear-cut. The New Orleans Saints in particular like to sign next year’s free agents to extensions over the summer, and we could see that strategy repeat in the months ahead.
Last year the Saints extended soon-to-be free agents like Carl Granderson, Cesar Ruiz, and Cameron Jordan in order to get ahead of the curve. There are 27 players on the roster right now whose contracts run out in 2025, so we should expect them to get busy re-upping guys when it makes sense. In some cases it’s smarter to let them test the market. Others are worth prioritizing sooner.
Remember, there are three different classes of free agents: Unrestricted (who qualify for compensatory draft picks if they leave), Restricted (who could bring back compensation if signed away), and Exclusive Rights (who can be kept on a minimum salary). Navigating different situations can get complicated. Still, some of the players on this list will never get close to free agency. Others are going to leave. Here’s an early look at all 27 of them:
Continue reading...Last year the Saints extended soon-to-be free agents like Carl Granderson, Cesar Ruiz, and Cameron Jordan in order to get ahead of the curve. There are 27 players on the roster right now whose contracts run out in 2025, so we should expect them to get busy re-upping guys when it makes sense. In some cases it’s smarter to let them test the market. Others are worth prioritizing sooner.
Remember, there are three different classes of free agents: Unrestricted (who qualify for compensatory draft picks if they leave), Restricted (who could bring back compensation if signed away), and Exclusive Rights (who can be kept on a minimum salary). Navigating different situations can get complicated. Still, some of the players on this list will never get close to free agency. Others are going to leave. Here’s an early look at all 27 of them: