NEW YORK, USA — As data and shared by NBC Sports, here’s what you have missed during a chaotic and dramatic NFL offseason. From a flurry of player transactions to notable rule changes, the league is set for a season full of new faces, new tactics, and high-stakes drama.
- New Teams for Star Players
The offseason saw several high-impact players find new homes. In a shocking move, the Dallas Cowboys traded All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and fellow quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both landed in New York with the Jets and Giants, respectively.
The quarterback carousel also included Sam Darnold, who signed a significant three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, and Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. In a separate deal, the Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from Pittsburgh.
- Key Rule and Regulation Changes
NFL owners made some notable adjustments to the rulebook. The highly-debated “tush push” play was narrowly kept legal. New rules were implemented for kickoffs to promote more returns, with the touchback spot for kicks landing in the end zone now at the 35-yard line. Additionally, onside kicks can now be declared at any point in the game as long as a team is trailing, and the regular season overtime rules were changed to guarantee each team a possession.
- Technological Upgrades on the Field
In a move to improve efficiency, the NFL will now primarily use Sony’s Hawk-Eye system for first-down measurements. This virtual system uses six cameras to provide a precise, faster measurement than the traditional chain gang, which will now serve as a backup method.
- A Look at the Title Contenders
Heading into the season, the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles face a difficult road to repeat, contending with a loaded NFC that includes the Packers, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers. In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs remain the dominant teams, with their success heavily dependent on the performance of their star quarterbacks.
- The League’s Newest Stars
The 2025 NFL Draft introduced several top prospects who are expected to make an immediate impact. Quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, will begin his career as the starter for the Tennessee Titans. The Jacksonville Jaguars will allow second-overall pick Travis Hunter to play both offense and defense, while the Las Vegas Raiders will give rookie running back Ashton Jeanty a featured role in their offense.
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