2025 NFL Free Agency Day 4 Winners and Losers: Steelers Have Backup Plan at QB as They Wait for Aaron Rodgers
Introduction
2025 NFL The fourth day of the 2025 NFL free agency period brought major moves, surprises, and plenty of speculation. While some teams made strategic signings to solidify their rosters, others appeared to misstep in their pursuit of key players. One of the biggest storylines continues to revolve around the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are reportedly still in play for Aaron 2025 NFL Rodgers but have also secured a contingency plan at quarterback.
Table of Contents
In this article, we break down the biggest winners and losers from Day 4 of free agency, analyzing which teams improved the most and which ones may have set themselves back.
Winners
Pittsburgh Steelers: Smart QB Insurance While Waiting for Rodgers
The Steelers remain a major talking point in free agency as rumors swirl about a potential trade for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, with uncertainty surrounding that situation, Pittsburgh made a proactive move by signing veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a backup plan.
Tannehill may not be a long-term solution, but he provides the Steelers with an experienced presence under center in case the Rodgers deal falls through. He also serves as a bridge quarterback if Pittsburgh decides to develop a young signal-caller for the future.
Beyond the quarterback position, the Steelers made additional smart moves by shoring up their offensive line and adding defensive depth. Overall, Pittsburgh’s front office continues to navigate the free agency period with a solid strategy, keeping all options open.
Chicago Bears: Defensive Overhaul Continues
The Chicago Bears entered free agency with a clear mission: improve their defense. On Day 4, they took another step toward achieving that goal by signing former Rams linebacker Ernest Jones and bolstering their pass rush with veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
With a young and promising offense led by Caleb Williams, the Bears are focusing on assembling a formidable defense that can help them compete in the NFC North. Their moves thus far have positioned them as a team to watch in 2025.
Miami Dolphins: Offense Gets Even More Dangerous
Miami has been aggressive in free agency, and Day 4 was no exception. The Dolphins added former Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa another elite target to complement Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Evans’ arrival makes the Dolphins’ passing attack one of the most dangerous in the league. If Tagovailoa can stay healthy, Miami’s offense could be nearly unstoppable in 2025.
New York Jets: Bolstering Protection for Rodgers
While the Steelers wait for Rodgers, the New York Jets are making sure their star quarterback has better protection for the upcoming season. They addressed a major weakness by signing offensive tackle Tyron Smith, a seasoned veteran who can anchor their line.
After Rodgers’ injury-plagued 2024 campaign, the Jets are prioritizing their offensive front. Adding Smith, along with other offensive line reinforcements, signals their commitment to keeping Rodgers upright and maximizing their Super Bowl window.
Losers
New England Patriots: Lack of Direction in Free Agency
The Patriots continue to struggle in free agency, making moves that seem more reactive than strategic. After missing out on several top-tier wide receivers and offensive linemen, New England settled for second-tier options that may not significantly improve their roster.
With a lack of clarity at quarterback and no true offensive identity, the Patriots’ free agency approach has left fans frustrated. If they don’t make a splash soon, they could be looking at another disappointing season.
Green Bay Packers: Too Quiet for Comfort
Unlike past offseasons where the Packers have been active in securing talent, this year’s approach has been puzzlingly passive. Green Bay has yet to make a significant move to improve their roster, despite having cap space to do so.
With Jordan Love proving himself as the franchise quarterback, the Packers need to surround him with better weapons and defensive playmakers. However, their lack of urgency in free agency could end up costing them in a competitive NFC.
Tennessee Titans: Overpaying for Mediocre Talent
The Titans made headlines on Day 4 by signing wide receiver Gabe Davis to a lucrative contract, but many analysts believe they overpaid for a player who has yet to prove himself as a consistent top-tier threat.
Tennessee has a history of spending big in free agency but failing to see significant returns on their investments. If Davis doesn’t live up to his contract, the Titans could once again find themselves in salary cap trouble without the results to justify it.
Denver Broncos: Still No Clear QB Solution
The Broncos entered free agency with a major question mark at quarterback, and four days in, they still haven’t found an answer. After parting ways with Russell Wilson, Denver was expected to aggressively pursue a veteran replacement. However, their lack of urgency in signing a proven starter is concerning.
If the Broncos don’t find a capable quarterback soon, they could be in for another rough season in the AFC West.
Conclusion
Day 4 of the 2025 NFL free agency period saw some teams make critical moves to position themselves for success, while others made questionable decisions—or none at all. The Steelers stand out as one of the biggest winners, securing a backup plan at quarterback while keeping their options open for Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, teams like the Patriots and Broncos continue to leave fans wondering what their plan is for the future.
As free agency progresses, the landscape of the NFL will continue to shift. Some teams will solidify themselves as contenders, while others may struggle to recover from missed opportunities. One thing is certain: the 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one.