Everything we heard at 2025 NFL league meetings: QB options, draft maneuvers, roster holes

NFL League Meetings Wrap-Up: Key Decisions and Team Insights

As the sun set on Palm Beach, Florida, the NFL wrapped up its annual league meetings, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with the latest developments. The meetings, which concluded on Tuesday, saw a mix of decisions, discussions, and debates that will shape the upcoming season. One of the most talked-about topics was the effort to ban the “tush push,” a controversial play that has been the subject of much debate. Despite garnering support from 16 teams, the proposal fell short of the 24 votes needed, leaving the play in the game for now.

In addition to the tush push debate, the league made significant strides in other areas. Owners approved an expansion of the league’s replay assist program and introduced a major change to the kickoff rule. Perhaps one of the most intriguing developments was the announcement that the NFL would switch from the traditional chain gang method for first-down measurements to a camera-based technology, akin to the line calls used in tennis. While the chain crew will still be present on the sidelines, their role will be secondary.

The three-day event was not just about rule changes. It was also a platform for owners, general managers, and coaches to discuss their teams’ compositions and address pressing questions during this period between free agency and the draft. With over 20 ESPN reporters on the ground, the highlights were plentiful:

• League buzz: The NFL made a small but potentially significant change to its funding rule, which requires teams to hold in escrow an amount of money sufficient to cover the fully guaranteed money in the future years of their players’ contracts. The date for this funding has been permanently extended to two business days after the April television contract distributions, allowing clubs to utilize these distributions as a funding source.
• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are navigating the implications of this funding rule change, particularly concerning wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s $27 million salary in 2026, which became fully guaranteed on Tuesday.
• New York Jets: The Jets are all-in on quarterback Justin Fields, with Coach Aaron Glenn expressing confidence in Fields’ untapped potential. While they might draft a quarterback, it’s unlikely to happen in the first round.
• New England Patriots: Quarterback Joe Milton III’s strong performance in a season-ending win has piqued interest, but the Patriots are not considering trading him at this time.
• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ comments suggest tight end Dallas Goedert might not be on the roster next season, with financial considerations playing a significant role in this potential departure.
• Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are exploring options to bolster their wide receiver group, with General Manager John Spytek highlighting the unique role of tight end Brock Bowers as a primary target.
• Baltimore Ravens: Coach John Harbaugh expects tight end Mark Andrews to remain with the team, despite previous speculation about his future.
• Chicago Bears: Quarterback Caleb Williams will be learning a new offense that pushes him out of his comfort zone, with Coach Ben Johnson emphasizing the importance of play action.
• Seattle Seahawks: The trade of DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh was not his first request to leave Seattle, shedding light on the team’s decision to part ways with the star receiver.
• Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are eyeing tight ends in the upcoming draft, acknowledging the need for a game-changer at the position.
• Washington Commanders: The Commanders are optimistic about maximizing newly-acquired receiver Deebo Samuel, who is in the final year of his contract.
• Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are working on a possible contract extension with running back Kyren Williams, who led the NFL in touches last season.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: The acquisition of DK Metcalf does not signal a move away from George Pickens, with the team emphasizing the need for multiple receivers.
• Detroit Lions: There are no concerns about Aidan Hutchinson’s recovery from injury, with confidence that he’ll be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
• Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are keeping an eye on offensive guard and linebacker positions as they prepare for the draft.
• Tennessee Titans: Despite an unproven quarterback room, Coach Brian Callahan feels the team is in a solid place, with potential competition from draft prospects.
• Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are in the market for a backup quarterback to Dak Prescott, with interest in both veterans and draft prospects.
• Green Bay Packers: This was the last annual meeting for team president Mark Murphy, who will retire in July, leaving a legacy of successful transitions and developments.
• Cleveland Browns: The Browns hold the No. 2 pick in the draft but are not forcing a quarterback selection, with confidence in Kenny Pickett as a potential starter.

As the dust settles on the 2025 NFL league meetings, teams are now turning their attention to the upcoming draft and the final stages of roster building. With new rules, player movements, and strategic decisions in play, the stage is set for an exciting season ahead.