NFL Free Agency 2025 Day 4 saw several key moves across the league. The Chiefs earned an A- for signing Gardner Minshew as Mahomes’ new backup, ensuring stability at quarterback. The Eagles bolstered their secondary by adding veteran CB Adoree’ Jackson (B grade), while the Raiders took a calculated gamble on RB Raheem Mostert (B-). The Texans’ trade for guard Ed Ingram (C-) raises concerns about their O-line strategy. As free agency progresses, teams are setting the stage for the upcoming NFL Draft.
NFL Free Agency 2025 Day 4 Grades: Chiefs Score an ‘A’ for New Patrick Mahomes Backup
The fourth day of NFL free agency 2025 continued to see significant movement across the league, despite the biggest contracts having been signed earlier in the week. As veteran NFL analysts often note, some of the best offseason deals emerge after the initial wave of major moves has settled. Thursday, March 14, 2025, proved this theory correct with several impactful signings and trades.
Notable Thursday Movements Across the NFL
Thursday’s action featured offensive line shuffling for the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings, the addition of a former Pro Bowl playmaker to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the acquisition of pass rush help by the Super Bowl LIX champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, who had lost key defensive starters earlier in free agency. Let’s examine the most significant transactions from Day 4 of the 2025 NFL free agency period.
Kansas City Chiefs: Signing Gardner Minshew (Grade: A-)
For the second consecutive year, the Chiefs are changing Patrick Mahomes’ backup quarterback. After a season with Carson Wentz, Kansas City has pivoted to Gardner Minshew, a former AFC West rival who previously played for the Raiders.
Minshew missed nearly half of the 2024 season with a fractured clavicle, an injury that derailed what had been a promising campaign. While scouts have noted his occasionally inconsistent ball control, Minshew’s fearless playing style should fit well within Andy Reid’s offensive system, where his significant experience as both a starter and backup will prove valuable.
According to ESPN reports, Minshew signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs to replace Wentz, who is now exploring opportunities elsewhere. The Raiders had released Minshew on Wednesday, just one year into the two-year contract they had offered him in 2024. Prior to his injury last season, Minshew had won a tight competition with Aidan O’Connell for the Raiders’ starting quarterback position.
Minshew brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Jaguars, Eagles, Colts, and Raiders. His best season came in 2023 with Indianapolis, where he demonstrated both leadership and playmaking ability. This signing allows the Chiefs to maintain quarterback stability behind their superstar, even as they continue to address defensive needs—particularly in their secondary, where they recently added cornerback Kristian Fulton.
Philadelphia Eagles: Signing Adoree’ Jackson (Grade: B)
With the departures of cornerbacks Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers in free agency, Philadelphia could have chosen to rely solely on their young defensive backs like Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, and Kelee Ringo. Instead, they’ve added veteran presence by signing Adoree’ Jackson, who started 41 games between his time with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
Jackson provides proven insurance in the secondary and brings additional value as an experienced return specialist from his early career. This signing reinforces a Philadelphia defense that has been actively retooling following their Super Bowl LIX victory, particularly after losing several defensive starters to free agency.
The Eagles have taken a balanced approach to free agency, focusing on maintaining long-term salary cap health while making targeted additions like Jackson and edge rusher Joshua Uche to bolster their defensive front.
Houston Texans: Trading for Ed Ingram (Grade: C-)
Houston surrendered only a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to acquire guard Ed Ingram, a young interior lineman with starting experience. However, questions remain about this move considering they recently traded away Kenyon Green to the Eagles, a guard who had demonstrated better pass-blocking metrics despite some obvious struggles.
While the acquisition cost was minimal, the decision to swap Green for Ingram to protect franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud raises eyebrows. Ingram will need to show significant improvement to justify this personnel shuffle along Houston’s interior offensive line as they look to build on their surprising 2024 campaign.
Las Vegas Raiders: Signing Raheem Mostert (Grade: B-)
With Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah both departing in free agency, Las Vegas needed to reinforce their ground game. They’ve turned to 32-year-old Raheem Mostert, who comes off his least efficient season but brings explosive potential to the Raiders’ backfield.
Just two years ago, Mostert put together an impressive campaign with the Miami Dolphins, accumulating over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. On a one-year deal at backup money, he should provide much-needed speed to the Geno Smith-led offense while mentoring the younger backs on the roster.
The Raiders are banking on Mostert having enough left in the tank to form an effective committee approach at running back, providing their rebuilt offense with additional versatility and big-play potential.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Re-signing Mason Rudolph (Grade: C)
A full evaluation of Mason Rudolph’s return depends heavily on Pittsburgh’s other quarterback moves, as the Steelers continue searching for a starting solution following Justin Fields’ departure. Rudolph knows both the city and the system, having demonstrated determination during his spot starts throughout his tenure with the team.
However, there’s a reason Rudolph has been repeatedly passed over and underestimated by the Steelers organization over the years. While serviceable as a backup, his ceiling appears limited based on his previous opportunities. This signing feels more like a stopgap measure than a solution to Pittsburgh’s quarterback questions.
The Steelers still figure to be active in the quarterback market, either through additional free agency moves or the upcoming NFL Draft, as they look to establish offensive identity under their new coaching structure.
Philadelphia Eagles: Adding Joshua Uche (Grade: C+)
Philadelphia’s free agency approach has prioritized long-term salary cap preservation following their Super Bowl LIX triumph. The addition of Joshua Uche represents a classic low-risk, moderate-reward gamble to strengthen their defensive line rotation.
Though never a full-time starter and with only one season of double-digit sacks during his time with the New England Patriots, the 26-year-old Uche still has room for development under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s tutelage. His versatility and pass-rushing upside make him an intriguing piece in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme.
Looking Forward
As NFL free agency 2025 continues into its second week, teams will increasingly focus on value signings that complement their draft strategies. The Chiefs appear to have secured solid veteran insurance behind Mahomes, while the Eagles continue methodically rebuilding their defense following their championship season. Meanwhile, teams like the Texans and Raiders are making calculated gambles to strengthen specific position groups.
With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, these free agency moves provide important context for how organizations view their current rosters and remaining needs. The true impact of Day 4’s signings won’t be fully understood until we see these new acquisitions in action this fall, but the initial grades suggest some teams have positioned themselves well for continued success in the 2025 NFL season.
2025 NFL free agency Day 4 grades: Chiefs get ‘A’ for …
2025 NFL free agency: Signings and grades for all 32 teams
