At the start of the 2025 league year, only 13 players were tendered as restricted free agents, including Greg Dortch of the Arizona Cardinals, who received a one-year contract at the lowest level of $3.263 million, impacting the salary cap immediately. As the deadline of April 18 approached for players to sign offer sheets with new teams, five players, including Dortch, remained unsigned.
Among the unsigned players were Ryan Neuzil of the Falcons, Ar’Darius Washington of the Ravens, Cole Van Lanen of the Jaguars, and Jaylen Warren of the Steelers. Of the eight players who have signed, Jordan Mason was traded to the Vikings, Christian Elliss had his offer matched by the Patriots, and the rest signed their tenders.
The number of RFAs has declined in recent years due to the four-year contracts given to drafted players and the rising value of tenders. Notably, 46 potential RFAs did not receive tenders, becoming total free agents, with 26 signing new contracts and 14 returning to their teams. The remaining free agents, including Jesse Luketa, Andre Chachere, and Carter O’Donnell of the Cardinals, are still seeking new opportunities.