The year 2025 has been very important for American football, especially within the NFL. Many teams around the league are going through offseason training, adding their newly chosen players, and adjusting the roster. Even though teams have not played a single game, the major storylines for 2025 are being formed during rookie minicamps, OTAs, and trades.

Offseason Workout Programs in Full Swing

At the start of 2025, the NFL enters an essential offseason stage. After selecting their new rookies at the NFL Draft in late April, teams usually hold rookie minicamps in early to mid-2025. During these camps, rookies and free agents can learn what they need to know, interact with the coaching team, and adjust to the environment they will face in the upcoming season. 

The NFL had earlier released the offseason training dates, showing when the development program for rookies can begin in 2025. The majority of teams ran their rookie minicamps during one of the two weekends right after the draft. For instance, minicamps for rookies were held by the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Buffalo Bills.

After adding the new players, teams started Phase Three, which is known as Organized Team Activities (OTAs). NBA official rules for Organized Team Activities allow for 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, but hits or blocks are not allowed. It is widely recognized that teams like the New Orleans Saints, for example, consider these OTA sessions very meaningful. Taking part in such practices allows the team to work together and lets coaches check how skilled each player is. Because of this, fans are looking closely at these indicators to bet online more wisely.

Notable Player Movements and Transactions

The active transaction period in 2025 goes on as each team completes the vetting of its 90-man roster. In March and April, there are many big free-agent signings, but the rest of the time, teams claim waivers, make roster cuts, and strengthen their lineups.

It was reported on May 19, 2025, that the Cleveland Browns recruited quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and the Los Angeles Chargers got running back Omarion Hampton. On May 9, the former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr said that he would be retiring from the NFL. They may appear to be small, but these dealings can really affect individual players and the way teams position for the upcoming training camp.

One story worth mentioning is wide receiver Von Miller’s wish to keep playing in the NFL in 2025, but he does not seem certain about playing for Denver again. After leaving the Buffalo Bills, Miller still commands attention as a top free agent.

Early Power Rankings and Season Outlook

Because of the start of the offseason and teams taking shape, several sports websites have published their early power rankings for the upcoming season. Before training camp begins, these rankings give some insight into how people think about the teams.

2025 Fantasy Points publishes new power rankings after the NFL Draft, putting the Eagles first, the Ravens second, and the Lions third. If we look at Pro Football Network’s post-schedule release, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills received attention as top potential winners. Even though these are just trends and could change a lot, they increase excitement and talk about the next season.

Just before the 2025 NFL season began, Sports Illustrated put out their popular predictions called “100 Bold Predictions.” The football gurus saw the Buffalo Bills capturing the title of Super Bowl LX and Josh Allen being awarded the prestigious MVP title. A lot of sports analysts estimated that the 2026 NFL Draft’s top pick would likely go to the New Orleans Saints, mainly because Derek Carr might retire soon.

College Football Developments with NFL Implications

College football keeps producing top athletes and serves as an important topic for people who predict NFL rosters. Already, people are talking about which college football players might become star players in the NFL Drafts to come.

Several teams from the Power Four conferences may end up with more wins than what was predicted for this upcoming year. NFL teams will watch the games of leading college players during the upcoming season, so new stars may have their value improved. People are also discussing the influence the revised College Football Playoff format will have on the 2025 futures market since it can change the route to the national championship and the attention on future NFL stars.

Looking Ahead

NFL teams carry on with their OTA routines, ending with important minicamps in the summer for their veteran players. The minicamps round off the main team sessions before a large period off lasting two months.

Those who love fantasy football are already planning their strategies, and PFF has already published initial studies and reviews of new players for next year’s season. Fantasy football players are already paying attention to profiles of wide receiver Khalil Shakir from the Buffalo Bills and Stefon Diggs from the New England Patriots.

While the NFL’s kickoff for 2025 still lies ahead, recent events have built an important base for the league. Players are joining forces, newcomers are adjusting to the professional football climate, and it is gradually becoming clear who the contenders are. The way 2025 prepares and stays focused will no doubt influence the teams that will win in the future.