Jets Sign Former Ravens CB Stephens in $36M Contract

Several NFL teams made unusual or surprising moves during the 2025 offseason that have drawn attention and mixed reactions. The New York Jets made a quiet offseason with only two multi-year contracts but surprised many by signing former Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year, $36 million deal despite his poor statistics last season; early reports from Jets training camp suggest Stephens is exceeding expectations under the new coaching regime. The Atlanta Falcons, preparing for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made a controversial trade of a future first-round pick to select James Pearce Jr., a talented but flawed defensive prospect with off-field concerns and limited college playing time, reflecting a risky short-term approach despite multiple roster holes. The Buffalo Bills signed defensive players Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi, only to face setbacks as both players were suspended for six games due to PED violations, complicating the team's defensive plans early in the season. Meanwhile, the New York Giants executed a bizarre offseason move by trading retired tight end Darren Waller to the Miami Dolphins, gaining draft capital despite Waller never playing for Miami and remaining inactive throughout preseason, raising questions about the rationale and outcome of the trade. These moves illustrate varying degrees of risk and uncertainty as teams navigate roster building and preparation for the 2025 NFL season.