NFL 2025 Season Preview: Bears, Jets Eye Playoff Return, Aaron Rodgers Joins Steelers in Transformative Offseason

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, several key developments and predictions are capturing the attention of football fans.

### Team Outlooks and Playoff Droughts

- The Chicago Bears and New York Jets are among the teams that could potentially end their long playoff droughts in the 2025 season. The Bears, who last made the playoffs in 2020, are seen as one of the teams with a strong chance to break out[1].
- The New Orleans Saints, who also last appeared in the playoffs in 2020, are another team hoping to turn their fortunes around[1].

### Player Movements and Contracts

- The post-June 1 period is a critical time for NFL teams as they finalize their rosters. This period allows teams to make significant roster adjustments, including cutting or trading veteran players, which can help manage salary caps. Notable players like Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins are mentioned as potential cut or trade candidates[4].
- Aaron Rodgers has informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he will sign a one-year deal with the team, marking a significant addition for the Steelers as they aim to change their narrative for the upcoming season[3].

### Offseason Activities

- All NFL teams have begun their spring workouts, including organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, which are crucial in preparing for the summer training camp. Some players, such as Kirk Cousins and T.J. Watt, are skipping voluntary workouts in an effort to prompt action from their teams regarding their contracts[4].

### Predictions and Analysis

- Analysts like Peter Schrager are making predictions for the 2025 season. Schrager discusses the potential for a bounce-back season for Daniel Jones, the competitive threat posed by Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the pressure on quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and Caleb Williams[5].

### Key Dates

- Important dates for the 2025-2026 NFL season include the June 2 deadline for prior clubs to send "June 1 Tenders" to unsigned restricted free agents who received qualifying offers. This period is significant for roster management and contract negotiations[2].

In summary, the 2025 NFL season is shaping up with several teams aiming to break playoff droughts, significant player movements on the horizon, and key offseason activities underway. As the season approaches, fans can expect more roster adjustments and strategic moves that will impact team performances.