NFL 2025 Season Preview: Quarterback Battles, Roster Moves, and High-Stakes Contract Negotiations Shake Up League Dynamics

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

### Post-June 1 Period and Roster Moves
The post-June 1 period is a critical time for NFL teams as they finalize their rosters. After June 1, teams can release players without shouldering the full cap hit of their contracts immediately, making it a prime time for significant roster adjustments. Notable players like Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons and Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins are among those who could be cut or traded during this period. This move allows teams to manage their salary caps more effectively and make room for other players[1].

### Spring Workouts and OTAs
All 32 NFL teams have begun their spring workouts, including organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, as they prepare for the upcoming season. Some high-profile 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 or trade situations[1].

### 2025 NFL Schedule
The full 2025 NFL schedule was released on May 14, with the season opener featuring the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. This matchup kicks off the 106th NFL season[4].

### Quarterback Battles and Cap Hits
Several quarterback positions are under scrutiny. For instance, the Detroit Lions will see a competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough for the starting quarterback spot. Additionally, quarterback cap hits have significantly increased, with 12 of the 15 players with cap hits of at least $30 million being quarterbacks. Notably, Dak Prescott has the highest cap hit for the 2025 season at $50.5 million, with Deshaun Watson's cap hit projected to jump to $80.7 million in 2026[3].

### Key Games and Predictions
The 2025 season promises several exciting matchups and storylines. The Lions, for example, face a challenging schedule with seven outdoor games, a significant increase from last year's three. This could impact their performance, particularly in the NFC North division[3].

### Player Contracts and Financial Implications
The financial landscape of the NFL continues to evolve, with cap hits escalating dramatically. Patrick Mahomes, despite having a high cap hit, is not among the top for 2025 but is expected to have a substantial cap hit of $78.2 million in 2026 if Deshaun Watson is cut as anticipated[3].

In summary, the NFL is in a period of significant roster adjustments, contract negotiations, and preparation for the upcoming season. With key players potentially on the move, quarterback battles heating up, and the financial dynamics of the league continuing to shift, there is much to look forward to in the 2025 NFL season.