As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, many players are entering new situations as rookie free agents. With them come new expectations and challenges. Joey Bosa, Rico Dowdle, and George Pickens take center stage. Each in their own right has made headlines this season with their hefty contract signings and breakout performances. With new contracts come new responsibilities, and these young players are rising to the occasion to meet their teams’ needs.
First off, Joey Bosa, a previously unavailable noted multi-time Pro Bowl defensive end just signed a one-year $12.6 million contract with the Buffalo Bills! The Bills are clearly hoping to bolster their defense with this acquisition. They’re looking to boost their chances to get to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In 2025, Bosa tops all other players with a dominant 16.5% pressure rate. He’s perfectly positioned to help make that happen. Last season, his pressure rate was a paltry 7.6% — 70th of 190 qualified players. The stark difference in performance highlights the timeliness of his new position.
Rico Dowdle turned some heads by signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. After a successful season as the primary running back for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, Dowdle showcased his capabilities on the field. In 2025, for instance, he averages a mind-blowing 1.22 RYOE (Relative Yards Over Expected) yards per attempt. This incredible outing has him clocked third best in the NFL. His trade to the Panthers is just the start of a new chapter. He’s tasked with trying to duplicate that success on his new team and strengthening his new team’s offensive game plans.
Joey Bosa’s Impact on the Bills Defense
Even the Buffalo Bills understood the importance of defensive firepower when they tried to trade for Joey Bosa. He turned into a no-brainer for the team almost immediately. In a key Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bosa didn’t miss a step. As discussed in our previous film room, he finished with one sack and generated four additional pressures on Mahomes. This outstanding performance resulted in a Bills win. On a larger scale, it proved how effective Bosa can be at flipping a game on its head.
Bosa’s impressive 16.5% pressure rate places him above all other players this season, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks consistently. His numbers are evidence of a complete turnaround from last season. What they specifically highlight is his commitment to immersing himself in his new community in Buffalo. The Bills’ defensive gameplan will be focused on dominating all of those important quarterbacks with pressure, and Bosa is set to be their primary weapon to do just that.
Plus, Bosa’s move from the Chargers to the Bills represents a compelling emerging story around the league of high-end unrestricted free agents following team fits versus geographical connections. With so many teams doing a better job of assembling competitive rosters, landing a player with Bosa’s potential ability can completely alter a team’s fortunes. Considering his knack for game-changing plays against elite quarterbacks, he’ll be key in the Bills’ efforts to remain in the AFC playoff chase.
Rico Dowdle’s Transition to the Panthers
Dowdle’s signing with the Carolina Panthers represents an important departure from what looked like a burgeoning path to obscurity. After showcasing his talents as the main running back for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, he enters a new environment eager to make an impression. His play last season provided a strong base to work from. Now he looks to add floors to that base in Carolina.
In 2025, Dowdle is one of the most impactful players in the game. He averages 1.22 RYOE per attempt, ranking third among all NFL running backs. His ability to create yards over and above a model’s expectation is more important as it speaks to his overall efficiency and decision-making on the field. As he adapts to the Panthers’ offensive scheme, expectations will be high for him to replicate or even exceed his previous season’s success.
The Panthers are hoping to jumpstart their rushing attack this season, and Dowdle’s all-around skills could prove to be a crucial element of their plans. That mix of talent and opportunity makes that an exciting prospect, both for Dowdle and the Mavericks. As he works alongside other offensive players, Dowdle aims to solidify his role and help lead the Panthers back into contention.
George Pickens Joins the Cowboys
George Pickens is a Dallas Cowboy! The Steelers dumped him on the Bears in return for conditional future draft picks. The Cowboys sent a 2026 third-rounder and 2027 fifth-rounder to get Pickens. Undoubtedly, this move reflects their high conviction in his impact and transformational ability to the team.
Pickens comes to Dallas after a somewhat up-and-down 2024. He only accrued 58 DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement), good for 60th of 91 wide receivers. He’s come back in a big way this season. With that eye-popping grand total of 281 DYAR, he’s third in the entire NFL—behind only Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill. This turnaround signals his readiness to contribute meaningfully to the Cowboys’ offensive efforts.
As Pickens integrates into the Cowboys’ high-powered offense, he will be joining a talented roster that includes established stars and young talent. His knack for stretching defenses vertically, creating separation and getting open will be immensely valuable as Dallas attempts to bolster its passing game. The real story here is the coaching staff’s excitement over the potential Pickens brings to their game plan. They’re definitely aiming for the stars this year!
Noteworthy Performances from Other Players
Here are just a few of the players creating a new NFL landscape with noticeable and prolific changes during this groundbreaking season. Jonathan Taylor continues to impress as he solidifies his place as an MVP candidate. He currently has the second-most RYOE per attempt in the league, reinforcing his elite status amongst running backs. It’s just the ability to gain yard after yard and affect the outcomes of games that makes Taylor one of the most valuable players in all of football.
On the reverse side, James Cook III of the Buffalo Bills is making waves with his performance. He’s third in RYOE per attempt this year. This accomplishment only helps to cement the Bills’ ground attack as one of the team’s biggest strengths. His effectiveness complements Bosa’s defensive contributions, creating a balanced team dynamic.
Nate Hobbs has signed a four-year deal with the Green Bay Packers. The final deal is worth $48 million, with $16 million guaranteed. His signing shows Green Bay’s willingness to shore up their secondary as they get ready for an exciting season incoming. Playing that role for the Packers lately has been Javon Bullard, showing impressive maturity on the football field. His great versatility only further deepens their defensive lineup.
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