The NFL offseason often focuses on fresh faces brought in through coaching changes, front office moves, free agency, and the draft. However, significant transformations can also occur within the existing roster as players seize opportunities to step up. This evolving dynamic is shaping 2025, as some athletes prepare to take on more prominent roles based on team needs or personal readiness.

Among the players poised for increased responsibility, Michael Penix Jr. stands out as the Atlanta Falcons’ new starting quarterback. His ascension exemplifies how internal growth can drive a team‘s future success in the demanding NFL environment.

East Division Prominently Features Eagles’ Defensive Duo

The Philadelphia Eagles will lean heavily on Moro Ojomo and Jalyx Hunt in their defensive front following the exits of key players such as Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Bryce Huff. Ojomo contributed solidly last season, participating in 37% of defensive snaps while recording 20 tackles and five quarterback hits. His playoff performance intensified, with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, underscoring his readiness.

Hunt, meanwhile, played just 25% of snaps during the regular season but managed 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His clutch playoff efforts included 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and 1.5 sacks, with a notable half-sack in the Super Bowl. Both players are projected to increase their on-field presence, potentially occupying half or more defensive snaps in 2025, aligning with the Eagles’ tradition of developing strong defensive linemen.

Interior Offensive Line Shakeup Emerges in Detroit

The Detroit Lions face a considerable revamp of their offensive line as they adjust to departures and retirements. Christian Mahogany is set to fill a critical starting role after Kevin Zeitler‘s free agency move and Frank Ragnow‘s retirement. Mahogany’s limited action last year—75 snaps over seven games—belies the confidence placed in him to contribute to an offensive line that serves as a cornerstone for Detroit’s offensive strategy.

With potential shifts in interior positions, including the possible repositioning of Graham Glasgow, the Lions’ offensive front will undergo significant restructuring, relying on emerging players like Mahogany to stabilize and fuel offensive success in 2025.

Michael Penix Jr. Takes Command as Falcons’ Leading Quarterback

Michael Penix Jr. arrived at the Atlanta Falcons as Kirk Cousins’ backup but quickly earned playing time last season, appearing in five games and starting the last three. Despite a completion rate of 58.1% and a balanced touchdown-to-interception ratio (3:3), Penix demonstrated an ability to produce explosive plays with an average of 7.4 yards per attempt. His quick decision-making helped reduce pressures and sacks, a critical trait for any young quarterback.

Notably, Penix’s deep-ball accuracy stood out during his rookie campaign, completing 7 of 16 passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield, accumulating 198 yards and a touchdown through this aggressive approach. Entering the 2025 season as the Falcons’ undisputed starter, he is expected to enhance the team’s explosive play potential. Supporting Penix is a talented group of receivers and tight ends, alongside creative offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, setting the stage for a potentially dynamic Falcons offense.

San Francisco’s 49ers Rely on Rising Receiver Ricky Pearsall

Ricky Pearsall‘s rookie season came to an abrupt halt early last year following a shooting incident during an attempted robbery. Despite missing the first six games, he returned to make significant contributions, featuring in 11 games and recording 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns. His late-season surge was particularly impressive, with 14 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns in the final two contests.

With wide receiver Deebo Samuel now with Washington and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from injury, Pearsall is poised to become a primary target for quarterback Brock Purdy. His increased snap shares signal a vital role in the 49ers’ offense, providing a crucial receiving threat from the outset of 2025.

Miami Dolphins Entrust Patrick Paul with Key Left-Side Duties

Offensive tackle Patrick Paul managed three starts last season and took part in multiple snaps stepping in for Terron Armstead. Although protecting a left-handed quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, reduces the traditional challenges of the blind side, Paul’s responsibilities remain critical. He is expected to solidify the Dolphins’ left-side blocking unit heading into his second year.

Paul inherits a position group needing improvement after multiple years of underperformance. His ability to protect Tagovailoa and create lanes for the running game will be crucial for Miami’s aspirations to improve their offensive efficiency in 2025.

Texans Look for Developments from Blake Fisher in Offensive Line Rebuild

Blake Fisher saw limited action as a rookie but started five games, including the last four of the regular season. Brought in to become a long-term solution at tackle, Fisher is expected to anchor the right side of Houston’s offensive line this season. The Texans endured a tumultuous offensive front in 2024, necessitating a broad restructuring.

Fisher faces pressure not only to maintain his starting role but to elevate his performance amidst this overhaul. The Texans added veteran Trent Brown as a contingency plan, but Fisher remains their primary hope for stabilizing the position moving forward.

Steelers Anticipate Payton Wilson’s Transition to Full-Time Defensive Role

Linebacker Payton Wilson was a reliable part-time player last season, participating in 45% of defensive snaps yet delivering impactful results: 78 tackles, three tackles for loss, two passes defended, one interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. With Elandon Roberts no longer with the team, Wilson’s role may expand as he transitions to a full-time starting position.

The Steelers face uncertainty, however, about whether Wilson can sustain his health and performance under increased workload demands. His capacity to remain on the field will be crucial for Pittsburgh’s defensive stability.

Jaden Hicks Set to Fill Safety Void in Kansas City

Jaden Hicks grew into a pivotal defensive role for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, progressing from third safety behind Justin Reid and Bryan Cook to a near-full-time starter by season’s end. Hicks did not regularly play double-digit snaps until Week 10 but then consistently participated in more than half of defensive snaps across the final games and playoffs.

Heading into 2025, Hicks is expected to maintain his vital place within defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, providing energy and versatility in the secondary for the Chiefs’ defense.

Heightened Expectations Surround Michael Penix Jr. and Falcons in 2025

The Falcons have entrusted Michael Penix Jr. with the starting quarterback role for 2025, looking to his playmaking skills to generate the dynamic offense the franchise has sought. The combination of Penix’s proven deep-ball ability and quick release, supported by an array of skilled receivers and a strategic offensive mind in Zac Robinson, creates a framework for potential offensive explosiveness.

This shift in leadership at quarterback symbolizes a larger theme for the NFL’s 2025 season—rosters evolving from within, as emerging starters like Penix redefine team identities while solidifying competitive prospects. The Falcons’ outlook depends heavily on Penix’s growth and execution, marking him as a critical figure in the team’s future trajectory.