**Penn State NFL Free Agency Tracker: Miles Sanders to Dallas Cowboys, $88M for Will Fries & More**
The NFL’s free agency period is always one of the most exciting and unpredictable times of the year. For fans, it’s a thrilling time to watch their favorite teams make key acquisitions, bolster their rosters, and potentially make a Super Bowl run. But for college football fans, particularly those who follow Penn State, free agency provides a unique opportunity to track the movement of former Nittany Lions as they make their mark in the NFL.
The Penn State football program has long been a talent factory for the NFL, producing elite players who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the league. As we enter the 2025 NFL free agency season, several former Nittany Lions are making headlines, with some securing major contracts, while others are looking for new homes with teams that suit their skill sets. From standout running backs like Miles Sanders to offensive linemen like Will Fries, Penn State’s influence in the NFL continues to grow, and this year’s free agency period is no exception.
In this article, we will track the latest moves involving former Penn State players, analyzing their signings, contract details, and the potential impact they will have on their respective teams. From established veterans to rising stars, this is your complete guide to the latest Penn State NFL free agency news.
### Miles Sanders to Dallas Cowboys: A $45 Million Deal
One of the most high-profile moves in this year’s NFL free agency period was the signing of running back Miles Sanders to the Dallas Cowboys. Sanders, who had a standout career with the Philadelphia Eagles, was one of the most sought-after free agents on the market in 2025. After spending the first four years of his career in Philadelphia, Sanders was ready for a change of scenery, and the Cowboys were more than willing to bring him into the fold to bolster their backfield.
Sanders’ signing with the Cowboys comes after an impressive 2024 season, in which he rushed for 1,350 yards and 12 touchdowns while helping the Eagles reach the NFC Championship game. His ability to run with power, burst through tackles, and catch passes out of the backfield made him one of the most versatile running backs in the league, and it was clear that he was going to command a significant payday in free agency.
The Cowboys, who have long struggled to find a consistent running back option behind star quarterback Dak Prescott, see Sanders as a perfect fit. The team has been searching for a reliable every-down back to complement Prescott’s passing game, and Sanders provides that dynamic. His strong running ability, coupled with his skills as a pass-catcher, makes him an excellent asset in both short-yardage situations and on third downs. With a four-year, $45 million contract, Sanders is expected to be a key part of the Cowboys’ offense for the foreseeable future, and his signing is viewed as one of the most significant acquisitions of the free agency period.
Sanders’ presence in Dallas gives the Cowboys the chance to build a more balanced offense. The team has relied heavily on Prescott’s arm in recent years, but with Sanders in the fold, they can now focus on establishing the running game to take some pressure off their quarterback. Expect Sanders to make an immediate impact as the lead back for the Cowboys, potentially transforming their offense into one of the more dangerous units in the NFC.
### Will Fries Re-Signs with Indianapolis Colts: $88 Million Deal
Another key former Nittany Lion making waves in free agency is offensive lineman Will Fries. Fries, who played four seasons at Penn State before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft, has developed into one of the league’s most reliable interior offensive linemen. After a strong 2024 season in which he started every game and helped solidify the Colts’ offensive line, Fries was rewarded with a massive contract extension.
The Colts made it clear that they wanted to keep Fries as part of their long-term plans, and they wasted no time locking him down with a five-year, $88 million deal. This contract extension makes Fries one of the highest-paid interior offensive linemen in the league, a testament to the value he brings to the Colts’ offensive line. Over the past few years, Fries has earned a reputation for his consistency, ability to anchor the line, and his effectiveness in both run-blocking and pass protection.
As the Colts continue to build around young quarterback Anthony Richardson, keeping the offensive line intact will be crucial to their success. Fries’ ability to protect Richardson’s blindside and create running lanes for the team’s running backs will be vital to the team’s offensive success in the coming years. The Colts have already invested heavily in their offensive line, and Fries’ re-signing is a key piece of that strategy.
For Fries, the move to re-sign with the Colts means stability and an opportunity to further solidify his place as one of the top interior linemen in the NFL. His commitment to the Colts ensures that the team will have a strong foundation in the trenches, which will be essential as they try to return to playoff contention.
### Saquon Barkley: The Giants and His Future
One of the most exciting, high-profile Penn State alumni in the NFL, Saquon Barkley, remains at the center of attention in the free agency market. Though Barkley did not move teams during the 2025 free agency period, his contract situation with the New York Giants has been a hot topic of discussion.
After being drafted by the Giants with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley quickly became one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Known for his electrifying speed, power, and vision, Barkley helped to reinvigorate the Giants’ offense. However, injuries have somewhat limited his availability in recent years, which led to some uncertainty about his future with the team. In 2024, Barkley missed several games due to a knee injury but still managed to post solid numbers when healthy.
The Giants, recognizing Barkley’s value when he’s on the field, placed the franchise tag on him in 2024, ensuring that the star running back would remain with the team for at least one more season. While Barkley’s future beyond 2025 is uncertain, the Giants are clearly hoping that he can return to form and provide the type of game-breaking ability that he displayed in his rookie season.
As Barkley heads into the 2025 season under the franchise tag, speculation about his long-term future with the Giants continues to swirl. If he can stay healthy and return to his Pro Bowl-caliber form, a long-term extension may be in the cards. However, if Barkley continues to struggle with injuries, the Giants may need to rethink their investment in the star running back.
For Barkley, staying healthy and performing at the highest level will be crucial to securing the kind of contract he desires. If the Giants are unable to reach a long-term deal with him after the 2025 season, it is possible that the star running back could be looking for a new team to call home.
### Other Notable Free Agent Moves Involving Penn State Alumni
While Miles Sanders and Will Fries have been two of the biggest names in free agency, other former Penn State players have also found new homes or re-signed with their current teams. Here are a few notable moves involving Nittany Lions in the 2025 NFL free agency period:
– **Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints)**: After a breakout season in 2024, tight end Juwan Johnson has been one of the hottest free agents on the market. Johnson, who joined the Saints in 2021, was re-signed by New Orleans to a four-year, $40 million contract. Johnson’s ability to stretch the field as a tight end makes him a crucial part of the Saints’ offensive plans moving forward.
– **Tariq Castro-Fields (San Francisco 49ers)**: After spending his first two seasons with the Washington Football Team, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was signed by the San Francisco 49ers to a three-year, $18 million deal. Castro-Fields will join a loaded 49ers defense and hopes to make an impact as a depth piece in their secondary.
– **Shaka Toney (Kansas City Chiefs)**: Defensive lineman Shaka Toney, who spent a few years with the Washington Football Team, has signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Toney, known for his pass-rushing abilities, is looking to add depth to the Chiefs’ defense as they continue their Super Bowl push.
– **Blake Gillikin (New York Jets)**: After serving as the punter for the New Orleans Saints, Blake Gillikin has signed a three-year, $6 million contract with the New York Jets. Gillikin will provide stability in the Jets’ punting game and looks to continue his impressive career as one of the top punters in the league.
### Conclusion
The 2025 NFL free agency period has been a fruitful one for former Penn State players, with several Nittany Lions securing lucrative contracts and moving to new teams. Miles Sanders’ move to the Dallas Cowboys, Will Fries’ massive extension with the Indianapolis Colts, and other key signings show just how much Penn State talent continues to make an impact at the highest level of professional football.
For fans of Penn State, the continued success of former players in the NFL is a point of pride, and the 2025 free agency period has highlighted the depth of talent that the university continues to produce. As these players move forward in their careers, they will undoubtedly continue to represent Penn State with pride, further solidifying the school’s legacy as one of the premier football programs in the country.
