In his second season as the Rams’ starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson cut his pressure rate allowed from 7.4% in 2023 to 4.7% in 2024. By raw totals, Jackson also cut his hits allowed in half from eight in 2023 to four in 2024. Jackson turns 27 years old in July and has demonstrated an ability to hold up at the most valued offensive line position, which should earn the former undrafted free agent a lucrative multi-year deal
Mack will be 35 years old when the new season begins. However, he is still a very valuable contributor to any defense and brings a lot of experience. A 13.7% pressure rate and six sacks last season are more than respectable, and when you add in a 12.7% tackle rate, there is a lot to be impressed about. Mack has some scheme versatility, being able to line up as a conventional defensive end or as an outside linebacker. He is unlikely to be too expensive at this point in his career, but should still command a contract in excess of $10 million a year.
Sweat's pressure rate of 14.1% ranks outside the top 60 at the position. However, Sweat was impactful with those pressures, resulting in eight sacks. The lack of elite pass-rushers in this class boosts Sweat’s overall value in free agency, given the impact the pass rush can have on a game.
Charvarius Ward, 28, has been a key contributor to the 49ers' defense. In the 2024 season, he recorded 54 tackles and 7 pass deflections. His physicality and coverage skills would bolster the Raiders' defensive backfield. Ward is anticipated to command a contract around $13.5 million annually.
Darnold’s overall numbers are intriguing. He finished eighth in terms of nYPA (7.3) despite only getting 4.9 YAC/Cp (30th). He was 11th from a clean pocket and 19th when pressured (-0.32 EPA/DB). Darnold finished inside the top 10 in passing yards per game (254.1) with 35 passing touchdowns. However, he also threw 12 interceptions.
Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 on a four-year, $180 million contract. During the 2024 season, he played 14 games, amassing 3,508 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Despite his experience, rookie Michael Penix Jr. replaced him as the starter. With a $10 million roster bonus due on March 17, 2025, Cousins is expected to be released, making him a free agent.
Mack Hollins, a 31-year-old wide receiver, completed the 2024 NFL season with the Buffalo Bills, recording 31 receptions for 378 yards and five touchdowns over 17 games. As an unrestricted free agent in 2025, he is projected to seek a contract similar to his previous earnings, approximately $2 to $2.6 million annually.
Cam Akers, a 25-year-old running back, is entering free agency after a 2024 season split between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. He amassed 444 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 104 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. Teams seeking depth and experience in their backfield may find him a valuable addition.
Mac Jones, a 26-year-old quarterback, played for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2024 NFL season. Over 10 games, he completed 171 of 262 passes (65.3% completion rate) for 1,672 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Flacco is not a sexy free agent, but he would be a solid mentor for Sanders to learn from. Flacco has been to the top of the mountain and has experience within this Browns’ system, both of which are valuable traits to pass on to the rookie. Cleveland may decide to take a chance on a different quarterback to anchor them in 2025, but Flacco fits the bill.
