We are less than a month away from the mayhem of NFL free agency, so what better time to look at all 32 teams and who they might be targeting this offseason? With that in mind, we used the PFSN NFL Offseason Manager to play out various scenarios and see which free agents could be in play for each team when the negotiating window opens on March 10.
In our 2025 NFL free agent predictions, we have highlighted one free agent that we believe each team could or should target and then identified another handful of potential targets based on their current needs.
Arizona Cardinals: Josh Sweat, EDGE
The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of cap space and could be a very active team in free agency this offseason. They have a few needs, mostly on defense, but the EDGE position is the most glaring. They have five players at the position set to be free agents this year, so they need to address the position both in the draft and free agency.
Josh Sweat is PFSN’s third-ranked free agent this offseason and is coming off a performance in the Super Bowl that put his skills in the shop window. Sweat proved what a destructive force he can be with 2.5 sacks and six combined tackles as he wreaked havoc on the Kansas City Chiefs.
While Sweat has never piled up the huge sack numbers that we have seen from some edge rushers, he has 25.5 sacks over the past three years and has been a big part of the Eagles defense, which helped them win a Super Bowl. Sweat is versatile enough to play either standing up or with his hand on the ground and is more than capable of contributing as a run defender.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Khalil Mack, Chris Godwin, and Keenan Allen.
Atlanta Falcons: Harrison Smith, S
A lot of the Falcons’ needs this offseason are centered around their defense, which ranked 29th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Cap space is a concern for the Falcons, as they are currently projected over the cap for 2025, but they have some levers they can pull. That may keep them out of the top end of some markets, which is why this prediction is Harrison Smith instead of Justin Reid.
Smith’s age (35) stops him from being projected to earn a contract over $10 million per year. However, that affordability and experience would make him a fantastic candidate for a team like the Falcons. Smith has played 14 or more games in the last nine seasons and has over 80 tackles in all but one of those seasons.
Smith’s three interceptions and 10 passes defended demonstrate he can still impact the passing game alongside being a valuable tackler. It is not out of the question that Smith could head back to Minnesota to finish his career, but if he wants a new challenge, he is a player that many teams will want to discuss, at least.
Other potential free agent signings: Justin Reid, Chase Young, Dante Fowler Jr., Paulson Adebo, and Jourdan Lewis.
Baltimore Ravens: Morgan Moses, OT
The Baltimore Ravens have two main needs to address: their cornerback situation and the offensive line. They have free agents in both spots that they need to replace, but with a projected $6 million in cap space, they might have to make some tough decisions.
The play might be bringing back Ronnie Stanley or Patrick Mekari along their offensive line. Another option would be to revisit an old friend, Morgan Moses, at right tackle and consider switching Roger Rosengarten to left tackle. If Rosengarten struggles at left tackle, he can always move back, and the veteran could slide inside to guard.
The Ravens know what they are getting in Moses: solid offensive line play. Putting him at left tackle is unlikely, so it would mean Rosengarten moves, and they look to draft an offensive tackle who could develop for a year and start at either spot in 2026. The alternative option is signing a longer-term option in Alaric Jackson, who is already comfortable at left tackle, but that is also probably a more costly option.
Other potential free agent signings: D.J. Reed, Byron Murphy, Alaric Jackson, Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff.
Buffalo Bills: Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE
The Buffalo Bills were exposed in the AFC Championship Game: their pass rush and their secondary. Both of those areas need to be addressed this offseason, but limited cap space may make it tough. One area they may be able to address on a budget is the pass rush, with a lack of premium 4-3 edge rushers this offseason.
The main two options available are Dante Fowler Jr. and Chase Young, both of whom could be intriguing for the Bills. Fowler is likely to be the cheapest, with a projected average annual value of $5.2 million. Additionally, Fowler is coming off a 10.5-sack season, demonstrating how he can impact the opposing passing game.
Chase Young is the younger option, but that comes with a higher projected cost ($17.5 million), and he has not proven himself to have the same ceiling in terms of sacks. Fowler would give the Bills a player who can disrupt opposing passing games without breaking the bank. It also puts Fowler on a team not far from competing for a Super Bowl, so it offers a win-win for both sides.
Other potential free agent signings: Chase Young, Jeremy Chinn, D.J. Reed, and Mike Hilton.
Carolina Panthers: Coleman Shelton, C
The Carolina Panthers need to address plenty of needs this offseason. Their defense ranked 32nd last year, so addressing their pass rush and defensive backfield is a must. Both of those can be addressed better in the draft than the center position, which they had somewhat of a rotating door at in 2024.
For Bryce Young to really settle down as a starter, he needs to have a combination with his center that he can grow with. Coleman Shelton has that potential. He has started 47 games over the past three years but is still only 30 years of age. Therefore, he could comfortably be the Panthers center for the next 4-5 years and help the development of Young.
Ryan Kelly is another option they could consider as a free agent signing. Kelly is a proven veteran who could help Young immensely as a starter. Kelly is only a couple of years older than Shelton but has also missed 10 games in the past two seasons. Shelton has the ability and has proven to be more durable in the last couple of years.
Other potential free agent signings: Ryan Kelly, Justin Reid, Byron Murphy, Josh Sweat, and Dennis Gardeck.
Chicago Bears: Drew Dalman, C
The Chicago Bears offensive line received much of the blame for their offensive struggles last year, and while some of that was unfair, they have many pending free agents on the interior of their line this offseason. Of those three spots, the center position is arguably the most important as Caleb Williams looks to develop a rapport with that position early in his career.
The Bears may re-sign Coleman, but if they look elsewhere, then Drew Dalman makes a lot of sense as a potential replacement. Dalman is only 26, so this duo has a lot of long-term growth potential. A combination of Williams and Dalman could be an axis that works together for the next decade.
The issue with Dalman is health concerns. He has missed 11 games over the last two seasons, having played all 17 in 2022. Dalman and Shelton should come in at fairly similar costs in the tier below Ryan Kelly. Unless the Bears want to compete for Kelly, the Dalman-Shelton pairing is where they should look to get the best production to cost ratio when also considering the longer-term outlook.
Other potential free agent signings: Ryan Kelly, Trey Smith, Josh Sweat, Brandon Scherff, and Kevin Zeitler.
Cincinnati Bengals: Brandon Scherff, G
The Cincinnati Bengals need to address two needs: their defense and their offensive line. Both ranked inside the bottom five of our metrics last year, while their offense was seventh despite the poor line play. With more than $45 million in cap space, there is plenty of potential to address both. They should be all in because they are a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
With the struggles we saw at guard last year, adding a veteran like Brandon Scherff would be an intriguing move. They may consider taking a run at Trey Smith, who is younger and the No. 2 player on our top 100 free agents. However, Scherff would give them another veteran presence on their offense and should be considerably more affordable for a team with a number of areas to address.
Scherff is becoming an ironman in the league. He has played for 10 seasons and completed all 17 games in each of the last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Having had a reputation for struggling to remain healthy in Washington, he has turned that narrative around in Jacksonville.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, D.J. Reed, Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis, Teair Tart, and Jarran Reed.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, QB
The Cleveland Browns are not in a great spot this offseason. Their cap space situation is bad, and there is not a huge amount they can do to open up enough space to improve this roster to the point of contending. Therefore, we could see them being very quiet in the opening phases of free agency before picking off some contributors at value later in the week.
The expectation is that the Browns will draft a quarterback, but neither Cam Ward nor Shedeur Sanders should be thrust straight into a starting role. Therefore, with Deshaun Watson likely on the shelf, why not bring back Joe Flacco and try to recapture some of that magic?
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 better than Justin Fields and is more affordable than Russell Wilson or Sam Darnold.
Other potential free agent signings: Mac Jones, Cam Akers, and Mack Hollins.
Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Zeitler, G
The Dallas Cowboys’ prediction here very much depends on Zack Martin. The assumption is that if Martin decides to continue playing, it will be in Dallas, and then the need to address the guard position will disappear. However, if Martin retires or decides to leave Dallas, then the Cowboys need to replace their veteran guard.
When the Cowboys’ offense has been at its best, it has been backed by a strong offensive line. As a direct replacement for Martin, Kevin Zeitler would very much help them do that as he comes off a season playing against a very good Detroit Lions offensive line. Zeitler would be a short-term fix, but the Cowboys cap situation means they are likely unable to get involved in the conversation for the top free agents at each position.
The Cowboys should also be looking to upgrade their running back position and their defensive line this offseason. However, they may feel they can do that through the draft more costlessly than getting involved in free agent bidding.
Other potential free agent signings: Brandon Scherff, Marquise Brown, J.K. Dobbins, and B.J. Hill.
Denver Broncos: Zach Ertz, TE
Sean Payton signaled his intent this offseason when he said that the Denver Broncos need a “joker.” He stated that they could look to find that role from either the running back or tight end position. Based on the free agent options at those positions, they may look for that role from the NFL Draft, but they still need to add veteran pass catchers for Bo Nix.
Zach Ertz would fill the Broncos’ need for a veteran pass catcher. He would not fit the “joker” role, but he could still be a very valuable part of the offense. At 34 years of age, he is only likely to be looking for a short-term deal on a team that can challenge in the postseason, which is a box the Broncos tick.
Ertz proved his value last season with 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. He also played well in the postseason, providing a lot of the offense for the Washington Commanders against his former team. Ertz’s experience would help Nix and any young offensive talent that the Broncos draft this offseason.
Other potential free agent signings: J.K. Dobbins, Najee Harris, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, Zack Baun, and Bobby Wagner.
Detroit Lions: Khalil Mack, EDGE
The Detroit Lions were actually one of the tougher teams to project in terms of what they might do in free agency. They have a very good roster and arguably should have been in Super Bowl 59 if not for their mounting injuries by the end of the year. They need to replace Kevin Zeitler at guard, but other than that, their main needs really come on the defensive side of the ball.
It would not be a surprise to see the Lions in the cornerback market, and D.J. Reed is certainly an intriguing fit as a veteran who will not be a liability. However, perhaps the most intriguing fit would be to add Khalil Mack to the pairing of Za’Darius Smith and Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions have the luxury to be able to do it to have an elite pass rush group at their disposal.
Mack will not come cheap, but the Lions can massage that with void years and other elements. They also have over $40 million in cap space and few needs to address while in a win-now window. Mack would be a lot of fun on the Lions, and this would be a terrifying trio for opposing offensive lines.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff, Azzez Ojulari, Marquise Brown, Mack Hollins, and Elijah Moore.
Green Bay Packers: Teair Tart, IDL
The Green Bay Packers are in an intriguing spot with a fairly well-set roster at most positions. If Tee Higgins makes it to free agency this offseason, they would have been an intriguing potential destination, and they could be a candidate to trade for a No. 1 wide receiver. They are also an intriguing potential destination for a center or a cornerback.
However, one of their other needs is defensive tackle, with Tedarrell Slaton set to be a free agent. They have interesting options in Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt but could benefit from adding another option. Teair Tart may not be the most headline-grabbing free agent, but he has proven to be a valuable contributor during his career.
Tart ranks 22nd on our List of the Top 100 free agents and would help boost a defense that ranked 10th last year. Adding Tart would help retain a defense that ranked seventh in success rate last season (63.6%) and 12th in EPA/rush (0.08). With the Lions’ strong running game and the Bears likely to have a similar style of offense under Ben Johnson, that is an important area in the NFC North.
Other potential free agent signings: Carlton Davis, D.J. Reed, and Khalil Mack
Houston Texans: Chris Godwin, WR
The Houston Texans’ focus this offseason must be on their offense, which ranked 28th last year in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. When it comes to veteran additions, they should focus on two main areas: their offensive line, which ranked 31st last season, and their wide receiver options. Stefon Diggs is set to be a free agent with a major injury, and Tank Dell is unlikely to play much, if at all, in 2025.
The Texans should be highly active in the offensive line market this offseason, but they may struggle to make multiple big splashes with limited cap space. It is also generally easier to find players in the draft who can immediately impact the offensive line than at wide receiver. Therefore, if they are going to splash on a free agent, a player like Chris Godwin could be a great complement to this offense.
Adding Godwin would give the Texans a slot receiver to complement Nico Collins on the outside. They could still look to add an outside weapon in the draft, but a combination of Collins, Godwin, Dalton Schultz, and Joe Mixon would make this one of the best and most diverse skill-position groups in the entire NFL.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff, Keenan Allen, Teair Tart, and Jarran Reed
Indianapolis Colts: Tre’von Moehrig, S
The Indianapolis Colts could be busy in free agency at center, tight end, and safety. They need a replacement for Ryan Kelly and should kick the tires on Zach Ertz, but safety is where the most value can potentially be found in free agency. There are some intriguing options, including Justin Reid and Harrison Smith, for whatever need you are trying to fill at the position.
Tre’von Moehrig, who has started 64 of 68 games for the Las Vegas Raiders in the last four years, should not be overlooked in this class. Moehrig is an incredibly versatile player who produces solid numbers against the pass and in his tackling prowess. He has the potential to fill the role in the long term for the Colts and is a player they can continue building their defense around.
Moehrig will likely not be a cheap option for the Colts, but his versatility alongside Nick Cross could make for a dynamic pairing in the defensive backfield. Both are capable against the pass, but neither is a liability when tackling opponents. The experience of Reid or Smith will be tempting, but Moehrig is the long-term play.
Other potential free agent signings: Justin Reid, Harrison Smith, Zach Ertz, Mike Gesicki, D.J. Reed, and Carlton Davis.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy, CB
The Jacksonville Jaguars have so many needs they need to address that it will be a busy offseason for their new brain trust. The hardest part of predicting their offseason is knowing where they might focus and when regarding free agency and the NFL Draft. Good options will be available on the offensive line and defensively when they pick at No. 5 overall.
The strengths of this free agency class are at guard, cornerback, and safety, and those are all spots the Jaguars may well be involved in in the coming weeks. They should look at whether they can replace Brandon Scherff with a younger option in Trey Smith or another veteran in Kevin Zeitler. However, some intriguing guard options should be available early in the second draft round.
That leaves cornerback, and while it does not stand out as a major need, the team could benefit from an upgrade after its defense ranked 31st last season. Putting a rookie in there can be tough, so an experienced player like Byron Murphy, who also has a game-breaking upside, is especially enticing. He will be a costly option but could be a long-term starter for the franchise at a key position.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Kevin Zeitler, Alaric Jackson, Dan Moore Jr., D.J. Reed, and Carlton Davis.
Kansas City Chiefs: Keenan Allen, WR
After losing in Super Bowl 59, the Kansas City Chiefs will feel like they’re in for a long offseason. They have two glaring offensive line needs: left tackle and right guard if Trey Smith leaves. However, they may look to fill both of those needs through the draft and focus elsewhere in free agency. That still leaves a few options, but the most intriguing is at wide receiver.
In Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have two starting wide receivers. However, they could do with a reliable veteran option to complement them, especially if Travis Kelce decides to retire. Of the free agent options available this offseason at wide receiver, Keenan Allen is the most intriguing fit for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs may well consider Chris Godwin, but his contract will likely be close to double that of Allen in AAV, making it tough to fill the defensive line’s needs. The biggest question mark with Allen is whether he would feel comfortable playing for the Chiefs, given the rivalry between the Chiefs and his former team in Los Angeles.
Other potential free agent signings: Darius Slayton, Teair Tart, Jarran Reed, Chase Young, Dante Fowler Jr., and Bobby Wagner.
Las Vegas Raiders: Najee Harris, RB
When your offensive and defensive units both rank outside the top 20 and your offensive line is 22nd, the outlook is pretty grim. That is the case for the Las Vegas Raiders, who have a lot of holes to fix this offseason. They have $90 million in cap space with which to do it, which certainly helps. The Raiders could be a very active team in free agency, both on offense and defense.
You could make the case for any top-tier free agents on either side of the ball. They need starting-level options at all three levels of their defense, as well as at wide receiver and running back. They could also benefit from a quarterback, but none of the options significantly upgrade Aiden O’Connell.
Najee Harris stands out as a potential target at running back. While not an exciting option, he is a durable option with a proven history as both a runner and a receiver. Harris has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons and has a 74-catch season on his resume. If Pete Carroll wants the next version of Marshawn Lynch for this team, Harris could be that player.
Lynch was no more dynamic than Harris during the first four years of his career, but his career took off in Seattle. The fit feels right, and the Raiders have the cap space to pay for a running back. If they do not want to spend the sixth pick on Ashton Jeanty, then Harris could be the ideal starting running back for Carroll and the Raiders.
Other potential free agent signings: Darius Slayton, Jarran Reed, Dante Fowler Jr., Zack Baun, Bobby Wagner, and Harrison Smith.
Los Angeles Chargers: Ryan Kelly, C
The Los Angeles Chargers finished so disappointingly that it almost hides all the positives they had during the season. However, there is plenty to build upon if they can replace key personnel on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they need players at all three levels, and with over $60 million in cap space, they have the flexibility to do it. Offensively, they need an outside receiver and a reliable option at center.
The Chargers offensive line is a strange one. It should be such a strong unit, but it only ranked 18th, and we saw it almost completely collapse in the playoffs last year. They also have Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, and Jamaree Salyer as pending free agents after next season, while all their main options are center are free agents this year.
In all likelihood, the Chargers resign Slater to keep him paired with Joe Alt, and then they could add Ryan Kelly in free agency to give them a solid axis at those three spots. This team is in a win-now window with a quarterback we can consider a veteran. Therefore, Kelly being above 30 is not an issue when it comes to putting an experienced player on this line to help them for the next 2-3 years.
Other potential free agent signings: Coleman Shelton, Jarran Reed, Zach Baun, Bobby Wagner, D.J. Reed, and Carlton Davis.
Los Angeles Rams: Zack Baun, LB
The linebacker position is always interesting because it allows us to see how teams value off-the-ball linebackers against their other needs. The Rams certainly have a need at linebacker, but they also have other needs at left tackle, wide receiver, and potentially quarterback. They have the cap space to address a few of those needs, but how they prioritize them will be intriguing to see.
If Zack Baun hits the open market this offseason, there are a number of potential suitors. The intriguing thing will be how people balance his amazing year with the Eagles against the fact that it is his only year of starter production. Just based on pure production, Baun is the best linebacker available, but there are more proven commodities.
The intriguing thing about the linebacker market for the Rams is that they have had both Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones on their roster, having traded one away and cut the other. We may not see the outcome, but negotiations with both parties could be intriguing. Baun is the top-ranked linebacker in our free agent rankings and would be a great fit for the Rams to fill their holes at that spot.
Other potential free agent signings: Bobby Wagner, Ernest Jones, Dan Moore Jr., Amari Cooper, and Marquise Brown.
Miami Dolphins: Trey Smith, G
The Miami Dolphins need to focus on their offensive line this offseason, especially at the guard position. They may look to add an offensive tackle in the NFL Draft as a development situation behind Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead. However, with those two under contract, they are unlikely to address that position in free agency.
That leaves guard as the main focus for free agency, with the potential to add players on both sides of center Aaron Brewer. Trey Smith is the biggest name at the guard position and comes with a proven history from his time in Kansas City. Pairing Smith as the long-term option with one of the other veterans that are available would be a great way to boost this line immediately.
The Dolphins’ line ranked 26th last year, and the struggles at guard were a huge part of the reason why. Getting Smith should be the first priority of this offseason, with other needs secondary to protecting Tua Tagovailoa and opening up the run game.
Other potential free agent signings: Brandon Scherff, Kevin Zeitler, Teair Tart, Jarran Reed, Khalil Mack, Bobby Wagner, and Zack Baun.
Minnesota Vikings: Carlton Davis, CB
The Minnesota Vikings need to fill many holes in their secondary. Their depth chart could be completely ravaged at cornerback and safety. That means they may have to approach this position in free agency and the draft if they want to have both starting options and depth. The problem for Minnesota is they also have holes at guard, running back, and on their defensive line.
The positive for the Vikings is that they have cap space to try to fill many of these holes. An intriguing cornerback prospect for them is Carlton Davis, who has a projected contract value of under $14 million per year. That is a much better projection than bringing back Murphy at an AAV of over $22 million per year and could allow them to double up on veteran options at the position.
Durability will be the big question for Davis. He has missed games in every season of his NFL career, including 13 games in the past three years. However, the talent is immense, and Davis is coming off his best career season when it comes to QB rating allowed. Keeping him on the field will be the key, but he is a top-tier cornerback option when he plays.
Other potential free agent signings: D.J. Reed, Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff, J.K. Dobbins, Najee Harris, and Teair Tart.
New England Patriots: D.J. Reed, CB
Another team with many holes to fill is the New England Patriots. However, they also have over $100 million in cap space with which to do it. It will be intriguing to see how the Patriots approach this offseason because they could splash the cash far and wide to try and immediately rebuild this team around Drake Maye. The key is that they need to do it smartly.
It will not be surprising to hear if the Patriots are in on Chris Godwin and Keenan Allen at wide receiver or one of the veteran tackle options. The Patriots have always been known for using veterans as key parts to build around, which is why D.J. Reed draws the eye at cornerback.
New England has the cap space to pay Reed as a low-end No. 1 and pair him with their exciting young cornerback, Christian Gonzalez. Putting Reed opposite Gonzalez would give the Patriots an extremely strong pair of outside corners and force teams to pick their poison in terms of who they target. This would be an extremely savvy move to boost a defense that ranked 30th last season.
Other potential free agent signings: Carlton Davis, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, Trey Smith, Ronnie Stanley, Dan Moore Jr., and Teair Tart.
New Orleans Saints: Mike Hilton, CB
The New Orleans Saints are in a brutal position this offseason. For free agency, they must go shopping on a shoestring budget. They need to improve in a number of areas but will be right up against the cap in terms of how they can do it. Therefore, they will likely have to target the second tier of free agents and the older veterans.
Mike Hilton is an intriguing option for them at cornerback as they look to address a 19th-ranked defense from last year. He might be looking for more than they can afford, but if they can get him in the $5-10 million range in terms of AAV, they will have done well. Hilton would add a veteran presence to a relatively young cornerback room and has that experience playing in the slot, which is vital.
The Saints fear their cap situation will price them out of any difference-makers. That will be the case all over their roster, and we may see them saving their cap space to try and improve through their draft picks instead of spending it in free agency.
Other potential free agent signings: Josh Palmer, Mack Hollins, Elijah Moore, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Derek Barnett
New York Giants: Alaric Jackson, OT
The New York Giants’ most screamingly urgent need is at quarterback, but they are kind of stymied there with this class and their position at third in the draft. They may have to take a chance on a Sam Darnold/Justin Fields-type free agent or try and bite the bullet in a trade for a veteran like Matt Stafford or Kirk Cousins.
However, none of that works if the offensive line continues to struggle, having ranked 27th last year. Therefore, the Giants need to find some answers on their line and make some upgrades. They have plenty of tackle options, but none of them are particularly good. Alarc Jackson could be a long-term starter at the position and give the Giants some stability.
Bringing in Jackson would solidify the left tackle spot and allow the Giants to have a competition among their remaining tackles for the right side. Hopefully, stabilizing that left side will be the path to improvement across this line. It is not a fix-all situation, but this would be a good first step to improving the situation for whoever ends up playing quarterback behind this line.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Keenan Allen, Chris Godwin, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold.
New York Jets: Justin Fields, QB
The news that the New York Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers has left them in limbo this offseason. They are unlikely to have a shot at either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders without trading up in the draft, and it would be an interesting reunion if they were to sign Sam Darnold. They will likely be hesitant to trade for another veteran (Cousins or Stafford), and Russell Wilson is a short-term fix.
That is why Justin Fields stands out as an intriguing option. Fields was on pace to finish 15th in our QB+ rankings last year but did not meet the minimum thresholds for a final grade. He remains an intriguing upside prospect for any team willing to invest in him. We have seen the potential that Fields has, but he is still far from the finished product.
The Jets kind of have a free shot at this year. There is no obvious quarterback option for them that can make them a competitor in 2025, so they have the chance to take a shot at some upside with Fields. If it works out, they may have found a long-term solution; if it does not, they go into the next offseason with a chance at finding a QB of the future.
Other potential free agent signings: Alaric Jackson, Dan Moore Jr., Zach Ertz, Teair Tart, Carlton Davis, Zach Baun, Justin Reid, Harrison Smith, and Tre’von Moehrig.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jamien Sherwood, LB
It will be intriguing to see how the Eagles play the linebacker position this offseason. They will most likely look to keep Baun, but if he leaves, they will have a decision to make. Do they try to put a proven player in there next to Nakobe Dean, or do they take a chance on another under-the-radar player and hope he can develop into the role?
Cap space is not a major issue, but it may stop them from being able to re-sign Baun or targeting others at the top end of the market. That is where a player like Jamien Sherwood becomes interesting. Sherwood broke out in 2024, but his projected contract value is slightly lower than that of Baun or Ernest Jones.
If the Eagles can get Sherwood at around $7 million a year and help him continue his progression that we saw in 2024, then they may be able to have him be a centerpiece of their defense for the next four or more years. Sherwood is the ideal combination between a proven commodity and a slightly more cost-effective option than the top of the market.
Other potential free agent signings: Ernest Jones, Nick Bolton, Teair Tart, Brandon Scherff, and Kevin Zeitler.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Darnold, QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a tricky spot entering 2025. They did just well enough in 2024 to suggest that they should not tear it all down but were far enough away that they need to add in multiple spots if they are to challenge for a Super Bowl. They need to figure out a quarterback but also have to improve at wide receiver while filling holes at running back, left tackle, and cornerback.
Based on last year, it is fairly obvious that Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are not taking this team over the hump. However, they were not blessed with the biggest talent around them, so even if the Steelers upgraded at the position, they should still consider adding someone like Chris Godwin or Keenan Allen as a reliable pass catcher.
If Wilson and Fields are not coming back, then the best free agent quarterback is Sam Darnold. Playing for the Vikings last year, Darnold produced his best season, finishing as the QB12 in our QB+ metric — above both Wilson and Fields. He still needs help to elevate this team to a deep playoff run, but Darnold would allow the Steelers to remain competitive in 2025.
Other potential free agent signings: Alaric Jackson, Tyron Smith, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, J.K. Dobbins, and D.J. Reed
San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bolton, LB
The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a tough season, but they are in a relatively good position regarding their roster as a whole. The main positions they need to address are offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker.
It is intriguing to put a player like Nick Bolton next to Fred Warner. Bolton was the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense and has the chance to be Warner’s long-term partner in the center of the 49ers defense. We have seen that the 49ers place a high importance on the position and Bolton could be the next evolution of that.
Bolton has three 100-tackle seasons in his first four years and has also proven a nuisance around the quarterback. He is a versatile piece that feels like a luxury for the 49ers, but he can get after the passer or drop into coverage. The thought of Warner and Bolton together in a defense will be terrifying for opposing offenses.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff, Teair Tart, Zach Baun, and Bobby Wagner
Seattle Seahawks: Ronnie Stanley, OT
The Seattle Seahawks were not far away from the playoffs last season, and they immediately pinpointed the issue: their offense. After just one season, head coach Mike Macdonald admitted he had got it wrong and moved on from his first offensive coordinator hire. They now have a new coordinator in place and will look to improve an offense that ranked 20th last season.
A big part of the issues around the offense was the offensive line, which ranked 30th. Therefore, we could see Macdonald turn to a familiar face in Ronnie Stanley. Macdonald will know the presence that Stanley can bring, both on the field and as a leader in the locker room.
Adding Stanley will allow the Seahawks to put a trusted veteran at either left or right tackle and then be able to work out who they should have alongside him. With both Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas set to be free agents after next season, the Seahawks can evaluate whether either should be extended and their role on this line.
Other potential free agent signings: Trey Smith, Brandon Scherff, Kevin Zeitler, Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack, and Zack Baun.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bobby Wagner, LB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the offseason in an interesting position. They were not far away from competing for the NFC crown last year. However, they have a few needs to address: wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker. Cap space is not plentiful, so they must pick and choose their spots a little.
They would ideally like to target players like Khalil Mack or Zack Baun to upgrade their defense, but cap space might be tight. Equally, they would like to bring back Lavonte David, but he might decide to retire, leaving them needing someone there. Bobby Wagner could offer them a direct replacement as a veteran linebacker.
Wagner would not break the bank at around $7.2 million, and they could easily use void years to spread the cap hit. That would give them the flexibility to sign other players if needs be while also giving them a more than useful veteran who can contribute to this defense.
Other potential free agent signings: E.J. Speed, Teven Jenkins, Josh Palmer, and Elijah Moore.
Tennessee Titans: Russell Wilson, QB
The Tennessee Titans’ offseason is set to be fascinating. They are expected to take a quarterback with the first overall pick, but whether it is Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, there is no guarantee that they will be ready to start in 2025. Therefore, the Titans could need a bridge quarterback this season.
One of the priorities for this season in Tennessee must be stability and a winning feeling. Bringing back Mason Rudolph or letting Will Levis continue to run wild does not necessarily do that, and throwing a rookie quarterback in before he is ready is rarely a smart move. Therefore, signing a veteran like Russell Wilson on a one-year deal is the short-term option.
Wilson would bring some stability to the quarterback room and is not a quarterback who will upset the fanbase every week with bad throws. Wilson will likely be looking for something more permanent, so this might be a deal that takes a while to develop, but this move could make sense for both sides in 2025.
Other potential free agent signings: Alaric Jackson, Josh Sweat, Justin Reid, Chris Godwin, Zach Baun, and Teair Tart
Washington Commanders: Justin Reid, S
Safety does not stand out as the biggest need for the Washington Commanders. Still, with both Jeremy Chinn and Darrick Forest potentially heading to free agency, it is not a position that should be ignored. They may well look to bring back one of those two, and Chinn’s versatility makes him an intriguing option to re-sign.
Justin Reid’s veteran presence and leadership should be on the Commanders’ radar as they consider their options. When you look at the defensive backfield, only Marshon Lattimore stands out as a veteran, but his hot-headed nature will make Dan Quinn wary about having him as a leadership voice. That is where Reid could elevate this team beyond his play on the field.
If you are looking purely for safety play, then there are a number of options that the Commanders could look at. However, Reid is unmatched in that leadership and in terms of knowing how to win. Harrison Smith would bring the leadership, and Tre’von Moehrig offers the long-term on-field potential, but neither has the experience of deep playoff runs that Reid has.
Other potential free agent signings: Harrison Smith, Tre’von Moehrig, Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, Ronnie Stanley, Alaric Jackson, and Zack Baun.
