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.
Tee Higgins is fundamental to the identity of the Cincinnati Bengals. Unless the Bengals plan on reshaping that identity -- which could involve burning multiple years of Joe Burrow’s prime -- retaining Higgins is a must, even at a WR1 price tag. Last season, Burrow had 436 dropbacks with both Chase and Higgins on the field compared to 269 dropbacks with Chase on but Higgins off. The Bengals could always trade Higgins after tagging him but likely for less than what they would receive via a compensatory pick in 2026.
Teair Tart only has 3.5 sacks in five seasons. However, he demonstrated early-down value with the Chargers in 2024, recording a tackle on a career-high 17.7% of his run snaps. He also had five tackles for loss, with four of them coming in the run game. Tart turns 28 at the end of February but has played on three consecutive one-year deals. His lack of pass-rushing value could consign him to a similar fate this offseason.
Dan Moore Jr. continued to start every game at left tackle for the Steelers. Moore has started 66 out of 68 possible regular-season games since entering the league in 2021. While still a below-average tackle in pass protection, he cut his pressure rate allowed from 11.0% in 2023 to 7.1% in 2024. Moore also continues to be one of the least penalized tackles in the league. He was called for only three penalties this season after being called for two in 2023.
Before playing all 17 games in 2024, Stanley had played only 31 out of 68 possible games the previous four seasons. Moreover, he wasn’t playing at a starter level in that span, allowing a 7.8% pressure rate. At 31 years old in March, it’s not inconceivable that Stanley could perform at a high level for the next two to three seasons if he receives a shorter term deal. Additionally, the Ravens don’t have a succession plan for Stanley, as backup swing tackle Josh Jones is also a free agent.
Trey Smith, 25, has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line. In the 2024 season, he started all 17 games. His proficiency in both pass protection and run blocking would significantly bolster the Lions' offensive line. Smith is anticipated to seek a contract in the range of $10 million per year.
After six Pro Bowl seasons in 11 years with the Chargers, Keenan Allen’s first year with the Bears was considerably rockier. The veteran struggled to find chemistry with Caleb Williams, averaging the lowest catch percentage (57.9%) and fewest yards per route (1.4) of his career. Allen was also only targeted on 22% of his routes, the fewest since his rookie season in 2013. A surprising level of red-zone production goosed his touchdown total (seven), but that belies his actual impact on the Bears’ offense.
The 29-year-old is coming off a major ankle injury and could command a major deal as the top free agent wide receiver. Godwin was still performing at a high level. Before his injury, he averaged a career-best 2.4 yards. Godwin has become a franchise icon over the years and complements Mike Evans well. All that adds up to a player the Buccaneers should retain and continue to build around.
In 2024, Davis allowed just two touchdowns and a 55.3% completion rate when targeted. He only managed two interceptions. Davis is a potential high-reward free agent. He is coming off the best season of his career, with a 77 passer rating allowed. we could see teams hesitant to commit big money over multiple years with those injury concerns.
Reed has a consistent track record as an excellent pure cover corner. Per NFL Pro, Reed’s 87.1 passer rating allowed as the nearest defender in 2024 was actually his highest allowed since 2019. In terms of other coverage stats, Reed has allowed two or fewer touchdowns in coverage every season except 2021. He’s also allowed less than a 60% completion percentage in three of the last four years.
