.png)
2025 NFL Free Agency Big Board: Best Available Players After Day 1
NFL free agency won't officially begin until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. However, the legal-contact window opened at noon ET on Monday, and the transaction wire was immediately flooded with activity.
Several of this year's top free agents have new contracts in place—though they can't finalize deals with new teams until Wednesday. The list includes many of the top names on Bleacher Report's top 100 free-agent big board such as edge-rusher Josh Sweat, cornerback D.J. Reed, quarterback Sam Darnold and defensive tackle Milton Williams.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport provided grades and analysis for all of the major deals on Monday.
Here, you'll find an updated look at our top 50 remaining free agents heading into Day 2, with rankings based on factors such as past production, upside, age, positional value, positional market depth and health. You'll also find updated potential landing spots for those in the top 10 based on team needs, cap space and moves that have already unfolded.
Nos. 50-46
1 of 18
50. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
Will safety Harrison Smith return for his age-36 season? That remains to be seen, and it's hard to imagine him suiting up for a franchise other than the Minnesota Vikings. If he doesn't retire, however, he'll either get a new contract or be released before his 2026 base salary of $25 million becomes guaranteed on March 15.
He remains a starting-caliber safety, one who appeared in 16 games in 2024 and finished with 87 tackles, 10 passes defended and three interceptions.
49. Elijah Moore, WR, Cleveland Browns
Elijah Moore has failed to establish himself as a high-level go-to receiver through four seasons with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. He has, however, been a productive—if inconsistent—complementary target. The 2021 second-round pick has topped 500 receiving yards in three of his four campaigns and had a career-best 640 yards in 2023.
Set to turn 25 in March, Moore is young, fast and athletic. His upside should land him an opportunity as a third or fourth receiver this offseason.
48. Jameis Winston, QB, Cleveland Browns
Quarterback Jameis Winston has reached the journeyman/backup stage of his NFL career. While the 31-year-old still has the physical tools to be a potent passer—see his 497-yard, four-touchdown game in Week 12 for proof—he just can't seem to shake his penchant for throwing picks.
However, he should be one of the more sought-after bridge/backup QBs in this year's free-agent cycle. He can add life to a passing attack and has proved himself to be a positive locker room leader. Any team viewing him as a potential starter will simply have to accept that both touchdowns and turnovers are likely to come in bunches.
47. Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Detroit Lions
Ifeatu Melifonwu has never established himself as a full-time starter with the Detroit Lions, but he's been a valuable role player when healthy. In 2023, he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 33 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 61.2 in coverage.
However, injuries have been an issue for the 25-year-old, who has missed time in three of his four campaigns and was limited to three games in 2024 with ankle and finger issues. Capable of playing safety, corner or nickel, he is an intriguing risk-reward free agent.
*Update: Melifonwu has agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
46. Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints will likely be viewed by some teams as the top tight end in the 2025 free-agent class. While perhaps not the most versatile pass-catcher, he has good length (6'4", 231 lbs) and can present a big target in the red zone and on third down.
The 28-year-old caught 50 passes in 2024, with 30 of them resulting in first downs or touchdowns.
*Update: Johnson and the Saints have agreed to a three-year, $30.75 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Nos. 45-41
2 of 18
45. Von Miller, Edge, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills released pass-rusher Von Miller over the weekend, and while the 35-year-old appears to be past his prime, he should still interest playoff hopefuls.
The eight-time Pro Bowler played more of a rotational role in 2024 and appeared in 13 games, finishing with six sacks, seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits. He can still add some potency to a pass rush, though he doesn't offer much long-term value.
44. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks released wide receiver Tyler Lockett after 10 seasons with the franchise in a cap-saving move. Though the 32-year-old had just 600 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2024, his relative lack of production can't be blamed entirely on regression.
The rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Seattle impacted the production of both Lockett and DK Metcalf in 2024. Lockett isn't the same player he once was, but he's still a seasoned pass-catcher with enough burst to generate the occasional big play.
43. Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys
This year's free-agent running back pool isn't as impressive as last year, and with a draft class deep at the position, backs like Rico Dowdle are unlikely to find overwhelming offers.
However, the 26-year-old should be an intriguing target for teams that don't have an established starter in the backfield. He didn't see a heavy workload until he became the Dallas Cowboys' starter in 2024, and he was more than serviceable in that RB1 role.
Dowdle tallied 1,328 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns this past season while serving as one of Dallas' only reliable offensive standouts.
42. Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
With Deebo Samuel off the trade market, Tee Higgins under the franchise tag and Chris Godwin headed back to Tampa Bay, secondary receivers such as Demarcus Robinson may see a boost in market value.
While Robinson has never been a No. 1 or even a full-time No. 2 receiver, he's thrived in an ancillary role. As the Los Angeles Rams' third receiver in 2024, the 30-year-old caught 31 passes for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. If he doesn't return to L.A., he should be valued by teams looking to round out their receiving corps with an experienced veteran.
*Update: Robinson has agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
41. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles decided to release cornerback Darius Slay with a post-June 1 designation, though he could return to the team in the coming days. He told the St. Brown podcast (h/t Kristen Wong of SI.com) that his top two preferred options for 2025 are Philadelphia or a return to Detroit.
The six-time Pro Bowler will likely be picky about his next stop, and at 34, he may not have a plethora of suitors.
Nos. 40-36
3 of 18
40. Eric Stokes, CB, Green Bay Packers
Cornerback Eric Stokes never quite lived up to his draft status as a 2021 first-round pick.
He showed promise as a rookie, recording 14 passes defended and allowing an opposing passer rating of just 71.3 that season. But he struggled to stay on the field or establish himself as a reliable starter in the three years after that.
Still, some team will take a chance on the 26-year-old. He's young, has physical upside and plays a premium defensive position.
*Update: Stokes has agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
39. Dalton Risner, G, Minnesota Vikings
Guard Dalton Risner will turn 30 in July and has played each of the past two seasons on one-year deals. That's reflective of his value as a mid-level starter who has long passed his ceiling.
While Risner isn't overly impressive as a run-blocker, he's been solid in pass protection. Pro Football Focus graded him 13th among guards in pass-blocking for the 2024 season.
38. Kendall Fuller, CB, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins recently released cornerback Kendall Fuller along with several other players in a cap purge.
The 30-year-old joined Miami last offseason after eight seasons with the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs.
Fuller started 11 games in 2024, and while his best days may be in the rearview, he's still a starting-caliber player at a premium position. In a deep free-agent cornerback class, he should be available on a team-friendly deal.
37. Tyron Smith, OT, New York Jets
In an offseason with a deeper pool of left tackles, Tyron Smith probably wouldn't crack our top 100. He turned 34 in December, wasn't particularly efficient when healthy in 2024 and finished the year sidelined by a neck injury.
Of course, there aren't many starting-caliber left tackles set to hit the market, and Smith does possess a Hall of Fame resume. As a one-year bridge starter, he should have value if he chooses to play.
36. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
There was a time when Nick Chubb was one of the best pure runners in the entire league. The 29-year-old could be that again, but he has plenty to prove after a devastating knee injury impacted his 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Chubb never appeared to be at 100 percent last season, and he suffered a season-ending foot injury. However, he could be closer to Pro Bowl form with another offseason between him and the knee injury suffered in Week 2 of 2023.
Nos. 35-31
4 of 18
35. Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge, Miami Dolphins
Though Emmanuel Ogbah turned 31 in November, he keeps finding ways to impact games as a complementary pass-rusher. He reached five sacks for the second straight season in 2024 and added 11 QB hits—his most since notching 24 in 2021.
He should be valued as a mid-level starter or a high-end rotational player at this stage in his career, but he can add some potency to a pass rush.
34. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine might not generate a ton of attention heading into free agency. The Tennessee offense was largely forgettable in 2024, and the 27-year-old has never produced eye-popping numbers.
However, he has the potential to be a very impactful complementary receiver. He had only 497 receiving yards in 2024 but flashed a terrific blend of downfield ability (15.5 yards per catch) and red-zone reliability (9 TDs).
*Update: Westbrook-Ikhine has agreed to a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
33. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins showed in 2024 that he still has a little juice left in the tank.
The 32-year-old appears to be past his prime and no longer a No. 1-caliber receiver, but his combination of size (6'1", 212 lbs) and physicality can still allow him to win one-on-one matchups.
In 10 games with the Kansas City Chiefs following an in-season trade, Hopkins caught 41 passes for 437 yards and four touchdowns.
*Update: Hopkins has agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
32. Brandon Scherff, G, Jacksonville Jaguars
Guard Brandon Scherff turned 33 in December and hasn't been a Pro Bowler since the 2021 season. Once one of the NFL's premier interior linemen, he's managed to disappear over the last three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, he hasn't missed a start in those three seasons, and he remains a solid pass protector. Pro Football Focus graded him 19th among guards in pass blocking this past season.
31. Justin Reid, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Safety Justin Reid will carry a high profile into free agency because he's been a part of the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC dominance since signing with the franchise during the 2022 offseason.
However, the 28-year-old has been more good than great for Kansas City and has been more inconsistent against the run than a team would prefer.
Reid has been mostly dependable in coverage, though, and was graded as the league's 12th-best safety in coverage by Pro Football Focus last season.
*Update: Reid has agreed to a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Nos. 30-26
5 of 18
30. Mike Hilton, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton appeared to lose a step in coverage in 2024, and he'll turn 31 before the start of free agency. However, he is still a quality defensive back with inside-outside versatility.
Hilton tallied 73 tackles, five passes defended and 12 tackles for loss in 2023. He remains one of the NFL's better blitzing corners.
29. Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans
Stefon Diggs' history as a Pro Bowl-caliber No. 1 receiver will earn him interest in free agency. However, he would have garnered more attention had he reached the market a couple of years ago.
His production dipped toward the end of the 2023 season with the Buffalo Bills. He was more of a role player with the Houston Texans last season, albeit a terrific one, before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.
The 31-year-old still has a high ceiling but is one of the bigger boom-or-bust free agents in this year's market.
28. Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
The Jets have yet to officially release quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but that move should become official on Wednesday, so he's finally joining our list.
The 41-year-old doesn't project as a long-term option, but he's one of the top potential bridge options still available.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers could have an agreement in place as soon as Tuesday.
27. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are set to release defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson with a post-June 1 designation, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. That should become official on Wednesday, and he should immediately find suitors.
The 31-year-old started 16 games in 2024 and finished with 26 tackles, three sacks and a whopping 18 quarterback hits.
26. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins would rank much higher on our list if not for his injury history.
An electric ball-carrier when healthy, the 26-year-old compiled 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games this past season while averaging 4.6 yards per rush.
However, Dobbins also missed time with a knee injury, which isn't ideal after injuries—including a torn ACL and torn Achilles—regularly impacted the first four years of his career.
Nos. 25-21
6 of 18
25. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Minnesota Vikings
Though he'll turn 35 shortly after the start of the 2025 season, cornerback Stephon Gilmore should be valued as a starter. He started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and allowed an opposing passer rating of 94.1 in coverage.
The five-time Pro Bowler may finally be starting to show signs of decline, but he should still have another productive campaign in the tank.
24. Keenan Allen, WR, Chicago Bears
Keenan Allen didn't have the most impressive season with the Chicago Bears in 2024. He was again limited by soft-tissue injuries and ended up missing a pair of games.
However, the 32-year-old still caught 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in an underperforming passing attack. The crafty veteran can still aid an offense and may be particularly attractive to teams with a young quarterback.
23. Will Fries, G, Indianapolis Colts
Colts guard Will Fries was terrific when healthy in 2024. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's fourth overall guard this past season.
The problem is that the 26-year-old's campaign was ended after five games by a fractured tibia that required immediate surgery.
Fries had developed into a largely reliable starter for the Colts before his 2024 ups and downs, and his market value could vary wildly based on how teams view his injury and upside.
*Update: Fries has agreed to a five-year, $88 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
22. Larry Ogunjobi, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Monday they will release defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, but he should find a strong market in the coming days.
The 30-year-old appeared in 15 games last season, with 12 starts, and finished with 41 tackles, 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss.
21. Jonathan Allen, DT, Washington Commanders
*Update: Allen has agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The Washington Commanders released defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in a cap-saving move before the start of free agency and after failing to find a trade partner. It'll be a fairly big surprise if he remains unclaimed for long.
He remains one of the league's most disruptive interior defenders when healthy. He was limited to eight games last season by a torn pectoral, but the 30-year-old had 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2023.
Nos. 20-16
7 of 18
20. Tyrel Dodson, LB, Miami Dolphins
Linebacker Tyrel Dodson was one of the Seattle Seahawks' most impactful defenders until they waived him in early November. However, he quickly latched on with the Miami Dolphins and continued his productive play.
He recorded 36 tackles and three interceptions in eight games with Miami. The AFC's Defensive Player of the Week in Week 17 is a do-it-all linebacker who won't turn 27 until June.
19. E.J. Speed, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed made the most of his contract year, setting career highs in both total tackles (142) and solo stops (93). A capable run defender, he's also serviceable in pass coverage.
However, the 29-year-old was also credited with 17 missed tackles, which will be a concern for some teams. With the linebacker market surging in recent days, he could be one of the next players off the board.
18. Charles Omenihu, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu missed over half of the 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in 2023. However, he returned to the lineup in late November and helped Kansas City reach its third straight Super Bowl.
The 27-year-old recorded a sack, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble during the postseason. In 2023, he logged seven sacks, five tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles.
17. Dante Fowler Jr., Edge, Washington Commanders
A few quality pass-rushers are set to be available, but Dante Fowler Jr. stands out as a potential bargain. He could be looking for his fourth team in five years but is coming off of a terrific campaign in Washington.
The 30-year-old finished the 2024 season with 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterback pressures. Teams willing to roll the dice on an older defender who has never been a bona fide star could find themselves a steal.
16. Kristian Fulton, CB, Los Angeles Chargers
After a down year with the Titans in 2023, Kristian Fulton reestablished himself as a quality starter in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 26-year-old allowed an opposing passer rating below 92.0 in each of his first three seasons, and he was again reliable for Los Angeles when healthy this past season. He missed time with a hamstring injury but that shouldn't be viewed as a significant issue for cornerback-needy teams.
*Update: Fulton has agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Nos. 15-11
8 of 18
15. Kevin Zeitler, G, Detroit Lions
Detroit's Kevin Zeitler won't appeal to every team because of his age, but his experience and consistency will appeal to playoff-ready franchises.
He will turn 35 in March but played extremely well for the Lions in 2024. He may only command a one- or two-year deal in free agency, but he's perfectly capable of helping to anchor an offensive line for that timeframe.
14. Joey Bosa, Edge, Free Agent
The Chargers released pass-rusher Joey Bosa late Wednesday evening in a cap-saving move. Though the five-time Pro Bowler will turn 30 in July and has missed time in each of the past three seasons, he should draft considerable interest on the open market.
His recent injury history—he's played just 28 games over the last three seasons—will be a concern. So will the regression he appears to have made as a pass-rusher.
However, Bosa can still make the occasional play in the passing game (five sacks in 2024), and he remains a top-tier run defender on the edge.
*Update: Bosa has agreed to a one-year, $12.6 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
13. Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Detroit Lions
Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike battled a back injury early in 2024 but was still an integral piece of Detroit's defense for most of the year. Set to turn 27 in March, he should have a bright future if he can stay healthy.
Injuries are the only major concern with Onwuzurike, who recorded 1.5 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures in 2024. He missed the entire 2022 season following back surgery and played just 10 games in 2023.
12. Anthony Nelson, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anthony Nelson has never been a full-time starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he's been a highly productive outside linebacker who can set the edge, defend passes and get after the opposing quarterback.
Nelson, who will turn 28 in March, isn't a true edge-rusher, but he was very effective in that role in 2024 (4 sacks, 20 QB pressures). Having played both outside linebacker and defensive end in Tampa, he should draw interest from teams, regardless of their base alignment.
*Update: Nelson and the Buccaneers have agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
11. Amari Cooper, WR, Buffalo Bills
Wide receiver Amari Cooper had a mostly forgettable 2024 campaign. He finished the regular season with only 547 yards and four touchdowns on 44 receptions, though he dealt with a bad Browns offense and a steep learning curve after he was traded to Buffalo.
The five-time Pro Bowler will turn 31 in June, but he remains a top-notch route-runner who had 1,250 receiving yards just two seasons ago.
10. DeMarcus Lawrence, Edge, Dallas Cowboys
9 of 18
Age and health are the biggest concerns with Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. He will turn 33 in April and was limited to only four games in 2024 by a Lisfranc injury.
When healthy and playing at his best, however, the four-time Pro Bowler remains a productive pass-rusher and an even better run defender. In 2023, he tallied four sacks, 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six passes defended.
A return to Dallas would probably make the most sense and appears to be Lawrence's preferred result.
"I'd like to stay here," he said, per Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "It would be a glorious thing."
Outside of Dallas, Washington might be Lawrence's most logical destination. Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is the Commanders' head coach, and he brought in a few of his former players—including Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr.—last offseason.
The Falcons may also want to take a look at Lawrence after recording just 31 sacks as a team last season and parting with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett on Monday.
Potential Suitors: Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders
9. Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
10 of 18
The Steelers won't be bringing back Justin Fields, who agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That means Russell Wilson could be one of the best options Pittsburgh has left.
The 36-year-old should at least be viewed as one of this year's top remaining bridge options.
Wilson was a serviceable starter for the Steelers in 2024. He struggled late in the season but still helped Pittsburgh reach the playoffs. With 10 Pro Bowls and nine playoff appearances on his resume, he has the experience needed to lead a team for a season or two.
Just don't be surprised if a few franchises view the 10-time Pro Bowler as a second option if and when Aaron Rodgers is officially released by the Jets.
With Fields landing in New York, Sam Darnold heading to Seattle and Geno Smith off to Las Vegas, there are few clear landing spots for our top remaining quarterback.
The New York Giants could be interested as they search for a viable starter in 2025. The Indianapolis Colts could also have interest. General manager Chris Ballard has said he intends to add competition for third-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson.
Potential Suitors: Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants
8. Teven Jenkins, G, Chicago Bears
11 of 18
The Bears are set to move on from 2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins. Chicago recently agreed to acquire guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams and has a deal to acquire Chiefs guard Joe Thuney.
Jenkins should find a strong free-agent market because of his age (26), positional versatility and recent play at guard when healthy. Pro Football Focus ranked him 15th overall among guards in 2024.
The biggest issue for the Oklahoma State product, who began his career as a tackle, has been his availability. While he hasn't missed significant time due to injury since his rookie campaign, nagging ailments have followed him throughout his career.
Jenkins has not played more than 14 games in a single season with Chicago.
Still, he is an ascending young player who can be an above-average starter and who can move to tackle in a pinch if needed.
The Seahawks should take a long look at Jenkins in an effort to improve their offensive line. They agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Sam Darnold on Monday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Protecting its new quarterback of the future should be a top priority for Seattle.
The Patriots should also be eager to improve their line and protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye. With Kansas City's Trey Smith receiving the franchise tag, Jenkins could become New England's top target at guard.
Potential Suitors: New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks
7. Justin Simmons, S, Atlanta Falcons
12 of 18
A two-time Pro Bowler with the Broncos, safety Justin Simmons joined the Falcons late last offseason and proved he's still one of the league's better back-end defenders.
The 31-year-old had a strong campaign in coverage (81.9 opposing passer rating) and was a bright spot in a Falcons defense that otherwise largely underwhelmed. Having now proved himself in multiple defensive schemes, he should see a stronger market than he found in 2024—he remained unsigned through mid-August.
While Simmons may not garner serious interest from rebuilding franchises, contenders should have him on their radar.
The 49ers could have interest in the two-time Pro Bowler after losing Talanoa Hufanga to the Broncos on a three-year, $45 million deal on Monday.
The Eagles could also be a team to watch, even if safety isn't their most glaring need. Former Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker—who worked with Simmons for three seasons—is now the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach in Philadelphia.
Potential Suitors: Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers
6. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Los Angeles Chargers
13 of 18
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. does carry some concerns into free agency. Missed tackles have been an issue—he was credited with 12 in 2023—and he's coming off of a season-ending shoulder injury that limited him to four games.
However, he has largely been a reliable cover corner when healthy. He allowed an opposing passer rating of 87.4 in coverage last season and has allowed an opposing passer rating below 100.0 in all four of his pro seasons.
Set to turn 26 in October, Samuel is the sort of young, promising pass defender who doesn't tend to hit the open market often.
The Florida State product would be a strong fit for the 49ers, who lost Charvarius Ward to the Colts on a three-year, $60 million deal on Monday. San Francisco, which recently traded away receiver Deebo Samuel, appears to be entering a transition period and could look to get younger at a few key positions.
The Packers should also have some interest in Samuel. They are open to trading No. 1 corner Jaire Alexander, though many around the league believe he will be released instead, according to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz.
Whether Alexander sticks or not, Samuel would be a fine complement to new addition Nate Hobbs in Green Bay's secondary.
Potential Suitors: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers
5. Mekhi Becton, G, Philadelphia Eagles
14 of 18
Mekhi Becton's redemption arc was one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 season. The 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft battled injuries and poor play as a left tackle during his time with the Jets but found new life with a new team and a new position this past season.
The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year deal, moved him to guard and watched him thrive.
The 25-year-old started 15 games in the regular season and was graded as the league's 21st-ranked guard, according to Pro Football Focus. He capped his comeback campaign with a confetti shower following Philly's victory in Super Bowl LIX.
The question for guard-needy teams is whether Becton is truly poised to be a reliable starting guard or was simply the product of a loaded Eagles roster and respected offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Based on his projected market value of $10.2 million annually, a team will have to put up some money to find an answer.
Of course, Becton could be a massive bargain at that price if he has yet to reach his ceiling.
The Patriots should be interested in just about every quality offensive lineman available in this year's market, and the Louisville product's experience at tackle could make him even more valuable to New England.
The Cowboys should also have some interest in Becton. Longtime starter Zack Martin recently announced his retirement, and while Dallas has already re-signed Brock Hoffman, Becton would provide a boost at right guard.
Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots
4. Cam Robinson, OT, Minnesota Vikings
15 of 18
The Vikings acquired Cam Robinson from Jacksonville after Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury.
While Robinson wasn't as dependable as Darrisaw for Minnesota, he did help the team finish out the season with a 14-3 record.
Now, Robinson will look to latch on with another team in a more permanent role.
While the 29-year-old has never been an elite starter—the Jags were willing to move on for a reason—teams looking for improved pass protection could do worse in free agency.
Pro Football Focus ranked Robinson 49th among 141 tackles in pass blocking this past season. He's the top left tackle available with Ronnie Stanley and Dan Moore Jr. coming off the board over the last few days.
The Patriots should have an interest in Robinson as they look to upgrade the line in front of Drake Maye. Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone knows Robinson from their time together in Jacksonville.
The Browns should also have interest in Robinson, though the financial implications of adding him could be difficult. Cleveland has just $2.8 million in cap space, but it desperately needs to find a dependable answer at left tackle.
Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots
3. Rasul Douglas, CB, Buffalo Bills
16 of 18
There's no getting around the fact that Rasul Douglas had a down year with the Bills in 2024. He did start 15 games but allowed an opposing passer rating of 122.0 in coverage.
However, his history as a high-level starter with terrific instincts and ball skills can't be overlooked. Between 2021 and 2023, the 29-year-old secured 14 interceptions and three pick-sixes for the Bills and Packers. He also logged 45 passes defended over the past four seasons.
While Douglas didn't quite fall into the top tier of this year's free-agent corner class, he's one of the top options remaining after D.J. Reed and Charvarius Ward both reached agreements on Monday.
The Jets could consider targeting Douglas after losing Reed to the Lions on a three-year, $48 million contract.
The Bengals should also consider adding a corner like Douglas in free agency. After ranking 21st in pass defense and 25th in total defense last season, Cincinnati decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Hiring new coordinator Al Golden should only be the first step in Cincinnati's offseason defensive overhaul.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets
2. Azeez Ojulari, Edge, New York Giants
17 of 18
Azeez Ojulari hasn't been a full-time starter since his rookie season, and he isn't as accomplished as some other edge-rushers who are set to be available. However, he's a fine rotational pass-rusher who has flashed top-tier potential and won't turn 25 until June.
Ojulari finished his 2021 rookie campaign with eight sacks, 27 QB pressures and 13 quarterback hits. He got more opportunities to shine this past season when Kayvon Thibodeaux missed time with a wrist injury. Ojulari tallied six sacks, seven tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in 11 games.
While Ojulari did miss the final six games of 2024 with a toe injury, it wasn't serious enough to require surgery. Several teams may view him as a part-time, dedicated pass-rusher instead of an every-down player. However, his combination of youth and upside is intriguing.
The rebuilding Raiders could use a high-end complement to Maxx Crosby and would be wise to target Ojulari—even after re-signing Malcolm Koonce on Monday. It's worth noting Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham held the same position with the Giants during Ojulari's rookie season.
The Eagles, who were largely quiet on Monday, could also consider Ojulari as a replacement for pass-rusher Josh Sweat, who is headed to Arizona.
Potential Suitors: Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles
1. Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins
18 of 18
*Update: Holland has agreed to a three-year, $45.3 million contract with the New York Giants, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Dolphins safety Jevon Holland was our No. 2 free agent on Friday, and he gets bumped up a spot after Josh Sweat agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Though Holland missed time with a broken hand, he started 15 games, recorded 63 tackles, and allowed an opposing passer rating of 89.0 in coverage. He also missed time in 2023 with a pair of knee sprains, though he shouldn't be classified as injury-prone.
Having turned just 25 years old this month, he is just entering his playing prime.
Holland should be high on the wish list of the rebuilding Bears. Chicago, which ranked 31st in net yards per pass attempt in 2024, relied on 31-year-old Kevin Byard III at free safety last season but should be looking for an upgrade.
The Bears could save $7 million in cap space by releasing Byard this offseason.
The Vikings could also be interested in Holland after losing safety Camryn Bynum to the Colts on a four-year, $60 million deal.
Potential Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings
.jpg)



.png)





