Best Fits for NFL's Most Intriguing Available 2025 Free Agents

The NFL's legal-contact window opened less than a week ago, and yet, most of this year's top free agents have already found their 2025 homes. In fact, most had agreed to terms during the first couple of days, which may reflect how top-heavy teams viewed this year's class.

It would seem that, in general, teams weren't high on the 2025 free-agent pool.

"It's a really bad group overall," one unnamed executive told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

Teams moved quickly to re-sign their own players or land their top targets, but that doesn't mean that good players aren't still available. Of course, winning this stage of free agency often means taking chances on players who carry questions but also intriguing talent or upside.

Here, we'll examine some unsigned free agents who might not be considered "safe" signings but who offer intriguing potential in the right situations. We'll identify top landing spots for each based on factors like team needs, roster makeup, scheme fit and projected roles.

Trey Lance, QB, Dallas Cowboys

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This year's quarterback market was never particularly good, and with Sam Darnold and Justin Fields already signed, it's become extremely underwhelming—the fact that multiple teams are waiting on an Aaron Rodgers decision speaks volumes.

While quarterback Trey Lance is far from a surefire starter, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft still carries an intriguing amount of upside. He didn't work out with the San Francisco 49ers, and he never really got an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys.

However, the physical tools that made Lance a first-round selection haven't disappeared.

"Lance's natural traits and work ethic make his upside sky-high, with more nuance to his game that suggests his floor is higher than meets the eye," Nate Tice wrote for the B/R Scouting Department back in 2021.

Lance won't even turn 25 until May, and he's worth a flier, even if his ceiling is as a long-term backup. His scrambling ability alone could give him added value in that role.

The best fits for Lance are teams that already employ dual-threat quarterbacks in their offenses—specifically, the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders. The Philadelphia Eagles would also fit, but they just picked up a similar developmental quarterback in Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

In Baltimore or Washington, Lance could sit and learn behind a quarterback with similar Physical tools. He could also be utilized occasionally in obvious running situations.

You don't want to take a QB like Jayden Daniels or Lamar Jackson off the field often, but there would be little downside to having them take fewer hits over the course of a season.

Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders

Teven Jenkins, G, Chicago Bears

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The guard market continues to boom—Will Fries got an $87.7 million contract from the Minnesota Vikings—which is part of the reason why Teven Jenkins is an intriguing option at this point in free agency.

Jenkins, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears as a tackle, has settled into the guard spot and is only 27 years old. The four-year veteran might not be an elite guard, but he's starting-caliber and still carries some upside.

Of course, if Jenkins didn't carry some questions, he'd be off the market by now. Availability has been an issue for the Oklahoma State product, who has appeared in only 45 games of a possible 68 in four seasons because of injuries.

It's also unclear just how high the ceiling is with Jenkins, who made the switch to guard during his second season after seeing little time at guard in college.

Can Jenkins be good? Great? Can he stay on the field for a 17-game stretch? Those are questions that make him an intriguing free agent instead of one who signed during the legal-contact window.

The Seattle Seahawks would be a great landing spot for Jenkins. Seattle's offensive line was a liability in 2024, and the Seahawks need to protect new quarterback Sam Darnold.

The Seahawks are also interested in Jenkins and are scheduled to meet with him on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The New England Patriots could also give Jenkins a starting opportunity. New England's line was a mess last season, and protecting Drake Maye should be a priority.

Patriots assistant offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling also held the same position in Chicago last season.

Best Fits: New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks

Keenan Allen, WR, Chicago Bears

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Cooper Kupp agreed to join the Seahawks on Friday, which should help re-start the receiver market. Of the group of older veterans—which also includes Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper and Brandin Cooks—Keenan Allen might be the most intriguing.

The 32-year-old has lost some of his burst and has dealt with soft-tissue injuries in recent years. His numbers in Chicago last season, 70 catches for 744 yards, weren't overly impressive.

However, it's worth noting that nothing about the Bears' passing attack was impressive in 2024. Allen remains a sure-handed target, a precise route-runner and a quality red-zone target.

Allen caught seven of Chicago's 20 receiving touchdowns last season.

Teams that were interested in Kupp should also be interested in Allen. According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, the Denver Broncos were one of those teams.

Allen would fit well into Denver's offense, where he could spell Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele on the perimeter or in the slot. His route-running, hands and experience could also benefit young quarterback Bo Nix as he continues to develop.

The Las Vegas Raiders would also be a strong fit for Allen. Alongside Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, Allen's inside-outside versatility would give offensive coordinator Chip Kelly more alignment options. He'd also serve as a dependable target for new quarterback Geno Smith.

Best Fits: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders

Elijah Moore, WR, Cleveland Browns

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Teams looking for receiver help but uninterested in chasing a pass-catcher with age or injury concerns should be intrigued by Elijah Moore.

A 2021 second-round pick of the New York Jets, Moore spent the last two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. While he still hasn't played up to his draft status, Moore was a tad more productive for the Browns than he was for the Jets.

The 24-year-old had a career-high 640 receiving yards in 2023 and a career-high 61 receptions in 2024. Keep in mind that Moore played 13 games over that span with Deshaun Watson, arguably the worst starting quarterback in the NFL.

Moore may never develop into more than a third or fourth receiver, but his upside is appealing. Though a bit undersized at 5'10" and 180 pounds, he's a clean route-runner with 4.35 speed and inside-outside versatility.

Turning only 25 later this month, Moore isn't much older than some of this year's draft prospects.

The Raiders would also be a great fit for Moore if they're looking to go younger at the receiver position. Like Allen, he could be moved around the formation to create mismatches in Kelly's offense and to give Smith a speedy and shifty target.

The Los Angeles Rams could also provide Moore with a tremendous new home. While the Rams added Davante Adams as a free agent, they parted with both Kupp and Demarcus Robinson.

Moore, along with Tutu Atwell, could help replace Kupp as an inside-outside receiver. His skill set would also mesh with Sean McVay's spacing-based passing concepts.

Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt also happens to work in L.A. as a senior offensive assistant.

Best Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

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When healthy, J.K. Dobbins has been a productive and difference-making running back. As a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, he rushed for 805 yards and 6.0 yards per carry and found the end zone nine times.

Last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Dobbins tallied 1,058 scrimmage yards, averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored another nine touchdowns. The problem is that the 26-year-old has struggled to stay on the field.

Dobbins suffered a torn ACL in his second season and missed the entire 2021 campaign. He suffered another knee injury in 2022, a torn Achilles in 2023 and yet another knee injury last season.

While Dobbins appeared in 15 games as a rookie and 13 games last season, he only appeared in nine games during the three years in between.

Dobbins showcased his intriguing ability with the Chargers last season, but after signing Najee Harris to a free-agent contract, Los Angeles might not be interested in a reunion.

The Broncos, though, should be interested in scooping up the former division rival. Denver struggled to find a consistent ground game in 2024, and Dobbins would be a fine complement to the smaller (5'7", 187 lbs) but speedy Jaleel McLaughlin.

Even when he's had backs like Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara on his roster, Sean Payton has frequently leaned into a backfield rotation.

The Raiders would also be a good fit for Dobbins. Pete Carroll loves to field a strong rushing attack, and Dobbins would be a great complement to fast free-agent addition Raheem Mostert.

Best Fits: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders

Julian Blackmon, S, Indianapolis Colts

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Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon is intriguing for a couple of reasons. For one, the converted cornerback has some tremendously enticing coverage and ball skills.

Blackmon is instinctual in the passing game and tends to find himself around the football frequently. In five seasons with the Colts, he logged 21 passes defended, 10 interceptions and two forced fumbles.

However, Blackmon isn't so reliable against the run. He can struggle to bring down ball carriers. This was a particular issue in 2024, when Blackmon played through a torn Labrum for most of the season.

Pro Football Focus graded the 26-year-old 23rd among all safeties in coverage but only 148th in run defense last season.

Blackmon is young and possesses positional versatility—he's played free safety, in the box and in the slot—but he may be best as a schemed-specific coverage safety.

The Philadelphia Eagles would be a terrific fit for Blackmon. He could be a proverbial chess piece in Vic Fangio's defense, used specifically in advantageous coverage matchups.

The Eagles just traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and were interested in Justin Reid before he signed with the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL insider James Palmer.

The Ravens would also be a strong fit for Blackmon, who could rotate with Kyle Hamilton and Ar'Darius Washington at safety and in subpackages. Baltimore has regularly utilized a three-safety rotation and recently dumped Marcus Williams from its roster.

Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles

Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Los Angeles Chargers

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Asante Samuel Jr. has been one of the league's most intriguing young cornerbacks since he was drafted in 2021. With terrific movement ability and excellent ball skills, he has all the makings of a shut-down cover corner.

In 50 career games, Samuel has logged 37 passes defended and six interceptions.

However, Samuel can be a liability against the run and has been credited with 27 missed tackles as a pro. He also carries significant health concerns after missing all but four games in 2024 with stinger symptoms.

According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper, the ailment affected both of Samuel's shoulders but was most prevalent in the left shoulder. Per Popper, the ailment is something Samuel was "born with," which could lead to ongoing concerns.

The best fits for Samuel might be teams that could use a coverage specialist and have some familiarity with the player. The Commanders and Saints happen to fit.

New Orleans could use a quality cover corner after trading Marshon Lattimore at last year's trade deadline. The Saints also employ Kellen Moore as their head coach and Brandon Staley as their defensive coordinator.

Staley was L.A.'s head coach for most of Samuel's first three seasons—he was fired partway through the 2023 campaign. Moore was the Chargers offensive coordinator in 2023.

The Commanders, who traded for Lattimore last year and recently added Jonathan Jones, shouldn't be as desperate for cornerback help. However, Washington should be interested in adding young players who can potentially contribute for years to come.

Commanders defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell was Samuels' secondary coach in L.A. for the corner's first three seasons.

Best Fits: New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders