The Best NFL Free Agents Still Available Ahead of 2025 Preseason

With training camps already underway around the league and the July 31 Hall of Fame Game rapidly approaching, fans may have forgotten about the lingering free-agent market. NFL teams, however, have not.

Every offseason, we see quality players wait until the late summer to find a home. Sometimes this is because players are taking their time to find a fit. Sometimes, it's because teams want to assess their depth before diving back into the free-agent player pool.

Regardless of the reasons, some very good players remain unsigned ahead of the 2025 preseason. Many of them, however, will be scooped up before the regular season begins on September 4. Here, we'll examine the very best available free agents—based on factors like positional value, proven production and upside—what they can offer this season and some logical landing spots for each of them.

WR Keenan Allen

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Wide receiver Keenan Allen may not be the top-tier playmaker he once was, but he showed last season that he's still a capable high-volume pass-catcher.

Despite playing in a lackluster Chicago Bears offense with a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams, Allen still managed to catch 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. The 33-year-old likely would have had more impressive numbers in a different situation, as Chicago ranked just 31st in net yards per pass attempt.

Make no mistake, Allen can still be a solid contributor and an experienced leader in the right system. He'd be particularly valuable for another young, inexperienced signal-caller.

Allen would be a sensible target for the New England Patriots, who are looking to develop second-year quarterback Drake Maye and who lead the NFL in remaining camp space. The Patriots did sign Stefon Diggs to be their new WR1, but they could afford to double down on seasoned veteran receivers.

A return to the Los Angeles Chargers would also make sense. The Chargers lacked receiver depth after parting with Allen and Mike Williams last offseason. They brought back Williams early this offseason, but he decided to retire just before the start of training camp.

Logical Landing Spots: Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots

WR Amari Cooper

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Like Allen, Amari Cooper is a former star who appears to have lost a step recently. Last season, he caught just 44 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns while splitting the season between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.

Of course, it's worth noting that the 31-year-old wasn't in a particularly enviable situation with either team. Cleveland had a disastrous rotation at quarterback. Cooper landed in Buffalo midseason and spent the rest of the year playing catch-up in an unfamiliar offense.

Two years ago, Cooper caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns en route to his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He might not be able to replicate that success, but he should be able to provide more than he did in 2024.

Cooper would be a sensible target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are going all-in on the 2025 season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh acquired wideout DK Metcalf early in the offseason but also traded receiver George Pickens after the draft.

The San Francisco 49ers would also be wise to kick the tires on Cooper. San Francisco traded Deebo Samuel early in the offseason and may not have Brandon Aiyuk early in the year as he recovers from a torn ACL.

The 49ers could also potentially be without receiver Jauan Jennings, who has asked the team for a new contract or a trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Cooper nearly made his way to San Francisco last offseason in a trade for Aiyuk, though, obviously, the deal was never finalized.

Logical Landing Spots: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers

CB Rasul Douglas

AP Photo/Peter Aiken

Like both Allen and Cooper, cornerback Rasul Douglas is coming off a down year. With the Bills last season, he allowed an opposing passer rating of 122.0 in coverage. That's likely why he remains unsigned, though his previous high level of play has generated offseason interest.

He allowed an opposing passer rating of just 38.6 in nine games in 2023, and he logged 14 interceptions between 2021 and 2023 with the Bills and Green Bay Packers. Douglas has received at least one offer this offseason, but reportedly rejected a former division rival.

"The Dolphins have maintained contact with Bills free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas, who rejected a Miami offer in May," Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald wrote in June. "He remains a possibility."

Miami would make a ton of sense, if Douglas is willing to reconsider the team's offer. The Dolphins are obviously interested, and after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers, they have a greater need for help at cornerback.

The Cincinnati Bengals would also be wise to give Douglas a look. Cincinnati fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replaced him with Al Golden this offseason, hoping to provide a quick fix for last year's 25th-ranked defense.

However, the Bengals have essentially done nothing to address a secondary that ranked 19th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season. Douglas could give Cincinnati some playmaking potential on the perimeter.

Logical Landing Spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins

CB Mike Hilton

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Douglas might be the top target for cornerback-needy teams seeking help on the perimeter. Those seeking a defensive back with inside-outside versatility, however, should be eyeing Mike Hilton.

Hilton appeared in 16 games with the Bengals in 2024, making 10 starts. He finished the year ranked 23rd among all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus.

While the 31-year-old can be a tad inconsistent in pass coverage, he remains a terrific run defender and one of the league's best blitzing cornerbacks. As a full-time contributor in 2023, he tallied 73 tackles, five passes defended and 12 tackles for loss.

Hilton would be a terrific target for the Dallas Cowboys, who enter camp with injury concerns at cornerback. Two-time Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs is recovering from knee surgery that he underwent in January, while rookie third-round pick  Shavon Revel Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL.

The Las Vegas Raiders could also find a home for Hilton after losing slot corner Nate Hobbs in free agency.

Logical Landing Spots: Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders

G Dalton Risner

AP PhotoRick Scuteri

Though he didn't sign a free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings until September in 2023 and May in 2024, it felt like guard Dalton Risner would find a team early this offseason—at least, that's how he saw things unfolding.

"Minnesota has shown interest in bringing me back, but only to an extent,” Risner said in a social-media video in mid-April. “I will be on a team soon, I could imagine."

Surprisingly, Risner remains unsigned in the late offseason once again. It's surprising because Risner has been a fairly solid starter throughout his career. Though he left a little something to be desired as a run blocker last season, he remained one of the NFL's better pass protectors.

Pro Football Focus graded him 13th among guards in pass-blocking for the 2024 season.

Risner should interest pass-heavy teams like the Bengals, who could already be considering a new guard tandem in free-agent Lucas Patrick and rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild. Cincinnati has $32.6 million in cap space available and should consider making one last move to improve Joe Burrow's pass protection.

The Houston Texans could and should consider taking a look at the 30-year-old. Houston has thrown several darts at its new-look offensive line and, even with just $11 million in cap space remaining, could afford to throw another by signing Risner.

Logical Landing Spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans

CB Asante Samuel Jr.

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. remains one of the biggest wild cards of free agency. Last season, he was limited to four games by stinger issues that Samuel was "born with," according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. When healthy, though, Samuel has flashed both consistency and big-play ability.

Samuel allowed an opposing passer rating of 87.4 in limited action last year and has allowed an opposing passer rating under 100 in all four of his NFL campaigns. He also recorded 35 pass deflections and six interceptions in his first three seasons.

Medicals will be a big factor for Samuel, but the 25-year-old carries a tremendous amount of upside. According to Jackson, the Dolphins have also shown interest in Samuel.

Taking a flier on Samuel might make even more sense for Miami than adding Douglas since the Dolphins have just $2.3 million in cap space available. Of course, Samuel may not view Miami as a strong fit after his father publicly ripped the Dolphins organization.

"The Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey other than they're sensitive," Asante Samuel Sr. said on his Say What Needs to Be Said podcast (h/t CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan). "There's no leadership in the Dolphins organization."

If the younger Samuel has a differing opinion, Miami would provide a prime opportunity to start.

The Washington Commanders should also consider Samuel. They're looking to take another positive step after reaching the NFC title game in 2024, and they happen to employ defensive backs coach Tom Donatell, who coached Samuel with the Chargers for three seasons.

Logical Landing Spots: Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders

G Brandon Scherff

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio

Like Risner, Brandon Scherff is a starting-caliber guard who has possibly lost a step as a run blocker. For teams more concerned with pass protection, though, he should still generate a considerable amount of interest.

Pro Football Focus graded Scherff 19th among guards in pass-blocking for the 2024 season.

While Scherff may turn 24 in December, he's an established and durable interior lineman who should find a home between now and Week 1. The five-time Pro Bowler hasn't earned an all-star nod since 2021, but he's started all 17 games in each of the past three seasons.

Scherff would be a sensible addition for any team seeking help along its offensive interior. The Seattle Seahawks were just such a team in 2024. Though they added first-round rookie  Grey Zabel to the mix this offseason, they have $29.9 million in cap space and could afford to add Scherff before Week 1.

The Indianapolis Colts should also be interested in Scherff. Indy is about to stage a QB camp competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, and it could use more help along the interior of the offensive line.

The Colts lost both center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries during free agency.

Logical Landing Spots: Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks

S Justin Simmons

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Safety Justin Simmons was released by the Denver Broncos early last offseason before signing with the Atlanta Falcons late in the summer. However, the 31-year-old, who is hoping to sign with a contender, doesn't hold any ill will toward Denver.

"I loved my time there," Simmons said, per Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. "...but a contender is No. 1 on the list right now.”

Simmons should find an opportunity with a playoff-caliber team before the start of the regular season. He's a two-time Pro Bowler who regularly starred in Denver and who had another strong season in Atlanta last year.

In 16 starts last season, Simmons recorded 62 tackles and seven passes defended while allowing an 81.9 opposing passer rating.

Simmons' desire to land with a contender could limit his market, depending on his definition of "contender."

The defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles, though, certainly fall in the category of contender. While safety isn't a monumental need for the franchise, Philly could be interested in adding Simmons after trading away C.J. Gardner-Johnson earlier in the offseason.

Adding Simmons would be a bit of a luxury move, but the Eagles are chasing championships and have $31.1 million in cap space.

Pittsburgh is hoping to be a contender this year, but Simmons would be a sensible target for the Steelers. They traded away standout safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal that brought Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh.

Logical Landing Spots: Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers

Edge Za'Darius Smith

AP Photo

Future Hall of Famer Von Miller was the most prolific pass-rusher left on the free-agent market. However, he agreed to join the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal earlier this week.

With Miller off the proverbial table, Za'Darius Smith should start generating some serious late-offseason buzz. Though Smith was traded from Cleveland to the Detroit Lions before last year's deadline and then released by Detroit early this offseason, he was solid with both clubs.

Smith recorded 5.5 sacks with the Browns in 2023 and another five with Cleveland in 2024. After the trade, he recorded four sacks and 15 quarterback pressures in eight games for the Lions.

While Detroit allowed Smith to walk early this offseason, they should strongly consider bringing him back now. The Lions did little to bolster their pass rush aside from re-signing Marcus Davenport, and Smith is probably the best complement to Aidan Hutchinson that they're going to find this late in the offseason—barring a trade for a player like Trey Hendrickson.

A return to the Baltimore Ravens could also make sense for Smith. The Ravens are looking to make a championship run this season and still have $17.5 million in cap space available.

While Baltimore recorded an impressive 53 sacks last season, it could afford depth on the edge behind Odafe Oweh and 34-year-old Kyle Van Noy.

Smith spent his first four seasons in Baltimore before signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2019.

Logical Landing Spots: Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions

*Cap information via Spotrac.