Eight NFL Players Who Already Look Like 2025 NFL Free-Agent Steals in Training Camp

They often say success in free agency is found in the less-heralded deals that wind up generating considerable value. 

The splashy stuff is fun, but the reality is some of those lower-dollar steals can make a huge difference. 

Now that teams are deep into training camp, we can begin to identify some of those coups. 

Here are eight players who signed for less than $12 million a year (in most cases a lot less) on short-term contracts but are thus far looking like gems in camp. 

Contract information courtesy of Spotrac

Buffalo Bills WR Josh Palmer

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Contract: 3 years, $29 million

Background: The 2021 third-round pick flashed at times during his four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, but he never hit the 800-yard mark and he scored just six total touchdowns the last three seasons. 

Why he looks like a steal: A handful of receivers got more money on the open market than Palmer, yet the 25-year-old reportedly looks like he’s already becoming a “staple” on offense and a candidate to lead the receiving corps in snaps. 

His connection with Josh Allen has apparently begun to heat up, and the training camp X reviews are extremely promising thus far.

Baltimore Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Contract: 1 year, $5 million 

Background: The five-time Pro Bowler was one of the best receivers in the sport during his prime. Now he’s essentially a journeyman at age 33. 

Why he looks like a steal: Per Ryan Mink of the team’s official website, “Hopkins will be one of the Ravens' best veteran wide receiver free agent signings in a while. He could have a Steve Smith-like effect–a playmaker Jackson can count on.”

"You usually don't see that kind of trust with a new face this early in training camp," Tee Martin told Mink. The highlights indicate he hasn’t lost too much of that magic.

This could be the right place at the right time for Hopkins.

Denver Broncos TE Evan Engram

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Contract: 2 years, $23 million 

Background: The 30-year-old veteran has made two Pro Bowls (one with the Giants, one with the Jaguars) and has three 700-yard campaigns under his belt. He played in just nine games due to a torn labrum in 2024. 

Why he looks like a steal: Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi stated recently that Engram had "met or exceeded" expectations in camp, per Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com. 

"He can run. He can change direction. Willing blocker. He sticks his nose in there. Complete tight end. Guy that's been really showing up in camp," Lombardi added. 

There’s plenty of hype that he could become a go-to for second-year franchise quarterback Bo Nix, and that contract is far from being albatross. 

Cincinnati Bengals DT T.J. Slaton

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Contract: 2 years, $14.1 million 

Background: The 2021 fifth-round pick was a solid 17-game starter for the Packers in both 2023 and 2024, but he’s been short on splash plays and has thus flown under the radar. 

Why he looks like a steal: The buzz is all over X and training camp circles, with quarterback Joe Burrow stating the following: “T.J. Slaton is going to be a great player for us. The energy he brings, the physicality he brings, I’m really excited to watch that on Sundays.”

Atlanta Falcons LB Divine Deablo

AP Photo

Contract: 2 years, $14 million

Background: Another 2021 third-round pick who was good but not special on a four-year rookie contract elsewhere (in this case, with the Raiders), Deablo was a solid regular starter the last two seasons. He went over 100 tackles in 2023. 

Why he looks like a steal: The 26-year-old actually looked like a steal before camp even started, with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi noting that the surprise of OTAs had already impressed head coach Raheem Morris with his size, length and speed. 

“Even more than that, Morris believes Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as kind of the quarterback of the defense,” added Raimondi. “It sounds like the former Raider has a solid chance at a starting job at inside linebacker alongside Kaden Elliss.”

The training camp reviews have since built on that, with Morris calling Deablo “an avatar.”

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Dyami Brown

AP Photo/John Raoux

Contract: 1 year, $10 million 

Background: The 2021 third-round pick was a depth receiver in Washington, with a mere 59 catches and four touchdowns in four seasons there. He’s a vertical threat outside but hasn’t delivered much thus far. 

Why he looks like a steal: Per John Shipley of Sports Illustrated, “after a slow start to training camp,” Brown “put together two good practices in a row” at the end of July. 

“He made two explosive plays on Tuesday and then took it a step further on Thursday, having the best day of any of the wide receivers and showing good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence,” according to Shipley. 

Word is he has “continued to turn heads,” and the X highlights are plentiful. 

Los Angeles Rams LB Nate Landman

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Contract: 1 year, $1.1 million 

Background: The 26-year-old went undrafted in 2022 but stood out with 110 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and an interception as a sophomore in Atlanta. A calf injury marred his 2024 campaign, but he’s looking to rebound on a prove-it deal with the Rams in 2025. 

Why he looks like a steal: Head coach Sean McVay has already praised Landman heavily, stating that “he's got great command. He's got the ability to elevate people. He's got a great feel for attacking the football."

He’s also already got the green dot at practice, and he’s been cited as a standout on X. 

Pretty awesome considering that he’s one of the lowest-paid veterans in the league.

New York Jets S Andre Cisco

AP Photo/Noah K. Murray

Contract: 1 year, $8.5 million 

Background: Yet another third-round pick from 2021, Cisco had a combined eight interceptions the last three years in Jacksonville but has had some notable lapses in coverage.

Why he looks like a steal: Per Andrew Crane of the New York Post following one particular early-camp practice, “Cisco picked off Tyrod Taylor in the end zone on the final play of practice after the offense marched down the field during a two-minute drill. Cisco, who has eight career interceptions and signed a one-year deal with the Jets, also broke up a pass intended for tight end Mason Taylor in another team drill.”

And as Jets Nation notes, the 25-year-old has been mentioned quite a bit for his early impact plays. And again, X backs that up. He’s got a chance to be a mega playmaker for Gang Green.