Latest 2025 NFL Free-Agent Buzz, Predictions for Za'Darius Smith, Rasul Douglas, More

The 2025 NFL preseason will resume on Saturday, as teams continue their march toward August 26 roster cuts. Between now and then, teams must determine how to best trim rosters from 90 players to 53.

Of course, this doesn't mean that franchises won't also add players along the way. While the preseason is used to evaluate players and award roster spots, it can also be used to identify weaknesses. Some teams will inevitably turn back to the free-agent market as needs become obvious and injuries begin to mount.

Fortunately, several quality veterans remain unsigned who can help teams in 2025. Here, we'll dive into some of the latest free-agent buzz and make a few predictions.

Edge Za'Darius Smith

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

Za'Darius Smith became arguably the top pass-rusher left on the market when Von Miller signed with the Washington Commanders in July. While Smith has never had the high profile of Miller—or fellow free agent Jadeveon Clowney, for that matter—he remains extremely productive.

Last season, Smith recorded five sacks for the Cleveland Browns before he was traded to the Detroit Lions at the deadline. In Detroit, he logged another four sacks to go with 15 quarterback pressures.

The Lions released Smith, who had one year left on his contract, early this offseason. However, they haven't ruled out a reunion.

"Za'Darius did a lot of good things last year for us and we said we’re going to keep in contact with his agent," general manager Brad Holmes told 97.1 The Ticket. "Za'Darius has expectations, the team has expectations, so sometimes it takes a while for those things to get on the same page."

The prediction here is that, in time, Smith does make his way back to Detroit. The Lions re-signed Marcus Davenport in free agency and are expected to have a fully healthy Aidan Hutchinson this season. However, a team with Super Bowl aspirations can never have too many pass-rushers, and the Lions don't have much dependable depth behind Hutchinson.

Prediction: Smith re-signs with Detroit before the start of the regular season.

Edge Jadeveon Clowney

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Clowney is one of the most prolific players left on the market. The three-time Pro Bowler has never developed into an elite sack artist, but he's been a strong all-around defender who put up solid numbers again in 2024.

In 14 games with the Carolina Panthers last season, Clowney recorded 5.5 sacks, 46 tackles and nine tackles for loss. However, Carolina parted with the 32-year-old after drafting edge-defenders Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Clowney, though, isn't ready to call it a career.

"I'm still planning to play this season," Clowney said last month, per NFL insider Josina Anderson. "I've been keeping in touch with four to five teams."

It's unclear which teams Clowney has been communicating with. However, it's logical to assume that, at this point in the year, he'd prefer to find some familiarity in order to get on the field early.

The Panthers are probably out, and while reuniting with Mike Macdonald would make sense, the Seattle Seahawks already have Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, Derick Hall and free-agent addition DeMarcus Lawrence.

While Macdonald is no longer the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator, that doesn't mean Clowney wouldn't fit in Baltimore. Clowney logged 9.5 sacks with the Ravens in 2023, when current defensive coordinator Zach Orr coached under Macdonald.

Baltimore, meanwhile, is chasing a Super Bowl and could use edge depth behind Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh. If the Ravens' pass rush is lagging early in the year, Clowney should get a call.

Prediction: Clowney signs with the Ravens in September.

CB Rasul Douglas

AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

It's not altogether surprising to see cornerback Rasul Douglas unsigned this late in the offseason. He'll turn 30 later this month and is coming off of a very disappointing season with the Buffalo Bills.

Douglas started 15 games last season but allowed an opposing passer rating of 122.0 in coverage.

Yet, Douglas likely has plenty to offer a team in need of secondary help. He has 75 career starts on his resume and was a bona fide playmaker in 2022 and 2023 (nine INTs and 27 passes defended).

Douglas has also reportedly drawn interest from "multiple teams" and has turned down at least one offer, according to Anderson.

"I'm also told free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas didn't move on an offer from the Miami Dolphins," Anderson posted on X in July.

Like Clowney, Douglas may want to find familiarity this late in the summer, which could lead him to the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons assistant head coach Jerry Gray and secondary coach Justin Hood both spent time with Douglas on the Green Bay Packers' 2022 staff.

Douglas would be a fine budget option for a team with just $5.2 million in cap space, and

Prediction: Douglas signs with the Falcons ahead of Week 1.

G Brandon Scherff

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

It is quite surprising to see guard Brandon Scherff available in mid-August. The 33-y ear-old may not be as great as he was early in his career, but he's still a steady and durable starter. The five-time Pro Bowler was a legitimate standout with the Washington Commanders, and he started all 17 games in each of the past three seasons for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

At this point in the year, Scherff may be willing to wait for the right situation—quite possibly one with a playoff contender like the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have already lost left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending torn Patellar tendon, and right guard Mekhi Becton appears to be ailing as well:

The Philadelphia Eagles could also be in the mix for guard depth, as starter Landon Dickerson recently underwent surgery to repair a torn Maniscus. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Dickerson is considered "week to week" and could be back in time for the regular season.

Of these two teams, Los Angeles would probably provide the better fit. Dickerson plays left guard, while Scherff has spent the bulk of his career on the right side.

The Chargers would make sense if Scherff plans to continue playing—in an interview with Scherff for Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics, John Bohnenkamp wrote that the star alum has retired.

If Scherff does agree to play this season—he's still listed as an active player on NFL.com—he may wait for an injury to fully unlock a starting opportunity with a contender.

Prediction: Scherff remains unsignd after the start of the regular season.