NFL Free Agents 2025 Predictions for Biggest Names Left on Market

The first, second and third waves of 2025 NFL free agency are all in the rearview mirror.

And yet, there's still a few proven pros still splashing around in the unsigned waters.

With the opening kick of the upcoming campaign just around the corner, the clock is ticking for these players to find new homes. As rosters start to take full shape, though, organizations might sense enough weak spots to start looking around for help.

We're breaking out the crystal ball, then, to make educated guesses about where some of the biggest names still on the market will ultimately end up.

Asante Samuel Jr., CB

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A second-round pick in 2021, Samuel was limited to just four appearances this past season by a shoulder injury.

Prior to that campaign, though, he'd finished each of the previous three with a pair of interceptions. He has some natural playmaking instincts, plus it's hard not to notice all of his experience (50 games, 47 starts) at such a young age (25).

When he's healthy, he's helpful to have in the secondary. However, there are lingering concerns regarding both his shoulder and his neck, which he had surgery on in April.

The risks are unfortunately real here, but this late into the process, one would figure those would be baked into his next contract. At the right price, he could be an asset so long as his body cooperates.

Prediction: Samuel signs with the Miami Dolphins.

Amari Cooper, WR

The No. 4 pick in 2015, Cooper finally showed signs of decline this past season, which wasn't super surprising considering it was his age-30 campaign. His stat sheet showed one career-low after the next, including all three of his 44 receptions, 547 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

That said, he remains a crisp route-runner who can find success all over the field.

Plus, you don't have to travel too far back to find evidence of him being a difference-maker. He cleared the 1,000-yard mark in both 2022 and 2023, totaling 150 receptions for 2,410 yards and 14 scores over that stretch.

Declining isn't the same as #washed, so Cooper should be able to help the right team. He'd have a non-zero chance of stabilizing the WR2 role in Pittsburgh one would think.

Prediction: Cooper signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Za'Darius Smith, Edge

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With Matthew Judon joining the Dolphins, Smith should find himself atop the lists of unsigned pass-rushers.

The 32-year-old may not have quite as much juice as he did during his prime, but he just proved this past season there's some left in the tank. In 17 games split between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, Smith tallied nine sacks and 17 quarterback hits.

With the NFL being such a quarterback-obsessed league, it only makes sense to prioritize players who can get after quarterbacks, too, right?

Smith clearly has that ability (50.5 sacks since 2019), plus he has the right blend of speed, power and strength to line up just about anywhere across the line. His days in the unemployment line should be numbered.

Prediction: Smith re-signs with the Lions.