Best Team Fits for Top 10 Bargain Free Agents After Trade Deadline

The 2025 NFL trade deadline came and went on Tuesday, and, as is always the case, some franchises were far more active than others.

If your favorite team seemingly sat idly by while the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles loaded up for the stretch run, don't fret. While the trade window has closed, several quality players remain available on the free-agent market.

Here, we'll examine the top 10 available veterans, based on factors such as positional value, past production and player upside. We'll also identify the most logical landing spots for each, based on team need, scheme/coaching fit and team trajectory.

10. LB Isaiah Simmons

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Isaiah Simmons was a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, but he has struggled to find a true position in the NFL.

A hybrid defender at Clemson, NFL teams have tried him at both linebacker and safety but have never seen truly impressive results at either position.

The Green Bay Packers gave Simmons a shot this offseason, but he was released in late August and failed to sign with a practice squad.

While any team adding the 27-year-old would have to have a specific plan for him, he remains a top-tier athlete and an intriguing prospect. He recorded 105 tackles as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, and he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 81.9 as a true hybrid with the New York Giants in 2022.

Simmons would be a logical gamble for a team that regularly uses multiple safeties in a rotation or for one that could use an athletic run defender at the second level.

Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys

9. OT Jedrick Wills Jr.

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The caveat here is that offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has had ongoing knee issues and may not be interested in suiting up this season.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported in June that Wills planned to "sit out most—or possibly all—of" the 2025 season in order to focus on his health.

The 26-year-old left tackle has been quiet since then, so it's unclear where he is physically. However, he would draw a lot of attention from tackle-needy teams if he is ready to go.

While Wills was never a high-level starter during his time with the Cleveland Browns, he was serviceable and has 57 career starts on his resume.

The 2020 No. 10 overall pick would be a sensible gamble for a team that has had injuries at offensive tackle, like the Los Angeles Chargers, who traded for Trevor Penning at the deadline but who have lost both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater for the season.

A return to Cleveland could also make sense, given the Browns' injuries and instability at left tackle.

Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers

8. WR Tyler Boyd

AP Photo//John Amis

Tyler Boyd isn't the player he once was, but it's still surprising he hasn't found a home this season. An experienced, savvy route-runner, he should still have something to offer.

In a bad Tennessee Titans offense last season, the 30-year-old wide receiver managed to tally 39 catches for 390 yards.

The Pitt product told Pittsburgh Sports Now's Austin Bechtold in June he'd "absolutely" be open to playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers while stressing his intention to play in 2025.

"Within the next couple of weeks I'm gonna have more teams having more interest and I'll go from there," Boyd said (h/t NFL.com's Bobby Kownack).

The Steelers would make sense, as they could use a veteran receiver and didn't add one at the trade deadline. Boyd would also be a good fit with the New Orleans Saints, who have a rookie quarterback in Tyler Shough and just traded Rashid Shaheed—if Boyd is willing to play for a non-contender.

Best Fits: New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers

7. Edge Shaquil Barrett

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

We didn't see a ton of edge-rusher movement at the trade deadline, though the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles added Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Jaelan Phillips, respectively. The Baltimore Ravens snagged Dre'Mont Jones.

Teams that failed to add edge depth before the deadline might want to consider Shaquil Barrett. He briefly retired last offseason but eventually returned to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late in 2024. He had a tryout with the Indianapolis Colts just last month.

It's unclear what type of contributor the 32-year-old can be, seeing as how he hasn't played on a full-time basis since 2023. However, the two-time Pro Bowler logged 4.5 sacks and 19 QB pressures that season. It's hard to imagine he couldn't be an effective rusher in a rotational role.

The Colts, who went all-in by trading for Sauce Gardner, could use Barrett on the edge. So could the San Francisco 49ers, who traded for Keion White but have lost both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams for the season.

Best Fits: Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers

6. IOL Cody Whitehair

AP Photo/David Becker

In a free-agent market that is severely lacking in offensive-line talent, Cody Whitehair stands out as a particularly intriguing option.

The 33-year-old has never been a top-tier starter, but he did make the Pro Bowl in 2018 and has a ton of experience.

Whitehair has 121 starts on his resume and has played both center and guard during his career. That positional versatility could earn him looks from multiple teams.

A 2016 second-round pick by Chicago, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, appearing in 12 games with three starts. He had a workout with the Saints in August.

Whitehair would be a logical target for the Detroit Lions, who lost center Frank Ragnow to retirement in the offseason and recently placed guard Christian Mahogany on injured reserve.

The Denver Broncos would also make a lot of sense. They've lost guards Ben Powers and Matt Peart to injuries. They also happen to employ assistant offensive line coach Chris Morgan, who was Whitehair's line coach for two seasons in Chicago.

Best Fits: Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions

5. LB Josey Jewell

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Linebacker Josey Jewell was set to be a key contributor for the Carolina Panthers this season before ongoing concussion symptoms caused him to step away. Carolina reportedly left open the door for a return.

"If all goes well with his recovery, he could return to the team at some point in the future," Darin Gantt of the team's official website wrote.

Naturally, Jewell's health is a critical factor, but if he's ready to play, he would be a strong addition to any linebacker-needy defense. He started 12 games for the Panthers last season, finishing with 97 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and an interception.

A return to Carolina might make the most sense for the 30-year-old, especially with the Panthers looking like fringe playoff contenders.

The Cincinnati Bengals might also want to give Jewell a look. Their defense has struggled mightily, and they recently traded starter-turned-backup Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys.

Best Fits: Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals

4. DT Christian Wilkins

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Like a few players on this list, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins comes with a caveat or two. He missed most of the 2024 season with a foot injury and had a well-publicized split with the Raiders over the summer.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders voided his guarantees because of "how Wilkins treated the rehab from his foot injury."

If he is healthy, though, he would be a terrific addition to almost any defense. He was a regular standout during his five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, often morphing between being a run-stopping specialist and an interior pressure man. He racked up 98 tackles and 16 tackles for loss in 2022 before logging nine sacks and 30 QB pressures in 2022.

The Buffalo Bills, who recently placed defensive tackle Ed Oliver and defensive end Michael Hoecht on injured reserve, should see if Wilkins is in playing shape.

The New York Jets are in rebuilding mode but should also kick the tires on the 29-year-old after trading away Quinnen Williams.

Best Fits: Buffalo Bills, New York Jets

3. CB Stephon Gilmore

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore may have turned 35 in September, but it's hard to believe he wouldn't be a valuable addition to any defense seeking depth and leadership in the secondary.

The five-time Pro Bowler was a full-time starter for the Minnesota Vikings just last season and has been productive in every single stop. His best years came with the New England Patriots, but he was also a Pro Bowler with the Panthers and a reliable starter for the Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Colts.

Gilmore made it clear in an interview with The Money Down podcast (h/t Kownack) in July that he still wanted to play but he is looking for the right situation in the offseason. Presumably, he'd prefer to land with a legitimate title contender.

The Lions would make a lot of sense for Gilmore, given the rash of injuries they've experienced in the secondary this season. The San Francisco 49ers would also make sense. Niners assistant head coach Gus Bradley was his defensive coordinator in Indianapolis three seasons ago.

Best Fits: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers

2. CB Asante Samuel Jr.

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Asante Samuel Jr. was one of our top free-agent cornerbacks still available after the 2025 draft. He's still unsigned now, largely due to health concerns.

The 26-year-old had dealt with stingers throughout his career and missed all but four games in 2024. However, he was a terrific cover corner—if an inconsistent tackler—when healthy earlier in his career.

Samuel started 43 games between 2021 and 2023 and recorded 35 passes defended over that span.

He underwent spinal-fusion surgery in April. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he has been cleared to play and has already scheduled visits with the Panthers, Vikings, 49ers, Bears, Steelers and Green Bay Packers.

Any of those teams could use Samuel's assistance, though the Steelers and Bears might be the most desperate for secondary help.

Best Fits: Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers

1. S Justin Simmons

AP Photo//Jae C. Hong

Safety Justin Simmons has been available since the beginning of the offseason, but as was the case in 2024, he was never going to rush into a signing.

"A contender is No. 1 on the list right now," he said in July, per Sean Keeler of The Denver Post.

In 2024, the two-time Pro Bowler waited until mid-August to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. He then went on to have a terrific season. He started 16 games and recorded 62 tackles, while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 81.9 in coverage.

Simmons should interest any team that needs help on the back end, including the Bills. Buffalo has had issues with deep coverage, and Damar Hamlin remains on injured reserve.

The Eagles would also make a lot of sense, especially given their status as buyers at the deadline. Simmons played for both defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Christian Parker during his time in Denver.

Best Fits: Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles