With the first wave of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, we have a much clearer picture of each team’s needs. The draft is no longer an option, so squads will have to dip back into the free agency waters to round out their depth charts. Though rosters are taking shape, there are several notable names still on the market.
Which remaining free agents are the best fits for teams that are still looking to upgrade at certain positions? Here’s one available player that every NFL team should pursue before the start of the 2025 season.
1 Free Agent To Sign Ahead of the 2025 Season for All 32 Teams
Arizona Cardinals: WR Keenan Allen
The Arizona Cardinals boasted one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, finishing fifth in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. The unit ranked ninth in the league in points per drive (2.31) and eighth in pass success rate (48.5%).
The Cardinals already have two cornerstone pass-catchers in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. McBride had a career year, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Harrison had a solid rookie campaign, but it feels like he left meat on the bone. There are questions about the depth behind them, though. Keenan Allen would bring a veteran presence to a group that also currently includes Michael Wilson and Zay Jones.
Despite missing two games in 2024 due to a heel injury, Allen extended his streak to eight straight seasons with at least 60 receptions. The 33-year-old has proven to be productive when healthy, and he doesn’t need a high volume of targets to make an impact.
He offers something Arizona doesn’t have at the moment — a consistent veteran who understands how to thrive from the slot and complement a star wideout. He could be a reliable third option for Kyler Murray in the passing game.
Adding Allen would help take some pressure off Harrison while giving him an experienced and proven player to learn from and help unlock his NFL potential.
Atlanta Falcons: CB Stephon Gilmore
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense struggled across the board in 2024, finishing the season ranked 29th in our Defense+ metric. They entered the offseason desperately needing help at edge rusher but addressed it relentlessly, adding Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. through the draft and signing Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox in free agency. That leaves cornerback as the team’s most pressing need heading into 2025.
Atlanta ranked 25th in the NFL in pass defense success rate (51.9%). That can be partially attributed to the lack of a consistent pass rush. However, this secondary is lacking proven talent at the cornerback position. The spot opposite A.J. Terrell Jr. remains a concern, and even the nickel spot could benefit from added competition for Dee Alford.
Stephon Gilmore may be turning 35 years old this upcoming season, but he’s a proven veteran who has started at least 15 games in each of the past three seasons. He posted a solid 61.9% completion rate allowed in 2024. However, his single interception marked his lowest total since the 2020 season with New England, and the 7.1 yards per target he allowed were his highest since 2018.
It would be unfair to expect Gilmore to be the premier cornerback he was for much of his career. However, he would be an upgrade over just about every other option on the roster.
Baltimore Ravens: S Julian Blackmon
The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary was looking especially dangerous after selecting Georgia star Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the unit suffered a bit of a setback when Ar’Darius Washington suffered a torn Achilles during offseason conditioning. Washington enjoyed a mini-breakout during the 2024 season and established himself as a promising player within the Ravens’ defense.
Julian Blackmon could help fill the void left by the loss of Washington. He was a consistent presence for Indianapolis’ defense in 2024, logging a career-high 16 games and 93.7% of snaps played. After posting a career-best four interceptions in 2023, Blackmon followed up with three more last season. He recorded just three interceptions in his first three seasons combined, so that uptick is promising.
Blackmon only signed a one-year deal in free agency last offseason, likely due to the shoulder injury that ended his 2023 campaign early. Now fully healthy, he could play his way into a long-term contract. For a team like the Ravens that relies on smart, instinctive defensive backs, Blackmon could be an ideal addition at a reasonable cost.
Buffalo Bills: S Justin Simmons
The Buffalo Bills could use a boost on the back end of their defense, particularly at safety, after Brandon Beane and the front office drafted a few talented cornerbacks.
Taylor Rapp should be locked in as a starter, and the Bills re-signed Damar Hamlin. Cole Bishop is also waiting in the wings after showing flashes during his rookie season. However, now is not the time to be complacent, especially with the 18th-ranked defense in our Defense+ metric.
Bills, Eagles, Bengals.
4x All-Pro safety Justin Simmons says, “it would be special” to sign with one of these teams. Where should he go?@heykayadams | @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/l5Mo2WzNdy
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is still available, and he named the Bills as one of the teams he would be interested in joining. With multiple picks in all nine of his NFL seasons and 32 career interceptions, the veteran has been a playmaker at safety since getting to the league. He’s 31 now and no longer elite at the position, but his skill set and experience could be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
The Super Bowl window doesn’t last forever, and while Simmons may not be the player he once was, he could provide a much-needed boost to a defense that finished 26th in the NFL in pass defense success rate (51.9%).
Carolina Panthers: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
The Carolina Panthers made significant investments through both free agency and the NFL Draft to overhaul a defense that struggled mightily in 2024 (last in Defense+).
The pass rush should see noticeable improvement after the team selected edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the draft. Meanwhile, the new safety duo of Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom represents a substantial upgrade over the subpar play the defense had been getting from the position.
Despite the moves Carolina has made on defense, the cornerback position still appears to be a major weakness. The Panthers locked up Jaycee Horn long term, but they must continue to build around him. While a shoulder injury cut Asante Samuel Jr.’s 2024 campaign short, he was trending upward before that setback.
After showing steady growth over his first few seasons, Samuel was strong in 2023, allowing just three touchdowns on a career-high target total and holding opponents to a 60.4% completion rate.
Though his progress was interrupted, Samuel still offers promising upside. He comes with a legitimate NFL pedigree, a high football IQ, and strong ball skills. He has the tools to make an instant impact on this group alongside Horn and Mike Jackson.
Chicago Bears: EDGE Von Miller
The Chicago Bears have built a strong starting defensive line with the additions of Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner through free agency and the draft. However, depth is still a concern, especially on the edge, where there’s limited depth behind Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat.
The Bears ranked eighth in the NFL in pressure rate in 2024 (36.8%), but they could still use more juice on the edge, especially since Odeyingbo won’t be confused for a sack artist.
While Von Miller may no longer be the dominant force he was during his prime years with the Broncos, in 2024, he proved that he can still have an impact on games. Despite a reduced role, he tallied six sacks and posted a 16.1% pressure rate, the 11th-best mark among 212 players with at least 150 pass-rush snaps.
Now 36 years old and coming off back-to-back years of playing about 25% of defensive snaps in Buffalo, N.Y., Miller is clearly best suited as a rotational piece at this stage of his career. Last season, 77% of his snaps were on passing downs. The Bears could use exactly that kind of situational pass-rush help behind the starters.
Cincinnati Bengals: S Justin Simmons
It will be interesting to see how the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense looks under new defensive coordinator Al Golden. During his time at Notre Dame, his defenses relied heavily on Cover-1 man, a coverage that the Bengals ranked 18th in last season.
Cincinnati may be content with having Geno Stone and Jordan Battle as their starting safeties in 2025, but Vonn Bell is gone, and the front office didn’t address the position in the draft. While both Stone and Battle are reliable in coverage, neither has the reputation for being a big-time playmaker. Stone’s tackling has also been a concern. The Bengals also lack proven depth at safety as a whole.
MORE: Simulate the Season With PFSN’s Playoff Predictor
Justin Simmons named Cincinnati as one of his preferred free agency destinations in an appearance on “Up & Adams with Kay Adams” earlier in the offseason. Much like last offseason, Simmons has flown under the radar again, but he still offers proven playmaking ability.
He recorded two interceptions with Atlanta in 2024, giving him multiple picks in every season of his nine-year NFL career. His 32 career interceptions lead all players since 2016. Simmons might be past his prime, but the veteran could address the Bengals’ need for depth and playmaking ability in the secondary.
Cleveland Browns: WR Gabe Davis
The Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver room entered the offseason with a ton of question marks, and those still exist as we get closer to the 2025 season. Jerry Jeudy is coming off the best season of his career, and Cedric Tillman has shown some flashes, but outside of those two, this group does not inspire much confidence. The Browns did sign Diontae Johnson, but he’s been unable to latch on anywhere since leaving Pittsburgh.
Cleveland didn’t do much to address the position in free agency or through the draft, but it’s hard to justify them being content with this group moving forward. Gabe Davis became available after the Jaguars released him this offseason with a failed physical designation.
Davis was limited to just 10 games in his lone season in Jacksonville, Fla., after suffering a torn meniscus. He finished the year with 239 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 20 receptions.
Davis’ health could be a concern, but it could also mean the Browns may be able to get him at a more affordable price tag than previously imagined. He has good speed and proved to be a strong vertical threat during his time with the Bills. Davis might not move the needle much for Cleveland, especially until the quarterback situation gets sorted, but it may be difficult to get receivers to come there at the moment anyway.
Dallas Cowboys: CB Kendall Fuller
The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed to add a wide receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb, and they did so by trading for George Pickens. Now, they should turn their attention to the cornerback position. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland offer a strong foundation as starters, but availability has been a concern. The duo has missed 31 combined games over the past two seasons. There are questions about when Diggs will be able to start in 2025.
The Cowboys also drafted Shavon Revel Jr., who was widely considered to be a first-round talent but is coming off a torn ACL. With health concerns aplenty, Dallas needs to add proven depth to its cornerback room, and Kendall Fuller could be a viable option.
Fuller is a nine-year NFL veteran who offers some versatility at corner. He can line up both outside and inside, a skill set the Cowboys should find valuable after losing slot man Jourdan Lewis in free agency. He has 82 pass breakups and 16 interceptions over his career. Dallas ranked 13th in pass defense success rate last season, but Fuller could help shore up the back end with reliable depth.
Denver Broncos: RB J.K. Dobbins
The Denver Broncos’ offense surprised a lot of people last season, but it wasn’t because of their ground game. They ranked 23rd in rushing touchdowns (12) and 29th in yards after contact per rush (2.51). Bo Nix’s dual-threat ability actually inflated the unit’s numbers, as he had just 83 fewer rushing yards than the team’s leading rusher, Javonte Williams.
Williams is now in Dallas, which left a hole in the backfield heading into the draft. The Broncos spend second-round capital on UCF’s RJ Harvey, and they’re hoping he can become the lead back for them. However, it might be wise to add a veteran to this room to take some pressure off the rookie.
J.K. Dobbins’ NFL journey has been defined by flashes of potential disrupted by injuries. He has appeared in just 37 regular-season games since being drafted 55th overall in 2020. When healthy, he’s shown enough to be an intriguing option for Denver, at the right price, that is.
The league’s growing reliance on committee backfields could work in his favor. Dobbins owns a career average of 5.2 yards per carry over 429 attempts, which suggests there’s still value to be unlocked, especially for a back who’s only 26 years old.
Detroit Lions: EDGE Za’Darius Smith
The Detroit Lions brought in Za’Darius Smith midseason last year out of necessity, and he delivered. While salary concerns led to his release, the door remains open for a reunion. Given that edge rusher was widely considered Detroit’s top need entering the draft, and the team didn’t address it until selecting Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round, Smith could once again fill a critical role.
Smith played in just eight regular-season games for the Lions, but he made an immediate impact, recording four sacks and 36 pressures. His 17.8% pressure rate ranked second on the team behind only Aidan Hutchinson, who played just five games in 2024.
The Lions’ defense has preferred bigger edge rushers under Dan Campbell. First-rounder Tyleik Williams bolstered the interior of the defensive line, but Smith’s ability to slide inside on passing downs only boosts the Lions’ overall pass rush flexibility. Considering Hutchinson is coming off a season-ending injury, retaining a proven and productive player like Smith would be wise.
Green Bay Packers: EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
The Green Bay Packers are hoping that they can get more production from their edge rushers in 2025 than they did last season. Rashan Gary (7.5 sacks) was the only edge rusher on the team to record at least five sacks a season ago. The next closest was Kingsley Enagbare with 4.5. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt recorded five sacks from his interior position, but Green Bay needs to be more consistent on the edge.
Jadeveon Clowney is now 32 years old and far removed from the player he once was, but he can still be a disruptive force. The veteran recorded 5.5 sacks, 44 pressures, and 11 quarterback hits in 2024 with a 13.7 pressure rate. He played three fewer games than Gary, yet had just three fewer pressures, which is notable.
Adding Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver through the draft gives the Packers a couple of developmental options who could become impact players down the line, but it’s unclear if they’re ready to make an immediate impact. Clowney isn’t elite, but he comes with proven production. That’s something Green Bay should consider, especially as a team with serious postseason hopes.
Houston Texans: G Brandon Scherff
The Houston Texans have had quite the offseason, especially along the offensive line. That position group was the team’s biggest weakness in 2024, and it became even worse at the start of free agency. The 31st-ranked offensive line in PFSN’s rankings traded away their best piece in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. They also traded away guard Kenyon Green, though they signed veteran Laken Tomlinson and made a trade with the Vikings for Ed Ingram.
Second-round pick Aireontae Ersery is a mountain of a man, and he has starting upside in the NFL, but he may not be ready to plug into an already dysfunctional lineup right away. That’s why adding a proven veteran like Brandon Scherff to the mix makes a lot of sense.
Scherff managed to stay healthy during his time with the Jaguars, which was a welcome change after several injury-plagued years in Washington. He’s now played in all 17 games for three straight seasons, following a stretch where he missed at least three games in five consecutive years. Scherff was rock-solid in pass protection in 2024, not giving up a single sack across 592 pass-blocking snaps. Among all NFL guards, only Trey Smith (665 snaps) logged more without allowing a sack.
Indianapolis Colts: LB Kyzir White
The Indianapolis Colts have done a decent job adding talent to their defense this offseason, but there are still some question marks at linebacker. E.J. Speed moved on in free agency, leaving an opening next to Zaire Franklin. Jaylon Carlies appears poised for a larger role in 2025, but he has just a limited sample size from his rookie season (231 snaps). He excels in coverage but could use some competition that a veteran like Kyzir White would bring.
White started all 17 games for the Cardinals last season, finishing with 137 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception. While he wasn’t elite in coverage, he held his own compared to other linebackers. He allowed a passer rating of 97.4 as the nearest defender, according to Next Gen Stats. He was targeted 40 times, allowing 30 receptions and a -0.8% catch rate over expected.
White has the traits of a three-down linebacker, and he would be a strong fit next to Franklin. Once a safety, he offers good athleticism, and he flies around the field as a tackler. The Colts’ defense was less than stellar last season, finishing 23rd in Defense+. White could add valuable depth to a room that currently lacks it.
Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Dennis Gardeck
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense features a strong young pass-rushing duo in Joshua Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. The tandem combined for 18.5 sacks and 119 pressures in 2024.
However, the depth behind Hines-Allen and Walker is largely unproven, and the Jaguars should be looking to add more talent to this group. They did sign Emmanuel Ogbah, but at 32 years old and coming off a season in Miami where he managed just five sacks as a full-time starter, expectations should be tempered.
Dennis Gardeck isn’t a sack artist by any means, but he’s more than a specialist and can impact a game in multiple ways. He brings value as an all-around outside linebacker, posting a 13.8% tackle rate and 12.6% pressure rate last season. While neither number jumps off the page individually, together, they highlight Gardeck’s versatility. His tackling ability isn’t surprising given his contributions as a special-teams player early in his career.
Gardeck may not be a top-tier option as a pass rusher, but Jacksonville doesn’t need him to be because they already have guys who could produce at a high level in that department. He’s a cost-effective player who can operate as a hybrid edge defender and do a bit of everything.
Kansas City Chiefs: G Will Hernandez
After getting beaten down in the Super Bowl by Philly, the Kansas City Chiefs entered the offseason needing to get stronger in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Kansas City’s offensive line was solid in 2024, finishing the year 12th in our rankings. Most of the starting spots heading into 2025 are solidified, but after trading Joe Thuney to the Bears in the offseason, there’s a question at the left guard position.
Second-year man Kingsley Suamataia struggled at left tackle last season, but he should have every opportunity to compete for a starting job on the interior. He may thrive there, but even if he does, it’s hard to get excited about the depth at guard behind Suamataia and Trey Smith.
After a somewhat rocky start to his career with the Giants, Will Hernandez has steadily improved over the years. His 2024 campaign unfortunately got cut short due to injury after just five games. During that stretch, he didn’t give up a single sack and allowed just a 5.1% pressure rate. He’s above average in pass protection and would be a solid depth piece at the very least.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Rasul Douglas
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense was decent against the run in 2024, but the unit wasn’t great at defending the pass. They ranked 17th in the NFL in pass defense success rate (53.9%), but they allowed a 96.5 opponent passer rating (24th). The Raiders’ need for cornerback help heightened once the team moved on from Jack Jones. They also lost Nate Hobbs in free agency.
Jakorian Bennett is a promising player who was on pace to have a much-improved sophomore campaign before an injury interrupted it, but he needs help. Las Vegas drafted Darien Porter, who comes with a strong athletic profile and plenty of upside. Eric Stokes is a veteran, but his play has declined over the years. This group needs a proven veteran to lead the way, and Rasul Douglas fits the bill.
Douglas is a physical cornerback with the length to contest passes and the toughness to hold his own in run support. He recorded five tackles for loss for the Bills in 2024. He thrives in zone coverage and uses his big frame to challenge receivers along the boundary. Douglas has five interceptions and 19 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers: G Will Hernandez
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line was about league average last season (18th in OL+). They are set for years to come on the outside with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt as the bookends, giving them a solid foundation to build on moving forward. There are some concerns on the interior of the offensive line, though.
Zion Johnson is currently projected to start for the Chargers at left guard next season, but his future with the team is uncertain. They declined Johnson’s fifth-year option despite selecting him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He hasn’t established himself as a starter-level NFL lineman, and this is a make-or-break season for him. Since he’s still a question mark, it would make sense to bring in a guy like Will Hernandez, who has been playing the best football of his career.
Hernandez will be 30 when the new season begins, but he’s coming off his best season as a pro. After adding Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton to their backfield, the Chargers appear poised to deploy a ground-and-pound rushing attack under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. Adding a player with experience would be wise, and he’d likely come at an affordable price.
Los Angeles Rams: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
The Los Angeles Rams will return pretty much the same secondary from a season ago after a quiet offseason on that front, outside of re-signing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. General manager Les Snead and the front office should be looking to upgrade a unit that ranked 27th in pass defense success rate in 2024.
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Even though the Rams retained Witherspoon, he certainly wasn’t at his best last season. The 30-year-old veteran has good size, but he gave up 8.5 yards per target last season and has been above 7.0 yards per target allowed in three straight seasons. Witherspoon’s best days are behind him, while Samuel’s are most likely ahead of him.
Samuel’s 2024 shoulder injury was so unfortunate because he was playing well and continuing to make strides with the Chargers. He recorded at least two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in each of his first three NFL seasons. Samuel has great ball skills and instincts, and as long as he’s healthy, his presence would immediately elevate the Rams’ secondary.
Miami Dolphins: CB Mike Hilton
The biggest storyline for the Miami Dolphins this offseason, unfortunately, had nothing to do with the talent joining the roster. Instead, it surrounded three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, after the two sides mutually agreed to seek a trade. Over a month after the NFL Draft, Ramsey is still a member of the Dolphins, but a deal could still be on the horizon.
If the Dolphins decide to move on from the star cornerback, they’ll need to have a contingency plan in place because heading into the 2025 season with Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Cam Smith, and Jason Marshall Jr. is less than ideal.
While Mike Hilton may not be the caliber of Ramsey, he could replace his veteran presence and be an immediate upgrade over the rest of the cornerback room. Hilton’s stock took a bit of a hit after a rough 2024 campaign, where he allowed four touchdowns and a 92.0 passer rating on 61 targets. It was one of the worst seasons of his career, but it’s possible that it was an outlier.
He recently turned 31 and is likely past his prime, but he offers value as a slot corner if Miami would consider bumping Kader Kohou outside.
Minnesota Vikings: CB Stephon Gilmore
Replicating last year’s third-place finish in Defense+ could be a tall order for Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings’ defense. Despite re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. to a sizable deal, the secondary still looks a bit shaky. With no cornerbacks added in the draft, Isaiah Rodgers and Mekhi Blackmon are currently projected to start on the outside, which would be a step down from last season on paper.
With Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin gone, the Vikings should look to reassemble part of last year’s cornerback group. Gilmore is the more appealing option of the two, although he’s approaching 35 years old. He continues to prove that there’s more juice left in the tank.
Even with age becoming a factor, Gilmore remains effective. He allowed just 7.1 yards per target on 84 passes thrown his way in 2024 and missed only three tackles, his lowest total since 2021. Signing him would not block the development of Blackmon, but it would give Minnesota a stabilizing presence and valuable depth in a secondary that still feels incomplete.
New England Patriots: CB Shaquill Griffin
The New England Patriots should be in the market for depth across their entire secondary, but particularly at the cornerback position. The defense features one of the best young corners in the game in Christian Gonzalez, who lined up against opposing No. 1 wide receivers more than any other cornerback last season, according to FTN.
Joining Gonzalez on the outside is Carlton Davis III, one of PFSN’s top-ranked free-agent corners this offseason. Marcus Jones is currently manning the slot, but the Patriots lack depth behind them.
Griffin is entering his ninth NFL season. He was a strong contributor as a member of the Seahawks’ defense before bouncing around with a few teams over the past couple of seasons.
Griffin did put up some solid numbers with the Vikings in 2024, though. He was targeted 54 times, allowing a respectable 59.3% catch rate and 82.2 passer rating. Though we’ve likely already seen his best football, New England has a top-tier starting cornerback duo, so Griffin won’t be more than a rotational piece.
New Orleans Saints: EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
The New Orleans Saints’ pass-rush efforts were inconsistent in 2024, finishing 18th in the league in sacks (39) and pressure rate (33.6%). They also ranked 30th in pass rush win rate. The front office failed to upgrade the group this offseason, with their only significant move being re-signing Chase Young.
Outside of Young and Carl Granderson, the Saints have limited juice coming off the edge. Not to mention, Cam Jordan will turn 36 years old ahead of the upcoming season. Isaiah Foskey, a 2023 second-rounder, has struggled to find his footing early in his career. Jadeveon Clowney could be a good fit if New Orleans can land him at the right price. Like Young and Granderson, he recorded 5.5 sacks in 2024.
Since 2021, Clowney has recorded 197 pressures, 54 quarterback hits, and 26 sacks while posting a 13.3% pressure rate. The former No. 1 overall pick may be past his prime, but he’s proven over the past few seasons that he can still be a productive edge rusher, even if he’s lost a step.
New York Giants: G Brandon Scherff
The New York Giants went into the offseason with one of the weakest offensive lines in the NFL (28th in PFSN’s OL+ metric in 2024), and they did very little to change that. They only added depth pieces like swing tackles James Hudson and Stone Forsythe in free agency. A fifth-round flier on Purdue guard Marcus Mbow was their lone draft investment up front.
Outside of left tackle Andrew Thomas and center John Michael Schmitz Jr., every other spot on the offensive line is a question mark, with right guard being especially shaky. Greg Van Roten is currently projected to start, but the Giants would be wise to explore veteran upgrades.
Scherff, though past his prime at 33, remains one of the most reliable pass-blocking guards available. He didn’t allow a single sack over 592 pass-blocking snaps last season, a mark surpassed only by Trey Smith among all guards. While his last Pro Bowl came in 2021, Scherff still brings steady, veteran play that could immediately raise the floor of New York’s offensive line.
New York Jets: WR Amari Cooper
The New York Jets desperately need to inject some more talent into their wide receiver room, especially after moving on from Davante Adams this offseason. That leaves Garrett Wilson as the only receiver who could potentially keep opposing teams up at night.
The rest of the group includes Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Malachi Corley, and 2025 fourth-round pick Arian Smith. That’s not an ideal group for new quarterback Justin Fields, who is looking to establish himself in New York.
WOW AMARI COOPER.
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Amari Cooper is not nearly the player he once was, but he could still be an upgrade for the Jets. He does turn 31 before the season starts and will need to prove he still has enough left in the tank to have a feature role in an offense. Cooper has had a strong NFL career, recording more than 10,000 receiving yards. He’s long been viewed as a reliable go-to option, but things never materialized for him in Buffalo.
Cooper’s size, experience, and route-running ability should still attract a Jets offense that finished 20th in EPA per dropback and 21st in pass success rate. His ceiling isn’t what it used to be, but with Wilson leading the pack and a talented backfield that features Breece Hall, New York won’t need Cooper to be the top option.
Philadelphia Eagles: WR Tyler Boyd
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense was headlined by Saquon Barkley’s dominant campaign, but let’s not forget that the defending champions still have arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Jalen Hurts is a polarizing quarterback, as there’s no consensus on where he ranks among the league’s best. However, with Brown and Smith at his disposal, he could keep elevating. There are some question marks about the rest of the receiver room, though.
The Eagles don’t have a solidified No. 3 receiver on their roster right now. Jahan Dotson caught just 19 passes for 216 yards on 33 targets. Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson also saw limited action as rookies. Given the overall talent Philadelphia has on offense, this isn’t a massive hole, but it could make this team even more dangerous in 2025, if filled correctly.
At 30 years old, nine-year veteran Tyler Boyd remains a dependable option as a team’s third wideout. He’s not going to stretch the field or command snaps in two-wide sets in 2025, but he can certainly be another steady and trusted target for Hurts. Boyd has 6,390 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns for his career, and he’s averaged at least 10 yards per reception in every season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Aaron Rodgers
As it stands, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room is less than inspiring, led by Mason Rudolph and 2025 draftee Will Howard. The front office appears to be content with waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision, and it’s an important one that could alter Pittsburgh’s chances to compete in 2025.
Neither Rudolph nor Howard offers the upside that Rodgers does. Even during a chaotic 2024 season with the Jets, Rodgers still posted a -0.02 EPA per play. That seems modest, but it’s better than what any Steelers quarterback has produced since Ben Roethlisberger’s 2018 campaign with Antonio Brown as his No. 1 wide receiver.
Some fans may argue that it’s time for the Steelers to hit the reset button and position themselves for a top draft pick in 2026, but that’s not how Mike Tomlin and Company operate. If Pittsburgh wants to be competitive this upcoming season, Rodgers offers the best chance to stabilize the quarterback position and fight for a playoff spot.
San Francisco 49ers: LB Eric Kendricks
Eric Kendricks and the San Francisco 49ers have a bit of history. Last offseason, Kendricks had an agreement in place with San Francisco on a one-year deal before the Cowboys swooped in a stole the veteran linebacker.
He believed he would’ve played more of a reserve role with the Niners and that his experience would’ve been better suited for Dallas. Fast forward to this offseason, and the 49ers could really use his services again.
Fred Warner is still one of the best defensive players in the NFL, regardless of position, but he needs help, especially after Dre Greenlaw’s departure in free agency. Dee Winters is the projected starter at the WILL spot, but he’s far from a rock-solid replacement for Greenlaw. Third-round pick Nick Martin could also compete for a starting job, but Kendricks would offer experience for a defense that took a massive step back in 2024 (26th in Defense+).
Kendricks had an up-and-down 2024 campaign. He remained highly productive against the run, posting a career-high 94 tackles and an impressive 25% tackle rate, but his effectiveness in coverage declined. His liabilities in coverage suggest he’s trending toward a role as an early-down linebacker rather than an every-down defender.
Still, he could provide a boost for a defense that ranked 28th in EPA per rush and 25th in rushing success rate.
Seattle Seahawks: G Dalton Risner
The interior of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line needed some work heading into the offseason. Landing North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel in the 2025 NFL Draft was a great pickup, but the rest of the unit lacks proven talent. Olu Oluwatimi doesn’t exactly inspire confidence at center after struggling in 2024, particularly in run blocking. Guard Christian Haynes has limited experience, having played just 154 offensive snaps as a rookie
The lack of proven experience on the interior could lead Seattle to dip back into the free-agent market, and Dalton Risner could be a solid upgrade. Risner was fairly inconsistent for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, much like the rest of the interior offensive line. He started eight games last season and was solid in pass protection, though. He didn’t give up a single sack and allowed 16 pressures. He wasn’t nearly as strong as a run blocker, though.
At the beginning of the free agency period, Spotrac projected a market value of $3.4 million per year for Risner, so he could end up being an affordable depth piece for a Seahawks team that needs stability up front as they look to climb the ranks in the NFC West.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker group had several issues in 2024, and they’ll need better play from that position to improve a defense that ranked in the middle of the pack last season. Lavonte David remains a high-level performer, but at 35 years old, his long-term durability is a concern.
The bigger uncertainty is who will line up next to David in 2025 now that K.J. Britt is gone. The Bucs added Anthony Walker Jr. in free agency, but he was underwhelming in his lone season with the Dolphins. SirVocea Dennis is a player Tampa Bay has high hopes for, but injuries limited him to just four games in 2024. Deion Jones is also on the roster, but his play has declined over the years.
Ja’Whaun Bentley became available after the Patriots released him this offseason. He started 68 games in seven seasons with New England, recording 509 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks during that span. At worst, Bentley would add some competition to a linebacker corps that needs to reveal another solidified starter.
Tennessee Titans: LB C.J. Mosley
While the Tennessee Titans made significant strides in reshaping their roster through free agency and the draft, fixing a 3-14 team in a single offseason was never realistic. One of the roster’s most glaring needs remains at linebacker. Though free-agent signing Cody Barton projects as a starter, there’s no clear option to line up alongside him after the team bypassed the position in the draft entirely.
Veteran C.J. Mosley could be a more practical solution at the other inside linebacker spot than Cedric Gray, who logged just 48 snaps as a rookie. Bringing in Mosley would provide a reliable stopgap solution, as he’s capable of handling starter-level responsibilities without stunting the growth of a developing player like Gray.
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The Titans struggled to cover running backs last season, surrendering a league-high seven receiving touchdowns to the position. When healthy, Mosley has proven to be a steady contributor in pass coverage — allowing just 7.6 yards per target from 2021 to 2023.
Mosley also has a connection with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson from their shared time with the Jets. That familiarity could ease his transition to Tennessee.
Washington Commanders: EDGE Matthew Judon
The Falcons were excited to land Matthew Judon last offseason, but he didn’t quite live up to expectations in his lone season in Atlanta. Judon finished with just 5.5 sacks, 25 pressures, and an 8.1% pressure rate. He made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons, from 2019 to 2022, but he’ll be 33 when the 2025 season kicks off.
Judon will now have an opportunity to prove that he can still be an impact player off the edge with a new team, and the Washington Commanders have a need. Washington added Deatrich Wise Jr. in free agency, but outside of Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell, this group lacks depth. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. to free agency, Armstrong is the best pass rusher still on the roster, and he had just a 13.5% pressure rate in 2024.
Even though Judon is getting older and no longer an elite edge rusher, the Commanders have had recent success with older veterans like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, who offered valuable contributions to the team’s surprising playoff run. Washington is a team that’s ready to compete for a championship, opening the door for a potential bounce-back campaign for Judon.
