Month: March 2025

The 2025 NFL offseason is here. Rumors are swirling around big names like Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson, the most accomplished of the veteran quarterbacks set to be available in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, all 32 clubs are able to use the franchise tag until March 4. And before long, the entire veteran market will open up, allowing all impending free agents to negotiate prospective deals around the league.

March 10 is when teams can officially begin contract talks with the agents of players who have expiring deals, while March 12 is when signings and trades can be finalized. And while some of the more notable veterans on track to be available, like Rodgers and fellow New York Jets veteran Davante Adams, have yet to officially hit the market, there are still dozens of other starting-caliber players on track to test the waters.

With that in mind, we’ve combed through the entire projected 2025 free agency market to assemble an All-Free Agent Team, identifying the best talent at each position on both sides of the ball:

Offense
POSITION FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM
QB

Sam Darnold (Vikings)

Justin Fields (Steelers)

RB

Aaron Jones (Vikings)

Nick Chubb (Browns)

WR

Tee Higgins (Bengals)

Amari Cooper (Bills)

WR

Stefon Diggs (Texans)

Marquise Brown (Chiefs)

WR

Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)

Darius Slayton (Giants)

TE

Mike Gesicki (Bengals)

Zach Ertz (Commanders)

LT

Ronnie Stanley (Ravens)

Cam Robinson (Vikings)

OG

Kevin Zeitler (Lions)

Patrick Mekari (Ravens)

C

Drew Dalman (Falcons)

Josh Myers (Packers)

OG

Will Fries (Colts)

Mekhi Becton (Eagles)

RT

Morgan Moses (Jets)

Kelvin Beachum (Cardinals)

The clear favorite to command the most money is Darnold, who despite a catastrophic close to the 2024 season found new life as a big-play starter under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. He and Fields are likely to have added veteran competition on the open market, with Cousins and Rodgers both expected to be released before free agency. Higgins, meanwhile, is a candidate to receive the franchise tag in Cincinnati for the second straight offseason, with the Bengals reportedly determined to retain their No. 2 wideout. The real strength of this group is probably the trenches, where teams could have a crack at multiple Pro Bowl-caliber blockers.

2025 NFL free agency: Five teams that could be hit hardest this offseason, including Cowboys, Eagles
Jordan Dajani
2025 NFL free agency: Five teams that could be hit hardest this offseason, including Cowboys, Eagles
Defense
POSITION FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM
EDGE

Khalil Mack (Chargers)

Chase Young (Saints)

DL

Milton Williams (Eagles)

D.J. Jones (Broncos)

DL

Javon Hargrave (49ers)

Tershawn Wharton (Chiefs)

EDGE

Josh Sweat (Eagles)

Haason Reddick (Jets)

LB

Dre Greenlaw (49ers)

Nick Bolton (Chiefs)

LB

Zack Baun (Eagles)

Ernest Jones (Seahawks)

CB

Byron Murphy Jr. (Vikings)

Carlton Davis (Lions)

CB

D.J. Reed (Jets)

Asante Samuel Jr. (Chargers)

CB

Charvarius Ward (49ers)

Mike Hilton (Bengals)

S

Camryn Bynum (Vikings)

Justin Reid (Chiefs)

S

Jevon Holland (Dolphins)

Tre’von Moehrig (Raiders)

While this year’s crop of offensive free agents is pretty spotty except for the trenches, each level of the defense offers a fair amount of upside. Mack and Reddick are on the verge of becoming has-beens off the edge, but pass rushers can also age well when supplemented by deep rotations. The Eagles are responsible for a hefty chunk of this unit, with Baun, Sweat and Williams all holding pivotal roles in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX domination. But the secondary is perhaps the most intriguing, with ball magnets like Bynum and Murphy — who starred as playmakers for Brian Flores in Minnesota — registering as potential long-term investments.

Davante Adams landing spots: Best fits for WR with Jets set to release him if they can’t find a trade partner
Jordan Dajani
Davante Adams landing spots: Best fits for WR with Jets set to release him if they can’t find a trade partner
Special Teams
POSITION FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM
K

Nick Folk (Titans)

Brandon McManus (Packers)

P

Bryan Anger (Cowboys)

Riley Dixon (Broncos)

KR/PR DeAndre Carter (Bears) Olamide Zaccheaus (Commanders)
Folk will turn 41 in the 2025 season, but he’s been money on field goal tries for the last half decade, converting 92.3% of his attempts over the last five seasons. McManus was nearly flawless for Green Bay during the 2024 regular season as well.

Total team representation
The following NFL teams had the most players appear on the All-Free Agent Team:

Minnesota Vikings (5)
Kansas City Chiefs (4)
Philadelphia Eagles (4)
Cincinnati Bengals (3)
Los Angeles Chargers (3)

The NFL offseason moves fast and furious. The combine has just concluded and we are quickly closing in on the first major event centered around player movement: free agency. The legal tampering period begins Monday, March 10 at noon ET, and the free agency signing period officially begins two days later on March 12 at the start of the new league year (4 p.m. ET).

There are plenty of storylines to get excited about. What will the Cincinnati Bengals do with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson? Is Sam Darnold a lock to return to the Minnesota Vikings? Who will want Aaron Rodgers? What are the New England Patriots going to do with all of that projected money? As is the case every year, teams will lose talent, while others will throw money around. It all starts next month.

Which contenders will lose key pieces? Below, we’ll take a look at the top five NFL teams that could be hit the hardest in free agency for one reason or another. Let’s begin with a team that has almost as much cap space as decisions it needs to make.

5. Minnesota Vikings
   Following their impressive 14-3 campaign, the Vikings have free agents at almost every position. Sam Darnold made himself some money with a career campaign in which he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, running backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are free agents, starting offensive linemen Cam Robinson and Dalton Risner are looking for new deals, and then Minnesota has plenty of free agents in the secondary with Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin and Camryn Bynum, who recorded a career-high three interceptions in 2024.

Unlike the majority of teams you will find on this list, the Vikings are projected to have plenty of available cap space ($63.3 million). However, the first important decision Minnesota will make is at quarterback, and that could affect how GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah handles some of his other free agents.

Vikings’ unrestricted free agents
OT Cam Robinson
QB Sam Darnold
CB Byron Murphy
CB Stephon Gilmore
RB Aaron Jones
OG Dalton Risner
TE Johnny Mundt
WR Brandon Powell
OT David Quessenberry
RB Cam Akers
S Camryn Bynum
CB Shaquill Griffin
DT Jerry Tillery
DE Jonathan Bullard
QB Nick Mullens
C Dan Feeney
WR Trent Sherfield
DE Jihad Ward
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
LB Patrick Jones II
CB Fabian Moreau
QB Brett Rypien
QB Daniel Jones

4. Kansas City Chiefs
   I’m not trying to claim the Chiefs’ Super Bowl window is closing, but they have some tough decisions to make this offseason. Not only does Pete Prisco consider Kansas City having five of the top 100 free agents hitting the market next month, but the Chiefs also have less than $8 million in available funds, according to Over The Cap.

I wouldn’t worry too much if the Chiefs have to again revamp their wide receiving corps with DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster looking for new deals. Where the concern comes in is with starters at other positions. Right guard Trey Smith had the potential to reset his respective market, but recently got tagged. Also, linebacker Nick Bolton is an important piece of the defense who’s expecting a pay raise and the same can be said for safety Justin Reid. Then on the defensive line, Tershawn Wharton is a free agent after he notched a career-high 6.5 sacks this past season, veteran Mike Pennel is looking for a new deal as are Josh Uche and Derrick Nnadi.

Retaining talent is just as important as some of the improvements Kansas City will look to make. Both objectives will not be easy.

Chiefs’ unrestricted free agents
WR DeAndre Hopkins
S Justin Reid
DE Charles Omenihu
WR Marquise Brown
QB Carson Wentz
EDGE Josh Uche
DE Tershawn Wharton
OT D.J. Humphries
DT Derrick Nnadi
WR Justin Watson
RB Samaje Perine
LB Nick Bolton
LS James Winchester
DL Mike Pennel
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
RB Kareem Hunt
WR Mecole Hardman
TE Jody Fortson
DT Marlon Tuipulotu
P Matt Araiza

3. Dallas Cowboys
   The team that was least active in free agency last year has some tough decisions to make this offseason. Not only does Dallas rank bottom 10 in cap space with the looming Micah Parsons extension to worry about, but the Cowboys also have several important players who need new deals. Osa Odighizuwa is up for a new contract after recording a career-high 4.5 sacks and 47 combined tackles, 32-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent after missing the majority of last season with a foot injury, 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle is looking for a new contract, as is cornerback Jourdan Lewis. By the way, nine-time Pro Bowler Zack Martin is reportedly retiring.

Not only are the Cowboys undergoing a change in leadership this offseason with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but this defense could look very, very different in 2025. Dallas doesn’t typically spend big money. Will that change this year?

Cowboys’ unrestricted free agents
WR Brandin Cooks
OG Zack Martin
DE DeMarcus Lawrence
QB Trey Lance
LB Eric Kendricks
CB Jourdan Lewis
QB Cooper Rush
DT Linval Joseph
DT Osa Odighizuwa
RB Rico Dowdle
DE Chauncey Golston
DE Carl Lawson
P Bryan Anger
CB C.J. Goodwin
LS Trent Sieg
OT Chuma Edoga
LB Nick Vigil
CB Amani Oruwariye
DE Carlos Watkins
CB Israel Mukuamu

2. Cincinnati Bengals
   The Bengals have plenty to worry about this offseason, which will affect their game plan in free agency. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is looking for long-term security after being franchise-tagged last year, Ja’Marr Chase’s record-breaking extension could be handled in the coming months and then Trey Hendrickson wants an extension or trade. Those are the top three issues in Cincinnati, and we’ve only discussed one free agent thus far.

2025 NFL All-Free Agent Team: Vikings, Chiefs, Eagles headline best veteran talent on the market
Cody Benjamin
2025 NFL All-Free Agent Team: Vikings, Chiefs, Eagles headline best veteran talent on the market
Apart from Higgins, defensive tackle B.J. Hill, veteran nickel Mike Hilton, offensive tackle Trent Brown, pass rusher Joseph Ossai, tight end Mike Gesicki and safety Vonn Bell are a few notable players searching for new contracts. The Bengals do rank inside the top 10 when it comes to available cap space, but that’s not enough for Duke Tobin and the fan base to feel comfortable about the future. Even if Cincinnati finds a way this offseason to keep its “big three” under contract for years to come, that should make it tougher to not only retain other players, but also improve a defense that kept Joe Burrow out of the playoffs last year.

Bengals’ unrestricted free agents
WR Tee Higgins
DT B.J. Hill
CB Mike Hilton
OT Trent Brown
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
CB Marco Wilson
TE Mike Gesicki
OT Cody Ford
EDGE Joseph Ossai
TE Tanner Hudson
LB Joe Bachie
S Vonn Bell
RB Trayveon Williams
DT Jay Tufele
DE Cameron Sample
OT D’Ante Smith
RB Chris Evans
RB Khalil Herbert

1. Philadelphia Eagles
   The reigning Super Bowl champions can’t keep everybody. This offseason, Philly has several big names set to hit the open market and cash in.

Defensive end Josh Sweat, who should have won Super Bowl MVP after recording 2.5 sacks and six combined tackles against the Chiefs, is a free agent who could decide to chase a bag. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, who recorded a career-high five sacks this past season and got to Patrick Mahomes twice in New Orleans, is also looking for a new deal. Then there’s linebacker Zack Baun, who was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist after a career campaign in which he recorded 151 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He was truly one of the best players in all of football this past season.

There’s more to worry about than just those three star players. Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham may retire, starting right guard Mekhi Becton is a free agent and linebacker Oren Burks, who stepped in for the injured Nakobe Dean, is also a free agent.

Eagles’ unrestricted free agents
DE Josh Sweat
LB Zack Baun
OG Mekhi Becton
DT Milton Williams
RB Kenneth Gainwell
DE Brandon Graham
CB Avonte Maddox
TE C.J. Uzomah
OT Le’Raven Clark
LS Rick Lovato
OT Fred Johnson
LB Oren Burks
OG Jack Driscoll
CB Isaiah Rodgers

With Matthew Stafford agreeing to a restructured contract to stay with the Los Angeles Rams, Sam Darnold is now on track to be the most coveted veteran quarterback of the 2025 market. While the Minnesota Vikings have interest in re-signing their 2024 starter, all signs point to Darnold landing elsewhere in the coming weeks, according to The Athletic, with two teams in particular eyeing the journeyman ahead of free agency.

NFL executives believe the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are Darnold’s likeliest destinations for the 2025 season, Alec Lewis reported Monday. The Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers could also enter the Darnold sweepstakes, per Lewis, whereas the Vikings, who signed Darnold to a one-year deal last offseason, “would like to have Darnold back … [but only] if his market is more depressed than expected.”

The Giants were reportedly interested in Stafford before the Rams quarterback resolved financial differences with Los Angeles, so Darnold fits the bill as an experienced fallback option. New York is also a candidate to address quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, owning the No. 3 overall selection.

The Raiders are a more complicated situation, as there have been conflicting reports regarding their interest in Darnold. The Athletic previously indicated minority owner Tom Brady and new general manager John Spytek “prioritized Stafford [in trade talks] because they are not super high on Sam Darnold” or other veteran quarterbacks set to be available this offseason. Las Vegas also owns a top-10 pick in the draft.