The offseason has arrived for 30 NFL groups whereas the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are making ready for Tremendous Bowl LIX, so we’re having a look at what lies forward over the subsequent two months, with free company set to start on March 12.
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to choose the one free agent from the staff they cowl whose contract standing will form that franchise’s offseason essentially the most. The record consists of a few quarterbacks returning to free company, veteran receivers who determine to be in excessive demand and one of many league’s greatest offensive linemen.
Which gamers may outline the offseason? We’ll begin within the AFC East:
Bounce to:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
CB Rasul Douglas
The Payments acquired Douglas on the commerce deadline in 2023, and since then, he has been a constant starter for the protection reverse outdoors cornerback Christian Benford. Douglas will probably be 30 when the 2025 season begins, and the Payments must determine whether or not they need to get youthful on the place or preserve the veteran, who has constructed an awesome relationship with Benford. If the Payments do transfer on, they must make investments (together with via the draft) as a result of there is not vital depth on the place. — Alaina Getzenberg
S Jevon Holland
Holland and the Dolphins tried to barter an extension final offseason however had been unable to succeed in an settlement. Holland’s manufacturing dipped in 2024; he did not report an interception and had a career-low 62 tackles. A part of this could possibly be attributed to enjoying for 3 coordinators in as many seasons. But when Holland is on the lookout for top-of-the-market cash, it in all probability will not come from Miami, which let two different homegrown gamers depart in free company final offseason. If they’re unable to re-sign Holland, the Dolphins would face an pressing want at security, the place they had been already skinny final season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
CB/S Jonathan Jones
Jones, 31, has been with the Patriots since 2016, when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He is among the final gamers remaining on the roster who received a number of Tremendous Bowl championships; the Patriots do not have a protracted record of free brokers (DL Deatrich Clever Jr., QB Jacoby Brissett, and so forth.), and Jones’ standing as a pillar from a tradition standpoint makes him arguably the headliner of the group. Jones suits in greatest at slot or security, however accidents piled up on him in 2024, and a brand new regime beneath coach Mike Vrabel won’t worth him the identical. — Mike Reiss
CB D.J. Reed
Reed, coming off three strong seasons because the Jets’ CB2, says he is wanting ahead to exploring the market. The Jets do not have an apparent alternative on the roster. However Reed’s asking value in all probability will exceed what they will afford to pay. He made $33 million over three years on his final contract. At solely 28 years previous, he is trying to high that. — Wealthy Cimini
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AFC NORTH
OT Ronnie Stanley
There is not any query the Ravens want to retain Stanley, who had a strong bounce-back season in blocking on Lamar Jackson’s blind aspect. He ranked twelfth in go block win charge amongst tackles (92.5%), performed in each recreation for the primary time in his nine-year profession and continued to be a revered chief. The problem will probably be value for Stanley, who is anticipated to be one of many high left tackles out there in free company. Baltimore, which is projected to have restricted wage cap area, in all probability will not overspend on an offensive lineman who will flip 31 across the begin of free company. — Jamison Hensley
WR Tee Higgins
Higgins’ franchise tag has expired, making him a free agent this offseason. Each publicly and privately, quarterback Joe Burrow has made it clear he doesn’t need Higgins to depart the constructing. The Bengals may put the franchise tag on Higgins for a second straight yr and lengthen the timeframe for the 2 sides to work one thing out. If the worth is correct, a long-term deal could possibly be in the perfect curiosity for each Higgins and a Bengals staff making an attempt to max out the present window. — Ben Child
RB Nick Chubb
In Chubb’s return from the knee harm he sustained in September 2023, he did not resemble his earlier Professional Bowl kind and posted a profession low in yards per carry (3.3). He ought to grow to be extra explosive with one other yr faraway from the harm, however he turns 30 in December, and basic supervisor Andrew Berry was noncommittal on Chubb’s return. Chubb had mentioned he wished to complete his profession in Cleveland. He may return on an incentive-laden deal that permits the Browns to seek for extra choices to bolster the working recreation. — Daniel Oyefusi
QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
With neither Wilson nor Fields beneath contract when the brand new league yr tolls, the Steelers’ largest free agent determination is two-fold. It is unlikely the Steelers will carry again each quarterbacks for an additional yr, leaving the staff to decide on between a 36-year-old Wilson, who went 6-5 because the starter with 16 passing touchdowns, two dashing touchdowns and 5 interceptions, or Fields, who turns 26 in March and posted a 4-2 report with 5 passing touchdowns, 5 dashing touchdowns and an interception. They may additionally choose to maneuver on from each and take a swing on one other free agent or draft a rookie signal-caller. — Brooke Pryor
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AFC SOUTH
WR Stefon Diggs
Diggs sustained an ACL tear in his proper knee this season, and the Texans sorely missed him as quarterback C.J. Stroud was left with just one constant goal in Nico Collins. Receiver Tank Dell is more likely to miss most of 2025 after sustaining a dislocated left kneecap and torn ACL on Dec. 21. The Texans could have two voids at receiver if they do not re-sign Diggs. Will the Texans attempt to get him on a team-friendly deal or discover a completely different choice elsewhere? — DJ Bien-Aime
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
The Colts did not put sufficient constant strain on quarterbacks this season, however Odeyingbo led Indianapolis in pressures with a career-best 33. His sack numbers declined from eight in 2023 to 3 this season, nevertheless it’s exhausting to think about a confirmed 25-year-old go rusher not touchdown a deal price eight figures per yr. The Colts need to determine whether or not promising rookie Laiatu Latu and the return of Samson Ebukam from harm (9.5 sacks in 2023) is sufficient to let Odeyingbo stroll in free company. — Stephen Holder
S Andre Cisco
Of the 11 gamers who’re scheduled to grow to be unrestricted free brokers, solely two — Cisco and RG Brandon Scherff — are starters. Cisco had eight interceptions over the previous three years however had points in protection. The secondary as an entire gave up eight go performs of fifty or extra yards in 2024. Whomever new coach Liam Coen appoints as defensive coordinator could have enter on whether or not to attempt to re-sign Cisco, nevertheless it’s exhausting to see the Jaguars being prepared to spend a lot to carry him again. — Michael DiRocco
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Westbrook-Ikhine went from an afterthought on the roster who did not have any targets via the primary 4 video games of the season to main the staff with 9 landing receptions. The receiver group is skinny other than Calvin Ridley, so bringing again one of the dependable targets from final season is a transfer the entrance workplace ought to make. Westbrook-Ikhine’s contract in all probability will not break the financial institution, and the Titans have the cap area. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
QB Zach Wilson
The Broncos have defensive starters comparable to DT D.J. Jones and LB Cody Barton, in addition to RB Javonte Williams, who’re scheduled to be unrestricted free brokers. However the intriguing query is with backup QBs Wilson and Jarett Stidham. Everybody on the Broncos has mentioned Wilson and Stidham had been key in Bo Nix’s growth throughout a rookie season wherein he threw 29 landing passes. Each Wilson and Stidham are free brokers and, relying available on the market, would possibly be capable of do higher elsewhere. Wilson, a former No. 2 decide, is simply 25 years previous with 33 profession begins and could possibly be a very good choice to preserve as backup QB. — Jeff Legwold
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
G Trey Smith
The Chiefs want to retain Smith, nevertheless it’s much more seemingly that he’ll depart. In deal with Jawaan Taylor, guard Joe Thuney and middle Creed Humphrey, the Chiefs have already got invested of their offensive line. They’ve groomed Mike Caliendo, as soon as an undrafted rookie free agent, and Hunter Nourzad, a fifth-round decide in 2024, and would try and have considered one of them able to grow to be a starter if Smith departs. — Adam Teicher
MLB Robert Spillane
Spillane signed a two-year, $7 million contract in 2023 to grow to be a full-time starter for the primary time in his profession. He turned not solely the inexperienced dot at center linebacker but additionally the religious chief of the protection. So he’s in line for a elevate. Think about: 306 of his 497 profession tackles got here up to now two seasons, as did 5.5 of his 8.5 profession sacks and 5 of his six profession interceptions. Spillane, who will probably be getting into his eighth season, didn’t sit out a recreation in his two years with the Raiders. However will new Raiders coach Pete Carrol and GM John Spytek maintain the identical emotions? — Paul Gutierrez
OLB Khalil Mack
Mack is maybe the Chargers’ most revered participant and earned his ninth Professional Bowl choice this season. Within the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Texans, Mack led the staff with two sacks. Nonetheless, he will probably be 34 subsequent season, and he had six sacks this season, tied for the second lowest in his profession. Regardless, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned re-signing Mack is a high precedence for the staff. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
CB Jourdan Lewis
Since Micah Parsons is beneath contract along with his fifth-year choice, he does not rely — however the largest determination is on the defensive aspect of the ball. Lewis is greater than only a slot cornerback, although he is among the higher slot corners within the NFL. He can defend receivers. He can set the sting. He can blitz off the sting. He has a nostril for the ball. However he’s additionally a core a part of the locker room and a giant cause why issues remained steady regardless of the entire accidents. It may cost a little the Cowboys somewhat greater than they’d need to spend, however Lewis’ worth goes past the sphere. — Todd Archer
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WR Darius Slayton
It is easy to say Slayton and the Giants ought to transfer on, however the Giants want extra receiving threats. Who replaces him if he walks? Slayton goes to be thought-about one of many high free agent huge receivers, and the staff’s Walter Payton Man of the Yr nominee is an effective affect on the youthful receivers. One can solely think about what he can produce in a greater offense, with 4 700-yard seasons beneath his belt and 15 yards per reception all through his profession. — Jordan Raanan
LB Zack Baun
The Eagles thought they had been getting a rotational edge rusher and particular groups contributor after they signed Baun to a one-year deal final offseason. As a substitute, he developed into among the finest off-ball linebackers in soccer, incomes first-team All-Professional honors after posting 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 5 pressured fumbles for the league’s No. 1 protection. Philadelphia does not sometimes make investments a ton within the linebacker place, however with Nakobe Dean going through a protracted restoration from a torn patellar tendon, there must be much more urgency to signal its breakout star to a long-term deal. — Tim McManus
LB Bobby Wagner
Wagner signed a one-year deal to hitch Washington final offseason, however there have been questions on what he had left getting into his thirteenth season. It seems, he had fairly a bit. Wagner recorded his thirteenth consecutive 100-plus-tackle season and earned second-team All-Professional honors (the eleventh time he has been both first or second staff). As well as, his management set a significant tone within the locker room and can be exhausting for the Commanders to exchange. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
WR Keenan Allen
The Bears had been clever to amass Allen as a trusted choice for Caleb Williams’ rookie season; he had a team-high seven touchdowns and ranked second in receiving yards (744), targets (121) and catches (70). That is sturdy manufacturing for any receiver, however bringing the 32-year-old again would want to come back at a reduction. New Bears coach Ben Johnson might need plans to go youthful and add extra velocity on the place. It may imply Allen would want to discover a completely different staff with which to complete his profession. — Courtney Cronin
G Kevin Zeitler
Zeitler signed a one-year cope with the Lions final offseason after a Professional Bowl yr in Baltimore, and he did not miss a beat. He began 16 video games on an offensive line that served a pivotal function within the Lions’ franchise-best 15-win season. Though GM Brad Holmes was impressed along with his manufacturing, at 34 years previous, it is exhausting to inform whether or not Detroit is prepared to supply him something aside from one other short-term deal. “A participant of that age, you’ve got simply received to have conversations with him,” Holmes mentioned. “We had conversations on exit day after which we’ll simply proceed to have dialogue and simply form of see the place it goes.” — Eric Woodyard
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C Josh Myers
The Packers have not at all times paid inside offensive linemen; final yr they let guard Jon Runyan depart in free company. They drafted a possible backup middle final yr in Jacob Monk (fifth spherical) and will even transfer proper deal with Zach Tom there. It was exhausting to learn Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, who in a single reply talked about how a lot QB Jordan Love “trusts [Myers] very a lot as middle,” but additionally provided a touch of finality when he mentioned he was “actually glad we have had him for the final 4 years.” — Rob Demovsky
QB Sam Darnold
The Vikings face a tough determination at quarterback contemplating Darnold’s productive season and the presence of J.J. McCarthy, who has resumed on-field coaching after sitting out his rookie season due to a proper knee harm. Darnold performed at a Professional Bowl degree for a lot of the season, however his efficiency cratered within the Vikings’ ultimate two video games. He’ll nonetheless in all probability earn greater than the $10 million he earned in 2024. Do the Vikings want him again to cowl for McCarthy’s unsure short-term future? Or will they determine handy the keys to McCarthy and pair him with one other veteran on a less expensive contract? — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
OLB Matthew Judon
The Falcons traded a 2024 third-round decide to the Patriots for Judon on the eve of the season, and at age 32 and coming off a biceps surgical procedure, he did not carry out on the degree he had beforehand. Judon had 15.5 sacks in 2022, his final wholesome season, and 5.5 in 2024. Judon had 4 sacks in his ultimate seven video games and flashed a few of that classic pass-rushing skill, so for the proper value, sack-starved Atlanta may carry him again for an additional go. — Marc Raimondi
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LB Shaq Thompson
Fixing a protection that ranked final within the NFL is the highest precedence, and a wholesome Thompson would go a great distance towards doing that. The issue is he has performed six video games in two seasons due to accidents, and he’ll be 31 earlier than the 2025 season. Thompson desires to retire in Carolina, and he is a frontrunner within the locker room, so discovering a team-friendly deal makes him a precedence. — David Newton
CB Paulson Adebo
Adebo is coming off a damaged proper femur however must be good to go for coaching camp. The query is how a lot the Saints are prepared to pay him with Alontae Taylor and Kool-Support McKinstry probably the surface starters in 2025. Adebo’s harm definitely complicates issues and raises questions as to how a lot different groups would worth him on the open market. — Katherine Terrell
WR Chris Godwin
The Bucs have been right here earlier than, with Godwin going through a big harm whereas set to grow to be an unrestricted free agent. He sustained a torn ACL and MCL in 2021 after which signed a three-year deal price $60 million in 2022. Godwin sustained a dislocated left ankle in October and was main the NFL in catches and tied for the league lead in touchdowns on the time. “He is an excellent participant. If we are able to signal him again in any respect, I might like to have him again right here,” coach Todd Bowles mentioned on the finish of the season. It should come right down to how a lot it might take to re-sign him. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
RG Will Hernandez
The Cardinals in all probability will rebuild a piece of their offensive line, and Hernandez will probably be a part of that dialog. He began 5 video games earlier than sustaining a season-ending left knee harm in October however is anticipated to be prepared for coaching camp, if not earlier. He has established himself as a dependable, constant presence on the road, so if Arizona brings him again, it would not be a shock to anybody. — Josh Weinfuss
LT Alaric Jackson
The Rams have just a few selections to make on their offensive line, and deal with could possibly be a place they tackle early within the draft. Los Angeles does not have a left deal with in ready, and proper deal with Rob Havenstein has just one yr left on his deal. In line with ESPN Analytics, Jackson had the perfect season of his four-year NFL profession, posting profession highs in go block win charge (90.3%) and run block win charge (78.1%). Jackson may return after testing the market however is not seemingly the long-term resolution at left deal with. — Sarah Barshop
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LB Dre Greenlaw
Based mostly on expertise, persona and manufacturing, holding Greenlaw will probably be a precedence, but additionally a tough determination due to the price. Greenlaw’s in depth harm historical past complicates issues additional. Since getting into the league in 2019, Greenlaw has sat out 36 video games due to quad, groin, calf, hamstring and Achilles accidents. He performed in two video games in 2024, which makes it tough to peg a contract worth. Assuming one other staff does not need to roll the cube on an costly, long-term deal, the 49ers could have an opportunity to maintain him, however that is removed from a certainty. — Nick Wagoner
LB Ernest Jones IV
Jones was every little thing the Seahawks hoped he’d be after they acquired him in a midseason commerce from Tennessee. He made performs, introduced stability to the center of Seattle’s protection and helped lead that group’s turnaround towards the run — all whereas taking up because the signal-caller. Traded twice in two months, Jones sounded assured on the finish of the season that he’d attain a cope with Seattle earlier than free company. “We will get it completed,” he mentioned. “I will be a Seahawk — I firmly consider that.” — Brady Henderson
