Top NFL Free Agents and Their Potential Destinations
The NFL’s free agency period is fast approaching, with the legal tampering window opening on March 10 and the new league year beginning on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. Numerous prominent players from around the league are poised to be on the move this offseason, including offensive stars like Tee Higgins, Trey Smith, Chris Godwin, and Sam Darnold, as well as defensive standouts such as Jevon Holland, Khalil Mack, and Josh Sweat.
Tee Higgins: Los Angeles Chargers
Higgins is the most coveted wide receiver on the free agent market, and he would be a bona fide No. 1 receiver for most teams outside of Cincinnati. With his size, athleticism, and strong hands, he would form an ideal duo with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who is in desperate need of a reliable target.
Trey Smith: Houston Texans
Smith, one of the NFL’s top guards, could be an attractive target for the Texans, who are rebuilding their offensive line. His impressive 75% run block win rate during the regular season, according to ESPN, would be a significant upgrade for Houston’s struggling ground game.
Chris Godwin: Pittsburgh Steelers
Godwin, a prolific wide receiver who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7, would provide a much-needed boost to the Steelers’ passing offense. He has proven to be a consistent producer when healthy and could serve as a mentor for young receiver George Pickens.
Jevon Holland: Minnesota Vikings
Holland is a versatile safety with excellent range and athleticism. He would be a major asset to the Vikings’ defense, providing depth and playmaking ability in the secondary. With veteran Harrison Smith contemplating retirement and Camryn Bynum also a free agent, Holland would be a welcome addition to the backfield.
Justin Reed: Atlanta Falcons
Reed, a slightly undersized cornerback, has displayed impressive coverage skills and could reunite with former Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta. Ulbrich is familiar with Reed’s capabilities and could utilize him effectively in the Falcons’ secondary.
Ronnie Stanley: Baltimore Ravens
Stanley, a durable and talented left tackle, would be a priority re-signing for the Ravens. He started every game for Baltimore in 2024 and has established himself as the top left tackle available in free agency. The Ravens, who are still a Super Bowl contender, would be wise to retain his services.
Brandin Cooks: Houston Texans
Cooks, a veteran wide receiver, has shown that he can still be a productive target despite his age. He would fill a void in the Texans’ receiving corps after Tank Dell’s gruesome knee injury, which is likely to keep him out for the 2025 season.
Khalil Mack: Los Angeles Chargers
Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has been a disruptive force throughout his career. While he may not be as dominant as he once was, he still makes plays and is a respected veteran leader. With the Chargers in need of a pass rusher, Mack would be a solid addition to their defense.
Allen Lazard: Arizona Cardinals
Lazard, a reliable wide receiver, has proven to be a dependable target with good route-running skills. He would complement Marvin Harrison Jr., who emerged as the Cardinals’ top receiver in his rookie season, and provide veteran leadership on the team.
Kyzir White: Philadelphia Eagles
White enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, setting career highs in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles. He could be an attractive target for the Eagles, who are seeking to replace his production after his impressive performance in Super Bowl 59.
Sam Darnold: Las Vegas Raiders
Darnold, who had a career year in 2024, could be a potential solution for the Raiders at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy is ready to take the reins in Minnesota, leaving Darnold available for a fresh start in Las Vegas, where he could reunite with his former USC coach, Pete Carroll.
Josh Sweat: Las Vegas Raiders
Sweat, a productive edge rusher, would add some much-needed firepower to the Raiders’ pass rush. He produced eight sacks and 54 pressures during the regular season and had a dominant performance in Super Bowl 59 with 2.5 sacks. With the Raiders having ample salary cap space, they could make a run at Sweat.
Nick Bolton: Kansas City Chiefs
Bolton, a steady and reliable linebacker, has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense. He led the team in tackles during the regular season and is the captain of the unit. He would be a significant loss if he were to leave Kansas City in free agency.
Justin Reid: Kansas City Chiefs
Reid, a reliable safety, has been a key member of the Chiefs’ defense. He is a sure tackler and a valuable asset in the secondary. After expressing his desire to return to Kansas City, the Chiefs would be wise to re-sign him.
Talanoa Hufanga: Denver Broncos
Hufanga, an athletic safety, has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons but has shown his value when healthy. He can be a playmaker in the secondary and would form a strong tandem with Pat Surtain in Denver’s defensive backfield.
DeAndre Hopkins: Baltimore Ravens
Hopkins, a veteran wide receiver, has proven to be a productive target, even at his age. He could be an intriguing option for the Ravens, who had a disappointing season in 2024 and are looking to upgrade their receiving corps.
Kareem Hunt:
