2025 NFL Free Agency: A Reshaped Landscape and Top Prospects
The countdown is on for the 2025 NFL free agency period, a highly anticipated event that promises to reshape team rosters and potentially alter the league’s competitive balance. The frenzy officially begins on Monday at 12 p.m. ET with the commencement of the legal tampering period, allowing teams to engage in negotiations with impending free agents. While agreements can be discussed, no contracts can be officially signed until 4 p.m. ET on March 12, the official start of the new league year.
However, the landscape of free agency has already undergone significant changes even before the official starting gun. Several highly sought-after players, originally expected to test the open market, have been taken off the board through franchise tags and contract extensions. The Cincinnati Bengals utilized the franchise tag to retain star wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring his continued presence in their explosive offense. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders, placed the franchise tag on offensive guard Trey Smith, making him the highest-paid player at his position and solidifying their offensive line. In another notable move, the Philadelphia Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions, preemptively secured the services of linebacker Zack Baun with a substantial three-year contract extension.
The decisions to retain Higgins, Smith, and Baun have had a ripple effect on the free agency pool, as these players were all considered top-tier talents. In fact, they were all featured in USA TODAY Sports’ initial ranking of the top 25 free agents. With these three stars now off the market, USA TODAY Sports has unveiled an updated list, reflecting the altered availability of talent. Let’s take a look at some of the top players who remain available and explore their potential impact on their new teams.
The Top Free Agents Available
Among the headlining names is Holland, a dynamic safety with exceptional range and playmaking ability. At just 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career. While his 2024 season might be considered a slight dip in production compared to previous years, it’s important to note that many players on the Dolphins experienced similar struggles. Despite the down year, Holland’s career stats speak volumes about his talent: 301 tackles, 25 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and five interceptions in 60 career regular-season games. Any team seeking a versatile and impactful safety to anchor their defensive backfield would be wise to pursue Holland aggressively.
Another highly coveted player is Godwin, a veteran wide receiver with a proven track record of success. Despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7, Godwin was among the league’s leading receivers prior to the setback. Extrapolating his performance over a full 17-game season, he was on pace for an impressive 121 catches, 1,399 yards, and 12 touchdowns. The veteran already has four 1,000-yard seasons to his name and will be 29 years old when the next season begins. Godwin’s versatility makes him an attractive target for numerous teams. He has the talent to be a No. 1 wideout for a team lacking a true top option, or he can excel as a high-end No. 2 receiver alongside an established star.
Reed, a cornerback known for his good coverage skills, is also among the top free agents. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9, Reed has consistently demonstrated his ability to shut down opposing receivers. During the 2024 season, he allowed a mere 57% completion percentage and only two touchdowns when targeted. His tenacity and ability to limit big plays make him a valuable asset for any team seeking to bolster their pass defense.
While Diggs suffered a torn ACL during his first season in Houston, he racked up 47 catches, 496 receiving yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He seems suited as a No. 2 receiver at this stage of his career and should be a high-quality secondary receiver as he prepares for his age-32 season.
Mack, a seasoned edge rusher with a decorated career, remains a force to be reckoned with. A former Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time Pro Bowler, Mack has consistently disrupted opposing offenses throughout his career. He’s been the Chargers best and most consistent pass rusher over the last three seasons. Despite contemplating retirement this offseason, Mack has decided to continue playing in 2025. While his age (34) is a factor, his proven ability to generate pressure and disrupt quarterbacks makes him an attractive option for teams seeking an immediate boost to their pass rush.
Cooper joined the Bills via trade in October but never connected with Josh Allen. He had 20 catches, 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns in eight regular season games and caught just six passes for 41 yards in the postseason. Cooper turns 31 in June but is still a sharp route runner.
Darnold posted career-highs in every major statistical category, including yards (4,319), touchdowns (35) and passer rating (102.5). Darnold, however, did revert to his journeyman QB form in his final two games of the season. He had season-lows in completion percentage and passing yards in Week 18 and his first playoff game was a disaster.
Sweat led the Eagles with eight sacks and tallied 54 pressures during the regular season. He’ll be 28 years old at the start at next season and will be viewed as the top free-agent pass rusher available this offseason.
The most news Reddick made during the season came from his lengthy holdout. He recorded just one sack in 10 games after skipping part of the season, snapping a streak of four straight seasons with at least 11 sacks. Reddicks holdout didnt result in an extension, and he may have cost himself some free-agent money as a result.
Reid is an anchor in the defensive backfield for the Chiefs. He led the team in tackles in 2023. He’s a reliable safety and a sure tackler. He’s tallied over 80 tackles in all three seasons in Kansas City.
Williams perhaps saved his best for last. He matched a career single-game high with two sacks in the Super Bowl. Teams will look at his 2024 tape and see a defensive tackle with high upside. He registered career-bests in sacks (5) and QB hits (10) in 2024. He turns 26 years old in April.
Hufanga has been banged up the last two seasons, playing just a combined 17 games while dealing with a torn ACL and some other knocks. The physical ballhawk was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022 after tallying a career-best 97 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks. He failed to log an interception or sack in seven games this season.
Rodgers’ tenure in New York will ultimately go down as a failure. He suffered a season-ending Achilles tear just four plays into his Jets debut in 2023 and led the team to a 5-12 record in what was a tumultuous 2024 season. There is some silver lining, though. Rodgers performed better during the latter portion of the year. He had a 91-or-above passer rating in four of his final five contests.
Ward allowed a 61% completion percentage and five touchdowns in 2024. It marked his worst year in three seasons in what was a down year all around in San Francisco. Ward was a 2023 Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro at cornerback, so the 28-year-old will likely be viewed as a strong bounce-back candidate.
The Vikings traded for Robinson to help stabilize their left tackle position after Christian Darrisaw went down. Robinson filled in nicely in Minnesota. He started in 10 games for the Vikings. At 29 years old, he still has plenty of productive years left.
Murphy enjoyed career-bests in interceptions (6), passes defended (14) and tackles (81) in 2024. He performance earned him his first ever Pro Bowl nod. He has the ability to play slot corner or on the outside.
Hopkins turned into Kansas City’s top wide receiver in 10 regular-season games. If Hopkins wasn’t 32 years old, he’d be much higher on this list. He’s not the prolific receiver he once was but is still a productive X receiver with sure hands.
Allen will be 33 years old at the start of next season. He saw his numbers decline during his first year in Chicago. Is the dip in production a sign of things to come, or was it a byproduct of Caleb Williams up-and-down rookie season with the Bears? Its probably both, but Allen remains a savvy route runner.
Bosa is still a productive edge rusher when on the field. He was limited to 18 total starts the past three years due to various injuries. His $36.4 million cap hit in 2025 made him unattainable for the Chargers. He’s tallied 72 career sacks in nine seasons.
The Commanders released the two-time Pro Bowler after eight seasons in the nation’s capital. Allen missed action due to a torn left pectoral injury last season but was able to return to the field and help the Commanders reach the NFC championship game. Allen’s been durable prior to this past year. He’s only had two seasons in which he’s played less than 15 games. He’s compiled 401 tackles, 42 sacks and 60 tackles for loss in 109 career regular-season games.
Davis started 13 games for the Lions in 2024 and helped improve their cornerback room, which was a weakness in 2023. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured jaw late in the season, becoming one of the many Lions to miss the postseason because of injury. Davis remains a strong starting cornerback and allowed a 55% completion percentage this season.
Wilson helped the Steelers get into the playoffs, but the team’s passing offense never really got going. He averaged 225 passing yards per game for a Steelers club that had the 23rd ranked offense in the league. He still throws a pretty deep ball but has a propensity to turn down intermediate passes. The 36-year-old QB can still be a capable starter in the right situation.
Dalman allowed two sacks and 10 pressures in 554 snaps at center. He missed time because of an ankle injury but finished the year with six straight starts.
Greenlaw played alongside of Fred Warner in San Francisco. He was the less heralded of the two, but he more than held his own. He produced at least 120 tackles in 2022 and 2023. He tore his Achilles in Super Bowl 58 and was affected by the injury upon his return. He’s an enforcer in the middle when healthy.
Fields showed growth last year as a pocket passer in six starts. His completion percentage (65.8) and passer rating (93.3) were both career-highs, albeit in a short sample size. The dual-threat QB still has plenty of potential and is a quality starter in the right system.
These are just a few of the notable players set to hit the free agent market in 2025. As the legal tampering period approaches, expect intense competition among teams vying for their services. The decisions made during this period will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the upcoming season and beyond.
