NFL Free Agency: The Top Remaining Players as of March 23rd
The frenzy of NFL free agency, which officially commenced with the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12th, has begun to settle. After nearly two weeks of intense negotiations and signings, the initial wave of player movement has subsided, leaving a smaller pool of available talent. However, despite the thinning ranks, several impactful players remain unsigned, offering teams opportunities to bolster their rosters as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The offseason represents a fresh start for all 32 NFL teams, a chance to address weaknesses, reinforce strengths, and ultimately, improve their chances of success. Over the past two weeks, hundreds of free agents across the league have come to terms with new teams, as each franchise seeks to gain an edge in the competitive landscape of the NFL. Teams have opened their wallets, committing hundreds of millions of dollars to secure the services of coveted players. Some players have even exceeded expectations, commanding surprisingly high salaries on the open market.
While veteran offensive stars like wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Najee Harris have secured their futures with agreements extending beyond 2025, a number of talented free agents remain unsigned, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. These remaining players have the potential to be game-changers, providing immediate upgrades to teams in need of defensive prowess. The quarterback carousel has also been in motion, with Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, and Jameis Winston finding new homes. The question remains: who is the best remaining signal-caller available?
Despite the flurry of activity, dozens of notable players remain in free agency, eager to sign contracts and contribute to teams in 2025. These players could prove to be key additions, filling specific needs and adding depth to rosters across the league. To highlight the remaining talent available, here is a look at the top 10 players still on the market as of March 23rd.
Top Remaining Free Agents
1. Stefon Diggs (Wide Receiver)
Diggs is a seasoned veteran and former All-Pro receiver currently on the market. He is coming off a season-ending injury after tearing his ACL in Week 8 and will turn 32 years old next season. He has consistently delivered exceptional performance throughout his career, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons prior to 2024. Furthermore, he has consistently ranked among the top 25 players in PFF overall grade each season, showcasing his exceptional skill and reliability. Despite the potential he will miss the start of the year, many contending teams with weak wide receiver groups will likely be interested in acquiring him. Potential landing spots include the Cowboys, Patriots, and Chargers.
2. Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback)
Some NFL fans might argue that the Jets went all-in last season. They surrounded Rodgers with elite talent, including Davante Adams. Although the Jets’ season quickly unraveled, the four-time MVP displayed moments of brilliance in the second half of the season. Any team that acquires Rodgers would be committing to a short-term window with the 41-year-old quarterback. Despite his age, Rodgers still possesses exceptional vision, accuracy, and arm talent, although he might not be the MVP-caliber player he once was.
3. Taron Johnson (Cornerback)
Bills General Manager Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott have successfully constructed a strong foundation on both the offensive and defensive lines, allowing players like Johnson to flourish. Johnson has been a mainstay in Buffalo’s secondary since arriving at the 2023 trade deadline. He is a physical and impactful player on the perimeter. Although he experienced some struggles in 2024, he earned the fifth-highest coverage grade among cornerbacks from 2021 to 2023, according to PFF.
4. Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver)
Many would consider Amari Cooper to be at the top of this list, however, the receiver turns 31 in June and his role in Joe Brady’s offense never seemed to take off. Buffalo traded for Cooper mid-season, but the veteran wideout did not have a major impact. He suffered a wrist injury that slowed him down, causing him to miss two games. He provides a veteran presence and consistent play, making him a valuable addition for a team searching for an experienced player to add to their receiving corps.
5. Patrick Surtain II (Cornerback)
The former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft missed a significant portion of last season for the first time in his four-year career, only playing four games. Like his father, he has a nose for the ball, demonstrated by his six interceptions, 37 passes defensed, and 26 pass breakups in 50 career games. From 2022 to 2023, he posted an impressive 80.8 PFF coverage grade, ranking 12th among 67 qualifying corners.
6. Russell Wilson (Quarterback)
The 13-year veteran started 11 games for the Steelers in 2024, completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns. He recorded a QBR of 51.4 (22nd), but the offense struggled in the final month of the regular season. While he is not the same player who once dominated the league in Seattle, he remains one of the best deep-ball passers in the game. Wilson led the league with a 56% adjusted completion rate on throws of 20 or more yards in 2024. He led the Steelers to a 6-1 record but lost the final five games, including a wild-card loss. Potential landing spots for Wilson include teams seeking a veteran presence and a proven deep-ball threat.
7. Mike Hilton (Cornerback)
With Tee Higgins and JaMarr Chase securing record-breaking contracts, Mike Hilton finds himself on the outside looking in. He is a veteran corner who has established himself as one of the best slot corners in the NFL. The slot cornerback position has become increasingly important, especially with the rise of elite slot receivers across the league. As such, many contending teams will be eager to acquire a veteran with playoff experience such as Hilton.
8. Nick Chubb (Running Back)
Even with the possibility of the Browns selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the draft, Chubb remains the face of the Browns along with Myles Garrett. Chubb struggled at times returning from a brutal knee injury, but his elite and efficient production may return with a healthy off-season under his belt.
9. Brandon Scherff (Guard)
Scherff is in the later stages of his career, but the former No. 5 overall pick remains a capable starter in the trenches. Last year, he had a pass block win rate of 93.8%, which ranked 14th among guards, according to ESPN.
10. Justin Simmons (Safety)
Simmons earned second-team All-Pro honors in four of his last six seasons, including three consecutive seasons before 2024. He has 32 career interceptions and can provide a veteran presence to any defensive room searching for leadership and stability.
