NFL Free Agency: The Dust Settles, But Opportunities Remain

The first whirlwind week of NFL free agency has concluded, leaving a trail of restructured rosters and monumental contracts in its wake. Teams across the league, armed with hefty war chests, have aggressively pursued talent, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the market in a desperate bid to elevate their performance and chase Super Bowl dreams. While some anticipated big-money deals materialized as expected, the open market also witnessed a few surprising windfalls for players exceeding initial projections.

As of March 16th, the Carolina Panthers emerged as the most active team in terms of volume, securing the signatures of 15 free agents. However, the Minnesota Vikings topped the spending charts, demonstrating their commitment to significant roster upgrades. The biggest individual deal of the free agency period was inked by defensive lineman Milton Williams, who landed a lucrative four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots, boasting a substantial $63 million in guaranteed money.

Now, with the initial frenzy subsiding and the pace of deals slowing, a considerable pool of veteran talent remains available in free agency. These experienced players represent potential upgrades and valuable additions for teams seeking that extra edge to contend for playoff spots or even a championship run. They offer the possibility of adding unique elements to both offensive and defensive schemes, potentially turning a good team into a great one.

While many teams have addressed their most pressing needs during the initial free agency rush, some glaring holes still persist. Several NFL franchises remain in dire need of additional talent to fill crucial positions and enhance overall team depth.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top remaining free agents as of March 16th, offering insights into their potential value and possible landing spots:

Offensive Line Reinforcements:

• Cam Robinson (OT): Robinson didn’t quite reach the pinnacle of free-agent tackles this year, following a season with Jacksonville and Minnesota that showcased reliability but lacked true dominance. However, entering his age-30 season, he still possesses significant value. The upcoming 2025 NFL draft is projected to be somewhat thin in terms of immediate-impact tackle prospects. This makes Robinson an attractive short-term solution for a team seeking a veteran presence and stability at the position. He brings starting experience and a dependable skillset.

• Cody Whitehair (G): With Will Fries and Aaron Banks already securing substantial contracts during the early stages of free agency, Whitehair emerges as another enticing, relatively youthful option for teams in need of guard depth or a potential starting upgrade. He’s demonstrated his ability to be an impactful starter when healthy. While availability has been a concern, playing in only 45 of 68 possible games since being drafted by Chicago in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, the potential reward outweighs the risk for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

• Garrett Bradbury (C): At 6-foot-3 and 306 pounds, Bradbury may be slightly undersized for the center position, but his exceptional footwork and impressive body control make him a valuable asset in both run blocking and pass protection. A former top-20 pick from the 2019 NFL draft, Bradbury has consistently provided reliable performance for the Vikings over the years, missing only 11 games across six seasons. Minnesota’s recent acquisition of Ryan Kelly in free agency made Bradbury expendable. He will be 30 years old at the start of the season and can still be an experienced starter to help teams with a young quarterback.

• Brandon Scherff (G): The Jaguars opted to move on from Scherff, choosing to sign former Raven Patrick Mekari in an effort to inject youth into one of their guard positions leading into the 2025 season. Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowler, will turn 34 later this year, but his performance hasn’t noticeably declined with age. In fact, he delivered one of his finest seasons in pass protection in 2024, making him an appealing option for teams seeking a plug-and-play starter at guard.

Pass Catchers with Proven Track Records:

• Amari Cooper (WR): Buffalo acquired Cooper mid-season, but the veteran wide receiver didn’t have a profound impact on the Bills’ offense during their journey to the AFC championship game. He was hampered by a nagging wrist injury, which likely contributed to a career-high drop rate in 2024. Approaching 31 years old before the season begins, Cooper may no longer be a true No. 1 receiver, but he offers a substantial track record as a productive route-runner and reliable target.

• Stefon Diggs (WR): Houston made a trade for Diggs a year ago, and he quickly established himself as one of the top 20 wide receivers in terms of production before a season-ending ACL injury in Week 8. While his recovery status presents a significant concern, like Cooper, Diggs boasts considerable experience and the potential to provide a team with a proven option in the passing game as he enters his age-31 season.

• Keenan Allen (WR): Chicago acquired Allen via trade last season, and he rewarded them with an impressive stat line of 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. While he may not be the same Pro Bowl receiver he was for years with the Chargers, entering his age-33 season in the NFL, he remains one of the more skilled route runners of his generation. He’s unlikely to be a team’s primary receiving threat, but teams seeking a reliable possession receiver in the slot could greatly benefit from his skill set.

Defensive Assets to Shore Up Defenses:

• Ronald Darby (CB): Cornerback is often considered a volatile position, but Darby has demonstrated consistency in recent years. While his performance may have dipped slightly in 2024, from 2021 to 2023, he consistently recorded at least four interceptions and 13 passes defensed per season. Nearing his 30th birthday right before the season starts, Darby is a solid fit for zone-heavy teams seeking a reliable depth piece or a short-term starter.

• Mike Hilton (CB): Hilton experienced a decline in performance in 2024, mirroring the overall struggles of the Bengals’ defense. However, he remains a proven slot cornerback with consistent production and solid coverage skills. Entering his age-31 season, he may no longer be at the peak of his abilities as a defender, but he has the potential to strengthen a position of need for playoff-caliber teams.

• Azeez Ojulari (EDGE): Ojulari, a former second-round pick by the Giants in the 2021 NFL draft, has struggled to remain healthy after a promising rookie season. He played in all 17 games in 2021 but has subsequently missed 24 of 51 games due to injuries. Still, entering his age-25 season in 2025, he has accumulated 22 sacks in 46 career games. At the very least, he represents a rotational pass-rush specialist who is unlikely to command a substantial contract. This represents a level of upside that could outweigh the injury concerns.

• Charles Harris (DE): Detroit traded for Harris during the season last year and were rewarded with four sacks in eight games. He will turn 33 this upcoming season but remains an effective edge piece who uses speed-to-power well. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, he’s big enough to line up at multiple spots on the defensive line.

Quarterbacks Seeking Opportunity:

• Russell Wilson (QB): With a weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft, free agency offered limited appealing options at the most pivotal position in the NFL. Wilson had a decent season with the Steelers last year, but the offense faltered down the stretch. Entering his age-36 season, he still possesses the arm strength to make deep throws, but he has lost much of the mobility that once made him a dynamic player during his Seattle years.

• Aaron Rodgers (QB): Rodgers’ tenure in New York got off to a disastrous start, and the four-time MVP had a down year in his first full season as the Jets’ starter. Approaching his age-41 season, like Wilson, he has lost a significant portion of the mobility that fueled his playmaking abilities for much of his career. While his vision, accuracy, and arm talent remain intact, he is no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was. Whichever team signs him will also have to accept the off-field spectacle that accompanies him.

Potential Gamble Plays:

• Nasirildeen (S): The Browns opted against bringing the former top-10 pick back after two injury-shortened seasons in 2023 and 2024. He will be 26 years old by the start of the 2025 NFL season and has the draft pedigree and tools to be at least a developmental piece who teams could take a chance on this year. Its a low-risk investment.

These players listed are far from the only ones available in the free agency market. The journey of building a contending roster never truly ends, and these players could be the key to pushing a team over the top.