NFL Free Agency: Top Remaining Talents and Potential Landing Spots

The 2025 NFL Draft dust has settled, but the scramble to refine rosters continues. Teams are now actively combing through the free agent pool to address lingering needs that weren’t fulfilled during the draft. Several high-caliber players remain available, creating intriguing possibilities for teams looking to bolster their squads before organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps commence.

Offensively, the wide receiver market boasts notable names like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen. The quarterback position is also subject to speculation, with Aaron Rodgers’s future still uncertain. Defensively, the market features talents like safety Justin Simmons, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

The pressing question is whether most of these top free agents will find new homes before the intensity of offseason programs escalates. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling names and potential landing spots, according to USA TODAY Sports.

Offensive Standouts

Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver)

Cooper is coming off a less productive season than expected. After being traded to Buffalo midseason, he struggled to establish a strong rapport with Josh Allen. Despite this, Cooper remains a skilled route runner and reliable possession receiver capable of creating separation. A significant 75% of his targets were on short and intermediate routes, highlighting his ability to make plays in the underneath areas.

A potential reunion with the Dallas Cowboys was once discussed. However, Dallas’s recent acquisition of George Pickens may have altered their plans, potentially removing them as a suitor for Cooper’s services. Cooper’s next destination will likely depend on a team looking for a veteran presence to complement their existing receiving corps.

Keenan Allen (Wide Receiver)

Allen is a proven veteran who recently set a single-season receptions record with the Chargers in 2023. His time in Chicago wasn’t as fruitful. Though his age-32 season revealed some signs of decline, his struggles could be partially attributed to catching passes from a rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. The Bears opted not to retain Allen, choosing instead to invest in rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III.

Allen’s experience and route-running prowess are still valuable assets, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable target for their quarterback. He may be best suited for a team where he can contribute as a key receiving threat.

Aaron Rodgers (Quarterback)

The Aaron Rodgers saga continues. All signs appear to indicate that Rodgers will join the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was recently seen throwing passes to new Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, hinting at a potential collaboration. The Steelers’ decision to avoid drafting a quarterback early further suggests their confidence in acquiring Rodgers.

The pairing of Rodgers and Metcalf in Pittsburgh has the potential to be a dynamic and explosive partnership. While the situation remains fluid, the pieces seem to be falling into place for Rodgers to lead the Steelers in the upcoming season.

J.K. Dobbins (Running Back)

Dobbins showcased his potential with a career-high 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games during his time in Los Angeles. However, his impact was limited by a knee injury that sidelined him for four games. Throughout his career, injuries have been a recurring issue, preventing him from starting more than 11 games in a season. Despite these challenges, Dobbins has proven to be productive when healthy.

The Chargers decided to move in a different direction, replacing Dobbins with Najee Harris and 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton. Dobbins’s next team will need to carefully manage his workload and prioritize his health.

Corey Davis (Wide Receiver)

The Jaguars released Davis despite signing him to a three-year contract the previous year. His production dipped in 2024, with career lows in catches (20) and receiving yards (239). Jacksonville’s acquisition of Dyami Brown in free agency, coupled with the draft-day trade for Travis Hunter, rendered Davis expendable.

Davis’s skill set is best suited for a third receiving option, where he can contribute as a complementary player in the passing game. He can find a place on a team looking to add depth to their receiving corps.

Defensive Priorities

Justin Simmons (Safety)

Simmons was once considered one of the league’s premier safeties. He formed a formidable safety tandem with Jessie Bates in Atlanta. For the past eight seasons, he has consistently recorded at least 60 tackles and two interceptions. The 31-year-old safety has earned four second-team All-Pro selections.

Atlanta seems to be comfortable moving on from Simmons, having drafted safeties Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. in the recent draft. Simmons’s experience, versatility, and ball-hawking skills make him a valuable asset for any team seeking to upgrade their secondary.

Julian Blackmon (Safety)

Blackmon has been a reliable presence in the Indianapolis secondary for the past five years. He’s coming off consecutive seasons with at least three interceptions and 85 tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Blackmon’s 73.5 coverage grade ranked 15th among qualifying safeties.

Blackmon’s ability to make plays on the ball and contribute as a tackler makes him an appealing option for teams in need of a dependable safety.

Asante Samuel Jr. (Cornerback)

Samuel’s 2024 season was cut short after just four games due to a shoulder injury. Los Angeles has since moved on at the cornerback position. Despite his relatively smaller stature (5-foot-10), Samuel allowed a completion percentage of under 63% when targeted in his first three seasons. While primarily an outside corner, he also possesses the versatility to play in the slot.

Samuel’s coverage skills and versatility could make him a valuable addition to a team seeking a cornerback with the ability to play multiple roles.

Kyzir White (Linebacker)

White recorded an impressive 137 tackles in 17 starts for Arizona last year, leading the Cardinals in tackles. However, the team’s acquisition of Akeem Davis-Gaither could signal White’s replacement. At 29 years old, White remains an athletic linebacker. He has consistently tallied at least 90 tackles in each of the past four seasons.

White’s tackling ability and athleticism make him a strong candidate to bolster a team’s linebacker corps.

Za’Darius Smith (Edge Rusher)

Smith will turn 33 around the start of the 2025 season. He accumulated nine sacks between the two teams he played for last year. The veteran edge rusher has consistently generated at least 61 pressures in each of the past three seasons. Smith thrives when playing opposite another talented pass rusher.

Smith’s proven ability to generate pressure and disrupt opposing quarterbacks makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking to bolster their pass rush. His experience and skill set could be particularly beneficial when paired with another standout pass rusher.

The upcoming weeks leading up to OTAs and mandatory minicamps will be crucial for these free agents as they seek to secure their next opportunities. The landscape of the NFL is constantly evolving, and these remaining talents have the potential to significantly impact their new teams.