The NFL free agency period is quickly approaching, with the legal tampering period starting on March 10 and the new league year officially beginning at 4 p.m. ET on March 12. As numerous standout players from across the league prepare to potentially switch teams this offseason, speculation abounds about where they might land.
Key offensive talents like Tee Higgins, Trey Smith, Chris Godwin, and Sam Darnold could be sporting new uniforms next season, while defensive stars such as Jevon Holland, Khalil Mack, and Josh Sweat are also considering new opportunities.
USA TODAY Sports delves into potential landing spots for the top 25 free agents, analyzing the best fits for players like Tee Higgins, Trey Smith, Chris Godwin, Jevon Holland, D.J. Reed, Ronnie Stanley, and Stefon Diggs.
For Tee Higgins, the Los Angeles Chargers emerge as a strong contender, offering a coveted No. 1 wide receiver position. Trey Smith, one of the league’s top guards, could find a promising fit with the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin might thrive with the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing valuable experience and mentorship alongside standout George Pickens.
Jevon Holland’s versatile skills could greatly benefit the Minnesota Vikings, rejuvenating their safety unit, while D.J. Reed’s coverage prowess could flourish under former Jets coach Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta. Ronnie Stanley’s stability and proficiency at left tackle make him an ideal candidate for the Baltimore Ravens, a move that could bolster their Super Bowl aspirations.
As the NFL landscape shifts with these potential moves, the quest for greatness continues for both elite athletes and their prospective ultimate team destinations.
Ans Diggs sustained a torn ACL in his debut season with Houston and now appears better suited as a secondary receiver in this stage of his career. With Tank Dell out due to a severe knee injury, the Texans face a gap at wide receiver for the upcoming season. Nico Collins and Diggs have shown promise in limited opportunities within the Houston offense.
Khalil Mack, a standout edge rusher for the Chargers in 2024, is recommended to fit well with the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite not being as dominant as before, Mack remains a playmaker and veteran leader that could benefit the team.
Amari Cooper, who joined the Bills last season, is suggested as a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals due to his experience and route-running skills. His presence could greatly assist Marvin Harrison Jr. as the top wide receiver for the Cardinals.
Zack Baun, who shined as a linebacker for the Eagles in 2024, is advised to stay with the Philadelphia Eagles after an impressive season. The team should prioritize retaining him as he enters what could be the prime of his career.
Sam Darnold, the Vikings quarterback in 2024, is proposed as a suitable fit for the Las Vegas Raiders, who are in need of a starting quarterback. Darnold’s USC connection with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll could play a role in this potential move.
Josh Sweat, who excelled as an edge rusher for the Eagles last season, is highlighted as a good fit for the Los Angeles Rams. His strong performance in Super Bowl 59 has positioned him for a significant pay raise, raising questions about his future with the Eagles.
Haason Reddick, who had a challenging season with the Jets in 2024, is identified as a potential addition for the Las Vegas Raiders to bolster their pass rush alongside Maxx Crosby.
Nick Bolton, a linebacker for the Chiefs in 2024, is recommended to continue with the Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing his potential to contribute effectively to their defense.
Nick Bolton has been consistently productive for the Chiefs, leading the team with 106 tackles in the regular season and achieving over 100 tackles in three of his last four seasons. As the captain of the Chiefs defense, losing Bolton to free agency would be a significant blow for Kansas City.
Justin Reid, a safety for the Chiefs, is a key player in the team’s defensive backfield, known for his reliability and tackling skills. Reid has surpassed 80 tackles in each of his three seasons with the Chiefs, making him the standout safety on the team. Despite the team’s Super Bowl loss, Reid has expressed his desire to remain in Kansas City.
Talanoa Hufanga, a safety for the 49ers, has been dealing with injuries over the past two seasons, limiting his playing time. When healthy, Hufanga is a top safety in the NFL. Partnering with cornerback Pat Surtain, he could form a formidable duo in the Denver Broncos’ defensive backfield.
DeAndre Hopkins, the wide receiver for the Chiefs, emerged as a top target in Kansas City but had a quiet postseason. With a desire to play for a contender, Hopkins could be a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens, who are looking to improve their receiving corps.
Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the 49ers, had a solid 2024 season but may be a good addition to the Detroit Lions, who struggled with pass defense. With Carlton Davis entering free agency, Ward could bolster the Lions’ secondary.
Cam Robinson, a tackle for the Vikings, proved to be a reliable option after joining the team to fill in for an injured player. At 29 years old, Robinson still has productive years ahead and could be a good fit for the Chiefs, who need to strengthen their offensive line.
Aaron Jones, the running back for the Vikings, had a successful season with over 1,100 rushing yards. Jones could benefit the Vikings as they look to support their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Keenan Allen, a wide receiver for the Bears, may find a better fit with the Los Angeles Rams due to his declining numbers in Chicago. Allen’s route-running skills could be valuable for the Rams as they consider their receiving options.
Byron Murphy, a cornerback for the Vikings, earned his first Pro Bowl selection with an impressive season. It would be wise for the Vikings to retain Murphy given his strong performance.
Carlton Davis, a cornerback for the Lions, could be a good fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars, especially with their need for cornerback help. Davis started 13 games and could bring experience to the Jaguars’ defense.
In 2024, Drew Jefferson made significant contributions to the Lions, especially in enhancing their cornerback group, which had been identified as a weakness in the previous year. Regrettably, his season was cut short due to a fractured jaw sustained late in the campaign.
The Jaguars faced challenges with the NFL’s most porous pass defense in 2024, allowing an alarming average of 257 yards per game. Clearly, Jacksonville is in dire need of bolstering their secondary.
Center Drew Dalman, who played for the Falcons in 2024, appears to be a strong fit for a return to Atlanta. Despite incurring two sacks and 10 pressures during his 554 snaps at center, Dalman’s performance was commendable. He did miss some action due to an ankle injury but did cap off the season with six consecutive starts. Considering his established chemistry with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., it would be prudent for the Falcons to retain Dalman, who is currently the top center available in the free-agent market.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, a key player for the Steelers in 2024, played a vital role in securing a playoff berth for the team. However, the Steelers’ passing offense struggled to find its rhythm. The team faces a decision between retaining Wilson or opting for Justin Fields moving forward. While Fields may possess greater potential at this stage of their careers, there are speculations that the Steelers might opt to bring back Wilson for another season. Nonetheless, Fields is likely to attract interest from other teams.
For more insights on NFL free agency and updates on the top 25 free agents, follow Tyler Dragon from USA TODAY Sports via X @TheTylerDragon.
