The NFL free agency frenzy kicked off with a bang as high-profile players swiftly agreed to deals with teams. Wide receiver Chris Godwin opted to remain in Tampa Bay, while cornerback D.J. Reed is set to showcase his skills in Detroit. Sam Darnold is making his way to the Pacific Northwest, and Justin Fields is bound for the Big Apple. All free agents can formally sign with teams at 4 p.m. ET on March 12, marking the official start of the new league year. Despite a flurry of activity, numerous impact players are still up for grabs in free agency.
Listed below are USA TODAY Sports’ top 24 available free agents:
1. Stefon Diggs, wide receiver (2024 team: Texans) – Diggs, who endured a torn ACL in his debut season in Houston, remains a solid secondary receiver with impressive stats.
2. Amari Cooper, wide receiver (2024 team: Bills) – Cooper, a proficient route runner, struggled to find his footing with the Bills but retains his skill set at 31 years old.
3. Justin Reid, safety (2024 team: Chiefs) – A key presence in the Chiefs’ defense, Reid is a dependable safety known for his tackling prowess.
4. Aaron Rodgers, quarterback (2024 team: Jets) – Rodgers’ stint in New York was marred by injury, but he showed promise towards the end of the tumultuous 2024 season.
5. Cam Robinson, tackle (2024 team: Vikings) – Robinson stepped in admirably for the Vikings, bringing stability to the left tackle position.
6. DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver (2024 team: Chiefs) – Despite his age, Hopkins remains a top target for Kansas City, showcasing his reliable hands.
7. Keenan Allen, wide receiver (2024 team: Bears) – Allen, a seasoned route runner, faces questions about his production decline with the Bears.
8. Joey Bosa, edge (2024 team: Chargers) – Bosa, a potent pass rusher, has been hampered by injuries, impacting his availability for the Chargers.
9. Jonathan Allen, defensive tackle (2024 team: Commanders) – Allen, a former Pro Bowler, hits the market after being released by Washington following injury setbacks.
These standout free agents have drawn significant interest as teams aim to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Return to the field and assist the Commanders in reaching the NFC championship game. Allen has shown durability over the years, with only two seasons playing less than 15 games. In his 109 career regular-season games, he has amassed 401 tackles, 42 sacks, and 60 tackles for loss.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Steelers in 2024, played a crucial role in getting the team to the playoffs. However, the Steelers’ passing offense struggled, ranking 23rd in the league. Wilson still has a strong arm but tends to avoid intermediate passes. Despite being 36 years old, he remains a capable starter in the right circumstances.
Javon Hargrave, the defensive tackle for the 49ers in 2024, was once a highly sought-after free agent. While he earned a Pro Bowl invite in 2023, his 2024 season was cut short due to injury.
J.K. Dobbins, the running back for the Chargers in 2024, had a standout season rushing for 905 yards. Despite his success, injuries have plagued his NFL career.
Evan Engram, the tight end for the Jaguars in 2024, is known for his pass-catching abilities, but was limited to nine games in the previous season due to injury.
Justin Simmons, the safety for the Falcons in 2024, was previously regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL. While still a starting safety, he has not maintained his previous All-Pro level of play.
Will Fries, the guard for the Colts in 2024, suffered a tibia injury in Week 5, limiting his playing time.
Julian Blackmon, the safety for the Colts in 2024, has been a consistent starter with impressive interception and tackle stats in recent seasons.
Teven Jenkins, the guard for the Bears in 2024, faced challenges after the team revamped its offensive line.
Kristian Fulton, the cornerback for the Chargers in 2024, had a strong rebound season, showcasing his skills as the team’s starting outside corner.
Dante Fowler, the edge rusher for the Commanders in 2024, excelled with 10.5 sacks but may transition to a situational pass-rushing role due to his age.
Azeez Ojulari, the edge rusher for the Giants in 2024, showed promise in his rookie season with eight sacks but needs further development in his role.
Asante Samuel Jr., the cornerback for the Chargers in 2024, displayed solid coverage skills but was sidelined by injury after 11 games.
Mekhi Becton, the guard for the Eagles in 2024, rejuvenated his career with the team.
With 6 sacks and 25 pressures playing at right guard, the former first-round pick had a challenging start at tackle with the Jets before settling in at his new position. Kyzir White, a linebacker for the Cardinals in 2024, recorded 137 tackles in 17 starts and has consistently achieved at least 90 tackles in the past four seasons. Demarcus Lawrence, an edge rusher for the Cowboys in 2024, had his season cut short to just four games due to a foot injury, yet he was a key pass rusher for the team. At 33 years old next season, Lawrence will be looking to make a strong return. Stay updated with USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon. This article was originally published on USA TODAY: NFL free agents 2025: Best available players.
