NFL Analysis
2/4/25
15 min read
2025 NFL Free Agency: 1 Player Each Team Should Sign This Offseason
Don’t look now, but the 2025 NFL Free Agency period is just a month away. It’s hard to believe we are that close to the new league year, but it’s true.
While this isn’t the best free agent class in recent memory, there are a handful of players that could shift the balance of power in each conference. And with several teams having nearly $100 million in cap space to spend, we can surely expect another wild offseason.
Which free agent must each team target this offseason? Here is one player each team should sign:
1 Player Each Should Sign in 2025 Free Agency
Arizona Cardinals 
Josh Sweat, EDGE (3 years, $50 million)
It’s no secret that the Arizona Cardinals need pass-rush help this offseason. They had one of the league’s worst pass-rush units all year, but this is a good free-agent class.
Josh Sweat might be the best option on the market, as he’ll turn 28 in March, but he’s racked up 33 sacks in the last four seasons in a heavy rotation. He is an every-down player who continues to get better each year and would instantly be the best pass rusher on the Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons
Haason Reddick, EDGE (2 years, $24 million)
It will be tough to predict the market for Haason Reddick, who played less than 400 snaps last year after a long holdout. Not every team will be interested in a sub-250-pound EDGE rusher, but the Atlanta Falcons had the NFL’s worst pass rush last year and simply need to add talent to the unit.
Reddick is only 30 and has a long, productive track record. This would be a great value for a team that desperately needs to add juice to their pass rush.
Baltimore Ravens
Chauncey Golston, EDGE (2 years, $12 million)
The Baltimore Ravens are unlikely to be big spenders in free agency, but they also manage to sign a few players that end up having big roles moving forward. Chauncey Golston is an ascending player who can play all across the defensive line and in any defense.
He became a full-time starter in Dallas last year and has the size and length that Baltimore covets. Golston isn’t a big-name defender, but he is a winning player who would fit well in Baltimore’s defense.
Buffalo Bills
Eric Kendricks, LB (1 year, $3 million)
The Buffalo Bills were lucky to have a healthy Matt Milano for the playoffs, but they can no longer trust him to stay healthy.
Adding a player like Kendricks for the near minimum would give the Bills another quality linebacker that can help stop the run. The Bills could use more stars on defense, but adding veterans like Kendricks would raise the floor of the unit.
Carolina Panthers
Jevon Holland, S (3 years, $58 million)
Jevon Holland is the best safety on the market, as a 25-year-old playmaker who has stacked some strong seasons together.
The Carolina Panthers have to upgrade their defense this offseason, and adding arguably the best secondary player in free agency would be a good start. Expect them to be in the wide receiver market, as well. But for the defense to get a lot of attention early in free agency.
Chicago Bears
Trey Smith, OG (5 years, $105 million)
What will Ben Johnson’s first bit of business be for the Chicago Bears? Upgrading the offensive line. Trey Smith is the best guard on the market and will get paid handsomely.
Smith will turn 26 this offseason and can instantly be the best starter for Chicago. It will cost a lot to get him, but the Bears have to improve the offensive line this offseason to protect Caleb Williams.
Cincinnati Bengals
Darius Slayton, WR (3 years, $38 million)
If the Cincinnati Bengals lose Tee Higgins, they would need to strike quickly to replace him, and this is not the draft to be searching for a receiver early.
Slayton won't be nearly the price of Higgins but could add a similar vertical element to the offense. Pairing Chase and Slayton together for the next few years would be a pretty good backup plan for Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns
Ronnie Stanley, LT (3 years, $60 million)
The Cleveland Browns were hopeful that Jedrick Wills would be the long-term answer at left tackle, but that hasn’t happened, and it sure feels like that window is closed.
Stanley could be a good option for Cleveland, especially after seeing him up close and personal in the AFC North. Stanley will earn a big payday, but left tackle is a massive need for Cleveland this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Robert Spillane, LB (2 years, $16 million)
The Dallas Cowboys have major linebacker issues going into the offseason since Eric Kendricks is set to be a free agent. DeMarvion Overshown is likely to miss most of the 2025 season with a knee injury.
That leaves just second-year player Marist Liufau at linebacker. Spillane could be a Day 1 starter for the Cowboys after back-to-back strong seasons in Las Vegas. Spillane isn’t the most athletic linebacker, but he makes every tackle and doesn’t ever come off the field.
Denver Broncos
Tre’Von Moehrig, S (3 years, $45 million)
The Denver Broncos have to find a better safety option than P.J. Locke this offseason, and they could do so by signing someone away from the Raiders. Tre’Von Moehrig has been an incredibly durable and reliable player in Las Vegas during the last four seasons.
While he isn’t overly dynamic, he can play all over the defense and is an ascending player. Adding him to Vance Joseph’s defense would give Denver the best secondary in the league.
Detroit Lions
Jourdan Lewis, CB (1 year, $8 million)
The former Michigan star was a force for the Cowboys this season and arguably had the best season of his career. He is a no-nonsense cornerback that does his best work in the slot.
Lewis is getting older, and slot defenders usually don’t age that well. However, he is exactly the type of player that Dan Campbell loves and would be an awesome fit for the Detroit Lions.
Green Bay Packers
Khalil Mack, EDGE (2 years, $40 million)
The Green Bay Packers desperately need to find a pass rusher opposite Rashan Gary, and it’s possible they'll wait until the draft to fill that need. But Green Bay is ready to win now, and their best option might be to pay big money for a one or two-year rental.
Khalil Mack missed some time in 2024 with injuries, but he is still highly productive whenever he is on the field. He’ll be 34 during the 2025 season, but he can still produce elite numbers as a No. 2 pass rusher.
Houston Texans
Amari Cooper, WR (2 years, $34 million)
The Houston Texans were aggressive in improving their wide receiver room in 2024, adding Stefon Diggs to Nico Collins and Tank Dell. But with Diggs and Dell suffering season-ending knee injuries, the group was decimated by the time the playoffs came around.
Diggs is a free agent, and Dell will likely miss the entire 2025 season. Amari Cooper could be a suitable option for Houston, especially considering he’s averaged nearly 83 yards per game in his career when playing indoors.
Indianapolis Colts
Zack Martin, RG (1 year, $15 million)
It seems pretty unlikely that Martin will return to Dallas in 2025, and he is expected to heavily consider retirement. However, the Indianapolis Colts could be an interesting landing spot for Martin if he decides to play one more year.
Martin is building/built a house in Indiana and grew up in Indianapolis. Returning home for one year to play with Quenton Nelson makes some sense for a team wanting to improve their offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Asante Samuel Jr., CB (2 years, $28 million)
The Jacksonville Jaguars locked up Tyson Campbell to a long-term contract last offseason, but they could use another cornerback opposite him. Asante Samuel Jr. played college football at Florida State, and the idea of returning home could be appealing.
He only played 234 snaps due to injury this season, but he is a quality No. 2 cornerback when healthy and would be a huge upgrade for Jacksonville.
Kansas City Chiefs
Tyron Smith, LT (1 year, $6 million)
There is a good chance that Tyron Smith will retire this offseason after another season-ending injury. However, if he decides to return in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs could be a good landing spot.
Smith won’t command a lot of money due to his injury history, but he is still one of the league’s best pass blockers. Signing him would allow Joe Thuney to kick back to guard, ensuring the Chiefs have one of the NFL’s top offensive lines once again.
Las Vegas Raiders
Sam Darnold, QB (3 years, $124 million)
Picking at No. 6, it seems unlikely that the Las Vegas Raiders will land Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. However. with Pete Carroll signed on as the next head coach, it sure doesn’t feel like he’ll want to develop a quarterback anyway. Sam Darnold is coming off the best season of his career and is only 27.
The Raiders will need to surround him with top-end talent as the Vikings did, but that shouldn’t be too hard with Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers already on the roster. Darnold isn’t the perfect solution for Las Vegas, but he gives them a respectable quarterback in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix.
Los Angeles Chargers
Stefon Diggs, WR (1 year, $14 million)
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Chargers need wide receiver help. Quentin Johnston just isn’t reliable enough to be the No. 1 X-receiver, and Joshua Palmer can’t stay on the field. Ladd McConkey was the team’s leading receiver from the slot, but adding Diggs would give them a viable and reliable option on the outside.
Diggs will be returning from a torn ACL, which will greatly discount his price. But for a team that needs another receiver as badly as the Chargers do, this could end up being a massive steal.
Los Angeles Rams
Rasul Douglas, CB (2 years, $25 million)
The Los Angeles Rams just didn’t have the defensive backs to stop the top-end offenses in the NFL last year and were constantly rotating aging veterans. Douglas is another veteran, but he is as reliable as it comes and never has to come off the field.
He would be a massive upgrade on the outside for Los Angeles and would give it a true No. 1 cornerback to matchup against Marvin Harrison Jr, Brandon Aiyuk, and DK Metcalf in the division.
Miami Dolphins
Dan Moore, LT (3 years, $35 million)
Dan Moore is far from a household name, but he’s been a four-year starter for the Steelers and has started 66 games since being drafted in 2021. He isn’t as talented as Terron Armstead, but he stays on the field, and his athleticism allows him to be successful.
The Miami Dolphins offense line could benefit from a durable starter who won’t turn 27 until several weeks into the season. This wouldn’t be a flashy signing, but it would be a smart one for Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Mike Hilton, CB (3 years, $27 million)
Brian Flores loves to blitz, and there isn’t a better blitzer from the slot than Mike Hilton. While he isn’t great in coverage, Hilton does everything else at a high level. He is an outstanding run defender and has a knack for finding the football.
He’ll turn 31 before the 2025 season, and that could scare some teams off, but Hilton is a good football player who would be even better with the Minnesota Vikings.
New England Patriots
Teven Jenkins, OG (3 years, $41 million)
The New England Patriots would love to find a No. 1 receiver or a high-level offensive tackle this offseason in free agency, but that is easier said than done. Instead, Mike Vrabel upgrades the interior offensive line by getting one of the best guards on the market.
Jenkins is a physical blocker who can be devastating in the run game. Keeping him on the field has been an issue, as he’s missed a lot of time since being drafted. However, Jenkins is only 27, and he would add a lot of talent to New England's interior offensive line.
New Orleans Saints
Marquise Brown, WR (2 years, $16 million)
The New Orleans Saints do not have a lot of cap space to spend in free agency, but they could really use help at wide receiver with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaeed ending the season on the injured reserve list.
Hollywood Brown offers speed and big-play ability at a reasonable cost. Brown could end up being a big value in 2025 if he decides to leave Kansas City.
New York Giants
Charvarius Ward, CB (3 years, $45 million)
The outside cornerback spot has been an issue for the New York Giants for years. But the good news is that Andru Phillips looks like a star in the slot.
Adding Ward would give them a viable No. 1 outside cornerback that could help slow down CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, and Terry McLaurin in the NFC East.
New York Jets
Stephon Gilmore, CB (1 year, $5 million)
It seems pretty likely that D.J. Reed will leave in free agency, and the New York Jets need another competent cornerback to pair with Sauce Gardner.
They could opt for a younger option, but Stephon Gilmore is still a viable and cheap option. Adding him for just a few million could ensure that their secondary remains a strength.
Philadelphia Eagles
Baron Browning, LB/EDGE (1 year, $5 million)
With Zack Baun likely leaving in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles will need to do their best to replicate their success from last year. Browning is a similar player who has spent time at defensive end and linebacker throughout his career.
He is an attacking, downhill linebacker who has done his best work when blitzing. Injuries will keep him from earning a bigger contract, but there is a lot of talent here.
Pittsburgh Steelers
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (2 years, $28 million)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been hunting wide receivers for the past several years, and we can expect them to be aggressive in free agency. Hopkins will turn 33 before the 2025 season, but he can still be a viable outside receiver.
He doesn’t create much separation at this stage of his career, but Hopkins would be a major upgrade over Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, and Calvin Austin.
San Francisco 49ers
Milton Williams, DT (3 years, $60 million)
With Robert Saleh back as the defensive coordinator, you can expect the San Francisco 49ers to be aggressive in free agency, adding to their defensive line. And Milton Williams might be the best defensive tackle on the market.
He is undersized, but he is just 26 years old, and he is an ascending player. Who knows how the 49ers will pull it off in free agency, but we’ve seen over and over again that this team will be competitive when it comes to adding the top players on the market.
Seattle Seahawks
James Daniels, OG (1 year, $6 million)
The Seattle Seahawks must improve their interior offensive line this offseason, and one player that could end up being a major value is James Daniels. He was a reliable starter for Pittsburgh during the last few years, but he tore his Achilles early during the 2024 season.
He should be ready to go by Week 1 of the 2025 season, and he is only 27. Buying low on a proven NFL guard would be a shrewd move by Seattle’s front office.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE (1 year, $6 million)
DeMarcus Lawrence has been one of the NFL’s top EDGE rushers when it comes to defending the run, but an early-season foot injury ended his 2024 season.
Lawrence does have a history of injuries, and that will lower his price tag, but he is still a high-end NFL starter when healthy and would be a massive addition to Todd Bowles’ defense.
Tennessee Titans
Chase Young, EDGE (2 years, $30 million)
Young looked like his former self with the Saints in 2024, putting together one of the best seasons of his career. He played more than 700 snaps for the second straight season and proved that he can still be a high-end starter in the right situation.
The Tennesee Titans need to add size and athleticism to their EDGE rusher room, and Young would help.
Washington Commanders
Tee Higgins, WR (4 years, $138 million)
The Washington Commanders are heading into Year 2 with Jayden Daniels and are sitting on nearly $100 million in cap space. Now is the time to be aggressive, and you can bet they will be this offseason.
Tee Higgins is the top player on the market, and the Commanders could easily make him the highest-paid receiver in the league. Adding Higgins with Terry McLaurin would ensure that Washington has enough playmakers to win the NFC next season.
