NFL Analysis
3/11/25
6 min read
Dream Landing Spots for Top 2025 NFL Free Agents Left On The Market
The first day of the NFL's legal tampering period brought its usual flurry of deals, including record-setting contracts and one-year fliers. Whether Justin Fields landed with the New York Jets, Chris Godwin returned to Tampa Bay, or Josh Sweat cashed in with Arizona, NFL free agency has already changed certain teams' fates for 2025 and beyond.
This free agent class was never considered overly strong, but that doesn't mean there won't be a bunch of veterans who prove worthy of big investments. Even if a Super Bowl winner isn't built in free agency, getting to the playoffs is a huge development for fan bases. There are still impactful options if your team missed out.
With a few quarterbacks, fantasy-relevant running backs, and defensive playmakers yet to sign, we can get down to the details when projecting their best fits.
Here are the dream landing spots for the top remaining free agents.
Dream Landing Spots for Top Remaining Free Agents
Aaron Rodgers, QB: Pittsburgh Steelers
It's impossible to separate some of the personality issues that Aaron Rodgers seems to bring from his on-field capabilities, but Pittsburgh's situation is desperate enough to give the 41-year-old a try.
Rodgers is no longer a high-end starter in terms of consistent playmaking, but he was better than Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were in 2024. Considering Pittsburgh's investments into DK Metcalf and a rebuilt offensive line, the team should be confident they can get even more out of Rodgers in 2025.
There are still plenty of positives to Rodgers' game, including reliable accuracy and decision-making. His explosive throw rate dropped significantly after his Achilles tear, and he's not nearly as mobile as he was many moons ago, but the Steelers can be a feared playoff team with Rodgers at the helm.
Russell Wilson, QB: New York Giants
Overall, Russell Wilson was a fine starting quarterback for much of 2024. His turnover-worthy-throw rate plummeted to one of his career-best marks, and he sprinkled in enough downfield throws to overcome his usually high sack rate. Wilson tapered off at the end of the season, and that'd be hard for Pittsburgh to welcome back, but the Giants are in a different position.
It seems likely the Giants will draft a rookie early in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Wilson's presence at least provides some veteran guidance for the young players and staff to rely upon.
Brandon Scherff, OG: Cincinnati Bengals
The top remaining offensive lineman on the market is a dream fit for a few ailing units across the league, but it's impossible not to name Cincinnati here. The Bengals' run game has been abysmal for years because of its awful interior blocking. Cincinnati has thrown assets to the position but has whiffed on the evaluation and development phases for far too long.
Unable to spend big on Aaron Banks and Will Fries, going with a veteran who won't have the same long-term money commitment makes sense. Brandon Scherff, at 33 years old, is a devastating run blocker who had a top-15 pass-block win rate in 2024. It'd be a good fit for Cincinnati's offense, and in return, Scherff could try to ring chase alongside Joe Burrow.
Cam Robinson, OT: Washington Commanders
Still only 29 and respected around the league for being a solid but unspectacular pass-blocker, Cam Robinson will have a hard time finding an open left tackle spot at this point.
His pass-blocking efficiency was a career-worst 94.4 in 2024, and he allowed 13 penalties while playing a career-high number of snaps with two teams. Interested teams must have confidence Robinson will bounce back to his previous standard, which was above average comparatively.
However, a move to right tackle seems in order. Even after acquiring Laremy Tunsil, the Washington Commanders can upgrade on Andrew Wylie at right tackle without breaking the bank on Robinson. The other potential landing spots could include Seattle, Cleveland, and New Orleans, but each has a younger option in place.
Rico Dowdle, RB: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have yet to strike a big free agent deal, and it's unlikely they'll make a big external splash. Bringing back Rico Dowdle might not break the bank but it's a sensical move based on how well he played in the second-half of 2024. Dowdle and newcomer Javonte Williams would form a nice tandem unit.
From Week 12 through the end of the season, Dowdle found his form. He averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in all but two games and became a wrecking ball through contact. There were nine games where he created at least three yards after contact per carry in 2024, with five coming in the final seven games of the year.
That's the type of momentum you want to see from a less-experienced player heading into his prime, and Dallas might as well be the team that benefits from developing Dowdle.
Joey Bosa, EDGE: San Francisco 49ers
Beyond the obviously cool aspect of reuniting the Bosa brothers, the San Francisco 49ers are simply the perfect situation for Joey Bosa. There are clear durability issues with the older Bosa, as he's failed to log more than 503 snaps in each of the last three years. Turning 30 this summer, it's unlikely to get much better without an adjustment of his role.
Still incredibly effective at pressuring the quarterback and holding his own in run support, Bosa can be a high-end platoon player alongside Leonard Floyd and Nick Bosa. He also wouldn't break the bank, fitting into San Francisco's short-term cap needs.
