One free agent each NFL team should want to sign in 2025

The Cardinals could upgrade at inside linebacker in a big way by adding Greenlaw, all while also weakening the San Francisco defense. EDGE Josh Sweat is a name often linked to the Cardinals because they do need a better pass rush from the edge (their sack leader in 2024 was Zaven Collins with five) and Sweat offers both production and familiarity, as two of his best seasons came when Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was his defensive coordinator.  Still, Greenlaw would shore up the second level of the defense in both run support and coverage. Paired with Mack Wilson, that would be a very physical pairing. – Jess Root, Cards Wire

The Falcons enter yet another offseason with question marks surrounding their pass rush. Matthew Judon likely won’t return after an underwhelming 2024 campaign and it’s time to find some new blood. The team can’t address everything in the draft so Atlanta should look to sign free-agent linebacker Azeez Ojulari. The former second-round pick has 22 sacks and 37 QB hits in 46 career games. Last season, Ojulari finished with more sacks (6) than Judon (5.5). The 24-year-old Georgia native would be a good fit in Atlanta without breaking the bank. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

The Ravens have several needs and little salary cap space to continue improving on an offensive line that was middle of the pack despite having Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten on the outside at offensive tackle.  Stanley and Patrick Mekari are free agents, and the 25-year-old Smith could slide in as a left guard while Baltimore continues to add young talent via the NFL draft.   Smith’s 78.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season ranked 11th among all guards,  and more importantly, he’s missed just one start in four NFL seasons and made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 after being tied for the most pass-block snaps without a sack (665).  – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

The Bills have a chance to right a wrong. Buffalo traded up to the No. 4 selection at the 2014 NFL draft and selected… wide receiver Sammy Watkins. While Watkins had a solid year or two with the Bills, he hasn’t played in the NFL since 2022 and is no Khalil Mack. While not a Buffalo native, western New Yorkers are a prideful bunch. Mack played at the University at Buffalo and is their football program’s best ever player. He was selected one pick later by the Oakland Raiders and has consistently produced in the pros. The 34-year-old is not coming off of his best season, but many in Bills Mafia are hopeful of a Myles Garrett trade. Mack wouldn’t cost the Bills anything in a trade package as a free agent. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan has stated that he’ll be on the hunt for defensive playmakers who can “take the ball away.” Well, Bynum has done a pretty good job of that in Minnesota, where he’s recorded eight interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over four seasons. The productive 26-year-old can step right in to wreak havoc and help stabilize Carolina’s safety position—a spot that could lose 83.1 percent of their 2024 snaps to free agency. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

The Bears have multiple spots to fill along the offensive line after quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season. Right tackle Darnell Wright is the only player promised a starting job next season, so there’s plenty of movement to come. With Teven Jenkins expected to depart in free agency, Chicago needs to fill both guard spots, and Trey Smith would go a long way in improving this offensive line. Assuming the Chiefs don’t use the franchise tag on Smith, the Bears should be all-in on the Pro Bowl guard, who has a connection to GM Ryan Poles. Smith won’t be cheap, but Poles already learned the hard way that bargain hunting for offensive linemen is a recipe for disaster. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

The Bengals likely need to blow up the interior of the offensive line this summer, or at least the guard spots. Cordell Volson, a fourth-round pick in 2022, has been a disappointment at left guard and was outright benched this past season. On the right side of center Ted Karras, Alex Cappa just had a dramatic, unexpected regression to the tune of a 50.5 PFF grade (110/135 ranked guards). Cutting Cappa would save $8 million against the salary cap, so it’s a no-brainer. Like Cappa a few offseasons ago, Mekhi Becton would be an ideal big addition for a team that wants to win now and has been horrendous at developing their own linemen. The former first-round pick just broke out as a guard on the Philadelphia Eagles and would give the Bengals the biggest right side in the NFL when slotting him next to the 6’8”, 350-pound Amarius Mims. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

The former first round pick of the New York Jets, Mekhi Becton found success moving inside to guard with the Philadelphia Eagles this past season. While guard might be his best position moving forward (where the Browns have a need pending the retirement of Joel Bitonio), they also need a left tackle, where Becton played in college and with the Jets. Moving back to a wide zone scheme as well, Becton was lauded for his movement skills at his tremendous size, giving the Browns to protect him a bit more when asked to climb and get to the boundary instead of consistently squaring up in a phonebooth. Given the Browns’ need to fill holes without breaking the bank, Becton should be relatively cost-effective after a bounce-back year in Philadelphia. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

The Cowboys are going to need to bombard the DT position, especially if they don’t bring back an expensive Osa Odighizuwa. They need to make a smart move for a vet RB, like signing Jordan Mason to an RFA offer sheet. But the best move for the Cowboys would be to grab linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The idea of having Greenlaw and DeMarvion Overshown in tandem in Matt Eberflus’ defense is tantalizing. If Greenlaw’s injury (played just 34 snaps in 2024) history puts him in the prove-it category, that would be right up Dallas’ alley as they wait to see whether or not Overshown is capable of staying away from the injury bug. Greenlaw is an athletic, sideline to sideline defender who has become a strong coverage defender. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire

The Broncos saved $14.5 million when they released Justin Simmons last year, but there was a clear dropoff when P.J. Locke took over as a starter in 2024. Simmons is not playing at the same elite level he once did, but he would still be a big upgrade for Denver at safety after spending a year with the Falcons. A former teammate has also hinted that Simmons is open to returning to the Broncos, and he likely won’t command a large salary in his age-32 season.  – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire 

Sweat is cut straight from the Lions cloth as a pass rusher to align opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. He’s got requisite length and size at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, and he plays with a “crush the can” style of power and burst off the line that Detroit figures to keep favoring with new DC Kelvin Sheppard. Sweat turns 28 in March, meaning he’s still got a lot of productivity and juice left in his legs after being in a timeshare role for much of his career with the Eagles. He represents a more consistent and versatile option than Za’Darius Smith, who can still return as a veteran reserve. The Lions will have the cap room to fit in Sweat even with the expected bump in pay that his tour de force performance in the Super Bowl likely commands. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Mack turns 34 this month, so he’s not the young, ascending free agent type the Packers have targeted with great success under Brian Gutekunst. But the Packers need pass-rushing help, and Mack – a nine-time Pro Bowler – is coming off a terrific 2024 season with the Chargers. In 2014, then Packers GM Ted Thompson made the shocking move to sign Julius Peppers, who was in the backend of his career but still a productive and disruptive player. This would be similar. Mack could team with Rashan Gary to give the Packers a big, physical edge-rushing duo and allow the team to keep developing Lukas Van Ness behind them. The Packers should be aggressive in veteran free agency, and signing Mack – who has averaged 66 pressures a year over the last three seasons – would help check an important box at edge rusher this offseason. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

The Texans must upgrade their offensive line after giving up 54 sacks against second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Targeting someone in the draft to provide a long-term option, Houston needs a plug-and-play starter at both guard spots before Week 1 rolls around. Daniels is coming off a torn Achilles injury, but he put together one of the best starts for an offensive lineman in four games, posting a 92.9 PFF grade. And despite only being 27, Daniels has seven years of starting experience. He’s an all-around quality blocker who could be looking for a cheap one-year prove-it deal this offseason to better his market in 2026. His addition wouldn’t stop Houston from drafting a future starting guard, but it could open the draft board to pivot toward a different position on Day 1. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire

We’ve seen Chris Ballard take some swings in free agency in the past and after calling his roster construction approach last offseason a “mistake” and wanting to infuse the roster with competition, perhaps we see a more aggressive approach this offseason. If that’s the case, then bringing in safety Jevon Holland should be on Ballard’s radar, and if there’s a player you should be willing to hand out a big contract to, it’s one like Holland who has experience, the production, and still isn’t 25 years old. I believe there is added incentive for the Colts to splurge in free agency rather than waiting for the draft with new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme utilizing Cover-1 looks a fair amount, along with requiring versatility, and relying heavily on the ability to disguise coverages, all of which puts a premium on having experience at the safety position. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire

Finding a starting boundary cornerback to line up opposite of Tyson Campbell has to be a priority for the Jaguars. This is a pass defense that ranked 24th in completion rate last season and was bottom three in passer rating, interceptions, and yards per pass attempt allowed–giving up way too many big plays. In new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s malleable scheme, Davis can play both man and zone, and he’s a capable tackler, another factor that will grab Campanile’s attention. Over his seven year career, Davis has allowed a completion rate of just 58% and he has 11 interceptions and 73 pass breakups. – Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire

The Chiefs’ biggest need is at the left tackle position, but the addition of a player like Isaiah Simmons could prove to be a game-changer for Kansas City’s defense next season. Steve Spagnuolo’s linebackers only came away with one interception this season and consistently failed to disrupt the intermediate passing game in key situations. By signing Simmons, the Chiefs gain a playmaker with elite ball skills and range to compensate for the potential loss of standout linebacker Nick Bolton in free agency. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

The Raiders need a QB. Equally unknown to that detail is how important having one usually is to the success of an NFL team. You can quote me on that. Anyway, there is basically one potential long term answer at QB in this free agent class and that’s Darnold. Is he a sure bet to continue the breakout success he had in Minnesota last season? Absolutely not. Could the Vikings slap the tag on him to get something back in trade? Seems pretty likely. But whether it’s signing him outright or trading for him, the Raiders need to try. This draft is weak enough at the position that other than the potential salary cap implications, there is just as much risk in spending the sixth overall pick (or higher if they trade up) on Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. And if you take care of that glaring need now, you’re freed up to take the best player on the board atop the draft. That’s a good position to be in. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire

The Chargers didn’t get positive results from the center position this past season with Bradley Bozeman as the starter. Bozeman, who was signed last offseason, struggled in pass protection, which made it difficult on Justin Herbert. Kelly has dealt with injuries the past couple of seasons, but he has established himself as one of the top pass-blocking centers in the league. His 73.2 Pro Football Focus pass-block grade over the past three seasons ranks fourth among 28 qualifying centers, while his 2.9% pressure rate allowed also ranks fourth. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Cornerback is an underrated need for the Rams. Ahkello Witherspoon is a free agent and Darious Williams is a potential cap casualty, so the Rams will need help at the position. Reed is one of the top corners available on the market and he’d be an excellent fit in Los Angeles. He won’t break the bank, being a 28-year-old free agent, but he’s aggressive and can match up one-on-one with opposing No. 1 receivers. Plus, he’s almost exclusively a boundary cornerback, which is where the Rams need the most help. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

The five-time Pro Bowler’s best days are in the rear view mirror, but he’s still a reasonably reliable veteran who was a two-time team captain in both Washington and Jacksonville. In 2024, he was credited with allowing zero sacks and committed only two penalties. For a team in desperate need of interior offensive line help (at a low cost) as well as accountability and leadership, Scherff could be a quick infusion of stability up front.  – Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire

A lot of people will want to focus on the defensive line for the Vikings, but the secondary is a major issue that could become a big-time flaw for this team if not handled properly. Every cornerback on the roster is a free agent and safeties Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum are also set to hit the market. Charvarius Ward has already stated he won’t be returning to the 49ers due to trauma his family has dealt with. A fresh start could be found for him personally and professionally with the Minnesota Vikings and their defense led by Brian Flores. We saw what Flores did with Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore in recent years, Ward still has a lot of gas in the tank so why not sign him to a short-deal? Fans would enjoy his ability to provide excellent, physical man coverage in an aggressive defense. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

Having receiving weapons means nothing if quarterback Drake Maye is constantly being body-slammed by opposing defenses. The Patriots could play it cheap by signing a middle-of-the-road offensive tackle in free agency, or they could roll the dice on drafting a rookie. However, the smarter option would be offering 30-year-old Ronnie Stanley, the two-time Pro Bowl left tackle, a big contract to protect their franchise quarterback’s blindside.  – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

All signs point to Kellen Moore converting the Saints defense from a 4-3 base to a 3-4, and they’ll need new personnel to run it. Enter one of the league’s better pass rushers, who Moore got to see at practice every day last year. Sweat is coming off a strong 8-sack season and he could form a really dangerous pass-rush tandem with Carl Granderson at the outside linebacker spots. With Cameron Jordan declining and Chase Young headed for free agency (so is 2021 draft bust Payton Turner), New Orleans needs new talent on the edge. Getting someone skilled in the defensive scheme they’ll likely be running would be huge. The question, like every year, is whether they could afford him.  – John Sigler, Saints Wire

The Giants are obviously on the hunt for their next quarterback but what good is that if they can’t protect him? Although their offensive line took a small step forward in 2024, issues along the interior created problems down the stretch and served as a reminder that the decade-long OL rebuild is far from complete. Trey Smith may not be a flashy signing but he’s precisely what New York’s offense needs: A consistent, above-average interior lineman who can both run block and pass protect. His addition would allow Jermaine Eluemunor to remain at right tackle, preventing the need for a secondary OL signing. If a bidding war for Smith gets out of hand, Will Fries would be a solid secondary option. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

Aaron Glenn is the man in charge now for the New York Jets. It doesn’t take much connecting of the dots here. Former coaches and players often follow a new coach and Carlton Davis III could be a fit in New York. He played under Glenn in 2024 and had a Pro Bowl season until the huge injury bug for the Detroit Lions defense ended up biting him. The Jets have Sauce Gardner on one side at cornerback but DJ Reed is a free agent. Despite Reed also having a positive season, Davis knows Glenn. It makes sense. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire

The Eagles don’t have many pressing needs but could lose Josh Sweat to free agency, Brandon Graham to retirement, and Bryce Huff was a dud in his first year with Philadelphia after signing a big free agent deal in 2024.  Khalil Mack isn’t an elite player anymore, and he turns 33 in late February, but he still had a productive 2024 season. Mack had six sacks, his 49 pressures were 20th best in the NFL, and his 90.4 grade from PFF was 5th best in the NFL last season.  With the Eagles’ Super Bowl window still wide open, Mack can be a nice veteran addition for a team needing edge help but prepared to rely on Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Huff. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

The Steelers have plenty of money to spend in free agency and if there is a player to open up the checkbook for, it’s Tee Higgins. Higgins is the true No. 1 receiver this team hasn’t had since Antonio Brown was in Pittsburgh in his prime. The trick is giving Higgins enough money to convince him it’s worth taking a chance on a Steelers team with more questions than answers at quarterback. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

Despite Javon Hargrave’s rocky tenure in San Francisco, the 49ers shouldn’t hesitate to go back to the well of Philadelphia Eagles interior defensive linemen. Williams is coming off a career year as a pass rusher where he posted 54 pressures and eight sacks. He entered 2024 with 60 pressures and eight sacks in the previous three seasons combined. He’s at least an adequate run defender which should make him an improvement for a shoddy 49ers defensive tackle rotation. Williams can’t be their only fix on the defensive line, but he’d be a nice fit in a group that badly needs depth. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

No position group was worse in the NFL than the Seattle Seahawks offensive line, and no one on the Seahawks offensive line was worse than Seattle’s guards. The Seahawks interior o-line remained an absolute mess, once again. General manager John Schneider has been on record with a comment (I’m sure he wishes he could walk back) by saying he believes guards are overdrafted and overpaid. Well, sometimes in this league, you get what you pay for, and the bargain-bin hunting for interior o-line help catches up. Seattle has a chance to correct this by plundering from the best o-line in the league, and sign away guard Mehki Becton. No, he won’t have the overall strength of Philly’s other great lineman on his side, but there’s no way he wouldn’t be an upgrade over Laken Tomlinson or Anthony Bradford – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire

The Bucs, as a whole, are very close to having a roster that can compete for not just an NFC South division title but a conference one. They need one reliable, consistent pass rusher who can take over games, and Josh Sweat showed in Super Bowl 59 that  he can be that. Sweat, working opposite Yaya Diaby, with Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea working the middle, would create chaos for opposing offenses. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire

It doesn’t sound like the Titans will be as splashy as they were last offseason. However, they shouldn’t resist the opportunity to sign the top free-agent OL available. Smith is young (turns 26 in June), is a Tennessee native, and is already arguably the NFL’s best guard. The Titans added Lloyd Cushenberry and JC Latham last offseason, and it helped, but the unit was still a disaster. If you bring in Smith to play RG, the Titans are set everywhere except RT, which they can address in the draft. Then, suddenly, this entire unit looks much different and makes life much easier for whoever is under center in 2025. – Bryan Manning, Titans Wire

If the Rams do not re-sign Alaric Jackson before free agency begins, the Commanders should target him immediately. Yes, there are other needs, but signing a talented, young offensive tackle like Jackson allows Washington to improve in two spots. The Commanders can move last season’s left tackle, Brandon Coleman, either inside to left guard or right tackle and improve at two positions with one move. Upgrading the defense is a priority, but Washington must also continue investing heavily in the offensive line to protect QB Jayden Daniels. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire