• Tee Higgins is set to cash in: Higgins has missed time with injury over the past two years but still owns an 83.9 PFF receiving grade over that span.
• A slew of defensive back talent: Jevon Holland, D.J. Reed, Rasul Douglas and other players will be available to shore up secondaries.
• 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF's best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025's top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
With the regular season now complete, we're taking a closer look at 2025 NFL free agency with a more comprehensive lens. Moving on from our early-season evaluations, we now have a larger sample size of data to refine our rankings and project how teams might approach their offseason spending.
This iteration highlights the top 75 free agents poised to shape the 2025 offseason, with our full rankings expanding to include 200 players as we inch closer to March.
When evaluating free-agent talent, it's important to consider context. All data included in our tables reflects player performance from the two years before their unrestricted free agency (UFA) eligibility, offering a balanced snapshot of recent production and consistency. Teams will operate under a projected 2025 salary cap of $275 million, a significant increase driven by the league's growing revenue streams. This starkly contrasts with the 2021 season, when the salary cap dropped due to the pandemic's financial impact.
With those notes in mind, let’s dive into the top 75 free agents who are set to command attention — and potentially record-breaking contracts — this offseason.
1. WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins rarely missed playing time over his first three seasons but has, unfortunately, been bitten by the injury bug in back-to-back contract years. That said, when Higgins suited up so far in 2024, he consistently produced at a high level. The fourth-ranked player in PFF's Free Agency Rankings last season, Higgins figures to be one of the most sought-after players on the market again in 2025.
Top free agent comparison: Kenny Golladay, 2021
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Tee Higgins | 83.9 | 1.86 | 12.0 | 4.0 | ?** |
| Kenny Golladay | 82.2 | 2.12 | 15.81 | 4.1 | 9.8%*** |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
**2025 salary cap projection of $275 million
***2021 salary cap dropped due to pandemic
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
2. G Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith's 78.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season ranked 11th among all guards, and he will still be only 25 years old when free agency opens. That's a good combination for a big payday, given that multiple players at the position signed deals at or exceeding $20 million per year in 2024.
The complicated element when projecting a contract for Smith is the reason he fell to the end of the sixth round in the 2021 NFL Draft: He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. On the field, he is every bit of a prized free agent. Factoring in his health is the key question.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Trey Smith | 68.7 | 60.7 | 18.0% | ? |
| – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
3. S Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
A second-round draft pick out of Oregon in 2021, Holland has ranked as one of the five highest-graded safeties in two of his first three seasons in the league. He earned a career-low 63.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, but his body of work more than speaks for itself.
Top free agent comparison: Jessie Bates III, 2023
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jevon Holland | 76.1 | 75.0 | 11.3% | 82.8 | ? |
| Jessie Bates III | 65.7 | 80.3 | 5.7% | 78.1 | 7.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
4. WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin has consistently displayed reliable hands, dropping fewer than 6% of catchable passes in seven of his eight NFL seasons. He maintained that standard in 2024, earning an 85.7 PFF receiving grade through nearly seven weeks without a single drop on 52 catchable targets. However, Godwin sustained a season-ending left ankle dislocation. He is no stranger to entering free agency with an injury, and hopefully, the recovery will be even quicker this time around.
Top free agent comparison: Allen Robinson, 2022
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chris Godwin | 83.9 | 1.91 | 8.9 | 5.4 | ? |
| Allen Robinson | 83.8 | 1.71 | 10.9 | 2.97 | 7.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
5. EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Mack has enjoyed a late-career resurgence over the past two seasons, proving he can still be a force as a pass-rusher and a run defender. His 88 quarterback pressures in 2023 marked his highest total since 2016, and his 86.3 PFF pass-rushing grade was his best since 2020. Mack’s situation entering free agency is eerily reminiscent of Von Miller‘s back in 2022, as his six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills was more like three years and $52.5 million, in reality.
Top free agent comparison: Von Miller, 2022
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Khalil Mack | 87.6 | 86.8 | 16.6% | 91.5 | ? |
| Von Miller | 87.7 | 90.5 | 18.8% | 88.2 | 9.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
6. CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets
Reed is set to enter free agency after earning his sixth straight season-long 70.0-plus PFF overall grade. His 70.1 coverage grade in 2024 ranked 31st among qualifying cornerbacks. He excelled in PFF's advanced metrics, boasting a 51.28% lockdown percentage.
Top free agent comparison: Malcolm Butler, 2018
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| D.J. Reed | 73.4 | 87.0 | 16.2% | 60.5 | ? |
| Malcolm Butler | 76.5 | 90.0 | 14.0 | 66.6 | 6.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
7. WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
Even at 30 years old, Cooper will be an attractive option for teams looking to improve at wide receiver, having earned a PFF receiving grade above 70.0 in every full season he has been in the league. He struggled with drops in 2024, though, failing to bring in 15.4% of the catchable passes thrown his way in the regular season.
Top free agent comparison: DeAndre Hopkins, 2023
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Amari Cooper | 77.1 | 1.88 | 13.5 | 3.3 | ? |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 80.3 | 1.88 | 11.7 | 3.0 | 5.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
8. T Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
It's hard to argue that any player improved their free-agency stock more this season than the Ravens‘ left tackle. After a devastating ankle injury in 2021 seemed to stall his career, Ronnie Stanley was back to top form in 2024, posting an impressive 79.6 PFF pass-blocking grade through the first 12 weeks.
Top free agent comparison: Anthony Castonzo, 2020
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Ronnie Stanley | 80.3 | 76.0 | 9.5% | ? |
| Anthony Castonzo | 84.8 | 77.3 | 9.9% | 8.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
9. QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
The debate surrounding Darnold in the 2025 offseason will likely focus on whether he can be more than just a bridge quarterback. While his raw regular-season stats were impressive — 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions — his performance in key areas was more mixed, with 33 big-time throws balanced by 24 turnover-worthy plays.
Top free agent comparison: Jay Cutler, 2014
| Player | Clean-pocket grade | 1st- & 2nd-down grade | Standard dropback grade | Sack rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Sam Darnold | 86.6 | 84.7 | 86.3 | 8.7% | ? |
| Jay Cutler | 90.5 | 70.5 | 79.0 | 6.5% | 14.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
10. EDGE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
Sweat signed an early extension with the Eagles in 2021 and then a revised one-year contract for 2024, which he made the most of to the tune of eight sacks in the regular season. With the departure of Haason Reddick and the unfortunate injury to Eagles legend Brandon Graham, Sweat had plenty of runway to boost his stock — and he did so on his way to a 75.7 PFF overall grade in the regular season.
Top free agent comparison: Paul Kruger, 2013
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Josh Sweat | 72.3 | 76.8 | 14.3% | 59.9 | ? |
| Paul Kruger | 81.8 | N/A | 11.4% | 59.2 | 6.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
11. WR Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
Playing in an offense where he was no longer the top target didn't hinder Diggs' effectiveness. The star wideout was on pace to extend his streak of seasons with a PFF receiving grade above 75.0 and a drop rate below 10% on catchable passes before a season-ending ACL tear. That type of injury for an older player who wins with lateral agility will make for an interesting free-agent dance. Diggs’ situation has shades of Odell Beckham Jr.’s free agency period in 2023, when he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl in 2021 and did not play in 2022 before signing a one-year, $15 million fully guaranteed contract.
Top free agent comparison: Pierre Garcon, 2017
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Stefon Diggs | 82.4 | 1.87 | 10.0 | 3.9 | ? |
| Pierre Garcon | 83.3 | 1.75 | 10.6 | 3.6 | 5.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
12. EDGE Haason Reddick, New York Jets
Reddick's absence from the Jets to start the season leaves questions about how interested other teams will be in his services in 2025. His standout 2022 season featured career highs in both PFF overall grade and sack total, and he was a reliable pass-rusher from 2018 to 2023, earning a PFF pass-rushing grade of at least 65.0 each season, before logging a career-low 52.9 mark this year.
Top free agent comparison: Jerry Hughes, 2015
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Haason Reddick | 68.5 | 70.7 | 12.2% | 61.2 | ? |
| Jerry Hughes | 77.3 | 78.3 | 13.4% | 85.7 | 6.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
13. CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
Ward struggled in 2024 and posted career lows in a number of PFF metrics, but his overall body of work will keep him as one of the top options on the market in 2025. Last year was his best in the NFL to date, with his 86.5 PFF coverage grade ranking third among all players at the position. With cornerback teammate Deommodore Lenoir receiving an in-season extension, the writing appears to be on the wall that Ward will be on the way out of San Francisco.
Top free agent comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, 2014
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Charvarius Ward | 81.3 | 79.2 | 15.8% | 41.3 | ? |
| Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | 72.6 | 80.9 | 15.1% | N/A | 5.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
14. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs
Hopkins was traded at the deadline from the struggling Tennessee Titans to the perennial Super Bowl contender Kansas City Chiefs. A national spotlight through the playoffs never hurts, and Hopkins continued to play through a knee injury, which suggests he can fully heal up over the offseason in time for 2025.
Top free agent comparison: Andre Johnson, 2015
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 83.6 | 1.91 | 13.6 | 2.7 | ? |
| Andre Johnson | 86.1 | 2.14 | 10.8 | 4.1 | 4.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
15. CB Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills
Douglas faced some challenges in 2024, but his knack for making plays on the ball ensures he'll attract significant interest in 2025. Heading into the 2024 campaign, he had recorded at least seven pass breakups in six of his seven years in the NFL and notched four or more interceptions in each of the past three seasons.
Top free agent comparison: James Bradberry, 2023
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Rasul Douglas | 72.9 | 79.9 | 9.8% | 30.7 | ? |
| James Bradberry | 70.1 | 76.4 | 18.9% | 38.4 | 5.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
16. EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
If Koonce hadn’t suffered a season-ending knee injury before 2024 began and instead carried over his momentum from the back half of 2023, he could’ve been squarely within the top 10 of our list. Perhaps the silver lining, if there is one, to getting injured so early in the year is that Koonce should be healthier entering the free agency period than if he got hurt during the season. A short-term deal where Koonce can hit the market again in 2026, or sign an extension one year into a two-year deal à la recent edge defenders like Uchenna Nwosu, could make sense.
Top free agent comparison: Romeo Okwara, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Malcolm Koonce | 78.9 | 82.5 | 14.2% | 66.3 | ? |
| Romeo Okwara | 74.8 | 79.8 | 13.2% | 52.8 | 6.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
17. T Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
Robinson was part of a Jaguars team that had a dismal start to 2024. But individually, he was a reliable option at left tackle before being acquired by the Vikings at the trade deadline. His 95.1 pass-blocking efficiency rating this regular season was the worst mark of his career, but if anything, that's a testament to his play over the past four years.
Top free agent comparison: Russell Okung, 2016
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Cam Robinson | 72.0 | 64.2 | 16.7% | ? |
| Russell Okung | 80.2 | 71.5 | 11.9% | 6.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
18. LB Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Greenlaw worked his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl last February but was shut down after only 34 snaps in 2024. He will still likely see a lot of interest in free agency. He excels in coverage, having earned PFF coverage grades of 82.6 and 79.5 over the past two seasons.
Top free agent comparison: Nick Kwiatkoski, 2020
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dre Greenlaw | 71.8 | 69.8 | 2.7% | 6.2% | ? |
| Nick Kwiatkoski | 69.3 | 64.8 | 4.7% | 7.7% | 3.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
19. QB Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
If there’s a lesson to be learned from the recent resurgences of highly touted quarterback prospects like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and others, it’s that we probably shouldn’t completely give up on a quarterback until they’ve had a shot with a quality coaching staff and supporting cast. While Fields did eventually cede duties to Russell Wilson this season, we already saw signs of improvement during his 4-2 run as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting quarterback. The physical tools are still undeniable and offer value, even if he is solely deployed in certain packages as a juiced-up backup.
Top free agent comparison: Marcus Mariota, 2020
| Player | Clean-pocket grade | 1st- & 2nd-down grade | Standard dropback grade | Sack rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Justin Fields | 83.9 | 72.3 | 71.5 | 9.0% | ? |
| Marcus Mariota | 79.3 | 67.9 | 75.5 | 10.9% | 4.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
20. RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Jones took a one-year deal with the Vikings this offseason and looks set to be one of the top running backs available again in 2025. His 75.8 PFF rushing grade in the regular season ranked 22nd among running backs, and he brings consistent production as the owner of eight straight 75.0-plus PFF overall grades.
Top free agent comparison: Mark Ingram, 2019
| Player | Missed tackles forced per attempt | Yards after contact per attempt | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Aaron Jones | 0.18 | 3.12 | 65.4 | 1.31 | ? |
| Mark Ingram | 0.12 | 3.01 | 64.6 | 1.23 | 2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
21. CB Carlton Davis III, Detroit Lions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded Davis to the Lions in the offseason, and he provided immediate stability to a young Detroit secondary that badly needed it after the defense endured an unfathomable number of injuries in 2024, most notably to Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Aidan Hutchinson. Davis, too, suffered a season-ending injury — a fractured jaw that ended his season after Week 15.
Top free agent comparison: Aaron Colvin, 2018
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Carlton Davis III | 73.4 | 84.4 | 13.7% | 53.3 | ? |
| Aaron Colvin | 75.3 | 75.3 | 1.0% | 61.9 | 4.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
22. C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
There aren’t many long-term answers in free agency at center, which will make Dalman the primary beneficiary if he reaches the open market. Any team that deploys an outside-zone rushing scheme will be all over the former fourth-round pick. Dalman has room to grow as a pass protector but is one of the best run-blocking centers in the NFL and will advance the continued growth of the interior offensive line market after Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey finally reset the center market.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Allen, 2022
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Drew Dalman | 58.1 | 51.0 | 20.5% | ? |
| Brian Allen | 56.1 | 48.7 | 16.9% | 2.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
23. S Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers
A fifth-round draft pick in 2021, Hufanga earned PFF coverage grades above 65.0 in both 2022 and 2023. He played just 308 snaps in 2024 due to injury and earned a career-low 57.8 PFF overall grade.
Top free agent comparison: Jabrill Peppers, 2023
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Talanoa Hufanga | 54.8 | 62.3 | 0.0% | 80.5 | ? |
| Jabrill Peppers | 59.3 | 51.5 | 2.3% | 81.1 | 4.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
24. G Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts
Fries made tremendous strides over the duration of his rookie contract and could be the next guard to cash in during the free agency period after a wave of big deals landed in 2024. Unfortunately, Fries fractured his tibia in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and underwent immediate surgery, but he had earned an 86.8 PFF overall grade up to that point on 268 snaps.
Top free agent comparison: Damien Lewis, 2024
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Will Fries | 68.0 | 63.3 | 14.4% | ? |
| Damien Lewis | 68.5 | 63.0 | 13.1% | 5.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
25. G Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears
Jenkins is a force to be reckoned with on most Sundays; the issue over his career thus far has been getting on the field on Sundays. There are some occasional whiffs to clean up in pass protection, but it can’t exactly help his pass-set footwork going from right tackle to left tackle to left guard while also rehabbing a bunch over his rookie contract. Fellow 2021 second-round draft pick Sam Cosmi signed a four-year, $74 million extension with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 campaign, which could serve as a favorable comparison for Jenkins, as Cosmi also kicked inside from tackle to guard and missed some time to injury through his first three seasons.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Winters, 2017
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Teven Jenkins | 73.7 | 67.6 | 15.2% | ? |
| Brian Winters | 75.0 | 66.0 | 12.2% | 4.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
26. CB Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers
After posting PFF coverage grades of 75.6 or better in each of the past two years, Samuel struggled early in his first year with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter at the helm but played just four games before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Likewise, Samuel's tackling woes — a problem that has reared its head throughout his career — were exacerbated, with the cornerback missing a whopping 22.2% of attempts. That said, Samuel's youth, pedigree and experience will still be very appealing.
Top free agent comparison: D.J. Reed, 2022
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Asante Samuel | 64.1 | 72.6 | 14.6% | 66.3 | ? |
| D.J. Reed | 76.1 | 72.0 | 9.6% | 57.5 | 5.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
27. G Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions
After spending the past three years in Baltimore, Zeitler joined Detroit, which was a near-seamless fit. His 86.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season was his best since 2014, and his 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade was a career-high mark. The 34-year-old could be a cheap yet effective guard option on the open market.
Top free agent comparison: Ramon Foster, 2019
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Kevin Zeitler | 78.8 | 74.2 | 13.9% | ? |
| Ramon Foster | 82.1 | 75.3 | 7.4% | 2.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
28. G James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers
Daniels was turning in a career year but, unfortunately, tore his Achilles in Week 4. The 27-year-old was solid in his first two years with the Steelers, recording PFF overall grades above 61.0, but showed some liabilities in run blocking. There should still be a solid market, given Daniels' age and experience (already seven years).
Top free agent comparison: John Miller, 2020
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| James Daniels | 61.6 | 50.3 | 13.4% | ? |
| John Miller | 65.4 | 59.3 | 10.5% | 2.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
29. T Tyron Smith, New York Jets
Given Smith's age, teams may not want to commit to him long term, but he remains a solid option at left tackle. His 73.7 PFF overall grade before his injury ranked 21st among all tackles, making him a worthwhile short-term investment for teams seeking offensive line stability. Unfortunately, another injury landing Smith on injured reserve raises questions about whether the longtime stalwart will seek to continue playing in 2025 and beyond.
Top free agent comparison: Donald Penn, 2016
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Tyron Smith | 84.3 | 78.3 | 10.3% | ? |
| Donald Penn | 90.2 | 76.8 | 9.7% | 4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
30. DI Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
Odighizuwa is another interior pass-rusher with very strong underlying metrics that haven’t quite translated to major sack production through nearly four seasons. While the Dallas Cowboys‘ season fell off the rails as injuries piled up, Odighizuwa stayed the course and played some of the best ball of his career over the second half of the campaign. The 2021 third-round pick is quietly one of the more underrated defenders across the NFL.
Top free agent comparison: Nnamdi Madubuike, 2024
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Osa Odighizuwa | 57.3 | 82.3 | 87.8 | 14.6% | ? |
| Nnamdi Madubuike | 66.6 | 75.2 | 82.8 | 11.7% | 9.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
31. S Camryn Bynum, Minnesota Vikings
Bynum has made his fair share of game-changing plays through three and a half NFL seasons, with eight career interceptions and a career-best three in 2024. Add in the fact that Bynum’s 104 solo tackles in 2023 led all safeties, and you have a trustworthy player on the back end to keep the offense in front of him and limit big plays.
Top free agent comparison: Nate Allen, 2015
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Camryn Bynum | 61.9 | 72.0 | 9.8% | 78.0 | ? |
| Nate Allen | 57.6 | 71.1 | 3.5% | 74.6 | 4.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
32. DI Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
Williams is already a candidate for the biggest riser on this list, and his stock only improved down the homestretch. His six sacks in the regular season are a career-best total. A rotational interior defender with serious pass-rush juice is often the profile of a player who does very well in free agency, and Williams has limited tread on his tires, given he’s never eclipsed 50% of defensive snaps played in a season despite playing at least 36% in every year since his debut. Leave it to the Eagles to get a new deal done, but if not, don’t be surprised when Williams makes a major splash in March.
Top free agent comparison: Javon Hargrave, 2020
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Milton Williams | 54.5 | 81.2 | 86.5 | 12.7% | ? |
| Javon Hargrave | 81.3 | 77.5 | 80.1 | 12.2% | 6.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
33. CB Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Murphy signed a two-year, $17.5 million free agent contract with the Vikings in the 2023 offseason and certainly played up to that deal, looking like a good fit in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ uber-aggressive defense. His six interceptions in 2024 were tied for the most among cornerbacks.
Top free agent comparison: Brandon Flowers, 2015
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Byron Murphy Jr. | 70.3 | 71.7 | 7.3% | 52.1 | ? |
| Brandon Flowers | 70.4 | 70.7 | 4.0% | N/A | 6.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
34. LB Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have consistently cycled through rookie contract players in the back seven of their defense and generally let them hit free agency, with Willie Gay Jr. the latest example at off-ball linebacker last offseason. That said, Gay was a part-time player, whereas Bolton has been a staple at the middle linebacker spot almost from day one. Bolton is a bit stiff when flipping his hips and can get picked on at times in coverage, but he is an absolute bruiser coming forward in the run game.
Top free agent comparison: Dannell Ellerbe, 2013
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Nick Bolton | 72.6 | 54.4 | 3.4% | 8.8% | ? |
| Dannell Ellerbe | 75.7 | 38.7 | 2.3% | 8.6% | 5.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
35. CB Mike Hilton, Cincinnati Bengals
One of the best slot defenders in the NFL of the past decade, Hilton, like most of the Bengals‘ defense, struggled in 2024, but he turned in four straight strong performances to close the campaign. He turns 31 right as free agency opens in 2025, but with PFF coverage grades above 70.0 in six of the past eight seasons, he should still receive plenty of interest.
Top free agent comparison: Chris Harris Jr., 2020
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Mike Hilton | 78.9 | 85.5 | 6.6% | 59.1 | ? |
| Chris Harris Jr. | 72.7 | 81.3 | 9.9% | 64.4 | 4.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
36. WR Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
Brown was expected to be a marquee addition to a Chiefs‘ receiving corps in need of playmakers but instead missed almost the entire regular season with a shoulder injury. But there’s no better time to prove your value than during the playoffs. Brown posted a PFF receiving grade between 68.1 and 68.7 in each of the past three years, giving teams an indication of what he brings to the table.
Top free agent comparison: Markus Wheaton, 2017
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Marquise Brown | 68.8 | 1.29 | 12.4 | 3.5 | ? |
| Markus Wheaton | 66.2 | 1.42 | 14.7 | 3.7 | 3.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
37. TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
There will be slim pickings at the tight end position in free agency this offseason, but Johnson offers a large catch radius and good hands over the middle, critical on third down and in the red zone. Over the past four seasons, his 18 touchdowns rank eighth among tight ends and his 9.0-yard average depth of target ranks fifth, illustrating he is not just a check-down outlet but a true downfield threat at the position.
Top free agent comparison: Gerald Everett, 2024
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Juwan Johnson | 70.6 | 1.27 | 4.8% | ? | |
| Gerald Everett | 70.8 | 1.25 | 4.0% | 2.3% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
38. WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Shaky quarterback and offensive line play arguably limited Slayton’s production during his time with the Giants, which is unfortunate for a player who is a threat to break off an explosive play at any moment. The former fifth-round steal nonetheless had four seasons of at least 700 receiving yards on 15 yards per reception over his first five years in the league, which is harder to do when the quarterback has little time to wait for longer-developing routes downfield. Slayton is also the Giants’ 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, showing he’d be an asset to any locker room.
Top free agent comparison: Paul Richardson, 2018
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Darius Slayton | 64.8 | 1.23 | 13.1 | 4.9 | ? |
| Paul Richardson | 68.8 | 1.39 | 14.8 | 3.4 | 4.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
39. EDGE Baron Browning, Arizona Cardinals
The Denver Broncos traded Browning ahead of the deadline to the Arizona Cardinals, a team in desperate need of pass-rush help, and there was a logjam of good edge defenders in Denver with the recent extension of Jonathon Cooper and the continued emergence of Nik Bonitto. Browning’s 14.2% pressure rate over the 2022-23 seasons ranked 24th among edge defenders, and he converted from off-ball linebacker to a full-time edge rusher in 2022. Injuries are the only thing keeping Browning from being a consistent problem off the edge for opposing offenses.
Top free agent comparison: Shaquil Barrett, 2019
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Baron Browning | 78.5 | 77.1 | 14.3% | 63.9 | ? |
| Shaquil Barrett | 80.1 | 81.5 | 12.0% | 80.1 | 2.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
40. DI Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions
Onwuzurike has flashed whenever he’s been healthy over his first four seasons in the league after getting drafted one round ahead of recently extended interior defender Alim McNeill in 2021. The former second-round pick out of Washington is the penetrating three-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets, with his 12.5% pass-rush win rate in 2024 ranking as a top-15 mark at the position.
Top free agent comparison: Sheldon Rankins, 2021
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Levi Onwuzurike | 65.0 | 67.8 | 72.8 | 12.2% | ? |
| Sheldon Rankins | 61.8 | 66.1 | 72.2 | 9.4% | 3.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
41. G Mekhi Becton, Philadelphia Eagles
Becton is the latest in a very long line of star pupils to attend Jeff Stoutland University in Philadelphia, working with arguably the league’s best offensive line coach to get his career back on track. A kick inside to guard for 2024 may not be a permanent move for Becton, as the Eagles have possibly the best tackle tandem in the NFL, but his demonstrated versatility across the line is only a good thing.
Top free agent comparison: Ezra Cleveland, 2024
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Mekhi Becton | 61.0 | 49.1 | 14.3% | ? |
| Ezra Cleveland | 55.1 | 53.1 | 16.8% | 3.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
42. EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts
Odeyingbo has had a patient but steady ascent over his NFL tenure after he sustained an unfortunate Achilles injury during the pre-draft process that still didn’t drop him past the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. His game has rounded into form over the past two seasons, headlined by eight sacks in 2023 followed by a career-high seven tackles for loss or no gain on 67% of snaps played in 2024.
Top free agent comparison: Vinny Curry, 2016
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dayo Odeyingbo | 68.1 | 74.4 | 11.3% | 51.7 | ? |
| Vinny Curry | 72.1 | 71.7 | 10.7% | 49.0 | 6.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
43. WR Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
After Allen tallied his fewest yards since 2016 during a 2022 season marred by soft-tissue injuries, he followed that up in 2023 with his most receiving yards since 2017. Nonetheless, a Chargers team going through something of a rebuild under the direction of new head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2024 decided to trade Allen to the Chicago Bears. While Allen has served as a mentor to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and led the team with seven touchdown receptions, he looked a step slower in his age-32 season and had a handful of uncharacteristic drops/unforced errors.
Top free agent comparison: Emmanuel Sanders, 2020
| Player | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Average depth of target | Yards after catch per reception | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Keenan Allen | 81.2 | 1.85 | 10.0 | 3.6 | ? |
| Emmanuel Sanders | 82.4 | 1.87 | 10.7 | 3.8 | 4.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
44. QB Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s exceedingly difficult to find sure-fire starting quarterbacks in free agency, and Wilson is among the top options — even if age is a concern, with Wilson set to turn 37 years old in 2025. Much like there was no comparable contract situation in the history of the NFL like Wilson’s headed into 2024, there really isn’t a good free-agency comparison for Wilson headed into 2025, either.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Clean-pocket grade | 1st- & 2nd-down grade | Standard dropback grade | Sack rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Russell Wilson | 91.6 | 80.7 | 92.2 | 8.6% | ? |
| – | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
45. LB Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
The ageless wonder that keeps going, Wagner was one of the few bright spots on a dismal Commanders defense during the regular season. He's posted an 82.4 PFF overall grade or better in each of the past three seasons and is even finding new ways to improve: His 91.0 pass-rushing grade this season is tied for his career-best mark.
Top free agent comparison: Daryl Smith, 2016
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Bobby Wagner | 93.2 | 59.4 | 5.8% | 9.1% | ? |
| Daryl Smith | 77.2 | 62.7 | 5.0% | 8.5% | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
46. T Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa has settled in quite nicely over the past few years protecting the blindside of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, with a career year across the board in 2024 coming at just the right time.
Top free agent comparison: Jared Veldheer, 2014
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Alaric Jackson | 74.7 | 67.4 | 12.4% | ? |
| Jared Veldheer | 79.1 | 67.7 | 8.4% | 5.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
47. T Dan Moore, Pittsburgh Steelers
Moore really rounded out his game during his rookie contract and took a step forward in 2024 after consistent struggles in pass protection over his first three seasons. With the extension of Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Walker Little, Moore and Los Angeles Rams tackle Alaric Jackson stand to benefit as the young, potential multi-year solutions at left tackle who are hitting free agency.
Top free agent comparison: Chukwuma Okorafor, 2022
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dan Moore | 54.0 | 47.1 | 15.2% | ? |
| Chukwuma Okorafor | 61.9 | 52.6 | 12.8% | 4.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
48. RB Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris is a model of consistency, and there’s value in that even if he isn’t the most explosive or shifty player in the open field. His 1,097 rushing attempts since he entered the league in 2021 rank second to only Derrick Henry over the span, his 4,316 rushing yards rank fifth and his 3,203 yards after first contact place fourth. The best thing going for Harris may not even be his own production, but the fact that nearly every starting running back signed last offseason — Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Henry, to name a few — had outstanding 2024 seasons.
However, a factor we reference every year in free agency work is the quality of the upcoming draft class at the position, and the 2025 NFL Draft running back group is both strong at the top and remarkably deep, which does not help Harris' cause.
Top free agent comparison: Melvin Gordon, 2020
| Player | Missed tackles forced per attempt | Yards after contact per attempt | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Najee Harris | 0.22 | 2.96 | 61.1 | 1.12 | ? |
| Melvin Gordon | 0.19 | 2.56 | 54.8 | 1.66 | 4.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
49. EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
Young signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Saints after he was traded at last year’s deadline from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers. In 2024, he was a top-20 edge defender in total quarterback pressures (66) and pressure rate (14.6%). He may not be the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate he looked like as a prospect ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, but Young is still a high-end No. 2 edge rusher for any team in need.
Top free agent comparison: Dante Fowler Jr., 2019
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chase Young | 72.7 | 75.2 | 14.2% | 59.2 | ? |
| Dante Fowler Jr. | 68.8 | 75.5 | 10.4% | 55.5 | 6.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
50. S Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
Reid and his camp were probably happy to see a veteran safety in Budda Baker get rewarded with an extension to the tune of three years, $54 million before testing free agency, with Reid set to hit the open market for a second time after joining the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2022. Reid is one of the better run-defending safeties in the NFL, but as we’ve seen time and time again in Kansas City, the Chiefs are never afraid to cycle through defensive backs and find the next man up.
Top free agent comparison: Kyle Dugger, 2024
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Justin Reid | 54.0 | 67.7 | 6.1% | 71.6 | ? |
| Kyle Dugger | 58.5 | 55.1 | 5.1% | 82.9 | 5.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
51. EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
Ojulari is a classic designated pass-rush specialist with outstanding sack production on a limited snap count, failing to eclipse the 500-snap threshold since his rookie campaign. Underlying metrics like pass-rush win rate and pressure rate have never matched Ojulari’s sack totals, however, and he notched seven sacks on just 22 total pressures in 2024, with half of those pressures coming when unblocked or as clean-up pressures where the quarterback is chased into his area.
Top free agent comparison: Lorenzo Carter, 2022
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Azeez Ojulari | 50.8 | 56.6 | 6.7% | 53.6 | ? |
| Lorenzo Carter | 61.9 | 57.3 | 9.2% | 61.9 | 1.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
52. DI B.J. Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
Hill signed a three-year contract with the Bengals in 2022 after an extremely sharp trade swap with the Giants for center Billy Price, and he was a veteran presence on a very young, developing interior defensive line in 2024. Hill is still a solid all-around player, but despite Cincinnati’s need at the position, massive contracts looming for Ja'Marr Chase, Trey Hendrickson and perhaps Tee Higgins could make it tough to retain Hill.
Top free agent comparison: Randy Starks, 2014
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| B.J. Hill | 67.6 | 66.1 | 69.2 | 8.3% | ? |
| Randy Starks | 68.3 | 69.4 | 78.1 | 7.7% | 3.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
53. DI Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins
The ageless wonder put together a sensational 2024 season as he nears 40 years of age, with a trade-off, in his own paraphrased words, of losing some speed over time but maintaining brute strength. This reality is reflected in Campbell’s elite PFF run-blocking grades, as he can still hold up at the point of attack as well as anyone. It’s probably up to Campbell whether he plays next year and where exactly that may be.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Calais Campbell | 87.5 | 68.9 | 74.3 | 11.3% | ? |
| – | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
54. S Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Smith’s age-35 season has him tracking at or close to several statistical milestones for his remarkable career, eclipsing the 35-interception and 20-sack marks and being within reach of 100 passes defensed and 50 tackles for loss. Smith certainly seemed like he would at least contemplate retirement this offseason when interviewed after the Vikings wild-card round exit, but if not, he’ll likely make one last run with the team that drafted him in Minnesota.
Top free agent comparison: Eric Weddle, 2019
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Harrison Smith | 81.9 | 75.8 | 5.9% | 73.4 | ? |
| Eric Weddle | 78.7 | 81.4 | 7.3% | 76.9 | 2.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
55. EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys
Lawrence was lost for the season in Week 4 — but not before racking up three sacks, a forced fumble, four tackles for loss and five more quarterback hits through just one month. The veteran is a disruptive force on all three downs when healthy, but a Lisfranc injury to his foot could lead to a tricky free agency period.
Top free agent comparison: Carlos Dunlap, 2021
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| DeMarcus Lawrence | 74.9 | 75.9 | 12.3% | 91.0 | ? |
| Carlos Dunlap | 73.3 | 76.7 | 10.9% | 80.1 | 3.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
56. S Tre'von Moehrig, Las Vegas Raiders
Moehrig has five interceptions and 18 passes defensed over the past two seasons, but he has also shown considerable growth when coming forward to make plays, with three sacks and five quarterback hits over the span. Since 2023, Moehrig is a top-15 safety in interceptions, forced incompletion rate, tackles for loss or no gain and defensive stops.
Top free agent comparison: Tony Jefferson, 2017
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Tre’von Moehrig | 62.0 | 63.5 | 8.5% | 86.9 | ? |
| Tony Jefferson | 64.3 | 64.9 | 10.3% | 90.3 | 5.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
57. T Morgan Moses, New York Jets
Moses remained a model of consistency in his 11th NFL season, missing just two weeks with a knee injury and logging at least 14 starts for the 10th consecutive season — every year since his sophomore campaign when he became a starter. That said, Moses has now played less than 70% of snaps in consecutive seasons after eight straight above 90%. Moses offers a high floor as a pass protector, which is what keeps veteran tackles around in this league for a long time.
Top free agent comparison: Kelvin Beachum, 2023
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Morgan Moses | 74.5 | 71.4 | 10.8% | ? | |
| Kelvin Beachum | 74.4 | 67.0 | 10.4% | 2.3% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
58. LB Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks
The Rams traded Jonesto the Titans before the season, and the Titans sent him to the Seahawks before the trade deadline. Entering Week 18, a report from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport stated Jones and Seattle had been discussing an extension but decided to “amicably” pause. Jones is a productive thumping linebacker but, for whatever reason, couldn’t get his third team in the same season to pull the trigger on an early extension ahead of free agency.
Top free agent comparison: Avery Williamson, 2018
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Ernest Jones | 84.6 | 51.8 | 4.8% | 9.8% | ? |
| Avery Williamson | 90.5 | 61.7 | 3.9% | 10.0% | 4.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
59. G Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars
After a rash of injuries kept Scherff on the shelf for a handful of games in each season from 2018-21, he bounced back in a major way by starting every game over his three-year contract with the Jaguars from 2022-24. The top-five pick doesn’t quite have All-Pro/Pro-Bowl tape anymore, but he is still a very capable starter, particularly in pass protection.
Top free agent comparison: Ramon Foster, 2019
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Brandon Scherff | 78.0 | 70.4 | 9.5% | ? | |
| Ramon Foster | 82.1 | 75.3 | 7.4% | 2.2% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
60. G Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys
Martin will be 34 by the time free agency opens in 2025, and he’ll be coming off a season-ending ankle injury for which he underwent in Week 14. While he wasn't playing at the level that saw him dominate from 2014 to 2021, he is still a more-than-capable player on any offensive line.
Top free agent comparison: Kevin Zeitler, 2021
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Zack Martin | 70.4 | 67.4 | 9.5% | ? | |
| Kevin Zeitler | 73.0 | 67.8 | 12.0% | 4.1% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
61. LB Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
We seemingly write this blurb every year for the free-agent rankings, so stop us if you’ve heard this before: The Eagles bought low on a talented but under-utilized off-ball linebacker who went on to have a career year in Philadelphia. Will they extend Baun, the latest example, and keep him in the fold? That’s the blurb we never write. Focusing on Baun, there was nothing fluky about his production in 2024 and little reason to think he can’t continue to play at an extremely high level in a newer role, plus he’ll always have some pass-rush chops to boot.
Top free agent comparison: N/A
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Zack Baun | 75.8 | 90.7 | 2.4% | 9.4% | ? |
| – | – | – | – | – | – |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
62. RB J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
Dobbins’ return to form in 2024 was as remarkable an NFL storyline as any across the league, with an avalanche of lower-body injuries plaguing him over the past few years. The former Baltimore Raven reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who assumed the same role in a reunion of his own with Jim Harbaugh. Dobbins has always been productive and difficult to bring down when healthy; it’s just the staying healthy part that is the real challenge.
Top free agent comparison: Alexander Mattison, 2023
| Player | Missed tackles forced per attempt | Yards after contact per attempt | Receiving grade | Yards per route run | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| J.K. Dobbins | 0.18 | 2.99 | 55.7 | 0.7 | ? |
| Alexander Mattison | 0.24 | 2.78 | 51.0 | 0.9 | 1.5% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
63. EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., Washington Commanders
Fowler followed head coach Dan Quinn to Washington after Quinn served as his defensive coordinator for the past few years with the Dallas Cowboys, which proved to be a wise move for Fowler and the upstart Commanders. The former No. 3 overall pick logged his most sacks in five years, with 10.5 to go along with his first career interception that he took 67 yards to the crib.
Top free agent comparison: Markus Golden, 2020
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dante Fowler | 67.4 | 67.6 | 11.7% | 55.2 | ? |
| Markus Golden | 65.7 | 68.4 | 10.0% | 57.7 | 2.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
64. G Patrick Mekari, Baltimore Ravens
Mekari logged snaps all over the offensive line, filling in wherever the Ravens needed. In 2024, that meant playing nearly every down at left guard for a revamped offensive line that markedly improved as the season went on after a rocky start. The versatility Mekari provides, with more than 500 snaps at both tackle spots before 2024, could drive his value in a major way in free agency.
Top free agent comparison: James Hurst, 2018
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Patrick Mekari | 67.4 | 64.4 | 11.4% | ? | |
| James Hurst | 72.4 | 64.7 | 7.4% | 2.5% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
65. EDGE Chauncey Golston, Dallas Cowboys
Golston was taken within 10 picks of his aforementioned teammate Osa Odighizuwa and is similarly a solid pass-rusher who also contributed to a run defense that has been gashed the past several years. With Micah Parsons likely set to become the highest-paid defensive player of all time, Golston figures to hit the market as a rotational option for other teams. He has the size and length to move around the defensive formation.
Top free agent comparison: Jacob Martin, 2022
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Chauncey Golston | 66.4 | 70.3 | 10.6% | 53.3 | ? |
| Jacob Martin | 67.3 | 75.0 | 11.2% | 52.0 | 2.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
66. LB Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
Sherwood burst onto the scene in a full-time role as injuries continued to hamper veteran C.J. Mosley, with a similar hair-on-fire playing style to fellow Jets linebacker Quincy Williams. Sherwood's emergence as a safety-to-linebacker convert was a rare bright spot in a disappointing year for the team from top to bottom. If the presumed departure and/or retirement of Mosley comes to fruition, perhaps Sherwood can stick around heading into 2025.
Top free agent comparison: Todd Davis, 2018
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jamien Sherwood | 80.8 | 57.6 | 4.4% | 7.2% | ? |
| Todd Davis | 85.3 | 52.5 | 2.6% | 9.1% | 2.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
67. CB Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
It’s rare for a cornerback to continue playing at a high level into his 30s, but leave it to the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year. Gilmore probably benefits from playing in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-centric scheme, but there’s little reason to think he can’t continue to be a veteran presence in a relatively young cornerback room.
Top free agent comparison: Xavier Rhodes, 2021
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Stephon Gilmore | 68.6 | 64.1 | 12.6% | 52.8 | ? |
| Xavier Rhodes | 58.2 | 69.0 | 10.7% | 45.1 | 2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
68. LB Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David is finally starting to show some signs of slowing down after a decade as perhaps the most underrated linebacker in the NFL, with sideline-to-sideline abilities that rivaled any player at the second level of a defense. That said, in the wild-card round, he was one-on-one to the boundary with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, one of the fastest and shiftiest players in the NFL, and chased him down for a loss, showing he still has some serious juice when it counts.
Top free agent comparison: Danny Trevathan, 2020
| Player | Run-defense grade | Coverage grade in the box | Forced incompletion rate | Run-stop rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Lavonte David | 80.0 | 64.9 | 5.3% | 9.4% | ? |
| Danny Trevathan | 74.7 | 65.3 | 2.9% | 9.4% | 3.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
69. S Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons
One of the top ball-hawks of the past decade, Simmons continued his streak of multiple interceptions in every season of his nine-year NFL career after signing with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. The free-agent market for older safeties can be unkind, but Simmons is still one of the more instinctual and sound defenders on the backend entering Year 10.
Top free agent comparison: Reggie Nelson, 2016
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Justin Simmons | 63.9 | 81.1 | 15.7% | 66.9 | ? |
| Reggie Nelson | 68.9 | 73.2 | 10.0% | 72.2 | 2.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
70. T Jedrick Wills, Cleveland Browns
Wills had a very unceremonious end to his Cleveland Browns tenure, battling nagging injuries for the second year in a row that caused him to miss more than half the season. He was also effectively benched to close out another ugly individual season despite the Browns' struggles at the tackle spots all year long. Nonetheless, a top-10 pick pedigree at offensive tackle always goes a long way in free agency.
Top free agent comparison: Mekhi Becton, 2024
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Negative run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Jedrick Wills | 61.5 | 53.6 | 17.5% | ? | |
| Mekhi Becton | 60.7 | 48.8 | 11.5% | 1.1% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
71. EDGE Matthew Judon, Atlanta Falcons
Judon was traded to the Falcons after a contract feud with the New England Patriots, and the new Patriots front office certainly looks sharp for acquiring a 2025 third-round pick for a player on the decline. Outside of his injury-shortened 2023 season that played a role in the trade, Judon set career lows almost across the board in 2024 compared to all prior healthy seasons besides his rookie campaign in 2016.
Top free agent comparison: Ahmad Brooks, 2017
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Matthew Judon | 55.1 | 56.9 | 6.8% | 56.9 | ? |
| Ahmad Brooks | 52.0 | 57.9 | 7.3% | 66.6 | 2.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
72. EDGE Dennis Gardeck, Arizona Cardinals
Gardeck has long been an underrated designated pass-rusher in Arizona, and he carried the momentum of a career-best six sacks from 2023 into his contract year. Unfortunately, a torn ACL sustained in Week 7 could slow down his free-agency process and limit his ability to cash in on a larger deal as he enters his 30s.
Top free agent comparison: Dante Fowler Jr., 2024
| Player | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Dennis Gardeck | 79.3 | 82.7 | 15.7% | 49.8 | ? |
| Dante Fowler Jr. | 73.5 | 76.2 | 12.6% | 48.0 | 1.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
73. G Aaron Banks, San Francisco 49ers
The former second-round pick showed steady growth over his four-year rookie deal, though he never eclipsed 90% of snaps played in a season at a position where you’d like to play as close to 100% as possible. Banks moves very well in the run game for his size, which is presumably what made him most attractive to the 49ers in the first place, but still has room to grow in pass protection.
Top free agent comparison: Ezra Cleveland, 2024
| Player | Pass-blocking grade | True pass set pass-blocking grade | Positive run-blocking grade percentage | APY as % of Cap at signing | |
| Aaron Banks | 54.4 | 47.3 | 15.2% | ? | |
| Ezra Cleveland | 55.1 | 53.1 | 16.8% | 3.1% | |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
74. CB Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots
Jones has continued to play well when in the lineup and is established as an outside cornerback despite kicking inside to the slot on occasion, where he doesn’t cover quite as well in tight space. Jones is always competitive and tough at the catch point, with good recovery ability and a knack for getting his hands on the football, though he hasn’t hauled in an interception in the past two seasons. The Patriots reduced Jones’ snap count, potentially injury-related or also due to a dip in play, so a full-time role at outside cornerback may be harder to come by this offseason.
Top free agent comparison: Rashaan Melvin, 2017
| Player | Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Single coverage grade | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jonathan Jones | 72.8 | 72.6 | 13.1% | 54.8 | ? |
| Rashaan Melvin | 67.3 | 67.0 | 12.2% | 64.3 | 1.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
75. DI Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks
Reed is still a handful to contain as an interior pass-rusher, which is quietly the best crop of talent in free agency. However, Reed is the proven commodity and elder statesman among a pool of largely young players who have displayed potential but perhaps not produced consistently.
Top free agent comparison: William Gholston, 2022
| Player | Run-defense grade | Pass-rush grade | True pass set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | APY as % of Cap at signing |
| Jarran Reed | 54.5 | 74.6 | 75.8 | 10.1% | ? |
| William Gholston | 49.1 | 73.7 | 76.4 | 11.9% | 2.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
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