Who are the best available NFL free agents? Russell Wilson remains unsigned (2025)

By David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue and Vic Tafur

NFL free agency has arrived. Who are the best available players for your favorite team to sign? We’re tracking all of them right here.

This story will be updated as free agents agree to deals and as other players are released. The number preceding a player’s name is where he landed in our rankings before the start of free agency. Players who were released March 10 or later will not have a ranking next to their name, but will be slotted where they would have ranked in the Top 150. You can track all of the top 150 free agents here. Ages (in parentheses) are as of Sept. 4, the scheduled date of the 2025 season opener. No Tier 1 free agents remain available.

Tier 2

Proven quality players who have a flaw (such as age or injury) or play a less valued position; players who have impressed for stretches (especially at key positions) but lack a complete resume; young talents with untapped upside.

12. Stefon Diggs, WR, Texans (31)

Texans general manager Nick Caserio said earlier this offseason that the team would be “absolutely open” to bringing back Diggs, whom it acquired via trade with Buffalo last spring. Diggs played eight games for Houston before a season-ending ACL tear, averaging 62.0 receiving yards per game with three touchdowns. His injury broke a six-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons. Though Diggs is a four-time Pro Bowler, he is also probably a very good No. 2 receiver at this point in his career at age 31. Teams will have questions about his injury recovery, but there’s no question he is a top receiver in this class.

Tier 3

Once quality players who are declining or had a down season; young, starting-caliber players who have been less consistent or have a hole or two in their game.

22. Za’Darius Smith, Edge, Lions (32)

Smith could be joining his sixth NFL team entering his 11th season, but not for a lack of production. Over his last six healthy seasons (excluding 2021, when he missed all but one game with a back injury), he has 59 sacks and 146 QB hits, including nine and 17 between the Browns and Lions last year. He turns 33 in September, but he’s still explosive, and he has the quick hands and physicality to play up and down the line. He should have plenty of suitors.

23. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets (41)

The 5-12 Jets seemed to always be in the news for one reason or another in 2024, so the often above-average play from 41-year-old Rodgers got a little lost in the shuffle. In his first season coming off a torn Achilles, Rodgers played all 17 games and finished with 3,897 passing yards (eighth-most), 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, though he completed just 63 percent of his attempts (30th). Rodgers’ free-agency prospects will be an interesting study — he can still likely be an effective bridge quarterback, but teams might shy away from the off-field theatre that comes with him.

35. Rasul Douglas, CB, Bills (31)

Douglas has been on seven rosters in eight seasons, and all seven teams knew what they were getting: a gritty player with a nose for the ball who gets beaten for big plays every now and then. That was more often with the Bills in 2024 than it was for the Packers and Bills in 2023. He had at least four interceptions per season from 2021 to 2023, so another team will surely buckle up.

Tier 4

Quality players with significant age or injury concerns; starting-caliber players with limitations or concerns; less-proven starters, especially at premium positions or with paths to high upside.

37. Keenan Allen, WR, Bears (33)

After a slow start with his new team (17 catches for 161 yards in five games), Allen came out of hibernation and had some high-volume games for the struggling Bears. Never a burner, he looked considerably slower last season and also had some new issues with his hands — though he was officially tagged with only six drops. Maybe it was the cold weather, as Allen said he would like to return to the Los Angeles area if he doesn’t stay with the Bears — which is unlikely given he doesn’t quite fit Ben Johnson’s spread offense. Maybe he’ll take over for Cooper Kupp and find the soft spot in defenses as the Rams’ No. 2.

38. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Chargers (26)

Dobbins was one of the trickiest players to place on this list. Through five seasons, he’s played only 37 of a possible 84 games, missing time because of a host of injuries. But he’s still young, and when he’s on the field, he’s a terrific runner, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in his career. Coming off a torn Achilles and running behind a below-average run-blocking line, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2024, posting a career best in rushing yards despite missing four games with a knee injury. Will he be better in 2025? Will he get better blocking? Can he stay healthy? One way or another, he should get more than the $1.6 million he earned in 2024.

42. Amari Cooper, WR, Bills (31)

What happened to Cooper? The Bills spent a third-round pick to add Cooper for the stretch run but wound up taking him off the field for Mack Hollins in the playoffs. And before that in Cleveland, Cooper was apparently just standing in Jerry Jeudy’s way to big things. Even if he has lost a step, Cooper is still just a year removed from his seventh 1,000-yard season. His route running and usually reliable hands (not last season) could help a team as a No. 2 receiver — especially if that team can convince itself that his problems stemmed from a wrist injury and slow acclimation to the Bills’ playbook.

43. Russell Wilson, QB, Steelers (36)

Wilson wishes he were entering free agency back when the Steelers were 10-3. But they never won another game, and some of the warts in the 36-year-old’s game re-emerged. The deep lob is pretty when it hits, but not so much when it doesn’t, and Wilson can’t make the throws on the run like he used to. Teams can probably do worse than sticking Wilson into a play-action offense — especially because he seemed to do well as a leader early on last season — but they can do better, too.

47. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Chargers (25)

A second-round pick in 2021, Samuel was productive in coverage through three seasons (six interceptions, 35 pass breakups), but a shoulder injury limited him to just four games in 2024. Samuel said after the season he was battling “stinger symptoms,” adding it’s an issue he was “born with.” Undersized and not known for his tackling, Samuel has been otherwise mostly healthy in his career, but any uncertainty about the health of his shoulder moving forward could complicate his market.

49. Marcus Williams, S, Ravens (28)

The Ravens benched Williams in November, three years into a five-year, $70 million deal, following a rash of missed tackles and blown assignments that led to big plays, punctuated by two long Ja’Marr Chase TDs in Week 10. Baltimore’s defense was tied for 30th in EPA/dropback (-0.19) before Williams’ benching, then led the league by a mile (0.15; next was Tampa Bay at 0.02) the rest of the season. That’s pretty damning, though Williams doesn’t turn 29 until September, and he was one of the league’s better free safeties for years. He could bounce back, although he’ll likely have to settle for a one-year deal.

51. Brandon Scherff, G, Jaguars (33)

The No. 5 pick in 2015, Scherff had some injury-plagued seasons before leaving Washington. But he has found the fountain of youth in Florida, starting every game at right guard in three seasons with the Jaguars. He’s a solid pass blocker — his 2.9 percent pressure rate is the best in this class — who won’t cost teams a fortune.

53. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks (32)

The track record for aging, undersized receivers isn’t great, but Lockett’s dip in production in 2024 is easily explainable, as he ceded playing time and targets to rising second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He can still get open and remains fast enough to threaten vertically, which could make him an ideal third option in a pass-heavy offense. Lockett’s upside might not be high, but he doesn’t carry any red flags other than age. As an understated, unselfish veteran willing to mentor young players, he would be a great addition to any locker room. He’s also extremely durable, having missed only three games in 10 seasons.

Tier 5

Old guys who can still play but could retire at any time.

59. Von Miller, Edge, Bills (36)

After signing for big money in Buffalo, Miller’s time with the Bills was underwhelming, with injuries being a significant factor. His role was reduced the past two seasons, and he turns 36 on March 26, so the end could be near. But he still shows flashes of brilliance, especially as a pass rusher. His reputation as a closer in the playoffs should interest a contender or two.

61. Calais Campbell, DT, Dolphins (39)

A perennial glue guy for all five of his teams over an illustrious 17-year career, Campbell’s formula of late has gone something like this: Sign a one-year deal with a team that needs a complementary pass rusher, contribute at least five sacks, bat a few passes and remind folks he can still be disruptive as he approaches 40. Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks and 17 QB hits with Atlanta in 2023 and five sacks, 12 QB hits and five batted passes with Miami in 2024, while playing in all 34 games.

63. Tyron Smith, T, Jets (34)

Smith might not play a full season (he’s played just 40 games in the last five seasons), and that will make many rightfully cautious to sign him — but when he’s healthy, he still has his moments. He allowed 22 pressures in 10 games in 2024, tied for 10th-fewest among all tackles who played at least 350 snaps. While the sample size was relatively small because of his truncated season, he also posted a league-best 86 percent run-block win rate.

64. Eric Kendricks, LB, Cowboys (33)

Kendricks just keeps on tackling people as he approaches 33. That’s nine consecutive seasons with 100 tackles (he had 92 in his rookie year), and he is looking for a new home as old buddy Mike Zimmer is out as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Kendricks is not for every team, but he did have a career-high three forced fumbles to go with three sacks. He’s far from done.

65. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns (29)

Chubb turned 29 in December but gets stuck with these geezers in Tier 5 because he has the knees of a 58-year-old man. As a sophomore at Georgia, he dislocated his left knee and tore his MCL, LCL and PCL. In September 2023, he injured the same knee, requiring two surgeries to repair his medial capsule, meniscus, MCL and ACL. After returning in October, Chubb was nearly outrushed by Jerome Ford over the rest of the season despite getting nearly twice as many carries (102 to 54). But hey, they are doing wild things with medicine and therapy these days, and you can’t question Chubb’s heart and skill level. Light a candle.

Tier 6

Inconsistent or journeyman veterans who still have appeal; youngsters with potential or traits worth developing who have yet to hit their stride; upper-end role players.

66. Justin Simmons, S, Falcons (31)

A surprise release by the Broncos following his fourth second-team All-Pro selection last March, Simmons remained on the market until mid-August. He settled for a one-year, $7.5 million deal with Atlanta, then had perhaps his worst season. Simmons was involved in miscommunications on several big plays early in the season. He also missed nearly a fifth of his tackle attempts (19.8 percent, second-worst among safeties with 500-plus snaps) and finished with two interceptions, his fewest since 2017. Perhaps he’ll rebound with another team, but his market might be soft again.

67. Elijah Moore, WR, Browns (25)

Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Mike White, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Josh Johnson, Bailey Zappe, Chris Streveler. Those are Moore’s quarterbacks through four seasons (listed from most targets to least). Moore probably won’t become the fantasy darling many predicted after a promising rookie season in 2021 (592 scrimmage yards and six TDs in only 11 games), but he’s still quick and explosive with some craftiness as a route runner and dynamic ability after the catch. Those are traits worth betting on in the right environment, even if he tops out as a slot target and gadget guy.

79. Will Hernandez, G, Cardinals (30)

Hernandez missed 12 games after tearing his ACL (after not allowing a sack in the first five), but he’s a pretty solid guard with 91 starts under his belt and experience on both sides of the line. He found his stride in three years with the Cardinals after an inconsistent four seasons with the Giants, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he followed Klayton Adams — former Cardinals OL coach, now the Cowboys’ OC — to Dallas to replace the retired Zack Martin.

84. Mike Hilton, CB, Bengals (31)

Hilton has long been viewed as one of the top slot corners in the NFL. His coverage skills have dipped in recent years, but his savvy, timing and tenacity have gone nowhere. Hilton might still be the best blitzing slot in the league, and he made more plays than anyone on the defense over the final five-game win streak to close the season. Pro Football Focus graded him first (91.7) against the run, recording 38 stops (solo tackle for an offensive failure), good for second among CBs. He also had the lowest missed tackle rate (7.5 percent) among those with at least 20 total stops. That type of production will always have a place in this league, even if there is a concern over coverage consistency.

86. Kyzir White, LB, Cardinals (29)

A college safety, White could be searching for his fourth NFL team this spring, but he should find a home quickly as a well-rounded linebacker. He lacks great size, length or play strength, but he’s a quick gap-shooter who has improved his instincts and is willing to be physical. His speed is an asset in pursuit and in coverage. Although he could improve his awareness in zone coverage, he excels at passing off routes in front of him, and he’s comfortable finding and playing the ball in the air. For teams that miss out on the upper-tier options, White could be a great consolation prize.

Tier 7

Veterans who could start if needed, but teams would prefer to upgrade on; role players with a standout trait; talent worth taking a flier on.

90. Jedrick Wills Jr., T, Browns (26)

Wills is a starting left tackle who doesn’t turn 26 until May, but he hasn’t been fully healthy since the middle of 2023. Given that he barely played last year and decided he wasn’t healthy enough to play in November when the Browns apparently thought otherwise, it feels like the relationship is over. Even when healthy, Wills’ play has been volatile, with more downs than ups in recent years. He might wind up with a one-year, prove-it deal.

Tier 8

Veterans who might be near the end; role players; former draft crushes who haven’t panned out yet.

110. E.J. Speed, LB, Colts (30)

Speed became a full-time starter in 2024 and made a handful of splash plays, but he was continuously exposed in coverage, which raises questions about just how impactful he can be if relied on as an every-down linebacker. Opposing QBs completed 79 percent of passes and had a 95.8 passer rating when targeting Speed this season, much worse than in 2023 (64.4 completion percentage and 75.9 passer rating) when he broke into a starting role.

114. Matthew Judon, Edge, Falcons (33)

Judon netted the Patriots a third-round pick via trade last August, but the four-time Pro Bowler might be near the end. Coming off a torn biceps suffered in 2023, he had perhaps the worst season of his career with the Falcons. His pressure rate (8.1 percent) was the worst of any edge defender in our top 150, and many of his pressures came on clean-ups or QB scrambles. Perhaps it was just a blip, but Judon turns 33 in August. He might have to be patient.

115. Shaq Mason, G, Texans (32)

Mason was one of the league’s better right guards for many years, but he’s coming off his worst season, allowing career highs in sacks and pressure rate before being released by the Texans, who are as desperate as any team for help on the interior OL. He doesn’t turn 32 until August, and there’s a chance he bounces back in 2025, but he’ll likely have to do so on a one-year deal. It would not be surprising if retirement is near.

116. Dennis Gardeck, Edge, Cardinals (31)

There’s nobody in the NFL quite like Gardeck. An undrafted free agent and special teams maven, he got an opportunity on defense in 2020 and has impressed as an undersized situational pass rusher since, accumulating a career pressure rate of 16.7 percent. He turns 31 in August and is coming off a torn ACL suffered in October, but he might have some value left.

118. Julian Blackmon, S, Colts (27)

Blackmon played through a torn right labrum suffered in the opener and still tied for the team-high with three interceptions, missing only one game and putting off surgery until after the season. However, the 2020 third-round pick missed several tackles he should make, allowed a 103.2 passer rating and was clearly a shell of the playmaker he’s proven to be when healthy. But that’s the catch: Blackmon hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He’s suffered significant injuries throughout his career, and after returning to Indianapolis on a one-year deal last offseason, his latest injury muddies his market yet again.

132. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Vikings (34)

The Vikings played more man coverage in Week 17 against the Packers than they had in a game all season. In the locker room afterward, Gilmore looked spent. He played a fill-in role admirably in 2024, but he is not the man-cover corner he once was. His level of experience and processing speed on the field will garner interest if he chooses to play another season, though retirement is not out of the question.

136. Trey Lance, QB, Cowboys (25)

Reclamation QBs are hot after the resurgences of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith, and Lance still has the traits to merit a roll of the dice. The problem is it might be more like buying a Powerball ticket. Kyle Shanahan’s system elevates almost every QB, but Lance lasted only eight games (four starts) with the 49ers, then failed to usurp Cooper Rush in Dallas. All of that said: He’s three months younger than Bo Nix and only seven months older than Jayden Daniels. Lance has attempted only 461 pass attempts in college and the NFL combined, less than 16 QBs had in 2024 alone. At the very least, his talent merits a roster spot and more time to develop.

145. D.J. Humphries, T, Chiefs (31)

Humphries’ cameo with the Chiefs last season went about as poorly as it could have. He allowed five pressures in his first start, lost his job (the Chiefs moved left guard Joe Thuney out to tackle instead) and then allowed six more pressures in a start with Kansas City’s backups in Week 18. He also took two penalties. All of that said, Humphries is only 31 and had several years of passable left tackle play before tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season. It’s not unreasonable to think he could return to that level of play in 2025, another year removed from the injury.

147. Dalton Risner, G, Vikings (30)

A solid starter for four years in Denver, Risner never quite took the next step. In each of the past two years, he found a soft market before signing a one-year deal with the Vikings and starting most of the season, at left guard in 2023 and right guard in 2024. He has holes in his game, but his experience and versatility should find him a home somewhere.

— The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, James Boyd, Mike DeFabo, Paul Dehner Jr., Michael-Shawn Dugar, Dan Duggan, Chad Graff, Zac Jackson, Adam Jahns, Josh Kendall, Alec Lewis, Joseph Person, Daniel Popper, Zack Rosenblatt, Matt Schneidman, Saad Yousuf and Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this story.

(Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images)