- Jamel Dean has been elite in 2025: Dean grades as the league's best overall and cover corner, which should foment a big contract.
- Jermaine Eluemunor could be one of the top pass-blockers on the market: The Giants tackle is 14th in pressure rate allowed at the position over the last two seasons.
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Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
The 2025 NFL season is already 13 weeks complete, and plenty is left to be determined. After all, no team has clinched a playoff berth, and multiple division races will likely come down to the final window of showdowns.
Although the book is far from closed on the current season, attention invariably turns toward the offseason — specifically free agency, which begins March 9. Amid the chaos of the initial days of the legal tampering period is watching which players receive eye-popping price tags, cashing in despite not being superstars.
As both the current campaign and their past body of work reveals, these 15 names should demand top dollar in only three months.
WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ offense has taken the league by storm this season. While there are a myriad of factors why, Pierce’s play is certainly a large one.
Among receivers with 55 or more targets, Pierce ranks 13th in PFF receiving grade (80.3), 13th in yards per route run (2.15) and 20th in passer rating when targeted (105.1). Likewise, Pierce’s 90.7 receiving grade on contested targets is 14th among wideouts with 60 or more such tries since 2023.
Still only 25 and adding nuances to his game with better releases and route running, Pierce could command upward of $22 million per year on the open market as a team’s WR1.
CB Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When discussing the best cornerbacks in the NFL, the usual names of Pat Surtain II, Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. typically populate. But based on just 2025, that title may very well go to Dean.
The Buccaneers stud hasn’t seen quite a full workload, playing only 448 snaps due to both injury and cornerback rotation. But when on the field, Dean has been as lockdown as anyone. He leads qualified corners in overall PFF grade (90.0) with a league-best 29.8 passer rating when targeted. On top of that, Dean is yet to miss a tackle in 2025.
Having produced a 72.5 PFF coverage mark or better in each of his seven pro seasons, Dean is peaking at the right time. He could notch $18 million per year in his next contract.
G Isaac Seumalo, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ offense hasn’t flashed much in Aaron Rodgers’ first season with the team, ranking 20th in EPA per play. Still, Seumalo has enjoyed a solid season in 2025.
Seumalo’s 77.5 overall PFF grade is the seventh-best among qualified guards, and his 80.6 PFF pass-blocking mark is the second-highest. It’s important to note that Rodgers owns the fourth-fastest average time to throw (2.65 seconds), but Seumalo has still held up well in true pass sets with a 65.4 pass-blocking grade.
Seumalo was an underrated addition in March 2023, but perhaps more teams will take note of the 32-year-old three years later.
LB Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ 2025 season has been a cataclysmic one, but Atlanta’s defense has flashed major signs of improvement. While much of that can be attributed to first-round rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., Elliss has continued to excel.
Elliss has been at his best as a pass rusher, posting an 85.8 PFF pass-rushing grade with an impressive 19.5% pass-rush win rate. He’s also taken a step forward in coverage with a 71.6 PFF coverage grade, although his run-defense metrics have fallen a tad.
A versatile asset who can play either in the box or along the defensive line, Elliss feels like a talent that lots of defensive coordinators will covet. After all, the last underrated Falcons linebacker to be snagged by a contender — Nate Landman — has paid dividends, recently being awarded a $22.5 million extension.
S Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears
The Bears sit as the NFC’s top seed through 13 weeks, with Ben Johnson and a well-designed offense receiving most of the flowers. Even as Chicago’s defense is still finding its footing, Byard has been a playmaker on the back end.
Byard’s 79.9 overall PFF grade is the fourth-highest among qualified safeties this season. The veteran has been great against both the pass and run, as evidenced by his 73.1-plus PFF grades in both departments.
During his two years in Chicago, Byard sits in the 89th percentile in PFF coverage grade at free safety and in the 72nd percentile in PFF run-defense grade. Perhaps there could be worry about signing him to a big contract at 32, but his play hasn’t displayed much decline at all.
G Ed Ingram, Houston Texans
After a dreary start, the Texans are back in both the AFC South and playoff conversation. Houston’s defense rightfully garners most of the attention, but the team’s offensive line has quietly improved — and Ingram is at the forefront.
Ingram’s 79.9 overall PFF grade is the sixth-highest among qualified guards, powered by his great 85.4 PFF run-blocking mark. Although his pass protection hasn’t been quite as dynamic — producing a 62.0 PFF pass-blocking grade — it still places in the 65th percentile at the position.
Considering he’ll be 27 throughout the entire 2026 season, expect lots of suitors for Ingram, especially teams seeking to receive a boost in their run game.
LB Devin Bush, Cleveland Browns
Even though the Browns are still in the doldrums, their defense has been one of the fiercest in pro football. Myles Garrett may be on his way to a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year nod, but Bush is another underrated contributor.
Bush’s 84.3 overall PFF grade is the third-highest among qualified linebackers in 2025. He’s dynamic in multiple facets, grading as the only player at the position with an 83.5-plus PFF run-defense mark and a 74.2 PFF coverage grade.
The former 10th overall pick has lived up to his potential in Cleveland, placing sixth among linebackers in PFF Wins Above Replacement since 2024. While the position’s play is volatile, Bush could net upward of $12 million per year on a new deal considering he’s still just 27.
T Jermaine Eluemunor, New York Giants
Hardly anything has gone right for the Giants in 2025, with the team already firing head coach Brian Daboll. However, New York’s offensive line has fared well, sitting fifth in PFF pass-blocking grade. Eluemunor is a big reason for that performance.
Eluemunor’s 73.2 PFF pass-blocking mark places 23rd among 62 qualified tackles, and his 97.7 pass-blocking efficiency score is 10th. Moreover, Eluemunor sits 14th in pressure rate allowed (4.7%) among qualified tackles since 2024.
A steady presence at right tackle with experience playing both left tackle and guard should warrant a bigger payday than expected on the open market.
RB Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s offense didn’t explode as expected in Michael Penix Jr.’s second pro campaign, but it’s not because of the Falcons’ run game. Atlanta ranks as an above-average rushing attack — thanks not only to Bijan Robinson, but also Allgeier.
Working as Robinson’s backup hasn’t slowed down Allgeier, who’s produced a 73.0 PFF rushing grade in 2025. Allgeier’s explosiveness is impressive considering his limited workload, as 10 of his 97 carries have gained 10 or more yards, and he’s moved the chains 27 times.
Boasting a career 91.2 PFF rushing grade and only 25, Allgeier could fit the bill of a backup in one room who could excel as the starter in another.
S Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots
The Patriots have assembled a remarkable turnaround in 2025, going from bottom-feeder to top of the AFC in one fell swoop. New England’s hectic offseason has led the charge in its revitalization, but Hawkins’ contributions can’t be ignored, either.
Surrounded by talent at cornerback, Hawkins has proven to be the franchise’s answer at the safety position. His 76.4 overall PFF grade sits 13th among qualified safeties. On top of that, Hawkins is one of three at the position with an 80.0-plus PFF run-defense grade and a 70.0 PFF coverage mark.
Safeties like Tre’von Moehrig, Cam Bynum and Talanoa Hufanga cashed in solid pay last spring to the tune of $15 million or more per season. Hawkins very well may be next in line.
CB Chidobe Awuzie, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster, one which continues dipping even going into Week 14. As Baltimore competes for a third consecutive AFC North crown, Awuzie has been a stabilizing presence in the secondary.
Awuzie has played only 460 snaps, rotating in behind Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. Still, he’s been undeniably great when on the field. Awuzie’s 78.2 overall PFF grade and 80.2 coverage mark both slot top-four among qualified cornerbacks.
As a lockdown man corner — his 80.0 PFF coverage grade is second at the position — Awuzie could thrive in a more full-time role if he leaves Baltimore. However, it’s worth noting that returns on paying corners 30 or older could drive down Awuzie’s value.
CB James Pierre, Pittsburgh Steelers
Like its offense, Pittsburgh’s defense has generally been languid in 2025. As certain veterans have underwhelmed, the door has opened for unsung players like Pierre to step into enhanced opportunities.
Pierre has suited up on only 278 snaps this season, mostly filling in for the recently waived Darius Slay. But when on the field, he’s been a tremendous asset. Pierre’s 82.0 PFF coverage grade is the third-best among corners with 150 or more coverage snaps, and his 30% forced incompletion rate is second.
The bag has been mixed on Pierre throughout his Steelers career, playing a total of 1,226 in six years. Yet, his ball production and minimal separation allowed — even against talents like Ja’Marr Chase — could warrant a starting opportunity in 2026, complemented by a larger-than-anticipated deal.
EDGE John Franklin-Myers, Denver Broncos
Denver’s defense is yet again one of the best in the NFL, vaulting the team to its 10-2 record this year. On a unit full of contributors, Franklin-Myers may be the most unheralded.
This season, Franklin-Myers has recorded a 67.4 PFF pass-rushing grade with a 13.2% pass-rush win rate, both of which are in at least the 82nd percentile. Similarly, his 62.4 PFF run-defense grade doesn’t seem incredible, but it places 33rd among 116 defensive linemen with 100 or more snaps against the ground game.
Having generated at least 50 pressures in every year from 2020-24 and still a disruptive player, Franklin-Myers should be a pursued asset along numerous defensive lines.
C Luke Fortner, New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore’s inaugural season in New Orleans hasn’t offered much to write home about, particularly on offense — where the Saints are still 30th in success rate. However, the team’s offensive line has flashed at times, including Fortner up the middle.
Filling in for the injured Erik McCoy, Fortner has done an admirable job as New Orleans’ center in 2025. He’s secured a 74.6 overall PFF grade across 351 snaps, which ranks eighth among qualifiers at the position. Additionally, Fortner is one of only three centers with a 70.0-plus grade in both pass- and run-blocking.
Fortner’s two years as a full-time starting center with the Jaguars may prompt some skepticism, but he’s undoubtedly playing the best football of his career before becoming a free agent. Given the dearth of available centers every March, that could offer solid money.
RB Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are clinging to a slim NFC South lead despite enduring injuries across the board. Although Bucky Irving has missed most of his second season, White has been more than an adequate backup for Tampa Bay.
White has gotten better as a runner in each of his four campaigns, peaking in 2025 with a terrific 86.9 PFF rushing grade — fifth among ball carriers with 100 or more carries. What’s also eye-catching is that 10 of his 106 totes have gone for 10 or more yards. Further, White has been effective in his career as a receiver, producing a 72.7 PFF receiving grade.
Given the success that players like Javonte Williams and J.K. Dobbins have enjoyed on new teams as second-contract backs, multiple squads could field interest in White — who doesn’t turn 27 until January.
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