• Tee Higgins is set to cash in: Higgins has missed time with injury over the past two years but still produced an 82.2 PFF receiving grade in 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.
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As the NFL regular season winds down, it's time to take a closer look at the upcoming free agency class 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 25 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 25 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 has suited up so far in 2024, he has consistently produced at a high level. The fourth-ranked player on 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 |
| 82.2 | 1.83 | 13.0 | 4.7 | ?** | |
| Kenny Golladay | 82.2 | 2.12 | 15.9 | 4.1 |
9.8%*** |
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
2. G Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith's 78.6 overall PFF grade currently ranks ninth among all guards in the NFL this season, and he will still be only 25 years old when free agency opens next year. 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 of projecting a contract for Smith is the reason why he fell to the end of the sixth round in the 2021 Draft: Smith was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. On the field, though, Smith is every bit of a prize free agent. Factoring in his health is the key question.
Top free agent comparison: Coming soon!
|
Player |
Pass-block grade | True pass set pass-block grade | Positive run-block grade percentage |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
| 68.6 | 58.6 | 18.2% | ? | ||
| – | – | – | – | – |
? |
*All data in tables reflects two years before 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 ranked among the five highest-graded safeties in two of his first three seasons in the league. Having earned a 51.5 PFF coverage grade through 13 weeks in 2024, he's currently on track for a career-low in that category, but there's a long way to go this season, and his previous 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 |
| 74.4 | 72.2 | 10.9% | 86.8 | ? | |
| Jessie Bates III | 65.7 | 80.3 | 5.7% | 78.1 |
7.1% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before 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 six of his first seven NFL seasons. He was on pace to maintain 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. Godwin is no stranger to entering free agency with an injury, and hopefully, the recovery will be even quicker this time.
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 |
| 83.9 | 1.83 | 8.9 | 5.4 | ? | |
| Allen Robinson | 83.8 | 1.71 | 10.9 | 2.97 |
7.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before 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 run defender. His 88 total 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 back in 2022, whose six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Bills was more like three years, $52.5 million in reality.
Top free agent comparison: Von Miller, 2022
|
Player |
Pass-rush grade | pass-sets set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
| 89.6 | 88.3 | 17.5% | 92.2 | ? | |
| Von Miller | 87.7 | 90.5 | 18.8% | 88.2 |
9.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
6. CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets
Reed is poised to enter free agency at an ideal moment, as he's on track for a career year. His 73.9 coverage grade ranks 19th among players at his position this season. He's also excelled in PFF's advanced metrics, boasting a 52.26% 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 |
| 73.7 | 88.2 | 16.7% | 65.3 | ? | |
| Malcolm Butler | 76.5 | 90.0 | 14.0 | 66.6 |
6.9% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before 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 still 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 has struggled with drops in 2024, though, dropping 17.1% of the catchable passes thrown his way.
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 |
| 77.5 | 1.89 | 13.4 | 3.3 | ? | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 80.3 | 1.88 | 11.7 | 3.0 |
5.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before 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 has improved their stock more this season than the Ravens' left tackle. After a devastating ankle injury in 2021 seemed to stall his career, Ronnie Stanley is finally back to top form in 2024, posting an impressive 80.6 PFF pass-blocking grade through the first 13 weeks.
Top free agent comparison: Anthony Castonzo, 2020
|
Player |
Pass-block grade | True pass set pass-block grade | Negative run-block grade percentage |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
| 79.8 | 75.2 | 10% | ? | ||
| Anthony Castonzo | 84.8 | 77.3 | 9.9% |
8.3% |
|
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
9. T Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
Bolles has rounded into one of the steadier blindside pass protectors in the NFL. He's allowed only five sacks in the last three years, and his last six seasons have all ended with a pass-blocking grade of 74.3 or better. The 32-year-old should have an ample market for teams needing tackle help.
Top free agent comparison: Terron Armstead, 2022
|
Player |
Pass-block grade | True pass set pass-block grade | Negative run-block grade percentage |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
| 88.3 | 84.8 | 8.3% | ? | ||
| Terron Armstead | 88.8 | 80.1 | 11.9% |
7.2% |
|
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
10. 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 stats look impressive, with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, his performance in key areas is more mixed, with 25 big-time throws balanced by 18 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 |
| 86.4 | 88.7 | 89.5 | 8.9% | ? | |
| Jay Cutler | 90.5 | 70.5 | 79.0 | 6.5% |
14.7% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
11. 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’s currently making the most of to the tune of seven sacks through Week 13. With the departure of Haason Reddick and the unfortunate injury to Eagles legend Brandon Graham, Sweat has plenty of runway to boost his stock through the end of the season.
Top free agent comparison: Paul Kruger, 2013
|
Player |
Pass-rush grade | Tpass-set set pass-rush grade | Pass-rush win rate | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
| 75.5 | 80.7 | 14.9% | 55.9 | ? | |
| Paul Kruger | 81.8 | N/A | 11.4% | 59.2 |
6.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
12. WR Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
Playing in an offense where he was no longer the top target hadn’t hindered 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 the catchable passes thrown his way. A season-ending ACL injury for an older 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 |
| 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 before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
13. EDGE Haason Reddick, New York Jets
Reddick's absence from the Jets to start the season leaves questions about how it might affect his interest from other teams in 2025. While his standout 2022 season marked a career-high in both PFF grade and sack total, he has consistently been a reliable pass-rusher, earning a PFF pass-rushing grade of at least 65.0 each full season since 2018 — although that’s dipped to 56.7 in an abbreviated 2024.
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 |
| 72.0 | 73.7 | 13.6% | 66.8 | ? | |
| Jerry Hughes | 77.3 | 78.3 | 13.4% | 85.7 |
6.3% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
14. CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
Ward has struggled so far in 2024 and is on track for career lows in a number of PFF metrics, but his body of work heading into this season 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 |
| 83.5 | 81.3 | 16.3% | 44.3 | ? | |
| 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
15. 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, and thus far, he has found the end zone a handful of times already as he acclimates to the offense. A national spotlight through the playoffs never hurts, and Hopkins has continued to play through a knee injury that would suggest optimism that 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 |
| 84.2 | 2.03 | 13.7 | 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
16. CB Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills
Douglas has faced some challenges to start the 2024 season, but his knack for making plays on the ball ensures he'll attract significant interest in 2025. Heading into this season, he had recorded at least seven pass breakups in six of his seven NFL seasons 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 |
| 76.8 | 83.5 | 10.9% | 40.4 | ? | |
| 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
17. 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, compared to if he got hurt during the season, which could ease concerns of missing offseason activities heading into 2025. A short-term deal where Koonce can hit the market again in 2026, or perhaps sign an extension one year into a two-year deal like 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 |
| 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
18. T Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
Robinson was part of a Jaguars team that had a dismal start to 2024 but individually was a reliable option at left tackle before being acquired by the Minnesota Vikings at the trade deadline. His 95.8 pass-blocking efficiency so far this year would be his worst since 2019, but if anything, that's a testament to his play over the last four years.
Top free agent comparison: Russell Okung, 2016
|
Player |
Pass-block grade | True pass set pass-block grade | Negative run-block grade percentage |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
| 78.2 | 72.7 | 17.6% | ? | ||
| Russell Okung | 80.2 | 71.5 | 11.9% |
6.8% |
|
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
19. S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Baker signed a revised contract that took him through the 2024 season and continues to be one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the NFL, with his 86 combined tackles through Week 13 second among safeties league-wide. Looking for what will effectively be a third veteran contract, Baker will still be only 29 years old for the 2025 NFL season.
Top free agent comparison: Donte Whitner, 2014
|
Player |
Coverage grade w/ no pressure | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Forced incompletion rate | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
| 64.4 | 77.7 | 7.7% | 77.5 | ? | |
| Donte Whitner | 74.6 | 70.7 | 8.7% | 75.4 |
5.2% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
20. LB Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Greenlaw is still working his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl last February, but assuming he can return to the same level we saw in 2023, he will 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 |
| 68.3 | 70.9 | 2.7% | 5.6% | ? | |
| 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
21. QB Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
If there’s any lesson to be learned from the recent resurgence of touted quarterback prospects like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and others in recent years, 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 eventually ceded duties to Russell Wilson, 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 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 |
| 83.9 | 72.8 | 71.5 | 9.0% | ? | |
| Marcus Mariota | 79.3 | 67.9 | 75.5 | 10.9% |
4.4% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
22. 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 players available at the position again in 2025. Jones’ 74.0 pass-blocking grade ranks tied for fourth among qualified running backs, with consistent rushing and receiving production to boot.
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 |
| 0.19 | 3.18 | 64.1 | 1.31 | ? | |
| Mark Ingram | 0.12 | 3.01 | 64.6 | 1.47 |
2.6% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
23. CB Carlton Davis III, Detroit Lions
Davis was traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason and has provided immediate stability to a young, oft-injured secondary in Detroit that has seen a strong defensive turnaround even after losing Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Aidan Hutchinson.
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 |
| 73.1 | 84.0 | 13.7% | 52.8 | ? | |
| Aaron Colvin | 75.3 | 75.3 | 1.0% | 61.9 |
4.8% |
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
24. C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
There aren’t many long-term answers in free agency at center, which will make Dalman the primary benefactor 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 landscape.
Top free agent comparison: Brian Allen, 2022
|
Player |
Pass-block grade | True pass set pass-block grade | Positive run-block grade percentage |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
| 52.8 | 45.8 | 21.1% | ? | ||
| Brian Allen | 56.1 | 48.7 | 16.9% |
2.9% |
|
*All data in tables reflects two years before UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings
25. S Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers
A fifth-round draft pick back in 2021, Hufanga earned PFF coverage grades above 65.0 in 2022 and 2023. He has played just 64 snaps so far this season and looks set to miss more time through injury, so how he ends the season will likely play a big role in how high he can climb these rankings before free agency opens.
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 |
| 61.6 | 65.2 | 0.0% | 74.9 | ? | |
| Jabrill Peppers | 59.3 | 51.5 | 2.3% | 81.1 |
4.0% |
*All data in tables reflects two years prior to UFA contract signing
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