• Tee Higgins is ready to money in: Higgins has missed time with damage over the previous two years however nonetheless produced an 82.2 PFF receiving grade in that span.
• A slew of defensive again expertise: Jevon Holland, D.J. Reed, Rasul Douglas and different gamers will likely be obtainable to shore up secondaries.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Begin-Sit Optimizer and extra. Enroll now!
Because the NFL common season winds down, it is time to take a more in-depth have a look at the upcoming free company class with a extra complete lens. Shifting on from our early-season evaluations, we now have a bigger pattern measurement of knowledge to refine our rankings and mission how groups may method their offseason spending.
This iteration highlights the highest 25 free brokers poised to form the 2025 offseason, with our full rankings increasing to incorporate 200 gamers as we inch nearer to March.
When evaluating free-agent expertise, it is necessary to contemplate context. All information included in our tables displays participant efficiency from the 2 years earlier than their unrestricted free company (UFA) eligibility, providing a balanced snapshot of current manufacturing and consistency. Groups will function underneath a projected 2025 wage cap of $275 million, a major improve pushed by the league’s rising income streams. This starkly contrasts with the 2021 season, when the wage cap dropped as a result of pandemic’s monetary impression.
With these notes in thoughts, let’s dive into the highest 25 free brokers who’re set to command consideration — and doubtlessly record-breaking contracts — this offseason.
1. WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins not often missed taking part in time over his first three seasons however has sadly been bitten by the damage bug in back-to-back contract years. That mentioned, when Higgins has suited up up to now in 2024, he has persistently produced at a excessive stage. The fourth-ranked participant on PFF’s free company rankings final season, Higgins figures to be one of the crucial sought-after gamers available on the market once more in 2025.
High free agent comparability: Kenny Golladay, 2021
|
Participant |
Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Common depth of goal | Yards after catch per reception |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Tee Higgins |
82.2 | 1.83 | 13.0 | 4.7 | ?** |
| Kenny Golladay | 82.2 | 2.12 | 15.9 | 4.1 |
9.8%*** |
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
2. G Trey Smith, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Smith’s 78.6 general PFF grade at the moment ranks ninth amongst all guards within the NFL this season, and he’ll nonetheless be solely 25 years outdated when free company opens subsequent yr. That is a very good mixture for a giant payday, on condition that a number of gamers on the place signed offers at or exceeding $20 million per yr in 2024.
The sophisticated ingredient of projecting a contract for Smith is the rationale why he fell to the tip of the sixth spherical within the 2021 Draft: Smith was recognized with blood clots in his lungs. On the sector, although, Smith is each little bit of a prize free agent. Factoring in his well being is the important thing query.
High free agent comparability: Coming quickly!
|
Participant |
Move-block grade | True move set pass-block grade | Constructive run-block grade share |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
|
Trey Smith |
68.6 | 58.6 | 18.2% | ? | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
? |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
3. S Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
A second-round draft pick of Oregon in 2021, Holland ranked among the many 5 highest-graded safeties in two of his first three seasons within the league. Having earned a 51.5 PFF protection grade via 13 weeks in 2024, he is at the moment on monitor for a career-low in that class, however there is a lengthy solution to go this season, and his earlier physique of labor greater than speaks for itself.
High free agent comparability: Jessie Bates III, 2023
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Jevon Holland |
74.4 | 72.2 | 10.9% | 86.8 | ? |
| Jessie Bates III | 65.7 | 80.3 | 5.7% | 78.1 |
7.1% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
4. WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin has persistently displayed dependable fingers, dropping fewer than 6% of catchable passes in six of his first seven NFL seasons. He was on tempo to keep up that commonplace in 2024, incomes an 85.7 PFF receiving grade via practically seven weeks and not using a single drop on 52 catchable targets. Nevertheless, Godwin sustained a season-ending left ankle dislocation. Godwin isn’t any stranger to getting into free company with an damage, and hopefully, the restoration will likely be even faster this time.
High free agent comparability: Allen Robinson, 2022
|
Participant |
Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Common depth of goal | Yards after catch per reception |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Chris Godwin |
83.9 | 1.83 | 8.9 | 5.4 | ? |
| Allen Robinson | 83.8 | 1.71 | 10.9 | 2.97 |
7.4% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
5. EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Mack has loved a late-career resurgence over the previous two seasons, proving he can nonetheless be a power as a pass-rusher and run defender. His 88 complete pressures in 2023 marked his highest complete since 2016, and his 86.3 PFF pass-rushing grade was his finest since 2020. Mack’s scenario getting into free company is eerily paying homage to Von Miller again in 2022, whose six-year, $120 million contract with the Buffalo Payments was extra like three years, $52.5 million in actuality.
High free agent comparability: Von Miller, 2022
|
Participant |
Move-rush grade | pass-sets set pass-rush grade | Move-rush win charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Khalil Mack |
89.6 | 88.3 | 17.5% | 92.2 | ? |
| Von Miller | 87.7 | 90.5 | 18.8% | 88.2 |
9.6% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
6. CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets
Reed is poised to enter free company at a super second, as he is on monitor for a profession yr. His 73.9 protection grade ranks nineteenth amongst gamers at his place this season. He is additionally excelled in PFF’s superior metrics, boasting a 69.4% Lockdown Proportion.
High free agent comparability: Malcolm Butler, 2018
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Single protection grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
D.J. Reed |
73.7 | 88.2 | 16.7% | 65.3 | ? |
| Malcolm Butler | 76.5 | 90.0 | 14.0 | 66.6 |
6.9% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
7. WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo Payments
Even at 30 years outdated, Cooper will nonetheless be a sexy possibility for groups seeking to enhance at large receiver, having earned a PFF receiving grade above 70.0 in each full season he has been within the league. He has struggled with drops in 2024, although, dropping 17.1% of the catchable passes thrown his manner.
High free agent comparability: DeAndre Hopkins, 2023
|
Participant |
Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Common depth of goal | Yards after catch per reception |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Amari Cooper |
77.5 | 1.89 | 13.4 | 3.3 | ? |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 80.3 | 1.88 | 11.7 | 3.0 |
5.8% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
8. T Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
It is laborious to argue that any participant has improved their inventory extra this season than the Ravens’ left sort out. After a devastating ankle damage in 2021 appeared to stall his profession, Ronnie Stanley is lastly again to high kind in 2024, posting a powerful 80.6 PFF pass-blocking grade via the primary 13 weeks.
High free agent comparability: Anthony Castonzo, 2020
|
Participant |
Move-block grade | True move set pass-block grade | Unfavourable run-block grade share |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
|
Ronnie Stanley |
79.8 | 75.2 | 10% | ? | |
| Anthony Castonzo | 84.8 | 77.3 | 9.9% |
8.3% |
|
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
9. T Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos
Bolles has rounded into one of many steadier blindside move protectors within the NFL. He is allowed solely 5 sacks within the final three years, and his final six seasons have all ended with a pass-blocking grade of 74.3 or higher. The 32-year-old ought to have an ample marketplace for groups needing sort out assist.
High free agent comparability: Terron Armstead, 2022
|
Participant |
Move-block grade | True move set pass-block grade | Unfavourable run-block grade share |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
|
Garett Bolles |
88.3 | 84.8 | 8.3% | ? | |
| Terron Armstead | 88.8 | 80.1 | 11.9% |
7.2% |
|
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
10. QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
The talk surrounding Darnold within the 2025 offseason will possible give attention to whether or not he could be greater than only a bridge quarterback. Whereas his uncooked stats look spectacular, with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, his efficiency in key areas is extra combined, with 25 big-time throws balanced by 18 turnover-worthy performs.
High free agent comparability: Jay Cutler, 2014
|
Participant |
Clear-pocket grade | 1st & 2nd down grade | Commonplace dropback grade | Sack charge |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Sam Darnold |
86.4 | 88.7 | 89.5 | 8.9% | ? |
| Jay Cutler | 90.5 | 70.5 | 79.0 | 6.5% |
14.7% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
11. EDGE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
Sweat signed an early extension with the Eagles in 2021 after which a revised one-year contract for 2024, which he’s at the moment profiting from to the tune of seven sacks via Week 13. With the departure of Haason Reddick and the unlucky damage to Eagles legend Brandon Graham, Sweat has loads of runway to spice up his inventory via the tip of the season.
High free agent comparability: Paul Kruger, 2013
|
Participant |
Move-rush grade | Tpass-set set pass-rush grade | Move-rush win charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Josh Sweat |
75.5 | 80.7 | 14.9% | 55.9 | ? |
| Paul Kruger | 81.8 | N/A | 11.4% | 59.2 |
6.6% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
12. WR Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
Taking part in in an offense the place he was not the highest goal hadn’t hindered Diggs’ effectiveness. The star wideout was on tempo to increase his streak of seasons with a PFF receiving grade above 75.0 and a drop charge under 10% on the catchable passes thrown his manner. A season-ending ACL damage for an older who wins with lateral agility will make for an fascinating free-agent dance. Diggs’ scenario has shades of Odell Beckham Jr.’s free company interval in 2023 when he tore his ACL within the Tremendous Bowl in 2021 and didn’t play in 2022 earlier than signing a one-year, $15 million totally assured contract.
High free agent comparability: Pierre Garcon, 2017
|
Participant |
Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Common depth of goal | 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 information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
13. EDGE Haason Reddick, New York Jets
Reddick’s absence from the Jets to start out the season leaves questions on the way it may have an effect on his curiosity from different groups in 2025. Whereas his standout 2022 season marked a career-high in each PFF grade and sack complete, he has persistently been a dependable pass-rusher, incomes a PFF pass-rushing grade of at the very least 65.0 every full season since 2018 — though that’s dipped to 56.7 in an abbreviated 2024.
High free agent comparability: Jerry Hughes, 2015
|
Participant |
Move-rush grade | True pass-set pass-rush grade | Move-rush win charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Haason Reddick |
72.0 | 73.7 | 13.6% | 66.8 | ? |
| Jerry Hughes | 77.3 | 78.3 | 13.4% | 85.7 |
6.3% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
14. CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
Ward has struggled up to now in 2024 and is on monitor for profession lows in quite a lot of PFF metrics, however his physique of labor heading into this season will hold him as one of many high choices available on the market in 2025. Final yr was his finest within the NFL so far, along with his 86.5 PFF protection grade rating third amongst all gamers on the place. With cornerback teammate Deommodore Lenoir receiving an in-season extension, the writing seems to be on the wall that Ward will likely be on the best way out of San Francisco.
High free agent comparability: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, 2014
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Single protection grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Charvarius Ward |
83.5 | 81.3 | 16.3% | 44.3 | ? |
| Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie | 72.6 | 80.9 | 15.1% | N/A |
5.3% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
15. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Hopkins was traded on the deadline from the struggling Tennessee Titans to the perennial Tremendous Bowl contender Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, and to this point, he has discovered the tip zone a handful of occasions already as he acclimates to the offense. A nationwide highlight via the playoffs by no means hurts, and Hopkins has continued to play via a knee damage that will recommend optimism that he can totally heal up over the offseason in time for 2025.
High free agent comparability: Andre Johnson, 2015
|
Participant |
Receiving grade | Yards per route run | Common depth of goal | Yards after catch per reception |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
DeAndre Hopkins |
84.2 | 2.03 | 13.7 | 2.7 | ? |
| Andre Johnson | 86.1 | 2.14 | 10.8 | 4.1 |
4.9% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
16. CB Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Payments
Douglas has confronted some challenges to start out the 2024 season, however his knack for making performs on the ball ensures he’ll appeal to important curiosity in 2025. Heading into this season, he had recorded at the very least seven move breakups in six of his seven NFL seasons and notched 4 or extra interceptions in every of the previous three seasons.
High free agent comparability: James Bradberry, 2023
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Single protection grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Rasul Douglas |
76.8 | 83.5 | 10.9% | 40.4 | ? |
| James Bradberry | 70.1 | 76.4 | 18.9% | 38.4 |
5.6% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
17. EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders
If Koonce hadn’t suffered a season-ending knee damage earlier than 2024 started and as a substitute carried over his momentum from the again half of 2023, he may’ve been squarely inside the high 10 of our record. Maybe the silver lining — if there may be one — to getting injured so early within the yr is that Koonce needs to be more healthy getting into the free company interval, in comparison with if he acquired harm throughout the season, which may ease issues of lacking offseason actions heading into 2025. A brief-term deal the place Koonce can hit the market once more in 2026, or maybe signal an extension one yr right into a two-year deal like current edge defenders like Uchenna Nwosu, may make sense.
High free agent comparability: Romeo Okwara, 2021
|
Participant |
Move-rush grade | True pass-set pass-rush grade | Move-rush win charge | 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 information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
18. T Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
Robinson was a part of a Jaguars workforce that had a dismal begin to 2024 however individually was a dependable possibility at left sort out earlier than being acquired by the Minnesota Vikings on the commerce deadline. His 95.8 pass-blocking effectivity up to now this yr could be his worst since 2019, but when something, that is a testomony to his play over the past 4 years.
High free agent comparability: Russell Okung, 2016
|
Participant |
Move-block grade | True move set pass-block grade | Unfavourable run-block grade share |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
|
Cam Robinson |
78.2 | 72.7 | 17.6% | ? | |
| Russell Okung | 80.2 | 71.5 | 11.9% |
6.8% |
|
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
19. S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Baker signed a revised contract that took him via the 2024 season and continues to be one of many hardest-hitting safeties within the NFL, along with his 86 mixed tackles via Week 13 second amongst safeties league-wide. In search of what’s going to successfully be a 3rd veteran contract, Baker will nonetheless be solely 29 years outdated for the 2025 NFL season.
High free agent comparability: Donte Whitner, 2014
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Budda Baker |
64.4 | 77.7 | 7.7% | 77.5 | ? |
| Donte Whitner | 74.6 | 70.7 | 8.7% | 75.4 |
5.2% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
20. LB Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Greenlaw remains to be working his manner again from an Achilles damage he suffered within the Tremendous Bowl final February, however assuming he can return to the identical stage we noticed in 2023, he’ll possible see quite a lot of curiosity in free company. He excels in protection, having earned PFF protection grades of 82.6 and 79.5 over the previous two seasons.
High free agent comparability: Nick Kwiatkoski, 2020
|
Participant |
Run-defense grade | Protection grade within the field | Compelled incompletion charge | Run-stop charge |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Dre Greenlaw |
68.3 | 70.9 | 2.7% | 5.6% | ? |
| Nick Kwiatkoski | 69.3 | 64.8 | 4.7% | 7.7% |
3.5% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
21. QB Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
If there’s any lesson to be discovered from the current resurgence of touted quarterback prospects like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and others in recent times, it’s that we most likely shouldn’t fully surrender on a quarterback till they’ve had a shot with a top quality teaching employees and supporting forged. Whereas Fields finally ceded duties to Russell Wilson, we already noticed indicators of enchancment throughout his 4-2 run because the Pittsburgh Steelers’ beginning quarterback. The bodily instruments are nonetheless simple and provide worth even when solely deployed in sure packages as a juiced-up backup.
High free agent comparability: Marcus Mariota, 2020
|
Participant |
Clear-pocket grade | 1st & 2nd down grade | Commonplace dropback grade | Sack charge |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Justin Fields |
83.9 | 72.8 | 71.5 | 9.0% | ? |
| Marcus Mariota | 79.3 | 67.9 | 75.5 | 10.9% |
4.4% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
22. RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Jones took a one-year take care of the Vikings this offseason and appears set to be one of many high gamers obtainable on the place once more in 2025. Jones’ 74.0 pass-blocking grade ranks tied for fourth amongst certified operating backs, with constant speeding and receiving manufacturing besides.
High free agent comparability: Mark Ingram, 2019
|
Participant |
Missed tackles compelled per try | Yards after contact per try | Receiving grade | Yards per route run |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Aaron Jones |
0.19 | 3.18 | 64.1 | 1.31 | ? |
| Mark Ingram | 0.12 | 3.01 | 64.6 | 1.47 |
2.6% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
23. CB Carlton Davis III, Detroit Lions
Davis was traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the offseason and has supplied fast stability to a younger, oft-injured secondary in Detroit that has seen a robust defensive turnaround even after shedding Defensive Participant of the 12 months frontrunner Aidan Hutchinson.
High free agent comparability: Aaron Colvin, 2018
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Single protection grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Carlton Davis III |
73.1 | 84.0 | 13.7% | 52.8 | ? |
| Aaron Colvin | 75.3 | 75.3 | 1.0% | 61.9 |
4.8% |
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
24. C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
There aren’t many long-term solutions in free company at heart, which is able to make Dalman the first benefactor if he reaches the open market. Any workforce that deploys an out of doors zone speeding scheme will likely be all around the former fourth-round choose. Dalman has room to develop as a move protector however is likely one of the finest run-blocking facilities within the NFL and can advance the continued development of the inside offensive line market after Kansas Metropolis Chiefs heart Creed Humphrey lastly reset the middle panorama.
High free agent comparability: Brian Allen, 2022
|
Participant |
Move-block grade | True move set pass-block grade | Constructive run-block grade share |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
|
Drew Dalman |
52.8 | 45.8 | 21.1% | ? | |
| Brian Allen | 56.1 | 48.7 | 16.9% |
2.9% |
|
*All information in tables displays two years earlier than UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
25. S Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers
A fifth-round draft choose again in 2021, Hufanga earned PFF protection grades above 65.0 in 2022 and 2023. He has performed simply 64 snaps up to now this season and appears set to overlook extra time via damage, so how he ends the season will possible play a giant function in how excessive he can climb these rankings earlier than free company opens.
High free agent comparability: Jabrill Peppers, 2023
|
Participant |
Protection grade w/ no stress | Cov. grade on throws in ≤ 3s | Compelled incompletion charge | Run-defense grade |
APY as % of Cap at signing |
|
Talanoa Hufanga |
61.6 | 65.2 | 0.0% | 74.9 | ? |
| Jabrill Peppers | 59.3 | 51.5 | 2.3% | 81.1 |
4.0% |
*All information in tables displays two years previous to UFA contract signing
Contract projection: Obtainable in PFF’s free company rankings
