way too early thread on 2025 draft & free agency

2025 NFL free agents: Early top-25 ranking and predictions

Matt Bowen
Jeremy Fowler

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/42330910/2025-nfl-free-agent-ranking-top-25-buzz-predictions-higgins-darnold

We’re officially into the second half of the 2024 NFL season, so many teams will soon start thinking about their offseason plans — and 2025 free agency. The negotiation period will begin March 10, and free agents will be able to officially sign two days later on March 12.

Sure, that’s four months away, but we’re getting an early start. NFL analyst Matt Bowen looked at the current group of players primed to hit unrestricted free agency (expiring contracts or deals in line to void) and ranked the top 25 who might be available. Only two quarterbacks make the list, but Bowen stacked multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball, including one standout receiver at No. 1. Factors in making the list included age, positional value (the pair of QBs get a boost), expected future production and scheme versatility.

But players don’t always reach free agency just because their contracts are expiring! Dak Prescott, Justin Jefferson, Derrick Brown and L’Jarius Sneed were all named on our way-too-early look at the class back in March, and they’ve all signed big extensions. We’ll see more extensions and a few franchise tags before free agency, just as players will join the free agent pool via cuts. And because many of the players listed below will ultimately re-up with their current franchises, senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler weighed in with the latest buzz on whether each might be re-signed or franchise-tagged by their 2024 team.

Note: All ages are as of Sept. 4, 2025, a rough estimate of when the 2025 season might begin.

1. Tee Higgins, WR
Current team: Bengals
2024 salary: $21.8 million
Age entering 2025 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Just entering his prime playing years, Higgins is our top free agent for the 2025 class at the moment. At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, he has the ability to win on the boundary or create matchups from inside alignments. And despite playing alongside Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, Higgins has the makeup of a No. 1 receiver. Injuries have limited Higgins to five games this season, but he still has 29 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: There’s little to no chance Higgins is in Cincinnati beyond 2024. People I’ve talked to feel pretty strongly about that, barring a major surprise. A second franchise tag would cost the Bengals around $26.2 million on a one-year rental. Higgins wanted out of Cincinnati last offseason, and the Bengals will likely allocate resources for a Chase contract. Higgins will have a strong market because of the number of receiver-needy teams and Higgins’ WR1 traits. — Fowler

2. Trey Smith, G
Current team: Chiefs
2024 salary: $3.4 million
Age entering 2025 season: 26

Why he could get paid: Smith is a powerful mover in the run game, as his run block win rate of 76.8% ranks fifth among guards with at least 200 snaps. And in pass protection, Smith has the foot speed to mirror interior defenders and the strength at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds to anchor against bull rushes. Given his traits and age, Smith should reset the market at the position. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The Chiefs would love to re-sign Smith but know that will be tough. In fact, there’s an expectation that Smith could become the highest-paid guard in the NFL. The top of the market currently sits at $21.5 million per year, and the Chiefs are at least bracing for life without him because of that price. Smith is a top-10 interior lineman in the league, and the Panthers giving Robert Hunt a $100 million free agency deal back in March had to get Smith’s attention. — Fowler

3. Jevon Holland, S
Current team: Dolphins
2024 salary: $3.4 million
Age entering 2025 season: 25

Why he could get paid: Holland has the multidimensional traits that pro coaches look for at safety. He can play from depth, cover in the slot or mix it up as a box defender. The splash plays have been missing from Holland’s tape this season, as he is still looking for his first interception. But Holland does have 5 interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles and 5 sacks over his four years in Miami. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Holland will not be easy to re-sign. He’s considered a top-five safety in the NFL with versatility that teams covet. Miami’s priority last offseason was Tua Tagovailoa, but it did talk with Holland at some point over the summer about his contractual future and nothing materialized. It should be noted that Miami also extended Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill.

People I’ve talked to have likened Holland’s situation to defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, whose high market forced him out of Miami without a franchise tag in March. It’s uncertain whether the Dolphins will have the resources to match the demand. The early sense is Holland’s next deal will land somewhere between Xavier McKinney’s four-year, $68 million contract with Green Bay and Antoine Winfield Jr.’s four-year, $84 million extension in Tampa Bay. — Fowler

4. D.J. Reed, CB
Current team: Jets
2024 salary: $11 million
Age entering 2025 season: 28

Why he could get paid: Reed is a highly competitive coverage corner with press-man traits and the transition speed to break on the throw. More of a ball disruptor than playmaker, Reed has 37 pass breakups compared to six interceptions over his career. Reed should be viewed as a scheme-versatile corner who would fit in multiple NFL systems. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The Jets re-signing Reed would be considered a mild surprise. His market will be robust, the franchise tag for corners will be more than $20 million, and the Jets have Sauce Gardner to eventually pay. Complicating matters is whether general manager Joe Douglas, who is in the last year of his contract, will be back in 2025. Reed smartly signed a three-year deal with New York in 2022, giving him another crack at free agency at age 28. — Fowler

5. Charvarius Ward, CB
Current team: 49ers
2024 salary: $13 million
Age entering 2025 season: 29

Why he could get paid: Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage. He posted career-best numbers in 2023 with five interceptions and 14 pass breakups. And while he hasn’t created the same on-the-ball production this season — zero interceptions, four pass breakups — Ward’s experience and technically sound game could upgrade a secondary. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Ward has a similar outlook to Reed. He’s a third-contract player who’s in his prime after playing out a three-year deal. The 49ers would love to keep Ward, whom some league evaluators consider a top-10 corner in the NFL, but bloated salaries on their books could be a factor. Six different veterans have a $20-plus-million hit on the 2025 cap, while 10 have at least a $10 million hit — including Ward’s $12.3 million in void money. — Fowler

6. Amari Cooper, WR
Current team: Bills
2024 salary: $20 million
Age entering 2025 season: 31

Why he could get paid: Cooper is a highly detailed route runner who can uncover, and he brings three-level playmaking ability to the field. In nine games with both the Browns and Bills this season, Cooper has caught 29 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. In nine full pro seasons, Cooper has topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark seven times and has 63 career touchdown catches. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: As is the case with most newly acquired players via trade, Cooper and the Bills need to see how the relationship develops on the field before making major decisions about the future. Cooper has the high-end offense — and quarterback — to catalyze his market for March. Buffalo is one of the more proactive teams in extending key players, so it wouldn’t surprise to see the Bills make a contract offer if Cooper is thriving. — Fowler

7. Ronnie Stanley, OT
Current team: Ravens
2024 salary: $7.5 million
Age entering 2025 season: 31

Why he could get paid: At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Stanley can use his long frame to build a wall on the edge, which forces pass rushers to expand. He has allowed only one sack this season, and his 93.2% pass block win rate ranks sixth among tackles. Stanley’s movement skills are declining in his ninth pro season, but with his size and length, he still brings value at a premium position. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Stanley returned to prime form in 2024, making him tougher to keep in the fold after the Ravens forced him to take a pay cut in the offseason. Baltimore often lets its free agents walk, opting to backfill with draft prospects, but it could see Stanley as a legacy play after nine seasons with the franchise. And after years of health issues, Stanley is staying on the field and thriving right now. — Fowler

8. Sam Darnold, QB
Current team: Vikings
2024 salary: $10 million
Age entering 2025 season: 28

Why he could get paid: Darnold has completed 68.6% of his throws, and his 17 touchdown passes are tied for fourth in the league. His decision-making can still be questioned here, and he has thrown at least one interception in seven of nine games played this season. But with his arm strength and mobility, Darnold will have options on the market if he can produce over the second half of the season. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell has deemed injured rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) the franchise’s quarterback of the future, which seemingly sets the stage for Darnold to sign elsewhere. But Darnold and Minnesota are 7-2 together, so entertaining a bridge deal while the team continues to develop McCarthy behind the scenes shouldn’t be completely off the table. Darnold’s decision-making on the field down the stretch will determine a lot about his future. — Fowler

9. Haason Reddick, Edge
Current team: Jets
2024 salary: $14.1 million
Age entering 2025 season: 30

Why he could get paid: At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, Reddick is a scheme-specific pass rusher with first-step quicks and the ability to bend on the edge. Reddick’s holdout limited him to just three games with the Jets this season, but he has posted 58.5 sacks and 17 forced fumbles in his career. And before this season, he put together three straight campaigns with a pass rush win rate over 20%. He can create impact plays. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: No deal is imminent between Reddick and the Jets since he reported to the team Oct. 21. Anyone who has been paying attention over the past six months knows this relationship has had its challenges. The Jets and Reddick haggled over his contract situation throughout the offseason, leading to a monthslong holdout and his agency, CAA, parting ways with the star pass rusher. He promptly signed with agent Drew Rosenhaus, who helped get him into camp on a revised one-year deal. The sense from some people in the league is that Reddick will get as many sacks as he can and get out. — Fowler

10. Chris Godwin, WR
Current team: Buccaneers
2024 salary: $20 million
Age entering 2025 season: 29

Why he could get paid: The season-ending left ankle injury that Godwin suffered in Week 7 impacts his overall ranking, but there’s no denying his production level. His 50 receptions over the first seven games were the most in the NFL to that point, and he caught 30 of them out of the slot. A savvy route runner with the toughness to work the heavy-traffic areas of the field, Godwin has the veteran traits to upgrade any wide receiver room. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Assuming his recovery is on schedule, as expected, Godwin would increase his market value by actually testing it. Too many other teams need the production of a high-end receiver in his prime. But Godwin also gives off “Buc for life” vibes as a team cornerstone and leader who loves playing in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans’ reasonable contract ($20.5 million per year) leaves room to extend Godwin as a bookend playmaker. — Fowler

11. Tyron Smith, OT
Current team: Jets
2024 salary: $6.5 million
Age entering 2025 season: 34

Why he could get paid: Smith has started all 10 games for the Jets this season, quieting some concerns on his injury history. At this stage of his career, Smith’s level of play is starting to diminish. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle has an 83.0% pass block win rate this season, below league average. But we still see the Hall of Fame flashes from the veteran. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Signing another one-year deal at a high clip is a sensible play for a player turning 34 in December but still playing well. Credit to Smith for staying healthy this season; durability was once the knock on an otherwise brilliant career. How the Jets finish the season looms large here, though at 3-7, much of the suspense with any key Jets player has dissipated. — Fowler

12. Zack Martin, G
Current team: Cowboys
2024 salary: $18 million
Age entering 2025 season: 34

Why he could get paid: Martin still has the blend of size (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) and mobility that coaches want at the guard position, but he’s not as springy as he used to be, and he can be attacked on his edges at a higher rate. This season, Martin’s pass block win rate of 94.0% ranks 10th among guards. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Martin’s Hall of Fame career in Dallas could come to an end after 11 years and 158 starts. The Cowboys have replenished the offensive line with recent first-round picks Tyler Smith and Tyler Guyton, showing a willingness to move off aging talent. Martin is a legacy player who is a viable option to bring back on a short-term deal, but the Cowboys are a team in transition, and the sense is they want to get younger. — Fowler

13. Rasul Douglas, CB
Current team: Bills
2024 salary: $7.5 million
Age entering 2025 season: 30

Why he could get paid: Douglas is physical corner with the length to disrupt the ball and the willingness to set an edge against the run. He’s an easy fit in a zone system that allows him to reroute underneath and drive top-down on the ball from the outside third of the field. Douglas returned one of his five interceptions for a touchdown last season, and he currently has three pass breakups this year. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The Bills appear open to extending Douglas, who has been a seamless fit since acquired via trade in 2023, but the team must also budget for emerging corner Christian Benford, a 2026 free agent. Buffalo has 2022 first-rounder Kaiir Elam ready to step into a starting role should Douglas walk. — Fowler

14. Asante Samuel Jr., CB
Current team: Chargers
2024 salary: $3.4 million
Age entering 2025 season: 25

Why he could get paid: Samuel has a playmaking mentality at the cornerback position, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball. A shoulder injury has limited Samuel to just four games this season, but he has six interceptions and 26 pass breakups during his four years with the Chargers. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Samuel is playing for a new Chargers regime, so there’s no telling how coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz will attack the offseason and strategize retaining key talent. But if Samuel hits free agency, there will be no shortage of teams needing a playmaker at cornerback. The Rams, Raiders, Vikings and Buccaneers all come to mind. — Fowler

15. DeMarcus Lawrence, Edge
Current team: Cowboys
2024 salary: $10 million
Age entering 2025 season: 33

Why he could get paid: A Lisfranc injury in Week 4 sent Lawrence to injured reserve, but when healthy, he is still a capable and productive pass rusher. Plus, he can also wreak havoc against the run. In four games played this season, Lawrence had three sacks. And over 11 years in Dallas, he has 61.5 sacks and 97 tackles for loss. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The Cowboys felt good about Lawrence’s play as a high-motor pass rusher who can disrupt off the edge and stop the run. But Dallas could commit to paying a different pass rusher — Micah Parsons — before anyone else at The Star. That inherently creates challenges to re-signing Lawrence, who should have a strong open market, though Dallas would of course leave the door open for discussions. Dallas has $8.7 million in 2025 void money from previously restructuring Lawrence’s existing deal, so if the Cowboys want to re-sign him, getting a deal done before the new league year would prevent the money from hitting the cap immediately. — Fowler

16. Camryn Bynum, S
Current team: Vikings
2024 salary: $3.1 million
Age entering 2025 season: 27

Why he could get paid: An ascending player with centerfield range, Bynum has seen his value rise in Brian Flores’ defensive system in Minnesota. Over the past two seasons, he has 188 tackles, 5 interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He’s an interchangeable safety who can function and produce in multiple systems. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Minnesota has made efforts to extend Bynum, who is a natural successor to Harrison Smith as the Vikings’ leader in the secondary. Smith turns 36 in February. Five safeties make at least $16 million per year, and Bynum, whose value is rising after three interceptions and eight passes defensed this season, will look to become the sixth. The Vikings believe they are in a good place with him as far as a long-term working relationship. — Fowler

17. Khalil Mack, Edge
Current team: Chargers
2024 salary: $19 million
Age entering 2025 season: 34

Why he could get paid: Mack’s game has aged gracefully in his 11th pro season. Mack has 4.5 sacks and 22 pressures this season, and he can still heat up the pocket. With 106 career sacks and steady play speed, Mack could be scooped up as a designated pass rusher. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The demand for pass rushers is such that Mack should have viable options in free agency. Consistent veteran pass rushers command big money well into their 30s — think Von Miller signing with Buffalo a few years ago. The Chargers could certainly entertain extending Mack, but they also have Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu under contract. — Fowler

18. Justin Fields, QB
Current team: Steelers
2024 salary: $3.2 million
Age entering 2025 season: 26

Why he could get paid: In six starts with the Steelers, Fields displayed improved footwork and vision in the pocket, completing 66.3% of his throws with five touchdown throws and one interception. Fields also rushed for 231 yards and five more scores on 55 carries. In a system that maximizes Fields’ dual-threat traits, he could be viewed as a lower-level starter. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The Fields experiment in Pittsburgh can be classified as a success; he played steady if unspectacular football in six games as the starter, winning four of them. So a return can’t be completely taken off the table at this point. But Russell Wilson’s quality play since taking over the job could force Fields to look elsewhere. Fields can follow the models of Darnold and Baker Mayfield, who recently signed one-year deals with teams in need of veteran quarterback help and excelled with good supporting casts. — Fowler

19. Nick Bolton, LB
Current team: Chiefs
2024 salary: $3.1 million
Age entering 2025 season: 25

Why he could get paid: Bolton’s physical demeanor and quick play recognition fit at the second level in Kansas City, where he has averaged 8.3 tackles per game over his four pro seasons. He’s a downhill hammer against the run, already at eight tackles for loss this season. And in coverage, Bolton can get to depth in zone looks or match up inside. He has three interceptions on his career résumé. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: There’s a path for Bolton to remain in Kansas City. The Chiefs linebacker is a team leader with great intangibles. Assuming the Chiefs can’t front the bill on Trey Smith, they could instead allocate resources to retain Bolton, who is more affordable as an off-ball linebacker. Bolton can work off Patrick Queen’s three-year, $41 million deal from March as a potential comp. His reps will speak to Kansas City some time after the season and see where it goes. — Fowler

20. Dre Greenlaw, LB
Current team: 49ers
2024 salary: $8.7 million
Age entering 2025 season: 28

Why he could get paid: Greenlaw has yet to take a snap this season after tearing an Achilles in February in Super Bowl LVIII. But once cleared, he has the traits to make an impact for the 49ers’ defense. Greenlaw is a rangy linebacker with the pursuit speed to track ball carriers and the coverage awareness to close throwing windows. He has back-to-back 120-plus-tackle seasons, and he added 1.5 sacks last year. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: How Greenlaw performs late in the season after his return will help determine his free agency path. Teams love his physicality and burst, so assuming he performs well down the stretch, the 27-year-old should have many suitors. The 49ers have several big contract decisions looming and probably can’t keep everyone, even though they love the way Greenlaw pairs with Fred Warner in the middle of the field. — Fowler

21. Garett Bolles, OT
Current team: Broncos
2024 salary: $16 million
Age entering 2025 season: 33

Why he could get paid: Bolles’ pass block win rate of 93.2% ranks seventh among tackles this season, and his tape is solid. A long and linear mover with heavy hands to close down the edge in pass protection, Bolles could be targeted as a veteran bridge starter for a contending team in need of a 2025 upgrade. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Bolles is expected to play out the season and then decide whether to stay in Denver on a new deal or look elsewhere. An ideal time to reach an extension was over the past summer, but nothing materialized. Considering the scarcity of quality tackles leaguewide, Bolles will have several suitors. But he has expressed a desire to play for the Broncos for the rest of his career, which could help facilitate a deal. — Fowler

22. Budda Baker, S
Current team: Cardinals
2024 salary: $14.6 million
Age entering 2025 season: 29

Why he could get paid: One of the most urgent defenders in the NFL, Baker has disruptive ability when playing downhill to the ball. He is averaging 10 tackles per game this season (one of two players over 100, joining Indianapolis’ Zaire Franklin), and he has accounted for 44 tackles for loss over eight pro seasons. Baker is a good fit for a Quarters scheme, which would allow him to run the alley and match inside. The veteran safety could upgrade a secondary with his tone-setting traits. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: The people I’ve talked to believe there’s a realistic chance Baker and the Cardinals can reach a deal before free agency. Baker prioritizes winning, so if he believes he can win big in Arizona, staying there is a viable option. The Cardinals have shown encouraging signs in recent weeks. Baker is also about his business, as he showed with an April 2023 trade request. So the Cardinals would have to pay up for a 28-year-old with five consecutive Pro Bowls. — Fowler

23. Diontae Johnson, WR
Current team: Ravens
2024 salary: $7 million
Age entering 2025 season: 29

Why he could get paid: Johnson has the inside/outside flexibility to play all three receiver spots. He can separate at the top of the route with his sudden movement and ability to run after the catch. In nine games with the Panthers and Ravens this season, Johnson has caught 31 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. — Bowen
What we’re hearing: Johnson is in a precarious spot. Based on ability to beat coverage and win for his quarterback, he’s probably a $20-plus-million-per-year player. But he has been traded twice in less than eight months (most recently from Carolina to Baltimore) and has played 23 offensive snaps in two games with the Ravens.

Where he falls in free agency will hinge partly on how he finishes in Baltimore, which has a streaky track record with accomplished receivers (See: Odell Beckham Jr.). He’s on a winner and will be plenty motivated down the stretch, though. Baltimore will likely take a wait-and-see approach toward a possible re-signing. Expect Johnson’s game to kick up as he gets more comfortable with the Ravens’ offense. — Fowler

24. Talanoa Hufanga, S
Current team: 49ers
2024 salary: $4.9 million
Age entering 2025 season: 25

Why he could get paid: Injuries have limited Hufanga to just 12 games over the past two seasons. However, when healthy, the former All-Pro is a natural disruptor. In 44 career games, Hufanga has 7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1 defensive TD. He is at his best in a defined coverage scheme that allows him to play in split-field alignments and spin down to roam the front. — Bowen

What we’re hearing: Here’s another top free agent out of San Francisco, which deepens the intrigue on the 49ers’ books. Hufanga has ball production, which typically warrants big money. How the safety market shapes up could be a factor in whether he stays. There are four safeties on this top-25 list and others who are just on the fringe. How many teams are willing to pay top dollar for one? Considering the position’s importance on defensive schemes, I’m guessing many. — Fowler

25. Cam Robinson, OT
Current team: Minnesota Vikings
2024 salary: $16.25 million
Age entering 2025 season: 29

Why he could get paid: At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Robinson has the ideal size, length and traits for the tackle position. Technical lapses have prevented him from playing at a consistent level, and his 84.0% pass block win rate is below average. But with the ability to engulf rushers at the point of attack and the foot speed to redirect, Robinson has the tools to improve his value in Minnesota. — Bowen