That is supposedly the NFL offseason, however for those who’re feeling like it’s possible you’ll be affected by a case of whiplash, there’s a very good cause for that.
The Tremendous Bowl got here and went on Feb. 9. Two weeks later, the NFL world descended on Indianapolis for the annual scouting mix. And subsequent week, free company kicks off.
Primarily, the motion by no means stops within the NFL. Because of this, multitasking is a vital energy for basic managers. By week’s finish, entrance workplaces throughout the league can have finalized their sport plan at no cost company. Monday, at midday ET, the authorized tampering interval begins. Wednesday, the brand new league yr begins at 4 p.m. ET.
The NFL wage cap is ready at $279.2 million — a leap of roughly $24 million from final season — so each group can have some cash to spend. How a lot varies on a case-by-case foundation, and because of this, some groups will rely extra closely on the draft than free company to fill holes, and others will go on spending sprees. Regardless, wants can be met subsequent week. And so, we’re trying into our crystal ball and providing you one free-agent goal prediction for each group.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge Haason Reddick
The 2017 Cardinals first-round choose is a free agent after a irritating 2024, when he was traded from the Eagles to the Jets, who each declined to grant his needs for a long-term contract extension. Now Reddick hits the open market, and his former group makes loads of sense. The Cardinals want pass-rushing assist after no participant managed greater than 5 sacks in 2024, and the group ranked thirteenth on this statistic. After a prolonged holdout, Reddick appeared in solely 10 video games for the Jets, beginning two of them. However he recorded double-digit sacks within the 4 seasons prior and will fill an enormous want for Arizona.
Atlanta Falcons: Edge Khalil Mack
The Falcons ranked thirty first within the league in sacks final season, with simply 31. They want pass-rushing assist in the worst method and could be clever to seek out assist on this division in each free company and the draft. Though not brimming with spending cash, they should discover a option to liberate some money, and Mack — named to the Professional Bowl the final three seasons with the Chargers — would seemingly match nicely.
Baltimore Ravens: FS Tre’von Moehrig
The Ravens have selections to make with quite a few their very own gamers, together with left sort out Ronnie Stanley, who is ready to hit free company. However so far as outdoors free brokers go, they want assist in their secondary, the place an absence of velocity and impression performs hampered their efforts. Moehrig would fill an enormous want at free security after racking up 104 tackles, 10 go breakups and two interceptions for the Raiders final season.
Buffalo Payments: WR Hollywood Brown
Easing strain on Josh Allen is the secret, and the Payments want a field-stretching wideout to offer their offense a higher home-run menace. Brown missed the majority of final season with the Chiefs with damage, however now wholesome once more, he might present a pleasant spark.
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Carolina Panthers: DT D.J. Jones
Whereas Bryce Younger displayed encouraging indicators of progress, the Panthers stay a methods off from rivalry, and upgrading their protection is a excessive precedence. Jones is among the many most disruptive inside defensive linemen available on the market, and he has ties to Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from their time collectively in Denver. Jones would supply a veteran presence on a protection that’s anticipated to function a number of rookies subsequent season.
Chicago Bears: C Drew Dalman
Positioning Caleb Williams for fulfillment is precedence No. 1 for Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles, and primarily based on the strikes they made this week (buying and selling for Rams lineman Jonah Jackson and Chiefs lineman Joe Thuney), supporting Williams begins with solidifying the offensive line. So search for the Bears’ new coach and fourth-year GM to work to additional bolster this unit. A dependable heart like Dalman would go a great distance towards serving to Williams discover consolation within the pocket, and likewise would bolster a run sport that may function a beneficial safety blanket for the second-year quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals: G Brandon Scherff
Figuring out long-term extensions for Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are among the many Bengals’ prime offseason priorities. However Cincinnati additionally should additional fortify its offensive line, particularly following the cost-cutting launch of guard Alex Cappa. A possible goal: Scherff, the five-time Professional Bowl choice and fifth choose of the 2015 draft. After leaving Washington, Scherff battled accidents with Jacksonville. However when wholesome, he’s a pressure within the trenches and would make life simpler for Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns: QB Kirk Cousins
That’s IF the Falcons wind up chopping the 36-year-old Cousins now that they’re all-in on second-year professional Michael Penix Jr. Cousins makes a lot sense for the Browns, who seem unlikely to have Deshaun Watson for a while due to the setback he skilled in his restoration from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins performed below Browns coach Kevin Stefanski when the latter was offensive coordinator in Minnesota and seemingly would be capable of make a seamless transition to the Browns.
The Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year possibility. (Dale Zanine / Imagn Pictures)
Dallas Cowboys: RB Najee Harris
Jerry Jones dedicated malpractice by neglecting to handle the working again place final offseason. Maybe he has discovered from his mistake and can dedicate sources to it now to offer first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott a greater shot at success. Harris performed in each sport over the previous 4 seasons for the Steelers, however Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year possibility. He rushed 263 occasions for 1,043 yards (4.0 common) and 6 touchdowns final season.
Denver Broncos: WR Amari Cooper
The Broncos badly need a veteran broad receiver to pair with second-year professional Bo Nix. With the Bengals taking Tee Higgins off the free-agent market by utilizing the franchise tag on him for a second straight offseason, Cooper is among the many finest choices accessible. The 30-year-old by no means appeared to completely settle in with Buffalo after a midseason commerce, however he ought to match nicely with Sean Payton’s offense.
Detroit Lions: Edge Azeez Ojulari
The Lions are hoping main go rusher Aidan Hutchinson makes an entire restoration from a fractured left tibia and fibula, however their protection might actually use an impactful working mate for the fourth-year defensive finish. Ojulari is a go rusher who ought to come at a reasonably reasonably priced fee. He has performed only one full season (an eight-sack rookie marketing campaign in 2021), he has been used primarily in his profession as a situational go rusher and is coming off a toe damage that restricted him to 11 video games in 2024. Teaming Ojulari with Hutchinson might translate into a lift for Detroit.
Inexperienced Bay Packers: Edge Josh Sweat
Sweat made himself some cash along with his impactful efficiency for the Eagles in Tremendous Bowl LIX. He’s anticipated to hit the open market, the place he’ll draw a very good little bit of curiosity. The Packers have wanted a difference-making go rusher, and Sweat seemingly might step in and fill that void.
Houston Texans: WR Stefon Diggs
Diggs’ lone season with the Texans got here to an abrupt finish with a Week 8 torn ACL. He was placing up strong numbers (47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns), so the Texans would do nicely to deliver him again to assist guarantee continuity for C.J. Stroud. The Texans have loads of wants and restricted cap house, however Diggs would examine an enormous field.
Indianapolis Colts: QB Daniel Jones
Jones’ time in New York ended with a late November launch, and he spent the remainder of 2024 studying from Kevin O’Connell whereas buried on the Vikings’ depth chart. Given the questions that also loom over Anthony Richardson, the Colts will look so as to add one other quarterback, and Jones makes some sense. He won’t break the financial institution, and after coming in and initially studying behind Richardson, the 2019 first-round choose might wind up incomes enjoying time as an experimental starter ought to Richardson proceed to battle.
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Jacksonville Jaguars: G Mekhi Becton
The Jaguars have hit the reset button as soon as once more, hiring rookie head coach Liam Coen and first-year basic supervisor James Gladstone. Getting essentially the most out of Trevor Lawrence is the important thing to success, and the Jaguars know they should improve the inside of their offensive line. Becton, who simply helped the Eagles win the Tremendous Bowl, would fill a key want.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: LT Ronnie Stanley
The Eagles made it abundantly clear in Tremendous Bowl LIX the Chiefs have to improve Patrick Mahomes’ offensive line. After using a patchwork line in 2024, search for Kansas Metropolis to dedicate sources in free company and the draft to solidify the unit. Stanley, who has spent his total profession with the Ravens and simply made his second Professional Bowl look, would give Mahomes a dependable blind-side protector.
L.A. Chargers: C Ryan Kelly
Like final season, basic supervisor Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh are anticipated to take a conservative method to spending in free company. They do, nevertheless, have to solidify the guts of their line, and Kelly — a four-time Professional Bowl choice, who has spent his total profession with the Colts — might assist them try this.
L.A. Rams: WR Davante Adams
With the Rams working to commerce Cooper Kupp, Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will want one other goal to pair with Puka Nacua. Adams is now accessible after the Jets launched him on Tuesday. The six-time Professional Bowl wideout nonetheless has lots left within the tank, and McVay boasts the creativity wanted to maximise Adams’ ability set.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB Russell Wilson
After a failed pursuit of Matthew Stafford, the Raiders will flip their consideration to a different veteran quarterback who can function a bridge to their future. Pete Carroll and Wilson spent 10 seasons collectively in Seattle, so a reunion makes loads of sense. The Raiders might then resolve whether or not to draft a quarterback or anticipate a extra sturdy draft class in 2026 to seek out Wilson’s successor.
Miami Dolphins: S Talanoa Hufanga
The Dolphins appear prone to lose Jevon Holland to free company, so that may depart defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in want of a difference-making security. Hufanga has battled some accidents, however when wholesome is as impactful as they arrive, having garnered All-Professional and Professional Bowl honors in 2022 (his final wholesome season).
Sam Darnold might stay with the Vikings regardless of their choice to not franchise-tag him. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Pictures)
Minnesota Vikings: QB Sam Darnold
The Vikings opted towards franchise-tagging Darnold, which topics them to the chance of dropping the quarterback to free company. However they need to nonetheless do what it takes to deliver him again for an additional season. Doing so would give them an opportunity to construct on final season’s success relatively than danger taking steps backward if J.J. McCarthy isn’t prepared after lacking all of final season with a torn meniscus.
New England Patriots: DT Milton Williams
The Patriots have loads of wants as they attempt to encompass second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a high quality supporting forged. However search for defensive-minded coach Mike Vrabel to emphasize fortifying that aspect of the ball as nicely by including impression gamers to dominate within the trenches. Williams, who simply helped the Eagles win the Tremendous Bowl, might rank among the many centerpieces of the protection.
New Orleans Saints: WR Darius Slayton
Derek Carr wants one other weapon and the regular Slayton, who has averaged 720 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns a season, with 15 yards per catch, might match properly as a sidekick to Chris Olave whereas giving new coach Kellen Moore’s offense extra firepower.
New York Giants: QB Aaron Rodgers
It’s arduous to say how interesting the Giants could be to Rodgers, as a result of they seemingly have a methods to go earlier than they’re able to contend. However the Giants definitely want a quarterback after ending the Daniel Jones experiment final season and swinging and lacking at Matthew Stafford. Might Rodgers be the reply? A younger receiver like Malik Nabers does make New York somewhat extra enticing.
New York Jets: QB Carson Wentz
The Jets have Tyrod Taylor nonetheless below contract, however search for them to herald one other midlevel veteran for competitors on condition that they appear unlikely to have a shot at drafting a top-flight quarterback. Wentz spent final season behind Patrick Mahomes and whereas not a franchise savior, he might compete for bridge responsibility.
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Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Baron Browning
The Eagles have a number of the finest inside linemen within the sport, however with Josh Sweat anticipated to depart by way of free company, they should add extra assist off the sting. Howie Roseman might look to each the draft and free company to fulfill wants right here. Browning is a younger participant (26) who has a historical past with Vic Fangio, having performed below the Eagles’ defensive coordinator when Fangio was head coach in Denver.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Justin Fields
The Steelers used 2024 as an experimental season at quarterback, including each Russell Wilson and Fields. Now each will grow to be free brokers. The Steelers ought to deliver Fields again. Is he a completed product? Under no circumstances. However he’s solely 26, confirmed promise and can solely ascend given one other yr working with Arthur Smith and in a system designed particularly for his strengths. Might the Steelers give Aaron Rodgers a shot? Certain. Might they fight one other experimental quarterback like Daniel Jones? Certain. However the upside with Fields is way greater.
San Francisco 49ers: CB D.J. Reed
The 49ers might wind up dropping Charvarius Ward to free company, so John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan might place a excessive precedence on addressing the secondary. Reed makes loads of sense. He spent the final three seasons with the Jets, enjoying below Robert Saleh, now the 49ers defensive coordinator, and will be capable of make a seamless transition whereas serving because the lockdown nook San Francisco wants.
Seattle Seahawks: S Jevon Holland
The Seahawks are anticipated to take care of their normal conservative method in free company, however they want a veteran presence on the again finish of their protection. Holland would assist fill this want, bringing each versatility and aggressive playmaking. After enjoying below Anthony Weaver in Miami final season, Holland would see some carryover enjoying within the system of Mike Macdonald, below whom Weaver coached in Baltimore.
Charvarius Ward has mentioned the emotional challenges of enjoying in California. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Pictures)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Charvarius Ward
The Buccaneers have a robust defensive entrance anchored by Vita Vea, however they actually may benefit from including a top-flight cornerback like Ward. He appears prone to depart San Francisco after a making an attempt 2024, which included the demise of his 1-year-old daughter, and will probably profit from a change of surroundings.
Tennessee Titans: QB Marcus Mariota
Let’s face it: Will Levis shouldn’t be the reply. And since they personal the highest choose within the draft, the Titans can fill their want for a franchise quarterback. However whether or not it’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, the rookie of selection might take a while to develop. The good transfer: Carry again former face of the franchise Marcus Mariota (2015-19) to function the bridge or as a beneficial veteran mentor (much like what he did final season with Jayden Daniels) to assist a younger QB navigate the professional sport.
Washington Commanders: Edge DeMarcus Lawrence
Edge rusher is among the largest wants on Washington’s protection and Lawrence may also help in an enormous method. Lawrence, who performed below Dan Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 and reached the Professional Bowl in back-to-back seasons, has averaged 7.4 sacks per season throughout his 11-year profession. He’s coming off a season restricted by a foot damage to 4 video games, however now wholesome once more, Lawrence would make his presence felt in D.C.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; pictures of D.J. Reed, Josh Sweat and Russell Wilson: Nick Cammett / Diamond Pictures, Cooper Neill, Todd Rosenberg / Getty Pictures)