Power Ranking: The top free agents in 2025

We are two weeks out from the start of the 2025 NFL free agency period, and we expect to see numerous big name players on the move. This year’s free agents don’t match up to last year’s crop, that included Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, but there are still plenty of elite players out there. Let’s take a look at the top options on the market.

Dre Greenlaw suffered an Achilles heel injury in Super Bowl LVIII that kept him out for most of the 2024 season. When healthy, he is among the best linebackers in football and is maybe the hardest hitting. The 49ers are expected to let Greenlaw explore the open market, and we could see a contender look to pick him up and bolster the middle of their defense.

Bolton is still just 24 but has spent almost his entire career as a key cog in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. He plays downhill with rare ferocity and stays on the field in passing situations too. He fit into Spag’s defense so well, we wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up back in Kansas City if there isn’t a big market for him.

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Charvarius Ward has been an excellent cornerback during his career, but given he will turn 29 before the start of the season, could be heading towards his last few years in the league. Ward told ESPN he needed a fresh start away from California following the tragic passing of his daughter. On a personal level, we hope Ward finds solace wherever he ends up.

The Vikings have over $61 million in effective cap space, per Over The Cap, and a slew of free agents potentially heading for the exit. Byron Murphy is scheduled to be one of them, but we can see him returning to the Vikings at the right price. If not, someone else will get a 27-year-old cornerback coming off two great seasons.

Chris Godwin is coming off a bad ankle injury that derailed much of his 2024 season and is now expected to move on from Tampa Bay. Given their cap space, we could see the Washington Commanders make a big play for Godwin as they attempt to maximize Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract.

D.J. Reed may be one of the most underrated players in football. He is a consummate number two corner who rarely allows big plays. For any team looking to reload their secondary, Reed could be the perfect option. Like other corners on this list, he is getting old for the position (28), but he should have at least 3 more years of high level play.

NFL Network has Alaric Jackson as their 29th ranked free agent, which is not how we see it at all. Jackson was given a 78.4 grade by Pro Football Focus, which is perfectly solid. There are also just not many offensive tackles set to hit the open market. We would not be surprised to see Jackson get paid this offseason.

Sam Darnold played well last season before collapsing back to the Sam Darnold of old when it mattered most. Could we see him in Los Angeles as a Ram this season? If Matthew Stafford is traded, as per reports, Darnold would be a perfect bridge option for a year or two. Still, we don’t see him as anything above a replacement level starter.

Sweat took a pay-cut to stay in Philly this time last year before balling out in Super Bowl LIX, picking up 2.5 sacks en route to a dominant win. Sweat has only passed 10 sacks in a season once and is turning 28 in a month or so. That, combined with a reported knee issue (that hasn’t seemed to cause him problems yet), could put off some suitors, but the talent is there.

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Per reported by The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are hoping to re-sign Odighizuwa before he hits the open market. Given Dallas’ struggles along the interior of their defensive line, they would be foolish not to. Whilst not an elite player, Odighizuwa is a disruptive force inside and defensive tackle is a position where players often peak later in their career.

Ronnie Stanley has been the picture of consistency during his career, even if his play, in our opinion at least, has fallen off slightly in recent times. The Ravens are not blessed with much cap space (just over $9 million per OTC), making a reunion unlikely. There are plenty of teams with cash and bad offensive tackles, though… looking at you, New England.

Arguably the Eagles’ MVP in 2024, Zack Baun had one of the best seasons we’ve seen from a linebacker in recent years in what was his first season playing the position. Our hunch is that he will return to Philly as they make him their priority, but if not, we could see Baun cashing in on what could be his only opportunity at a big-time contract.

Smith is one of the better offensive guards in the NFL and looks unlikely to return to Kansas City. He seems destined to become a Chicago Bear given their cap space and desperate need for help on their offensive interior.

Milton Williams is going to cash in this offseason, and good for him. He has consistently improved during his career, coming off a five-sack regular season in 2024, adding two more in the Super Bowl. Williams is a penetrating DT who can disrupt both the run and pass games with ease.

NFL Network has suggested Tee Higgins is set to be franchise tagged if a long-term deal isn’t agreed before the season. Still, for now, he’s on track to be a free agent and would be the most prized asset on the market. Higgins is a number one receiver who’s played as a number two behind Ja’Marr Chase, could we see him get unleashed in 2025?

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