The Five Best Players Available in NFL Free Agency

“I think free agency changed the league more than the money. Teams had to build better facilities, coaches had to develop more personal relationships with the players, and recruiting became such a big part of winning and losing.” These words were said by former Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver and NBC Sports Broadcaster Chris Collinsworth. In 1993, NFL Free Agency began allowing players to become unrestricted free agents after several years of service. It is seen as the first opportunity in the calendar year to change the complexion of a team from potentially a losing season to a Super Bowl contender. The 2025 version begins next week and in this article, we will discuss the five best players available on the market.

5. WR Chris Godwin- Godwin was playing well this season until he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2024. Godwin grabbed 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns in seven games in 2024. Godwin has three consecutive seasons of 1000 yards and was on pace to make it four years in a row. The Patriots should be interested in the free agent since there is a need for a veteran Wide Receiver with pedigree and the most salary cap space in the league. Chris should also draw interest from the Jaguars, which recently parted with wideout Christian Kirk.

4. S Jevon Holland- Holland is among the top safeties in the NFL and is in line to get the Brinks truck backed up in the driveway next week. Jevon turns 25 years old in March and started 15 games, recorded 63 tackles, and allowed an opposing passer rating of 89.0 in coverage. Holland is only entering his playing prime. At a 6’1″, 200+ pound, Holland can patrol the box and be physical with his opponent while also having the ability to be sticky in coverage. As a result, he has amassed 20 career passes defensed and five interceptions. Again, the Patriots will need plenty of upgrades on defense, and Holland will bring dynamism to the team. The Chicago Bears should see Jevon as a chip to build their defense around.

3. QB Sam Darnold- the biggest controversy surrounds the production of this player. Statistically, he dominated the league with a passer rating of 102.5, 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 17 games last season. However, Sam’s two worst games of the year came in the two final matchups. He regressed in those games based on his awareness and processing of the play call. Darnold may have cost himself a mammoth contract after those struggles, and it appears he will likely get a contract that equates to a middle-of-the-pack signal caller. Darnold will get consideration from the Tennessee Titans, who may be inclined to trade down. Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers or Indianapolis Colts could be in play if the price comes down.

2. OT Ronnie Stanley- the Ravens stalwart was bumped to number two on this list after the Rams agreed an extension with Alaric Jackson. Despite a few injury-riddled seasons in the past, Staley was healthy this year and returned to Pro Bowl levels. At age 31, Ronnie is at the end of his career but should be a quality player during his upcoming big contract based on Trent Williams’ dominance at 36. Again, the Patriots are a natural fit for Stanley’s presence due to the need to protect Quarterback Drake Maye. Another team to keep your eyes on is the Kansas City Chiefs, who struggled to protect Mahomes in the Super Bowl, and it cost them dearly. The emergence of the Chiefs may even force the Ravens to jump back into the fray because of the conference rivalry.

1. DE Josh Sweat- Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a dominant 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs to capture Super Bowl LIX. However, the backbone of the victory was the dominant defensive line that pummeled Patrick Mahomes. Josh Sweat was the edge rusher on that defensive line who finished with 2.5 sacks in a mesmerizing performance. Sweats will hit free agency as the top pass rusher after recording eight sacks during the regular season. Josh can win his matchup with speed off the edge, power through his blockers, and attack the opposing quarterback. The New England Patriots should be interested since they recorded the fewest team sacks last season. Another team interested in his service is the Arizona Cardinals because of his familiarity with Head Coach Johnathan Ganon.