2025 NFL Free Agents: Predictions for Top Stars Amid Divisional Playoff Bracket
While some teams remain in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy, others look toward the off-season and several high-profile free agents in hopes of improving their squads and making the same journey in 2025.
Among those prospective free agents are a dynamic quarterback who silenced some critics this season, a young back who emerged as the lead runner for the Los Angeles Chargers, and a veteran runner who was key to the Vikings' on-field success.
Where may they end up in 2025, if they go anywhere at all?
Find out with this preview.
Justin Fields
In 10 games with the Steelers, Justin Fields tallied 1,106 yards passing with five touchdowns and just one interception. He added five touchdowns and 289 yards on the ground.
After a stint in Chicago that had experts doubting the young quarterback, he showed flashes of being a legitimate winner in the NFL. While the Steelers should want to retain Fields, there will likely be other organizations that see upside in the former Ohio State Buckeye and attempt to lure him.
One such team is the New York Jets, whose future with Aaron Rodgers is uncertain, at best.
The Jets have the players to make a legitimate run at the postseason, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The same Wilson who played at Ohio State with Fields. Reuniting that tandem could provide the offensive spark the Jets have not had in what feels like an eternity.
Such a move would provide a dynamic option at the position, if nothing else.
All of that is dependent upon Rodgers' decision to retire or not, and whether the franchise wants to move on from the four-time MVP.
If Fields plays anywhere other than the Steelers in 2025, the Jets feel like the most logical option.
Prediction: Fields to New York if Rodgers moves on
JK Dobbins
After a stint in Baltimore that was defined by injury, J.K. Dobbins had a return to glory in Los Angeles in 2024.
He had a career-high in rushing yards with 905 and scored nine touchdowns. He added 32 receptions and 153 yards in the passing game.
Dobbins was the lead back for a Chargers team that wants to take on a Jim Harbaugh, run-first mentality and open things up for Justin Herbert to throw the ball up and down the field.
He fits what they want to do, showed flashes of what fans can expect from him in a Chargers uniform, and did so while playing just 13 games.
If Dobbins recognizes his injury history and works with the Chargers to make a deal happen, there is no reason for the former Raven not to return and continue building a playoff and Super Bowl contender out west.
Prediction: Dobbs returns to Los Angeles
Aaron Jones
Jones had his most rushing yards since 2020 in his first season with Minnesota, a rarity for a running back who turned 30 years of age in 2024.
He tallied 1,138 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns, while adding 51 receptions, 408 yards, and two receiving touchdowns.
Jones was a weapon for a Vikings team that won 14 games and a quarterback in Sam Darnold who rediscovered the level of play that once made him one of the hottest commodities coming out of USC.
His age will likely play a factor in how many teams are willing to throw substantial amounts of money his way. Las Vegas could use a lead back and, depending what happens in Los Angeles with Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Jones will have options but he question becomes whether any of them are better than what he currently has to work with in Minnesota.
The answer is "probably not."
If that is the case, he stays put on a short-term deal.
Prediction: Jones remains with the Vikings