Ranking the Strongest Position Groups of 2025 NFL Free Agency

The 2024 NFL season has concluded with a dominant win by the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. But there's not much time for the Chiefs to lick their wounds or for the Eagles to puff out their chest feathers.

Because the NFL never stops. And while it may not officially be the 2025 league year yet, teams are already busily preparing for March 12.

On that day, teams can "officially" start signing free agents, although the legal tampering period opens two days earlier. Teams are busily researching two groups of players right now: The rookies we will soon see at the NFL Scouting Combine and the veteran free agents teams will start chasing in Indianapolis.

Without tampering, of course. That would be wrong.

Of course, all free agents are not equal, and talent has nothing to do with it. The NFL just values some positions more than others. And the strength of a class matters. The fewer quality options available at a spot, the more it can drive the asking price for those free agents up, especially at a premium position.

We're not going to worry about who's getting paid what here—mostly. Based on the talent available at that position (especially high-end) and the relative value of their respective positions, here's a breakdown of the strongest and weakest free-agent spots in 2025—and a player who could be the best deal of the lot at that position.

Big Names: Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders; Tyler Conklin, New York Jets; Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

As you can tell by looking at the so-called "big names" in free agency at tight end, the position doesn't offer much to teams on the open market in 2025.

The best player available is likely Zach Ertz of the Washington Commanders, who experienced a career renaissance of sorts with Jayden Daniels last year. His 654 receiving yards were his most since 2021, but he is also 34 years old, although he has stated he plans to play in 2025.

Tyler Conklin of the New York Jets has shown the occasional flash, but he's topped 600 receiving yards once in seven years. It's a similar situation with Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints, though his 548 receiving yards in 2024 were a career high.

Outside those rather uninspiring options and our "best value," if NFL teams want to improve at tight end in 2025, they will need to look to the draft.

Best Value: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Gesicki may be one of the more expensive free-agent tight ends this year, with Spotrac estimating his new contract will check in at about $6.7 million per season. But the 29-year-old quietly had one of the best seasons of his career with the Bengals in 2024. And of the tight ends available in free agency, he's the most likely (outside Ertz) to make a significant impact for an NFL offense in 2025.

Big Names: Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys; Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins; B.J. Hill, Cincinnati Bengals; Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks

NFL teams looking for a game-wrecker on the interior of the defensive line this year are likely going to be disappointed, as it's not an especially deep or talented crop of free agents. But the cupboard isn't entirely bare.

Osa Odighizuwa of the Dallas Cowboys may be the best player available. He's entering his prime at the age of 26 and set career highs in sacks and tackles a year ago.

B.J. Hill of the Bengals is a solid run-stuffer, logging at least 50 stops and three sacks each of the past four years.

Calais Campbell's 52 tackles and five sacks in 2024 pales next to some of his best seasons, but at 38 years old, he showed he still has some game left in him.

Jarran Reed is similarly heading toward the end of an excellent career, but there aren't many tackles on the market this year with a 10-sack season on their NFL resume.

Teair Tart, 27, of the Los Angeles Chargers isn't a big numbers guy, but he's a quality run-stuffer in the prime of his career. Sebastian Joseph-Day of the Tennessee Titans is a similar player who could come more cheaply as he nears his 30th birthday.

Best Value: Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

Williams may not be the value he would have been had he not logged a sack in the Super Bowl. But after recording five sacks in just 501 snaps in the regular season, the 25-year-old has shown a propensity for collapsing the pocket. That's not all that common in this year's class of free-agent tackles, and Williams has something many of the others do not: genuine potential to get better.

Big Names: JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers; Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings; Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers; Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Where running backs check in on this list says more about how the position has become devalued in the modern NFL than the talent available, because there's an interesting combination of young backs and more proven veterans on the downslope of their career.

JK Dobbins of the Chargers resurrected his career last year with 905 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry, but injuries have been a constant issue throughout his time in the NFL.

Najee Harris of the Steelers has topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four of his NFL seasons, but he has never averaged more than 4.1 yards per carry.

Aaron Jones of the Vikings is 30 years old, but his 1,138 rushing yards last year were the most of his career.

Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns may be the ultimate wild card. He was once one of the most feared backs in the game, but he suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 and averaged a miserable 3.3 yards per carry for a bad Browns team in 2024.

Keep an eye on players such as Jaylen Warren of the Steelers and Javonte Williams of the Denver Broncos. Both showed flashes for their respective teams over the first four seasons of their respective careers and could offer teams lead back potential at a discount.

Best Value: Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys

Dowdle was a rare bright spot for the Cowboys in a dismal 2024 campaign, amassing 1,079 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry. At first glance, those numbers appear to indicate a nice payday is coming, but the 26-year-old has just one season as a starter under his belt and plays a position where NFL teams just don't like to spend money.

Big Names: Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs; Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins; Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings; Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons

In many respects, the free-agent safeties look a lot like the cornerbacks. There isn't an elite difference-maker highlighting the class, but there's enough volume to potentially help keep salaries from ballooning.

The highlights of the class are probably Justin Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins.

Holland may have the most natural talent, but he's missed time each of the past two seasons. Reid isn't doing many commercials, but he has quietly become the leader of the secondary for the AFC's most dominant team.

After that, the waters muddy somewhat.

Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings and Justin Simmons of the Atlanta Falcons have had great careers, but neither is the player they used to be.

Younger safeties such as Julian Blackmon of the Indianapolis Colts, Tre'Von Moehrig of the Las Vegas Raiders and Camryn Bynum of the Vikings have flashed in spots, but can they put an entire season of that level of play together?

There's also a glut of mid-range options this year, such as Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller of the Carolina Panthers and Jeremy Chinn of the Washington Commanders.

The key for teams this year will be value: Getting the best possible safety for the least amount of scratch.

Best Value: Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers

Not that long ago, Hufanga looked to be a star in the making. His 97 tackles and four interceptions in 2022 earned the 26-year-old first-team All-Pro honors. Over the past two seasons, though, he has missed as many games as he's played in, which could mean either a lower annual salary or a shorter-term deal, both of which will be great news for whoever signs him if he comes close to recapturing his previous form.

Big Names: Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles; Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers; Chase Young, New Orleans Saints; Haason Reddick, New York Jets

NFL teams looking for a splash addition at edge-rusher may want to call the Cleveland Browns about a Myles Garrett blockbuster, because the free-agent market at the position in 2025 isn't especially strong.

The headliner is likely Josh Sweat of the Philadelphia Eagles, who went off in Super Bowl LIX to the tune of 2.5 sacks. The Eagles will be loathe to let the 27-year-old walk, but he's going to be due for a massive pay raise.

Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers piled up a jaw-dropping 17 sacks two years ago, but he's about to celebrate his 34th birthday.

Chase Young had just 5.5 sacks with the Saints in 2024, but he's a 25-year-old former Defensive Rookie of the Year who could generate considerable interest on the open market.

Azeez Ojulari of the Giants flashed when afforded the opportunities last year, and given his age (24), he should generate considerable interest if he hits the open market.

Dayo Odeyingbo of the Colts could be a reasonably priced option who is only 25 years old and registered eight sacks in Indianapolis in 2023.

The wildest of wild cards among this year's free-agent edge-rushers is Haason Reddick, whose 2024 season was effectively wiped out by a contract dispute with the Jets.

That mess may force the 30-year-old to settle for a short-term deal in free agency, but he topped 10 sacks four straight seasons from 2020-2023.

Best Value: Matt Judon, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons acquired Matt Judon last summer to spearhead their pass rush, and the results were, um, bad. His 5.5 sacks were his fewest in a full season since his rookie year. But it wasn't that long ago that the 32-year-old logged 28 total sacks over two seasons with the New England Patriots. And in the right scheme, he can still make an impact, likely on a reasonable, short-term contract.

Big Names: Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions; D.J. Reed, New York Jets; Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings; Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Cornerback is a premium position. Teams are annually looking to bolster the secondary in free agency. There will be big contracts handed out to corners in 2025.

That's going to mean multiple overpays, because while there is talent in this class, there isn't a "shutdown" corner to be found.

To be fair, Carlton Davis of the Detroit Lions and Byron Murphy of the Minnesota Vikings were the No. 1 cornerbacks for teams who combined to win 29 games in 2024.

D.J. Reed of the New York Jets hasn't allowed a passer rating against over 90 since 2019. Asante Samuel Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers hasn't been the star the Bolts hoped he'd be, but he's a first-round talent who hasn't turned 26 yet.

Paulson Adebo of the New Orleans Saints was having an excellent 2024 season before a broken leg cut it short. Mike Hilton of the Cincinnati Bengals is a quality slot cornerback. Stephon Gilmore of the Vikings is a former Defensive Player of the Year.

This may not be a top-heavy free-agent class at corner, but it is a relatively deep one. And for some teams, quantity at the position matters as much as quantity.

Best Value: Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

To be clear, Ward's last season in San Francisco was forgettable. His passer rating against of 116.6 was his highest since 2018, and the 28-year-old missed five games. That could send him into "prove it" territory this year, but as recently as two years ago, the seven-year veteran was a Pro Bowler in San Francisco. If a team can land Ward for $10-$12 million a season on a short-term deal, it's a steal.

Big Names: Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles; Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders; Lavonte David, Dallas Cowboys; Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs

Linebacker has to be the deepest position in all of free agency this year, and the class is spearheaded by a player who likely made himself more money in 2024 than just about anyone in the NFL.

Prior to 2024, Zack Baun was a part-time edge-rusher and overall afterthought in New Orleans. In Philadelphia, he moved to off-ball linebacker and became a first-team All-Pro.

Teams who miss out on the 28-year-old have no shortage of Plan Bs, though.

Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders and Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will both likely one day be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame and remain effective players even at this point in their careers.

Nick Bolton has been as important to the Kansas City defense as Patrick Mahomes has been for the offense during the Chiefs' recent AFC dominance.

The list just goes on and on. Accomplished veterans like Eric Kendricks of the Dallas Cowboys, steady veterans like Robert Spillane of the Las Vegas Raiders and E.J. Speed of the Indianapolis Colts. Up-and-coming youngsters like Ernest Jones IV of the Seattle Seahawks and Jamien Sherwood of the New York Jets.

There's something for everyone. And the glut of talented linebackers on the market could serve to drive down the asking prices for many of these players.

Best Value: Kyzir White, Arizona Cardinals

At 28, White is smack in the prime of his career. The seven-year veteran isn't the best linebacker available—or the fifth-best. But he has started 53 games over the past four seasons for three different teams, recording at least 110 total stops in three seasons. He's a capable veteran starter with experience in multiple schemes who will likely be available for a reasonable annual salary.

Big Names: Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens; Morgan Moses, New York Jets; Tyron Smith, New York Jets; Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings

Let's be clear, most of the higher-end offensive tackles set to hit free agency this year won't. Teams are loathe to let even middling offensive linemen get anywhere near the open market.

Ronnie Stanley of the Baltimore Ravens had struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old played in all 17 games last year and made the Pro Bowl.

Morgan Moses of the Jets is well past 30 years old, but he surrendered just two sacks in over 700 snaps in 2024, per PFF. Tyron Smith is similarly experienced and has had injury issues of his own, but he's a solid tackle when healthy. Cam Robinson was traded midseason last year, but he played a major role in Minnesota's 14-win season in 2024.

Dan Moore of the Pittsburgh Steelers struggled in pass protection last season, but 26-year-old free-agent tackles with 66 career starts don't grow on trees. Alaric Jackson of the Rams may lack name value, but he allowed just three sacks in almost 900 snaps last season. Cornelius Lucas of the Washington Commanders is another tackle the wrong side of 30, but he could be available at a relatively reasonable cost in 2025.

There may not be any world-beaters in this bunch, but it's a deep group at a premium position.

Some fat contracts are going to be handed to tackles this offseason...again.

Best Value: Jedrick Wills Jr., Cleveland Browns

Wills was a first-round selection of the Browns in 2020, but he has never truly lived up to that billing. He has also missed a whopping 21 games over the past two years. That sets the 25-year-old as a prime candidate for a short-term "prove it" deal in 2025—and opens the door for a team to potentially acquire at least a solid starter at a discount.

Big Names: Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys; Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs; Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars; Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts

Again, most of the biggest names on the inside of the interior line aren't going anywhere—NFL teams don't get better by letting quality offensive linemen change teams.

Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys is the biggest name set to hit free agency, but the seven-time first-team All-Pro is 34 years old and not the player he once was. Brandon Scherff of the Jacksonville Jaguars is a similar option: a five-time Pro Bowler who is on the downslope of his career at 33.

Kansas City's Trey Smith is likely the best interior lineman of the lot in 2025, a 25-year-old who didn't allow a single sack in over 1,100 snaps a year ago, per PFF. His salary could sail past $20 million a season, a number that may price him outside the Chiefs' range.

The list of available centers isn't as impressive as at guard. Ryan Kelly of the Indianapolis Colts has been to four Pro Bowls since 2019, but the 31-year-old has missed 10 games the past two years, including seven in 2024.

Coleman Shelton of the Chicago Bears may actually be the better target. In 1,121 snaps in 2024, the 29-year-old surrendered just three sacks.

Best Value: Mekhi Becton, Philadelphia Eagles

"Value" could be relative with Becton. He might not come cheaply after thriving in Philadelphia once shifting from tackle to guard. But if teams are going to invest big money in a big man, it should be one who is only just entering the prime of his career. For all the drama that has surrounded Becton since he was drafted 11th overall in 2020, he is still just 25 years old, and he appears to have finally settled into the position he was meant to play in the pros.

Big Names: Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals; Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears; Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans; Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A quarterback is only as good as his passing-game targets. And in an NFL dominated by the pass, the wide receiver position has grown in value.

The crown jewel of this free-agent class at wideout is unquestionably Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 26-year-old has only surpassed 1,000 yards twice in five seasons and there are legitimate durability concerns, but he is just entering the prime of his career and has legitimate WR1 potential.

After Higgins, the market quickly turns into aging receivers and/or ones coming off serious injuries. Tampa Bay's Chris Godwin is just 28 and had three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2021-2023. But he dislocated his ankle midway through the 2024 season.

Keenan Allen's 744 receiving yards last year were his lowest since 2016, but the 32-year-old has four seasons with 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards.

Stefon Diggs appeared to be settling in well with the Houston Texans before tearing his ACL.

Much of the rest of the market is similarly aging players or those with question marks. Amari Cooper was a complete non-factor with the Buffalo Bills, but the 30-year-old had 1,250 receiving yards as recently as 2023 in Cleveland. DeAndre Hopkins had just 610 yards with the Chiefs and Titans a year ago, but the 32-year-old had over 1,000 yards two seasons ago in Tennessee.

Best Value: Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers

There's no shortage of big names available at wideout this year, quite a few of whom will command similarly robust salaries. But Palmer is just 25 years old, quietly averaged 15 yards per catch for the second straight season in 2024 and could be available to cap-conscious teams for less than $5 million a season.

Big Names: Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings; Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers; Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (*); Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (*)

It shouldn't come as any huge surprise that quarterback tops this list. It's the most important position in the NFL, and teams in the market for a new starter (or even a bridge option) have a number of experienced options to choose from.

Russell Wilson made 11 starts for a Steelers team that made the playoffs last year, completing 63.7 percent of his passes for almost 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns with just five interceptions.

Aaron Rodgers' two seasons with the New York Jets didn't go according to plan, but the 41-year-old has been named the NFL's Most Valuable Player four times. The Jets have already made it known he won't be back with them in 2025.

Kirk Cousins is technically still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons, but it's fully expected that the 36-year-old will be released before the fifth day of the new league year, when a $10 million roster bonus becomes due.

Then there's the crown jewel of the free-agent market under center. Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 regular season and finished fifth in the league in passing yards and touchdown passes. That gets players paid, especially when they haven't turned 30 yet.

Mac Jones of the Jaguars remains a young one-time first-round pick who could at least be a quality backup. Interceptions remain an issue for Cleveland's Jameis Winston, but he did set a franchise record for passing yards in a game last year.

No team wants to be on the hunt for a quarterback, but 2025 is a good year to have that predicament.

Best Value: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers

Fields started the first six games for the Steelers last year, going 4-2 while completing almost 66 percent of his passes. His passing numbers weren't great, but he's a threat to move the ball with his legs as well, is just 25 years old and won't carry the same price tag as Super Bowl winners such as Wilson and Rodgers.