NFL franchises are gearing up to potentially overhaul their rosters with the opening of the free-agent signing period this week.
A significant spotlight is on the quarterbacks, with names like Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields drawing interest. While Aaron Rodgers isn’t officially a free agent, the New York Jets have indicated their intent to release him, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams.
Agents can start holding discussions with teams at 12 p.m. EDT on Monday during the legal negotiation window, but new contracts can’t be finalized until the new league year commences at 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
Here is a preview of 25 non-quarterback free agents who are worth watching:
1. Josh Sweat, an edge rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to secure a substantial contract following a standout performance in the Super Bowl, where he notched 2 1/2 sacks against Patrick Mahomes. Since becoming a starter in 2021, he has averaged eight sacks per season.
2. Davante Adams, a wide receiver for the New York Jets, had 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns during a challenging season split between the Raiders and Jets. A three-time All-Pro, Adams has averaged 103 receptions, 1,290 yards, and 11 touchdowns over the past seven seasons. The Rams have already reached a two-year agreement with him.
3. Milton Williams, a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated his potential in the Super Bowl with two sacks, showing readiness to become a key figure on the defensive line after excelling as a rotational player.
4. Charvarius Ward, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 despite battling personal adversity after the loss of his daughter.
5. Carlton Davis, a cornerback for the Detroit Lions, reinforced Detroit’s secondary during his first season with the Lions after spending his initial six seasons with Tampa Bay.
6. Out of Tampa Bay, wide receiver Chris Godwin is rebounding from a severe ankle injury that cost him the last 10 games of the season. At 29, he may not land the blockbuster deal expected before his injury, despite amassing 50 receptions for 576 yards in just seven games.
7. Drew Dalman, a center for the Atlanta Falcons, stands as the top center available on the market, serving as a solid starter for a prominent offensive line.
8. D.J. Reed, a cornerback for the New York Jets, excelled last year, allowing only two touchdown passes, with opposing quarterbacks completing a mere 46.3% of their passes against him.
9. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers looks to return to his form after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury last season.
10. Haason Reddick, an edge rusher for the New York Jets, had a promising tenure with 27 sacks across two seasons before a holdout affected his 2024 season.
11. Byron Murphy, a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, enjoyed a career-high year, compiling six interceptions and holding passers to a 62.0 rating against him.
12. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, from the Buffalo Bills, has had an impressive career with seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 10 years. Injuries curtailed his playing time last year as he split between the Browns and Bills.
13. Nick Bolton, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, is a key component in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and the team ensured he wouldn’t enter free agency by finalizing a deal on Sunday.
14. Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, despite a dip in performance in 2024, remains the top safety available this offseason.
15. Will Fries, a right guard for the Indianapolis Colts, still draws interest for a potential major contract despite playing only five games due to a fractured tibia.
16. Khalil Mack, a 34-year-old edge rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers, saw a decline in his sack total last year but remains a strategic option for teams needing a pass rush specialist.
17. Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid is recognized as a leader who can significantly bolster a secondary.
18. Cam Robinson, a left tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, could be a reliable option for teams looking to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
19. Recovering from an ACL injury, Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs played only eight games last season but is a four-time Pro Bowler who could shine in a slot role.
20. Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig elevated his value with career-highs of 104 tackles and 10 deflections in 2024.
21. Philadelphia Eagles right guard Mekhi Becton found success by transitioning from tackle, revitalizing his career on one of the best lines in the league.
22. Chicago Bears guard Tevin Jenkins is a sturdy starter poised to quickly find a team during free agency.
23. The Los Angeles Chargers’ Asante Samuel Jr. remains a playmaker despite facing scrutiny for his tackling skills.
24. The New York Jets’ Jamien Sherwood stood out as a premier performer on an otherwise underwhelming and star-studded defense, with the Jets securing his services with a deal on Sunday.
25. Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers has started 50 of his last 51 games, allowing just one sack last season, and becomes a desirable free agency target.