The Philadelphia Eagles’ Impactful Offseason
The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason will likely be best remembered for one transformative move: signing Saquon Barkley. This crucial acquisition played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphant Super Bowl LIX victory. However, it wasn’t the biggest financial commitment the Eagles made that year. That distinction belongs to Bryce Huff, a pass rusher who signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million deal after a standout season with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, Huff’s performance with the Eagles was a significant letdown, netting only 2.5 sacks and being inactive for the Super Bowl. This highlights the inherent risk in free agency, even for the most well-run organizations. As the 2025 free agency approaches, the Eagles and other teams will have to balance the potential rewards with the risks of overpaying for unproven or declining talent.
Top 25 Free Agents for 2025
As the "tampering" period of free agency kicks off on March 10, the NFL landscape is about to shift. The top 25 free agents for 2025 represent a mix of proven veterans and emerging stars, each with unique strengths and potential risks. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders:
Defensive Standouts
1. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins, just 26, had a breakout season with the Bengals and was even tagged as the franchise player. He is a rare talent and will command a premium in free agency. His versatility and consistency make him a top target for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.
2. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith, a 25-year-old Pro Bowl guard, is a linchpin of the Chiefs’ offensive line. His value has skyrocketed, especially after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl letdown highlighted the importance of a solid offensive line. Expect a significant payday for Smith, whether he stays in Kansas City or finds a new home.
3. Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Darnold’s resurgence with the Vikings is a compelling narrative. While his final two games were disappointing, his overall performance in 2024 was strong. The quarterback market is always ripe for speculation, and Darnold’s combination of talent and relative youth will make him an attractive option for teams in need.
Versatile Impact Players
4. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
Stanley’s return to form in 2024 was remarkable. After a string of injury-plagued seasons, he played all 17 games and earned a Pro Bowl nod. His durability and skill will make him a valuable asset for teams looking to solidify their offensive lines.
5. Osa Odighizuwa, DT, Dallas Cowboys
Odighizuwa, 27, is a force on the defensive line. His 60 quarterback pressures last season tied him for fifth among NFL defensive tackles. His disruptive presence and prime age make him a top target for teams seeking defensive upgrades.
6. Josh Sweat, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Sweat’s Super Bowl performance was a highlight of his 2024 season. With a Pro Bowl in 2021 and 11 sacks in 2022, he has established himself as a reliable edge rusher. At 28, he remains in his prime and will be highly sought after in free agency.
Rising Stars
7. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Baun’s journey from special teamer to first-team All-Pro with the Eagles is nothing short of inspiring. His playmaking abilities and versatility make him a valuable addition to any team. After a standout season, he is poised for a significant payday.
8. Byron Murphy Jr., CB, Minnesota Vikings
Murphy, 27, had a breakout year in 2024, earning his first Pro Bowl nod with six interceptions. His age and recent success will make him a coveted target in free agency, especially as teams look to strengthen their secondary.
9. D.J. Reed, CB, New York Jets
Reed, 29, has developed into a solid cornerback alongside standout teammate Sauce Gardner. While his age may be a concern, his consistent performance and versatility will make him a valuable asset for teams needing depth at cornerback.
Experienced Options
10. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin, 29, has a history of production but also of injuries. Despite ending his 2024 season with a dislocated ankle, his versatility and past performance will still make him an attractive option for teams looking to add a reliable receiver.
11. Khalil Mack, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
Mack, 34, remains a formidable presence on the defensive line. Despite his age, he had six sacks and made his ninth Pro Bowl in 2024. His experience and leadership will be valuable for any team willing to invest in him.
12. Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
If Rodgers decides to continue playing, his experience and past success will make him a sought-after commodity. Even at 42, his precision and leadership can still be a game-changer for the right team.
Mid-Range Talent
13. Haason Reddick, DE, New York Jets
Reddick’s 2024 was a bit of a rollercoaster. Despite his refusal to report initially, he had double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons before joining the Jets. His talent and age (31) make him a viable option for teams in need of a pass rusher.
14. Mekhi Becton, G, Philadelphia Eagles
Becton, 363 pounds, had a strong season at guard for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. His ability to dominate the line and help Saquon Barkley achieve 2,000 rushing yards cements his value. At 24, he is a young, promising prospect.
15. Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Greenlaw, 27, has shown his potential but also his susceptibility to injuries. After an Achilles tear and a calf injury, his durability will be a key factor for teams considering his services.
Young Talent and Promising Prospects
16. Tre’Von Moehrig, S, Las Vegas Raiders
Moehrig, 24, has been a durable and consistent presence for the Raiders. With 104 tackles and a couple of interceptions in 2024, he is a solid option for teams looking to fortify their secondary.
17. Will Fries, G, Indianapolis Colts
Fries, 25, developed into an excellent guard, known for his strong run blocking and good pass protection. Despite a gruesome injury in 2024, his potential remains high, and he could be a valuable addition for teams needing interior line help.
18. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Bolton, 25, is a young, productive linebacker with over 100 tackles in three of his four NFL seasons. His talent and age make him a prime target for teams looking to solidify their linebacker corps.
19. Malcolm Koonce, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
Koonce, 24, had a breakout season with eight sacks in 2023 but suffered a torn ACL in 2024. Despite the injury, his potential and youth make him an intriguing free agent option.
20. Alaric Jackson, OT, Los Angeles Rams
Jackson, 27, went from undrafted to a full-time starter in just two seasons. His solid performance at left tackle makes him a valuable asset, especially at a prime position.
Risky Bets
21. Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans
Diggs, 32, had a productive past but his ACL tear in 2024 and his age make him a risky signing. Teams will need to weigh his past success against his injury history.
22. Charvarius Ward, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Ward, 30, has been a consistent presence in the secondary but may not replicate the big deal he signed in 2022 due to his age and recent performance.
23. Amari Cooper, WR, Buffalo Bills
Cooper, 31, had a down season in 2024, which could be an anomaly. Teams will need to determine if this was a sign of decline or an injury-related dip.
Future Prospect
24. Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins
Holland, 25, is a young safety with playmaking ability and strong run support. His potential and age make him a prime target for teams looking to build for the future.
25. Tre’Von Moehrig, S, Las Vegas Raiders
Repeating for emphasis, Moehrig is a young, durable safety with a solid track record. His consistency and potential make him a valuable free agent, especially for teams looking to improve their secondary.
As the free agency period looms, the NFL will be a hotbed of activity. Teams will have to carefully weigh the risks and rewards of these top free agents to ensure they make the best possible signings to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
