As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes turn to free agency. The legal tampering period begins on March 10, signaling the unofficial start of the 2025 free agency frenzy. With a higher-than-expected salary cap increase, teams are armed with more spending power, setting the stage for blockbuster signings.
Despite perceptions of a weaker free-agent class, over a dozen teams have more than $45 million in effective cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. This financial flexibility ensures that some of the league’s top available players will secure lucrative deals.
CBS Sports senior NFL writer Pete Prisco recently ranked the top free agents of the 2025 class. With some players already re-signing or receiving the franchise tag, let’s analyze the top remaining options and predict where they might land.
10. Nick Bolton (LB, Kansas City Chiefs)
- Age: 25 | Experience: 5th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys
Nick Bolton has led the Chiefs in tackles in three of his four seasons, racking up 106 in 2024. Although his coverage skills need improvement, he remains an elite run-stopper.
The Cowboys have freed up significant cap space by restructuring Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s contracts. With DeMarvion Overshown recovering from a knee injury and Eric Kendricks hitting the market, Bolton fills a crucial need in Dallas. Additionally, as a Frisco, Texas native, a return home makes perfect sense.
9. Carlton Davis (CB, Detroit Lions)
- Age: 28 | Experience: 8th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Detroit Lions
Davis posted a strong 62.7 passer rating against in 2024, ranking 15th among cornerbacks with 70+ pass attempts. Despite a season-ending broken jaw, his performance warrants a significant raise.
Detroit, with a young secondary, opts for continuity by extending Davis. His veteran presence stabilizes a unit looking to build upon last season’s defensive improvements.
8. Chris Godwin (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Age: 29 | Experience: 8th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
Before a Week 7 ankle injury, Godwin led the league in receptions (50) and was second in receiving yards (576). His ability to thrive as a WR1 makes him highly attractive.
The Chargers, needing a dependable target for Justin Herbert, offer Godwin a premier role in their offense. He provides leadership to young receivers like Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, making him an ideal addition.
7. Jevon Holland (S, Miami Dolphins)
- Age: 25 | Experience: 5th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Washington Commanders
Holland excelled before a 2024 hand injury, earning a 90.4 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, third-best among safeties.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn, known for developing elite safeties in Seattle and Dallas, adds Holland to anchor his defensive rebuild.
6. D.J. Reed (CB, New York Jets)
- Age: 28 | Experience: 8th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers
Reed has been among the league’s best corners since joining the Jets, ranking top 10 in completion percentage allowed and yards per attempt since 2022.
With Jaire Alexander’s future uncertain due to injuries and contract concerns, the Packers bring in Reed to bolster their secondary. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who helped Xavier McKinney become a first-team All-Pro, works his magic again.
5. Drew Dalman (C, Atlanta Falcons)
- Age: 26 | Experience: 5th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Chicago Bears
Dalman was the fourth-highest-graded center in 2024, allowing only two sacks in nine games.
The Bears prioritize protecting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams after he endured 68 sacks last season. Dalman becomes a crucial piece in their offensive line revamp.
4. Milton Williams (DT, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Age: 26 | Experience: 5th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: New England Patriots
Williams broke out with a career-high five sacks and led all interior linemen in pass-rush grade (91.7, per PFF). His dominance was evident in Super Bowl LIX, where he sacked Patrick Mahomes twice.
The Patriots, boasting the most effective cap space ($119.6 million), make a splash by signing Williams to revitalize their defensive line.
3. Ronnie Stanley (OT, Baltimore Ravens)
- Age: 31 | Experience: 10th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans
Stanley finally played a full 17-game season in 2024, earning his second Pro Bowl nod.
Tennessee, needing stability on the offensive line, slides 2024 first-rounder JC Latham back to his natural right tackle position while inserting Stanley at left tackle.
2. Josh Sweat (DE, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Age: 28 | Experience: 8th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Arizona Cardinals
Sweat has recorded 19 sacks over the past two seasons, including 2.5 in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
The Cardinals, armed with $74.5 million in cap space, reunite Sweat with head coach Jonathan Gannon, who previously coached him in Philadelphia.
1. Sam Darnold (QB, Minnesota Vikings)
- Age: 28 | Experience: 8th Season
- Projected Landing Spot: Denver Broncos
Darnold’s career-best 35 touchdowns in 2024, coupled with an NFL-high 49.3% completion rate on deep passes, prove he deserves another starting job.
The Broncos, moving on from Russell Wilson, opt for Darnold as their next franchise quarterback. His deep-ball accuracy fits Sean Payton’s offensive scheme, making Denver an ideal destination.
With teams ready to make moves, free agency promises to reshape the NFL landscape. As signings unfold, these predictions could soon become reality. Stay tuned for updates as the league’s top talent finds new homes for the 2025 season.
