| KADARIUS TONEYHe’s charged with non-fatal strangulation in Douglas County, Georgia. TMZ.com: Two-time Super Bowl champion Kadarius Toney was arrested last week over allegations he strangled a woman, TMZ Sports has learned. According to police documents we obtained, the former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver was accused of putting his hand around a woman’s throat during a dispute at a Georgia residence on Jan. 14 … and squeezing “with enough force to cause her to be unable to breath.” The docs state the alleged attack left the woman with red marks on her neck … and petechial hemorrhaging in her eyes. Additionally, authorities wrote in the documents Toney took the woman’s phone from her during the altercation in order to prevent her from dialing 911. Warrants for Toney’s arrest were issued on Jan. 15 … and jail records we obtained show the 26-year-old was thrown behind bars in a Douglas County facility on Feb. 6 on one charge of aggravated assault — strangulation … and one charge of obstructing/harassing 911 calls. The records show the 26-year-old’s bond was set at $25,000 on each count. We’ve reached out to Toney for comment on the situation … though, so far, we’ve not heard back. Toney — the New York Giants’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — spent this past season with the Cleveland Browns … and logged snaps in three games. He helped Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs win two Super Bowls in the prior two seasons. Douglas County runs west from the Atlanta beltway area to the Alabama line. Toney is not from there, he grew up in Mobile. |
| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITWR AMON-RA ST. BROWN makes the valid point that the Lions were far from at top strength for the postseason. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: The Lions’ loss in the divisional round of the playoffs cost them a chance to play the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown hopes the Lions get that chance in the first game of the 2025 regular season. St. Brown said on his podcast with his brothers that of the Eagles’ eight home opponents in 2025, the Lions would be the best matchup for the fans — and would give the Lions a chance to establish themselves as the NFC favorites, right off the bat. “Eagles have the home opener next year because they won the Super Bowl,” St. Brown said. “Can I read you the list of teams that could be in that first game? Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Lions, Raiders, Rams, Broncos. Out of all those teams, if you’re the NFL, who are you putting in there?” St. Brown’s brothers both said the Lions, and St. Brown said he thinks a healthy Lions team can go to Philadelphia and win. “That’s what I’m saying. So we might be playing at Lincoln Financial Field,” St. Brown said. “You would see with our healthy defense, how that shit operates.” Lions-Eagles is one of the biggest games on the 2025 schedule no matter when it happens, but the Thursday night opener would be a great time to establish at the start of the season who the favorites are in the NFC. If that happened, Vic Fangio would be the only coordinator returning for either team. |
| NFC EAST |
| PHILADELPHIAToday we have a 42-second video for you here. When it’s over, T MEKHI BECTON will be one of your favorite players. To remind you, another reason why the Eagles are Super Bowl champs and the Jets are the J-E-T-S, Jets – from Natasha Bose of The Playoffs: Mekhi Becton’s NFL career was supposed to be over. The New York Jets made him the 11th overall pick in 2020, betting that he’d be their franchise tackle. They lost that bet. Injuries. Inconsistency. A struggling team that never figured it out. Four years, 30 games, zero playoff appearances. Becton wasn’t just a bust—he was forgotten. Then came free agency. No big offers. No hype. Just a career on the brink. The Philadelphia Eagles took a chance. They didn’t sign him as a tackle. They moved him to guard. A fresh start, with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland leading the way. The shift wasn’t easy, but Becton made it work. He learned. He adapted. He played his way into a starting role, helping power one of the most dominant rushing attacks in NFL history alongside Saquon Barkley. By the end of the season, Pro Football Focus had him ranked 16th among all guards with a 77.1 grade. And in the biggest game of his life? He delivered. Becton played through a first-half knee injury, returned, and held the line. After the final whistle, he sat on the field, his son in his lap, and let the emotions take over. Tears. Reflection. Four years of being counted out, of injuries, of people saying he wasn’t that guy. And now? A Super Bowl champion. His mother, Semone Becton, knew exactly what this meant. “He’s come a long way from the injuries and things that he was going through,” she told NJ.com. “Now, I can tell he’s in a happier place. As a mom, it brings a lot of joy to see him smiling again. Nobody wants their kid to be mentally in a different place, especially with something they love doing.” This wasn’t just a game for Mekhi Becton. It was proof. Proof that his career wasn’t over. Proof that he could still be great. Proof that the right team, the right system, and the right work ethic could flip the script. From castoff to champion. From forgotten to celebrated. Mekhi Becton didn’t just play in a Super Bowl. He lived it.– – -Frank Schwab of YahooSports.com doesn’t see any reason that the Eagles won’t play at the same elite level in 2025, that a challenger will have to ascend to beat them, Philadelphia won’t be coming back to the pack: Looking around at the Philadelphia Eagles’ lineup that dominated Super Bowl LIX, it felt like it was the start of a long journey with a core of impressive stars. Jalen Hurts isn’t going anywhere. Neither is A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley or what might be the best offensive line in the NFL. Philadelphia’s defense was perhaps the best in the NFL and is filled with young stars like defensive tackle Jalen Carter who are just entering their prime. The Eagles won 12 of their last 13 regular-season games and kept the hot streak going in the playoffs, capping it with one of the great performances in Super Bowl history as they knocked off the Chiefs. There are very few members of Philadelphia’s core who are about to become free agents. And the Eagles have been great at adding talent every offseason in the draft and free agency. There’s no reason the Eagles can’t be at least as good again next season. And with another year of experience from their young stars and perhaps an addition or two, there’s a chance they’ll be even better. That’s hard to fathom after what we saw in Philly’s 40-22 drubbing of Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX. Eagles’ drafts have led to successThe reason the Eagles have built up arguably the deepest roster in the NFL is that general manager Howie Roseman keeps dominating the draft. Roseman has stocked the roster with stars like receiver DeVonta Smith, offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, defensive linemen Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Nolan Smith and defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in recent drafts. He has relied on productive players from big schools (many of them from Georgia) and that formula has been a boon. It’s a reason the Eagles had one of the youngest rosters in the NFL this season. They have the youngest defense, and it might have been the best defense in the NFL this past season. They were the third-youngest team in the NFL in snap-weighted age this season, via Aaron Schatz of There will be some big contract extensions coming up. That’s what happens when you hit on a lot of draft picks in a short amount of time. It’s not the worst problem to have. But before the salary cap gets the best of the Eagles, they should continue to be one of the best teams in the NFL. Even better if Roseman has another big offseason. Eagles should retain most of rosterRoseman’s offseason last season was highlighted by two things: signing Saquon Barkley, who would go on to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and fixing a suddenly slow secondary through the NFL Draft. The two main priorities this offseason would seem to be retaining a couple of key free agents. Linebacker Zack Baun was a huge surprise, making first-team All-Pro, and now he’s a free agent. So are edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Milton Williams, two talented players who had monster performances in the Super Bowl. The Eagles aren’t in bad salary-cap shape, with the 18th most projected cap space according to Spotrac. A lot of that space could be eaten up re-signing one or more of those free agents off the defense. Baltimore Ravens 2025 offseason primer: Looking for how to get Lamar Jackson to a Super BowlThe Eagles don’t have a lot of other needs for the offseason. They’re always looking to add to both lines, and at some point elite tackle Lane Johnson won’t be around anymore. He’s 34 years old. Linebacker could be an issue if Baun leaves. Upgrading at the third receiver spot would be a luxury. But the depth of the roster means there aren’t many holes to fill. There will be a big hole on the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore reportedly will be the New Orleans Saints’ next head coach. Many media reports have speculated the Eagles could promote passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo, which would help with continuity for the offense. Mostly, what you saw on Philadelphia’s side in Super Bowl LIX will be what you see again next season. The rest of the NFL is on notice. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAFormer Panthers QB Cam Newton has alienated his former teammates, teammates that helped him go to a Super Bowl so he could choose not to dive on a fumble. Joseph Person of The Athletic: Cam Newton took a shot at the state of the Carolina Panthers’ organization before he arrived in 2011, and now some of his former Panthers teammates are shooting back. Appearing on “The Travis Hunter” show on Overtime, Newton discussed how the Heisman Trophy winner could handle potentially being the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Newton explained that “you’re the top pick because that was the worst team in the NFL the year before.” But Newton went on to refer to the 2010 Panthers — a roster gutted by then-owner Jerry Richardson before the 2011 lockout — as “losers.” And that hot-button word did not sit well with several players who were a part of that 2-14 season, which resulted in the Panthers getting the top pick. Steve Smith and Charles Johnson voiced their displeasure on social media Monday, and former defensive back Captain Munnerlyn ripped Newton on Tuesday for his recent remarks. “He wants to be relevant still. He’s in this media world where he does his podcasts and (ESPN’s) ‘First Take’ stuff, which is good. I’m happy for him. I’m proud of him,” Munnerlyn said during a phone interview. “But I think he still says some stuff just to be relevant still. And if you know Cam, you’ve been around him for years, that’s Cam Newton.” Newton is a growing media presence who said in November he was hurt when he wasn’t invited to join Smith, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and other former players in Germany when the Panthers played the New York Giants. Newton caused a stir in January by saying he would not give back his MVP award for a Super Bowl championship. Several of his ex-teammates thought Newton crossed the line with his comments to Hunter, the former Colorado cornerback/receiver. “My issue is when I was the first pick, I went into a locker room of losers. Guys didn’t know how to win. Guys didn’t know how to prepare,” Newton said. “They didn’t take themselves serious to realize, like, ‘Yo, we was 2-14.’ There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys.” Newton, who won national championships at Blinn Junior College and Auburn, recalled hearing players discussing their vacation plans before the end of the season. “It was a culture shock for me. The games don’t mean a lot to a lot of people in the league like you would expect,” he said. “It’s just money. Not everybody has capabilities to be impact players. They’re just players.” Both Munnerlyn and Johnson said they had their best years in 2010, while left tackle Jordan Gross pointed out he was a Pro Bowl starter that season. “For him to say that we was losers was a slap in the face,” said Munnerlyn, who had a career-high three interceptions in 2010. “This was a team who was two years removed from playing in the NFC divisional round against the Arizona Cardinals. We lost a couple pieces. We had Checkdown Jimmy Clausen at quarterback and we had a bad year. … For him to say losers was crazy.” Gross called 2010 the worst season he’d ever endured, but was glad it helped the Panthers land Newton — and former coach Ron Rivera, who replaced John Fox before the 2011 season. “There were iconic Panthers players when Cam got there. And you’d be foolish to say that he wasn’t a gigantic addition to the success of the organization when he arrived — also when Ron Rivera arrived,” Gross said. “So there’s a pretty damn good argument that (Rivera) had a lot to do with it as well.” Munnerlyn noted that the Panthers had a top-10 pick twice (in 2012 and 2017) during Newton’s time as the Panthers’ starter. (The Panthers also picked in the top 10 in 2020, although Newton started only two games in 2019 due to injury.) “So the stuff he’s saying, he just wants to still be relevant. He don’t have to do all that to be relevant. You’re freaking Cam Newton, bro. You changed a franchise. You’re probably one of the biggest players that’s played here — at the quarterback position, for sure,” Munnerlyn said. “So you don’t have to do all this other stuff, man. You’re already 6-6, 200-whatever pounds. You don’t have to do that to be relevant, bro. You’re freaking Cam Newton.” |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYIn the aftermath of the huge loss in Super Bowl 59 – and the online criticisms of his play – TE TRAVIS KELCE has not decided to return for 2025. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com: @RapSheetOn the @newheightshow — #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce went deep on where he stands on retirement: “I’m gonna take some time to figure it out. And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision and I’m not half-assing it, and I’m fully here for them. “I think I can play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.” |
| THIS AND THAT |
| RANKING THE COACHING HIRESJeff Howe of The Athletic did a survey of NFL insiders on how they ranked the coaching hires. We haven’t looked yet, but we will guess it went – Mike Vrabel, Patriots; Ben Johnson, Bears, Aaron Glenn, Jets; Kellen Moore, Saints; Pete Carroll, Raiders; Liam Coen, Jaguars; Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys. Let’s find out: The Athletic polled 10 NFL personnel executives and coaches, asking them to assess each coach’s fit and rank their top five hires, with a first-place vote worth five points, a second place vote worth four points and so forth. Votes were not solicited from members of each coach’s new organization to limit subjective balloting. Here’s how it shook out, with some analysis on each hire to follow. 1. Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots (48 points)The New England Patriots Hall of Famer dominated this vote, proving how respected he is by his peers. Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a player, served as the Tennessee Titans coach for six seasons before being fired after the 2023 season. Considering the results of this poll, it’s more surprising now in hindsight that Vrabel didn’t get a longer look at a head-coaching job during last season’s hiring cycle. Vrabel will command a more disciplined culture in New England after the organization was stuck in somewhat of a purgatory last season, as it swung the pendulum too far from Belichick’s style and struggled to stay the course during Jerod Mayo’s lone season in charge. Owner Robert Kraft recognized Mayo was promoted too quickly, so Kraft is banking on experience this time around. It’s paramount to make the team more competitive after nailing the draft selection of quarterback Drake Maye. “(Vrabel has been a) successful head coach with bona fide leadership ability, which is underrated with the personalities in today’s game,” said an executive, who, like all sources in this story, was granted anonymity so he could speak candidly about the coaches. “He’s really organized situationally within the game. His personality fits the northeast, where they’re going to run the ball and play good defense. And he has a quarterback.” 2t. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (33 points)Johnson, who turns 39 in May, has been the “it” candidate for a couple years after his dynamite performances as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. Johnson was seen as being overly selective during the 2024 hiring cycle, but there was a growing belief midway through this past season that he’d land with the Chicago Bears. The Lions offense led the league in scoring this season (33.2 points per game) under Johnson, but his challenge will be far greater in Chicago where he’ll need to lift more than just the offense. One former head coach liked the hire, “If Johnson can bring Campbell’s program focus with him.” The Bears have the pieces, assuming quarterback Caleb Williams can reach his potential. But don’t forget, the Lions were so dominant on offense because they had an elite line. The Bears still need to improve to reach that point, allowing a league-high 68 sacks in 2024. With Johnson’s ingenuity, improvements on the offensive line and a defense that should be at least above average under coordinator Dennis Allen, there’s reason to like the fit. But each branch of the organization still needs to prove it has a unified vision. That hasn’t always been the case in Chicago. “I’m still unclear on the fit,” an executive said. “I just think (Johnson) is intrigued by the quarterback and his physical skill set.” 2t. Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders (33 points)Carroll finished in the top three in nine ballots, evidence the league knows what it can expect from the now-73-year-old coach. And really, that’s exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders need. Minority owner Tom Brady has maintained a guiding hand on the offseason path, and he understandably identified the Raiders required a culture shift. Carroll, who signed a three-year contract with a fourth-year team option, will be a steadying presence even if his tenure is short. The culture is important, but it will only get the Raiders so far if they can’t develop a quarterback. There’s belief Russell Wilson could be the stopgap option, though Brady will be determined to find someone who can perform the positional duties up to his standard. “The roster is a ways away,” an executive said. “(Carroll’s) energy, self-belief and ability to build culture is going to have an immediate impact on a place that hasn’t had it for a long time. The wins might not be there for a couple years. It won’t be three or four wins (per season), but probably seven or eight because of what he brings. I’d imagine they get a veteran quarterback right away, but do they have the time to take off with needing to get the players in place?” 4. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets (20 points)Glenn finished in the middle of the rankings, 13 points behind the upper tier and 13 points ahead of the lower tier. He helped the Lions improve from 23rd in points allowed in 2023 to seventh in 2024 despite facing a daunting schedule and a mountain of injuries. The 52-year-old has been viewed for years as a head-coaching candidate, and he developed a more prominent profile as the Lions morphed into a league power. “Hell of a coach,” a former head coach said. Glenn is one of three defensive-minded head coaches hired this cycle, but the other two (Vrabel and Carroll) were retreads. While the offensive minds are coveted for their potential to develop a quarterback, it seems defensive coaches are leaned upon to set the standard with the culture in the building. The New York Jets need that. “I love that dude,” an executive said of Glenn. “His press conference, that’s exactly who he is — the way he came across, he’s confident, intelligent, authentic, will set the culture from a leadership standpoint. I just don’t know if anybody can win there because of the setup. He’s got the confidence and personality to bring that team together.” Glenn has learned from some quality leaders. Carroll, then the Jets head coach, drafted Glenn in the first round in 1994. Glenn also played for Bill Parcells and coached under Sean Payton and Dan Campbell. Glenn’s background is impressive. But can he lead the Jets out of a 14-year playoff drought and navigate change — starting with a decision on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future — for an organization that desperately needs it? “The defense will be better,” the executive said. “But can they figure out the quarterback situation? If they can fix the (offensive) front, they can run the ball and play good defense and look like a Parcells teams or a Detroit team with that model.” 5. Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints (7 points)The former left-handed QB has been viewed as a head-coaching candidate for a half decade, and the Philadelphia Eagles always seem to have a way of progressing their coordinators along that path. Frank Reich, Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon also have jumped from Eagles coordinator to head coach since 2018. “He will bring some of the Philly program with him,” a former head coach said. Moore’s spotlight faded in recent years. He surprisingly split with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, and he joined Brandon Staley’s Los Angeles Chargers staff that got wiped out a year ago. After navigating some early season turbulence in Philly, Moore leaned on running back Saquon Barkley and a dominant offensive line to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Consider, Moore’s offenses were in the top three in pass attempts in 2020 (Cowboys) and 2023 (Chargers), but they were first in rush attempts and last in pass attempts this season. That’s the mark of a coach who leans into his team’s strengths. “All they’ve done this year is run the ball,” an executive said. “He had a reputation coming out of Dallas as being pass-happy, so this shows me he can run an offense to fit their strengths, which is cool to see. I’m just concerned about the roster and cap situation. It might look a lot like it did with (Allen).” The Saints are $54 million over the cap, according to Over The Cap. While it’s not uncharted territory for the Saints, it’s still a challenge for a new coach who will be taking over a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and needs a long-term answer at quarterback and a younger, more affordable core. 6. Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars (5 points)After proving himself as a play caller at the NFL level, Coen solidified his standing as a head-coaching candidate before the Jaguars aggressively stole him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still, Coen came up surprisingly short in this vote. One critic pointed to Coen’s lack of experience with the defense as a certain challenge as a first-time head coach. He’s also bounced between the NFL and college, twice jumping from the Los Angeles Rams to the University of Kentucky before landing in Tampa. While job hopping is the norm in that business, there was concern about how that could impact Coen’s staff hires. An executive countered that argument, though. “Jacksonville has done a really nice job,” the executive said. “The head coach is one thing, but looking at the staffs, Grant Udinski will be an outstanding OC. He just doesn’t have play-calling experience. He’s a rising star. Shane Waldron is really organized and good. They’re stacking good, young coaches. The DC (Anthony Campanile) is impressive. It’s one thing to have the head coach, but he’s got to have good people around him, or it doesn’t matter. “Liam’s unknown is his ability to handle the responsibilities as a head coach. But as a play caller, having the best quarterback (among the seven vacancies), I can see them making a big jump. If they can find someone to get on the same page as him making personnel situations, they’re going to take off.” Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was clearly a huge draw. Now the Jaguars must hire a general manager who shares Coen’s vision. 7. Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys (4 points)Despite his last name, the 51-year-old has kept a low profile, which made Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ decision to promote him surprising. Schottenheimer had been on former head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff for three seasons before taking the top job. “He’s a good coach,” a coach said. “The team will improve.” Schottenheimer has been an offensive coordinator in five of his last seven seasons in the NFL, first with the Seattle Seahawks (2018-20) before his last two seasons in Dallas. He led top-10 scoring offenses in four of those years as OC, with the exception being this season with the Cowboys when quarterback Dak Prescott got injured. “He’s underrated,” an executive said. “He has the ability to be a better head coach than coordinator. He’s confident. He has a vision for who he wants to be and how he wants to play, and he’ll be able to communicate that across the team.” There will be plenty of star power at Schottenheimer’s disposal, but he’ll need better injury luck to be successful with such a top-heavy roster. He figures to have the benefit of time, too. All five Cowboys coaches since 2000 have gotten at least three full seasons on the job. Other than underselling how much the execs like the 73-year-old Carroll, we pretty much nailed it. |
| TOP 100 FREE AGENTSFrom Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com: Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins is the best player available in free agency. But he isn’t the top-ranked player on my annual NFL free-agent Top 100 list. That’s because of position value, which is why Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold tops my list. In a league of quarterback-starved teams, Darnold should command a mega deal if he hits the market, which is likely. Darnold is coming off his best season in the league by far, rejuvenating a career that looked to be derailed. He threw 35 touchdowns and 12 picks last season in leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. But Darnold didn’t play well in the season finale, losing to the Lions, and also didn’t play well in the playoff loss to the Rams. So the doubters are back out again, wondering if the regular season was mostly an aberration rather than the norm considering his career before that. The Vikings probably won’t bring him back after drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round last year, only to see him suffer a knee injury in training camp. The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans could be spots for Darnold, who will likely command a deal that pays an average of close to $40 million per season. Would I pay that? I do think it’s risky, but if you don’t have a quarterback, you better get one. This free agency class isn’t great, but that’s mostly because teams do a better job of keeping their own before they hit the market. There are some positions of strength, including corner and some good pass rushers, led by Philadelphia’s Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, who are fresh off their impressive showings in the Super Bowl. Free agency is a month away. Before it opens, expect veterans to be released, guys who would be on this list like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. For now, this is my Top 100. Top 100 free agents 1 Sam DarnoldMinnesota Vikings QBSam Darnold resurrected his career with the Vikings, putting up big numbers and leading them to the playoffs. But he fizzled in his final two games, including a playoff loss, and that has some personnel people concerned. Even so, in a quarterback-needy league, he will get action if the Vikings don’t keep him off the market. I’d look for a deal near $40 million per season. 2 Tee HigginsCincinnati Bengals WRAt 26 years old, Tee Higgins is in the prime of his career. He has been the No. 2 receiver in Cincinnati but now has his chance to show he’s a true No. 1. He is big and coming off a season with 10 touchdowns in 12 games. His market will be robust.3 Josh SweatPhiladelphia Eagles OLBJosh Sweat led the Eagles in sacks during the regular season with 8.0, didn’t get any in the playoffs, then lit up the Super Bowl with 2.5. At 28, he is a long, active edge player who should command a big market with his age and production. 4 Trey SmithKansas City Chiefs OGThis 26-year-old is a power player who can maul people in the run game. He has improved in pass protection, but he is known for his ability to move people in the run game. He didn’t have a great Super Bowl, however. 5 Ronnie StanleyBaltimore Ravens OTInjuries have been a problem for Ronnie Stanley in his career, but he played a full season in 2024. Was that because of the pending free agency? He is 31, so age is starting to be a factor. But he is a good pass protector at left tackle, which brings value on the market. 6 Milton WilliamsPhiladelphia Eagles DEMilton Williams was one of the most underrated players on the Eagles defense. He is a smaller defensive tackle, but he plays with quickness and an ability to penetrate. He had five sacks during the regular season and flashed big time in the playoffs and Super Bowl. He is 26 and ready to make big money. 7 Drew DalmanAtlanta Falcons CAt 26, expect Drew Dalman to have an active market. Personnel people like him a lot more than the perception of him in the media. He was limited to nine games last season because of an ankle injury, but he is the top center on the market. 8 D.J. ReedNew York Jets CBD.J. Reed might be considered the top cornerback on the market, but there are some league personnel who think he might be a tad overrated. He’s a good player who will get great-player money. He’s a feisty corner who doesn’t back down, which is a good quality. 9 Jevon HollandMiami Dolphins SSJevon Holland is coming off a down season by his standards, some of it because of injury, but at 24 he is still a valuable back-end player. He is a good run player, but his coverage suffered some last season. Age and history say he will get a good contract on the market. 10 Zack BaunPhiladelphia Eagles MLBAfter signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, Zack Baun moved from outside to inside linebacker and became a big part of their defense. He had 150 tackles and showed an ability to run to the football and do a lot of things. He gambled on the one-year deal and won. 11 Osa OdighizuwaDallas Cowboys DTOsa Odighizuwa is a disruptive inside player who can push the pocket and pressure the quarterback., He isn’t overpowering in the run game because he isn’t big for the position, but he can help a team in need of interior disruption. He turns 27 in August. 12 Chris GodwinTampa Bay Buccaneers WRChris Godwin was on a tear to open the 2024 season with 50 catches in seven games before breaking his left ankle. He is expected to be back for the 2025 season. He is a tactical route runner who plays his best football from the slot. When he moved outside in 2023, he wasn’t as good. He is 29. 13 Carlton DavisDetroit Lions CBIn his one season with the Lions, Carlton Davis showed why he can be a top cover player. He is a long corner who can match up in man coverage. At 28, he should get a nice contract this time around, likely a multi-year deal after the way he played last season. 14 Nick BoltonKansas City Chiefs OLBNick Bolton was the leader of the Chiefs defense, a good run player who has the football IQ coaches love. He isn’t great against the pass, but at just age 25, he can help a lot of linebacker-needy teams. 15 Will FriesIndianapolis Colts OGWill Fries suffered a season-ending injury early in 2024, but this self-made player was playing at a high level before he did. He is one of those guards who gets by more with his fight than his athletic ability. He is a battler. He is 27. 16 Justin ReidKansas City Chiefs SSJustin Reid is one of the more underrated players on this list in terms of league perception. He’s much better than many think. He can do a lot of things and was a big part of the Kansas City defense. He is a good tackler. He is 28. 17 Cam RobinsonMinnesota Vikings OTCam Robinson, 29, was traded by the Jaguars to the Vikings during the 2024 season and took over as the starter at left tackle for the injured Christian Darrisaw. He won’t be back with the Vikings, and his starting ability will make him attractive on the market. He needs to be stronger in the run game and has lapses in pass protection. 18 Charvarius WardSan Francisco 49ers CBCharvarius Ward didn’t play as well in 2024 as he did in recent years, but there were some personal reasons for that. At 29, he can still excel in man coverage and is a smart, heady corner for zone teams. 19 Mekhi BectonPhiladelphia Eagles OGMekhi Becton moved inside from tackle when he signed with the Eagles and resurrected his career. He is a big, power player who excels in the run game. He was much better in pass protection as the season moved along as well. He’s 26. 20 Alaric JacksonLos Angeles Rams OTThere are a lot of differing opinions on Alaric Jackson in the personnel departments of guys I’ve talked with. Some love him and some don’t. But when a starting left tackle hits the market, he will get action. That coupled with him being 26 should get him a nice contract. 21 Khalil MackLos Angeles Chargers OLBHe turns 33 in late February, which is why Khalil Mack might not be what he was as a star edge player, but he still had a productive 2024 season. He had six sacks, but he pressured more than that number would indicate. He can be a nice, veteran addition for a team in need of edge help, like say maybe Buffalo. 22 Trevon MoehrigLas Vegas Raiders FSTrevon Moehrig, a former second-round pick, is coming off his best season. He started all 17 games and had two picks and did a nice job in the run game. He turns 26 in June, so he is the target age for teams looking for a starting safety. 23 Jamien SherwoodNew York Jets ILBJamien Sherwood is coming off his best season at just the right time, having started 16 of 17 games after opening the season as a projected backup. He finished with 98 solo tackles, the most by anybody in the league. He is a speedy linebacker who, at the age of 25, should get looks by a lot of teams. 24 Byron MurphyMinnesota Vikings CBSince coming to the Vikings two years ago, Byron Murphy has been a solid starter on their defense. He is coming off one of his best seasons in coverage and, at 27, should be able to land a solid contract. 25 Teven JenkinsChicago Bears OTDrafted as a tackle, Teven Jenkins has made a solid transition inside to guard. He turns 27 in March, so he has the youth that teams want when signing free agents. He has missed time with injuries, including three games last season, but he has 40 starts in his career. 26 Josh MyersGreen Bay Packers CJosh Myers is coming off his best season for the Packers, becoming a much better pass protector than in the previous two seasons. He is also a solid player in the run game and one who rarely misses a snap, although he did leave the playoff loss to the Eagles. The Packers will bring him back if the price doesn’t get wacky. He turns 27 in July. 27 James DanielsPittsburgh Steelers OGJames Daniels has 84 starts in seven seasons and he’s 27 years old. There’s value in that. But he was limited to four starts last season because of a torn Achilles tendon. That could impact his contract length. But he’s a good starter when healthy. 28 Rasul DouglasBuffalo Bills CBRasul Douglas has played for three teams in his career, but he’s always been one of those players who seems to make plays. He is physically limited, so he wouldn’t fit for a team that wants their corners playing a lot of man. But his style of play makes him an asset for a zone-heavy team. 29 Camryn BynumMinnesota Vikings SSTeams looking for a quality safety should take a hard look at Camryn Bynum. The former corner has the range teams need on the back end and he’s a good tackler. He is 26, so he is the target age for free agents. 30 Mike JacksonCarolina Panthers CBMike Jackson might be one of the more underrated players on this list. He started 17 games for the Panthers and did a nice job playing outside cornerback in their defense. He had 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. He just turned 28. 31 Dre GreenlawSan Francisco 49ers LBDre Greenlaw played just two games last season as he battled back from a torn Achilles tendon and then hurt his calf when he did come back. But he turns 28 this year, and he’s a good run-and-chase linebacker when he is healthy. 32 Kevin ZeitlerDetroit Lions OGKevin Zeitler signed a one-year deal with the Lions and played to a Pro Bowl level. He is a physical, powerful player who excels in the run game. At 34, age is an issue, but teams are always looking for good veterans on the offensive line. 33 Paulson AdeboNew Orleans Saints CBPaulson Adebo was limited to nine games last season after suffering a broken femur. He is a good cover player, but he tends to get grabby at times, which leads to a lot of penalties being called on him. But he’s only 25, which is why he should have an active market, even coming off injury. 34 Ben BredesonTampa Bay Buccaneers OGThis 27-year-old started at left guard in his only season with the Bucs and did a nice job. He signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay last season and started all 17 games. He will have a good market. 35 Bobby WagnerWashington Commanders MLBJust when you think Bobby Wagner is slowing down and coming to an end, he has a Pro Bowl-quality season for the Commanders in 2024. He turns 35 later this year, so there is some age concern, but he defied that last season. 36 Rico DowdleDallas Cowboys RBRico Dowdle is 26 and has just 331 career carries, which should make him an attractive free agent. He is coming off a breakout season that saw him rush for 1,079 yards on 235 carries with two touchdowns. His best football might be in front of him. 37 Ernest JonesSeattle Seahawks LBSeattle acquired Ernest Jones from Tennessee for a fourth-round pick during the 2024 season. When he became a starter, he helped turn the defense around. Seattle would love to have him back, especially since it traded a pick to get him. But his market might be higher than the Seahawks think. Jones turned 25 last November, which will help his contract numbers. 38 Talanoa HufangaSan Francisco 49ers SSTalanoa Hufanga has battled through injuries the past few seasons, but at 26 he is still a big-hitting safety who should command a solid deal. Teams are always looking for quality players on the back end. In 2022, before his injuries, he looked like a future star. 39 Aaron JonesMinnesota Vikings RBThis 30-year-old is back on the market after signing a one-year deal with the Vikings. He rushed for 1,138 yards and scored five touchdowns for the Vikings. He played in all 17 games and has said he would like to return to Minnesota. 40 Ryan KellyIndianapolis Colts CThis 2016 first-round pick hits the market with 121 career starts, but he was limited to 10 last season due to injuries. When he was out, rookie Tanor Bortolini played well in his place, so Kelly is likely gone. He turns 32 in May. 41 Amari CooperBuffalo Bills WRAfter landing in Buffalo last season in a trade with the Browns, Amari Cooper played in eight regular-season games with the Bills and had just 20 catches with two scores. In the playoffs, it was worse with just six catches in three games. That’s concerning. So is his age since he turns 31 in June. He certainly isn’t a No. 1 receiver anymore. 42 Dan Moore Jr.Pittsburgh Steelers OTIt’s not often that a 26-year-old left tackle with 66 career starts hits the market. But Moore will likely be doing just that as the Steelers have taken tackles in the first round the past two seasons. Moore has been ripped at times in his career for his play, but improved last season, although he did struggle some down the stretch. 43 Calais CampbellMiami Dolphins DEThe 38-year-old had an impressive season for the Dolphins after signing a one-year deal. He had five sacks and was good against the run. He hasn’t decided if he will play again, but if he does, any team looking for a pro’s pro who can still play should take a look. 44 DeMarcus LawrenceDallas Cowboys DEAt 34, DeMarcus Lawrence was limited to four games last season after suffering a foot injury. But he is a veteran who can push the pocket when healthy, which is why pass rush-needy teams should grab him if his foot checks out. 45 Chase YoungNew Orleans Saints DEChase Young has never lived up to the hype, and there are plays he takes off, but he is still a young edge player. He had five sacks for the Saints this year, but he’s more likely going to have to take another prove-it deal. 46 Asante Samuel Jr.Los Angeles Chargers CBAsante Samuel Jr. is coming off a season where he was limited to four games after injuring his shoulder. He turns 26 this October, so he is in the prime of his career. He is a solid cover player, but isn’t great in the run game and isn’t always a great tackler. 47 Levi OnwuzurikeDetroit Lions DTInjuries are the thing that have hurt Levi Onwuzurike’s career the most because when he’s on the field he’s a penetrating interior player. He also played outside last season. He turns 27 in March. 48 Azeez OjulariNew York Giants LBAzeez Ojulari has 22 sacks in 46 games, so there is a lot to like. But injuries have limited him over his career. He is just 25 years old, so there should be a market for a speedy edge player. 49 Robert SpillaneLas Vegas Raiders LBRobert Spillane has been a tackling machine for the Raiders, a good run player who plays with pop. But he isn’t great in coverage, which shows up as well. He turns 30 in December. 50 Dyami BrownWashington Commanders WRThis speed receiver finally started to live up to his draft hype late this season. He had 30 catches during the regular season, but then had 14 and a touchdown in three playoff games. He is 25. 51 Justin FieldsPittsburgh Steelers QBJustin Fields started six games last season for the Steelers and did some good things, but was benched for Russell Wilson. But he’s 25, which is why there should be teams giving him a hard look. The Steelers would be wise to bring him back if possible, to try and continue the growth he showed last season before his benching. 52 Malcolm KoonceLas Vegas Raiders DEMalcolm Koonce suffered a knee injury before the 2024 season, which could hurt his market. He flashed as an emerging pass rusher in 2023 and had the Raiders excited to pair him with Maxx Crosby. At 26, he is still young and should command interest on the market. 53 Stefon DiggsHouston Texans WRAt 31, Stefon Diggs is getting toward the end of his career and he’s coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 last season. That brings risk to a team that will sign him and probably limits him to a one-year deal. But he is a good veteran No. 2 now when healthy. 54 Joseph OssaiCincinnati Bengals DEThere is always going to be a market for a 25-year-old pass rusher who is coming off a five-sack season. He ended last season as the starter and seemed to grow as a player. He might be ready to take off. 55 Kristian FultonLos Angeles Chargers CBKristian Fulton signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in 2024 and had his best season. The key was him staying healthy as he started 15 games, the most in his career. His first three seasons with the Titans were plagued by injuries. He did struggle late last season after a fast start. He’s 26. 56 Haason ReddickNew York Jets OLBHaason Reddick held out with the Jets this past season and missed half of it. When he did return, he didn’t have the same impact and looked as if the time away clearly impacted his play. But there is always a value on edge players who have been productive, which he has been. He turns 31 this September. 57 Divine DeabloLas Vegas Raiders LBThis 27-year-old has made a nice transition from college defensive back to NFL linebacker. He is naturally good in coverage, but he also has the speed to chase down plays in the run game. Injuries have kept him out of games at times, but he is worth a look for teams seeking a speed upgrade at linebacker. 58 Justin SimmonsAtlanta Falcons FSThe veteran signed a one-year deal with Atlanta and was a solid addition to their secondary. Age is starting to be a concern since he turns 32 this season, but he’s the type of player who can bring some stability to a young secondary. 59 Patrick MekariBaltimore Ravens OGPatrick Mekari can play tackle or guard, which will make him a valuable addition for any team. He moved inside to guard last year for the Ravens. He turns 28 in August. 60 Zach ErtzWashington Commanders TEThe 34-year-old tight end was a big part of the Commanders offense last season, catching 66 passes with seven touchdowns. He started all 17 games during the regular season and three playoff games. The Commanders might be wise to bring him back on a one-year deal. 61 Jeremy ChinnWashington Commanders SSJeremy Chinn took a one-year, prove-it deal with the Commanders and was a big part of their improved defense. Chinn was much better in coverage than he was in Carolina in his first four seasons. That matters. He turns 27 later this month. 62 Lavonte DavidTampa Bay Buccaneers ILBThere is a chance this 35-year-old could retire, but he can still play if he decides to do so. He led the Bucs with 122 tackles last season and had 5.5 sacks. He doesn’t run like he used to, so his coverage wasn’t as good as in years past. If he does retire, his Canton case will begin. 63 Poona FordLos Angeles Chargers DTPoona Ford was one of the surprise players for the Chargers last season, starting every game after signing a one-year contract. He only had three sacks but pushed the pocket with his quickness and did a good job against the run. The 29-year-old isn’t a big tackle, but he makes up for it with his quickness. 64 J.K. DobbinsLos Angeles Chargers RBThe former second-round pick of the Ravens played in 13 games for the Chargers last season, rushing for 905 yards with a 4.6 average. Injuries have plagued him the past three seasons, and he missed four games last season because of injury. When he’s on the field, he’s a productive back, and at age 26 still has some good football left. 65 Mike GesickiCincinnati Bengals TEMike Gesicki signed a one-year deal with the Bengals last year and finished as their third-leading receiver with 65 catches and two touchdowns. He has said he prefers to go back to Cincinnati, so that would seem likely. He turns 30 in October. 66 Zack MartinDallas Cowboys GThe 34-year-old played in just 10 games last season because of injuries, which has to be concerning considering his age and with him coming off ankle surgery. He had been one of the league’s best guards over the past decade, so he can still help a team if healthy. He is said to be mulling retirement. 67 Darius SlaytonNew York Giants WRDarius Slayton is a speed receiver, and we know a lot of teams need help in that area. Slayton’s numbers were down last season, his sixth with the Giants, but that had a lot do with Malik Nabers showing up, along with bad quarterback play. He’d be a nice third receiver for a team. He just turned 28, so he’s two years away from the dreaded age of 30. 68 Dante FowlerWashington Commanders OLBDante Fowler had 10.5 sacks last season, which is a nice number, but he doesn’t pressure at that rate. He’s a nice edge player, but he turns 31 later this year and he’s already been with five teams. 69 Marquise BrownKansas City Chiefs WRHollywood Brown missed most of 2024 with a shoulder injury, but did come back down the stretch and the playoffs. He did some good things in the postseason, but was a no-show in the Super Bowl. He is a speed threat who turns 28 in June. 70 Juwan JohnsonNew Orleans Saints TEThis 29-year-old led the Saints in receiving yards last season and has been a reliable pass-catcher the past three seasons with 129 catches in 28 starts. He is more receiver than blocker for a tight end, but teams will be intrigued by that. 71 B.J. HillCincinnati Bengals DTHe’s a 30-year-old interior defender who’s the type of player teams love to have in their rotation. He isn’t a great pass rusher, but he’s solid against the run. The Bengals usually don’t keep aging players, so he might be on the market. 72 Kyzir WhiteArizona Cardinals OLBThis former college safety has turned into a pro linebacker in the NFL. He isn’t big, but he can run and chase. He had 137 tackles, but he isn’t great in coverage. He was a leader on the Arizona defense. 73 Najee HarrisPittsburgh Steelers RBNajee Harris has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the only back in the league to do so in that span. He also hasn’t missed a game, which is amazing for a back. But his per-carry average for his career is just 3.9. He’s a reliable back, but not an explosive one. The Steelers still could bring back the former first-round pick. He turns 27 in March. 74 Jourdan LewisDallas Cowboys CBThe eight-year veteran has 64 starts, including 13 last season. He can play inside or outside and he can blitz and play the run. There’s value in that. He does turn 30 in August. 75 Donte JacksonPittsburgh Steelers CBThe Steelers got Donte Jackson in the trade before last season and they clearly won the deal. He ended up starting 15 games and really played well in the first 10. But he struggled some down the stretch as he dealt with back issues. He turns 30 in November. 76 Nate HobbsLas Vegas Raiders CBNate Hobbs is a good slot corner when he’s been on the field. Injuries have limited him to 29 starts the past three seasons and just seven last season. He flashes good cover ability inside and can also play outside. He turns 26 in June. 77 Aaron BanksSan Francisco 49ers GAaron Banks’ free agency isn’t coming at a good time since he struggled mightily last season and ended it on injured reserve with an MCL injury. He is expected to be fine for the start of next season, but his poor play is a concern. He didn’t have the same type of season he had in 2023, but he does have 43 starts the past three seasons, and he’s 27. 78 E.J. SpeedIndianapolis Colts OLBE.J. Speed has started 26 games the past two seasons and has been a tackling machine with 244 tackles. He is an athletic linebacker who made his name as a special teams player before taking over as the starter late in 2022. He turns 30 in June. 79 Elijah MoldenLos Angeles Chargers CBThe Chargers traded a seventh-round pick before the season to land Elijah Molden. He paid off in a big way, giving their secondary some veteran stability on the back end. He did suffer a broken fibula in Week 15, but he should be a go for next season. He just turned 26. 80 D.J. JonesDenver Broncos NTThis 30-year-old has been a reliable starter in both of his stops, first with the 49ers and then with the Broncos. He’s a good run player who can occasionally push the pocket. He isn’t going to wow anybody, but he gets the job done. 81 Keenan AllenChicago Bears WRKeenan Allen is starting to show signs of age, but he can still help a team in need of a third receiver. He had 70 catches and seven touchdowns last year, but it was a down one by his standards. He never was a burner, but he looked to slow down some last season. He turns 33 in April. 82 Chauncey GolstonDallas Cowboys DEChauncey Golston is coming off a career-best 5.5-sack season to head into free agency on an upward note. He is a big-bodied edge who is just 26, which is why there should be a market for him. He played 72% of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps last season. 83 Cody BartonDenver Broncos ILBCody Barton had 106 tackles last season when he started 17 games. He also had two picks. But he isn’t great in coverage and that showed up at times in the Denver defense. Still, he is a solid rotational linebacker who has proven he can start. He turns 29 in November. 84 Jedrick WillsCleveland Browns OTJedrick Wills was a top-10 pick in 2020, but he clearly hasn’t played to that level. Early on, he looked like a solid left tackle after converting from the right side in college. But the past two years have been awful. He’s battled injuries and was benched. Plus, he had the “business decision” comment after missing a game with injury. He turns 26 in May, so maybe a team can sign him and move him back to right tackle. 85 Mike HiltonCincinnati Bengals CBThis nickel corner is coming off one of his worst seasons, especially in coverage. At 31, age seemed to show up some. But he is still a quality player in the run game and is capable of being a blitz player for an aggressive scheme. 86 Xavier WoodsCarolina Panthers FSXavier Woods has 46 starts the past three seasons and has been a consistent, if not flashy, player on the back end. The Panthers struggled on defense last season, which is why he likely won’t be back. He had a career-high 119 tackles. He turns 30 in July. 87 Brandon ScherffJacksonville Jaguars OGThis veteran has battled through a bunch of injuries the past few seasons, but he managed to play all 17 games last season. He lacks the power he once had, but is still capable of being a solid starter. He turns 34 in December. 88 Jameis WinstonCleveland Browns QBJameis Winston still thinks he can be a starter, which will probably mean he’s looking for a situation to compete for a job. He was classic Jameis Winston last season for the Browns: Some really good and some really bad. 89 Harrison SmithMinnesota Vikings FSThe veteran safety hinted at potential retirement, but he played good football last season for Brian Flores. He might not move like he once did, but this potential Hall of Fame safety can do a lot of things. If he were younger, he’d be higher on this list. 90 Russell WilsonPittsburgh Steelers QBAt 36, is he anything more than a good backup? He flashed at times last season, but struggled in a big way down the stretch. I just don’t see a robust market for him, and he might again be forced to take a one-year deal — maybe even as a backup. 91 Baron BrowningArizona Cardinals LBThe Cardinals traded a sixth-round pick to get Baron Browning at the trade deadline and he made a decent impact. He had two sacks in his final six games and flashed some pass-rush ability, which was the reason they got him. He turns 26 next week. 92 Sebastian Joseph-DayTennessee Titans DEThis veteran signed a one-year deal with the Titans and ended up starting 14 games and had 2.5 sacks. He is a steady veteran who teams like to have as rotational players. He turns 30 in March. 93 Dayo OdeyingboIndianapolis Colts DEAfter a slow start to his career, Dayo Odeyingbo has come on the past two seasons as an edge player. He has 11 sacks total the past two seasons, including three last season. But his pressure numbers were up last season. He turns 26 in September. 94 Andre CiscoJacksonville Jaguars FSAfter two seasons of growth, Andre Cisco regressed last season. His coverage wasn’t good and he actually got benched at times. But at 25, there are skills and there is time for a team to get him back on track. 95 Eric StokesGreen Bay Packers CBThis former first-round pick hasn’t lived up to the expectations. Injuries have slowed him the past few seasons, and it showed in his play last season. But he turns 26 and he does have talent. He might be worth a look on a one-year deal for a corner-needy team. 96 DeAndre HopkinsKansas City Chiefs WRDeAndre Hopkins turns 33 in June and clearly has slowed down. But he can be a reliable addition for a team looking for a chain-mover. He might be best going back to the Chiefs on a one-year deal. 97 Morgan MosesNew York Jets OTThe veteran right tackle started 14 games last season and played well when he was on the field. He did battle some injury issues, but managing to squeeze out 14 starts for a 35-year-old player was impressive. 98 Tyron SmithNew York Jets OTTyron Smith is 34 and on the slope side of his career, but a team in need of a veteran might be willing to sign him to a one-year deal. The Jets did last year, but he didn’t play well, giving up five sacks and 22 pressures in 10 games. He was sidelined for the other seven games with a neck injury 99 Coleman SheltonChicago Bears CColeman Shelton started for the Bears on a one-year deal last season and did a decent job. He isn’t great in pass protection, but he is OK in the run game. He would be a nice guy to have on the roster to push to start or be a quality backup. 100 Will HernandezArizona Cardinals GWill Hernandez is coming off a knee injury that ended his season in Week 5. When he’s on the field, he’s a good run player who can move people. He is 30 years old, so age is a factor. |
