With the NFL Draft on the horizon as a final chance for teams to add foundational blocks for the 2024 season, let’s take out our crystal ball and look into the future.
The following is my ranking of players scheduled to hit free agency in 2025. Right now, this list looks like a dream world for GMs around the league. Obviously, it will look much different after the ups and downs of the next 11 months, including contract extensions (Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown was on this list before agreeing to a massive extension Friday) and franchise tags that keep players from hitting the market. But many of these players will be on the move. Of last year’s top 30:
- 11 changed teams, including three (Brian Burns, Montez Sweat and Leonard Williams) via trade
- One (Ryan Tannehill) remains a free agent
- 15 signed extensions with their original teams (including one, Jonathan Taylor, who first sought a trade)
- Three were franchise-tagged and have until July 15 to sign long-term deals
Before you start screaming about a player on your favorite team being ranked too low, keep in mind there’s a fine line in how to sequence and prioritize players by position. Much like we see in the draft, the chance to acquire a quarterback can trump all else, including better players at other positions.
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One thing is clear: Wide receiver salaries are about to go through the roof (as if they haven’t already). Three of my top seven — all in the elite, game-changing category — and seven of my top 30 are receivers, while others like Keenan Allen and Stefon Diggs weren’t far off the list. Add in the loaded wide receiver draft class and the spotlight on the position is only growing brighter.
Note: 2021 first-round picks were not included because teams have until May 2 to pick up their options for 2025. Ages (as of Week 1 of the 2024 season) are listed in parentheses.
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (25)
Even coming off an injury-plagued season, Jefferson’s skill set and raw talent jumped off the video when I studied him. He separates himself, no pun intended, from the other receivers here, even in a truly great group. In 10 games, he had 100 targets, 68 catches, 51 first-down receptions and 30 plays of 15-plus yards, showing elite ability to put his foot in the ground and cut or to accelerate away from defenders while on the move.
On top of his route-running ability, his flat-out speed to run by and around people makes him one of the top players in the league, which is why he will never see life as a free agent. The only question is whether he’ll eclipse Nick Bosa ($34 million annually) as the league’s highest-paid non-QB.
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2. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers (25)
Love might not be as polished or consistent as some others on this list, but his craft and rare top-end talent take him all the way to No. 2. He is a difference maker with upside who still needs to find his comfort zone from Sunday to Sunday. Because of his arm talent, he can hold the ball and wait for things to develop downfield longer, which is a weapon at the NFL level, especially when coupled with the anticipation, instinctive timing and touch that he flashes.
Rating him this highly is a slight bet on continued growth, but my sense is he will reset the QB market when his new deal is done. Trust me: It’s a good investment and one every NFL team is hoping it has a reason to make.
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3. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (25)
Wirfs is a better player at his position than Love, but it would be hard to rank him above a potential franchise QB. I wouldn’t be against hearing the argument, though. Wirfs is the total package of power and athletic ability as a run blocker and one of the few who can dance like a bear on an island and anchor versus power in pass protection. Oh, and he did it at left tackle in 2023 after spending his first three seasons on the right side.
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As a premier left tackle, he has virtually no chance to be a free agent. I hope the Bucs saved some money after re-signing their top free agents in this year’s class because Wirfs will be expensive — Laremy Tunsil leads the OT market at $25 million annually, with Wirfs’ draft classmate Andrew Thomas second at $23.5 million.
4. DeForest Buckner, DT/DE, Indianapolis Colts (30)
Buckner, entering his ninth season and fifth with the Colts, has the rare length to play multiple spots in multiple schemes up front. I am not sure he has always been used in the right ways in Indy, but I do know the 49ers have not replaced him since trading him. To me, his size and skill set would fit best as a five-technique in a traditional 3-4 alignment.
History shows it’s very hard to find an athlete with the size to hold the point of attack but also the range to make plays all over the field. Buckner can, as a heavy-handed, 6-foot-7, 295-pounder who can still rush from both the inside and the edge. That’s rare, which is why I have him rated so highly.
5. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (25)
Nobody can argue with Lamb’s production: 181 targets, 135 receptions and 80 first downs. You can make a clear case that he is just as important to the Cowboys as Dak Prescott, if not more so. He is tough, instinctive and very willing to do the dirty work. He is a nifty athlete with great body control, and he’s adept at finding space versus zone coverage. Lamb also brings value as a gadget guy on reverses, screens, etc.
I rate him slightly below Jefferson only because of Jefferson’s rare explosive ability to get away from coverage and as a deep threat. Lamb is the Cowboys’ best offensive weapon, and he should get his share of Jerry Jones’ money very soon.
Week 18 was just another day at the office for CeeDee.
💿 13 Rec
💿 98 Yards
💿 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/CPxrzSbEjJ— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2024
6. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Cleveland Browns (24)
Normally, I would not want to rank an inside linebacker this highly, but JOK — both his style and production — was really fun to evaluate, and there is no denying his worth. He doesn’t turn 25 until November, and his athleticism is rare. He is explosive, and his motor and effort are constantly in fifth gear, to the point where he sometimes needs to slow down and come under control. He’s undersized, so he has to run around blocks more than he takes them on. But I can easily accept the bad with the good in this case.
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He is a really good blitzer who can align in many spots and also be on the field in passing situations without sacrificing range in coverage. His play speed jumps out, helping cover up any blemishes by others or the scheme, which should be welcomed by any coach.
7. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers (26)
Everyone knows Aiyuk is looking for a new contract, and the 49ers say they’re working on it. If his 2023 season was any indication, he will get his bag. His trajectory had been somewhat up and down until last season, but I see the upside. His skill set is the closest on this list to Jefferson — he just lacks the consistent body of work year to year. I like the way he makes contested catches and his physicality. He plays bigger than his measurables and uses excellent body control as a route runner.
He is a good fit in the Shanahan offensive scheme, so he might be worth most to the 49ers. It should be good money spent. The question is: Can they afford to keep both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel?
8. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (26)
The Dolphins have repeatedly said they plan to extend Tagovailoa, but until then, he’s entering the final year of his contract. By now we know what he is as an NFL quarterback. He has elite anticipation and accuracy if allowed to throw on time and without pressure in his face. His ability to throw to targets — specifically where they are going instead of where they are — is Pro Bowl-caliber, even when he is forced to move. He also has excellent timing and touch.
The questions are about his durability, vision (at times) and ability to navigate a muddy pocket (because of his limited size) and operate when the outside elements are less than ideal.
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9. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys (31)
The Cowboys have experienced what might be some of the limits of Prescott’s play, but he is still viewed by most as a solid starter they can win with. It’s easy to wish for better, but upgrades at this position are few and far between, unless you’re picking at the top of the draft. Prescott’s confidence and decision-making are more in question than any particular physical skill. He has plenty of arm, he is still athletic enough and he can layer throws with touch.
Unfortunately, mistakes at inopportune times are what people remember most. Cowboys fans might have to live with it, but Prescott has the leverage — notably, no-trade and no-tag clauses in his contract — to hit the open market if he wants to.
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10. Josh Allen, edge, Jacksonville Jaguars (27)
Unless he signs an extension, the Jaguars’ franchise-tagged edge player might get his chance at true free agency a year from now. As we said in our free-agency outlook earlier this year, Allen has rare talent that all teams covet. Talent only takes you so far though, and it’s the lack of consistency that holds him back just a little bit. Of Allen’s’ 17.5 sacks in 2023, 11.5 came in just four games.
If he performs that way all the time, he’ll climb further up this list. It’s hard to knock one of the league’s sack leaders, but his play against the run can improve, too.
Huge sack for Josh Allen and the @Jaguars ‼️
📺: #JAXvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/1dOevJjoZZ pic.twitter.com/yqklAEzVE9— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023
11. Justin Reid, S, Kansas City Chiefs (27)
Reid has a combination of speed in coverage and strength to get people on the ground consistently as a tackler, which is really hard to find at the safety position. To me, he is Justin Simmons of three years ago: a really good player at a lower-priority position who is worth paying because of how he fits in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme. The Chiefs use him so much in press coverage against tight ends that his value is easy to identify and justify. He is a valuable glue guy in the secondary, and he doesn’t turn 28 until February despite having already played six NFL seasons.
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12. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs (25)
One of the better young offensive linemen in the league, Humphrey is trending toward Jason Kelce status. He has not missed a game in three seasons, and his feel, instincts and high football IQ are obvious. He separates himself from most others at the position because he’s able to bend and engage his lower body on impact to sustain blocks with strength. He throws around defenders with heavy hands.
His battles with new Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will be must-watch over the next couple of years, assuming the Chiefs can retain Humphrey’s services. Kansas City already has left guard Joe Thuney on a big contract ($16 million annually) while right guard Trey Smith — a talented but less consistent player who just missed this list — is also entering a contract year.
13. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (29)
It sounds odd, but Goff is a year and a half younger than Prescott, his 2016 draft classmate, and he has trended higher since arriving in Detroit after the Rams gave up on him. Goff’s improved arm strength and ability to process coverage, especially between the numbers, has made him an excellent fit in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s very imaginative offensive scheme. I also think Goff’s toughness and ability to maneuver in muddy pockets have been critical, giving him better vision and confidence.
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He might not extend plays or create beyond the offense’s design, but he can execute with touch and timing to be very effective in this system. It’s going to be tough for the Lions to upgrade, and with the way this roster continues to improve, Goff might just be headed for a very nice payday … again.
14. Kenny Clark, DT, Green Bay Packers (28)
Even as he enters his ninth season, Clark doesn’t turn 29 until October, and his fit as a three-technique is easy to value. A new defensive coordinator and scheme in Green Bay will make 2024 a big season for his financial future.
Regardless of scheme, he has shown a nose for the ball, the ability to push in the pocket against the pass and a knack for getting off bigger and stronger-framed blockers. His tackling can be inconsistent at times, though, and his athletic ability puts him in position to make more plays than he actually does. He should be coveted at a position that always pays well because demand outweighs supply.
15. A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta Falcons (25)
It’s easy to see how Terrell became a first-round pick in 2020. He’s a great athlete who can run and cover, and he is smooth in his transitions. His production was more consistent earlier in his career. The biggest reason for his recent inconsistencies is that playing the ball at the moment of truth is harder to do while playing press and man-to-man technique. He has never been a big interception guy, so his ability to play the ball suffers when playing man. Terrell played a ton of press in 2023, and I think he is one of the better corners in the league when playing off, reading, reacting and closing. He’ll likely be seeking a contract worth at least $20 million annually.
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16. Dre Greenlaw, LB, San Francisco 49ers (27)
Greenlaw tore his Achilles while running onto the field from the sideline during the Super Bowl, which might push his rehab back and force him to miss the start of the regular season. But his ability to key, diagnose and then fly to the ball will eventually return. He is a heat-seeking missile with top-notch quickness and body control to cause chaos. A Pro Bowl-caliber athlete, Greenlaw is still growing into a complete player as he enters the final year of a two-year, $16.4 million extension signed in 2022.
17. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
Winfield was franchise-tagged by the Bucs before free agency this year, giving him a one-year tender and until July 15 to sign a long-term extension. His production is, without question, elite for his position. An effective blitzer and run defender, he also covers ground in coverage and has a knack for playing the ball. His versatility is a big plus — he can play nickel and run with tight ends as well. He’s a really good player who could be looking to top Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick at more than $19 million per year.
Antoine Winfield Jr delivers the BOOM
📺: #TBvsMIN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/cYu1P5p7H8— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
18. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (25)
Another franchise-tagged player, Higgins and the Bengals don’t appear anywhere close to a long-term deal, suggesting he will play on a one-year deal and be a free agent at season’s end. Coming off a subpar year in 2023 because of various injuries, Higgins is a big-framed target with a very large catch radius and strong hands. He can deceptively eat up a defender’s cushion and is adept at making catches when closely covered. He might be the most likely receiver on this list to hit the open market.
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19. Quinn Meinerz, G, Denver Broncos (25)
Meinerz has improved his technique and skill set to a consistent level, making himself one of the better linemen in this group. His ability to knock defenders back on impact separates him from the field. Having turned his raw skills into a more refined player, he should earn a nice raise in 2025.
20. Paulson Adebo, CB, New Orleans Saints (25)
Adebo caught me by surprise when studying the video. He’s long, he keys and diagnoses well, and he has great hands and ball skills (four interceptions, 18 pass breakups in 2023). He can run well enough to catch up to receivers in most cases but is not the smoothest in transitions. Adebo also possesses unusual patience and poise at the moment of truth, which is difficult for a corner who is under stress. He reminds me of the corners who have excelled in Seattle in Pete Carroll’s schemes.
21. Talanoa Hufanga, S, San Francisco 49ers (24)
Young and explosive, Hufanga is a very instinctive player who tore his ACL 10 games into the 2023 season. He often aligns in the box and is a true positive in the 49ers’ run defense, but he can also get depth as a zone dropper and has a great nose for the ball. His coverage technique could be more disciplined, but he flies around. For any team looking for a playmaker, there is way more positive than negative to his game.
The 49ers found their new STAR on defense. 😤@TalanoaHufanga | @49ers
(by @CourtyardHotels) pic.twitter.com/NXQLEbtCel
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2022
22. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals (28)
Baker is three years older than Hufunga but still has much of the same passion and football IQ that would make any defense better. Injuries have slowed him slightly, but he brings tremendous leadership and a knack for finding the ball to make plays.
23. Spencer Brown, OT, Buffalo Bills (26)
An athletic, young right tackle who plays on his feet and relies on technique to stay connected in the run and pass game, Brown had a strong season in 2023 after an up-and-down start to his career. He’s not overpowering nor able to move bigger men, but his consistent ability to be effective at the second level and recover from awkward positions makes him a very functional option at right tackle, which isn’t always easy to find.
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24. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans (25)
Collins has developed into a very good and dependable target, which really showed in his production in 2023: 109 targets, 80 catches, 53 first downs and 41 plays of 15-plus yards. I don’t see the same juice or acceleration as the top guys on this list, but his size and catch radius are great fits for this offensive scheme. His route tree is limited at times, but he has become the go-to option for C.J. Stroud (which shouldn’t change despite Stefon Diggs’ arrival). He is a solid starter you can win with.
The adjustment by Nico Collins on this catch is crazy.@lbg_nico7 | @houstontexans
📺: #HOUvsBAL – Saturday 4:30pm ET on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sxrTbJDJg1— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2024
25. Taylor Decker, LT, Detroit Lions (31)
An eight-year starter at left tackle, Decker will have a market because of the priority on the position. He is functional and consistently competes at a high level. He can bend, get to the second level to cut off pursuit and has good recovery balance. At 6-7, his anchor against bull rushes can sometimes be problematic.
26. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions (24)
I wanted to rank St. Brown higher because his production and clutch factor are off the charts, but this is a great group of receivers. He had 75 first-down receptions in 2023, a testament to his ability to separate and get away from coverage. He works underneath coverage as well as anyone in the league.
27. Aaron Banks, G, San Francisco 49ers (27)
Power, strength and the ability to displace defenders on contact are Banks’ greatest attributes. But he is also athletic and can adjust on the move, giving him major upside if he can improve his consistency. It hurts me to rank him this low, but I would not be surprised if he gets paid at the top of the guard market. I would love to see him play a few pounds lighter to increase stamina.
28. E.J. Speed, LB, Indianapolis Colts (29)
A run-and-hit linebacker whose name fits his game, Speed is a late bloomer. With great height, weight and speed, he’s been an excellent special teams player for several years, but he thrived in 2023 during his first extended stretch starting on defense. If he has a large role on defense again in 2024, he could be a bit of a sleeper in next year’s free-agent market.
29. Haason Reddick, edge, New York Jets (29)
The only player on this list who has already changed teams this offseason, Reddick was dealt from the Eagles to the Jets for a 2026 third-round pick that could become a second-rounder via conditions.
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His four-year body of work has been impressive: double-digit sacks (11 in 2023) and at least 70 percent of the defensive snaps played in each season. He has a very good get-off and can squeeze the pocket fairly consistently. His drawback is that, at 240 pounds, he can struggle when teams run downhill at him. He is better at chasing things down in pursuit.
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30. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)
Godwin looks slightly less explosive in fifth gear than he did before his torn ACL in 2021, but he has become more precise as a route runner. He’s consistently tough and willing to go over the middle to do the dirty work, and he’s very good at processing coverage and using his football IQ to his advantage, which has manifested itself in more production from slot alignments. Already with seven years under his belt, he doesn’t turn 29 until February, so he should still have plenty left in the tank.
Honorable mention: Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr., Ravens DB Brandon Stephens, Broncos LT Garett Bolles, Bears WR Keenan Allen, Chiefs G Trey Smith, Cowboys G Zack Martin, Broncos DT D.J. Jones, Chiefs LB Nick Bolton, Saints LB Pete Werner, Dolphins S Jevon Holland
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Justin Jefferson, 18, Jordan Love, 10, and Tua Tagovailoa: Kyle Ross / Icon Sportswire, Ryan Kang, Perry Knotts / Getty Images)
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