With rosters taking shape and compensatory pick rules no longer applying, teams are now free to scoop up veterans without penalty. Whether it’s a final piece for a contender or a stabilizing force for a young roster, these 10 names are the biggest left on the board heading into May.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB
The 41-year-old former MVP is keeping his cards close, saying retirement is still on the table. But with the Steelers leaving the door open and no other team emerging as a serious contender, Pittsburgh looks like the most logical fit.
2. Amari Cooper, WR
Cooper didn’t find his groove in Buffalo last year, but he’s just a season removed from 1,250 yards with Cleveland. He could be a valuable WR2 for teams like the Dallas Cowboys or New Orleans Saints.
3. Keenan Allen, WR
Allen showed signs of slowing down in Chicago, but his 70 catches and seven touchdowns in 2024 suggest there’s still something left. A contender like Buffalo makes sense.
4. Justin Simmons, S
Simmons remains one of the league’s smartest safeties. With 32 career interceptions, he's a plug-and-play option for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals looking for help on the back end.
5. Za'Darius Smith, EDGE
Nine sacks between Cleveland and Detroit last season prove Smith still has juice. He could thrive as a secondary rusher opposite a star like Aidan Hutchinson.
6. J.K. Dobbins, RB
Dobbins posted a career-high 905 rushing yards for the Los Angeles Chargers but seems unlikely to return after they drafted Omarion Hampton. The Chicago Bears could give him a fresh start.
7. Asante Samuel Jr., CB
Injuries kept him to four games in 2024, but Samuel has a track record of reliability when healthy. He’s only 25 and could be a steal for a rebuilding team like Carolina.
8. Rasul Douglas, CB
Douglas struggled last year, but from 2021–2023 he was a ballhawk with 14 picks. He’s a solid option for a playoff team needing depth on the outside.
9. Brandon Scherff, G
At 33, Scherff isn’t a long-term fix, but his consistency in pass protection makes him a valuable veteran for win-now squads like Houston or Indy.
10. Elijah Moore, WR
Still just 25, Moore has been miscast in bad offenses but topped 500 yards in three of four seasons. He could be a sneaky good WR3 for Dallas or Cleveland.
Photo Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
