Top NFL Free Agents Still Available Before 2025 Season

July 22, 2025
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen runs with the ball during 2025 game.

As training camps heat up and the preseason nears, a surprising number of big-name NFL free agents remain on the market. 

Some are veterans waiting for the right fit. Others are recent cap casualties or injury bounce-backs looking for another shot. Whether it’s former Pro Bowlers like Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, and Justin Simmons, or edge rushers like Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney, there’s still plenty of talent left unsigned heading into August.

Veteran receivers headline the list

Keenan Allen may be 33, but he proved in Chicago last year he can still produce, hauling in 70 catches and seven touchdowns despite a dysfunctional Bears offense. Teams like the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers could all use a veteran slot weapon. 

Fellow wideout Amari Cooper also brings value, even after a down 2024 split between Buffalo and Cleveland. Cooper has drawn interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers, all of whom need a steady WR2.

Other names to watch: Gabe Davis, a potential deep threat if healthy, and Odell Beckham Jr., who may have reached the end of the road unless a team like the New York Giants calls. Tyler Boyd, DJ Chark, and Gerald Everett are also looking to catch on as depth options.

Defensive help is still on the market

On defense, All-Pro safety Justin Simmons headlines a strong group of veterans. Simmons had a solid year with Atlanta and could plug into a contending secondary in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Kansas City. Fellow DBs Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas, Stephon Gilmore, and Mike Hilton offer various levels of experience and scheme versatility for teams like the Miami Dolphins, Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Up front, pass-rushers are plentiful. Za'Darius Smith (9 sacks in 2024) remains a strong rotational option, especially for the Detroit Lions, where he thrived late last year. Matt Judon and Jadeveon Clowney are also unsigned but should land somewhere given their past production.

High-upside depth still available

Not every name is a former star, but there’s value in players like Dalton Risner and Brandon Scherff, two guards who remain solid pass protectors. Teams like the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks could use help on the interior. Linebacker Kyzir White (137 tackles in 2024) is a quiet name who deserves more attention, while Julian Blackmon, at just 26, could emerge as a steal if fully healthy.

With the regular season approaching, teams are likely to start making late-camp moves. Expect several of these veterans to find new homes.

Photo Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

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