As we get closer to the NFL’s annual free for all known as free agency, I thought I’d look into some of the players and teams beyond my usual focus on the Chicago Bears. Let’s start with the most important position in all of sports, the quarterback. *All rankings come from Pro Football Network:

QUARTERBACKS

• Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
• Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
• Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
• Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
• Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
• Mason Rudolph, Tennessee Titans
• Daniel Jones, Minnesota Vikings
• Carson Wentz, Kansas City Chiefs
• Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys
• Taylor Heinicke, Los Angeles Chargers
• Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions
• Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys

There are two players, not free agents, who are the biggest dominoes to fall before the quarterback market can start to sort itself out. Those are the Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins and the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford. Also not listed because he’s technically not a free agent, yet, is the New York Jets’ Aaron Rodgers.

Cousins will surely be traded or released, I cannot envision Atlanta paying him that much to lurk on the bench behind Michael Penix Jr. The Rams have reached a contract impasse with Stafford and have given him permission to explore a trade. Ultimately, I think a deal will be worked out with the Rams. The Jets will release Rodgers, but it will be a post June 1st designation for salary cap purposes. Rodgers can’t sign with another team until then, but we could get a good idea of his next destination well before then.

Sam Darnold resurrected his career in Minnesota and has earned himself a significant payday. I think it’s unlikely that the Vikings would sign him to an extension with 2024 first round pick, JJ McCarthy, in the fold, but the franchise tag is a possibility. If Darnold does hit the open market, he should garner significant interest. The Giants and Raiders would have to be considered the favorites to land him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will re-sign either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as their 2025 starter. If Fields hits the open market he could garner interest from every quarterback needy team outside of Tennessee. Wilson would garner interest from teams on the cusp of contention like the Jets or Colts.

Of the remaining quarterbacks on the above list, only Mac Jones and Jameis Winston could possibly land starting gigs, or at least the chance to compete for a starting role in 2025. Winston could be re-signed by the Cleveland Browns as their starter or to compete with a rookie. If he leaves Cleveland it will be for strictly a back up role.

Jones is relegated to back up duties if he stays in Jacksonville, so I think he’ll look for a team that would give him a chance to earn the starting gig in 2025. The Giants, Raiders, Browns and Colts would make sense, with the Saints being a dark horse candidate.

The last two names on the above list hold a little intrigue for me. Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement late in 2024 to be Jared Goff’s backup in Detroit. If he doesn’t go back into retirement, I see him either returning to Detroit or following Ben Johnson to Chicago to lend a veteran voice to their quarterback room.

Trey Lance was the third overall pick in 2021 and he’ll only be 25 years old on opening day in 2025. His vast potential has been largely untapped. Some teams should be willing to take the chance of signing him to a minimal deal with the hopes of unlocking that potential. I like teams with veteran, non-elite level, starters. Teams like the Saints and Seahawks. Miami could make a ton of sense, given Tua Tagovailoa’s troubling injury history. Even teams like the Lions or Buccaneers as a hedge against regression of their incumbent starters.

Bold Predictions- Steelers re-sign Justin Fields. Rams sign Matthew Stafford to an extension.

Bolder Predictions- Giants sign Sam Darnold. Jets sign Russell Wilson. Browns sign Mac Jones. Dolphins sign Trey Lance. Bears sign Teddy Bridgewater.

Boldest Predictions- Raiders trade for Kirk Cousins. Colts sign Aaron Rodgers.

RUNNING BACKS

• JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
• Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
• Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
• Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
• Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
• Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
• Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
• Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

There’s been a lot of talk about the running back resurgence in the NFL because of the impact of the 2024 free agent class. Saquon Barkley was MVP level for the Super Bowl Champion Eagles. Derrick Henry had a monster season for the Ravens. Josh Jacobs, Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon & JK Dobbins were all key contributors on playoff teams. Even Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift had decent seasons in Tennessee & Chicago, respectively.

This year’s class doesn’t have remotely the same level of firepower. JK Dobbins and Nick Chubb have significant injury histories. Aaron Jones and Kareem Hunt are on the back end of their careers. Najee Harris and Javonte Williams have never quite lived up to expectations. The rest of the above list have never been the primary ball carrier for an NFL team.

I think Aaron Jones could garner significant interest if Minnesota lets him hit the open market, but Najee Harris will probably reap the bigger contract.

Rico Dowdle and Kareem Hunt are probably looking for another chance to be the primary ball carrier for their team, while Nick Chubb might be chasing a ring at this point in his career.

Bold Predictions- Chargers re-sign JK Dobbins. Steelers re-sign Jaylen Warren. Vikings re-sign Aaron Jones.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Najee Harris. Giants sign Rico Dowdle.

Boldest Predictions- Panthers sign Kareem Hunt. Chiefs sign Nick Chubb.

WIDE RECEIVERS

• Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
• Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
• Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
• Darius Slayton, New York Giants
• Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
• Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
• Josh Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
• DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs
• Mike Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Mack Hollins, Buffalo Bills
• Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns
• Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
• Tim Patrick, Detroit Lions
• Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
• Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans

In 2022, wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, AJ Brown, Amari Cooper & Marquise Brown were all traded. 2025 could rival that wild offseason.

The Rams have given Cooper Kupp permission to explore a trade and the 49ers did the same for Deebo Samuel. The Jets are likely to release Davante Adams, the Seahawks could release Tyler Lockett and several former Pro-Bowlers are set to hit the open market.

On top of all that, I think there’s a reasonable chance that Tyreek Hill could be traded, again.

If he hits the open market, Tee Higgins is easily the top receiver in free agency. Cincinnati has floated the possibility of using the franchise tag on him, however.

Chris Godwin is coming off a season ending injury, but he was having a career year before the injury and should have a robust market. Stefon Diggs also had his season cut short by injury but he should have a few more years left as a legitimate number one receiver.

Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins both underwhelmed after mid-season trades, but they’re both savvy veterans that could provide value in the right situation. Keenan Allen is another savvy veteran coming off a disappointing season. He’s open to returning to Chicago, but I don’t think the Bears will meet his asking price.

Two other names on the above list intrigue me. Tim Patrick is a good candidate to follow Ben Johnson to Chicago on a cheap deal. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was a touchdown machine in 2024 and has shown flashes in the past that could convince a team that he can handle a bigger role.

The Raiders are flush with cap space and need more pass catchers beyond Brock Bowers. New minority owner, Tom Brady, won a Super Bowl with Chris Godwin.

The Cowboys and Steelers have been searching for a strong second receiver for years. The Steelers have kicked the tires on trades for a receiver in the past and I think they could again. Stefon Diggs’ brother, Travon, plays in Dallas.

The Texans and Packers both have young, talented receiving corps that could benefit from a veteran presence.

The Rams will have to replace Cooper Kupp and Keenan Allen would probably prefer a return to the west coast.

The Chiefs would be better served using cap space to improve their offensive line, but a reunion with Tyreek Hill is fun to consider.

Bold Predictions- Bengals franchise tag & eventually sign Tee Higgins to an extension. Bears sign Tim Patrick.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Chris Godwin. Cowboys sign Stefon Diggs. Packers sign Amari Cooper. Texans sign DeAndre Hopkins. Rams sign Keenan Allen. 49ers sign Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Boldest Predictions- Steelers trade for Cooper Kupp. Commanders trade for Deebo Samuel.

BOLDEST OF THE BOLD Prediction- Chiefs trade for Tyreek Hill.

TIGHT ENDS

• Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
• Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
• Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
• Austin Hooper, New England Patriots
• Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

I don’t see a robust market for tight ends this year, so I’ll just quickly move to predictions.

Bold Prediction- Patriots sign Mike Gesicki.

Bolder Prediction- Eagles sign Zach Ertz.

Boldest Prediction- Seahawks sign Juwan Johnson.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

• Morgan Moses, New York Jets
• Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
• Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
• Dan Moore Jr, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tyron Smith, New York Jets
• Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals
• Cornelius Lucas, Washington Commanders
• Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
• Jedrick Wills Jr, Cleveland Browns
• Kendall Lamm, Miami Dolphins
• Trent Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

NFL teams don’t let quality offensive tackles hit free agency very often, so you have to question any of the players on this list that actually hit the open market.

Ronnie Stanley will probably be the biggest name available, but he comes with a history of injuries. Tyron Smith has also battled injuries in recent years and may opt to call it a career. Trent Brown was an elite offensive tackle, once upon a time, but his better days are behind him and he’s also coming off a season ending injury.

Alaric Jackson and Dan Moore Jr would both have several suitors if they hit the open market, but I’m not sure they will.

Cam Robinson will probably get paid handsomely, but you have to wonder about a player that two franchises decided to move on from in less than a year.

Bold Predictions- Rams re-sign Alaric Jackson. Steelers re-sign Dan Moore Jr.

Bolder Predictions- Patriots sign Ronnie Stanley. Tyron Smith retires from the NFL.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Cam Robinson. Chiefs sign Trent Brown.

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

• Trey Smith, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
• Brandon Scherff, OG, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Coleman Shelton, OC, Chicago Bears
• Kevin Zeitler, OG, Detroit Lions
• Ryan Kelly, OC, Indianapolis Colts
• Drew Dalman, OC, Atlanta Falcons
• Teven Jenkins, OG, Chicago Bears
• Ryan Neuzil, OG, Atlanta Falcons
• Daniel Brunskill, OG, Tennessee Titans
• Will Fries, OG, Indianapolis Colts
• James Daniels, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Matt Pryor, OG, Chicago Bears
• Bradley Bozeman, OC, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mekhi Becton, OG, Philadelphia Eagles

Please forgive me for making this section very Bears- centric. It’s a well known fact that Chicago drastically needs to improve the protection for 2024 first overall pick, Caleb Williams. Both of their starting guards and their starting center from last season are free agents. Teven Jenkins is a high end guard, the issue for him has been availability. With his extensive injury history, I doubt the Bears will commit significant money to him.

Jenkins’ relative youth and skills should make him one of the more sought after guards after the consensus top dog, Kansas City’s Trey Smith. Smith could become the highest paid guard in the NFL, and it’s starting to sound like the Chiefs may find a way to make that happen.

Mekhi Becton has followed a similar career arc as Jenkins. Drafted as a tackle, he was a bust in New York, partly due to injuries. He moved to Philly, kicked inside to guard and had a stellar season that ended with a Super Bowl victory. My question with Becton is has the position change unlocked his talents or was his rebound season a result of playing on the best offensive line in the NFL? Becton could be worth the risk at the right price.

Matt Pryor was thrust into a starting role with Chicago and he performed well. I’d like the Bears to bring him back but merely as a depth piece, as was the original plan.

Kevin Zeitler, at 35 years of age, would be a short term solution, but he’d come at a reasonable price and he knows Ben Johnson’s offense.

Center has been an issue for the Bears pretty much since Olin Kreutz departed in 2011. They need to stop trying stop gap measures and get serious about finding a long term solution. Atlanta’s Drew Dalman is the top center, that would be a long term fit, set to hit the market. The Bears have the cap space to make it happen.

Bold Predictions- Bears re-sign Matt Pryor. Eagles re-sign Mekhi Becton.

Bolder Predictions- Chiefs re-sign Trey Smith. Bears sign Kevin Zeitler.

Boldest Predictions- Bears sign Drew Dalman. Vikings sign Teven Jenkins.

EDGE RUSHERS

• Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
• Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
• Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
• Dante Fowler Jr, Washington Commanders
• Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
• Dennis Gardecki, Arizona Cardinals
• Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
• Haason Reddick, New York Jets
• Michael Hoecht, Los Angeles Rams
• Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts

I’ll start by addressing the elephants in the room. MYLES GARRETT & MICAH PARSONS ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE! Garrett has requested a trade from Cleveland, but it makes no financial sense for the Browns to trade him. They’re already cap-strapped and the dead money hit they’d take from a trade is just infeasible.

Micah Parsons is due an extension, one that should make him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The Cowboys just handed out big contracts to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year, and some wonder how they can make a third huge contract work. Dallas will somehow find a way.

The fact is that NFL teams do not let high end edge rushers leave.

Josh Sweat was already the top edge set to hit free agency, then he had a monster Super Bowl that earned him an even heftier contract.

Khalil Mack is the biggest name available, but he’s no longer in his prime. He still has the ability to be highly productive as part of a rotation and he may want to chase a ring at this point in his career.

Three names that intrigue me are Chase Young, Azeez Ojulari and Dayo Odeyingbo. All three have never quite reached their potential for various reasons, but the flashes are there to attract teams in need of pass rushers.

Haason Reddick would probably like to have a do-over for 2024. His disastrous hold-out and lack of production once he returned to the field cost him a lot of money. He’ll probably need to accept a cheap, one year prove-it deal.

Bold Predictions- Bears sign Chase Young. Packers sign Dayo Odeyingbo.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Azeez Ojulari. Buccaneers sign Haason Reddick.

Boldest Predictions- Lions sign Khalil Mack. Chargers sign Josh Sweat.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

• Teair Tart, Los Angeles Chargers
• Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks
• Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins
• BJ Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
• Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans
• Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
• Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

This year’s draft class is loaded with quality interior defensive linemen. High end contributors can and will be found through all seven rounds. For this reason, I don’t anticipate a robust market for interior defensive linemen. I’ll skip right to the predictions and I only have one:

Bold Prediction- Eagles re-sign Milton Williams.

LINEBACKERS

• Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
• Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
• Eric Kendricks, Dallas Cowboys
• Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks
• Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
• Robert Spillane, Las Vegas Raiders
• Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
• EJ Speed, Indianapolis Colts
• LaVonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Cody Barton, Denver Broncos
• Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers

Off ball linebackers have been devalued quite a bit in the NFL. I don’t see a lot of big money deals coming for this group.

One player that did earn himself a huge pay raise is Zack Baun. On a one year, prove-it deal, Baun was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year for the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Bobby Wagner and LaVonte David are both past their prime, but still provide production and valuable leadership to their respective teams. I cannot imagine David playing for any team other than the Buccaneers. The Commanders had a special season and the future is bright, I think Wagner may want to stick around for the next chapter.

The two names on this list that I could see changing teams are Nick Bolton and Dre Greenlaw.

Bold Predictions- Buccaneers re-sign LaVonte David. Commanders re-sign Bobby Wagner.

Bolder Prediction- Eagles re-sign Zack Baun.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Nick Bolton. Raiders sign Dre Greenlaw.

CORNERBACKS

• Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
• DJ Reed, New York Jets
• Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions
• Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints
• Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys
• Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders
• Donte Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
• Asante Samuel Jr, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mike Hilton, Cincinnati Bengals
• Ahkello Witherspoon, Los Angeles Rams
• Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons
• Brandon Stephens, Baltimore Ravens
• Artie Burns, Seattle Seahawks
• Noah Igbinoghene, Washington Commanders
• Michael Jackson Sr, Carolina Panthers
• Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
• Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills

Corners are always in high demand and this year’s crop of free agents is pretty deep and could get deeper. The Packers and Jaire Alexander seem destined for a split. The Eagles will surely release James Bradberry, and Darius Slay could be released to create extra cap space.

The Vikings will do everything possible to retain both their corners, Byron Murphy & Stephon Gilmore. I think they’ll do it, if they can convince Gilmore to take a team friendly deal.

Their division rival, Detroit Lions, should also do their best to keep Carlton Davis.

The Jets’ DJ Reed and Saints’ Paulson Adebo will probably be the top corners to hit the open market because both the Jets & Saints have salary cap issues.

Asante Samuel Jr has flaws in his game, but his youth and coverage ability should make him attractive to teams. Charvarius Ward and Rasul Douglas both have the pedigree that teams will covet.

Bold Predictions- Lions re-sign Carlton Davis. Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy & Stephon Gilmore.

Bolder Predictions- Eagles release Darius Slay. Packers sign Charvarius Ward. Raiders sign Paulson Adebo. Cardinals sign Asante Samuel Jr. Jets sign Rasul Douglas.

Boldest Predictions- Bills trade for Jaire Alexander. Commanders sign DJ Reed. Jaguars sign Darius Slay.

SAFETIES

• Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
• Tre’von Moehrig, Las Vegas Raiders
• Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
• Will Harris, New Orleans Saints
• Xavier Woods, Carolina Panthers
• Jeremy Chinn, Washington Commanders
• Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons
• Quandre Diggs, Tennessee Titans
• Camryn Bynum, Minnesota Vikings
• Isaiah Pola-Moa, Las Vegas Raiders
• Ar’Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens
• Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins

Like off ball linebacker, the safety position has been devalued in today’s NFL. There are some good players on this list, but I don’t see a very robust market developing. I’ll skip right to the predictions.

Bold Prediction- Raiders re-sign Tre’Von Moehrig.

Bolder Prediction- Packers sign Will Harris.

Boldest Prediction- Jaguars sign Jevon Holland.