Most underrated NFL free agents 2025: Most underrated players at each position in NFL free agency

With Justin Fields widely recognized as the second-best quarterback in NFL free agency, behind Sam Darnold, we’re highlighting Daniel Jones as the most underrated free agent at his position. He obviously struggled in his final two seasons with the New York Giants – 10-13 TD-INT ratio and 76.6 QB rating – but his rushing ability gives him a decent floor as a starter. He also had a 60-34 TD-INT ratio and 86.5 QB rating through his first four seasons, despite having one of the worst supporting casts in the NFL. Jones needs a great offensive play-caller who will know how to best utilize his dual-threat ability. He’s a good option for teams like the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings, offering a moderate ceiling at a reasonable cost.

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The Dallas Cowboys took their sweet time before finally giving Rico Dowdle the opportunity to be their featured running back. He received 20 carries in Week 5, turning them into 87 yards (4.7 ypc) and 2 touchdowns. From Weeks 9-19, he averaged 4.7 yards per carry on 18 attempts per game. Dwodle also ranked 17th in true yards per carry (4.5) last season, while finishing 18th in yards per route run (1.59) and 18th in evaded tackles (53). At 6-feet and 215 pounds, he offers the size to be the leader in a committee backfield and his three-down ability could make him a cost-effective featured back in the right system.

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How the New York Giants handled Darius Slayton remains inexplicable, especially because he would seemingly end each season as their best wide receiver. Over the last three years, Slayton has averaged 15.3 yards per reception and just under 690 receiving yards per season on 74 targets. He remains an excellent vertical threat and is perfectly suited to be a No. 3 receiver in a great offense. Slayton’s numbers won’t be flashy, but he’s only 28 years old and a change of scenery could unlock the most out of him.

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A former wide receiver, Juwan Johnson never quite had the breakout year the New Orleans Saints kept hoping for. With that said, we’re still talking about a 6-foot-4 tight end who has averaged over 11 yards per reception in his career. This past season, he ranked 10th among tight ends in yards per target (8.3) with the sixth-highest Explosive Rating (102.6). He’s best utilized as a TE2 who is primarily moved off the line, but Johnson’s size and athleticism would make him an excellent secondary receiving option with a creative play-caller.

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Dan Moore Jr. wasn’t a fan favorite with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he’s a quality starting left tackle. In 2024, he ranked 11th among tackles in ESPN pass-block win rate (93%) just ahead of Ronnie Stanley (92%). While he did allow the most sacks (12) among all offensive tackles, that tends to happen when Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are behind center. No one should mistake Moore for being a top-10 left tackle, but he’s an effective heading into his age-27 season and the team that lands him won’t have to worry about that spot for a few years.

Knee surgery forced Malcolm Koonce to miss all of last season, which is the only reason why he makes it on our list of the most underrated NFL free agents. We’ll acknowledge the risk of betting on a young pass rusher coming off knee surgery, but the upside is high. Koonce racked up 17 QB hits and 8 sacks in 2023 despite playing only 44 percent of the Las Vegas Raiders defensive snaps. Among edge rushers, we’d only rank Koonce behind Josh Sweat and Khalil Mack and the team that lands him should get an excellent return on their investment.

Relate: NFL defense rankings 2025

Jamien Sherwood was the original choice here, but he re-signed with the New York Jets ahead of NFL free agency. So, Robert Spillane takes his place. He emerged as a full-time starter in 2023 and has amassed 17 tackles for loss with 11 pass deflections, 5.5 sacks and 5 interceptions in the last two seasons. He’s a three-down linebacker who excels at attacking what’s in front of him as a run defender. While he’s not particularly strong in pass coverage, he will make a few plays every year when dropping back. Plus, with Nick Bolton and Zack Baun off the board, Spillane is one of the few quality starters left on the market.

While Isaiah Rodgers only started 3 games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, he certainly made an impact in his 328 snaps played. The 5-foot-10 cornerback held opponents to an 82.1 QB rating when he was targeted in coverage, surrendering just a 46.4% completion rate and 4.2 yards per target. He looked great coming off a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and the numbers were even better than his past work with the Indianapolis Colts. Rodgers could be ready for a starting job and with all the other corners available in NFL free agency, he could be one of the best bargains on the open market.

It’s easy to get overlooked playing for the Las Vegas Raiders but they do have two of the most underrated NFL free agents in 2025. Tre’von Moehrig was the lone bright spot in this secondary over the last two seasons, racking up 18 pass deflections with 5 interceptions and 3 sacks. He offers excellent range as a centerfielder, but he’s also made real strides attacking the ball-carrier. With the right supporting cast around him, Moehrig could challenge for a Pro Bowl selection next season.