The first day of the NFL free agency tampering period is in the rearview mirror, with many of the top talents having come off the board. While the likes of Sam Darnold, Milton Williams, DJ Reed and Davante Adams are now signed, plenty of top NFL free agents are available. As the tampering period continues on Tuesday, we’re delivering NFL free agency predictions for some of the top names still out there.
Aaron Rodgers – Pittsburgh Steelers
The New York Giants are certainly a compelling option, especially if Aaron Rodgers wants to stay where he is. However, there’s far greater appeal for the future Hall of Famer in joining a playoff-caliber team with two playmakers at wide receiver. Rodgers will have a top-15 defense to support him and the receiver tandem of DK Metcalf and George Pickens can be explosive. Rodgers has a good relationship with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and at least competing for a playoff spot in his final season is a lot better than fighting for a .500 record with the Giants.
Russell Wilson – New York Giants
Aaron Rodgers seems to be the New York Giants’ preferred option, but since we have him landing elsewhere in our NFL free agency predictions, the team pivots to its backup plan. Wilson wants to be the Giants quarterback and the opportunity to play in a bigger market would certainly be appealing. He would likely have to serve as a mentor for a rookie quarterback, but the Giants’ offense offers him a No. 1 receiver (Malik Nabers) and a play-caller who can orchestrate a quarterback-friendly gameplan. It’s either the Giants or the Tennessee Titans for Wilson and the team with Nabers and a high-end left tackle should make this a relatively easy choice.
Related: New York Giants mock draft 2025
Rico Dowdle – Denver Broncos
With the Minnesota Vikings (Aaron Jones), Los Angeles Chargers (Najee Harris) and Dallas Cowboys (Javonte Williams) all addressing their need at running back early in NFL free agency, only a few options remain. Fortunately for Rico Dowdle, the Denver Broncos are one of the best landing spots possible. Broncos head coach Sean Payton is excellent at getting the most out of his backs in a committee and Dowdle is perfectly situated to be a 1A. He recorded 1,328 scrimmage yards last season on just 274 touches with a below-average Dallas Cowboys offensive line, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In Denver, Payton’s scheme and the Broncos offensive line could position Dowdle for another 1,000-yard campaign with a career-high in touchdowns.
Amari Cooper – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers probably never wanted to sacrifice the draft capital and cap space needed to land DK Metcalf. As for Davante Adams, he just seemed to prefer what the Los Angeles Rams had to offer better. Fortunately, Amari Cooper is still available. He wasn’t productive after being traded to the Buffalo Bills – 297 receiving yards in 8 games – and he is entering his age-31 season. However, Cooper is still a very good route runner and his ability to get open would provide Justin Herbert with another reliable target in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Plus, he brings a mentality that Jim Harbaugh wants in the Chargers locker room.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers News, Rumors
Tyler Lockett – Las Vegas Raiders
The Geno Smith trade was a brilliant move by the Las Vegas Raiders, giving them immediate above-average play at quarterback for the first time in years. However, Smith needs dependable pass-catchers besides Brock Bowers. Released by the Seattle Seahawks, Tyler Lockett already has great rapport with Smith and he’s well-liked by Pete Carroll. Not only does Lockett strengthen the Raiders’ receiving corps and help Smith’s transition to a new offense, but he also provides more of the veteran experience and leadership the locker room needs.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders News, Rumors
Stefon Diggs – Dallas Cowboys
Stefon Diggs would certainly be a great addition for the Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots, but his personality makes that unlikely to happen. However, the Dallas Cowboys would certainly have no problem with it. Dallas desperately needs a No. 2 wide receiver and while that could come from the 2025 NFL Draft, this draft class doesn’t offer a great option at the 12th overall pick. Considering Diggs is coming off an ACL tear (October), he might be willing to take a one-year deal to rebuild some of his value. That makes him a cost-effective option, which should be music to the ears of Jerry Jones.
Related: Worst NFL contracts
Evan Engram – Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have been shockingly aggressive in NFL free agency so far, so there’s no reason for general manager Chris Ballard to stop now. The idea of trading for Dallas Goedert is appealing, especially because of his familiarity with Shane Steichen. However, acquiring Evan Engram won’t cost the Colts a draft pick. Engram is still a very effective pass-catching tight end with athleticism that Steichen can take advantage of. Signing Engram adds another dependable receiving threat to the Colts’ offense that needs it and it allows Indianapolis to use its first-round pick elsewhere.
Joey Bosa – San Francisco 49ers
It seems to be a two-team battle between the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. Notably, the contract offers on the table are in the same range. If that’s the case, teaming up with his brother and working under 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh becomes the more appealing option. it will likely only be a one-year deal, with Bosa trying to rebuild some of his value by proving he can stay healthy. It allows him to stay in California and, at least for one year, makes the Bosa family happy.
Asante Samuel Jr – Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have been aggressive this offseason, but there is still a glaring need in the secondary. Asante Samuel Jr only played in four games last season, but he’s been a playmaker throughout his career. Samuel Jr. recorded 37 pass deflections in his first 50 games and he’ll still be 25 years old in Week 1. Washington has already demonstrated its willingness to take some risks and that aggressive approach could yield a strong return with a secondary of Samuel Jr., Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil leading the secondary of Dan Quinn’s defense.
Justin Reid – Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans prioritized Jevon Holland in NFL free agency, but he landed with the New York Giants. In his place, the team can pivot to Justin Reid. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi was with the Kansas City Chiefs when they signed Reid in 2021. On top of that, Reid has obviously played with Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. It should be a relatively affordable move that will add some leadership and stability to the Titans secondary.