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NFL free agency officially opens on March 12, presenting an opportunity for each team to improve their roster. But every team also has the chance to get worse -- if their best players choose to walk in free agency.
Losing a top free agent can be catastrophic to a team's success. For example, the loss of RB Josh Jacobs in free agency turned a middling Raiders team into one of the worst in the NFL. And for NFL teams, keeping their top free agents is just as important as acquiring new players.
Let's take a look at the top free agents for each NFC team and what their market value looks like.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Top Free Agent: LB Zack Baun
Baun was a shot in the dark in last year's free-agency period. Little more than a special-teams player in New Orleans, Baun earned a starting spot in Philadelphia and thrived.
The 28-year-old emerged as one of the best linebackers in the NFL, finishing as a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He helped Philly put on a dominant defensive performance in Super Bowl LIX with seven total tackles and an interception.
PEOPLE CALLED ZACK BAUN THE BIGGEST BUST EVER, TRASH, A CFL PLAYER.
HE IS NOW A #NFL ALL-PRO AND SUPER BOWL CHAMPION. pic.twitter.com/QKL2FWJfyw
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 14, 2025
With Baun's LB partner, Nakobe Dean, out indefinitely with a torn patellar tendon, re-signing Baun is a top task for the Birds. Unfortunately for them, he is in high demand; the Eagles will need to push hard to keep Baun, an unrestricted free agent before the free-agency period begins.
Other Key Free Agents: EDGE Josh Sweat, DT Milton Williams, G Mekhi Becton
Washington Commanders
Top Free Agent: S Jeremy Chinn
Choosing a top free agent for the Commanders is not easy, since they have so many. Years of poor drafting meant they had to rely on veterans to improve. And while it worked, as Washington made the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991, the team now has a giant group of free agents to sort through.
LB Bobby Wagner and TE Zach Ertz were pivotal for the Commanders in 2024, but the aging veterans should not be prioritized. Instead, Washington should focus on the 27-year-old Chinn, who posted 117 total tackles in 2024 and was solid against the run and the pass.
Keeping Chinn also allows Washington to retain a strength. The Commanders finished with the NFL's third-best pass defense in 2024, and they will need to continue to play well on the back end if they want to win a Super Bowl.
Other Key Free Agents: LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Dallas Cowboys
Top Free Agent: CB Jourdan Lewis
While getting a long-term agreement with edge-rusher Micah Parsons is the Cowboys' No. 1 priority, he is not a free agent until next offseason. The Cowboys already took care of their No. 2 priority, signing DT Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million extension to prevent him from reaching free agency. He recorded 60 pressures last season, second in the NFL among defensive tackles, and is just 26 years old.
That leaves Lewis as the Cowboys' most important player hitting free agency. Lewis has never been a superstar, but he has been a reliable defensive back who lined up in multiple positions for Dallas.
At 29, Lewis is not a player Dallas desperately needs to keep. However, under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, having a veteran defensive back who can do a solid job on the outside and in the slot would certainly be a positive.
Other Key Free Agents: EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, WR Brandin Cooks, RB Rico Dowdle
New York Giants
Top Free Agent: WR Darius Slayton
The Giants roster is so weak that they barely have any desirable free agents hitting the market this year. While the contracts of EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux and RT Evan Neal expire next offseason, it's slim pickings for now.
Slayton is a secondary receiver with big-play ability; he has caught a pass for at least 40 yards in all six seasons. The 28-year-old may not be a flashy signing, but he could provide quality depth to a better team's wide receiver room.
Other Key Free Agents: G Greg Van Roten, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, S Isaiah Simmons
Detroit Lions
Top Free Agent: CB Carlton Davis III
Davis is a physical corner who can hang with top wide receivers on an island. The 28-year-old is also a very good run defender for a CB. This is very important in today's NFL, as defenses must play with a nickelback to match three-WR offensive looks.
The Lions defense started the year strong but faded badly down the stretch due to a horrendous run of injuries. Keeping Davis to play across youngster Terrion Arnold could help Detroit recapture its defensive brilliance.
Other Key Free Agents: EDGE Marcus Davenport, G Kevin Zeitler, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Minnesota Vikings
Top Free Agent: QB Sam Darnold
Minnesota cruised to a 14-3 regular-season record but still had a dilemma at quarterback. Who would be its QB of the future: the much-improved Darnold or injured first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy?
Two horrendous performances by Darnold in the regular-season finale and Wild Card round may have made things easier for Minnesota. The Vikings did not give him the franchise tag, meaning they don't mind Darnold hitting free agency. This hints that despite its success in 2024, Minnesota is willing to hand the keys to McCarthy -- and his cheaper rookie contract -- rather than re-sign Darnold.
This is certainly an interesting gambit. Will McCarthy be able to reach the heights of Darnold, who just threw 35 touchdowns while completing over 66 percent of his passes? And where will Darnold go and how will he do once he gets there? We will just have to wait and see.
Other Key Free Agents: LT Cam Robinson, CB Byron Murphy Jr., RB Aaron Jones
Green Bay Packers
Top Free Agent: DT T.J. Slaton
Slaton started all 17 games for Green Bay in 2024 and helped it improve dramatically against the run. According to ESPN, Slaton finished first in run stop rate among defensive tackles, an impressive feat considering the team's switch to a 4-3 defense.
I know his last play as a packer wasn’t ideal…
but TJ Slaton was solid all year and should remain a green bay packer. pic.twitter.com/xn0Wk48ZWs
— RELAX (@itsssRELAX) January 23, 2025
While Green Bay has other needs, Slaton's run-stuffing ability must be considered, as it may be hard to find a replacement should he walk.
Other Key Free Agents: LB Eric Wilson, CB Eric Stokes
Chicago Bears
Top Free Agent: WR Keenan Allen
Allen may be 32 years old, but there's no question that his sure hands and route-running savviness remain. A security blanket for Caleb Williams in his lone season in Chicago, Allen snagged 70 balls for 744 yards and seven TDs in 2024.
this route by Keenan Allen 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/V1VUQIxa8n
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 28, 2024
While DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are both younger, more athletic receivers who could replace Allen's production, the Bears should consider keeping him on a one-year deal to help with Williams' development. It all depends on what new head coach Ben Johnson wants to do with the offense going forward.
Other Key Free Agents: LG Teven Jenkins, C Coleman Shelton, DE Darrell Taylor
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Free Agent: WR Chris Godwin
Godwin was on pace for a monster 2024 season before an ankle injury ended his year. The 29-year-old receiver racked up 576 yards and five TDs through seven games. His move back to the slot under OC Liam Coen paid dividends.
While Coen is now the head coach of the Jaguars, it is now clear that the slot is where Godwin belongs. And with Mike Evans alongside him and Baker Mayfield throwing him the ball, a return to Tampa makes sense for Godwin and the Bucs. While his health is a factor, Tampa Bay could potentially wrap up negotiations before free agency begins.
Other Key Free Agents: G Ben Bredeson, LB Lavonte David, EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Atlanta Falcons
Top Free Agent: C Drew Dalman
Dalman has developed into a quality starter in the middle of Atlanta's offensive line. Dalman is an elite run-blocker (79.8 PFF grade, fifth among centers) and great in pass protection (just two sacks allowed in 2024). He has also started all 40 games played in his past three seasons.
My first takeaway after watching just a half of Drew Dalman is that he has some elite quickness from the center position.
Immediately after the snap, Dalman down blocks Moro Ojomo and that helps Bijan Robinson gain 15 yards on this run. pic.twitter.com/qV0APA4e1O
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 18, 2025
Dalman's presence could also be key for Michael Penix Jr., as a good center can make protection calls at the line of scrimmage, helping a young quarterback focus on reading the defense pre-snap. Although Dalman's price should be fairly high, expect Atlanta to try and match it, as he has been key to its success up front in recent years.
Other Key Free Agents: S Justin Simmons, EDGE Matthew Judon, CB Mike Hughes
Carolina Panthers
Top Free Agent: C Austin Corbett
Corbett has some injury issues, having missed time in each of the last three years. But the versatile guard/center provides a movable piece for a Panthers offensive line that needs all the help it can get. Carolina finished just 30th in the NFL in block win rate percentage in 2024.
Although Corbett is 29, he is worth keeping around for his versatility alone. Even if Carolina wants to replace him in the starting lineup, keeping him on a cheap deal to be a backup could be well worth the trouble.
Other Key Free Agents: LB Shaq Thompson, OL Brady Christensen, P Johnny Hekker
New Orleans Saints
Top Free Agent: EDGE Chase Young
While Young disappointed in 2023 with the 49ers, he quietly had a very good year in his lone season with New Orleans. Young recorded 5.5 sacks in 2024 as a rotational pass-rusher, reminding the NFL what he can contribute on third downs.
Young is only 25 and would slot into any defense as a youthful contributor off the edge. And there is still upside with him, as Young's pressure rate in 2024 was among the NFL's best. A team could take a big swing on him if it believes he can turn those pressures into more sacks in the coming seasons.
Other Key Free Agents: CB Paulson Adebo, S Will Harris, TE Juwan Johnson
Los Angeles Rams
Top Free Agent: CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Although Witherspoon was a free agent in mid-September, the Rams took a chance on him and he delivered. By the end of the season, the veteran was the Rams' top option at corner and has played himself into a contract extension.
The #Rams are 7-1 this year when Ahkello Witherspoon plays at least 55% of snaps at CB pic.twitter.com/l3T4fUI7KO
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) January 16, 2025
The Rams were one play away from making the NFC Championship Game in 2024, and they are intent on contending again next season. QB Matthew Stafford and LT Alaric Jackson have already been brought back, and Witherspoon could be next. His play helped their defense turn the corner in 2024 and could help them go on another run in 2025.
Other Key Free Agents: NT Bobby Brown III, OLB Michael Hoecht, WR Demarcus Robinson
Seattle Seahawks
Top Free Agent: LB Ernest Jones IV
Another midseason acquisition, Jones arrived from the Titans via trade and made a huge impact on the Seahawks. After Week 8, when Jones first entered the Seattle lineup, the Seahawks allowed just 19 points per game, fourth best in the NFL.
New Seahawks LB Ernest Jones with a sweet play in coverage
Carries the vertical before settling to cut off the dig route. Forces Dawson Knox to work back to the LoS by about a yard rather than keep it flat and run straight into the spot Josh Allen wants to put it. pic.twitter.com/hNo3J9TDh8
— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) October 23, 2024
Jones made 94 total tackles in his 10 starts with a solid 8.2 percent missed tackle rate. At just 25 years old, Jones can be a cornerstone for Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald's defense. However, he will also be a top target for other teams, as well-rounded inside linebackers can be hard to come by.
Other Key Free Agents: DT Jarran Reed, CB Artie Burns, DT Johnathan Hankins
Arizona Cardinals
Top Free Agent: G Will Hernandez
Although he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November, Hernandez was having yet another impressive season before it. He posted his lowest blown block rate (1.1 percent) since his rookie year in 2018.
When healthy, the 29-year-old is one of the best guards in the NFL. In 2023, Hernandez was one of four interior linemen to finish in the top 20 win rates for both run blocking and pass blocking. He has been a key part of Arizona's success on the ground in recent years, and it makes sense for it to bring him back.
Other Key Free Agents: RT Kelvin Beachum, EDGE Baron Browning, EDGE Dennis Gardeck
San Francisco 49ers
Top Free Agent: CB Charvarius Ward
Ward struggled in 2024, posting a career-worst PFF grade. But his overall career is still one of a No. 1 NFL cornerback, which will certainly fetch a good price.
While the 49ers already extended CB Deommodore Lenoir in the middle of last season, keeping Ward might still be on the table. He is 28 years old and graded as the third-best CB in the NFL in 2023. However, with several key free agents in other positions, letting Ward walk is probably the better choice for San Francisco.
Other Key Free Agents: LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, G Aaron Banks
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