Breaking Down the Bag: My Top 10 NFL Free Agents & Contract Projections
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 19
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 20
NFL free agency is always a wild ride, and this year, the market is loaded with talent especially in the trenches. As someone who firmly believes games are won up front, it's no surprise that a lot of the top names on my list are linemen. In this post, I’ll be breaking down my top 10 free agents and predicting what their next contracts might look like. Whether it’s a game-changing pass rusher, a dominant offensive lineman, or a difference maker elsewhere on the field, I’ll dive into why these players are set to cash in and where they might land. Let’s get into it.
1. Tee Higgins (WR) Cincinnati Bengals:
With the league shifting more toward high-powered passing attacks, Tee Higgins is my No. 1 free agent. At just 26 years old, he’s spent his career as the Bengals’ WR2 behind Ja’Marr Chase, but let’s be real he’s got true WR1 talent. Higgins has the size, hands, and playmaking ability to step in as the top target for any team in need of a go to receiver. At 6’4” with a massive catch radius, Higgins thrives in contested catch situations and is a legit red-zone weapon. He’s not the fastest guy out there, but his smooth route-running and ability to win at the point of attack make up for it. Despite sharing targets with Chase, he’s already put up multiple 1,000-yard seasons, proving he can be a difference maker. With plenty of teams desperate for a true No. 1 receiver, Higgins is set to cash in big this offseason. Whether Cincinnati franchise tags him, or he hits the open market, he’ll be one of the most sought-after playmakers in free agency. That said, I wouldn’t be shocked if a team like the Chargers opens the checkbook to bring him in, especially after drafting McConkey last year. Giving Justin Herbert another weapon to help the Chargers offense would make sense.
Projected Contract: 4 years at $115- $120 million ($30M APY, $50- $60 million guaranteed)
2. Trey Smith (OG) Kanas City Chiefs:
Trey Smith is about to get paid, and rightfully so. At just 25 years old, he’s already one of the best guards in the league and a key piece of the Chiefs' offensive line. He’s been a dominant force in both the run and pass game, bringing the kind of interior stability that championship teams are built on. In the 2024 season, Smith played 1,115 offensive snaps, ranking 9th among 135 guards, and impressively didn't allow a single sack. If the Super Bowl showed us anything, it’s that having an elite offensive line is everything, and that only gives Smith even more leverage in contract negotiations. He’s played a huge role in keeping Patrick Mahomes upright and creating lanes in the run game, proving why investing in the trenches always pays off. His combination of power, technique, and his violent attack makes him an absolute game-changer. That said, I don’t see Kansas City just letting him walk. They know exactly how valuable he is, and I’d expect them to do everything they can to keep him in a Chiefs uniform.
Projected Contract: 4 years at $88– $95 million ($22M APY, $40- $50 million guaranteed)
3. Sam Darnold (QB) Minnesota Vikings:
Sam Darnold's NFL career has been a rollercoaster, but his 2024 season with the Vikings might have finally flipped the script. After stepping in as the starter, he put together the best season of his career, leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record and a playoff run. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and finished with a 102.5 passer rating numbers that not only helped the Vikings stack wins but also earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. For a guy who’s been labeled a journeyman, this past season was a statement. He looked confident, made smart decisions, and proved he can run an offense at a high level. Sure, the playoff loss to the Rams wasn’t ideal (getting sacked nine times didn’t help), but that shouldn’t overshadow what he did all year. With the Vikings looking to move forward with J.J. McCarthy, Darnold now has a chance to step in as a starter for a QB-needy team especially a team that doesn’t have a top pick in this year’s draft.
Projected Contract: 3 years $120– $130 million ($42M APY, $60 – $70 million guaranteed)
4. Josh Sweat (DE) Philadelphia Eagles:
Josh Sweat has been an absolute problem for opposing offenses, and his 2024 season only reinforced that. At 27 years old, he’s established himself as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league. This past season, he racked up 8 sacks, 41 tackles, and was a constant presence in the backfield. His ability to create pressure and collapse the pocket played a huge role in the Eagles' success, and he showed up when it mattered most delivering a monster performance in Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs with 2.5 sacks and 6 tackles. Sweat got everything you want in a pass rusher elite length, speed off the edge, and the power to shed blocks and make plays. He’s not just a sack artist he affects the game in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet, forcing quarterbacks into bad throws and making life miserable for offensive linemen. However, his future with Philadelphia does not seem to promising. As the Eagles are very strategic with their spendings in free agency. Whether he stays in Philly or moves on, Sweat’s coming off a big year and is one of the best edge rushers on the market. He’s going to get paid, and whichever team lands him is getting a guy who can wreck a game at any moment.
Projected Contract: 3 years $48- $55 million ($18M APY, $30– $35 million guaranteed)
5. Jevon Holland (S) Miami Dolphins:
Jevon Holland has been a cornerstone of Miami’s defense since he entered the league, and at just 25, he’s already one of the most versatile safeties in the game. Whether he’s patrolling deep, stepping up against the run, or making plays in the backfield, he does it all. His ability to read offenses, react quickly, and cover ground makes him a nightmare for quarterbacks and a reliable leader in the secondary. In, 2024, he racked up 62 tackles (42 solo), one sack, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble over 15 games. The numbers might not jump off the page, but his impact is undeniable. He’s the kind of player who erases big plays before they happen, constantly putting himself in the right position to make a difference. Holland’s combination of speed, physicality, and football IQ makes him a true game-changer. He’s the type of safety every defense needs smart, aggressive, and always around the ball. Whether he stays in Miami or tests free agency, Holland is set to get paid, and whichever team lands him is getting a playmaker in the secondary.
Projected Contract: 4 years $80- $90 million ($20M APY, $35- 40 million guaranteed)
6. Ronnie Stanley (OT) Baltimore Ravens:
Ronnie Stanley has been a staple of the Ravens offensive line since being drafted sixth overall in 2016, and when healthy, he’s been one of the best left tackles in the game. At 6’6”, 310 pounds, he’s got the size, athleticism, and technique to lock down the blindside, giving quarterbacks the protection they need. Injuries slowed him down in past seasons, but in 2024, he reminded everyone why he’s still an elite tackle, starting all 17 games, earning a Pro Bowl nod, and allowing just two sacks over 1,089 snaps. Now heading into free agency at 31 years old, Stanley is one of the top tackles on the market. The Ravens would love to keep him, but with cap space tight, there’s a real chance he hits the open market. If that happens, teams needing a veteran presence on the offensive line will be all over him. He also can step in and be a veteran leader in the O-Line room, helping mentor and develop young talent. Stanley’s resume speaks for itself. He’s been a high-level tackle for nearly a decade, and when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the best in the game. Whether Baltimore finds a way to keep him, or he takes his talents elsewhere, he’s going to make an offensive line a lot better in 2025.
Projected Contract: 2 years $40- $44 million ($22M APY, $30- $35 million guaranteed)
7. Drew Dalman (C) Atlanta Falcons:
Drew Dalman might not be the flashiest name in free agency, but he’s one of the best centers available. A fourth-round pick out of Stanford in 2021, he’s worked his way into becoming a rock-solid anchor in the middle of the Falcons offensive line. At 6’3” and 300 pounds, he’s got the strength to handle power rushers and the athleticism to hold up against speed on the interior, making him an ideal fit for any team that values a tough, high-IQ center. Despite being limited to nine games in 2024 due to an ankle injury, Dalman still put together an impressive season. He earned a 78.8 PFF grade, ranking 4th among all centers, and remained a dominant force in the run game. His ability to get to the second level and create lanes for his running backs is one of his biggest strengths. However, if there’s one area he needs to clean up, it’s his pass protection, he has had some struggles against elite interior rushers. Dalman is the type of player who does the dirty work and doesn’t always get the recognition, but his impact is clear. He’s a reliable communicator, a strong run blocker, and a steady presence in the middle of an offensive line. Whether he stays in Atlanta or lands elsewhere, he’ll be a key addition for any team looking to solidify the center position.
Projected Contract: 4 years $45-$50 million ($12M APY, $18- $22 million guaranteed)
8. Zack Baun (LB) Philadelphia Eagles:
Zack Baun’s NFL journey has been a grind, but in 2024, he finally broke out in a big way. Drafted by the Saints in the third round back in 2020, he spent most of his early years as a core special teamer without a consistent defensive role. Fast forward to this past season, Baun became a legit playmaker for the Eagles, proving he’s more than just a depth guy. Baun was everywhere in 2024, racking up 152 total tackles (94 solo), 2.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 interception while earning a 90.1 PFF grade, the highest among all NFL linebackers. His 91.7 coverage grade and 29 coverage stop showed his ability to drop back and shut down the passing game, proving he’s not just a run-stopper but a true all-around linebacker. Then came the playoffs, and Baun delivered when it mattered most. In Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs, he had seven tackles and a clutch interception off Patrick Mahomes, helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Now, as he hits free agency, his stock is at an all-time high. Whether the Eagles bring him back or he cashes in elsewhere, teams looking for a high-energy, versatile linebacker should be all over him. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Baun gives the Eagles a bit of a discount. History shows that players tend to show love to teams that revived their careers, and Philly gave Baun the platform to finally shine.
Projected Contract: 3 years $36- $40 million ($12M APY, $20- $24 million guaranteed)
9. Alaric Jackson (OT) Los Angeles Rams:
Alaric Jackson reminds you of that feel-good moment in a sports movie the underdog who beats the odds and makes it. After going undrafted out of Iowa in 2021, he’s worked his way up in the NFL and proven he belongs. Now, heading into free agency, he’s set to cash in after becoming a key piece of the Rams’ offensive line. At 6’7” and 345 pounds, Jackson has the size, strength, and mobility to be a rock-solid left tackle. In 2024, he started 14 games, missing the first two due to a suspension, but that didn’t slow him down. He put together his best season yet, earning a 78.3 PFF grade, ranking 18th among all tackles, while allowing pressure on just 4.7% of pass plays. His 79.5 pass-blocking grade shows how reliable he is at keeping his QB clean, and with a 75.9 run-blocking grade, he’s proving he can do it all. Jackson wasn’t just a fill-in he became a legit anchor on the Rams O-line. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and his physicality shows up every snap. Whether he stays in LA or lands elsewhere, he’s about to get the payday he’s earned.
Projected Contract: 4 years $50- $55 million ($14M APY, $30- $32 million guaranteed)
10. Milton Williams (DT) Philadelphia Eagles:
Milton Williams is a young star in the making at just 25 years old, and he’s only getting better. With his prime years still ahead of him. Williams is the kind of player who can help a team build a dominant defensive line for the long haul. Standing at 6’3”, 290 pounds, Williams brings a rare mix of athleticism and violence, making him a disruptive force in the trenches. In 2024, he racked up 24 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble, showing his ability to impact both the run and pass game. His versatility allows him to line up across the defensive front, using his quick first step and relentless motor to create problems for offensive linemen. He also stepped up in the playoffs, adding 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win over the Chiefs. As he enters free agency, Williams is in a great position to secure a bigger role. Whether the Eagles keep him, or he finds a new home, teams looking for a young, explosive defensive lineman should be all over him. With the right opportunity, he could be one of the best signings of the offseason.
Projected Contract: 4 years $84- $90 million ($22M APY, $35- $40 million guaranteed)
