Get ready for the upcoming NFL free agency period, which promises to be just as thrilling as ever! The 2025 season showcased an incredible level of competitiveness, with some traditional powerhouses missing out on the playoffs while new faces dominated the scene. The Seattle Seahawks, for instance, emerged as champions in Super Bowl LX, proving that the league is anyone's game.
This competitive landscape sets the stage for an exciting free agency period, where teams have the opportunity to make bold moves and shape their rosters for success. The Seahawks' championship run was a testament to the impact of free agency, as they signed key players like quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence last season.
With that in mind, let's dive into the teams that need to make the biggest splashes in free agency this year.
Rank 1: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are still licking their wounds after watching the Seahawks hoist the Lombardi Trophy. If a few plays had gone differently in the NFC Championship Game or even during the regular season, it could have been the Rams celebrating. This disappointment should serve as a catalyst for the Rams to revisit the winning formula from their 2021 Super Bowl-winning season. General manager Les Snead has already expressed his intention to make the most of the final years with quarterback Matthew Stafford, who, despite turning 38, had his best season yet and won the league's MVP award.
With a decent amount of projected cap space, Snead should focus on addressing the weak spot at cornerback. The Rams have a few pending free agents at this position, including Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, and Roger McCreary. However, there are some intriguing options on the open market, such as Jaylen Watson from Kansas City, Jamel Dean from Tampa Bay, and Alontae Taylor from New Orleans. These players could be the missing pieces for a Rams team aiming for a championship.
Rank 2: New England Patriots
The Patriots' successful turnaround in 2025 was largely due to key free agent acquisitions. New head coach Mike Vrabel received significant contributions from veterans like Milton Williams, Morgan Moses, Stefon Diggs, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane, which helped the team reach the AFC championship. Now, the challenge is to build on that success.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has a favorable cap situation heading into this free agency cycle, with just under $40 million in available space. Wolf should continue the philosophy that transformed the Patriots into instant winners.
The obvious areas of concern for the Patriots are the supporting cast around quarterback Drake Maye. The team struggled to protect him in the postseason, and the lack of receiving threats became evident. Additionally, the Patriots could use some help at the edge rusher position, with K'Lavon Chaisson set to become an unrestricted free agent after a breakout year.
There has been speculation about a blockbuster trade for a star like Las Vegas' Maxx Crosby or Philadelphia's A.J. Brown, but it's more likely that the Patriots will stick to a conservative approach, signing players with lower profiles who can fill important roles, similar to what worked for them last season.
Rank 3: Washington Commanders
The Commanders have one of the most intriguing situations in the league, with over $70 million in projected salary-cap space and a roster full of upcoming free agents. Washington reached the NFC Championship Game two years ago with quarterback Jayden Daniels winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, but injuries to Daniels set the team back.
General manager Adam Peters has a lot of decisions to make, from addressing aging veterans with expiring contracts (like Deebo Samuel, Bobby Wagner, and Zach Ertz) to considering potential extensions for players like left tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive tackle Daron Payne. The offense needs more weapons at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, while the defense must improve at edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and cornerback.
Some potential free agent targets for the Commanders include Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III, Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely, and Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce. On defense, players like Jaelan Phillips from Philadelphia, Quay Walker from Green Bay, Devin Lloyd from Jacksonville, and Bryan Cook from the Kansas City Chiefs could be valuable additions.
Rank 4: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have an interesting approach to free agency, with general manager Joe Hortiz preferring to build through the draft and retain talent. However, the team has some major holes in their offensive line that need addressing. Center Bradley Bozeman retired last month, and there are questions at both guard positions, with one starter, Zion Johnson, becoming a free agent and the other, Mekhi Becton, underperforming in his first season.
Hortiz has ample cap space to work with, around $84.5 million, and his ties to the Baltimore Ravens could influence his free agency strategy. Speculation suggests he might be interested in Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum if he reaches free agency. Other potential targets include Connor McGovern and Tyler Biadasz from Buffalo, and Daniel Faalele from the Ravens.
The Chargers have made the playoffs in both of head coach Jim Harbaugh's first two seasons, but last season was challenging due to injuries to offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, resulting in quarterback Justin Herbert being sacked 54 times, the second-highest in the league.
Rank 5: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were expecting to be annual contenders after reaching Super Bowl LVI and the AFC title game in 2022, but the past three seasons have been disappointing, with Cincinnati missing the playoffs altogether. Quarterback Joe Burrow's injury woes, missing seven games in 2023 and nine in 2025, have been a major factor. Additionally, the defense has consistently failed to deliver in crucial moments.
The good news is that the Bengals have $47.7 million in projected salary-cap space to improve key defensive positions. The team played better defense in the second half of the season under first-year coordinator Al Golden, and the goal now is to maintain that momentum.
One of the biggest questions for the Bengals is the future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has been involved in contentious contract talks for the past two years. It's unclear how this situation will unfold, but Cincinnati will likely focus on defensive help in free agency. Director of player personnel Duke Tobin has acknowledged that the team has the resources to make some significant moves.
The Bengals value versatility and leadership in new additions, and players like Denver's Jonathan Franklin-Myers, Kansas City's Leo Chenal, Jacksonville's Devin Lloyd, Seattle's Coby Bryant, and the Rams' Kam Curl could fit that mold. The team also has some promising young talent, like edge rushers Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, and defensive backs Dax Hill and DJ Turner II, but they need to add more playmakers to their defense.
The AFC North is wide open, as last season's division winner, the Pittsburgh Steelers, only had 10 wins, and the division was decided in a Week 18 battle between them and the eight-win Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals have the opportunity to get back into the mix if they make the right moves in free agency.
