Sep 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) attempts to make a catch against Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images Though the start of the NFL season is drawing near, with the Hall of Fame Game behind us and the preseason kicking off Thursday, quality players remain available in free agency.
Many of the well-known names may be aging and past their peaks, but every roster — even among the league’s elite — has flaws that these veterans could help address. While teams shouldn’t expect to find many starters in this group, depth is crucial over a 17-game season where injuries are inevitable. These free agents could bolster units on one-year deals.
At worst, they could serve as mentors to up-and-coming players. Both rebuilding and contending teams could extract value from this group. Here are five of the most intriguing options still on the market:
Keenan Allen (WR, Age: 33)
At 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds, the six-time Pro Bowl selection can still function as a physical receiver for a team needing size on the outside. Allen posted 744 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in a Bears offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring in 2024.
He’s missed 13 games due to injury since 2022 but has remained productive when on the field. Just a year ago, Allen racked up 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in only 13 games.
Though approaching the age where even top-end receivers begin to decline, Allen could be a solid second or third option. He visited the Chargers last week and could reunite with his former team.
Best fits: Chargers, Steelers, Browns
Amari Cooper (WR, Age: 31)
Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) turns up field after making a catch in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Cooper shares a similar profile to Allen but showed more noticeable signs of decline last season.
The five-time Pro Bowl receiver failed to capitalize on opportunities in Buffalo, where the offense spread the ball around and a WR1 role was seemingly his for the taking. Instead, Cooper started only four of eight games with the Bills.
He tallied 547 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games between Buffalo and Cleveland. Still, Cooper remains a smooth route runner with solid athleticism and can consistently create separation in the short passing game.
Best fits: Giants, Titans, Patriots
Brandon Scherff (G, Age: 33)
Offensive line depth is always in demand, making Scherff’s continued availability a surprise.
The former first-team All-Pro turns 34 later this season but has started all 51 games for the Jaguars over the past three years. He’s been dependable in pass protection, allowing zero sacks last season and ranking 19th out of 136 guards in pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Even if he doesn’t start right away, Scherff could be one of the most reliable depth options available.
Best fits: Giants, Seahawks, Bengals
Za’Darius Smith (EDGE, Age: 32)
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES Smith’s athleticism has declined in recent seasons, leading to reduced snap counts. He’s no longer an every-down player, but his pass-rushing skills remain sharp. PFF ranked him 21st out of 211 edge defenders and credited him with 10 sacks.
He also graded slightly above average against the run. Teams in need of pass-rush depth could deploy Smith in sub-packages as a designated rusher.
Best fits: Bengals, Titans, Patriots
Christian Wilkins (DT, Age: 29)
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates after a penalty overturned a scoring play by the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Wilkins is easily the most curious case among the remaining free agents, largely due to the bizarre end to his time with the Raiders.
He signed a four-year, $110 million deal with Las Vegas last offseason but played just five games before a Jones fracture in his foot sidelined him. A dispute over whether to undergo surgery led to his release.
Reports also emerged of Wilkins kissing a teammate on the forehead in a playful manner — though the teammate took offense and reported the incident to HR. The off-field distractions and injury concerns make teams understandably cautious.
Still, Wilkins was among the league’s most effective defensive tackles in limited action last season. He ranked 21st out of 219 interior defenders, including third overall in run defense, according to PFF.
Best fits: Jaguars, Falcons, Bengals
