NFL · 1 hour ago

Ranking the Best Available 24 NFL Free Agents Right Now

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

23. DJ Reader (DT)
DJ Reader is not going to juice a pass rush, but 330-pound interior run stuffers with his track record still have value.
23 Best Available NFL Free Agents
This is our final update before the cards start flying in Pittsburgh. With the 2026 NFL Draft now just two days away (April 23–25), the veteran market is seeing one last flurry of activity as teams secure their "Plan B" options.

The offensive line market, in particular, has stabilized with two major veteran anchors finding homes: former Kansas City Chief Jawaan Taylor joined the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $5 million deal, and Daniel Faalele (formerly our No. 23 ranked free agent) has officially signed to bolster the New York Giants' interior protection.

Even with those big names off the board, the pool of available talent remains deep for franchises looking for a "safety net" before the rookie class arrives. From high-upside specialists to battle-tested starters, these remaining players represent the final opportunity for contenders to patch critical roster holes before pivoting their full attention to the podium.

Here are the 23 best free agents still available as of our final pre-draft refresh on April 21.
1. Jauan Jennings (WR)
Operating as a 6-foot-3 "power slot" receiver, Jauan Jennings tallied a career-high nine touchdowns for the 49ers in 2025. His elite run blocking and physicality at the point of attack make him especially valuable in modern wide-zone offenses.
2. Joey Bosa (EDGE)
Though no longer the every-down force of his prime, Joey Bosa can still deliver splash plays, as evidenced by his league-leading five forced fumbles last season.
3. Aaron Rodgers (QB)
At 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers is contemplating retirement following a wild-card defeat with the Steelers. Rodgers' mobility has declined significantly, but the future Hall of Famer's arm strength is still elite. With Pittsburgh hiring Mike McCarthy as head coach, the expectation is that Rodgers will return for one final season.
4. Taylor Decker (LT)
Taylor Decker enters the open market after a distinguished decade with the Lions, having requested his release after refusing a substantial pay reduction. While 2025 game film showed signs of physical decline against bend-heavy edge rushers, capable offensive tackles remain incredibly scarce.
5. Stefon Diggs (WR)
On the field, Stefon Diggs remained productive in 2025, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards with New England. Off the field, however, pending felony strangulation and assault charges stemming from a December altercation with his personal chef have overshadowed his football value. The Patriots released Diggs ahead of a $6 million guarantee, and teams are unlikely to pursue him until the legal situation is resolved.
6. Deebo Samuel (WR)
Deebo Samuel's 72 receptions last season were his most since his All-Pro 2021 campaign. Samuel has lost some explosiveness, but he can still be effective in a creative offense.
7. Joel Bitonio (LG)
The expiration of Joel Bitonio's contract triggered a massive $23.5 million dead cap acceleration for the Browns, who preemptively signed Zion Johnson in free agency to replace him. The 34-year-old, seven-time Pro Bowler is currently mulling retirement. If Bitonio decides to return for a 13th season, it will likely be on a heavily discounted deal to chase a championship.
8. David Njoku (TE)
David Njoku suffered a sharp statistical regression in 2025, catching just 33 passes for 293 yards amid poor quarterback play and the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in Cleveland. Despite the down year, the 29-year-old remains a premier athletic mismatch with elite straight-line speed and leaping ability.
9. Jadeveon Clowney (EDGE)
Jadeveon Clowney has played for six teams in the past seven seasons but continues to make an impact wherever he goes. Last year with the Cowboys, Clowney ranked third in the NFL in pressure rate (19.1%) and racked up 8.5 sacks in 13 games.
10. Trevon Diggs (CB)
Trevon Diggs has played just 21 games over the past three seasons due to a torn ACL, lingering groin and knee issues, and a concussion. His turbulent 2025 campaign ended with a December release from the Cowboys after a dispute with coaches, followed by a brief 34-snap stint with the Packers before being cut again before the new league year. Despite failing to record an interception last year, the 27-year-old's elite ball-hawking pedigree makes him an intriguing candidate for a short-term, "prove-it" deal.
11. Bobby Wagner (LB)
Even as he enters his age-36 season, Bobby Wagner continues to defy expectations. The future Hall of Famer recorded 162 tackles for the Commanders in 2025, becoming just the third player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 career combined tackles. Wagner no longer possesses the elite sideline-to-sideline speed of his prime, but his unparalleled instincts and locker-room leadership make him an ideal veteran for a championship contender.
12. Kevin Zeitler (RG)
Kevin Zeitler is now 36, yet he remains incredibly reliable. While Zeitler's 2025 pass-blocking success rate of 92.4% was his lowest in five years, the 14-year veteran is still playing at a high level.
13. A.J. Epenesa (EDGE)
Still just 27 years old, A.J. Epenesa is one of the younger premium-position players left on the market. Cleveland backed out of a one-year agreement after his physical, but Epenesa still brings a long frame, edge-setting strength, and rare ball production for a pass rusher, with 24.5 sacks and four interceptions over six NFL seasons.
14. Cameron Jordan (EDGE)
A free agent for the first time after 15 highly productive seasons with the Saints, 36-year-old Cameron Jordan turned back the clock in 2025, recording double-digit sacks (10.5) for the seventh time in his career.
15. Jonnu Smith (TE)
Pittsburgh released Jonnu Smith in early March, but the veteran tight end still has value as a matchup piece, with 68.4% of his career receiving production coming after the catch.
16. Haason Reddick (EDGE)
The past two seasons for Haason Reddick have been disappointing, but he does have a four-year run of double-digit sacks on his resume. At this stage of his career, Reddick is best utilized as a high-upside situational specialist who can still overwhelm tackles with his elite get-off.
17. Calais Campbell (DL)
Still defying Father Time, Calais Campbell remains a towering, disruptive force. Set to turn 40 next season, Campbell's presence on the defensive line is matched only by his unparalleled leadership in the locker room.
18. Tyreek Hill (WR)
The Dolphins released Tyreek Hill in February after his 2025 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury suffered in Week 4. Now 32, Hill’s market will hinge largely on medical evaluations, with the Chiefs and Chargers reportedly showing interest.
19. Marshon Lattimore (CB)
A four-time Pro Bowler, Marshon Lattimore struggled through nine games last season, posting career-low coverage metrics before suffering a torn ACL. A transition to a zone-heavy scheme on a low-risk, incentive-laden contract might be the exact recipe needed to revive his career.
20. Keenan Allen (WR)
Keenan Allen rejoined the Chargers on a one-year deal last season, finishing with 81 catches for 777 yards. While the 34-year-old's game lacks explosive, big-play upside at this stage of his career, Allen's elite route-running and exceptionally reliable hands keep him firmly planted as a premium chain-mover.
21. Darren Waller (TE)
After coming out of retirement, Darren Waller proved he still has something to offer, hauling in six touchdowns across nine games for the Dolphins before suffering a season-ending groin injury. Turning 34 in September, Waller remains a highly effective red zone weapon but comes with major durability concerns.
22. Najee Harris (RB)
Najee Harris saw his 2025 campaign wiped out by a torn Achilles. Before that setback, the 28-year-old had rallied off four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while earning a solid 86.0 PFF rushing grade during that span.
23. DJ Reader (DT)
DJ Reader is not going to juice a pass rush, but 330-pound interior run stuffers with his track record still have value.
23 Best Available NFL Free Agents
This is our final update before the cards start flying in Pittsburgh. With the 2026 NFL Draft now just two days away (April 23–25), the veteran market is seeing one last flurry of activity as teams secure their "Plan B" options.

The offensive line market, in particular, has stabilized with two major veteran anchors finding homes: former Kansas City Chief Jawaan Taylor joined the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $5 million deal, and Daniel Faalele (formerly our No. 23 ranked free agent) has officially signed to bolster the New York Giants' interior protection.

Even with those big names off the board, the pool of available talent remains deep for franchises looking for a "safety net" before the rookie class arrives. From high-upside specialists to battle-tested starters, these remaining players represent the final opportunity for contenders to patch critical roster holes before pivoting their full attention to the podium.

Here are the 23 best free agents still available as of our final pre-draft refresh on April 21.

Ranking the Best Available 24 NFL Free Agents Right Now

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