New England Patriots

Every NFL offseason, free agents steal the headlines. But just because we have seen many of the big dominoes fall, it doesn’t mean the action is over. There are still proven starters sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Veterans are holding out for the right situation. Guys who can walk into a building and change the trajectory of a season. The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away… And once those picks start flying, the leverage shifts entirely to the teams. So let’s take a look at who’s still available and where they should land. Which NFL teams should these 15 free agents land in 2026? Stefon Diggs, Wide ReceiverStefon Diggs (Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images) Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. Yes, there’s off-field baggage. Yes, he got released by the Patriots despite putting up over a thousand yards. And yes, teams are clearly hesitant. But Stefon Diggs just caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and helped lead New England to the Super Bowl. That’s not ancient history—that was four months ago. At 32, he’s not going to burn past corners as he did in Buffalo, but the route running is still elite. The hands are still reliable. And the competitive fire? Still burning hot enough to scare off half the league, apparently. The Ravens make too much sense. Baltimore has lacked a reliable second option opposite Zay Flowers since his emergence, and Diggs wouldn’t affect their comp pick formula since he was released. Lamar Jackson could use a seasoned chain-mover who’s been in big moments before. A one-year prove-it deal in Baltimore could be the perfect redemption arc. AJ Epenesa, EdgeNov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) warms up prior to the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Here’s a name that doesn’t get nearly enough attention as an NFL free agent: AJ Epenesa. The former second-round pick out of Iowa has quietly put together a solid career in Buffalo—24.5 sacks and 4 interceptions across six seasons. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, he’s got the frame to set the edge against the run and the length to disrupt passing lanes. Four interceptions for an edge rusher is rare. That kind of ball production shows instincts that can’t be taught. Epenesa isn’t a featured pass rusher, but he’s exactly the kind of No. 3 edge that championship defenses need. A team like Philadelphia or Green Bay that values depth and versatility should be all over him. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Photo via Imagn Images) We’ve been here before. Last offseason, the Steelers waited… and waited… and waited for Rodgers to decide if he wanted to keep playing. He eventually signed just before minicamp, led Pittsburgh to the AFC North title, and reminded everyone that even at 42, there’s still magic in that arm. Now here we are again. The Steelers have already added DK Metcalf via trade and signed Michael Pittman. They’ve brought in Mike McCarthy—Rodgers’ old coach in Green Bay. Everything is set up for a reunion. The only thing missing is the signature. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions last year. He went 10-6 as a starter. Is he the MVP version of himself? No. But he’s still better than most of the alternatives, and Pittsburgh knows it. This feels inevitable for this highly touted NFL free agent. It’s just a matter of when. Joey Bosa, Edge Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa watches the offensive line on the field during second half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. If you’re only looking at sack totals, you might think Joey Bosa had a quiet year in Buffalo. Five sacks don’t jump off the page. But here’s what does: he led the entire NFL in forced fumbles with five. He racked up 47 pressures—his most since 2021. And Pro Football Focus graded him as their seventh-highest pass-rushing edge defender. Entering his age-31 season, Bosa isn’t the every-down force he was during his Chargers prime, but he’s still a legitimate problem on passing downs. The injuries that plagued him from 2022 to 2023 seem to be in the rearview, and he played 15 games last season. The Lions make a ton of sense here. Detroit could use edge depth opposite Aidan Hutchinson… There is also an intriguing option on the west coast, pairing Bosa with his brother Nick in San Francisco is the kind of storyline that writes itself—even if GM John Lynch has downplayed the financial feasibility. Either way, someone’s getting a proven disruptor who still knows how to finish. Joel Bitonio, Offensive GuardBrowns guard Joel Bitonio heads in after practice July 23, 2025. Quietly one of the best guards of his generation, Joel Bitonio is still playing at a high level entering his age-35 season. The 12-year Browns veteran posted a 96.4% pass block win rate in 2025—third-best among all qualifying guards—while allowing only two sacks. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler who brings both elite technique and the kind of veteran leadership that young offensive lines desperately need. Cleveland loaded up on guards this offseason, signing Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, which signals they’re ready to move on. But Bitonio hasn’t announced retirement, and he clearly has something left. An NFL contender with a young quarterback—think Cincinnati or Denver—would be smart to pounce for this veteran free agent. The Bengals need to keep Joe Burrow upright, and Bitonio has been doing exactly that for over a decade. Bobby Wagner, LinebackerJan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images There’s not much left to say about Bobby Wagner that hasn’t already been said. The future Hall of Famer put up 162 tackles for the Commanders in 2025—entering his age-36 season. He’s been doing this for 14 years and somehow keeps defying the aging curve that destroys most linebackers. Washington signed Leo Chenal this offseason, which signals they’re ready to get younger at the position. And with a new defensive coordinator in Daronte Jones, Wagner might be looking for a fresh start anyway. A return to Seattle would be poetic. So would a stint in Denver, where Sean Payton could use a quarterback for the defense. But wherever Wagner lands, he’s going to bring the same thing he always brings: 100+ tackles, sideline-to-sideline range, and a locker room presence that can’t be coached.  Taylor Decker, Offensive TackleDetroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) warms up before the game between Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. For a decade, Taylor Decker was a pillar of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. He started 140 games. He protected Matthew Stafford, then Jared Goff. And he was as reliable as they come. Then contract negotiations fell apart, and he asked for his release. Now, he’s a veteran NFL free agent. Decker is 32 now and coming off a season where his run blocking dipped, but he still allowed only two sacks in 524 pass-blocking snaps. That’s tied for 12th-fewest among all tackles. He’s not elite anymore, but he’s absolutely a starter. The Panthers could use him after Ikem Ekwonu’s devastating knee injury. Carolina already signed Rasheed Walker, but adding Decker would give them real depth and veteran leadership for Bryce Young. Decker has said he won’t sign with an NFC North rival out of loyalty to Detroit, so that narrows the field. Retirement is apparently still on the table, but if he wants one more run, there are teams that need him. Jadeveon Clowney, EdgeNov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) celebrates after he sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jadeveon Clowney has now played for seven teams in the last eight years. At this point, he’s less of an NFL free agent and more of a traveling circus act—except this circus act had 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys last season. That’s the thing about Clowney: the narrative never matches the production. People talk about him like he’s washed, but he’s hit the 8.5-sack mark in three of his last five seasons. He ranked 15th in pass-rush win rate among edge rushers in 2025. The 49ers desperately need pass-rush help after finishing dead last in the league with just 20 sacks. Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off torn ACLs, so San Francisco can’t afford to put all the pressure on them to carry the load. Clowney already has chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from their time together in Dallas. It’s almost too perfect. Cam Jordan, EdgeDec 21, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the run outs before the game against the New York Jets at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Cam Jordan will turn 37 this summer and somehow had his best season since 2021. The Saints legend put up 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss. He’s now sitting at 132 career sacks—the most in franchise history—, and he clearly isn’t done yet. The interesting part? Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones posted two words on social media a few weeks ago: “Cam Jordan.” Kansas City lost a ton of defensive talent this offseason, including Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Charles Omenihu. They need veteran pass rushers, and Jordan would come relatively cheap while providing instant credibility. At this stage, Jordan just wants to win. If the Chiefs come calling, it’s hard to imagine him saying no. Deebo Samuel, Wide ReceiverSep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) shown on the field during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Deebo Samuel posted 72 catches for 727 yards and 5 touchdowns with Washington last season—his most receptions since his All-Pro 2021 campaign. But his yards per catch dropped to a career-low 10.1, and he was barely used as a runner with just 75 rushing yards. At 30, Samuel isn’t the game-breaking threat he once was, but he can still be weaponized in the right system. A creative play-caller who knows how to scheme touches for him could unlock something. The Broncos have been the obvious connection for years now. Sean Payton has always talked about wanting a “joker” who can line up anywhere and create mismatches. Samuel fits that mold perfectly, and Denver hasn’t signed a single external free agent this NFL offseason. Bo Nix could certainly use another weapon at his disposal. David Njoku, Tight EndOct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) leaps over Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Just two years ago, David Njoku was a Pro Bowler, catching 81 passes for 882 yards despite Cleveland cycling through five different quarterbacks. The athletic tools have always been obvious—he’s a 6-foot-4 mismatch nightmare with legitimate speed. Then Harold Fannin Jr. arrived, and suddenly Njoku was the odd man out in Cleveland. He missed five games with injuries in 2025 and finished with just 33 catches for 293 yards. Not exactly the kind of production that gets phones ringing off the hook. But for a contender looking for a red-zone weapon who won’t break the bank, Njoku is worth the gamble. Baltimore brought him in for a visit. Miami has been mentioned. A return to Cleveland as the TE2 behind Fannin isn’t out of the question either. Whoever signs him is getting a player with more left in the tank than last year’s numbers suggest. Mekhi Becton, Offensive TackleOct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Mekhi Becton (73) runs on to the the field for the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The Mekhi Becton experience has been… complicated. The former first-round pick has all the physical tools you could ever want—6-foot-7, 363 pounds, with the kind of raw power that can move defenders against their will. But injuries derailed his Jets tenure, and his lone season with the Chargers in 2025 was, by all accounts, subpar. He’s still only 26… which is crazy to believe—it feels like he has been around forever at this point… and that’s young enough to believe there’s untapped potential. The danger is that teams fall in love with what Becton could be instead of what he’s shown. Any contract for this NFL free agent needs to be incentive-laden with minimal guarantees. But if he ends up in the right system with the right coaching, the ceiling is still tantalizing. Raiders, Browns, Titans—any team with offensive line questions and cap flexibility should at least kick the tires. Trevon Diggs, CornerbackTrevon Diggs (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) This signing will be just about as boom-or-bust as it gets. Trevon Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021. He was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. He was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone in Dallas for the next decade. Then came the injuries. And the drama. And the releases—first by the Cowboys, then by the Packers after just a few weeks. In 2025, Diggs played in eight games across two teams and recorded zero interceptions and zero pass breakups. At 27, he’s young enough for a bounce-back, but the red flags are everywhere. A team like Atlanta—where Dan Quinn, his former defensive coordinator, now runs the show—might take a flier on a low-risk deal. But this is purely a lottery ticket at this point. Donovan Wilson, SafetySep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) celebrates after making an interception against the New York Giants during overtime at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Every defense needs a tone-setter, and Donovan Wilson has been exactly that for the Cowboys. The seventh-year safety is a physical presence in the box who can match up with tight ends, fill against the run, and deliver the kind of hits that echo through a stadium. He had 71 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2025 while playing a hybrid role in Dallas’s defense. He’s not a centerfield-type safety—you’re not asking him to cover sideline to sideline—but as a box defender who can mix it up at the line of scrimmage, Wilson is one of the better options still available. The Chargers feel like a perfect fit. Jim Harbaugh wants toughness and physicality, and Wilson brings both in spades. Jonnu Smith, Tight EndDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) reacts in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images In 2024, Jonnu Smith was a Pro Bowler in Miami—88 catches, 884 yards, 8 touchdowns. It looked like he’d finally figured it out after years of wandering from Tennessee to New England to Atlanta. Then Pittsburgh traded for him, and everything fell apart. He caught just 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in a Steelers offense that never found a rhythm or a real place for him. The team released him in March to save $7 million against the cap. At 30, Smith is now on his fifth team in five years. That kind of instability usually signals the end. But the talent is still there—you don’t suddenly forget how to create after the catch—and a team that knows how to use him could get real value. The Chargers, Eagles, or even a reunion with the Dolphins are all viable landing spots. Smith is a scheme-dependent player, but in the right system, he can still produce.