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10 NFL Draft Picks That Made No Sense Then—And Still Don’t

Every year, the NFL has its annual draft to see which highly touted collegiate player lands to begin their NFL careers.  A lot happens behind the scenes, where teams trade picks, players, and assets to acquire the draft picks they desire based on scouting data they’ve obtained over the years, and on their attendance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Then, when late April comes around, the lights and cameras shine on the NFL, as we watch Roger Goodell call the names of college players on the podium and announces what team drafts them. However, just like the draft, some draft picks make us scratch our heads every time these names are mentioned in conversation, how they flopped at the professional level, and all the trades and assets certain NFL teams give up to draft these guys, only to see them flop and not develop into the star they hoped for. Let’s take a look at 10 NFL Draft Picks that somehow still make zero sense to us, and why they were drafted in the first place. Which draft selection did not make sense for several NFL teams? Buccaneers pick Roberto Aguayo in the second round of the 2016 NFL DraftNov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports When NFL teams draft a kicker, they usually tend to draft them in the very late rounds of the draft. That wasn’t the case with Roberto Aguayo, who was drafted by the Buccaneers with the 59th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  Bucs’ general manager Jason Licht traded away third and fourth round picks to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and acquire the two-time All-American, thinking he was going to be their kicker long-term. With his strong legs and kicking, he brought the Florida State Seminoles. Instead, Aguayo flopped in the league, converting 22 of 31 field goals as a rookie, converting 32 of 34 extra points, and was waived in 2017. Aguayo bounced around the league with brief stints with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots, and has a 71 percent field goal percentage. Aguayo was the highest drafted kicker since Mike Nugent back in 2005, but Nugent had a longer career and had a field goal percentage of 81 percent.  This pick will always have our heads scratching on why the Bucs gave up some draft assets to select a kicker that early. Commanders drafting Emmanuel Forbes over Christian Gonzalez in 2023Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports The Commanders drafted Forbes with the 16th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a shutdown corner and keep opposing wide receivers under control.  Then Commanders’ general manager Martin Mayhew referred to Forbes as “the total package.” Instead, Forbes was benched midway through his rookie season, as he had one interception and was bullied by A. J. Brown, who had 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns, in a week eight game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Forbes played in 14 games in his rookie season and started in six of them. He played in six games for the Commanders in 2024 and started in one. Even his photo was roasted by fans in 2024. Forbes was waived by the Commanders and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he has experienced a career resurgence under Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s watch, while the Commanders are stuck in cornerback mediocrity, as they failed to develop Forbes into the cornerback they hoped for. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Gonzalez was still on the board and taken one pick later by the New England Patriots, and he has become a Pro Bowler, and played very well in Super Bowl LX, even though the Patriots lost that game against the Seattle Seahawks. Raiders drafted Clelin Ferrell at four in 2019Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) jogs off the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports When the Raiders shocked the NFL world by drafting Ferrell with the fourth pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, they thought they were getting an elite edge rusher who would cause havoc against opposing offenses and replicate the production Khalil Mack left behind.  Ferrell did have an okay rookie year, as he had 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks (the most in his career so far), five pass deflections, and a fumble recovery.  However, Ferrell lacked the fierce pass-rush production. He did have 10 sacks in 58 games for the “Silver and Black,” and had to work with multiple defensive coordinators throughout his time with the team, as the Raiders have a coaching turnover problem. Ferrell would eventually get outclassed by Maxx Crosby, who was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft and has become a five-time Pro Bowler. Ferrell has had stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and is currently back with the 49ers.  Meanwhile, Devin White (who was picked after Ferrell), Josh Hines-Allen, Rashan Gray, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Montez Sweat, and Zach Allen have all emerged as defensive Pro Bowlers from that draft. 49ers trade three first-round picks to move up and draft Trey Lance in 2021Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) during warmups before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Lance’s playing time at North Dakota State was limited, but he had 17 starts for the Bison and helped the team win two FCS National Championships. Despite the limited playing time, the 49ers traded away three first-round picks (2021, 2022, and 2023) and a 2022 third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to draft Lance and make him their next starting quarterback, even though Jimmy Garoppolo was on the roster. Lance was the second-string quarterback behind Garoppolo, and was thrust into starting action after Garoppolo suffered a calf injury in a week four game against the Detroit Lions.  Lance started in two games for the Niners that season and had a 1-1 record as a starter, completing 41 passes for 603 yards, throwing five touchdowns against two interceptions, rushing for 168 yards on 38 carries, and scoring a rushing touchdown. 2022 was much rougher, as Lance went 1-1 as a starter, completed 15 passes for 194 yards, threw an interception, and rushed for 67 yards on 16 carries, as he dealt with a season-ending ankle injury in week two against the Seattle Seahawks. Luckily, Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy emerged and helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game. Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the start of the 2023 season, with the 49ers rolling with Purdy as their starting QB.  Drafting Lance made the 49ers look silly, as if they made a bad gamble, but as we mentioned earlier, thankfully, Purdy saved the day and has kept the 49ers afloat in the NFC West. Bears traded up to Draft Mitch Trubisky second overall in 2017Jun 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks on prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports After finishing the 2016 season with a 3-13 record, the Bears needed a new signal caller to run the offense on the field. They decided to take a massive gamble and traded two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the 49ers to move up and draft Trubisky. Trubisky had limited starting time during his collegiate days with the UNC Tar Heels (as he started in one season for them and played 13 games), as the Bears deemed him the best quarterback on the draft board, even though some guy named Patrick Mahomes went eight picks later and became a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Trubisky’s time in the “Windy City” felt like a roller coaster ride, as he did show some promise in his sophomore season, leading the team to a division championship, a playoff berth, and making his lone Pro Bowl in 2018. However, his performance regressed after his 2018 season, as inconsistencies piled up, struggles emerged, and opposing defenses took advantage of those struggles.  Trubisky was also a poor fit for then-head coach Matt Nagy’s system, and split the starting role with Nick Foles in 2020, as they helped the Bears reach the playoffs.  Trubisky ended up being a massive disappointment for the Bears, as they cut their losses and released him in 2021, and he has since become a journeyman backup for the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans. Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round in 2016Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Normally, when a college football player gets drafted, it’s a huge milestone. When it came to Christian Hackenberg, whom the Jets drafted with the 51st pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, it looked like a safe pickup. However, Hackenburg never played a single snap with the Jets or the NFL and just sat on the bench. Hackenburg was traded to the Raiders in 2018, but never made their final roster. He also had brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals, but also never made their final rosters. Hackenburg did play professionally in 2019, as he suited up for the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football.  Hackenburg struggled with the Express, as he completed 32 passes for 277 yards, threw three interceptions against no touchdowns, rushed for 47 yards on nine carries, and scored a rushing touchdown before getting benched in favor of Zach Mettenberger. Jacoby Brissett was taken 40 picks later in the third round, and he’s become a more serviceable backup quarterback in the league.  Hackenburg has since become a quarterbacks coach at Winslow Township High School in New Jersey. Though Hackenburg was an NFL bust, and looking back on the selection doesn’t make sense, the Jets should’ve kept him to provide Sam Darnold with reasonable support before they gave up on him years later. Isaiah Wilson getting drafted 29th overall in 2020Nov 8, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (79) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports After reaching the 2020 AFC Championship game before getting defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans decided to draft a new offensive lineman to protect Ryan Tannehill for the upcoming years. They drafted Isaiah Wilson with the 29th pick of the 2020 draft, hoping the former Georgia Bulldog would become a strong and reliable offensive tackle.  Wilson ended up getting into trouble off-the-field, as he was arrested for a DUI during the start of the 2020 season. Wilson was on the COVID list before the start and during the start of the season and wasn’t activated until October of that year. He played in four snaps during his time with the Titans and was suspended for violating team rules in December.  Wilson brought poor production to the Titans, had off-the-field issues, which resulted in him getting traded to the Miami Dolphins, but he never played a single snap for them, as he showed up late to his physical and orientation.  He signed with the New York Giants and made their practice squad in September 2021, and was released in January 2022. Wilson also became a rapper under the stage name GGBowzer and released an EP in 2021, and was suspended for three games in 2023 for an undisclosed reason.  Looking back on this pick, it still has us scratching our heads about why the Titans selected Wilson when offensive guard Robert Hunt went 10 picks later in the second round, and made a Pro Bowl in 2024. Eagles drafting Jalen Reagor one pick before Justin JeffersonPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor (18) celebrates running back a punt return for a touchdown with wide receiver Greg Ward (84) against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Apc Packvseagles 1206201126 The 2020 Eagles needed a new speedy wide receiver for Carson Wentz to work with after losing Nelson Agholor in free agency. So they drafted Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick of the draft, hoping he would bring his speed to Philadelphia as he did at TCU. Reagor ended up not panning out for the Eagles, as he caught 64 receptions for 695 yards, scored three touchdowns, and rushed for 68 yards on 14 carries in his two years with the Eagles. Reagor scored a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in a week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers, but his poor production on offense couldn’t be ignored. He dropped passes, sustained injuries, and muffed two punts in the team’s 2022 Wildcard Round playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reagor was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, had stints with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers, and was released by the Bolts after the 2025 season.  All of this could’ve been avoided if the Eagles had drafted Justin Jefferson, who went one pick after Reagor and has become one of the league’s best wide receivers.  Cardinals moving up to draft Josh Rosen in 2018Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen warms-up before playing the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Bears Vs Cardinals 2018 Looking to start fresh for the 2018 season, the Cardinals drafted UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen with the 10th pick of the 2018 draft, and he famously said, “There were nine mistakes ahead of me.” When the season started, Rosen was not just bad; he was downright awful, as he struggled against opposing NFL defenses. Rosen completed 217 passes for 2,278 yards, threw 11 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries, fumbled the ball 10 times, and lost five fumbles in his rookie season. The Cardinals cleaned up shop and drafted Kyler Murray in 2019 and shipped Rosen off to the Miami Dolphins via trade. Rosen had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings before retiring from the NFL in 2023. Rosen has since become a student at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood in 2021 and released him one year laterSep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports Looking to fix their offensive line, the Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood with the 17th pick of the 2021 draft, even though draft experts had him going later. Leatherwood played at offensive tackle for four games, but struggled and surrendered a league-high 65 pressures.  The Raiders tried everything they could to help Leatherwood by moving him to offensive guard, but they released him before the 2022 season and continued to have offensive line problems. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw went six picks later and has emerged as a Pro Bowl standout for the Minnesota Vikings. 

Read more10 NFL Draft Picks That Made No Sense Then—And Still Don’t

These 15 NFL Stars Are Still Unsigned—And Where They Need to Go (2026)

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.

Read moreThese 15 NFL Stars Are Still Unsigned—And Where They Need to Go (2026)