NFL Free Agency Looms: Predictions for Key Players’ Future Moves

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — With Super Bowl LIX concluded, the NFL offseason is set to unfold, bringing excitement as teams prepare for free agency and the NFL Draft. Legal contact for impending free agents begins on March 10, with the official market opening at 4 p.m. ET on March 12.

The projected salary cap for 2025 could reach $275 million, translating to a nearly $20 million increase from last year, setting the stage for potential bidding wars. Several notable players are anticipated to enter the free agent pool, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike.

Among the top free agents are quarterbacks Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. The free agency period will see key decisions made, particularly as teams apply franchise tags starting February 18, with a deadline of March 4.

Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs is generating interest as a sought-after guard. Interior linemen have gained prominence in the current NFL landscape, and Smith stands out, having not allowed a sack in 2024 and turning just 26 this June. “Several teams have him as the top overall free agent,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported.

Many speculate that the Chicago Bears may pursue Smith due to their need for interior line strength to better protect sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams. With the Bears projected to have the fourth-most cap space in the league, this pairing could be a reality.

Another high-profile player, Tee Higgins, is predicted to command a deal exceeding $30 million per year as he enters free agency. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin acknowledged the challenges of retaining both Higgins and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who also seeks an extension. “We feel like we have the resources to do it, but it all depends on how the negotiation goes,” Tobin stated.

If the Bengals cannot keep both, Higgins could find a new home with the Tennessee Titans, who may be in search of a receiver to complement a potential future first-round quarterback. Additionally, the New England Patriots lead the league in projected cap space and could be a viable landing spot for Higgins, as they currently lack a reliable primary receiver.

In New York, a potential shake-up looms for the Jets regarding wide receiver Davante Adams, who is not a free agent yet but may be cut if the team seeks to free up cap space. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated that Adams has not communicated with the Jets’ new management, raising questions about his future. “Unless we see a shift in the Jets’ strategy, a reset seems more likely,” Rapoport noted.

The quarterback market is also impacted by veteran players like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. Teams will keep an eye on their availability as they shake up the landscape. Rodgers reportedly met with Jets officials about his status but has been indicated that the team is moving on.

The league’s focus will turn toward the NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the NFL Scouting Combine, running from February 23 to March 4 in Indianapolis. With both events drawing near, team strategies for filling key positions will become clearer.

While the offseason is just beginning, the upcoming weeks promise to offer substantial changes across the league, with free agency set to spark considerable activity among franchises eager to optimize their rosters.