Overview:

Every year in the NFL we play the same song and dance of “who gets franchised tagged?” and “Where does player xyz end up?”. Well this year is no different, here is my take on the best landing spots for the league’s top 5 (non-QB) free agents.

Free Agents:

1. Tee Higgins- Higgins is coming fresh off of a 900yard 10TD season where he dealt with a lingering quad injury. Regardless he is, without a doubt, the most high-profile receiver hitting free agency this year. I believe when the dust settles Higgins will end up signing back with the Bengals under a long-term deal. There is an argument to be made that the Bengals should prioritize the defensive side of the ball this offseason. However, Bengals ownership understands what sells tickets. They want to see their offense remain one of the more feared groups in the league. With Joe Burrow, Chase and Higgins at the helm that would certainly be the case. 

2. Jevon Holland- Holland would be hitting free agency as the best defensive player on the market. Unfortunately for him he plays safety. In a perfect world he would go to a potential contender that is in need of some help in the secondary (cough cough Denver or Buffalo). With the tag only costing Miami a little over $18M I don’t see a world where they let him walk away. So my prediction here is rather simple, the best defensive free agent stays right where he’s at in that Miami secondary. 

3.Chris Godwin- Godwin is the first player I have ended up in a new jersey for this 2025 season. Despite playing in tandem with Mike Evans his entire career Godwin has earned a reputation that will lead teams to believe he could be their bonafide WR1. To me the NE Patriots jump out as a prime spot for Godwin to land. Young QB, check, a ton of cap space, check, and lastly a glaring need for a WR1, also check. This would give Maye a huge stepping stone for a year two leap while also freeing the Pat’s front office to use their draft capital on bolstering the O-line.

4. D.J. Reed- Reed has proven over his 7 year NFL tenure that he can be a beyond serviceable corner. He hits free agency now looked at as an older vet (28yrs old) who can beef up a weak CB room. I fully expect Washington to make a move for him this offseason, immediately addressing one of their bigger offseason needs. He would make a perfect addition to their defense, bringing help to a young secondary that struggled last year.

5. Josh Sweat- Sweat put on a show in SBLIX, making Patrick Mahomes scramble for his life all game. In doing so he earned himself what will be a pretty hefty payday this offseason. Despite all of the teams that need edge help I think Sweat will find himself in Denver. The Broncos need to make some additions to their D-line this offseason. Albeit they need DT help more than edge but, adding a player like Sweat will make all of their DTs’ lives a lot easier. Denver made the playoffs in part due to a league leading 63 sacks. Bringing in Sweat will all but assure they are at the top of the sack category again in 2025. The cherry on top is they watched him torment a divisional rival for 60 minutes on the biggest stage.