Every NFL team’s best and worst free-agent signing from 2025
- Donte Jackson was great for the Chargers: Los Angeles’ flier on the veteran paid off with a 73.4 PFF coverage grade.
- The Packers may want to redo Aaron Banks‘ contract: The left guard finished below a 56.5 PFF pass- and run-blocking grade in his first year in green and gold.
- 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated Reading Time: 36 minutes
With the Patriots and Seahawks set to clash in Super Bowl 60, all but two teams have fully reoriented themselves to the 2026 season. As the ramp-up period continues before the start of free agency, hype continues to build around perfect matches and big names.
By the same token, it’s also a great time to evaluate how front offices fared in their quest to sign impact players last season. Below is every NFL’s team’s top addition, as well as one that it wishes would qualify for a mulligan.
Click here to jump to a team:
ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Best: EDGE Josh Sweat
The Cardinals splurged on Sweat, bringing him in from Philadelphia on a four-year, $76 million deal. His first year in Arizona was a good one with a 73.6 PFF pass-rush grade and a team-leading 47 pressures. Sweat figures to be a key building block for Arizona’s defense for the next few seasons.
Arizona’s defensive line spending spree also included Tomlinson, but he didn’t live up to his two-year, $29 million deal. Tomlinson recorded a career-low 43.2 overall PFF grade with only 14 pressures on 555 total snaps.
Atlanta’s defense was noticeably better at multiple levels this season, and the play of Deablo was a major reason for the boost. The former Raider played to a career-high 77.7 overall PFF grade, and his 78.6 PFF coverage grade tied for fourth among qualified linebackers.
Atlanta re-signed Hughes to a three-year, $18 million deal, but he couldn’t replicate his 2024 results. The 28-year-old regressed with a 57.7 overall PFF grade, including sub-59.0 grades against both the run and pass.
Awuzie was viewed as a camp flier when the Ravens signed him to a one-year deal, but his play certainly transcended that. The former Bengal sported a 75.3 PFF coverage grade with seven pass breakups across 408 total snaps. Now, the 30-year-old is one of the more underrated corners on the 2026 market.
Truthfully, Baltimore didn’t do much wrong during its last free-agent crop, but it may want a do-over on Rush. The former Cowboy disappointed after Lamar Jackson hurt his hamstring, recording a 59.8 PFF passing grade with a 5.3% turnover-worthy play rate across Weeks 4-6. Rush was ultimately benched for staple backup Tyler Huntley.
While the Bills’ defense was ultimately a major culprit for the team’s divisional round demise, Bosa added juice to the team’s pass-rushing unit. The former Charger registered an 85.5 PFF pass-rush grade alongside 54 pressures. Even though he missed 33.3% of his tackles, Bosa played well above his one-year deal and is now in line for a payday this spring.
Buffalo’s interior defensive line finished last year 24th in overall grade, and Ogunjobi didn’t do much to mitigate that. The former Steeler was brought in on a one-year deal but played only 227 snaps after serving a suspension. Even when on the field, Ogunjobi generated just five pressures and recorded a 54.0 PFF run-defense grade.
The Panthers likely expected Dowdle to be the backup to Chuba Hubbard for the majority of the 2025 season, but the former was almost impossible to keep off the field for certain stretches. Dowdle notched a 70.7 PFF rushing grade with 3.12 yards after contact per attempt and 10 runs of 15 or more yards. The former Cowboy ultimately significantly outsnapped Hubbard, even though Dowdle’s usage waned a bit at the end of the year.
Carolina’s defensive investments included spending over $54 million to lure Wharton away from the Chiefs, but the transaction flopped in Year 1. Wharton played to a career-low 43.0 overall PFF grade with a 34.5 PFF run-defense grade. Moreover, his PFF pass-rush grade fell from 71.9 to 60.4.
The Bears’ offensive line was one of the top in the NFL, and it started in the middle with Dalman’s excellence. The former Falcon ranked seventh among qualified centers with a 72.7 overall PFF grade, and his 0.31 Wins Above Replacement were the third-most.
On the flip side, Chicago’s defensive line underperformed this season — and the addition of Jarrett didn’t pan out. Dalman’s teammate in Atlanta was signed to a three-year, $43.5 million deal but produced a 56.9 overall PFF grade, including a 41.9 PFF run-defense mark.
Risner signed only a one-year deal but ultimately played 767 snaps for Cincinnati across both left and right guard. The former Viking was especially strong in pass protection, allowing only two sacks and 17 pressures across 503 pass-blocking snaps, helping the Bengals’ offensive line trend in the right direction.
The Bengals made several defensive additions that didn’t materialize, with Burks arguably being the worst in that group. The former Packer inked a two-year deal but saw only 340 snaps, which yielded a 30.2 overall PFF grade — the lowest at the position.
Best: Dl Maliek Collins
Cleveland’s defense reached the zenith of the league hierarchy in 2025, thanks in part to contributors like Collins. The veteran was outstanding before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 13, playing to an 87.2 PFF pass-rush grade with a 14.0% pass-rush win rate — both of which were top-six marks among interior defenders. The 30-year-old Collins should be back in the fold to return a formidable defensive line with Myles Garrett, Mason Graham, Alex Wright and potential newcomers.
The Browns’ offensive line tied for 30th in PFF pass-blocking grade, with players like Lucas unable to help right the ship. The former Commander struggled when filling in for injured starters on both sides, posting a 42.7 overall PFF grade and surrendering 29 pressures on 193 pass-blocking snaps.
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Best: RB Javonte Williams
The Cowboys’ offense dominated throughout 2025, with the team’s run game jumping to fourth in rushing success rate. Williams’ arrival is no accident in that. The former Bronco looked rejuvenated with an 81.7 PFF rushing grade, 54 missed tackles forced and 3.56 yards after contact per attempt. Now, the 25-year-old is well-positioned for a more lucrative deal in 2026.
The Cowboys tossed several fliers to once-touted veterans to fix their defense, and only a few panned out. That includes Thomas, who finished with just 12 pressures across 417 total snaps. Thomas’ woes likely encouraged the team to trade for Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline.
The Broncos’ defense yet again finished inside the top five in EPA per play, and Hufanga’s addition added new layers to the unit’s dominance. The former 49er bounced back from a down 2024 with a 70.8 overall PFF grade, including a 75.9 PFF run-defense grade and a 94th-percentile forced incompletion rate. All told, Hufanga ranked as the seventh-most valuable safety by PFF WAR, although J.K. Dobbins also has a good case for this honor.
Sean Payton clamored about wanting a “joker” for his offense, which seemed to be Engram. However, Engram didn’t offer reliable contributions with a 57.6 PFF receiving grade and a 7.0% drop rate. Now, Denver will presumably go back to the well as it searches for a playmaking tight end.
The Lions’ defense fell to 18th in EPA per play this year, with injuries ravaging the team’s secondary once more. But Maddox filled in well when his name was called, securing a 79.1 overall PFF grade while placing in at least the 61st percentile in both coverage and run defense. The 29-year-old seems to have found new wind as he hits the free-agent market again.
Detroit bestowed a three-year, $24 million contract upon Barnes, but the preliminary results of the big deal aren’t terrific. Barnes’ passer rating when targeted elevated from 56.3 last season to 112.4 in 2025, and his 5.3% run stop rate was in the 20th percentile. There may be some buyer’s remorse with the 26-year-old.
The Packers’ combination of few free-agent moves, coupled with none really flourishing, makes finding a top signing a bit of a murky task. At the same time, keeping McDuffie yielded some bright moments. The linebacker played to a career-high 68.2 PFF run-defense grade and missed only 5.2% of his tackles, the fourth-best mark among qualifiers.
Worst: G Aaron Banks
Green Bay envisioned having a people-mover for years to come when it signed Banks to a whopping four-year, $77 million deal. Instead, Banks was one of the worst free-agent signings by any team relative to his cost. The ex-49er finished below a 56.5 PFF pass- and run-blocking grade in his first year in green and gold.
Houston led the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter both wrecking games on a weekly basis. But Rankins also had a say in the team’s relentless efforts getting after the quarterback. The 31-year-old tallied 44 pressures on a 10.9% pass-rush win rate to bounce back in 2025.
Robinson signed a one-year deal worth up to $14 million to join the Texans’ remodeled offensive line, but he played just 59 snaps for Houston — being traded to the Browns after Week 1. It’s never ideal when your move expensive signee is gone that quickly.
Jones signed a one-year, $14 million prove-it contract with the Colts and entered training camp in competition for the starting job. By the conclusion of the season, he now projects as Indianapolis’ starter for 2026 and potentially beyond. The former Giant produced a 68.7 PFF passing grade with a 3.1% big-time throw rate before suffering a Week 14 Achilles tear, although he also added 18 turnover-worthy plays.
Worst: CB Xavien Howard
Howard was quickly ushered into a starting role after injuries depleted the Colts’ cornerback room, and the results were porous. The former Dolphin allowed 195 yards and a 139.2 passer rating when targeted across the first four games of the season before retiring thereafter.
The Jaguars’ defensive turnaround occurred due to success at all three levels, with Lewis spearheading an improved secondary. The ex-Cowboy earned a 69.0 PFF coverage grade before having his impressive season cut short in Week 16. Moreover, Lewis’ 0.96 yards per snap was the fifth-lowest mark among qualified slot corners, proving he was well worth his $30 million pact.
New general manager James Gladstone attempted to stabilize the team’s interior offensive line by adding Mekari, but the versatile veteran wasn’t great in 2025. The former Raven recorded a career-low 51.8 overall PFF grade, and his 6.4% pressure rate given up tied for the eighth-highest among qualified guards. There’s still time for Mekari to turn things around, but he didn’t play equivalent to his $37.5 million deal.
Perhaps the Chiefs’ downward 2025 campaign was jeopardized from the start, with Kansas City’s free agents amounting to very little impact. However, Hunt was a bright spot with a 78.3 PFF rushing grade — his best since 2018 — and 55 first downs gained. The 30-year-old indicated that he can still be a capable backfield member entering 2026.
Moore’s two-year, $30 million deal to join Kansas City classified as a surprise, and his early play hasn’t done much to quiet those concerns. The 28-year-old appeared on 427 snaps but yielded 27 pressures and three sacks. His 93.8 pass-blocking efficiency score tied for the third-lowest among qualified tackles.
The Raiders gave Stokes an opportunity to prove himself on a one-year contract, and he did just that. The former first-round pick was one of the best cover corners in football with a 73.5 PFF coverage grade and a 56% completion percentage allowed, ranking as the ninth-best cornerback by PFF WAR. The 26-year-old should be primed for a sufficiently larger next contract in March.
The Raiders’ offensive line tumbled in a tremendous way, and Cappa didn’t help. After inking a two-year, $11 million deal, Cappa posted a 53.5 overall PFF grade. He was especially poor in pass protection, giving up five sacks and 14 hurries.
The Chargers overhauled their cornerback room in 2025, taking gambles on players like Jackson — and they hit the jackpot. The ex-Steeler was tremendous with a 73.4 PFF coverage grade and a 14.9% forced incompletion rate, which placed in the 73rd percentile. His $13 million sum looks like a bargain.
Fresh off a Super Bowl title, the Chargers hoped that Becton would solidify the interior of their offensive line; instead, the antithesis happened. Becton slid to a 36.6 overall PFF grade, the second-worst of any qualified guard. He netted a sub-47.0 grade in both pass protection and run-blocking.
There are several notable Rams to pick for this slot, but Adams feels like the most sensible choice. The three-time first-team All-Pro dominated in his first year in Los Angeles with an 83.9 PFF receiving grade and a 106.8 passer rating when targeting. Adams helped form the backbone of the league’s most efficient offense, not to mention arguably the best receiver duo in the sport with Puka Nacua.
Rams general manager Les Snead probably wouldn’t want to redo much of last offseason, but keeping Witherspoon might cause reservations. The veteran cornerback played just 186 snaps and wasn’t effective when on the field, surrendering 203 yards on only 115 coverage plays.
Although Douglas didn’t join the Dolphins until late August, he proved to be their best defensive player. The ex-Bill ranked 14th among qualified corners with a 73.6 PFF coverage grade, and he slotted in the 80th percentile in perimeter coverage grade. The 30-year-old likely won’t fly as much under the radar this go-round in free agency.
Worst: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Miami believed it had couped a steal in Westbrook-Ikhine, but the receiver didn’t do much in his first season with the Dolphins. Westbrook-Ikhine caught just 11 passes for 89 yards on a 49.4 PFF receiving grade, dropping three of his 18 targets.
The Vikings invested at least $30 million in three separate players, but their best work came on Rodgers’ two-year, $15 million contract. Rodgers finished the season with a 74.1 PFF coverage grade while playing a career-high 963 snaps. He also nearly single-handedly defeated the Bengals in Week 3 with a record-setting 99.9 PFF grade.
Worst: Dl Jonathan Allen
Allen is one of those aforementioned big signings, but he didn’t move the needle in his first year with Minnesota. The former Commander did accrue 34 pressures, but he notched just a 45.4 PFF run-defense grade while missing 14.5% of his tackle attempts. All told, Allen’s 53.2 overall PFF grade was the worst of his nine-year career.
There are a number of Patriots who could claim this badge, but Diggs feels like the correct choice. The former Bill has proven to be a missing link in the team’s passing game, adding an 84.3 PFF receiving grade — his best since 2022 — with 2.16 yards per route run. Diggs’ 3% drop rate is also the fourth-lowest among qualified receivers.
There weren’t many misses in New England’s busy free agency period last year, but the contract given to Landry hasn’t matched his production thus far. The former Titan reunited with Mike Vrabel on a three-year, $43.5 million deal but has earned only a 59.2 PFF pass-rush grade in his first year with New England. Consequently, the Patriots will likely need to dip back into the edge defender well this offseason.
The Saints made a rarely large move when they retained Young on a three-year, $51 million contract to prevent him from leaving. In turn, Young absolutely dominated when on the field with an 86.3 PFF pass-rush grade and a 15.2% pass-rush win rate. The former No. 2 overall pick appears to have settled into form with the Saints.
The former Saint came back to New Orleans on a two-year deal worth $13 million, but he totaled a 54.9 PFF receiving grade with a measly 0.58 yards per route run over the first 10 games. Subsequently, the team waived him, and he spent the rest of the year with the Bills. Having to cut ties with a player in whom you invested that type of contract definitely isn’t what teams desire.
New York’s busy offseason included retaining Van Roten on a one-year deal, and the move was a sharp one. Van Roten was good in pass protection, registering a 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade with a 97.7 pass-blocking efficiency score. The 35-year-old was also reliable, playing the most offensive snaps of any Giant.
Several Giants could qualify for this selection, but Golston’s contract seems the most disproportionate. Despite inking a three-year, $19.5 million deal, the edge rusher played only 173 snaps and generated five pressures in that time. With New York boasting one of the deeper edge-defending units in the league, perhaps Golston’s money could have been spent better elsewhere.
The Jets took a risk on Stephens after a disappointing 2024 season, and he improved in 2025 with his new franchise. Stephens posted a 67.0 overall PFF grade with a 75.4 PFF run-defense mark. In coverage, Stephens also placed in the 67th percentile in PFF coverage grade on the outside.
Perhaps it’s unfair to qualify a two-year, $40 million deal for a quarterback as an outwardly bad deal, but the Jets may want a redo on Fields’ contract. The former first-round pick tallied six big-time throws with seven turnover-worthy plays over nine games before being benched for Tyrod Taylor. Now, it seems like New York will have another starting quarterback in 2026 — but the $30 million fully guaranteed is still on the hook.
The Eagles always seemed like the inherent landing spot for Baun when his 2024 contract was up, and he played nearly as well in his second season with the team. The All-Pro linebacker sported an 81.7 overall PFF grade, and his 83.0 PFF coverage grade led qualifiers at the position. Even at a spot where play can be inconsistent, Baun is rounding into a surefire star.
The Eagles recognized that they’d need help at edge defender after Josh Sweat’s departure, but the position remained in flux until the midseason acquisition of Jaelan Phillips. Ojulari was part of that underwhelming play, as the former Giant appeared on only 67 snaps with his new NFC East team. He recorded only a 49.4 PFF pass-rush grade in that span, too.
Gainwell parlayed his one-year contract into a career season with a 72.6 overall PFF grade. He made an impact sharing carries with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh’s backfield with a 74.6 PFF rushing grade and 36 first downs gained, and he was reliable as a receiving option with 1.44 yards per route run. The former Eagle was an unexpected engine for the Steelers’ unique style of offense, with limited downfield passing from Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers believed they had assembled a lockdown cornerback trio with Joey Porter Jr., Slay and Jalen Ramsey after some offseason maneuvering. But Pittsburgh’s hopes were rapidly dashed, as Slay posted a 58.6 PFF coverage grade and missed 16.3% of his tackle attempts. Ultimately, the 2024 Super Bowl champion was released after Week 13.
When Jones landed with Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, most expected him to take a de facto sabbatical and learn under Brock Purdy. Instead, the former Patriot was called into action after Purdy was injured — and he seized the opportunity. Jones recorded a 75.4 PFF passing grade and a 79.6% adjusted completion percentage in nine games, with his body of work potentially opening the door for a starting opportunity elsewhere.
Farrell was awarded a three-year contract primarily based on his blocking prowess, but that didn’t entirely carry over in his first season with the 49ers. The ex-Jaguar allowed two sacks on 36 pass-blocking snaps, and he was outsnapped by rookie tight end Jake Tonges by the end of the year. Farrell’s contract wasn’t necessarily monstrous, but his play didn’t seem to correlate with the value granted.
The Seahawks added a cavalcade of great players in free agency, but none stood out more than Darnold. The former Viking far surpassed his three-year, $100.5 million deal with an 81.2 PFF passing grade and a 6.0% big-time throw rate. Darnold is the sixth-most valuable player in football this year and was an instrumental reason for Seattle’s return to the Super Bowl.
To reiterate, it’s hard to really fault much of what John Schneider did this offseason, but adding Valdes-Scantling was somewhat futile. The veteran never played a snap for the Seahawks in the regular season, being released in late August despite signing a deal worth up to $5.5 million.
The Buccaneers’ season was a failure for many reasons, with one being a very injured offensive line. But Bredeson helped mitigate wounds by playing 200 or more snaps at both center and left guard. The veteran was especially great in pass protection, permitting just one sack and 20 pressures on 384 pass-blocking snaps.
It’s hard to entirely pick a bone with retaining a franchise legend, but David’s play nosedived in 2025. The former All-Pro registered a career-low 52.6 overall PFF grade, with coverage the main weakness. Indeed, David’s 132.2 passer rating when targeted was the third-worst for qualified linebackers.
Zeitler arrived fresh off a fantastic season in Detroit and continued to thrive with the Titans. Although he was worse as a run-blocker, he improved in pass protection with a 75.4 PFF pass-blocking grade. The 35-year-old was tagged with just 16 pressures all season to help protect Cameron Ward.
Although one of Tennessee’s offensive line investments returned well, the other didn’t flourish. Moore was given a four-year, $82 million pact but earned only a 61.9 overall PFF grade. The former Steeler allowed eight sacks, and his 8.2% pressure rate permitted was the second-worst among tackles to play 500 or more pass-blocking snaps.
Best: LB Bobby Wagner
While Washington’s defense finished 31st in EPA per play, Wagner still shined up the middle. The ageless wonder produced a 79.3 overall PFF grade, his fourth straight year with at least that high of a mark. Further, the Seahawk great missed only 4.8% of his tackles and recorded 52 stops. Not bad for a one-year, $9 million deal.
The Commanders got aggressive in an effort to boost their defensive line, giving Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract. However, the early results of the agreement seem to be playing out as some surmised. Kinlaw finished the year with a 46.8 overall PFF grade, including a 47.6 PFF run-defense mark and a 9.4% pass-rush win rate. In turn, interior defensive line is still an area of weakness for Washington.
