Every NFL team’s highest-graded pending free agent from 2025
- The Jets have a difficult decision to make on Breece Hall: The running back enjoyed arguably the best season of his solid career with an 83.7 PFF rushing grade, 40 missed tackles forced and 17 runs of 15 or more yards.
- Ja’Quan McMillian has been at his best for the Broncos during their 2025 run: The cornerback owns the second-lowest passer rating among qualified slot corners this season.
- 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: 20 minutes
The ink of the 2025 NFL season may still be printed — or have ended only a few weeks ago for most — but the professional football world doesn’t wait for many. Instead of reminiscing about past memories and/or this most recent campaign, teams and players alike have begun weighing their outlooks for 2026 and beyond.
In particular, pending free agents are already gearing up to determine their contractual worth and potential destinations. Below is each team’s best free agent by overall PFF grade from the 2025 campaign, with a minimum threshold of 250 snaps played.
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
Although Campbell may have fared a bit worse than in his last few seasons, he still stood out in his first year back with the Cardinals. The 39-year-old recorded a 72.2 overall PFF grade across 524 total snaps in 2025, placing in the 84th percentile in PFF pass-rush grade (65.1) and the 91st percentile in run-defense grade (69.2) at the position.
Kyle Pitts and Kaden Elliss are perhaps Atlanta’s two most notable free agents, but Onyemata is another quietly big one. The 33-year-old posted a 78.2 overall PFF grade in his third season with the Falcons, with run defense being his strong suit. Among qualified interior defenders, Onyemata ranked eighth in PFF run-defense grade (74.2) and missed just 3.6% of his tackles against the ground.
Tyler Linderbaum is one of the biggest fish on the 2025 free-agent market, but don’t discount Hopkins’ contributions from his latest season. The five-time Pro Bowler was limited to 22 catches for 330 yards, but he played to an 82.3 PFF receiving grade with 1.63 yards per route run. Moreover, the 33-year-old journeyman dropped just one of his 38 targets, and his 64.7% contested catch rate tied for 15th among qualified receivers.
The 2025 season came to a bit of a crashing halt for the Bills, spurring the firing of head coach Sean McDermott as questions about the team’s roster circulated. At the same time, Bosa provided a spark in his first season in Buffalo with an 85.5 PFF pass-rushing grade and a 15.0% pass-rush win rate, albeit on 654 total snaps. Bosa (74.6 overall grade) just edged tackle Ryan Van Demark (74.4) in this exercise.
The Panthers’ passing game didn’t excel as many anticipated this year, placing 26th in EPA per play. In large part, Coker’s availability influenced those results. The second-year wideout played just 498 snaps — all in Week 7 or later — but was efficient when on the field, yielding a 75.3 PFF receiving grade with a 116.7 passer rating when targeted. The good news for Carolina is that Coker should be retained as an exclusive rights free agent, presumably giving Bryce Young another young weapon back in the saddle.
The Bears entered this year with a linebacker corps filled with household names, but the unsung Jackson carved out a nice role for himself. The third-year player led Chicago’s defense with a 76.4 overall PFF grade, accounting for 18 stops across a limited 370 total snaps. Additionally, Jackson’s 81.7 PFF coverage grade was the third-best at the position among qualifiers, trailing only Fred Warner and Zack Baun.
Hendrickson’s market may be somewhat diminished compared to last offseason, but the All-Pro was still a game-wrecker when on the field this year. The 2024 sack leader picked up where he left off with a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade and a 21.5% pass-rush win rate across seven games, being limited by a hip injury for most of the season. Nevertheless, Hendrickson’s 82.9 overall PFF grade was easily the best among Cincinnati defenders to play 35 or more snaps.
After returning to Cleveland last offseason, Bush reclaimed his spot up the middle in one of the NFL’s most havoc-inducing defenses. The ex-Steeler played like one of the top linebackers in the league, ranking third in overall PFF grade (87.6) and second in PFF coverage grade (80.4) among qualifiers. Now, the 27-year-old could be in line to cash in.
Prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with PFF+
Your complete draft preparation toolkit
The preliminary results for Dallas’ acquisition of Pickens were everything the team could have desired — and more. The former Steelers standout ranked sixth among qualified receivers in PFF receiving grade (87.2) with 2.35 yards per route run. On top of that, Pickens averaged 5.1 yards after the catch per reception, which placed as a 79th-percentile figure. The 24-year-old profiles as one of the best free agents in this upcoming cycle.
Denver’s defense is extraordinarily deep and talented, which can leave a good player like McMillian overshadowed. The slot cornerback has enjoyed a career year at the ideal time, generating a career high in overall (80.3) and PFF coverage (78.4) grades right before his contract expires. The divisional round hero has played like one of the better corners on the inside this year, slotting second among 14 qualifiers in snaps per target (10.6) and passer rating when targeted (67.3).
Detroit’s injury-ravaged defense concluded the season 18th in EPA per play, mostly due to a catastrophic second half, but Maddox established himself as a bright spot. The former Eagle operated primarily as a safety, where he registered a 79.1 overall PFF grade. Indeed, across 342 total snaps, Maddox ranked in the 62nd percentile or better in both PFF coverage (75.0) and run-defense (75.8) grades.
After four solid seasons in Green Bay, Doubs will become a free agent on the heels of potentially his best campaign yet. The Nevada alum recorded a 77.3 PFF receiving grade with 1.86 yards per route run, both of which are career highs. His 48 first downs gained tied for 15th among qualified wideouts.
Houston’s offense still underperformed this last year, but its offensive line took noticeable steps forward — with Ingram leading the charge. The former Viking played to a career-high 78.3 overall PFF grade, including a 79.9 PFF run-blocking grade. The 26-year-old ended the year in the 91st percentile in positively graded run-blocking play rate as well, although pass protection remains more of a concern.
After a solid 2024 campaign, Pierce was one of the breakout stars of this last year. The Cincinnati product earned an 81.0 PFF receiving grade with 2.10 yards per route run while dropping only one of his 83 targets. His improved route-running prowess and downfield threat profile — while still being just 25 — should warrant a huge second contract.
Lloyd capitalized on his contract year, leaving little doubt about his all-around skillset. While propelling the Jaguars to rank fifth in defensive EPA per play, the former first-round pick was the second-highest-graded linebacker (88.4) to play 590 or more snaps. Impressively, the 27-year-old slotted in the 92nd percentile in both PFF coverage (78.9) and run-defense (85.2) grades.
Kansas City’s 2025 campaign proved to be arguably the most disappointing in the league, with the franchise missing the postseason for the first time in 10 years. However, Cook was a silver lining. The safety finished the year as the fourth-highest-graded safety (83.5) among qualifiers and was the only player at the position with 80.0-plus grades against both the pass and run. The 26-year-old could be an underrated pickup, although the Chiefs will likely try hard to keep him.
The Raiders probably want a redo on many of their latest offseason transactions, but Stokes was an undeniable hit. The former Packer shined with a career-best 73.6 overall PFF grade, forming a lockdown presence in Las Vegas’ defense. The 26-year-old ranked in the 84th percentile in both overall PFF coverage grade and coverage grade on the perimeter.
Even at age 34, Mack continued to excel in Los Angeles’ defense. The former Raider and Bear accumulated a 79.2 overall PFF grade — his third straight at or above that mark — with a strong 77.2 PFF run-defense grade. The veteran played only 478 snaps due to an elbow injury, but he still presents as a minimum of high-upside depth going into 2026 — if he decides to keep playing.
Curl will be inextricably tied to franchise postseason history following his overtime interception of Caleb Williams in the divisional round, and that one play nicely encapsulates his entire campaign. The safety has played to a 79.9 overall PFF grade this year, his highest since 2022 with the Commanders. His 89.4 PFF coverage grade at free safety is in the 93rd percentile, and he’s added a 4.0% run stop rate.
As new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan determines which pieces to build around in a transitive offseason for Miami, Douglas should certainly make the list. The former Bill thrived with the Dolphins, accruing a 73.5 overall PFF grade with a 67.0 passer rating allowed. The 30-year-old was especially dynamic on shorter-developing passes, sitting in the 87th percentile in PFF coverage grade on attempts taking 3 seconds or less.
While the Vikings’ offense experienced growing pains with J.J. McCarthy under center, the team’s defense was stingy yet again. Although certain contributors weren’t quite as effective, Redmond stepped into the spotlight with enhanced performance. The second-year interior defender played 793 snaps — over 500 more than his rookie year — and earned a 72.7 overall PFF grade, fueled by an identical run-defense mark. As an exclusive rights free agent, the 26-year-old should be back for another season of development in Minnesota.
New England’s run to the AFC Championship Game can be attributed to a slew of players, including Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs and MiltonWilliams — but Hawkins shouldn’t be ignored. The sixth-year safety has played like one of the best at his position this year, garnering an 81.3 overall PFF grade with an 86.3 PFF run-defense grade. The former Cal product has also missed only 10.7% of his tackle attempts, an impressive figure given his placement all over the field.
The Saints’ defense finished the 2025 season ranked 10th in EPA per play under Brandon Staley’s guidance, and the grizzled veteran Davis was a catalyst yet again. The 37-year-old secured an 80.3 overall PFF grade, marking his ninth straight campaign above at least a 73.2 mark. Moreover, Davis’s 8.2% run stop rate was in the 81st percentile at the linebacker position.
With a nightmarish 2025 season in the rearview mirror, the Giants have already gotten a fresh start on 2026 by hiring former Ravens guide John Harbaugh. The team faces questions at multiple positions, with center being one — and Schlottmann proved solid as depth last season. Playing eight games up the middle, the 30-year-old recorded a 70.8 overall PFF grade with a 77.0 PFF pass-blocking mark, permitting just three pressures across 212 pass-blocking snaps.
The Jets journey into the 2026 spring with more foundational questions than they’d like, including what to do with Hall. New York elected to keep the running back at the trade deadline despite peak interest, and his play could net a return. Hall enjoyed arguably the best season of his solid career with an 83.7 PFF rushing grade, 40 missed tackles forced and 17 runs of 15 or more yards. He also accrued a 75.2 PFF receiving grade with 350 yards through the air.
Philadelphia’s Super Bowl defense didn’t quite go as planned, with deep-seated questions plaguing its offense for much of the year. However, the Eagles’ defense looked stout yet again, especially after acquiring Phillips. The former Dolphin turned in a 77.1 overall PFF grade with his new franchise, tallying 44 pressures and 15 stops over nine games. The 26-year-old figures to be a candidate for general manager Howie Roseman to retain, although his services could be in high demand.
The Steelers’ defense ended the 2025 campaign only 20th in success rate despite fielding some tremendous talent, with Pierre announcing himself as part of that contingent. The former backup cornerback seized his increased playing time, notching an 88.9 PFF coverage grade while playing 408 total snaps. The former FAU product racked up an absurd 28.6% forced incompletion rate as well and is in at least the 91st percentile in every stable PFF coverage metric for this year.
Amid the 49ers’ slew of offensive injuries, players like Tonges were granted unexpected opportunities — and didn’t disappoint. The fourth-year tight end seemed to find a home in Kyle Shanahan’s system, producing a 75.6 PFF receiving grade with a 117.3 passer rating when targeted. With superstar George Kittle potentially missing the beginning of 2026 due to his recovery from an Achilles tear, keeping Tonges — a restricted free agent — seems important.
The Seahawks’ run to the NFC Championship Game is courtesy of standouts on both sides of the ball, with Walker as a central figure. The fourth-year running back has performed like one of the best backs in football this season, leading all rushers in overall (90.7) and PFF rushing (91.1) grade. His 20 runs of 15-plus yards and 65 missed tackles forced are also third. With Zach Charbonnet suffering a torn ACL in the divisional round, re-signing Walker is that much more critical for Seattle.
The Buccaneers’ defense started the season well but cooled off, overlapping with the team’s decline. As Tampa Bay looks to rebound in 2026, keeping Dean would go a long way. The 29-year-old played his best season yet with an 81.5 overall PFF grade and a 76.9 PFF coverage grade, ranking 17th in PFF Wins Above Replacement at the position.
As the Titans look for building blocks in Robert Saleh’s first season at the helm, Zeitler could certainly qualify. The 35-year-old was effective in his inaugural campaign in Tennessee, posting a 75.4 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 70.8 PFF run-blocking mark. The former Raven and Lion was effective on multiple types of runs, slotting in the 74th percentile or better in run-blocking grade on both gap and zone concepts.
Wagner may not have received All-Pro recognition for the first time since 2013, but he was still effective in the middle of Washington’s defense. The former Seahawk registered a 79.3 overall PFF grade, and his 52 stops were tied for 11th among all defenders. Likewise, the 35-year-old played the third-most snaps of any linebacker, demonstrating his availability despite his age.
