The house stretch of the 2025 NFL season is right here, which suggests we’re within the thick of the playoff race. This 12 months’s battle for postseason entry is especially tight, with 5 totally different division leaders holding lower than a one-game lead coming into Week 14.
Not each group has the privilege of partaking within the struggle for a playoff look, nevertheless. There are a handful, just like the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, who’re already anticipating the 2026 offseason, when tentpole occasions just like the draft and free company present alternatives for restocking. Which acquired us pondering: Which high pending free brokers have essentially the most to realize — or lose — within the last weeks of the 2025 season? And which groups may already be eyeing their companies?
This is a have a look at 5 of the largest names set to hit the open market in March, together with their present standing, their future outlook and an early projection for the place they will find yourself come 2026:
- Present standing: After nearly six years of injury- and turnover-littered motion with the New York Giants, Jones is the figurehead of a surprisingly balanced Colts assault, delivering environment friendly marks for Shane Steichen’s high 5 offense. Purple-hot to open the 12 months, he is cooled off a bit in current weeks, although, whereas battling a fibula challenge.
- What’s subsequent: The Colts signaled their intentions to construct round this rejuvenated model of Jones after they spent huge on different spots on the commerce deadline, however how Jones finishes may decide his long-term destiny, not so dissimilar to Sam Darnold of final 12 months; regardless of cruising for a lot of his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold’s flat end all however purchased his exit.
- Potential locations: Cardinals, Colts, Jets, Vikings
- Prediction: Indicators franchise tag with Colts
- Present standing: On a one-year deal in what is likely to be his last NFL season, Rodgers is mirroring the unevenness of his Pittsburgh setup. Regardless of flashing classic contact through the Steelers’ 4-1 begin, the 41-year-old signal-caller has recently seemed his age, succumbing to strain and sustaining a wrist damage amid Pittsburgh’s stoop.
- What’s subsequent: The Steelers are nonetheless within the combine for an AFC North title due to the volatility of the rival Baltimore Ravens, who’re additionally 6-6, however Rodgers most likely wants a borderline heroic end to warrant consideration as anybody’s beginning quarterback past 2025. That is assuming he even needs to swimsuit up once more.
- Potential locations: Raiders, Steelers, retirement
- Prediction: Retires
One under-the-radar free agent addition that has helped each NFL playoff hopeful
Zachary Pereles
- Present standing: Acquired by way of commerce from the Steelers previous to the season, Pickens is dominating as Dak Prescott’s new favourite goal, logging a career-high 1,142 yards in simply his first 12 video games with the Cowboys. Whereas CeeDee Lamb is the extra established identify in Dallas’ extensive receiver room, Pickens is the warmer contested-catch playmaker in the mean time.
- What’s subsequent: Pickens was notoriously emotional whereas taking part in for Pittsburgh, however he is been nothing however a group participant in Dallas, and his manufacturing suggests he is due for a monster payday. The query, as is commonly the case with Cowboys stars, is whether or not proprietor Jerry Jones will extend fairly than rush to resolve pending contract talks.
- Logical suitors: Chargers, Cowboys, Jets, Patriots, Raiders
- Prediction: Re-signs with Cowboys
- Present standing: A former first-round draft decide, Linderbaum is within the midst of his fourth season because the anchor of Baltimore’s entrance, which is not having fun with its best season blocking for Lamar Jackson however nonetheless has Baltimore as a top-five dashing offense. Preliminary Professional Bowl voting suggests he is additionally on his technique to a 3rd straight all-star nod.
- What’s subsequent: The Ravens declined Linderbaum’s fifth-year choice previous to the season, they usually reportedly aren’t near a long-term take care of the veteran heart. Nonetheless, he figures to be atop the membership’s precedence checklist in free company, particularly if Baltimore finds a technique to reclaim the AFC North and make it into the postseason.
- Logical suitors: Jaguars, Jets, Lions, Raiders, Ravens, Titans
- Prediction: Indicators with Titans
- Present standing: The face of offseason headlines due to a years-long contract dispute with Cincinnati, Hendrickson is sidelined from the Bengals’ cross dashing rotation because of lingering accidents. The All-Professional sack artist began 2025 sturdy with 4 sacks in his first six video games however has no clear timeline to return.
- What’s subsequent: The Bengals are attempting to forge a determined playoff push with out Hendrickson, leaning upon the return of fellow standout Joe Burrow, and all indications are the previous is destined for brand new pastures this offseason. After repeatedly eyeing a commerce out of city, Hendrickson is because of take a look at the market.
- Logical suitors: Buccaneers, Chargers, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens
- Prediction: Indicators with Chargers
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