The first wave of free agency has passed with many of the top players now off the market.
The headlines have been filled with massive contract extensions, trades, and roster reshuffling, but there is still talent available.
Here are the top five remaining players in free agency.
Aaron Rodgers
The Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes have reportedly narrowed down to three teams, the Steelers, Vikings, and Giants, though the Vikings are reportedly not interested right now.
The former MVP brings the highest ceiling of the remaining free agents.
A return to his vintage self would be a huge boost for any of these teams, but he will want to join a playoff contender.
The Giants and Steelers are awaiting a response from the Rodgers camp regarding their offers.
These would be vastly different scenarios for the former Jet.
With the Steelers, Rodgers would pair with a great coach and a top defensive unit.
The Giants are unlikely to be a playoff team with the addition of Rodgers, and his role in New York might be to mentor their eventual franchise quarterback.
The dark horse candidate for Aaron Rodgers is the Minnesota Vikings.
They have a talented roster and a young quarterback who missed the past season due to injury.
The Vikings appear ready to have J.J. McCarthy take charge, but Rodgers could be a great bridge for them if that changes in the coming weeks.
Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith was released by the Lions to save cap space during the first wave of free agency.
He fell just short of another double digit sack season with the Browns and Lions in 2024.
The three time Pro Bowler has amassed 69 sacks during his 10-year career, playing for five different teams.
The Ravens, Commanders, Eagles, and Bengals have all been linked as potential fits for Smith.
It is also possible that Detroit will re-sign him on a team friendly deal.
Smith would be a productive veteran addition to almost any NFL defense.
Joey Bosa just received a one-year, $12.6 Million deal from the Buffalo Bills.
Expect Smith to demand a similar salary from his new team.
Matthew Judon
Judon was once an elite edge rusher in New England, where he had 32 sacks in 38 games.
Then the Patriots traded Judon, and he took a big step back in the final year of his deal with the Falcons.
Despite playing in all 17 games, Judon only managed 5.5 sacks in 2024, which is his lowest in a full season since his rookie year.
The former Patriot's age is also a big concern (32).
Judon is competing with a deep free agent pool and stellar draft class at his position.
Perhaps a change of scenery can rejuvenate Judon’s career.
He is just two seasons removed from a 15.5 sack campaign, and the right coaching staff could turn back the clock.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. is a young and talented corner who could upgrade many secondaries in the league.
Samuel only played in 4 games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury.
In 2023, Samuel played all 17 games and 94.2% of the snaps.
He had the 16th lowest target rate and ranked top five in pass breakups with 10.
He has had some trouble tackling but his coverage skills are undeniable.
The Chargers' corner could be a high upside CB2 for a struggling defense, and that team won’t have to break the bank to sign him.
The Cardinals, Bengals, Commanders, and Ravens have all been rumored to be interested in signing the 24-year-old.
We will see which team can get ink to paper.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson appears to be the second choice veteran quarterback in this free agency class.
His previous season with the Pittsburgh Steelers did not warrant an immediate extension, but it showed enough promise for QB-needy teams to have interest.
Wilson has shown a subtle decline in his completion percentage and QB Rating since his days in Seattle.
He has shown a much steeper decline in his scrambling ability in his old age.
Wilson, now 36, had the lowest rushing numbers of his entire career in 2024, averaging just 3.6 yards per rush.
All the teams interested in Aaron Rodgers have also shown interest in Wilson.
The former Seahawk and Super Bowl Champion might be a better fit than Rogers in a mentor-type role.
The New York Giants or Minnesota Vikings could be an ideal fit for this scenario.
These teams might wait for Rodgers to make a final decision before going all in on Wilson.
