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The NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams are putting the finishing touches on their rosters for the regular season, which kicks off on Thursday, September 4. Rookies are vying for spots on 53-man rosters, but the end of the draft doesn't mean the offseason is over. Some of the league's top free agents - veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Amari Cooper and Von Miller - remain unsigned. Most of these players bring more than five years of experience to the table and have been out of work for months, waiting for the right opportunity. With training camps on the horizon, teams still have a chance to land a difference-maker. Let's break down the best players still out there.
Top Offensive Free Agents Ready to Shine
On the offensive side, a quarterback and two wide receivers headline the list of available talent. Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old four-time MVP, leads the group. His last season with the New York Jets wasn't his best, but he still put up some solid stats: 3,897 ing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 90.5 rating. Whether he's ready for another season is the big question, but if he is, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be his next stop. They drafted Will Howard, but Rodgers could step in as a veteran mentor for one last hurrah. The two sides have crossed paths before, and pre-draft buzz had him linked to Pittsburgh.
The wide receiver duo of Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper brings serious credentials to the table. Both have over 10 years in the league, over 10,000 receiving yards and 60 touchdowns each. Allen, coming off a year with the Chicago Bears, hauled in 70 es for 744 yards and seven scores-perfect for teams like the New York Giants or Tennessee Titans that need a reliable No. 2 or 3 option. Cooper, who played for Cleveland and Buffalo last season, had 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. At 30, his route-running ability, size (6'1", 211 lbs) and sure hands make him a strong secondary receiver. He may even return to the Bills to build on last year's success.
Other offensive standouts include running backs Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, as well as offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.
Defensive Free Agents Poised to Make an Impact
Defensively, the secondary dominates the free agent pool. Cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr. are young veterans with a lot to offer. Douglas had a quieter 2024, failing to snag an interception after three seasons with at least four. Still, his 45 es defended over the last four years make him a solid pickup - perhaps for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, who could use help on their shaky defense. At just 25 years old, Samuel Jr. has been a force when healthy, with 35 deflections and six picks in his first three seasons, making him a promising option for any backfield.
Safety Justin Simmons could be the biggest game-changer. Last season, he recorded 62 tackles, seven es defensed and held quarterbacks to an 81.9 completion percentage. With 32 career interceptions - including two last year - he is a proven playmaker who could pair well with a younger safety on a team in need of a boost. Other defensive names still floating around include defensive end Von Miller and linebackers Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith, and Isaiah Simmons-all seasoned pros ready to contribute.
The draft may have filled a lot of holes, but these free agents prove there's still talent to be had. Whether it's a quarterback legend like Rodgers or a defensive star like Simmons, the right sign could turn a good team into a great one as the season approaches.