As Clemson gears up for the 2026 season under Dabo Swinney, the Tigers' fingerprints are all over the NFL free agency landscape. Four former Clemson standouts-each with their own story, skillset, and value-are set to headline what promises to be a fascinating offseason. According to Pro Football Focus’ Top 250 free agents list, these former Tigers are positioned to cash in, and in some cases, reshape rosters.
Let’s take a closer look at how these Clemson alums are making noise on the pro stage-and why NFL teams should be paying attention.
Travis Etienne: The Bounce-Back Star (No. 15 Overall)
After a 2024 season that didn’t quite meet expectations, Travis Etienne came roaring back in 2025-and now he’s one of the most coveted offensive weapons on the market. Ranked No. 15 overall by PFF and the No. 3 running back available, Etienne reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick.
He brought the juice back to Jacksonville’s backfield, tying for 10th among running backs with 28 runs of 10+ yards. That burst and open-field danger returned in full force, and the numbers back it up: a career-high 13 total touchdowns and just one fumble all season. That kind of production, paired with his versatility (3,798 rushing yards and 1,338 receiving yards since 2021), makes him a rare dual-threat back in a league that craves playmakers.
PFF noted that Etienne forced 46 missed tackles this past season-tied for 14th among all backs. That’s the kind of stat that jumps off the scouting report and onto the whiteboard in front offices across the league.
D.J. Reader: The Steady Force in the Trenches (No. 20 Overall)
Just five spots behind Etienne on PFF’s list is D.J. Reader, who continues to be one of the most reliable interior defenders in football. At 31, Reader isn’t just hanging on-he’s still anchoring defensive lines with the kind of consistency coaches dream about.
In his final season with the Detroit Lions, Reader once again delivered, continuing a remarkable streak: he’s never posted a PFF grade below 60.0 in either pass rush or run defense in his entire career. That’s not just solid-that’s elite-level consistency for a position that lives in the trenches.
Reader’s value goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s a tone-setter, a locker room leader, and a plug-and-play starter for any team looking to shore up the middle of its defense.
DeAndre Hopkins: The Ageless Route Artist (No. 113 Overall)
DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins has been proving doubters wrong for over a decade-and he’s not done yet.
Now entering his age-34 season, Hopkins is still out there making cornerbacks look silly. With a separation rate of 63.2%, he ranked in the top five among all NFL pass-catchers this past season. That kind of precision and route-running savvy doesn’t age-it evolves.
Hopkins may not be the WR1 he once was, but his ability to create space and make contested catches still makes him a valuable piece for a team in need of veteran leadership and reliable hands. PFF floated a potential reunion with the Tennessee Titans, where he could help mentor young quarterback Cam Ward and stabilize a receiving corps that struggled with efficiency in 2025.
Hopkins isn’t just playing out the string-he’s still making an impact.
Christian Wilkins: The High-Upside Wildcard (No. 168 Overall)
Then there’s Christian Wilkins-a name that jumps off the page for a very different reason.
Once a rising star on the defensive line, Wilkins finds himself at No. 168 on the list after sitting out the entire 2025 season. His absence followed a messy exit from the Las Vegas Raiders, with a grievance reportedly involving more than $35 million in voided contract money.
But don’t let the year off fool you-Wilkins is still a high-upside bet. A former Campbell Trophy winner known for his relentless motor and disruptive play, he’s the kind of interior presence who could thrive in the right situation. For a contender looking to add some juice to its pass rush rotation, Wilkins could be a low-risk, high-reward addition.
The question isn’t whether he can play. It’s who’s willing to bet on the bounce-back.
Bottom Line: Clemson’s NFL Pipeline Is Thriving
From Etienne’s explosive return to form, to Reader’s rock-solid presence, to Hopkins’ timeless technique, and Wilkins’ untapped potential, Clemson’s NFL legacy is alive and well. As free agency heats up, these four Tigers are poised to make major moves-and potentially shift the balance for teams in need of proven talent.
The “Clemson Pro” brand isn’t just strong-it’s thriving. And with the 2026 signing period just around the corner, don’t be surprised if these Tigers are some of the first names off the board.