NFL Offseason Watch: Big Names, Bigger Decisions as Free Agency Looms
The NFL offseason has officially begun, and the Seattle Seahawks are riding high after a dominant 29-13 Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots. Kenneth Walker III took home MVP honors, powering the Seahawks with 135 yards on 27 carries, while the defense forced three turnovers-including a fourth-quarter pick-six from Uchenna Nwosu. Kicker Jason Myers also etched his name into the history books with a Super Bowl-record five made field goals, helping Seattle secure its second Lombardi Trophy and denying New England a seventh ring.
Now, with the legal tampering period just a month away and free agency kicking off on March 11, front offices across the league are already shifting into roster-building mode. Cap space is tight.
Needs are plenty. And for teams like the Eagles, who are looking to reload rather than rebuild, this could be a golden opportunity to land impact players in a buyer’s market.
Let’s break down some of the notable names who could be on the move-and what they might bring to the table.
EDGE Jermaine Johnson II - New York Jets
Once a first-round pick with sky-high potential, Jermaine Johnson II is at a bit of a crossroads. He returned from an Achilles tear in 2025, but the bounce-back didn’t quite materialize.
Across 678 snaps, he posted a 59.5 grade in both run defense and pass rush, per PFF. That’s a step back for a player who hasn’t logged 750 snaps in a season since entering the league.
If the Jets decide to use their No. 2 overall pick on an edge rusher like Arvell Reese or David Bailey, Johnson could become the odd man out. With free agency looming in 2027, his future in New York may hinge on whether Aaron Glenn wants production now or is willing to wait for a resurgence.
CB Keisean Nixon - Green Bay Packers
Keisean Nixon brings energy and versatility, but 2025 was a rollercoaster. He posted a respectable 69.5 coverage grade, but in 10 of 18 games, his grade dipped below 60.0. He allowed seven touchdowns in coverage and gave up a passer rating of 104.8 when targeted-12th-highest among qualified corners.
At 28 and entering the final year of his deal, Nixon could be a cap casualty or trade chip as the Packers look to retool their secondary.
CB Deonte Banks - New York Giants
Deonte Banks has had a rough go over the past three seasons. Among corners with 2,000+ snaps in that span, he owns the lowest overall PFF grade (43.8) and allows a passer rating of 110.9 when targeted. But here’s the thing-sometimes, a fresh start is all a player needs.
Banks could benefit from a new system, and under a defensive mind like Vic Fangio, his raw athleticism and return skills could be better utilized. The All-Pro potential as a punt returner adds another layer of intrigue.
S Quan Martin - Washington Commanders
Quan Martin had a tough 2025. The second-year safety gave up the highest passer rating when targeted (151.8) and allowed 468 yards in coverage-seventh-most at his position. His overall grade sat at 57.8, with a particularly rough 38.6 in coverage.
Still, Martin is just one year removed from being a Day 2 draft pick. With one year left on his rookie deal, he’s a low-risk, high-upside candidate for a team looking to bolster its secondary depth.
DE Maxx Crosby - Las Vegas Raiders
Here’s the big one. Maxx Crosby is the kind of player who doesn’t just change games-he changes franchises.
Coming off a minor meniscus procedure, Crosby is expected to be ready in a few months. He’s already a five-time Pro Bowler with 69.5 career sacks and is fresh off a career-high 28 tackles for loss in 2025.
If the Raiders decide to hit the reset button, Crosby could command a haul of picks-think multiple first-rounders. He’s under contract and still in his prime. This is a name to watch closely.
WR Brandon Aiyuk - San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk has flashed star potential when healthy, but injuries have been a persistent hurdle. After missing the entire 2025 season due to ACL and MCL injuries suffered in 2024, he’s looking to bounce back. Before the setback, Aiyuk logged back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and was a key piece in the Niners’ offensive puzzle.
He’s under contract for three more years with $82 million owed, so any team eyeing Aiyuk is betting on a full recovery and a return to form.
CB Trent McDuffie - Kansas City Chiefs
Trent McDuffie has been a steady presence in Kansas City’s secondary. He played 688 snaps last season and earned a strong 75.6 PFF grade-11th best among all corners. With $13.6 million guaranteed in the final year of his rookie deal, he could be a prime trade candidate if the Chiefs want to create cap flexibility.
A proven performer with playoff experience, McDuffie would be a valuable addition to any contender needing help on the back end.
OLB Rashan Gary - Green Bay Packers
Rashan Gary is a disruptive force when he’s on. He’s coming off back-to-back 7.5-sack seasons and still has two years left on a $96 million deal.
But consistency has been a challenge. There are stretches where his production dips, and with base salaries of $18 million and $21 million coming up, the Packers could explore their options.
If he hits the market or becomes available via trade, Gary’s upside as a pass rusher will draw plenty of interest.
WR Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman’s 2025 season was turbulent. He was benched for disciplinary reasons and even landed on the inactive list as a healthy scratch.
On the field, he managed 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns. Over two seasons, his numbers sit at 59 catches for 404 yards and four scores.
He’s got two years left on his rookie deal, with $3.8 million in guaranteed money. Still young and physically gifted, Coleman could be a reclamation project for a team willing to take a chance.
CB Denzel Ward - Cleveland Browns
Denzel Ward is still a high-level corner when healthy, but 2025 saw a dip in production. He recorded 39 tackles, nine passes defensed, and one interception-down from his 2024 totals. At 28, and under contract through 2027, Ward remains a valuable asset, but his declining numbers might prompt the Browns to consider their long-term plans.
If he becomes available, expect plenty of teams to line up for a proven corner with Pro Bowl pedigree.
OL Elgton Jenkins - Green Bay Packers
Elgton Jenkins is one of the league’s most versatile linemen, but his 2025 campaign was a bit underwhelming. He logged 538 snaps and earned a 62.0 PFF grade. With a $24.8 million cap hit next season, the Packers may have to make a tough call.
For teams in need of interior line help, Jenkins could be a plug-and-play starter with Pro Bowl upside.
S Budda Baker - Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker continues to be one of the most productive safeties in the league. After a monster 2024 with 164 tackles, he followed that up with 120 tackles, 0.5 sacks, five pass breakups, one interception, and a fumble recovery in 2025. At 30, he’s still playing at a high level and has two years left on his deal.
If Arizona looks to reset, Baker could be a top-tier veteran addition for a contender.
OT Jawaan Taylor - Kansas City Chiefs
Jawaan Taylor battled through injuries again in 2025, appearing in just 12 games and missing time with a significant elbow/triceps issue. With a hefty contract-four years, $80 million signed in 2023-Taylor could be a cap casualty as the Chiefs look to reallocate resources.
When healthy, he’s a solid tackle. But durability concerns cloud his future in Kansas City.
WR Quentin Johnston - Philadelphia Eagles
Quentin Johnston stepped up in 2025, hauling in 51 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns. With A.J. Brown’s status uncertain and Johnny Wilson returning from injury, Johnston could be a key figure in Philly’s passing game moving forward.
He’s a 2023 first-round pick who’s starting to deliver on his promise-and could be due for an even bigger role in 2026.
WR Dontayvion Wicks - Green Bay Packers
Dontayvion Wicks has flashed at times but has yet to break out. He finished 2025 with 30 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns across 14 games. Through three seasons, he’s yet to top 40 catches in a single year.
Still, Wicks has chemistry with quarterback Sean Mannion and could be a sleeper candidate for a larger role if given the opportunity.
What’s Next?
As we inch closer to free agency, teams are already drawing up their offseason blueprints. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade