As the NFL regular season winds down and playoff pictures come into focus, front offices across the league are already shifting gears toward roster building for 2026. While the NFL Draft will dominate headlines in the coming months, free agency remains just as critical-especially when it comes to adding proven veterans who can contribute right away.
For a handful of West Virginia University alumni currently in the league, this offseason could bring new opportunities, new contracts, and potentially new homes. Let’s take a closer look at the Mountaineers who could be on the move when free agency opens this spring.
David Sills, WR - Atlanta Falcons
After bouncing around practice squads and depth charts over the past few seasons, David Sills may have finally carved out a niche for himself in Atlanta. Signed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal, Sills stepped up in the second half of the season, catching 11 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns over the final six games.
While those aren’t headline-grabbing numbers, they show a receiver who can be counted on when called upon-especially in red zone situations. He’ll hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent, and given his recent production, Sills could draw interest from teams looking for depth and reliability at the wide receiver position.
Rasul Douglas, CB - Miami Dolphins
Rasul Douglas didn’t waste any time making an impact in Miami. Signed just a week before the regular season kicked off, the veteran cornerback quickly earned a starting role by Week 2 and never looked back. He’s been one of the Dolphins’ most consistent defenders, grading out at 75.1 on Pro Football Focus-his second-best season mark to date.
That kind of performance, combined with his experience and versatility in coverage, makes Douglas a strong candidate to draw interest from multiple teams this offseason. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent and should have no shortage of suitors looking for a savvy, starting-caliber corner.
Rex Sunahara, LS - Cleveland Browns
Long snappers don’t often make headlines, but consistency at that position is crucial-and Rex Sunahara has delivered just that for the Browns. Signed to a two-year deal ahead of the 2024 season, Sunahara has served as Cleveland’s starting long snapper throughout the year.
Because he won’t have three accrued NFL seasons by year’s end, Sunahara will enter the offseason as an exclusive rights free agent. That designation gives the Browns the option to retain him for another season at the league minimum. Given his steady performance, it’s a safe bet Cleveland will exercise that right and keep him in the fold for 2026.
Other WVU Alumni to Watch (Not Free Agents Yet):
- Dante Stills, DL - Arizona Cardinals Under contract through 2027, Stills has shown flashes of the disruptive interior presence he was in Morgantown. He’ll continue to develop in Arizona’s defensive system.
- Geno Smith, QB - Las Vegas Raiders The veteran quarterback is locked in through 2028. Smith has had a late-career resurgence and remains a key piece of the Raiders’ quarterback room.
- Zach Frazier, OL - Pittsburgh Steelers A recent draft pick, Frazier is under contract through 2028 and is expected to be a foundational piece of Pittsburgh’s offensive line moving forward.
- Austin Brinkman, LS - Houston Texans Set to become a restricted free agent in 2028, Brinkman is another WVU specialist making his mark in the league.
- Wyatt Milum, OL - Jacksonville Jaguars Milum is under contract through 2029, giving the Jaguars a young, promising lineman to develop over the next several seasons.
Final Thoughts
As free agency approaches, the spotlight will shine brightest on the marquee names. But for teams looking to shore up depth, add experience, or find a reliable contributor at a key position, players like David Sills and Rasul Douglas could be valuable additions. And with Rex Sunahara likely sticking in Cleveland, the Mountaineers continue to make their presence felt across the league-quietly, consistently, and with more opportunities on the horizon.
