2025 NFL free agency brought a very quick flurry of moves before things died down. But there are plenty of big names still available. These are the best landing spots for veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Cooper Kupp.
QB Aaron Rodgers: Steelers
George Pickens and DK Metcalf on the outside? If the Steelers can do a great job in pass protection, Aaron Rodgers can still throw the ball around with elite accuracy. With Pittsburgh losing running back Najee Haris in free agency (and adding Kenneth Gainwell, a solid all-around back who excels in pass protection), Mike Tomlin’s squad could suddenly be one that is leading the league in passing again like Ben Roethlisberger did twice (2014, 2018) while throwing to Antonio Brown and company.
RB Nick Chubb: Bears
The draft being so deep at running back could lead to Nick Chubb waiting around a bit to sign with a team—which ultimately might be sticking with the Browns. The Bears could certainly just draft Boise State product Ashton Jeanty in the top 10, and he can come in and do damage with the improvements Chicago made on the offensive line. But another year removed from his terrible 2023 knee injury, Chubb can be a potential low-cost option for Ben Johnson. Also, the humble superstar is a team leader who can help the Bears get back on track. This would be a fun spot.
WR Cooper Kupp: Broncos
Multiple teams are expected to be highly interested in Cooper Kupp after the Rams released him yesterday, but the Broncos stand out as the top spot for both sides. The Super Bowl LI MVP can still feast in the middle of the field—where Sean Payton is looking for guys to do more damage—and be a reliable target for second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Denver just signed dynamic tight end Evan Engram, and the offensive attack can be tough to stop with Kupp (and perhaps a running back in the draft) also in the mix.
WR Stefon Diggs: Panthers
Picking a good location for veteran receiver Stefon Diggs, coming off a torn ACL, is a challenge. He might be someone that waits until closer to the start of the regular season to sign. Houston is probably out after the Christian Kirk trade, but perhaps other opportunities can open leading up to the year. Right now, the Panthers profile as an offense where he can get targets. Diontae Johnson didn’t work out for Carolina last year, but Carolina can give Diggs a shot next to Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen, with Jalen Coker rounding the group out.
WR Mike Williams: Chargers
Justin Herbert and Mike Williams had an excellent connection, and it makes a ton of sense for the Chargers to bring the big-bodied, big-play threat back in 2025. LA lost Joshua Palmer to the Bills in free agency, and DJ Chark remains a free agent. Quentin Johnston made positive strides in Year 2, but Williams can provide more of a steady outside presence for Herbert. Williams is still just 30 years old and should have still good football in front of him.
WR Keenan Allen: Jets
The Jets are removing themselves as far as possible from the crew Aaron Rodgers brought in over the past couple of years, already releasing Davante Adams and potentially releasing Allen Lazard at some point. Keenan Allen is a fit as a savvy veteran to bring into the group for new starting quarterback Justin Fields. Allen caught seven touchdowns last season, emerging as a trusted go-to scoring option for Caleb Williams—and he can slide in opposite Garrett Wilson in New York.
WR Tyler Lockett: Raiders
Finally, Tyler Lockett reuniting with Pete Carroll in Vegas is a natural fit. While Lockett is now 32 and coming off his worst year since 2017, he’s an extremely durable player and a tremendous locker room presence—perfect for a Raiders team that’s looking to establish a culture which starts right now but lasts for years. Lockett might not put up huge numbers, but his ability to run deep over routes can open things up for Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers underneath.