Landing spots for Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, other best remaining NFL free agents
To sign or not to sign, that is the question.
Much like your favorite show, every new season sees the introduction of new characters, whether you like it or not. That means fan favorites will be written off so new ones can emerge – or even a new villain.
Familiar faces like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen remain a constant, but the same can't be said for the supporting cast further down the 53-man roster.
A remade cast might have you longing for a return to the days of old, where those once beloved characters shined bright on Sundays in the fall. For now, they're relegated to free agency – with a cameo appearance just a phone call away.
Here's a look at the top remaining free agents as training camps open and which rosters each could find themselves on in the coming months:
Best remaining NFL free agents
1. Amari Cooper, WR (2024 teams: Browns, Bills)
Cooper's production fell off a cliff in 2024 after splitting the year between Cleveland and Buffalo. It was a shocking reality for the 31-year-old, who posted 44 receptions, 547 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. At 3.1 receptions and 39.1 yards per game, it was Cooper's worst season in the NFL to date.
Father Time eventually comes for all, but it's hard to imagine the receiver being zapped of his powers that quickly after totaling at least 1,100 yards in four of the five seasons prior to 2024. Cooper isn't a WR1, but he's certainly a capable complementary piece that can add depth and production to any room he joins.
At this point, he profiles in a ring-chasing role similar to the one that DeAndre Hopkins held with the Kansas City Chiefs. He's a veteran presence that can still produce and shouldn't cost too much. Whether that's for a team like the all-in Pittsburgh Steelers or a rebuilding squad with the chance for a deal at the trade deadline, Cooper should find himself a roster spot in 2025.
Landing Spots: Steelers, Raiders, Chargers
2. Keenan Allen, WR (2024 team: Bears)
Allen finds himself in the same boat as Cooper – a former star receiver that is without a seat the table as camp opens. The former Charger struggled following his move to the Windy City, finding life difficult in what was a bad situation for everyone involved. Caleb Williams was left on an island by a fractured coaching staff and everything spiraled out of control from there.
The six-time Pro Bowl receiver still managed to post a respectable season despite the odds being stacked against him, however. He finished with 70 receptions, 744 yards and seven touchdowns, showing there is still something left in the tank. Allen would benefit from a better situation. While the Bears opted for youth, someone is bound to bring the savvy veteran on board.
Landing Spots: Broncos, Steelers, Raiders, Chargers
3. Justin Simmons, S (2024 team: Falcons)
Simmons is no stranger to playing the waiting game. He signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in the middle of August last year, so this isn't unfamiliar territory for the free agent. The 31-year-old spent eight seasons in Denver prior to a one-year stint in Atlanta – earning second-team All-Pro honors in four of the last six campaigns. Despite being one of the game's better safeties, Simmons is still looking for his first playoff appearance.
The Steelers, Eagles and Chiefs all figure to be in the market for a safety. Each of them figure to offer the chance to play in a playoff game and chase a ring. If that's what Simmons is truly looking for, one of those three make sense.
Landing Spots: Eagles, Steelers, Chiefs
4. Julian Blackmon, S (2024 team: Colts)
Blackmon played through a shoulder injury in 2024, which forced him to switch positions in an effort to limit contact. Avoiding contact on a football field is a difficult task, but Blackmon should return to form following an offseason surgery.
At just 26 years old, the former Colts safety figures to be a low-risk, high-reward move. Depending on the deal being offered, Blackmon can land with a rebuilding squad like the Panthers or ink a one-year, prove-it deal with a team like the Eagles.
Landing Spots: Panthers, Steelers, Eagles
5. Asante Samuel Jr., CB (2024 team: Chargers)
Samuel also dealt with a shoulder injury in 2024, which limited him to just four games. It's certainly not a talent issue for the cornerback, who is just 25-years-old, but rather an injury one that has him still on the market. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Samuel underwent neck surgery in April and would wait to sign with a team as a result. His check-up, according to Fowler, was slated for early July.
Aside from the injury concerns, Samuel figures to be an upgrade for whatever team signs him at this stage of the offseason.
Landing spots: Saints, Raiders, Vikings
6. Kyzir White, LB (2024 team: Cardinals)
White has bounced around in the last few seasons, playing for the Chargers, Eagles and then Cardinals. He found a home in Arizona over the last two years, but has produced for every team. A 17-game starter with 137 tackles in 2024, White is a capable linebacker that has flown under the radar. The 29-year-old could be a nice addition for a linebacker-needy team at this stage of the offseason.
Landing spots: Titans, Rams, Panthers
7. Za'Darius Smith, Edge (2024 teams: Browns, Lions)
Smith was released by the Lions earlier this offseason, but told Paste BN Sports in June that he hopes to re-sign with the team. He posted four sacks in eight games for the Motor City, but could benefit from playing opposite a healthy Aidan Hutchinson in 2025. Detroit is dealing with a remodeled coaching staff, however, that shouldn't impact Smith's ability to return.
With teams always seeking help off the edge, Smith should have no shortage of options. If he decides to wait for his preferred destination, however, this could drag on.
Landing spots: Lions, Eagles, Bengals
8. Gabe Davis, WR (2024 team: Jaguars)
Davis was one-and-done in Jacksonville, failing to take the next step following his departure from Buffalo. With just 20 catches, 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games, Davis is long way away from the four touchdown game in the 2022 playoffs. Perhaps that player is still in there and someone is bound to find out what the 26-year-old can do. He is a complementary piece at this point, but perhaps a change of scenery is what the doctor ordered.
Landing spots: Giants, Steelers, Cardinals, Bills
9. Stephon Gilmore, CB (2024 team: Vikings)
Seeking his sixth team in as many seasons, Gilmore is no longer the All-Pro, Defensive Player of the Year-level cornerback at this stage of his career. However, he has been a serviceable option for teams in recent years, offering a veteran presence that is more than capable of producing. He's already won a Super Bowl and has over $116 million in career earnings, per Spotrac, meaning Gilmore can approach his free agent decision in a variety of ways. He can chase money or another ring, potentially even both depending on the destination.
Landing spots: Falcons, Raiders, Dolphins, Vikings
10. Jadeveon Clowney, edge (2024 team: Panthers)
Clowney never lived up to the hype of being the top pick in the 2014 draft, bouncing around to six different teams in the last seven seasons. Despite that reality, he has played 11 seasons and is looking to make it 12 in 2025. After tying his career-high with 9.5 sacks for the Ravens in 2023, he followed it up with just 5.5 with the Panthers last season. Clowney is a complementary piece that can work into a pass-rushing rotation, likely for a team that is dreaming big.
Landing spots: Eagles, Bengals, Lions