As we approach each new NFL free agency period, excitement builds among fans and analysts. On the other side, they are salivating and dreaming of which gamebreakers might become available next March. Prepare for next winter’s free agency class – with us! As always, it holds some fascinating new prospects who’ve displayed amazing skill and aptitude on the pitch. This article explores the performances and attributes of notable players who could make a significant impact in the free agency market.
London, Joseph, and Purdy: Standout Performances
During his rookie campaign last season, Drake London created plenty of buzz by setting career highs in catches and yards. He matched a ridiculous nine touchdowns. His talent and play on the field has helped him reach the top ranks among wide receivers. In much the same way, cornerback Joseph set himself apart with a league-leading nine picks, receiving first-team All-Pro recognition for his ball-hawking defensive skills.
Quarterback Brock Purdy made his mark in 2023, driving the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl LVIII appearance. Overall, Purdy’s season was impressive with 4,280 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes. Purdy’s reputation largely revolves around his great timing and rhythm when throwing. With his versatility and mobility to extend plays, he’s a team’s greatest asset.
Versatile Defenders: Hamilton and Gardner
Kyle Hamilton is a unique talent on the defensive side of the ball with multi-dimensional traits and disruptive abilities. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, Hamilton’s height and wingspan give him a unique intimidating factor. He has shown time and again that he can influence the game regardless of where he plays on the backline.
Or Sauce Gardner, the other defensive standout who shows off his phenomenal length at 6-foot-3 to bother and frustrate opposing receivers. His ability to pair up with opposing receivers deep downfield have turned him into an essential chess piece in his teams’ overall defensive game plan. Gardner’s ability to change the outcome of plays is an invaluable asset to any defense.
The Force of Smith and Williams
Offensive guard Smith is better known for his run game bully-ball as evidenced by his dominant 75.1% run block win rate. This achievement places him sixth in total assists among guards during the last season. Despite missing 12 games over the past two seasons due to injuries and personal reasons, Smith's foot speed and strength at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds make him a formidable force in both run and pass blocking. His pass block win rate has been on a slide as it fell to a career-low 83.1% in 2024, which leads to concerns about his consistency.
Wide receiver Williams exhibited his playmaking ability by averaging 17.3 yards per catch in 2024 and achieving career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns with seven scores. Last year, he experienced a decline in production with only 400 receiving yards after eclipsing 1,000 yards in his first two seasons. Nonetheless, Williams remains a home-run threat with great speed and smooth route technique.
Contract Considerations: Henry and Watt
Running back Henry left for free agency last summer. He signed a two-year, $16 million contract, with $9 million guaranteed. Today’s financial commitment reflects his value as a proven performer on and off the field.
Linebacker Watt will be turning 31 years old in 2026 as that would be his age-31 season. Contrary to his advancing age — Watt is officially 34 — Watt’s on-field performance has shown little sign of decline. His track record and current form would make him a prime candidate for any team looking for a veteran playmaker.
The Explosive Potential of Pickens
Wide receiver George Pickens has established himself as a playmaker with 174 receptions over his first three years in the NFL. Even more impressive, 32.2% of those receptions have gone for 20 or more yards. This statistic really serves to illustrate what an explosive deep threat he can be. Pickens’ knack for finding the end zone will only enhance his stock as a sweet free-agent asset this off-season.
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