The Athletics Free Agent rankings

[MikePJ76]

The athletics Free agent rankings, Top 10 at each position.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6163037/2025/03/03/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2025-positions/

 

This group has plenty of name value, but age and injury concerns will complicate the market. Two of the top three are coming off serious injuries requiring surgery, and four of the top six will turn 31 before the season starts. Even Higgins — who could have double-digit suitors if the Bengals don’t tag him — has question marks: Can he produce like a WR1 without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase? Will soft-tissue injuries always be a lingering issue?

Godwin and the Buccaneers are working toward a new deal, but most of these wideouts should hit the market. Diggs and Cooper might have the most upside of the over-30 crew, but Diggs must prove he’s healthy following a torn ACL, and Cooper’s stock slipped down the stretch (albeit while playing through a wrist injury) with Buffalo.

Teams seeking speedy role players will have options: Beyond Slayton, Moore and Brown, the class also includes the Rams’ Tutu Atwell, Commanders’ Dyami Brown, Chargers’ Joshua Palmer and Saints’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

 

 

Cornerback is right behind edge for the deepest position in the class, with 19 players in the top 150, tied with wide receiver for second most. It’s also a strong group at the top, featuring several proven starters, along with useful contributors down the board.

Ward’s market could be shaped by his desire to be closer to Texas. Reed, an excellent No. 2 CB, could command No. 1 CB money. Murphy might also be in demand, although fit will be important after he thrived in Brian Flores’ highly schemed defense.

Durability concerns could impact Davis’ market, but the more intriguing health-related questions are about Adebo (who broke his femur in October) and Samuel, who missed most of 2024 with stinger issues in his shoulder that he said he “was born with.” Both appeared on track for large contracts before injuries cropped up, complicating their futures.

 

 

 

Most of the top five are at their best closer to the line of scrimmage, led by Reid. He would probably have ranked behind Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2024’s class, but his versatility and tackling will make any defense better.

Hufanga and Holland are a year or two removed from their best seasons, but the upside is obvious with both. Moehrig thrived while playing more strong safety in 2024, and Chinn is also at his best in the box.

For teams needing more of a free safety, Williams and Simmons are worthwhile buy-low candidates. Cisco and Blackmon have flashed their range on the back end, but inconsistency and injury history might temper their markets.

Melifonwu has the talent to be the gem of the entire class if he lands in the right spot and stays healthy.

[JP51]

2 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

The athletics Free agent rankings, Top 10 at each position.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6163037/2025/03/03/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2025-positions/

 

This group has plenty of name value, but age and injury concerns will complicate the market. Two of the top three are coming off serious injuries requiring surgery, and four of the top six will turn 31 before the season starts. Even Higgins — who could have double-digit suitors if the Bengals don’t tag him — has question marks: Can he produce like a WR1 without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase? Will soft-tissue injuries always be a lingering issue?

Godwin and the Buccaneers are working toward a new deal, but most of these wideouts should hit the market. Diggs and Cooper might have the most upside of the over-30 crew, but Diggs must prove he’s healthy following a torn ACL, and Cooper’s stock slipped down the stretch (albeit while playing through a wrist injury) with Buffalo.

Teams seeking speedy role players will have options: Beyond Slayton, Moore and Brown, the class also includes the Rams’ Tutu Atwell, Commanders’ Dyami Brown, Chargers’ Joshua Palmer and Saints’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

 

 

Cornerback is right behind edge for the deepest position in the class, with 19 players in the top 150, tied with wide receiver for second most. It’s also a strong group at the top, featuring several proven starters, along with useful contributors down the board.

Ward’s market could be shaped by his desire to be closer to Texas. Reed, an excellent No. 2 CB, could command No. 1 CB money. Murphy might also be in demand, although fit will be important after he thrived in Brian Flores’ highly schemed defense.

Durability concerns could impact Davis’ market, but the more intriguing health-related questions are about Adebo (who broke his femur in October) and Samuel, who missed most of 2024 with stinger issues in his shoulder that he said he “was born with.” Both appeared on track for large contracts before injuries cropped up, complicating their futures.

 

 

 

Most of the top five are at their best closer to the line of scrimmage, led by Reid. He would probably have ranked behind Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2024’s class, but his versatility and tackling will make any defense better.

Hufanga and Holland are a year or two removed from their best seasons, but the upside is obvious with both. Moehrig thrived while playing more strong safety in 2024, and Chinn is also at his best in the box.

For teams needing more of a free safety, Williams and Simmons are worthwhile buy-low candidates. Cisco and Blackmon have flashed their range on the back end, but inconsistency and injury history might temper their markets.

Melifonwu has the talent to be the gem of the entire class if he lands in the right spot and stays healthy.

Thank you for this! Interesting rankings...  Not quite sure I see Diggs as the #3 most attractive coming off of an acl, with a lawsuit and counter suit pending and his overall history...  I think he goes unsigned until he is ready to play and his lawsuit situations become clearer.... 

[Billl]

That WR list is a who’s who of injury concerns.

[KentuckyBillsFan]

This is a really bad year to be looking for a WR in free agency IMO

[Cray51]

1 minute ago, Billl said:

That WR list is a who’s who of injury concerns.

Seriously.  Age and injury concerns top to bottom

[Billl]

2 minutes ago, KentuckyBillsFan said:

This is a really bad year to be looking for a WR in free agency IMO

And the draft isn’t much better.

[MikePJ76]

I am hoping the Bills work something out with Darius Slayton as I have stated ad nauseam.

 

here is his injury history.

 

[gonzo1105]

I have been beating the drum for Paulson Adebo and Jason Pinnock as secondary additions. Don’t think we pursue any of those options at WR. I think guys like Atwell, Nick Westbrook Ikinhe are possibilities 

Edited 5 hours ago by gonzo1105

[FireChans]

5 minutes ago, Billl said:

That WR list is a who’s who of injury concerns.

Yup.

 

I know folks think there’s a WR bubble, but it’s more evidence they have become as valuable as EDGE’s across the league. The great ones without massive injury/age considerations rarely are hitting the market. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

13 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

The athletics Free agent rankings, Top 10 at each position.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6163037/2025/03/03/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2025-positions/

 

This group has plenty of name value, but age and injury concerns will complicate the market. Two of the top three are coming off serious injuries requiring surgery, and four of the top six will turn 31 before the season starts. Even Higgins — who could have double-digit suitors if the Bengals don’t tag him — has question marks: Can he produce like a WR1 without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase? Will soft-tissue injuries always be a lingering issue?

Godwin and the Buccaneers are working toward a new deal, but most of these wideouts should hit the market. Diggs and Cooper might have the most upside of the over-30 crew, but Diggs must prove he’s healthy following a torn ACL, and Cooper’s stock slipped down the stretch (albeit while playing through a wrist injury) with Buffalo.

Teams seeking speedy role players will have options: Beyond Slayton, Moore and Brown, the class also includes the Rams’ Tutu Atwell, Commanders’ Dyami Brown, Chargers’ Joshua Palmer and Saints’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

 

 

Cornerback is right behind edge for the deepest position in the class, with 19 players in the top 150, tied with wide receiver for second most. It’s also a strong group at the top, featuring several proven starters, along with useful contributors down the board.

Ward’s market could be shaped by his desire to be closer to Texas. Reed, an excellent No. 2 CB, could command No. 1 CB money. Murphy might also be in demand, although fit will be important after he thrived in Brian Flores’ highly schemed defense.

Durability concerns could impact Davis’ market, but the more intriguing health-related questions are about Adebo (who broke his femur in October) and Samuel, who missed most of 2024 with stinger issues in his shoulder that he said he “was born with.” Both appeared on track for large contracts before injuries cropped up, complicating their futures.

 

 

 

Most of the top five are at their best closer to the line of scrimmage, led by Reid. He would probably have ranked behind Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2024’s class, but his versatility and tackling will make any defense better.

Hufanga and Holland are a year or two removed from their best seasons, but the upside is obvious with both. Moehrig thrived while playing more strong safety in 2024, and Chinn is also at his best in the box.

For teams needing more of a free safety, Williams and Simmons are worthwhile buy-low candidates. Cisco and Blackmon have flashed their range on the back end, but inconsistency and injury history might temper their markets.

Melifonwu has the talent to be the gem of the entire class if he lands in the right spot and stays healthy.

I want Hollywood at WR and Ward from SF at CB

 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

I read the article too.  Just to put it in perspective, Poona Ford was the 5th ranked DT too.   I did wonder about the top ranked guy from the Eagles.  Is he worth pursuing?   To me you can get a top ranked DT for less money than and Edge rusher and while maybe not 100% as effective of a move, for the money a better value proposition?  

[JP51]

4 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

I am hoping the Bills work something out with Darius Slayton as I have stated ad nauseam.

 

here is his injury history.

 

You are hoping we do or we dont because of the injury history... this rap sheet looks pretty scary to me... like, do I really want to spend cap dollars on a player thats probably gonna sit out a good amount of time with building concussion issues....  mmmmm vet minimum ok.... but I thinking we are not rearraigning cap to sign him. 

[MikePJ76]

1 minute ago, JP51 said:

You are hoping we do or we dont because of the injury history... this rap sheet looks pretty scary to me... like, do I really want to spend cap dollars on a player thats probably gonna sit out a good amount of time with building concussion issues....  mmmmm vet minimum ok.... but I thinking we are not rearraigning cap to sign him. 

I want them to sign him.  He is not going to break the bank and if he can be had in the curtis samuel neighborhood.  

 

I am not scared of his injuries.  The two thumb issues are concerning but I like him as a player and as a guy in the locker room.  Whoever comes to play that outside position here, Free Agent or Rookie has to be ok with not getting the ball 10 times a game.  It's just not going to happen.   Slayton is a player who is about the team.  I think he is a good fit.  Then you don't have to chase the position in the draft and can take someone if they fall to you early or later.

6 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

I read the article too.  Just to put it in perspective, Poona Ford was the 5th ranked DT too.   I did wonder about the top ranked guy from the Eagles.  Is he worth pursuing?   To me you can get a top ranked DT for less money than and Edge rusher and while maybe not 100% as effective of a move, for the money a better value proposition?  

Osa Odighizuwa is working out a deal currently with Dallas at around 22 million a year.  That is like 5 million more a year than Ed Oliver and on his best day he is C level Ed Oliver.  

 

I can't imagine the bills pay anyone at that position before the draft since they have Oliver, Carter at the 3 tech and Jones at the 1 tech with logue and ankou on the PS.  

 

Seems they are definitely taking at least 1 DT in the draft and I bet they take two.

[JP51]

2 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

I want them to sign him.  He is not going to break the bank and if he can be had in the curtis samuel neighborhood.  

 

I am not scared of his injuries.  The two thumb issues are concerning but I like him as a player and as a guy in the locker room.  Whoever comes to play that outside position here, Free Agent or Rookie has to be ok with not getting the ball 10 times a game.  It's just not going to happen.   Slayton is a player who is about the team.  I think he is a good fit.  Then you don't have to chase the position in the draft and can take someone if they fall to you early or later.

I re read that... my 50+ year old eyes didnt get to the small print fact that these we injury report listings and not he is out for a week or two... it makes more sense now... although the concussions are a bit concerning, life is not without risk.... 

[Chandler#81]

I hear this Diggs fella’s pretty good..

[MikePJ76]

4 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

I hear this Diggs fella’s pretty good..

I can't wait for the announcement he is signing in Dallas.

 

Him and his brother can stand off to the side during mini camp and training camp while they rehab together and talk crap about Dak.  

 

 

[Einstein's Dog]

I think an adjusted version of this ranking should include D Adams and C Kupp who would be slotted in at 2 and 3 respectively in terms of talent.

 

Then Beane needs to incorporate cost and culture fit into the equation.

[JohnNord]

45 minutes ago, MikePJ76 said:

The athletics Free agent rankings, Top 10 at each position.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6163037/2025/03/03/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2025-positions/

 

This group has plenty of name value, but age and injury concerns will complicate the market. Two of the top three are coming off serious injuries requiring surgery, and four of the top six will turn 31 before the season starts. Even Higgins — who could have double-digit suitors if the Bengals don’t tag him — has question marks: Can he produce like a WR1 without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase? Will soft-tissue injuries always be a lingering issue?

Godwin and the Buccaneers are working toward a new deal, but most of these wideouts should hit the market. Diggs and Cooper might have the most upside of the over-30 crew, but Diggs must prove he’s healthy following a torn ACL, and Cooper’s stock slipped down the stretch (albeit while playing through a wrist injury) with Buffalo.

Teams seeking speedy role players will have options: Beyond Slayton, Moore and Brown, the class also includes the Rams’ Tutu Atwell, Commanders’ Dyami Brown, Chargers’ Joshua Palmer and Saints’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

 

 

Cornerback is right behind edge for the deepest position in the class, with 19 players in the top 150, tied with wide receiver for second most. It’s also a strong group at the top, featuring several proven starters, along with useful contributors down the board.

Ward’s market could be shaped by his desire to be closer to Texas. Reed, an excellent No. 2 CB, could command No. 1 CB money. Murphy might also be in demand, although fit will be important after he thrived in Brian Flores’ highly schemed defense.

Durability concerns could impact Davis’ market, but the more intriguing health-related questions are about Adebo (who broke his femur in October) and Samuel, who missed most of 2024 with stinger issues in his shoulder that he said he “was born with.” Both appeared on track for large contracts before injuries cropped up, complicating their futures.

 

 

 

Most of the top five are at their best closer to the line of scrimmage, led by Reid. He would probably have ranked behind Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2024’s class, but his versatility and tackling will make any defense better.

Hufanga and Holland are a year or two removed from their best seasons, but the upside is obvious with both. Moehrig thrived while playing more strong safety in 2024, and Chinn is also at his best in the box.

For teams needing more of a free safety, Williams and Simmons are worthwhile buy-low candidates. Cisco and Blackmon have flashed their range on the back end, but inconsistency and injury history might temper their markets.

Melifonwu has the talent to be the gem of the entire class if he lands in the right spot and stays healthy.

 

If you are Higgins and his agent you have to be fuming that Cincinnati is using the franchise tag.  Look at those WR options.  There’s no way Cinci can pay what he’s worth on the open market this offseason and next year might be a different market.  So that tag will likely cost him millions.

[Low Positive]

1 minute ago, JohnNord said:

 

If you are Higgins and his agent you have to be fuming that Cincinnati is using the franchise tag.  Look at those WR options.  There’s no way Cinci can pay what he’s worth on the open market this offseason and next year might be a different market.  So that tag will likely cost him millions.

Tee is such a low-key guy that he'll play on the tag with little complaint. And Joe Burrow is demanding that they keep the gang together, defense be damned. He's used every media outlet here in Cincinnati to put that pressure on the team. He just can't function without two #1 WRs. He never has.

[MikePJ76]

Just now, Low Positive said:

Tee is such a low-key guy that he'll play on the tag with little complaint. And Joe Burrow is demanding that they keep the gang together, defense be damned. He's used every media outlet here in Cincinnati to put that pressure on the team. He just can't function without two #1 WRs. He never has.

they need to replace their guards now too.  

 

I am not sure how they are going to pull this off with all these guys needing to be paid in cincy.  They ony have six picks and three in the top 100.