Mike Fanelli | Tue, Dec 24th 2024, 7:12am EST

10 Early NFL Free Agency Storylines to Watch (2025 Fantasy Football)

The 2024 NFL regular season still has a few weeks to go. However, several teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, turning their focus to the offseason. So, why shouldn’t we?

Much will change between today and March 10, when free agency begins. Some players will sign contract extensions with their current teams. Other players will get cut and join the free agency pool. However, let’s look at 10 early top free agency storylines.

Early NFL Free Agency Storylines to Watch

The Sam Darnold Sweepstakes

Darnold has been outstanding this season, totaling 32 passing touchdowns after having 19 or fewer every other year of his career. The former top-three NFL Draft pick has revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings. However, the team invested a top-10 pick in J.J. McCarthy. Furthermore, they likely can’t match what the open market will pay for Darnold in March. While returning to Minnesota isn’t out of the question, the former USC star likely will be playing elsewhere in 2025. The question is where?

Kirk Cousins‘ Next Team

While Cousins isn’t a free agent this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons reportedly will release him before the start of free agency. The veteran hasn’t played well coming off a torn Achilles. Yet, he will have a market in the offseason because of his price tag. Last year, Russell Wilson signed for the veteran minimum because the Denver Broncos owed him a ton of money. Cousins finds himself in the same situation this year. Could he return to Minnesota and play for Kevin O’Connell again?

The Running Back Class

Last year’s free-agent running back class had several superstars. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have been outstanding with their new teams. Unfortunately, this year’s draft class lacks the same appeal. Aaron Jones and Nick Chubb are older running backs. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams and Najee Harris have been disappointments for most of their careers. Furthermore, the 2025 NFL Draft class has several elite running back draft prospects, led by Ashton Jeanty, which will impact teams’ desire to spend money on the open market.

Will Tee Higgins Return?

Higgins has had an outstanding 2024 season. The star wide receiver has 58 receptions on 92 targets for 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns despite missing five games with multiple injuries. Unfortunately, many expect him to leave the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason after playing the year on the franchise tag. However, Higgins recently changed representation, hiring Ja’Marr Chase’s agent. Could the Bengals work out a deal to keep the star wide receiver in Cincinnati, or will he be playing elsewhere in 2025?

Old Man Wide Receivers

Unfortunately, Tee Higgins could make or break the free-agent wide receiver class. However, the free agent class doesn’t lack older wide receivers. Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Brandin Cooks will all be available this offseason but are on the wrong side of 30. NFL teams likely won’t sign them to long-term deals. Yet, all four have had productive moments this season and can provide value to wide receiver-needy teams, especially those with young quarterbacks like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.

Stefon Diggs and his Torn ACL

The veteran wide receiver bet on himself last offseason after getting traded to the Houston Texans. Diggs reworked his contract to make him a free agent this upcoming offseason. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Diggs had an impressive year before getting hurt, totaling 47 receptions on 64 targets for 496 receiving yards and three touchdowns in eight games. Yet, the veteran will likely have to take a one-year prove-it deal in free agency.

The Tight End Class Lacks Appeal

Thankfully, the 2025 NFL Draft has three potential first-round tight end prospects in Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr. because the free agent class is awful. Zach Ertz, Tyler Conklin, Mike Gesick,i and Juwan Johnson headline the free-agent tight end class. While the veterans have had some solid moments this season, none will inspire an NFL team to open up their checkbook. Instead, teams should explore the trade market for a tight end because the free agent class lacks appeal.

Will Trey Smith be Back in Kansas City?

While interior offensive lineman isn’t the sexiest position in football, it is one of the more important ones for the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith joins Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney as the best interior offensive line in the league, playing a massive role in keeping Patrick Mahomes standing upright. The star right guard should reset the market for interior offensive linemen, a move that will leave many casual NFL fans shocked. However, will he get that deal in Kansas City or on the open market?

The New England Patriots

According to Over the Cap, the Patriots have a league-high $132 million in salary cap space this offseason. Drake Maye has played well in his rookie season despite an awful supporting cast. New England will be in the mix for every top free agent this offseason, especially on offense. Reportedly, they are heavy favorites to land Tee Higgins if he leaves the Cincinnati Bengals. Furthermore, the team could trade for a veteran wide receiver, Deebo Samuel Sr., because of their salary cap situation.

Yikes! The New Orleans Saints are Screwed!

Unfortunately, the Saints find themselves in the opposite position of the New England Patriots. According to Over the Cap, the Saints are projected to be nearly $64 million over the salary cap, by far the most in the NFL. The team has been juggling contracts for years to create cap space. Unfortunately, this offseason might finally be the one where New Orleans can’t wiggle their way out of their salary cap problems. Expect the Saints to make little or no additions in free agency.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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