A few weeks ago, we ranked the NFL’s top 50 free agents available this offseason. Now, we’re taking that same list of 50 stars — with a few small updates — and picking the best team fit for each player. Which landing spots would make the most sense?

NFL free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 12, two days after the legal negotiation window begins. Players can be re-signed or franchise-tagged before reaching the open market, but the players who reach free agency will be looking for perfect situations. Our best fits are mainly focused on team needs, scheme and potential future production, though we also factored each franchise’s salary cap situation. But remember that every team’s cap room will shift up and down before free agency as front offices restructure, cut and re-sign contracts. And yes, for some of these fits to work, teams might have to get creative.

Who can help fill a roster’s biggest need? Who can fix a troublesome quarterback situation? And who could slide perfectly into a team’s scheme and immediately dominate? Let’s pick ideal team fits for this offseason’s best free agents.

Jump to a fit for the top-ranked:
QB | RB | WR | OL | DL | LB | DB

Best team fit: Washington Commanders

The Commanders could pair Higgins with Terry McLaurin to give quarterback Jayden Daniels two true difference-makers on the perimeter. At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Higgins can win at all three levels of the route tree in OC Kliff Kingsbury’s system. And with 23 career red zone touchdown catches, he would be a top target for Daniels close to the end zone. Injuries limited him to 12 games in 2024, yet he finished with 73 receptions for 911 yards.

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Best team fit: Chicago Bears

The top interior lineman on the market, Smith would upgrade a critical position of need in Chicago. Smith is a powerful mover in the run game, as his run block win rate of 75.1% ranked sixth among guards. Plus, he has the foot speed to mirror interior defenders and the strength at 6-6 and 321 pounds to anchor against bull rushes. Bears general manager Ryan Poles could make a splash move to rebuild the front for Ben Johnson’s new offense. The Bears allowed a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, so this area has to be addressed.

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Best team fit: Baltimore Ravens

I like Stanley re-signing with the Ravens after producing high-end tape in 2024 and playing in every game, which answered some durability questions. At 6-6 and 310 pounds, Stanley can use his long frame to build a wall on the edge, and he tied for 11th among offensive tackles with a 92.5% pass block win rate in 2024.

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Best team fit: New England Patriots

Coach Mike Vrabel would be adding a veteran corner in Reed, giving the Patriots another scheme-versatile defender in the secondary opposite Christian Gonzalez. Reed is a highly competitive coverage corner with press-man traits and the transition speed to break on the throw. But he is more of a ball disruptor than playmaker, having 40 pass breakups compared with six interceptions in his career.

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Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Staying in Tampa Bay and continuing to work alongside Mike Evans would be the right move for Godwin. Before suffering a season-ending left ankle injury in Week 7, Godwin’s 50 receptions over the first seven games were the most in the NFL. He’s a savvy and proven route runner with the toughness to work the heavy-traffic areas of the field for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

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Best team fit: Las Vegas Raiders

With the transition to coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders could finally solve their QB issue in free agency by signing Darnold. Las Vegas was 30th in QBR in 2024 (40.4), and Darnold’s 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown throws for the Vikings both ranked fifth in the league. And in Vegas, Kelly could scheme for Darnold’s arm talent, while also using his mobility to attack the edges.

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Best team fit: Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals coach John Gannon worked with Sweat in Philly, so he knows what he’d be getting in the 6-5, 265-pound edge rusher. Sweat had eight sacks and 33 pressures in the regular season, and he took over at times in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win, recording 2.5 sacks. Sweat would add much-needed pass-rushing juice to Gannon’s defense, using his speed-to-power to get to the QB.

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Best team fit: New England Patriots

The Patriots could make another defensive upgrade with Williams, who moved up our ranks after his two sacks and a forced fumble in Super Bowl LIX. Williams had five sacks and 18 pressures during the regular season, and I see a disruptor on tape with the strength to displace blockers at the point of attack. He also has the short-area burst to slip interior offensive linemen. He could be a difference-maker with Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore (currently out with blood clots) inside.

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Best team fit: Green Bay Packers

The Packers adding Mack to pair with Rashan Gary would boost their pass rush off the edges. Mack had six sacks and 41 pressures in 2024 with the Chargers. And even though he’s turning 34 this week, he’s still a three-down force with the steady play speed to heat up the pocket.

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Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage. I see him fitting nicely opposite Joey Porter Jr. in a Steelers defensive scheme that played single-high coverage over 50% of the time last season. Over seven pro seasons, Ward has 10 interceptions and 59 pass breakups.

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Best team fit: Los Angeles Chargers

An impact defender who can bring energy to the defensive line, Odighizuwa fits in the Chargers’ base 3-4 under front and could provide pass-rush upside in nickel/dime sets. Odighizuwa had 4.5 sacks last season, and his 30 pressures were tied with the Jets’ Quinnen Williams for the second most among defensive tackles.

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Best team fit: New York Giants

A year after allowing Xavier McKinney to sign with the Packers in free agency, the Giants could try to grab the best safety on the 2025 market in Holland. He has the multidimensional traits to impact all three levels of the field for a Giants defense that needs a difference-maker at safety. New York had five interceptions last season, fewer than all but one other team (Browns). In four pro seasons with the Dolphins, Holland has five interceptions, 16 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and five sacks.

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Best team fit: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles should be trying to keep Baun after his breakout season, which included high-level production in the playoffs. A three-down defender in Vic Fangio’s defense, Baun recorded 150 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception in the regular season. He followed that with two picks in the postseason, including one against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Let’s run it back.

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Best team fit: Carolina Panthers

Moehrig would bring tone-setting traits as an interchangeable safety in the Panthers’ scheme. Over the past two seasons in Las Vegas, Moehrig had five interceptions and 12 pass breakups. The Panthers need to upgrade all three levels of their defense this offseason — they allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play — and signing Moehrig would be a good start.

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Best team fit: Los Angeles Rams

With Alaric Jackson set to hit the market, the Rams could find a replacement in the 6-6, 335-pound Robinson. Technical lapses have prevented him from playing consistently, and his 88.2% pass block win rate was below average. But with the ability to engulf rushers at the point of attack and the foot speed to redirect, Robinson has the desired physical tools at tackle. The Rams have to focus on protecting Matthew Stafford, and Robinson can help.

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Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts

With new coordinator Lou Anarumo running the defense for the Colts, general manager Chris Ballard might consider having Greenlaw fill the weakside linebacker spot. Greenlaw played in only two games last season (Weeks 15-16) after tearing an Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. But at full strength — which he is expected to be in 2025 — he is a rangy linebacker with the pursuit speed to track ball carriers and the coverage awareness to close throwing windows.

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Best team fit: Washington Commanders

Reddick might be looking at a short-term deal after holding out to start the 2024 season before being traded to the Jets. But he has a history of making impact plays, with 59 sacks and 18 forced fumbles over his career. And before last season, he put together three straight campaigns with a pass rush win rate over 20%. Reddick would fill a need for the Commanders on the edge, and I like the fit as a schemed rusher in Dan Quinn’s defense.

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Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts

A return to Indianapolis feels like the right move for Fries. Before a right tibia injury ended his season in Week 5, Fries had posted career bests in both pass block win rate (92.4%) and run block win rate (74.3%). He has a fundamentally sound play style, the lower-body mobility to handle power rushers and an ability to sustain blocks on contact. And the Colts need reliable pass protectors in front of Anthony Richardson.

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Best team fit: Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders need more ball hawks in the secondary, and they could lose safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps and slot corner Nate Hobbs to free agency. Murphy’s six interceptions last season tied for the third most in the NFL, and he has 14 over his six-year career. With the ability to play on the perimeter or in the slot (259 snaps in 2024), Murphy has the backfield vision and short-area speed to close on the ball and make an impact for Las Vegas. He’s a clear upgrade for a defense that finished with only 10 interceptions in 2024.

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Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

We have Trey Smith fitting with the Bears, leaving an open spot on the interior of the Kansas City front. Martin still brings the blend of size (6-4, 315 pounds) and mobility that coaches want at the guard position. Last season, Martin played in 10 games due to a right ankle injury, but his pass block win rate of 93.7% ranked 15th among guards. He could help keep that Chiefs interior strong (though the OT position also needs a lengthy look this offseason).

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Best team fit: San Francisco 49ers

Injuries have limited Hufanga to 17 games over the past two seasons, but when healthy, the former All-Pro has playmaking ability. In 49 career games, Hufanga has seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown. Under new 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Hufanga still fits as a top-down defender who should remain in San Francisco.

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Best team fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags’ defense allowed a league-high 257.4 passing yards per game last season, and the club wants to address the secondary in the offseason. Davis is a veteran with man and zone coverage traits, and he is a willing tackler on the perimeter. He started 13 games for the Lions in 2024 before he went on injured reserve due to a broken jaw. In seven seasons, he has 11 interceptions and 68 pass breakups. He can create on-ball disruption opposite Tyson Campbell.

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Best team fit: Denver Broncos

Bolton would be a big upgrade for Vance Joseph’s defense in Denver. Bolton fits with the Broncos as a downhill thumper against the run — he had 11 tackles for loss last season. In coverage, Bolton lacks elite second-level range, but he has four career interceptions.

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Best team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signing a cornerback should be an offseason priority for a Bucs defense that allowed 243.9 passing yards per game last season, the 29th most in the league. Douglas is a physical corner with the length to reroute underneath in zone and attack the ball from the outside third of the field. As such, Douglas fits well in Todd Bowles’ system — Tampa Bay played zone coverage on 71.7% of opponent dropbacks in 2024.

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Best team fit: Houston Texans

The Texans need playmakers in the route tree to go with Nico Collins — especially because Tank Dell might miss a good chunk of time — so re-signing Diggs makes sense. After all, they traded a second-round pick to get him last offseason. Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 before suffering an ACL injury in Week 8. Once healthy and cleared to play next season, Diggs can create separation and produce after the catch for quarterback C.J. Stroud and new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.

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Best team fit: Chicago Bears

I matched Trey Smith to the Bears, but this team can’t stop there this spring. Let’s also put Dalman — the top center in free agency — next to Smith. Dalman wins his assignments with movement and leverage to offset a smaller frame (6-3, 300 pounds). He’s a technician on the tape, best suited for the zone run game, and his pass block win rate of 95.1% ranked ninth among centers with at least 500 snaps (he missed time due to an ankle injury, though).

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Best team fit: Tennessee Titans

Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson needs an impact edge rusher to complement his two interior defenders — Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. A knee injury in early September erased Koonce’s 2024 season before it started, but he posted eight sacks and 29 pressures in 2023. If the knee checks out, Koonce would have upside in Wilson’s system as a three-down defender with pass-rush chops.

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Best team fit: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings should keep Bynum, one of their rising defensive backs who has been productive under coordinator Brian Flores. A glider over the top who can also play downhill in the alleys, Bynum has 233 tackles, five interceptions and 12 pass breakups over his past two seasons in Minnesota.

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Best team fit: Philadelphia Eagles

The 2020 first-round offensive tackle bumped inside to guard last season after signing a one-year contract with the Eagles. Philly should offer him another deal to keep him in town. He uses his massive 6-7, 363-pound frame to overwhelm defenders in the run game. Just entering his prime years, Becton could move back outside to tackle for the Eagles once Lane Johnson retires.

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Best team fit: Arizona Cardinals

Cooper is showing signs of decline, and he lost reps to Mack Hollins in the playoffs, but he still has solid route traits. The Cardinals would love a veteran like him alongside Marvin Harrison Jr., while also giving Kyler Murray another target in the route tree. In nine full seasons, Cooper has topped the 1,000-yard-receiving mark seven times and has 64 career touchdown catches.

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Best team fit: San Francisco 49ers

A shoulder injury limited Samuel to four games last season, but he has the traits to produce at a position of need in Robert Saleh’s 49ers defense. Charvarius Ward is a free agent, meaning there could be a hole at corner. Samuel has a playmaking mentality, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball in zone and man looks.

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Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

With his dual-threat ability and improved footwork and vision in the pocket, the Steelers could re-sign Fields over Russell Wilson. In six starts with the Steelers last season, Fields completed 66.3% of his throws with five touchdown passes and one interception. He also rushed for 289 yards and five more scores on 62 carries.

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Best team fit: Denver Broncos

Jones has the traits that Denver coach Sean Payton wants at running back. He’s a slasher in the run game and has the dual-threat traits to catch the ball out of the backfield and produce on screens. Javonte Williams is also a free agent, and the Broncos need a true RB1 to take this offense to another level.

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Best team fit: Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys nickel corner Jourdan Lewis is scheduled to hit free agency, which opens the door for Dallas to pursue Hilton. A slot defender who plays with urgency, Hilton had 12 tackles for loss last season. I like the fit in Dallas under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. In eight seasons, Hilton has 13 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and 34 pass breakups.

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Best team fit: Tennessee Titans

The Titans need to rebuild the right side of their offensive line, and they can start by adding a proven vet in Zeitler. He is a physical inside presence with the power to displace defensive tackles and the movement ability to pull on gap schemes. He routinely wins in pass protection, using his strong base to hold off interior rushers and posting a pass block win rate of 94.4% with Detroit last season.

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Best team fit: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ wide receivers averaged 11.0 yards per catch last season, 30th in the NFL. Slayton caught 39 passes and averaged 14.2 yards per reception in 2024 despite subpar QB play in New York. So, Carolina could use Slayton to boost the pass game around quarterback Bryce Young. Slayton is a veteran who can stretch the field from perimeter alignments and make contested catches.

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Best team fit: Atlanta Falcons

Sherwood could follow new Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich from New York to Atlanta. A three-down linebacker who is trending up at this stage of his career, Sherwood posted 154 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three pass breakups with the Jets last season. He can play downhill with speed, cutting off the ball and pursuing the edges. The Falcons need playmakers on defense.

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Best team fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times last season, and the Bengals must upgrade at guard. Daniels tore his Achilles in Week 4, but he provides run-blocking upside when healthy. From Weeks 1 to 4, Daniels’ run block win rate of 82.7% ranked second among guards behind the Colts’ Quenton Nelson.

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Best team fit: Detroit Lions

Here’s a fun one. Detroit coach Dan Campbell could add Young to pair with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge. Young notched 5.5 sacks with the Saints in 2024, and his 46 pressures tied for 11th most in the league. He’d be a low-risk signing with upside.

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Best team fit: New England Patriots

We’ve already matched a few players to New England, but the Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL and can continue to spend by adding Jackson to play left tackle. With his 6-7, 345-pound frame, Jackson has the play strength to anchor against power off the edge, and he understands how to win with positioning. His experience (35 career starts) would be great in New England as the team builds up front to protect quarterback Drake Maye.

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Best team fit: New York Giants

The Giants could fill their right guard vacancy with Jenkins, a 2021 second-round pick for Chicago. Drafted as a tackle, Jenkins has had multiple injuries in his career, as he has played in only 38 of a possible 68 career games. However, he has the tools to drive defenders off the ball in the run game and he had a pass block win rate of 92.0% last season. He’d boost a poor OL in New York.

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Best team fit: New York Giants

Sitting at No. 3 in the draft order, the Giants are in the mix to land a quarterback with their first-round pick this spring. But adding Wilson would give them some security heading into the draft. In 11 starts for the Steelers, Wilson completed 63.7% of his throws for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns. Because of his diminished mobility, Wilson isn’t a natural creator at this stage. But Giants coach Brian Daboll can scheme for Wilson, using a play-action-heavy approach and setting him up on vertical throws.

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Best team fit: New York Jets

Under new coach Aaron Glenn, Reid could drop the hammer as a downhill tackler and interchangeable safety for the Jets. Thanks to his vision and field awareness, Reid had 261 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups over three years with the Chiefs. The Jets’ 17 forced turnovers tied for 20th last season, so they need playmakers.

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Best team fit: New Orleans Saints

Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but when healthy, he has the frame and traits to play man coverage or jam in the flat. Plus, he can open and run when matching vertically. It sounds like new Saints coach Kellen Moore could bring in Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator, and I like Adebo staying in New Orleans in Staley’s scheme.

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Best team fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh’s club needs more out of its centers, and Kelly plays with a physical demeanor that could fit the Chargers’ run game. An on-the-field leader with excellent football awareness, Kelly had a pass block win rate of 95.9% (sixth best among centers) and didn’t allow a sack last season. So he can help secure the pocket for quarterback Justin Herbert, too.

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Best team fit: Seattle Seahawks

Re-signing with the Seahawks and anchoring the second level of Mike Macdonald’s defense seems like the right move. Jones — who landed in Seattle after a midseason trade from the Titans — is quick to diagnose and stop the run, as his 8.6 tackles per game ranked 12th in the NFL.

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Best team fit: Cleveland Browns

How about Dobbins signing with the Browns to replace Nick Chubb as Cleveland’s new lead runner? The offense fits his traits well with both gap and zone schemes. And Dobbins looked explosive on the tape throughout last season, though he missed four games because of a knee sprain. He finished 2024 with 907 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

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Best team fit: New York Jets

Yes, the Jets must figure out their quarterback situation this offseason, but regardless of who is throwing the ball, Johnson would be an upgrade over free agent Tyler Conklin. Johnson posted the best numbers of his career in 2024, catching 50 of 65 targets for 548 yards and three touchdowns. He can work the interior seams with his 6-4 frame, and he gets loose on underneath throws.

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Best team fit: Los Angeles Rams

Returning to Chicago is an option for Allen, but with the Rams expected to trade Cooper Kupp this spring, there is an opportunity for Allen in Los Angeles. In Sean McVay’s offense — which uses movement and alignment to get wide receivers free access off the ball — Allen could operate as the No. 3 option out of the slot. Allen caught 70 passes and seven TDs in Chicago last season.

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Best team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

The best fit for Harris — based on his traits and ideal role — is re-signing in Pittsburgh to share touches with Jaylen Warren. A volume grinder, Harris averaged 15.5 carries per game for Pittsburgh in 2024, and he topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fourth straight year.