We’re a few weeks into NFL free agency, and sure, most of the headline-grabbers have found new homes. But scroll through the list of unsigned names, and you’ll notice there are legit game-changers still floating around out there — guys who can step in and help a contender win, not just fill out a roster in August.

There’s been no shortage of chaos: massive deals, unexpected trades, and fanbases already talking themselves into a deep playoff run based on one splashy signing. Still, some of the most intriguing names are just... sitting there. Waiting. 

Naturally, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room: Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is the biggest name left unsigned, but let’s be honest — his situation is so unique it practically deserves its own Netflix docuseries (Not that he needs another one). Between swirling rumors of a move to the Pittsburgh Steelers or the possibility that he might just hang it up for good, Rodgers’ indecision has the quarterback market in a holding pattern. 

That said, this isn’t another piece about Rodgers and his next move — this one’s about the other guys. The ones still waiting for the right call, the right fit, or the right contract. And trust me, there’s plenty of talent still out there.

The Best Players Still Up for Grabs

Former Chargers

Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver

Keenan Allen is one of those names that instantly sparks conversation among NFL fans. He has the résumé to back up the hype — six Pro Bowl nods and a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent possession receivers. Even if he’s not in the conversation for being the absolute top dog at wideout anymore, he’s still a guy defensive coordinators stress over on game day.

Let’s not overlook what he did in 2024 with the Chicago Bears: 70 catches on 121 targets for 744 yards and seven touchdowns, despite missing a couple of games. Sure, those numbers aren’t eye-popping by his standards, but you can see Allen’s craftiness in every route he runs. 

He can still beat corners with his release at the line of scrimmage and use that big frame to box out defenders, especially on third down. If we look at sheer reliability, you won't find a more sure-handed vet on the open market.

He’s turning 33 in April. Does that raise a red flag? Maybe for some teams hyper-focused on younger prospects. But let’s remember that Allen’s never really been about blazing speed or highlight-reel leaps. His game has always been about pristine route-running and consistent hands — traits that tend to age pretty well in the NFL, so long as the player can stay healthy. And with everything we’ve seen over the last few seasons, Allen certainly appears to have more left in the tank.

A team that really makes sense for Allen? The New England Patriots. They just spent the No. 3 overall pick on Drake Maye, and if they're serious about setting the rookie up for success, they need to surround him with steady, reliable weapons.

Yes, they just brought in Stefon Diggs, but he’s coming off an ACL tear and let’s be honest — Diggs doesn’t exactly have a reputation as the calming, veteran presence you want mentoring your young QB. Allen, on the other hand, is the kind of guy who can help Maye navigate the early chaos that comes with being a rookie starter. He’s been through it all, keeps his head down, and makes the tough catches when it counts.

In those critical 3rd-and-6 moments, when the pocket’s collapsing and Maye’s trying to keep a drive alive, Allen’s the guy you want out there giving him a reliable target. He won’t stretch the field like he used to, but what he will do is move the chains and help Maye stay composed in pressure situations.

J.K. Dobbins, Running Back

Injuries might be the first thing that come to mind when we talk about J.K. Dobbins, and you can’t exactly blame folks for that. He’s played in just 22 of a possible 68 games over four seasons. But here’s the thing with Dobbins — when he’s healthy and out there, he flat-out makes plays.

Take the 2024 season with the Chargers, for example. After fighting his way back from a serious Achilles injury, he went out and churned out 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games, averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per carry. Heck, he started the year with back-to-back 130-yard rushing performances, which quickly reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded coming out of college.

I get it — teams might worry about counting on a player with an extensive medical history. But Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos jump right out at me as a squad that might be willing to look past that. Payton has historically loved versatile, dynamic backfields, and a healthy Dobbins could be a real sparkplug in the right system. 

Even if the Broncos choose to draft a young back, the value of having a guy like Dobbins rotate in, spell the rookie, or take on the lead role if the rookie isn’t ready is huge. Especially in today’s NFL, where running back committees are practically the norm.

As for a potential reunion with the Chargers? Seems pretty unlikely. They scooped up Najee Harris in free agency, so that backfield is basically set. But I’d expect a handful of other teams to give Dobbins a close look if the price is right.

Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback

Some might argue Asante Samuel Jr. hasn’t fully lived up to the hype he had as a second-round pick back in 2021, but corners don’t all develop at the same pace — it can take time for things to really click. And if you look at snaps and experience alone, Samuel has already started 47 games on the outside. That’s a significant chunk of NFL reps.

Last season, he dealt with a shoulder injury that limited him, but when he’s healthy, Samuel has flashed the ball skills and instincts that made his dad a household name. Just two years ago, in 2023, he posted two interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 63 total tackles while allowing a passer rating of 87.4 when targeted. For a guy covering top-tier wideouts week in and week out, that’s not too shabby.

If the Seahawks are really serious about boosting their pass defense, they might want to dial up Samuel’s agent. Pairing him with Riq Woolen could give Seattle a nice mix of length, speed, and agility at corner. 

On the flip side, you’ve also got the Raiders, who’ve been rumored to be sniffing around cornerbacks. And with the Raiders’ recent track record in the secondary — let’s just say they could use the help.

Former Bills

Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver

It feels like Amari Cooper’s been around forever, but we have to remember he’s still on the right side of 30. We’re talking about a five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time 1,000-yard receiver, which is about as close to a proven commodity as you can get in the NFL. Sure, 2024 wasn’t the year he or the Bills envisioned — 44 catches for 547 yards and just four touchdowns, split between the Browns and Buffalo.

For Bills fans, there was a collective hope that Cooper would step in and be Josh Allen’s new go-to target. Instead, his production just never took off the way people wanted. He finished with 20 receptions, 297 yards, and two touchdowns in eight games as a Bill, and that lone stat of zero 100-yard performances in 2024 stands out like a sore thumb.

But let’s be real: people around the league still know what Cooper’s capable of — crisp route running, sneaky speed, and the ability to create separation in a flash. Teams know if you get him in the right scheme, with a quarterback who can buy him time, he can still produce at a high level.

The Las Vegas Raiders (where it all began for Cooper) might just be the perfect place for a bounce-back season. They’ve already made some aggressive moves — picking up Geno Smith at quarterback — signaling they want to win now rather than sit through a full rebuild. Right now, their offense beyond Brock Bowers doesn’t boast a ton of proven pass-catchers. If Cooper can stay healthy, teaming him up with Bowers could be a nightmare for defenses.

Given his track record, Cooper could turn out to be one of those free-agent signings that fans look back on and say, “Why didn’t we see that coming?” It’s a bit of a risk, yes, but with the potential for a massive reward if he’s healthy and used properly.

Von Miller, Outside Linebacker

No matter how you slice it, Von Miller is one of the most feared pass rushers of his generation. He’s got eight Pro Bowls to his name, a Super Bowl MVP, and is headed for Canton. After signing that colossal six-year, $120 million deal with the Bills in 2022, it looked like he might have found a perfect late-career home to chase another ring.

For a while, it was panning out beautifully. In those first 11 games of 2022, Miller racked up eight sacks and looked like he was well on his way to carrying the Bills’ pass rush deep into the playoffs. Then came the torn ACL in Week 11, which dramatically altered his trajectory. Even when he returned in 2024, he wasn’t quite the same unstoppable force. Logging 17 total tackles and six sacks in 13 games is solid for many edge defenders, but it’s below the lofty standards Miller has set for himself.

At the end of the day, Buffalo decided to release Miller to save some money and brought in Joey Bosa instead. But don’t think that means Miller is done. He’s still got the kind of bend and explosive first step that you just can’t teach.

A move to the Kansas City Chiefs could be intriguing. George Karlaftis has shown flashes of potential, but the Chiefs have struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edge for a while. Bringing in Miller would give them a proven veteran presence who’s not just a sack artist — he’s also a locker room leader and a mentor to younger players.

Then there’s the reunion angle: rumors suggest Miller wouldn’t mind heading back to the Denver Broncos. He’s an icon in the Mile High City, and if the Broncos are truly trying to reload under Sean Payton and make a run with Bo Nix still on a rookie pay scale, who better to help stabilize that defense than the man who helped them win Super Bowl 50?

Rasul Douglas, Cornerback

Rasul Douglas might not command the same star power as Amari Cooper or Von Miller, but he’s quietly been one of the NFL’s more reliable cover men in recent years. Don’t forget how he burst onto the scene for the Bills after they traded for him in mid-2023. In nine games that season, he picked off four passes, proving to be a timely playmaker when Buffalo needed it most.

However, 2024 was a different story: zero interceptions in 15 games, a career-worst 122.0 passer rating allowed when targeted, and a generally disappointing showing by his standards. That’s the NFL for you — things can change in a hurry. 

But here’s some context to keep in mind: over the past four seasons, Douglas has allowed a passer rating of just 58.2 when targeted and collected 14 interceptions. So yeah, 2024 wasn’t great — but it might’ve just been a rough patch, not the start of a full-on decline.

So, what’s next for Douglas? Honestly, a return to Buffalo isn’t off the table. Their cornerback depth isn’t exactly bulletproof. Douglas could step back in and instantly boost that secondary, keeping that veteran savvy and proven ball skills in Western New York.

If the Bills pass, there are certainly other teams that could use a guy like Douglas. Veteran corners with a knack for turnovers don’t grow on trees.

Free Agency Isn’t Done Just Yet

It’s easy to think free agency is basically over by now, but as you can see, there’s still plenty of talent out there. Guys who can step into a locker room tomorrow and make a real difference on Sundays. Whether it’s a route-running machine like Keenan Allen, a bounce-back candidate like J.K. Dobbins, or a steady vet like Rasul Douglas, these players still have enough juice to impact the 2025 season in a big way — they just need the right fit.

Teams are still crunching salary cap numbers, and fan bases are still dreaming up what-if scenarios (we all do it, no shame there). A lot of teams could also be waiting to see how the draft shakes out before pulling the trigger.

In the NFL, rarely do all questions get answered this early in the offseason. For now, fans will continue to speculate, GMs will negotiate, and these talented free agents will weigh offers that could shape the rest of their careers.

All stats courtesy of NFL Pro.