As the second week of NFL free agency unfolds, teams are busy filling out their rosters with an eye towards the future, especially with the 2025 draft on the horizon. While many star veterans have already found homes, there are still valuable players waiting for their opportunity, potentially at a bargain price.
While some of these athletes may not boast the big-name status of former first-round picks or Pro Bowl selections, they possess the skill sets that could significantly benefit both contending teams and those in the midst of rebuilding.
RB J.K. Dobbins
Take J.K. Dobbins, for example. The 26-year-old running back stood out last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for a career-high 905 yards and claiming nine touchdowns while averaging a commendable 4.6 yards per carry. He also contributed in the passing game with 32 receptions for 153 yards. Having finished second in the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year voting, his performance demonstrated what he can achieve when healthy.
Dobbins has faced his fair share of injuries, missing 42 games between 2021 and 2023, which has hampered his early career progression. Yet, his ability to lead a rushing attack was evident last year, even with four games spent on the sidelines. The right fit for Dobbins would be a backfield that allows him to share the workload, ideally alongside a pass-catching running back like Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns. This combo could create a well-balanced dynamic, allowing Dobbins to stay productive throughout the season.
Slot CB Mike Hilton
Turning to the defensive side, Mike Hilton is a name that still commands respect as one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks at 31 years old. His impressive stats over the past two seasons include 24 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, and three interceptions. What sets Hilton apart is his consistent ability to disrupt plays, a rarity for a nickelback, especially with his record of double-digit tackles for loss in consecutive seasons.
With the Las Vegas Raiders in need of a primary slot corner following Nate Hobbs’ departure to the Green Bay Packers, Hilton could be a smart pickup. His vast experience in the league could fill the gap in a secondary that’s undergoing changes after losing key players.
OG Teven Jenkins
Offensive linemen are always in demand as teams look to shore up their lines. Teven Jenkins, who faced a shifting landscape with the Chicago Bears, finds himself as a valuable free agent option. With the Bears acquiring new guards and a center, Jenkins is set to explore his opportunities elsewhere. His visits to teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Giants indicate there’s interest in his talents across the league.
Seattle, in particular, stands out due to their need for a dependable pass-blocker after losing Laken Tomlinson to the Houston Texans. Jenkins’ performance, allowing only four sacks in 738 snaps last season, could help stabilize their line.
WR Elijah Moore
On the receiving end, Elijah Moore has had a mixed tenure in the NFL, averaging just 35.4 receiving yards per game and totaling nine touchdowns over four seasons. Despite the quiet numbers, Moore, at just 24 years old, still has plenty of potential, especially if he lands in the right environment with a solid quarterback under center.
His experiences with the New York Jets and then the Cleveland Browns have exposed him to unstable quarterback situations, but now could be the moment for a fresh start. The Houston Texans, led by the promising C.J. Stroud, could be the ideal landing spot for Moore, especially as they look to bolster their receiver corps after losing Stefon Diggs and with Tank Dell recovering from injury.
EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah
Then there’s Emmanuel Ogbah, who thrived with the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and 2021 but may now fit better in a rotational role as he gets older. In season’s past, he has consistently proven himself as a productive edge-rusher, capable of making an impact with at least five sacks in five of his last six seasons, despite an injury-plagued year in 2022.
The San Francisco 49ers, in the midst of a defensive reset that includes losing several key players, could see Ogbah as a cost-effective option to enhance their pass rush.
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. is another player to keep an eye on, even after a difficult, injury-riddled season where he missed 13 games. His prior success includes registering two interceptions and multiple pass breakups each season during his first three years in the league. His potential may have teams scrutinizing his fit within their schemes, but with the Carolina Panthers searching for upgrades at cornerback, Samuel could emerge as a valuable addition.
LB Kyzir White
Finally, Kyzir White has transformed into a reliable defensive asset after overcoming early struggles in his career. His most recent performance with the Arizona Cardinals showed marked improvement, highlighted by nine tackles for loss and strong coverage stats.
The Las Vegas Raiders need versatility at linebacker, especially after losing a few key players in free agency. White’s track record of making plays from different linebacker positions could provide the Raiders with the defensive presence they are looking for.
As teams continue retooling their rosters, these under-the-radar free agents present intriguing options that could make a substantial impact on the right squad. Their experience and potential add depth, talent, and versatility just in time for the upcoming season.
