Top 100 2025 NFL free agents: Tee Higgins, Sam Darnold lead the way

On March 10 at noon ET, free agents may begin talking with new teams, and at 4 p.m. ET on March 12, signings can begin with the start of the new league year. Here's our ranking of the top 100 free agents available. We've worked to find a good mix of positions, teams, up-and-comers just off their rookie contracts and wise veterans probably signing their last deals. 

But, as always, a few impact players may go overlooked: Most top free agent lists a year ago did not include Eagles linebacker Zack Baun or Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, two of the most unexpected Pro Bowl stars of 2024. Remember also that some of the biggest names will be re-signed or will get the franchise tag to keep them off the open market. But for now, dream big for your favorite team. 

1. Tee Higgins , WR, Bengals

As if the Bengals didn't have enough contractual conflicts with their players, Higgins is slated to be the top free agent. And because Ja'Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson are looking for lucrative extensions (and Cincy is a notoriously cheap organization), there's an outside shot that Higgins will hit free agency — even if he's worthy of a franchise tag, just to retain him (and maybe even trade him). He may be the WR2 for the Bengals, but he'd be the No. 1 option for about 20 other teams. Not only does he check the box of what everyone wants (a young receiver entering his prime), but the 2025 market doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of receivers. This year, more than ever, Higgins is a rare entity.  

2. Trey Smith , G, Chiefs

You're probably thinking about how poorly Kansas City's offensive line played in the Super Bowl — and how that brutal performance sunk the Chiefs. But Smith wasn't to blame: In a game in which his teammates