The Dynasty Implication - 2025 NFL Free Agents
Chew breaks down the 2025 NFL free agent class and how it affects the dynasty landscape. Because of the implication.
Dynasty degenerates are not made in the NFL offseason, they are revealed. No weekly lineups to set, just countless rookie mock drafts filled with deeper and deeper sleepers. But my favorite part is what helps bridge the gap from one season to the next, free agency. Preparing for free agency as a dynasty manager begins now, if not earlier, and that requires a knowledge of the upcoming free agents.
Before we dive into the 2025 NFL free agents, if you find this article even mildly enjoyable please consider subscribing. Do it now, shake my hand!
*The only free agents mentioned are unrestricted free agents.
The Quarterbacks
As it stands, the free agency pool is shallow at the quarterback position ahead of the 2025 season. It is headlined by Sam Darnold, which a year ago would be a blemish but the former first round pick has earned himself, likely, a Baker Mayfield+ type of contract. Here are the Top-10 free agent quarterbacks:
Tier 1
Sam Darnold
Tier 2
Russell Wilson
Tier 3
Justin Fields
Jameis Winston
Mac Jones
Drew Lock
Mason Rudolph
Tier 4
Zach Wilson
Trey Lance
Tommy DeVito
Tier 1 and Tier 2 includes the only two free agent quarterbacks that I expect to be starters in 2025. Darnold is bumped up to his own tier given his age and current fantasy production. And if he does return to Minnesota, as I expect him to, he will have top-end receivers at his disposal. I expect Wilson to return as the starter in Pittsburgh but his value is more in the real game than fantasy. But there is always value in dynasty if you are one of the 32 starting QBs.
Tier 3 is the backup quarterbacks that could also serve as bridge quarterbacks. The most exciting option for fantasy would be Fields given his rushing upside and while there is no certainty of him starting he is worth kicking the tires on in dynasty. The cheapest you could get him is likely a third round rookie pick but even if it takes a little more, quarterback is king in dynasty superflex leagues.
Tier 4 is a testament to how unpredictable the NFL can be. Wilson and Lance were the second and third picks, respectively, in the 2021 draft while DeVito went undrafted in 2023. While the ceiling is considered higher for Wilson and Lance, warranted or not, this trio’s dynasty value is immaterial.
The Running Backs
The free agent running backs consist of a few players that can, and have, lead a backfield. However, most of this free agent class will be relegated to joining running back committees and providing dynasty value once injuries pile up. Here are the Top-20 free agent running backs:
Tier 1
Najee Harris
J.K. Dobbins
Rico Dowdle
Aaron Jones
Javonte Williams
Tier 2
Jaylen Warren
Cam Akers
Alexander Mattison
Ty Johnson
Tier 3
Khalil Herbert
Elijah Mitchell
Nick Chubb
Kenneth Gainwell
Ameer Abdullah
A.J. Dillon
Samaje Perine
D’Onta Foreman
Tier 4
Craig Reynolds
Trey Sermon
D’Ernest Johnson
Tier 1 represents those that have an opportunity to lead a backfield or be a strong 1B in a backfield committee. Jones is the elder statesman but has remained productive despite being is the midst of his aged 30 season. While the remainder of the tier consists of players that have proven to at least be steady Top-24 producers. Dynasty managers should look to this tier for trade targets as fellow managers fall in love with the incoming rookie class.
Tier 2 represents the higher end of committee backs that do not have the staying power of Tier 1. From here on out everyone will have “their guys” and Akers is one that I am targeting. Akers continues to claw back onto rosters despite multiple achilles tendon injuries keeping him off the field. I would not be surprised if he returns to Minnesota on a one year deal to be a part of a committee again.
In Tier 3, injuries have ravaged the likes of Nick Chubb, Elijah Mitchell and A.J. Dillon. While the remainder of the tier have sporadically had productive weeks in the last year or two. Similar to Tier 2, everyone will have their preference and for me it is Khalil Herbert (full disclosure I am a VT alum). I do not expect anyone on this tier to cost much more than a third round rookie pick.
Tier 4 is, well, tier 4. Purely depth players that may very well be on the practice squad. In dynasty you can get them as throw-ins in trades, if they aren’t already free agents.
The Wide Receivers
The bell of the ball in this years free agent class is of course Tee Higgins. After hiring the same agent as his pass-catching counterpart, Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins is about to get the bag. Outside of Higgins there are a few big names we all know, but injury and/or age has befallen many of them. Here are the Top-30 free agent wide receivers:
Tier 1
Tee Higgins
Tier 2a
Chris Godwin
Stefon Diggs
Amari Cooper
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Tier 2b
Keenan Allen
DeAndre Hopkins
Diontae Johnson
Tier 3
Darius Slayton
Elijah Moore
Joshua Palmer
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Tutu Atwell
Noah Brown
Greg Dortch
Tier 4
Rondale Moore
Olamide Zaccheaus
Tyler Boyd
Dyami Brown
Mike Williams
Brandin Cooks
Demarcus Robinson
Juju Smith-Schuster
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Tier 5
David Moore
Bo Melton
Tyler Johnson
Mecole Hardman
Van Jefferson
Tylan Wallace
Tier 1 is the crown jewel of the 2025 free agent class, Tee Higgins. It is likely that the dynasty manager that has Higgins is holding onto him since the starting point for any trade is a mid-late first round rookie pick. So in terms of an attainable trade target in dynasty, I would look to the next tier.
Tiers 2a and 2b are close but having the likes of Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnson on the same tier just doesn’t sit right with me. Despite injuries ending the seasons of Godwin and Diggs, both serve as enticing buy low options from managers uneasy about the duos’ injuries and latter’s age. Tier 2b is primarily broken out from 2a due to uncertainty in production due to age (Allen and Hopkins) or Johnson (case of the grumpies). Tiers 2a and 2b are the ones that I would focus on getting my guy, which for me is Godwin.
Tiers 3 and 4 are an amalgam of supporting receivers that could be elevated with a lack of competition but are likely depth options that may occasionally enter your flex spot. These are fun tiers to trade for because given the depth at the wide receiver position you can likely get these players as throw-ins in bigger dynasty trades. And for me the players I am going after are Darius Slayton, Noah Brown, and Tyler Boyd.
Tier 5 includes wide receivers similar to the tier 4 of the running backs. I expect these players to be on rosters but banking on even flex-level production is bad for your health.
The Tight Ends
It pains me to say that this crop of free agent tight ends leave a lot to be desired. And I say that as someone who enjoys stashing tight ends (can I get a Chris Herndon anyone?). Enough tight end nostalgia, here are the Top-10 free agent tight ends:
Tier 1
Mike Gesicki
Zach Ertz
Juwan Johnson
Tier 2
Tyler Conklin
Tommy Tremble
Austin Hooper
Tier 3
Kylen Granson
Hayden Hurst
Harrison Bryant
Tanner Hudson
To reinforce the level to which the free agent tight ends, Tier 1 free agents can very likely be had for a third round rookie pick. That is not to say it is not worth making the trade but understand what you are getting. I find Ertz the most appealing option as his game has aged well but buying into a 34 year old tight end is not a savvy move.
Tier 2 includes tight ends that have at one time or another been the starter and could have streamable weeks at their next stop even if they are no longer the starter. Conklin has been a steady producer since his time in Minnesota and Tremble is a tenacious blocker that has flashed his athleticism as a runner.
Tier 3 is the land of misfit tight ends. I fully expect them to be on an NFL roster but for the sake of dynasty managers, these tight ends are not your concern.
The 2025 NFL offseason will be here before you know it. The window to franchise/transition tag players opens February 18th, a mere nine days after the Super Bowl! So we dynasty managers would be wise to start making our roster moves now!
So you lasted this long and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow dynasty degenerates I would greatly appreciate it!