The first wave of free agency arrived with the force of a tidal wave, and while we're still dealing with the ripples from that wild week, things have started to settle.
Quality talent remains available. Opportunities? Not as prevalent.
With this in mind, it's time to find homes for a handful of notable names still looking for employment.
NOTE: Each player's listed age represents how old he will be on Monday, Sept. 7.
The Chargers have plenty of reason to like Tre Harris, who flashed during his rookie year starting with his very first training camp, but with Keenan Allen" data-link="/players/keenan-allen/" data-slug="keenan-allen"> Keenan Allen still unsigned, they still have room for a veteran who can contribute. This is where we enter the NFL's leading heel in 2025, Jennings, a receiver with 75 games of experience and 210 career receptions for 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns. His importance increased over his final two seasons in San Francisco, and I'd love to see him join a corps that also includes Quentin Johnston" data-link="/players/quentin-johnston/" data-slug="quentin-johnston"> Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey" data-link="/players/ladd-mcconkey/" data-slug="ladd-mcconkey"> Ladd McConkey, if for no reason other than I believe Justin Herbert" data-link="/players/justin-herbert/" data-slug="justin-herbert"> Justin Herbert would maximize Jennings' potential at this stage in his career. The Chargers can always use another proven pass catcher and Jennings is that.
The Lions could use multiple additions at edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson" data-link="/players/aidan-hutchinson/" data-slug="aidan-hutchinson"> Aidan Hutchinson and should take such an approach as long as it's affordable. That's a big qualifier when speaking of Bosa, a former first-rounder who made $13.2 million in 2025 and contributed respectably before his performance tailed off significantly down the stretch, potentially decreasing his earning power in 2026. At 30 years old, Bosa is firmly in veteran mercenary territory. Despite proving his injury history wasn't a defining trait in the last two seasons, it's a concern that will probably always follow him, but if he's willing to take slightly less than what his representation believes he's worth, he could find an excellent opportunity with the Lions. Bosa wouldn't see much extra attention because of Hutchinson's presence on the other side of the defensive front, and if the Lions find another veteran to rotate with Bosa, it might not be too taxing on the former No. 3 overall pick, either.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to head to Las Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in April. Of all currently active NFL quarterbacks, I can't possibly think of a better comparison for Mendoza than Cousins, who happens to be available for hire. In 2025, Cousins proved he can handle the veteran backup role and perform well. He'd supply Mendoza with a wise teammate and proper mentor who can help him navigate the rigors of the NFL, and if Mendoza isn't ready to start right away, Cousins can fill that job for the time being, too. It makes too much sense to not happen.
Reader remains unsigned more than a week after the free agency negotiation period began -- likely a product of misaligned market value expectations -- and the available jobs have dwindled. Reader could probably find a less lucrative, rotational role with teams like Detroit, Baltimore, Buffalo or Cincinnati, but if he wants to cash in (relatively speaking) with a team that has become intriguing after a busy offseason, why not head for Las Vegas? Its current projected starter alongside Adam Butler" data-link="/players/adam-butler/" data-slug="adam-butler"> Adam Butler, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu" data-link="/players/jonah-laulu/" data-slug="jonah-laulu"> Jonah Laulu, has just two seasons of experience and ranked 126th out of 134 interior defensive linemen in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. Toss Reader into that room as a veteran who could serve as somewhat of a stopgap and show the younger guy(s) how to become a productive pro.
Remember when I wrote that the Lions need to add multiple edge rushers to their defense? This is where Epenesa finds a perfect fit. The Iowa product filled such a role in Buffalo and became a useful rotational rusher for the Bills, recording 24 sacks -- including 21.5 over his last four seasons -- and demonstrating a knack for making timely plays despite only playing roughly 45 percent of defensive snaps in 2022-25. This is what the Lions need behind a starter opposite Hutchinson, because if any team has learned about the importance of trench depth, it's Detroit.
Related Links
No, he hasn't already suited up for the Ravens in the past, but it sure feels like Diggs is made for Baltimore in 2026. The 32-year-old receiver became a mercenary pass catcher over the last two seasons, leaving Buffalo for Houston via trade before packing his bags for New England and filling an important veteran role for the darling Patriots in 2025. If he doesn't consider returning to New England, it would make plenty of sense for Diggs to become the latest household name to latch on with Lamar Jackson" data-link="/players/lamar-jackson/" data-slug="lamar-jackson"> Lamar Jackson and Co. in pursuit of a ring. He'll bring the fresh experience of reaching the Super Bowl, a roaring competitive fire and the skills -- which he proved he still has -- to become a dependable target for Jackson in a corps that could use him opposite Zay Flowers" data-link="/players/zay-flowers/" data-slug="zay-flowers"> Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman" data-link="/players/rashod-bateman/" data-slug="rashod-bateman"> Rashod Bateman. Skeptics might point to DeAndre Hopkins" data-link="/players/deandre-hopkins/" data-slug="deandre-hopkins"> DeAndre Hopkins' Baltimore experience as a reason the Ravens shouldn't target yet another veteran at the position, but Hopkins wasn't responsible for his decreased usage amid a trying season for the Ravens, and that certainly shouldn't preclude GM Eric DeCosta from attempting to bolster the position. Diggs could help Baltimore's younger receiving corps much like he did in New England and make some big plays for Jackson, who should always be supplied with talented pass catchers.
I have no idea how the Panthers view Xavier Legette" data-link="/players/xavier-legette/" data-slug="xavier-legette"> Xavier Legette, a playmaker who tempts onlookers into believing he can become a star but isn't nearly consistent enough to realize that potential yet. We know they have a stud in Tetairoa McMillan" data-link="/players/tetairoa-mcmillan/" data-slug="tetairoa-mcmillan"> Tetairoa McMillan, and I'm personally a fan of Jalen Coker" data-link="/players/jalen-coker/" data-slug="jalen-coker"> Jalen Coker. Carolina already added John Metchie III" data-link="/players/john-metchie/" data-slug="john-metchie"> John Metchie III, but why stop there? Throw Samuel, a rugged slot whose best days are admittedly behind him, into the equation to give Bryce Young another option. The Panthers enjoyed some surprising success in 2025, which should only prompt them to continue accruing talent, especially for an offense that, depending on the week, was either explosive or forgot to board the bus to the stadium. They might have a tough time fitting Samuel's expected cost (roughly $15 million, per Spotrac) into their cap situation, but there are ways to make it work if the fit makes sense.
In 2024, the Lions had a top-five O-line, per Pro Football Focus, with Zeitler starting at right guard. Then they let him walk -- and received a strong reminder of the importance of offensive line depth, slipping to 12th in PFF's rankings without Zeitler and the retired Frank Ragnow" data-link="/players/frank-ragnow/" data-slug="frank-ragnow"> Frank Ragnow. They shouldn't allow themselves to be caught short again. The unit's performance is especially crucial to their chances of success, and they cannot afford to disappoint for a second straight season. Zeitler can return to Detroit and battle for one of the two starting guard spots (watch out, Christian Mahogany" data-link="/players/christian-mahogany/" data-slug="christian-mahogany"> Christian Mahogany). If Zeitler loses the camp battle, he can hang around as a reliable veteran option in the event injury strikes. At 36 years old, he should fit nicely with the Lions' remaining cap space, too.
Let's see: Malik Willis" data-link="/players/malik-willis/" data-slug="malik-willis"> Malik Willis went to Miami, Kyler Murray" data-link="/players/kyler-murray/" data-slug="kyler-murray"> Kyler Murray went to Minnesota and we're approaching April with the Steelers in a familiar situation at the quarterback position. Don't waste time trying to sell me on 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard" data-link="/players/will-howard/" data-slug="will-howard"> Will Howard or backup Mason Rudolph" data-link="/players/mason-rudolph/" data-slug="mason-rudolph"> Mason Rudolph; we all know Rodgers is going to be in Pittsburgh in 2026, even as we -- and new WR Michael Pittman" data-link="/players/michael-pittman/" data-slug="michael-pittman"> Michael Pittman, who expressed excitement about playing "with a Hall of Fame quarterback" before diplomatically acknowledging Howard and Rudolph -- continue to wait for actual news on this front. Rodgers played well enough for the Steelers last season to deserve another shot at it before he walks away. He's even spoken nicely of new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he had a reportedly rocky relationship in Green Bay. Just get the deal done already.
The Dolphins are rebuilding rapidly, and they are the most difficult team to project entering 2026, but there is one successful move from 2025 that new lever-pullers Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan can try to emulate. Fresh out of retirement, tight end Darren Waller" data-link="/players/darren-waller/" data-slug="darren-waller"> Darren Waller spent multiple outings serving as Miami's primary source of offense last season. Njoku is a less reliable pass-catcher than Waller but is good for similar highlight-reel plays. He has yet to find a home in free agency but carries value for a team seeking an end-zone pillar. Who better than the Dolphins, whose new QB1 (Malik Willis) has just six NFL starts under his belt?
Of course, laying out all of this informed, wishful thinking means one thing: Njoku will go replace Isaiah Likely" data-link="/players/isaiah-likely/" data-slug="isaiah-likely"> Isaiah Likely in Baltimore. One can dream, though.
Speaking of Miami, the Dolphins' teardown has left holes on their roster. Like his brother Stefon, Diggs needs a job, and his career arc has hit a low point, with the two-time Pro Bowler contributing minimally over two games in Green Bay after being waived by the Cowboys last season. He also hasn't been a reliably productive defender since 2022, the last time he started more than 11 games or logged more than 11 passes defensed in a year. If he wants to prove he can be the same player who earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2021, Diggs should jump at the chance to fill a starting spot (or at least compete for one) in Miami, especially under the direction of defensive-minded coach Jeff Hafley.
All Shaun Livingston needed was minutes with the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers in order to prove he was worth a roster spot with a contender. Do you remember how that ended? With three NBA titles earned as a key bench player for the Golden State Warriors. Diggs should aim for the same redemption arc.