Following the first week of free agency, NFL executives have clearly indicated that any future signings must align with their draft strategies. This means that deals need to either be excellent values or address needs that cannot be met through the draft. As is often the case, veteran players are opting to wait and see the outcomes of the 2025 NFL Draft before finalizing their next contracts.

Even after all selections were completed in the 2025 NFL Draft, its implications continue to unfold. A second wave of free agency is approaching, coinciding with the financial calendar reset on June 1, allowing players who sign now to be excluded from the compensation pick formula.

While these six free agents may not land lucrative long-term contracts, they have the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Here’s a look at the best fit for each of the top remaining NFL free agents.

Best Fits for Top Free Agents After NFL Draft

Aaron Rodgers, QB: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were extensively connected to quarterbacks during the 2025 NFL Draft, yet after three days, they only selected Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard might just outcompete Mason Rudolph for the starting position, but looking at alternatives, Aaron Rodgers presents a more appealing option.

While it's difficult to detach some of Rodgers's off-field personality traits from his performances, Pittsburgh's pressing needs might justify taking a chance on the 41-year-old quarterback.

Rodgers may not be a top-tier starter with consistent play like he once was, but his performance in 2024 was still superior to that of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Given the Steelers' investments in D.K. Metcalf and the upgrades to their offensive line, there’s reason to believe they could maximize Rodgers’s potential in 2025.

Rodgers still possesses many strengths, including dependable accuracy and sound decision-making. Although his explosive throw rate has decreased notably since his Achilles injury, and his mobility has diminished significantly over the years, having Rodgers lead the team could make the Steelers a formidable playoff contender.

Amari Cooper, WR: Dallas Cowboys

Amari Cooper was a disappointment for the Buffalo Bills, failing to make a significant impact in the playoffs despite appearing to be an ideal match for Josh Allen. Now at 31, Cooper needs to find a team that emphasizes timing in its scheme and rewards players in contested catch situations, which isn't the approach Buffalo takes.

In contrast, Dallas does operate that way, and they didn’t bring in any new talent during the draft. His main competition there is quite lacking, featuring players like Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Parris Campbell.

Dak Prescott and Cooper had a fantastic four-year partnership in which Cooper averaged nearly 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns per season. Although Cooper struggled with drops prior to his time in Cleveland, he was significantly more productive than most of Dallas's receivers until CeeDee Lamb arrived. The prospect of reuniting Cooper with Lamb is both appealing and cost-effective.

Brandon Scherff, RG: Cincinnati Bengals

There will always be a demand for skilled blockers, so it's surprising when notable ones linger on the market for long. Brandon Scherff seems to be searching for the right opportunity to return, and the recent draft highlighted this. Even after signing veteran Lucas Patrick and selecting third-rounder Dylan Fairchild, Cincinnati remains the ideal destination.

The Bengals' run game has struggled for years due to poor interior blocking. Although Cincinnati has invested in improving this position, they have consistently missed the mark in both evaluation and development. Projected starters Cordell Volson and Cody Ford simply do not measure up to Scherff's abilities.

At 33, Scherff is an exceptional run blocker and had a top-15 pass-block win rate in 2024. His durability has become a strong point, having played in all but three games over the past three seasons. He would be an excellent addition to Cincinnati's offense, and in return, Scherff could pursue a championship alongside Joe Burrow.

J.K. Dobbins, RB: Los Angeles Rams

The most sought-after running back in free agency remains JK Dobbins. After a standout season with the Chargers, the 26-year-old showcases greater efficiency and explosiveness than others. While the Rams already have Kyren Williams, adding Dobbins would form a more effective complementary duo than what they had with Williams and Blake Corum in 2024.

Dobbins' advanced statistics indicate a player who makes explosive plays and exceeds the average performance of other backs. He ranked 13th in runs of at least 10 yards, even with fewer carries than all other backs in the top 18 of that statistic. According to PFF's breakaway metric, Dobbins stands seventh among backs with 110 or more carries.

His injury history, which includes an Achilles and ACL tear, is concerning. However, the Rams can manage his workload by limiting him to around 200 carries, working alongside a talented Williams and Corum.

Justin Simmons, SAF: Las Vegas Raiders

It's undeniable that one of the most disappointing free-agent signings of 2024 was Justin Simmons. On the surface, this seems puzzling since Simmons was arguably the top safety in the NFL that year. However, his transition to Atlanta resulted in diminished playmaking and a career-low tackling rate.

So, why is Simmons included in this discussion? At 31 years old, he was placed in a more specialized role in Atlanta compared to his time in Denver, which may have exposed him more. Previously, Simmons divided his time between the box, true free safety, and the slot, but in 2024, Atlanta shifted most of his slot snaps to free safety on a team lacking a strong pass rush.

Las Vegas has the opportunity to avoid making the same mistake, as they boast an elite pass rush and a track record of developing top-tier safeties under Pete Carroll. Although Simmons may not be as fast as before, he won't need to cover as much ground with Maxx Crosby leading a formidable defensive front. 

He certainly represents an improvement over Lonnie Johnson, Isaiah Pola-Mao, and Chris Smith.

Asante Samuel Jr., CB: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins faced numerous gaps in their roster that couldn't be addressed in a single draft class, leading them to wait until the fifth round to enhance their cornerback group. Jason Marshall Jr. will vie for playing time alongside Storm Duck and Cam Smith, highlighting the current situation in this position. The situation could worsen if they decide to trade Jalen Ramsey this offseason.

Taking a low-risk chance on Asante Samuel Jr. is the kind of strategy a rebuilding team should always consider. Samuel was limited to about 26% of snaps last season before he sustained a shoulder and neck injury, which he recently mentioned still affects him. He should be on the team's radar if his medical evaluations turn out positive.

At only 25 years old, Samuel is a dynamic outside cornerback who excels in both man and zone coverage. While his tackling is just average for his position, his ball skills and ability to stay tight in coverage have established him as a reliable starter throughout his career. This would be a significant improvement for Miami.

However, the injury complicates his outlook, and it would be a major setback if Samuel isn't cleared to play soon.