NFL Free Agency: Top Landing Spots for Remaining 14 Players
Analysts project optimal team fits for 14 NFL free agents, considering scheme, impact, and cap space, following the 2026 draft.
Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·

The NFL offseason, following the primary free agency period in March and the 2026 draft, continues with several unsigned veterans seeking new teams. Analysts have mapped ideal landing spots for 14 free agents based on scheme fit, immediate impact, and cap flexibility. Most of these players project as rotational contributors or as competition for starting jobs in training camp. Here are the notable projections and why they fit.
One prominent match links wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Los Angeles Rams. His ability to separate and work the middle of the field aligns with Sean McVay’s offense, which leverages in-breaking concepts and timing routes. Diggs recorded 85 receptions last season, and his route craft would give quarterback Matthew Stafford a reliable intermediate target.
San Francisco identified for Kevin Zeitler and Joey Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers are viewed as a strong fit for interior lineman Kevin Zeitler, whose power and movement skills suit gap schemes. He also brings steadiness in pass protection, ranking 37th out of 65 qualifying guards in pass block win rate last season at 92.4%. With left guard Spencer Burford departing in free agency, Zeitler would be an immediate upgrade to the interior.
Pass-rusher Joey Bosa is also projected to San Francisco to fortify a unit that finished last in pressure rate (24.9%) and total sacks (20) in 2025. Bosa answered availability questions by playing at least 14 games in each of the past two seasons and averaged 36.3 snaps per game last year, producing five sacks, five forced fumbles and 42 pressures. His speed-to-power profile and motor would add depth — and the chance to line up alongside his brother Nick Bosa adds intrigue.
Curtis Samuel’s versatility mapped to the Colts
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel is projected to the Indianapolis Colts, where his catch-and-run skill set would complement Alec Pierce and slot receiver Josh Downs. Coach Shane Steichen can manufacture touches for Samuel on crossers, screens and fly sweeps to stress defenses horizontally. Samuel caught 72 passes last season and would add a yards-after-catch dimension to an ascending offense.
A.J. Epenesa’s edge traits fit Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers are a projected landing spot for A.J. Epenesa after the departure of rotational edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare. Epenesa’s 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame allows him to set a firm edge and convert speed to power. He has 24.5 sacks and four interceptions across six seasons, and his disruptive length would strengthen Green Bay’s front-four rotation.
Taylor Decker viewed as a Dolphins option
Left tackle Taylor Decker is projected to compete for the job in Miami, where he would push third-year pro Patrick Paul. Decker posted an 89.3% pass block win rate in 2025, the second-lowest of his 10-year career, but his toughness and experience could still secure a starting role if healthy. With Miami drafting former Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor last month and expecting him to slot at left guard in 2026, Decker would address the premium blindside spot.
Panthers linked to move tight end Smith
The Carolina Panthers are connected with a move, or “F,” tight end identified as Smith, who offers alignment versatility and can flex outside in 12 personnel. Smith had 38 receptions last season, and 68.4% of his career receiving production has come after the catch. That profile would give quarterback Bryce Young a reliable short-area target on unders, screens and quick-game concepts.
Cam Jordan projected to stay with Saints
Veteran edge Cam Jordan is forecast to remain with the New Orleans Saints for his 16th season. Jordan produced 10.5 sacks in 2025 — his most in a single season since 2021 — and still fits as a 4-3 edge given his size and movement skills. A return would preserve leadership and continuity for a defense coordinating under Brandon Staley.
These projections frame how contenders and retooling teams might squeeze value from the remaining market. As camps approach, watch for teams to act quickly if injuries or performance gaps emerge, turning these fits from projections into signings.