One Key Player Every NFL Team Should Re-Sign This Offseason

With just one match left on the NFL calendar, teams are already setting up shop for their offseasons. While there’s still around a month or two left before the combine and free agency, squads hope to take their best players off the free agency market and ink some new deals. Whether it be extending eligible players still on their rookie deals to get ahead of the curve, or keeping previous free agents for the long run, GMs and agents are working hard to come to a conclusion. Every team’s got their fair share of decisions to make, and some are of more importance than others. Today, we’ll be looking at those decisions for each franchise, and see who their most important players are to re-sign or extend this offseason.

Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Thompson

Most think of Budda Baker as the focal point in Arizona’s DB room. However, Jalen Thompson proved himself as not just a great tandem piece with Baker, but as a capable DB in his own right. He provided versatility and complementary play to the Cardinals secondary, being moved all over the field. Perhaps the change in staff may indicate a new location for Thompson. Nevertheless, he deserves a new deal with the Cards.

Atlanta Falcons: Drake London

Drake London built off of his elite 2024 campaign and recorded similar numbers in five less games. Additionally, he had the fifth highest target share among all receivers in the league, displaying how vital he is to Atlanta’s attack. Wide receiver is a premium position, and the price of having one like London continues to go up. Whoever the Falcons’ new GM will be must get ahead of the curve and back up the Brinks truck for London.

Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum

The tackle tandem in charge with protecting Lamar Jackson mostly carried their weight. The same could not be said for the interior. Baltimore’s duo of guards combined for an average PFF grade of 55.7. This makes Linderbaum’s elite play shine as the lone star on the interior. As such, the Ravens simply can’t afford to let him walk. Finding a center like him is rare, and it’s paramount for them to keep him in the building.

Buffalo Bills: Connor McGovern

There’s no one that doubts Josh Allen’s toughness. However, minimizing the hits he takes should always be a priority, especially after the recent footage surfaced showing him in a walking boot. Connor McGovern made the switch to center in 2024, and promptly made the Pro Bowl. He continued his great play this last year, not allowing a single sack and posting the sixth best pass-blocking PFF grade among centers. He’s on the last year of his deal, and should be on the short list of re-sign candidates for Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers: Jalen Coker

What the Panthers were hoping to get with Xavier Legette they received with Jalen Coker. He burst onto the scene in 2024 as a UDFA and shined in his limited opportunities. Most importantly, his chemistry with Bryce Young pops on the tape. Paired with Tetairoa MacMillan, he heightens the ceiling of the team’s offense. Granted, his status as an exclusive rights free agent means he’s likely to remain in Charlotte no matter what. Regardless, locking him up for the long-run can prove to be a bountiful decision for the Panthers.

Chicago Bears: Kevin Byard

Byard’s impact on the Bears transcends the statsheet. His veteran presence and knowledge of the game, coupled with his versatility made him a crucial piece on the sport’s best defense at getting turnovers. His league-leading 7 interceptions came at key points and were the result of great awareness. Chicago’s set to lose firepower in their safety room. Maintaining Byard’s prowess will help ease the wounds.

Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Hendrickson

Will the Bengals re-sign Trey Hendrickson? Probably not. Does that change the fact that they should? Also no. While Hendrickson didn’t light up the stat-sheet like he did in 2024, having 4 sacks in just seven games is nothing to scoff at. You can point to his age or the price of his likely deal and say Cincinnati should go another route. What remains true is that he is the sole reason Cincinnati’s putrid defense even has a chance at sniffing the opposing QB. If Hendrickson hits the market, he’ll fetch a high price, and for good reason. The Bengals should not allow their only spark on defense to leave.

Cleveland Browns: Devin Bush

Most fans may not remember Bush outside of his status as a former top ten draft pick. Because of that, and the Browns’ usual disappointing campaign, his elite 2025 season flew under the radar. He posted a career-high 125 tackles, had 3 INTs, 8 passes defensed, 7 TFLs, 4 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles and 2 sacks. The return of Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah is up in the air. Keeping him for the long run would be an underrated yet beneficial signing.

Dallas Cowboys: Jadeveon Clowney

You may be surprised to see anyone but George Pickens at this spot. It’s fair to question, as Pickens broke out and emerged as a dominant force. Still, the price he’ll demand may be too high for Dallas to grant just yet. Instead, the franchise tag feels most appropriate. For a re-signing though, the ageless Jadeveon Clowney should be the priority. Clowney produced 8.5 sacks in 13 games. On a Cowboys defense desperate for some help on the edges, he’d be a stable force.

Denver Broncos: J.K. Dobbins

Sean Payton’s ground game with and without JK Dobbins on the field saw a night and day difference. Dobbins signed a one year prove it deal with Denver last offseason, hoping to find his new home in Colorado. After racking up 772 yards in just 10 games, the signs are pointing towards a reunion with the Broncos. With the team’s unused cap space, he’ll likely join plenty of outside free agents who’ll get a bag in Denver.

Detroit Lions: Al-Quadin Muhammad

The Lions finally found a top-tier rush mate to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Muhammad registered career highs in pass-rush metrics. He ended his season with 11 sacks and 59 pressures. Given his age and his primary usage on pass-rush downs, the Lions could come away with a much more team friendly deal.

Green Bay Packers: Tucker Kraft

In the short span where he played, Tucker Kraft skyrocketed up the tight end rankings. He provided the Packers with a true game changer at the position, and consistently caused havoc against opposing defenses. In spite of missing 11 games, Kraft hauled in 32 passes for 489 yards. Of those yards, 344 of them came after the catch. Though the ACL tear may complicate things, Green Bay should prioritize an extension before someone like Brock Bowers resets the market.

Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr.

Will Anderson, just, Will Anderson. A true monster on the field, Will Anderson is mirroring the legacy of JJ Watt and terrorizing opposing offenses. Despite ranking 27th among all edges in snap count, he still logged 93 pressures, 70 hurries and 13 sacks. Unfortunately for Houston, he’s gonna cost a lot of money. With the edge rusher market consistently topping the charts, Anderson is sure to soon become the highest-paid non-QB in the game. And truth be told, he’s worth that weight in gold.

Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones

Now, it’s easy to immediately look at Daniel Jones and say that he should hit the market. Given his injury, his tendency to crumble under pressure, and play after his first extension may dissuade you from believing the Colts should keep him. Nevertheless, Indianapolis doesn’t have much choice. For the next two years, they’re lacking a first round pick, eliminating them from the possibility of selecting a premium prospect at signal-caller. Furthermore, there’s no point in bringing in a free agent QB for the similar price of Jones when the fit with Danny Dimes is already there.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Montaric Brown

The two top names in the Jaguars’ list of priorities already secured their deals of the future. Cole Van-Lanen proved himself as a versatile and capable left tackle, while Jakobi Meyers elevated Jacksonville’s offense to a new echelon. Both got new deals, leaving one clear option: Buster Brown. Of course, the immediate thought goes to Devin Lloyd. Lloyd bloomed in a contract year and made game-changing plays for the Jags. However, he may fetch a price the team simply can’t pay. Instead, rewarding Montaric Brown for the stellar year he had may be in order. He recorded 2 INTs, 12 PBUs, and allowed just 379 yards in coverage.

Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie

The Chiefs’ draft woes led to their disaster of a season and the lack of players they really need to re-sign. The only eligible player who you could say deserves an extension right now is Trent McDuffie. Even then, McDuffie had a fitting but uncharacteristically disappointing season. Barring 2025, he’s been one of the top CBs in the slot. This year though, he lost a step and bigger bodied wideouts took advantage of his smaller frame. It feels more likely that the Chiefs would ship off McDuffie in a trade, but extending him while his price is low could prove to be the right call.

Las Vegas Raiders: Eric Stokes

Stokes was one of the few bright spots on Las Vegas’ roster. After an underwhelming tenure in Green Bay, Stokes bet on himself and signed a one year deal with the Raiders. His 9.3 yards per catch allowed ranked him top 11 among corners, and he allowed just 28 receptions on the year. He’s definitely earned a multi-year deal, and would be a reliable piece on the secondary.

Los Angeles Chargers: Odafe Oweh

The future surrounding LA’s relationship with Khalil Mack has an air of uncertainty surrounding it. With signs indicating a parting of the ways, re-signing their trade acquisition becomes a priority. Oweh is just 27, and excelled with the Bolts. He logged 7.5 sacks in just 12 games, and added 3 more in the Chargers’ playoff game. Edge help is always needed, and Oweh would form a great long-term duo with Tuli Tuipulotu.

Los Angeles Rams: Puka Nacua

After making the league as a fifth rounder, Puka Nacua has cemented himself as a top three receiver in the NFL. He’s physical, quick, and can seemingly catch anything. With his playstyle, perhaps there’s a question regarding his longevity. Regardless, the Rams should be doing everything in their power to sign him to a new deal. If they wait one more year, chances are his price will go up by more than a couple million.

Miami Dolphins: Rasul Douglas

For a secondary that looked grim in the preseason, the DBs in Miami did a good job all things considered. A big part of that was the efforts of Rasul Douglas, who became a great offseason addition. Douglas was the only Dolphins player to record multiple interceptions with 2, and had 13 passes defensed. One spot where Douglas’ value shined most was his consistency. With Jeff Hafley’s defensive background, Douglas would work as a great line of communication between Hafley and the defense, acting as a veteran presence for the unit.

Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Greenard

Though Greenard didn’t replicate his elite numbers from 2024, he’s still a vital piece for Brian Flores’ unit. His season was stymied by injuries, and he never had a shot at properly getting back on his feet. This is a prime opportunity for Minnesota’s front office to secure him to another deal. He’s dealt with injuries before, and later rebounded. Additionally, it’d open up the gate for some restructuring, which the Vikings could use right now while having the NFL’s third lowest cap space.

New England Patriots: K’lavon Chaisson

With Christian Barmore and Milton Williams wrecking opposing interiors, DEs like K’Lavon Chaisson can focus more on their 1 on 1s. Chaisson was particularly effective on his opportunities. He racked up 54 pressures and 7.5 sacks, being a great complimentary piece on the line. Having a reliable role player like him can do wonders, and New England should prioritize keeping him on the roster.

New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis

The ageless wonder Demario Davis may be up for his last payday. At 37 years old, he played a whopping 98.3% of snaps on defense. He still maintained solid play, ranking sixth among linebackers in PFF grade. Of course, he may wish to instead try his chances with a Super Bowl contender. However, the Saints should still put an emphasis on retaining his services. Ignoring the sentimental side of this particular discussion, losing Davis’ presence and familiarity with the game would be a tough one to swallow.

New York Giants: Wan’Dale Robinson

As Malik Nabers is still on his rookie contract, giving Wan’Dale Robinson a lucrative check wouldn’t be a bad choice. He caught a total of 94 balls for 1014 yards, and did damage inside and outside. Right now, the priority for the G-men should be developing Jaxson Dart. If Dart gets to have Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson as his top two targets, he’ll have the opportunities necessary for success.

New York Jets: Alijah Vera-Tucker

Inking a multi-year deal with Vera-Tucker would be premature. Instead, something akin to a one year prove it deal may fit the situation best. Right now for New York, it’s a decision between keeping Vera-Tucker or John Simpson. Though Simpson has not shown the upside of Vera-Tucker, his sturdiness is an important trait the latter lacks. Still, Simpson’s productivity declined compared to his 2024 campaign. As such, a short deal with Vera-Tucker could prove to be the right choice, as sometimes injuries are more about luck than anything else.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jaelan Philips

Trading a third round selection for Philips without giving him a long-term deal would be malpractice. He became a valuable cog in Vic Fangio’s machine, and did tremendous work both against the pass and the run. In contrast, the rest of the Eagles’ EDGEs have flashed but struggled to establish themselves as a consistent force. Philadelphia’s got a lot of work to do this offseason, but letting Philips walk when all the upside is there would be a disappointing decision.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr.

The league’s highest paid defense will probably maintain that title. Joey Porter Jr, like his father before him, has become a vital piece on Pittsburgh’s defense. He currently holds the longest active streak for snaps without a touchdown allowed, and constantly has his hands on the ball. It was a slam dunk selection for the Steelers when it happened, and now they’ll likely set him up to wear black and gold for the foreseeable future.

San Francisco 49ers: Jauan Jennings

As a blocker or as a receiver, Jennings consistently produces on the field. Truth be told though, there’s not many players on San Francisco’s list of upcoming free agents that move the needle. In fact, maybe keeping Jennings would be a foolish decision considering the price he’s demanding. Still, if Jennings holds his horses and settles for a smaller number, he’ll probably be catching passes from Brock Purdy next year.

Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon/Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle’s pair of first rounders from 2023 really put into perspective what a game-changer the Russel Wilson trade was. Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have evolved into two of the best players at their positions. Their efforts and play are a big reason why the Seahawks have become the Super Bowl contenders they are today. As such, it’s a no-brainer here. Seattle’s pockets will be bleeding after the big game, as they’ll be forced to (graciously) pay up for the two.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jamel Dean

Injury concerns could complicate talks between the Bucs and Dean’s agent. Tampa Bay should still try to get Dean back on a team friendly deal. He’s a reliable presence and won’t demand too high of a price. He finished the season with a three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a PFF grade of 81.5. Keeping experienced depth pieces in the DB room always helps, and Dean is a very effective player to have.

Tennessee Titans: Chig Okonkwo

The Titans don’t have a lot of players worth signing to a long-term deal. One of them though, Chig Okonkwo, is coming off a career season. While rookie Gunnar Helm rised up the depth chart and became the starter, Okonkwo still hauled in 56 passes for 560 yards. What increases his value the most is his versatility. He lined up in multiple spots on the field, and Brian Daboll could maximize his skill set.

Washington Commanders: Deebo Samuel

The decision to acquire Deebo Samuel with a fifth round pick was a controversial one. Adding a aging injury prone receiver to the oldest roster in the game felt like a lateral move. Instead, Samuel maintained his physical play and was one of the few bright spots for Washington. He provided a safety blanket and high YAC production, and carried his weight with all the injuries surrounding his team. The team can afford to keep Samuel, and giving him at least one more year would maintain cohesion within the offense.

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