As teams prepare for the 2025 free agency period, all three leagues’ front offices are moving quickly. The athletes in this year’s class include superstars, experienced workers and big-game performers. Be it a quarterback, a versatile forward or a mobile defenseman, free agency this season will likely bring major changes to teams in every league.
Please find a list of top free agents scheduled for 2025, the places they could sign and what their decisions could mean for the rest of the league.
NFL Free Agency 2025: Game-Changers Still in Play
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Ryan Tannehill – QB
Age: 36 | 2024 Team: Tennessee Titans
Tannehill might not be a top prospect for the future, but he is an accomplished player and a leader. For teams trying to guide a rookie QB or wanting an experienced leader, Tannehill provides both decisive play and experience in winning the playoffs.
Best Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots
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Hunter Renfrow – WR
Age: 29 | 2024 Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Renfrow’s outstanding Pro Bowl play last season is still fresh in everyone’s minds. Because of his injuries, his production has dropped, but a team like Detroit or Green Bay, which counts on polished routes and distance from defenders, could help him excel.
Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts
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Stephon Gilmore – CB
Age: 34 | 2024 Team: Dallas Cowboys
Despite his age, Gilmore displayed moments of elite defence in 2024. Thanks to their needs in the secondary, Kansas City or Baltimore seem like good choices for him.
Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles
NBA Free Agency 2025: Stars in the Balance
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Pascal Siakam – PF
Age: 31 | 2024 Team: Indiana Pacers
Keeping in mind his two All-Star appearances and a ring, Siakam is still among the league’s best versatile forwards. For the Sacramento Kings, needing more offence and defence in the frontcourt and the Orlando Magic desiring a senior to help their young group, Siakam might be the perfect fit.
Best Fits: Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets
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Klay Thompson – SG
Age: 35 | 2024 Team: Golden State Warriors
Klay isn’t as much of a threat on defence these days, but his shot is still one to respect. If he agrees to step back from starting and agrees to a team-oriented salary, a franchise such as Miami or Philadelphia could take advantage of his calmness in the playoffs and three-point shooting.
Best Fits: Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers
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Tyus Jones – PG
Age: 29 | 2024 Team: Washington Wizards
Despite being the league’s most underappreciated player, Jones led the entire NBA in assists compared to turnovers another time. Lots of teams want cheaper alternatives as their floor generals, making San Antonio or Toronto very hotly pursued.
Best Fits: San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls
NHL 2025 Free Agency: Moving Forward with New Changes
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Sam Reinhart – C/RW
Age: 29 | 2024 Team: Florida Panthers
Reinhart’s impressive 50-goal season has made him worth much more than before. If Florida lets Tampa move on, teams like Vancouver and New Jersey might make serious bids to get the scoring help.
Best Fits: Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings
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Jake Guentzel – LW
Age: 30 | 2024 Team: Carolina Hurricanes
Coming off years of success offensively, Guentzel consistently adds a playoff edge to the Penguins. His skills fit the mould in places like Edmonton, which has top-notch centres.
Best Fits: Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders
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Matt Roy – D
Age: 29 | 2024 Team: Los Angeles Kings
Roy is trusted to be one of the top right-shooting defenders in the league. As teams are putting more emphasis on moving the puck and blue-liners, Roy can expect clubs such as Winnipeg and Buffalo to be interested.
Best Fits: Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators
Sleeper Picks to Watch
- NFL: Jadeveon Clowney (EDGE), still a situational pass-rushing threat for 3rd-down-heavy defences.
- NBA: Malik Beasley (SG), emerging as a top bench scorer with microwave potential.
- NHL: Anthony Duclair (LW), a speedy winger perfect for third-line depth and power play rotation.
What to Expect
- Short-Term Deals: Because there will be lots of movement and big salaries in 2026 across all three leagues, many seasoned players could sign one-year contracts to demonstrate what they can do.
- Cap Management: Front offices are taking a conservative approach now having flexible room under the cap matters the most. Some ways to deal with this are delaying the pay part of the contract or using team options as protection.
- Team Fit Over Payday: For players, rings and history matter more than big salaries, so Thompson and Gilmore will likely join winners over well-paid teams.
Also Read: Top NBA Defensive Player of The Year Contenders 2025
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
