While a few teams are still fighting for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, most teams have turned their attention to the offseason. The NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason every year. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.

Let’s break down the top six upcoming free-agent quarterbacks and tight ends with an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2025 redraft and dynasty leagues.

2025 NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks

1) Sam Darnold (MIN)

Darnold had a breakout 2024 season, finishing as the QB9, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game. He ranked fifth in the NFL in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35), setting career highs in both categories. More importantly, the veteran was a league winner off the waiver wire. Darnold scored 22.9 or more fantasy points in 29.4% of the games, including two of three contests during the fantasy playoffs. Hopefully, he returns to Minnesota next year. However, the Vikings could let him walk with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.

• Early Redraft Outlook: High-end QB2 if he returns to Minnesota, mid-to-low-end QB2 almost anywhere else.
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A clear-cut sell-high candidate for fear he could regress after a career year, especially if he leaves Minnesota.

2) Justin Fields (PIT)

While he wasn’t the best on-the-field quarterback this season, Fields was productive for fantasy players as the Steelers’ starter. The former Ohio State star was the QB6 over his six weeks as the starting quarterback, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game despite totaling only five passing touchdowns. He was a fantasy superstar because of his legs, averaging 38.5 rushing yards and 8.9 fantasy points per game on the ground, totaling five rushing scores over his final four starts. Unfortunately, Fields is far from guaranteed a starting role anywhere in 2025.

• Early Redraft Outlook: Low-end QB1 if a starter because of his legs. Otherwise, he’s not worth drafting as a backup.
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A potential buy-low candidate in superflex leagues, especially for rebuilding teams.

3) Russell Wilson (PIT)

After missing the first six games with a calf injury, Wilson started the final 11 regular season contests and the playoff matchup. The veteran had some impressive performances, totaling 24.9 or more fantasy points twice, including his season debut in Week 7 against the New York Jets. However, he struggled to end the year, totaling more than 15.4 fantasy points only once over the final four regular season games. While Wilson could be back in Pittsburgh to mentor a rookie quarterback, the veteran’s days with significant fantasy relevance are over.

• Early Redraft Outlook: A low-end QB2 if he is a starter somewhere with no value outside superflex leagues.
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: While his small sell-high window is long gone, fantasy players should trade him away for the best available offer.

Honorable Mentions:

2025 NFL Free Agent Tight Ends

1) Zach Ertz (WAS)

Few called Ertz a sleeper candidate entering the year after the veteran had a rocky 2023 season. He had a bounce-back year in Washington, finishing the season as the TE8, averaging 8.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Ertz finished the year on fire, averaging 5.3 targets and 11.4 fantasy points per game over his final seven regular season contests, totaling six receiving touchdowns. While the veteran had an impressive year, fantasy players shouldn’t expect a repeat performance in 2025 regardless of landing spot because of his age.

• Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range TE2 if he lands a starting role in Washington or elsewhere
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Worth trading away for a late-round rookie pick or holding onto as a TE2 for contending teams.

2) Mike Gesicki (CIN)

After having limited fantasy success for most of his career, Gesicki had a solid 2024 season. He finished the year as the TE14, averaging 6.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the veteran stepped up when Tee Higgins missed time, averaging 7.2 targets and 10.8 fantasy points per game in the five contests without the star wide receiver. Furthermore, Gesicki ended the regular season playing well alongside Higgins, totaling 18 receptions on 22 targets for 154 receiving yards and 24.4 fantasy points over the final two weeks.

• Early Redraft Outlook: A potential low-end TE1 if he returns to Cincinnati without Higgins. Otherwise, a mid-to-low-end TE2 in any other scenario.
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A low-end TE2 that fantasy players should trade for the best offer on the table, especially if they don’t need upside at the tight end position.

3) Juwan Johnson (NO)

Johnson was the TE17 this season, averaging 5.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran played well late in the year when the Saints were missing their top two wide receivers. He averaged 5.4 targets and 7.9 fantasy points per game over the final five weeks, totaling 9.6 or more in 60% of the contests. New Orleans lacks salary cap space this offseason, which could lead to Johnson playing elsewhere in 2025. Unless it’s with his former head coach, Sean Payton, the veteran has limited fantasy upside moving forward.

• Early Redraft Outlook: A potential low-end TE1 option if he lands with the Denver Broncos in free agency. Otherwise, a matchup-based streamer on a week-by-week basis.
• Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Likely on the waiver wire in shallower leagues. He is a mid-range TE2 at best.

Honorable Mentions:

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.