2025 NFL Free Agents: Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson (Fantasy Football)

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 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 Agents: DDD

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.