Best fits for five notable NFL free agents

With training camp in full swing, NFL teams continue to tweak rosters. Fortunately for general managers, veteran free agents are available to bolster teams. 

Here are five of the best remaining free agents and the best fits for each: 

Wide receiver Amari Cooper | Best fit: San Francisco 49ers

The 10-year veteran failed to provide much of a boost to the Buffalo Bills last season (44 catches for 547 yards) after they traded for him at midseason. Perhaps that lack of production was because of lingering injuries (wrist, back). 

Although the five-time Pro Bowl player is 31, he could return to form — especially considering he had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before 2024. A receiver-needy team such as San Francisco, which is expected to be without Brandon Aiyuk (recovering from an ACL injury) for the first part of the season, makes sense.

OLB Matthew Judon | Best fit: Dallas Cowboys

Judon didn’t provide the expected boost to his new team after his trade from the New England Patriots, finishing with only 5.5 sacks for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. He had back-to-back double-digit sack seasons in 2021 (12.5) and 2022 (15.5) for the Patriots. Perhaps he can return to form now that he is another season removed from the torn biceps he suffered in 2023.

The Dallas Cowboys, who are navigating the Micah Parsons contract situation, would be a good landing spot for Judon. Parsons has yet to end his hold-in or rescind his trade request. Even if the Parsons saga is resolved before Week 1, Judon could provide depth for Dallas.

Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. | Best fit: Miami Dolphins

Samuel, who is 25 and entering his physical prime, has 47 NFL starts and was productive during his 2021-24 tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers. He underwent neck surgery earlier this year, perhaps the reason he remains unsigned. Samuel is expected to be ready for the season and would provide an immediate boost to a CB-needy team — particularly one without CB Jalen Ramsey (traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers) and CB Kader Kohou, who's on injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury.

Defensive end Za’Darius Smith | Best fit: Green Bay Packers

Unlike Judon, Smith was effective last season (nine sacks). He was acquired by Detroit in November 2024 to help fill the hole left by the injury to edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Now, he could do the same for another team that lacks a strong pass rush.

Smith makes sense for Green Bay, where the team’s top pass-rusher (Rashan Gary) finished with just 7.5 sacks last season. Smith, who played for the Packers from 2019-21, felt slighted by the franchise for his release before the 2022 season, but this may be a case where mending fences could benefit both sides.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore | Best fit: Indianapolis Colts

Gilmore has played for four teams (Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, Vikings) over the past four seasons. Despite showing signs of decline in recent seasons, he remains an above-average starter at a premium position. Gilmore has started at least 15 games in each of the past three seasons, proving his durability.

The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year would be a logical addition for cornerback-needy team. However, his age (34) and desire for significant playing time could turn off teams. A reunion makes sense with the Colts, who are dealing with injuries to cornerbacks Kenny Moore II (knee), Jaylon Jones (hamstring), JuJu Brents (hamstring) and Justin Walley (ACL, out for season).