Five under-the-radar AFC free-agent additions

Reed Blankenship, S, Houston Texans (three years, $24M)

The Texans ranked among the top defenses in 2025. Adding Blankenship from the Eagles shores up the secondary without breaking the bank. Blankenship brings good ball skills, consistent tackling in space and instincts that fit DeMeco Ryans' scheme. He's a physical presence within the deep thirds who could see snaps inside the box. 

At this price, it's a classic value play that keeps the secondary deep and versatile while quietly elevating a team already on the rise. An addition like this could get them over the playoff hump. 

Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Baltimore Ravens (two years, $10M)

After landing Trey Hendrickson, the Ravens added Jaylinn Hawkins, 28, as a veteran safety. Hawkins excels as a deep over-the-top presence, offering range, tackling and coverage that will pair well with Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks in Jesse Minter's system. He should see plenty of snaps at safety or become a rotational and versatile piece for the new Ravens defense.

His deal makes him an underrated depth-and-starter piece, especially after Baltimore's defensive questions. 

Spencer Burford, OL, Las Vegas Raiders (one year, $3.2M)

The Raiders made a smart, under-the-radar addition to their offensive line. Spencer Burford, 25, brings 38 career starts and valuable experience in a zone-heavy scheme that aligns well with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who coached Burford with the 49ers. Overall, he brings position flexibility, depth if needed and competition to training camp. 

On a one-year, prove-it deal that's cap-friendly, he could turn into a long-term addition. 

Alohi Gilman, S, Kansas City Chiefs (three years, $24M)

The Chiefs lost several defensive pieces, but added Alohi Gilman as a savvy veteran safety to complement Khyiris Tonga and support the revamped secondary. Gilman's leadership and coverage instincts fit perfectly with Steve Spagnuolo. Gilman, 28, has flashed his potential with three dominant seasons with the Chargers and his prove-it deal with Baltimore in 2025. 

It's a bargain deal; this depth-and-starter addition helps maintain Kansas City's championship window and potentially puts the Chiefs back on top in the AFC West. 

Tutu Atwell, WR, Miami Dolphins (one year, $1.4M)

Atwell had a down year in 2025 but flashed his potential in 2024 and 2023. At 26 years old, he returns to South Florida after five seasons with the Rams. Born and raised in Miami, he starred at Miami Northwestern High School. Atwell has deep-threat capability, excelling at stretching the field vertically, creating separation on go routes and crossing routes, and making explosive plays after the catch.

If Atwell can stay healthy and earn consistent snaps, his speed could pair dangerously with Willis’ arm talent on deep shots, forcing defenses to respect the vertical game and opening lanes underneath for other weapons.