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The NFL regular season sits just around the corner. Yet, several proven veterans remain unsigned. Most of the biggest names found new homes during the offseason. However, some intriguing options still wait for their next opportunity. Teams also face roster decisions before the August 30 cutdown deadline. That could create another wave of free-agent movement. Several veterans could help contenders with one late addition. Others could provide valuable depth during a long season. Here are the top 10 NFL free agents still available entering the final days of August.
- Bobby Wagner, Linebacker
Bobby Wagner remains the biggest defensive name on the market. The future Hall of Famer has enjoyed an outstanding career. Wagner has earned six first-team All-Pro selections. He also has more than 2,000 career tackles. Last season, Wagner started all 17 games for Washington. He finished with 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. The 36-year-old still brings leadership and strong run defense. He also understands how to run an NFL defense. Wagner could wait until after roster cuts. That approach could give him more control over his destination. Dallas makes plenty of sense as a potential landing spot. Brian Schottenheimer has praised Wagner throughout the offseason.
- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle
Taylor Decker might offer the safest option among available offensive linemen. The veteran left tackle remains a proven starter. He has started all 140 regular-season games he has played. Decker spent the past decade protecting Jared Goff in Detroit. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection during his Lions career. The Lions released Decker after contract negotiations failed. He now waits for another starting opportunity. Chicago could make plenty of sense. Bears head coach Ben Johnson worked with Decker in Detroit. Chicago also needs more certainty at left tackle. That makes Decker an intriguing veteran option.
- Joey Bosa, Edge Rusher
Joey Bosa remains one of the most recognizable defensive players available. Bosa spent last season with Buffalo after leaving the Los Angeles Chargers. He showed flashes of his old form with the Bills. However, injuries remain the biggest concern. Bosa has battled durability problems throughout his career. NFL.com ranks Bosa 47th among its original Top 101 free agents. That ranking reflects both his talent and recent concerns. A contender could use Bosa as a rotational pass rusher. The San Francisco 49ers remain an intriguing potential destination. San Francisco also employs Bosa’s younger brother, Nick.
- Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver
Tyreek Hill remains the biggest offensive name available. The four-time first-team All-Pro still owns game-changing speed. However, his health creates significant uncertainty. Hill suffered multiple ligament tears in his knee last September. He continues working toward a full recovery. His agent does not expect Hill to sign before the season. Hill reportedly wants more time before making his decision. That makes Hill different from most remaining free agents. Teams know his talent, but they must wait on his health. A healthy Hill could still change an offense. Therefore, several contenders could monitor his recovery closely.
- Trevon Diggs, Cornerback
Trevon Diggs represents one of the most intriguing reclamation projects. The former All-Pro cornerback has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. Those issues have affected his consistency. Still, Diggs remains only 27 years old. He also owns the ball skills that made him a defensive star. NFL.com ranked him 85th in its original free-agent rankings. The outlet suggested buying low on the talented corner. A team with a strong defensive structure could make sense. Diggs could provide significant upside if he stays healthy.
- Kevin Zeitler, Guard
Kevin Zeitler continues to attract attention despite his age. The veteran guard turns 36 this season. Yet, he remains a quality option along the offensive line. PFF continues to grade Zeitler among football’s better right guards. That makes his availability particularly interesting. Zeitler might not fit every offensive scheme. However, a team needing interior stability could call quickly. Atlanta has emerged as one potential destination. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan could provide another connection. For a contender, Zeitler offers experience without requiring a major commitment.
- Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher
Haason Reddick remains another experienced pass-rushing option. Reddick has produced multiple strong seasons during his NFL career. However, his 2025 production dropped significantly with Tampa Bay. NFL.com ranked him 70th in its original free-agent rankings. The outlet noted that his overall tape looked better than his statistics. That makes Reddick a potential bounce-back candidate. A creative defensive coordinator could maximize his strengths. Teams also value experienced edge rushers during the season. Reddick could become especially attractive after injuries hit rosters.
- Kyle Van Noy, Edge Rusher
Kyle Van Noy has survived longer than many expected. The veteran linebacker continues finding ways to contribute. His versatility remains his biggest selling point. NFL.com ranked Van Noy 95th in its original free-agent rankings. The outlet also highlighted his continued production. At 34, Van Noy probably will not receive a massive contract. However, his experience could benefit a contender. He can play multiple roles within a defensive scheme. That flexibility becomes even more valuable late in the season. Van Noy could wait for the right roster situation. Then, he could join a team chasing a playoff spot.
- Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo remains an experienced option for teams needing quarterback depth. Garoppolo spent the previous season backing up Matthew Stafford. That experience could make him attractive to another contender. NFL.com ranked him 96th among its original free agents. The outlet praised Sean McVay’s trust in Garoppolo. At this stage, Garoppolo probably wants the right opportunity. A quarterback injury could quickly change his market. Teams rarely want to enter a season without veteran insurance. Garoppolo can provide that insurance immediately. His experience also gives him an advantage over younger backups.
- Zach Ertz, Tight End
Zach Ertz remains another intriguing veteran option. Ertz has enjoyed a long and productive NFL career. He has also played in multiple offensive systems. The veteran tight end recently received clearance after recovering from a torn ACL. He wants to continue playing during the 2026 season. That injury recovery explains some of the hesitation around his market. Still, healthy Ertz can provide reliable receiving production. A contender could use him in a rotational role. He could also provide valuable experience to younger tight ends. His situation remains worth watching as the season approaches.
The Free-Agent Market Isn’t Finished
The NFL’s free-agent market looks different in late August. Most premium players already signed contracts months ago. Still, several recognizable veterans remain available. Teams also know injuries can change everything quickly. One training-camp injury can create an immediate need. That could benefit players like Wagner, Decker, Bosa, and Reddick. Each veteran brings experience that younger players cannot immediately replace. Hill represents the biggest wild card. His health will likely determine when he returns. Meanwhile, Wagner could provide instant leadership for a contender. Decker could stabilize a team’s offensive line. Ultimately, the remaining market lacks the star power from March. However, several players can still help NFL teams. The next few weeks could produce another round of surprising signings. Teams may also wait until after roster cuts before making moves. For now, these veterans remain the names worth watching.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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