Veteran free agents NFL teams should target after the NFL draft

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• Why Dallas went with Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Veteran names still on the market who could contribute
  • Aaron Rodgers — veteran QB with upside and risk
  • Deebo Samuel — versatile playmaker with wear-and-tear questions
  • Joey Bosa — edge rusher still worth a look
  • Najee Harris — power back returning from Achilles injury
  • Stefon Diggs — veteran receiver with playmaking history and off-field noise
• What teams are thinking: roster strategy and timing

Dallas didn’t sit idle after the draft. The Cowboys quietly added another option at wide receiver, signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal that signals teams still see value in veteran pickups even after the biggest waves of free agency have passed. Valdes-Scantling’s 2025 numbers were modest — but his skill set and experience give Dallas a specific, low-risk solution as it shapes its receiver room heading into training camp.

The move also doubles as practical insurance. With contract talks around George Pickens still unresolved, the Cowboys gain a proven veteran who can step in if negotiations become contentious. Below, a closer look at MVS and other vets who remain viable additions for contenders hunting depth or a situational upgrade.

Why Dallas went with Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Marquez Valdes-Scantling arrives in Dallas on a short-term pact intended to be functional rather than flashy. Last season he finished with just 14 catches and one touchdown, figures that won’t turn heads in March, but they don’t tell the whole story of what he brings.

• Role fit: Valdes-Scantling projects as a situational boundary receiver — a deep-field target and a vertical threat on specific packages.
• Contract logic: A one-year deal keeps salary risk low while offering the Cowboys flexibility if internal options like George Pickens are available.
• Team context: Dallas appears to be balancing upside and protection: add veteran depth without burning cap space or a draft pick.

Signing a veteran after the draft is a common strategy to plug holes that scouting boards didn’t address or to guard against contract impasses. In this case, the Cowboys got a speed-oriented veteran who knows how to stretch the field — cheap, experienced, and ready to be used in targeted ways.

Veteran names still on the market who could contribute

Even late in the offseason a handful of established players remain attractive for teams chasing immediate help. Some bring lingering injury or chemistry questions; others are proven performers who could become situational difference-makers. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable options and what they offer.

Aaron Rodgers — veteran QB with upside and risk

Age at Week 1: 42

Rodgers produced a solid stat line last season, posting 24 touchdown passes and keeping interceptions low in a system that still suits his strengths. He can still orchestrate an effective offense when healthy and surrounded by a competent supporting cast.

• Why teams might call: Experience, pocket fundamentals, ability to lead an offense and make tight-window throws.
• Why some hesitate: Age and injury history are glaring concerns. A long-term commitment would be a big gamble.
• Fit scenarios: Short-term bridge roles, QB mentorship jobs, or a veteran stopgap for a contender with Super Bowl aspirations.

Deebo Samuel — versatile playmaker with wear-and-tear questions

Age at Week 1: 30

Samuel’s one year with the Commanders didn’t go as planned: he produced 72 catches for 727 yards and five receiving touchdowns, but the numbers masked a season of adjustment. Between new quarterbacks, a different offensive scheme and how physically he’s used, it’s been an uneven stretch.

• Strengths: Rare combination of run-after-catch ability and physicality; can line up as a receiver or a rushing threat.
• Concerns: Usage wear, potential locker-room dynamics, and how teams plan to deploy him without overtaxing his body.
• Best fits: Offenses that value gadget plays and creative usage — teams that will rotate him to preserve his effectiveness.

Joey Bosa — edge rusher still worth a look

Age at Week 1: 31

Bosa’s 2025 season included a team-leading ledger of forced fumbles and consistent pressure numbers. He posted five sacks and was disruptive when on the field, showing why playoff contenders might consider investing in him for a pass-rush boost.

• Recent production: 54 pressures in his season with Buffalo, five sacks, and a league-leading number of forced fumbles.
• Team fits: Contenders needing an experienced edge who can generate splash plays. Names that frequently come up include teams with aging rosters or injuries at the position.
• Risk/reward: If healthy, Bosa still offers game-changing pass rush; teams will evaluate cost versus availability over a full season.

Najee Harris — power back returning from Achilles injury

Age at Week 1: 28

Harris’s 2025 campaign was cut short by an Achilles injury after only limited touches. Before that, he was durable and productive: four straight 1,000-yard seasons, 28 rushing touchdowns, and a reputation for reliability.

• Medical questions: Recovery from a season-ending Achilles tear is the primary concern; teams will monitor rehab closely.
• Why he still matters: Proven production and a downhill running style that fits many power-running schemes.
• Potential roles: Lead back if he returns to form, or a rotational short-yardage specialist while ramping back up.

Stefon Diggs — veteran receiver with playmaking history and off-field noise

Age at Week 1: 33

Diggs delivered a 1,000-yard season with his last team, finishing with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards, but recent seasons come with questions about consistency in the postseason and a few locker-room and legal distractions.

• On-field profile: High-volume target with reliable regular-season production but variable playoff impact.
• Off-field/fit concerns: Multiple team changes since 2019 and periodic friction have made some organizations cautious.
• Where he helps most: Teams that can channel him into a clearly defined role and mitigate off-field energy, while benefitting from his route-running and catchability.

What teams are thinking: roster strategy and timing

Front offices balancing immediate needs and long-term planning often favor one-year veteran deals like Dallas gave MVS. These signings can be inexpensive stopgaps, mentorship pieces for younger players, or insurance policies against contract breakdowns and injuries. For contenders, a veteran addition can be the difference between depth and vulnerability as the season grinds on.

• Short-term vs. long-term: One-year contracts reduce commitment and allow teams to rotate veterans in and out.
• Scheme fit matters: Even well-known names can struggle if their skill set doesn’t match the offense or defense they join.
• Health is king: Teams will lean on medical evaluations and situational usage plans when considering aging or recently injured players.

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