{"id":447891,"date":"2026-01-30T18:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T18:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/447891\/"},"modified":"2026-01-30T18:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T18:32:09","slug":"ideal-landing-spots-for-15-pending-nfl-free-agents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/447891\/","title":{"rendered":"Ideal landing spots for 15 pending NFL free agents"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Orleans Saints<\/a> are an attractive landing spot: The Saints exceeded expectations in 2025 and are a uniquely strong landing spot for top free agents like Breece Hall<\/a> and Alec Pierce<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reunions for veteran wide receivers: Some free agent wide receivers could be signing their final NFL contract, and players like Mike Evans<\/a> could reunite with a former coach to make the most of the end of his career.<\/p>\n

Everything you need to prepare for draft season: The PFF Senior Bowl Tool<\/a> allows fans to view and compare participating players using their full 2025 PFF grades, wins above average (WAA) and measurements, while the 2026 Big Board<\/a> and Big<\/a> <\/a>Board Builder<\/a> allow users to gauge the draft landscape and begin shaping their own evaluations. Fans looking to apply those evaluations can then explore outcomes through the PFF Mock Draft Simulator<\/a> as the draft picture begins to take shape.<\/p>\n

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc8 Draft Season 2026<\/p>\n

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Free agency is just over one month away, and there are several players slated to become unrestricted free agents who could be changing teams. Depending on where they land, they could be fantasy starters next season.<\/p>\n

This article aims to connect players with realistic landing spots that make sense for the player, the new team and should increase the player’s fantasy value more than it hurts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Running back Kenneth Walker III<\/a> and wide receiver George Pickens<\/a> were ignored for the article, as there is a better chance they re-sign with their current teams than most. If they don\u2019t re-sign, they will have more options than the rest of the free agents and will have notable fantasy value regardless of their landing spot.<\/p>\n

RB Breece Hall<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: New Orleans Saints<\/a><\/p>\n

Outside of Walker, Hall is the free agent running back best suited for an every-down role. The Saints are the team that needs a new running back the most. Alvin Kamara<\/a> couldn\u2019t finish last season due to injury and will be 31 years old by the start of next season. He posted career lows in rushing yards per game and receiving yards per game.<\/p>\n

Hall is a particularly strong fit for the Saints’ offense. Head coach Kellen Moore<\/a> has been with three different teams in the last three seasons, and each team finished top six in inside zone rate. He led the league at inside zone rate last season. Hall has an 81.0 PFF rushing grade over the last two seasons on inside zone. That is the second-best grade behind Bijan Robinson<\/a> among the 39 running backs with at least 50 inside zone runs over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

RB J.K. Dobbins<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Carolina Panthers<\/a><\/p>\n

Dobbins has been a successful running back whenever healthy, averaging 5.2 yards per carry throughout his career. While Dobbins has said he wants to remain with the Denver Broncos<\/a>, there could be a better landing spot for his fantasy value.<\/p>\n

All running backs need good run blocking to have success, but the gap between Dobbins’ play is more extreme than that of most running backs. If Dobbins doesn\u2019t get contacted by the defense until he\u2019s past the line of scrimmage, he averages 7.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons, seventh among all running backs. If he\u2019s contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage, he averages 1.6 yards per carry, 26th.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Panthers<\/a> had the fourth-highest team run-blocking grade last season. They have Chuba Hubbard<\/a>, under contract, and Rico Dowdle<\/a>, who is a free agent, and both are better than Dobbins when contacted early but not as good as Dobbins when the blocking is solid. Dobbins would be a better fit for the offense, showing the potential to make several big plays. While he would have to compete for snaps with Hubbard, he has the potential for a larger workload in Carolina compared to competing with R.J. Harvey<\/a> in his second season with the Denver Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RB Rico Dowdle<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a><\/p>\n

While Dowdle posted a few excellent games for the Carolina Panthers<\/a>, his best PFF grades occurred while he was the Dallas Cowboys<\/a>\u2018 lead running back in 2024. Mike McCarthy was the Cowboys<\/a>\u2018 head coach in 2024, and now he\u2019s the Steelers<\/a>\u2018 head coach.<\/p>\n

McCarthy is typically used to two-man backfields, and Dowdle could join forces with Jaylen Warren<\/a>, where Dowdle plays more of an early-down role, while Warren plays more in passing situations. While Kenneth Gainwell<\/a> made some big plays for the Steelers last season, he is a free agent and might be finding a new home this season.<\/p>\n

RB Tyler Allgeier<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: San Francisco 49ers<\/a><\/p>\n

Allgeier spent the last two seasons as Bijan Robinson<\/a>\u2018s backup, excelling on outside zone runs. Atlanta ran outside zone at a higher rate than any other team, and Allgeier has an 82.2 PFF rushing grade on outside zones over the past two seasons, ranking sixth among running backs. The Falcons<\/a> changed coaching staffs, adding Kevin Stefanski as head coach. The Browns<\/a> run outside zone at a below-average rate, so a return to Atlanta doesn\u2019t make sense.<\/p>\n

The 49ers have the second-highest outside zone rate over the past two seasons. While the 49ers have Christian McCaffrey<\/a>, he has averaged 4.0 yards per carry or fewer over the last two seasons and will be 30 years old before the start of next season. McCaffrey still excels as a receiver, but it would make sense to have another running back who can handle double-digit carries.<\/p>\n

Allgeier would be an excellent fit. His upside will be limited wherever he lands because he hasn\u2019t provided much in the passing game. San Francisco will give him the best opportunity to succeed, given their scheme and quality run blocking.<\/p>\n

RB Rachaad White<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Dallas Cowboys<\/a><\/p>\n

White had significant volume in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> offense in 2023 but has taken a back seat to Bucky Irving<\/a> over the last two seasons. He\u2019s quietly improved each season significantly, finishing with an 80.9 PFF offensive grade last season, which ranked ninth among running backs with at least 500 offensive snaps.<\/p>\n

White has been a solid receiver but has particularly excelled on lesser-used run concepts. He has an 84.0-plus rushing grade on counter and power run plays over the last two seasons, and a grade above 80 on even lesser-used trap and pull lead plays. He has a 91.9 rushing grade when any of the four run concepts are used, which is second behind Derrick Henry<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Dallas Cowboys<\/a> and Arizona Cardinals<\/a> were the only teams to use power, counter and pull leads on at least 8% of their runs each. Both used traps on 4%, which also ranked among the top six teams. The Arizona<\/a> Cardinals<\/a>\u2018 2025 offensive coordinator was Drew Petzing, who is now with the Detroit Lions<\/a>, but Detroit does not need a running back.<\/p>\n

That leaves Dallas, where Javonte Williams<\/a> is a free agent. Regardless of whether the Cowboys re-sign Williams or not, White would be at his best in the Cowboys’ offense.<\/p>\n

WR Alec Pierce<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: New Orleans Saints<\/a><\/p>\n

Pierce was among the top deep threats at wide receiver last season, catching 12 deep passes for 451 yards and five touchdowns. While the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> will make a strong push to keep him, Pierce could be a bigger part of other offenses.<\/p>\n

The Saints<\/a> are a uniquely strong fit for Pierce. The Saints need wide receivers beyond Chris Olave<\/a>, after moving on from both Rashid Shaheed<\/a> and Brandin Cooks<\/a> in the middle of last season. Tyler Shough<\/a> was the fourth-most accurate passer on deep passes last season, often connecting with Olave. The Saints would allow Pierce to be second on the team in targets, finish with a higher target rate than in Indianapolis and earn more quality deep passes, improving his fantasy value.<\/p>\n

WR Jauan Jennings<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Tennessee Titans<\/a><\/p>\n

The 49ers would like to keep Jennings, but this offseason is Jennings’s one opportunity to sign a significant contract, and there are multiple teams in need of a wide receiver who could pay Jennings a lot more money than the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> can. That includes the Tennessee Titans<\/a>, Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, Washington Commanders<\/a> and New York Jets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Titans are the best fit for Jennings. He would join Cam Ward, who needs a new top wide receiver. It\u2019s unclear what the offense in Las Vegas and New York will look like. Jennings has an 81.3 PFF receiving grade over the last two seasons when lined up on the line of scrimmage, compared to 70.6 off the line. While Jennings has experience at each receiver spot, he\u2019s best suited for an X-receiver role. The Commanders have an X in Terry McLaurin<\/a>, while the Titans could use an X.<\/p>\n

As an added bonus, the Titans’ new head coach is Robert Salah, who spent last season as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

WR Romeo Doubs<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: San Francisco 49ers<\/a><\/p>\n

Doubs has spent the last few seasons as the Green Bay Packers<\/a>\u2018 X receiver, but Doubs might not be a high priority for Green Bay this offseason. They have veterans Christian Watson<\/a>, Jayden Reed<\/a> and Dontayvion Wicks<\/a> in addition to drafting Matthew Golden<\/a> in the first round of last season\u2019s draft. Golden started taking some snaps as an X receiver late in the season, suggesting Golden might be their X receiver going forward.<\/p>\n

The 49ers will need an X receiver next season if Jennings doesn\u2019t re-sign. Jennings has spent most of the last two seasons as their X receiver, as Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> played the X position before that. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spent most of 2008-2016 as an assistant under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan with three different franchises, so Doubs would be a strong schematic fit with the 49ers offense.<\/p>\n

WR Rashid Shaheed<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Los Angeles Chargers<\/a><\/p>\n

If Shaheed\u2019s goal is to chase championships, then it could make sense to remain with the Seattle Seahawks<\/a>. However, the Seahawks have too many weapons for him to become a fantasy starter, especially if he only plays in 11 personnel.<\/p>\n

If he leaves the Seahawks, one fun landing spot would be with Mike McDaniel and the Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>. McDaniel\u2019s offense with the Miami Dolphins<\/a> was built on speed. Jaylen Waddle<\/a> and Tyreek Hill<\/a> are two of the top five wide receivers with the highest average max speed when running a route over the last four seasons.<\/p>\n

While Ladd McConkey<\/a> and Quentin Johnston<\/a> are faster than the average receiver, Shaheed ranks among the top-15 wide receivers in average max speed over the last four seasons. Shaheed in McDaniel\u2019s offense would have the chance to be something special, even though he would also have notable competition for targets in the Chargers’ offense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

WR Mike Evans<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Cleveland Browns<\/a><\/p>\n

Evans has spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Buccaneers. While it would be great if he could end his career with the Buccaneers, that might not happen. Tampa Bay has Emeka Egbuka<\/a>, Chris Godwin<\/a>, Jalen McMillan<\/a> and Tez Johnson<\/a> under contract, so Evans might not have a full-time role if he returns. There is a chance Evans could sign a much larger contract with another team.<\/p>\n

An ideal spot would be with the Cleveland Browns<\/a>. Todd Monken is the new head coach, and he spent 2016-2018 as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator. Evans set a career-high in receiving yards per game with 95.3 in 2018 in Monken\u2019s offense. In 2016, Evans led the league in targets in Monken\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n

Jerry Jeudy<\/a> was the Browns\u2019 X receiver last season, but he is better suited to play Z or in the slot. Shedeur Sanders<\/a> had the seventh-highest accuracy rate on deep passes last season, which could make Sanders a good fit for Evans.<\/p>\n

WR Wan\u2019Dale Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Washington Commanders<\/a><\/p>\n

Robinson has been a featured part of Brian Daboll\u2019s offenses in recent seasons. Daboll is now the offensive coordinator of the Titans, and Tennessee already has Chimere Dike<\/a> as a promising young slot receiver.<\/p>\n

A potential landing spot for Robinson is the Commanders. Washington tried to find success with a veteran slot receiver last season with Deebo Samuel<\/a>, but the Commanders have the salary cap space to aim for a younger slot receiver to help Jayden Daniels<\/a>. Robinson led all wide receivers in receiving yards out of the slot last season at 675.<\/p>\n

WR Deebo Samuel<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Miami Dolphins<\/a><\/p>\n

If Samuel isn\u2019t returning to Washington, the Dolphins would make for a great destination for Samuel. The team is expected to release Tyreek Hill<\/a>. Jaylen Waddle<\/a> was the only Miami wide receiver to achieve at least 325 receiving yards last season, so there is room for significant targets for Samuel.<\/p>\n

Miami promoted Bobby Slowik as its offensive coordinator this offseason. Slowik was the 49ers’ pass game specialist in 2021, which was Samuel\u2019s one year as an All-Pro player. He caught 77 passes for 1405 yards that season and had 14 total offensive touchdowns that season. Miami would be the best place for Samuel to revitalize his career.<\/p>\n

TE Kyle Pitts<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a><\/p>\n

Pitts had disappointed fantasy managers from 2022-2024, but put together multiple career-highs in 2025, including 88 receptions and five touchdowns. He was an AP All-Pro for the first time of his career.<\/p>\n

He accomplished these career-highs while playing in Zac Robinson\u2019s offense. The Falcons moved on from their coaching staff this offseason, as Robinson left Atlanta for Tampa Bay. While the Buccaneers have plenty of assets at wide receiver, their lead tight end, Cade Otton<\/a>, is slated for free agency.<\/p>\n

While remaining with the Falcons is an option for Pitts, if he moves to another team, it could make sense to stick with Robinson as his offensive playcaller. This wouldn\u2019t be great news for the fantasy value of the Buccaneers’ wide receivers, but it would be the best chance to ensure Pitts doesn\u2019t have notable regression.<\/p>\n

TE Dallas Goedert<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Denver Broncos<\/a><\/p>\n

Goedert\u2019s best chance of fantasy success could be back with the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>. He was held to 39.4 receiving yards per game, his lowest rate since his rookie season, but he more than doubled his career high in receiving touchdowns at 11. However, the Eagles have multiple starters slated for free agency, other young players who could use long-term contracts, and little salary cap room to work with.<\/p>\n

The Broncos are one of the teams that most need a tight end. Sean Payton has a long history with veteran free agent tight ends, including Jeremy Shockey, Ben Watson, Jared Cook<\/a> and Evan Engram<\/a>. Engram didn\u2019t work out this past season, but Goedert fits more of the size and speed that Payton typically looks for in a tight end.<\/p>\n

While he might not score as many touchdowns in Denver, he would likely be a bigger part of the Broncos’ passing game than he\u2019s been with Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

TE Chig Okonkwo<\/a><\/p>\n

Ideal fantasy landing spot: Miami Dolphins<\/a><\/p>\n

The Dolphins and their offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik, are used to having speedy tight ends as part of their offense. Darren Waller<\/a> was one of the Dolphins’ tight ends last season, and Jonnu Smith<\/a> the year before that, and they are two of the three fastest tight ends by average max speed over the last four seasons. Slowik worked with Waller last season and also worked with George Kittle<\/a> with the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle has also been a top-10 tight end in terms of speed.<\/p>\n

Okonkwo enters free agency as the fastest tight end over the last four seasons. While Miami could choose to bring back Greg Dulcich<\/a>, Waller, or both for the receiving tight end role, Okonkwo could be an upgrade to either option and be more of a long-term solution at the position.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The New Orleans Saints are an attractive landing spot: The Saints exceeded expectations in 2025 and are a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":447892,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,593,85],"class_list":["post-447891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=447891"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/447891\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/447892"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=447891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=447891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=447891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}