The Best Free Agents Still Available and Where They Might Land

18 December 2025

When the dust settles after the initial frenzy of NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL free agency, there's always a surprising list of talented players still sitting on the couch, just waiting for that phone to ring. Some are veterans hunting for one last shot at glory, others are young guns misunderstood or overlooked, and then there are the injury-rehabbing wild cards — high risk, potentially high reward.

So, who’s still out there? Why haven’t they signed? And where might they end up? Let’s dive into the most intriguing free agents still on the board and take a stab at where they could land next.

Why Are These Free Agents Still Available?

Before we get into the names, let’s address the obvious. Why are there still big-name free agents hanging out in the offseason wilderness?

A few reasons, actually:

- Injury Concerns: Teams get squeamish when a guy's coming off a surgery or has a history of being ice-pack buddies with the training staff.
- Contract Demands: Some players (or agents) might be asking for more than teams are willing to pony up.
- Fit and Timing: Teams may be holding out for a better fit or waiting to see how their roster shapes up after the draft or training camp.

Now, let’s talk names and where we think they’re headed.

Top Remaining NFL Free Agents

1. Dalvin Cook (RB)

Dalvin Cook’s sudden fall from household fantasy hero to free agency limbo is a bit wild, right? After being released by the Vikings and a forgettable stint with the Jets, Cook still believes he's RB1 material.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Mileage and injuries are catching up to him. His burst isn't what it used to be.

Best Fit: Dallas Cowboys

Let’s face it, Tony Pollard is gone, and Dallas needs someone to complement their backfield. Cook could benefit from a system where he doesn’t carry the entire load. Plus, that Texas-sized spotlight? It suits him.

2. Jadeveon Clowney (EDGE)

Jadeveon Clowney is the classic high-ceiling, low-consistency player. When he’s on — he’s ON. But those games are too spaced out.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Production hasn’t matched potential in recent years.

Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks

A reunion? Possibly. The Seahawks need defensive help, and Clowney gave them decent numbers before. With the right role and expectations, he could thrive.

Remaining NBA Free Agents To Watch

3. Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)

Oubre has bounced around the league, but his ability to score remains. He can be a spark plug off the bench or a starter in the right system.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Inconsistent shooting and defensive lapses.

Best Fit: Miami Heat

If there's any franchise known for taking gritty, undervalued players and turning them into playoff heroes, it's the Heat. Oubre fits their culture and could be an upgrade for their bench scoring.

4. Christian Wood (PF/C)

Christian Wood is the epitome of offensive talent and defensive mystery. On one end, he’s got silky touch and range; on the other, he looks lost at times.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Defense, effort, and locker room reputation.

Best Fit: Phoenix Suns

The Suns need depth behind their superstar trio, and Wood gives them a stretch big who can score in bunches. If he buys into the system, he could be an absolute steal.

MLB Free Agents Still Looking for a Home

5. J.D. Martinez (DH)

Martinez can still mash. Last season with the Dodgers showed he’s still got pop — but as a full-time DH, he limits his market.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Defensive liability; age.

Best Fit: New York Mets

The Mets need more punch in the lineup, and pairing Martinez with Alonso could give them some serious thunder in the middle. Plus, he thrives in big markets — New York fits.

6. Michael Wacha (SP)

Wacha quietly had a solid year. He isn’t going to wow anyone with high-octane stuff, but he’s dependable and could be a key rotation piece.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Teams may be prioritizing younger or higher-upside options.

Best Fit: Baltimore Orioles

The O’s are on the rise, and adding someone like Wacha to stabilize the back end of their rotation makes a ton of sense. He’s a low-cost, high-floor addition.

NHL Free Agents Who Could Make a Splash

7. Patrick Kane (RW)

Yes, THAT Patrick Kane — the three-time Stanley Cup winner. He’s not the same player he once was, but he’s still got the hands, vision, and experience.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Hip surgery recovery and age.

Best Fit: Colorado Avalanche

If the Avs are serious about contending, why not add some veteran scoring punch? Kane on the second or third line could be a game-changer come playoff time.

8. Jonathan Toews (C)

Toews is still evaluating whether to return, but if he does, there’d be interest. Leadership, two-way play, and Cup pedigree? Yeah, that still matters.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Health issues and a possible decline in energy.

Best Fit: Winnipeg Jets

A return to his hometown province could be the fairytale ending to a storied career. He could bring that stabilizing presence the Jets desperately need at center.

Wild Card Free Agents That Could Shock Everyone

9. Carson Wentz (QB)

Remember him? Once upon a time, he almost won MVP. The fall was fast, but he’s still got the arm and athleticism.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Decision-making, leadership questions, and inconsistency.

Best Fit: Buffalo Bills

Wentz wouldn’t start, but backing up Josh Allen in a similar style offense could help him reboot his career. If Allen misses time, Wentz might surprise some people with a low-pressure opportunity.

10. DeMarcus Cousins (C)

Boogie’s been out of the NBA for a minute, but he still wants in. Injuries changed his career arc, but his skill set hasn’t vanished.

Why Teams Are Hesitant: Durability and locker room reputation.

Best Fit: Sacramento Kings

Talk about poetry — returning to the team where it all started. The Kings are on the upswing, and Cousins could give a veteran presence off the bench. If nothing else, it’d be one heck of a storyline.

Sleeper Picks That Could Be Late-Season Steals

Sometimes, it’s the under-the-radar guys who end up making the biggest splashes. Here are a few worth keeping an eye on:

- NFL: CB Casey Hayward — still savvy, schemes just have to suit him.
- NBA: PG Goran Dragic — limited minutes, big leadership.
- MLB: OF Tommy Pham — gritty vet who brings energy.
- NHL: D Ethan Bear — solid depth blue-liner still developing.

Teams looking to patch holes midseason could snag these players for bargain deals that pay off in January or during a playoff push.

Final Thoughts: It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over

Every year, free agency reminds us that talent doesn’t always find a home overnight. There are always undervalued players who just need the right fit to shine again. From veterans chasing one last ring to comeback kids looking to prove the doubters wrong, this market is still loaded with potential.

Teams that play the waiting game wisely could walk away with absolute gems. So, don’t be surprised if one of these names headlines a playoff run or makes a huge impact down the stretch.

Because in sports, it's never really over — not until the final play is drawn, the last pitch is thrown, or the last buzzer sounds.