The Unclaimed Jewels: Rodgers, Samuel, and the Free Agency Holdouts
Funny how things work in the NFL. One minute, you're the belle of the ball, commanding top dollar and endless headlines. The next, you're staring at an empty calendar, wondering why no one's called. That's the vibe around a few big names as we creep deeper into 2026 free agency. The big splashes are done, but some serious talent is still out there. We're talking about guys who could genuinely shift a team's fortunes.
Look, the Aaron Rodgers saga is the most baffling. He's 43 now, sure, but the guy still throws one of the prettiest balls in football. Last year, before his Week 3 Achilles tear, he had the Jets' offense humming, completing 68% of his passes with 6 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He's not the MVP Rodgers of 2020 or 2021, but he's a significant upgrade for half the league. You'd think a team like the Raiders, who are still trotting out Gardner Minshew, would be pounding on his door. Or maybe the Steelers, desperate for a veteran presence after Kenny Pickett's struggles last season. My hot take? Rodgers is holding out for a team he believes can truly win a Super Bowl, not just make the playoffs. He’s earned that right, even if it means sitting out until training camp.
Deebo's Diminishing Market?
Then there’s Deebo Samuel. The dude is a human joystick when healthy. His 2021 season, with 1,405 receiving yards and 8 total touchdowns, felt like a lifetime ago. Last year, he still put up 892 receiving yards and 7 scores for the 49ers, but the wear and tear are showing. He missed three games in 2025 and has dealt with nagging injuries for a few seasons now. His unique "wide back" role is electric, but it's also punishing. Are teams wary of signing a player whose style invites so much contact to a long-term, big-money deal? The Patriots, who desperately need playmakers, should be all over him. Imagine Samuel catching screens from Drake Maye and turning short gains into explosive plays. He'd instantly become their top offensive weapon. But the silence is deafening.
The Best of the Rest
Beyond those two headline acts, there are other quality players still floating around. Consider Derrick Brown, the defensive tackle who consistently eats up blocks and generates pressure. He had 5 sacks and 64 total tackles for the Panthers last year. He's a run-stuffing force who can also push the pocket. Any team needing interior defensive line help, like the Texans after losing Sheldon Rankins, should be interested. He’s a plug-and-play starter.
And what about a guy like Patrick Queen? He’s a rangy linebacker who improved dramatically in Baltimore, then signed a decent deal with the Steelers for 2025. He put up 113 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. He’s only 27, still in his prime. Maybe he’s looking for a specific scheme fit, but a team like the Eagles, whose linebackers have been a revolving door, would benefit immensely from his speed and coverage ability. He's a three-down player. The market for linebackers can be fickle, but Queen offers a lot more than just a warm body.
Here's the thing: these aren't castoffs. These are players who, for one reason or another, haven't found the right fit or the right price yet. But the clock is ticking.
Bold prediction: Aaron Rodgers signs a one-year, $25 million deal with the Miami Dolphins by August 1st, pushing Tua Tagovailoa to the bench and giving Mike McDaniel one last shot at a Super Bowl run.