Free agency in the NFL is a year-round process, with teams looking for contending players to beat during the year and potentially sign them in the offseason.
Now that the 2024-25 NFL season is coming to a close, the free agency landscape is coming into focus as teams begin to identify potential targets to address their roster weaknesses.
Here are the top centers slated to become free agents in 2025. Click here to view the complete list of PFF’s top 100 free agents..
1. C Drew Dahlman, Atlanta Falcons
There aren’t many long-term solutions at center in free agency, which would make Dalman the primary beneficiary if he hits the open market. Any team that employs an outside-zone offensive scheme will be completely overwhelmed by the former fourth-round pick. Dahlman has room to grow as a pass protector, but he is one of the best centers in the NFL and will help further grow the interior offensive line market behind the Kansas City Chiefs center. Creed Humphrey finally reboot the central market.
Comparison of the best free agents: Brian Allen2022
| Player | Passage blocking class | True Pass has set a score for blocking passage | Positive percentage of ratings blocking launch | APY as a % of the limit upon signing |
| Drew Dahlman | 58.1 | 51.0 | 20.5% | ? |
| Brian Allen | 56.1 | 48.7 | 16.9% | 2.9% |
*All data in the tables reflects two years prior to signing the contract with UFA.
Contract forecast: Available in PFF free agency rankings.
2. C Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts
Kelly is potentially considering retirement after a stellar career with the Colts, but if he were to return in 2025, he would offer an experienced, experienced center who could potentially help bring in a young quarterback. On the other hand, after the yearly turnover at the quarterback position that Kelly has faced throughout his tenure in Indianapolis, perhaps he would like to team up with an experienced quarterback who he can work in tandem with to set up the defense and lead the team. offensive line squad. Injuries have hampered Kelly over the past two seasons, and he underwent knee surgery midway through the 2024 campaign, which is certainly worth considering from potential teams looking to bring him on board.
Comparison of the best free agents: Matt Paradise2019
| Player | Passage blocking class | True Pass has set a score for blocking passage | Positive percentage of ratings blocking launch | APY as a % of the limit upon signing | |
| Ryan Kelly | 77.5 | 71.0 | 13.7% | ? | |
| Matt Paradise | 81.7 | 74.3 | 12.5% | 4.8% | |
*All data in the tables reflects two years prior to signing the contract with UFA.
Contract forecast: Available in PFF free agency rankings.
3. C Coleman Shelton, Chicago Bears
Free agent rank 2025: 100
Shelton has been criticized for the occasional poor performance where he might go down on a bull rush, but he has provided stability and leadership for the rookie quarterback throughout the 2024 season. Caleb Williams while doing a lot of work before filming and hardly missing a performance for the entire year. For two years in a row, Shelton practically did not leave the field. He also has some positional flexibility between the tackles, all great attributes for a free agent forward.
Comparison of the best free agents: Austin Blythe2022
| Player | Passage blocking class | True Pass has set a score for blocking passage | Positive score percentage | APY as a % of the limit upon signing | |
| Coleman Shelton | 58.9 | 47.7 | 13.7% | ? | |
| Austin Blythe | 52.8 | 41.3 | 14.4% | 1.9% | |
*All data in the tables reflects two years prior to signing the contract with UFA.
Contract forecast: Available in PFF free agency rankings.
Leave a comment