NFL free agent fits for August 2025, including Christian Wilkins

As NFL offseason preparations stretch on into August, some teams may consider bringing in veterans to help where injuries are bubbling up or depth was already space to begin with.

As you survey the available free agents, there are a number of capable veterans free to sign. While these players are all free agents for a variety of reasons, they can help any number of teams if all goes right.

We've decided to update our habit of pairing free agents with NFL teams as August nears its halfway point and the preseason eventually gives way to the regular season. These fits make a lot of sense to us.

DE Christian Wilkins: Detroit Lions

If Wilkins is healthy enough to play this season, the Lions feel like a great fit. Detroit can bolster its defensive line rotation with the best free agent available. However, Wilkins has to be healthy for this to make sense. If he is, the potential of Wilkins joining a defensive line with Aidan Hutchinson is enormous for the Lions.

CB Asante Samuel Jr.: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins need Samuel in the building sooner than later. He's the perfect fit to man one of the starting roles for Miami in the secondary this season, and he could earn a real payday by playing well in 2025. The fit makes so much sense for both parties. A one-year, prove-it deal for Samuel, a starting-caliber cornerback for the Dolphins.

G Brandon Scherff: Philadelphia Eagles

With guard Landon Dickerson week-to-week and set to have surgery soon after his meniscus injury, the Eagles would be wise to sign Scherff as a valuable reserve that could start in a pinch. Philly's title defense depends on the offensive line, and Scherff has what it takes to fill in when the season starts if Dickerson's injury calls for it.

WR Gabriel Davis: Las Vegas Raiders

Davis would be a nice fit with quarterback Geno Smith in Las Vegas, and he could earn a bigger deal for the future by playing well as one of Smith's top targets in the passing game. The Raiders need more depth at receiver.

OLB Za'Darius Smith: Jacksonville Jaguars

If defensive end Arik Armstead can't start the season with his back injury, Smith would be an excellent candidate to fill in for him until he's back. When he's able to return, Smith rotates in as outstanding depth for the Jaguars.

S Justin Simmons: Houston Texans

The Texans are thin at safety, and Simmons is the perfect veteran to join Houston's lineup and provide quality play. The Texans are trying to contend in the AFC, and Simmons would be a really savvy pickup during this time of year.

OLB Matthew Judon: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have to figure out what's going on with superstar outside linebacker Micah Parsons' contract. However, Judon would be a nice insurance option if Parsons was to hold out during the season. He can rotate in and provide veteran pass-rushing snaps for a Dallas team trying to contend in the NFC.

OLB Jadeveon Clowney: Kansas City Chiefs

With defensive end Janarius Robinson on injured reserve, we love the idea of Clowney coming off the bench and chasing a ring with Kansas City. The Chiefs would give offenses nightmares by rotating Clowney as a reserve.

CB Rasul Douglas: Buffalo Bills

Douglas returning to the Bulls makes too much sense. He knows the scheme, played well in the secondary and gives Buffalo the kind of reliable play it needs to reach its potential, even if he's just a rotational cornerback.

OLB Kyzir White: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are a bit thin at linebacker, and White would be a nice veteran fit in Mike Macdonald's defense. Even if he's just a depth player on Seattle's roster, the team would be wise to bring him in and find him a role.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL free agent fits for August 2025, including Christian Wilkins