Several notable NFL free agents enter the 2026 offseason with recent injury questions after missing games during the 2025 regular season. Some, such as Deebo Samuel and Joey Bosa, returned from short-term issues. Others, including Tyreek Hill and L’Jarius Sneed, carry more significant medical questions after major lower-body injuries.

WR Tyreek Hill | Left knee dislocation, torn ACL and multiple ligament damage | 13 games missed

Hill suffered the most significant injury on this list. The Dolphins wide receiver sustained a dislocated left knee with a torn ACL and multiple ligament damage in Week 4, ending his season after four games. Due to the significance of his injury, he will not be able to sign with a new team until he can pass a physical. Pro Football Doc has labeled his injury at his age as career-threatening. 

WR Deebo Samuel | Heel injury | 1 game missed

Samuel missed one game in 2025 because of a heel injury, sitting out Washington’s Week 7 matchup against the Cowboys. The injury was not considered a long-term concern, and Samuel returned after the brief absence. His receiving numbers improved in 2025, but his rushing production dropped significantly, as he posted just 75 rushing yards, his lowest output since 2020.

WR Jauan Jennings | Ribs, ankle and shoulder injuries | 2 games missed (signed with Vikings)

Jennings played through one of the more painful injury profiles of the season. He missed two games and later revealed he was dealing with five broken ribs, high and low ankle sprains and a shoulder issue. Jennings scored a career-high nine touchdowns, but his catches and receiving yards dipped from the 2024 season.

OL Taylor Decker | Shoulder injury | 3 games missed

Decker battled a shoulder injury throughout the 2025 season and missed three games. The veteran left tackle still played in 14 games. After the season, Decker considered retirement but decided to continue playing. Contract talks with the Lions fell through and he became a free agent after he requested his release.

TE David Njoku | Knee injury/personal reasons | 4 games missed (signed with the Chargers)

Njoku missed the final four games of the 2025 season because of knee and personal issues. The knee injury cost him multiple late-season games and limited his finish to the year, but reports after his Cleveland release described him as presumably healthy entering free agency. Njoku has missed 11 games total over the past two seasons because of injury.

OL Kevin Zeitler | Biceps injury | 1 game missed

OL Zeitler missed one game in 2025 because of a biceps injury and also dealt with late-season lower-body wear. He remained available for most of the year, playing 16 games, so his 2025 injury profile is more of a veteran maintenance concern than a major availability issue as he enters his 15th season.

LB Matt Milano | Pectoral injury/load management | 5 games missed

Milano was limited to 12 games in 2025 because of an early-season pectoral injury and late-season load management. Milano suited up for the playoffs, totaling 8 tackles and 1 pass deflection. Milano has appeared in only 21 regular-season games in the past three seasons combined. Milano will be 32 by the time training camps begin. 

DE Joey Bosa | Hamstring injury | 2 games missed

Bosa missed late-season time with a hamstring injury but still played in 15 games. He missed Buffalo’s Week 14 game against Cincinnati and was later managed down the stretch. Bosa played in both of the Bills playoff games. His 15 games played in 2025 were the most he has played since 2021 when he played in 16 games with the Chargers.

DE Haason Reddick | Knee and ankle injuries | 4 games missed

Reddick missed four games in 2025 because of knee and ankle injuries. The veteran pass rusher was limited to 13 games and 2.5 sacks after dealing with multiple leg ailments. Reddick will be 32 in September and has only recorded 3.5 sacks in the past two seasons combined. His injury history and reduced production make him a medical and performance question in free agency.

CB L’Jarius Sneed | Quad injury | 10 games missed

Sneed played seven games before landing on injured reserve with a quad injury and missing the final 10 games of the season. In 2024, Sneed injured the same quad in Week 5 and missed the final 12 games of the season. Among defensive free agents, Sneed carries one of the biggest recent medical questions.

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