BYU players have been tearing up the NFL in recent years. Last year 19 former Cougars graced NFL rosters, including superstars like Puka Nacua, Fred Warner, and Taysom Hill.
A host of these players were free agents in 2026 and many of them have found new homes where they will continue to shine in their NFL carriers, including Tyler Allgeier ($12.3 million with the Arizona Cardinals), Khyiris Tonga ($21 million with the Kansas City Chiefs), and Zayne Anderson (signed with the Miami Dolphins).
But six former Cougars who are NFL veterans remain unsigned as the first week of NFL free agency draws to a close. Is it time for BYU fans to start worrying about these players who have been Sunday fixtures for the last several years?
Zach Wilson, quarterback
2025 stats (Miami Dolphins): 4 games, 0 starts, 6-of-11 passing, 32 yards
Zach Wilson is in an interesting space as a free agent. He has yet to prove to NFL front offices that he's a legitimate starting quarterback, but at just 26-years-old he has plenty of starting experience and is young enough to thrive in the right system. It's disappointing the Dolphins didn't re-sign Zach, especially in light of their recent decision to waive incumbent starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Wilson will end up signing somewhere, but the opportunities are getting limited. The ideal landing spot is a team with an innovative offense and a veteran quarterback who is either injury prone or retiring soon. The two best options would be with the Los Angeles Rams to play behind veteran Matthew Stafford or the Kansas City Chiefs behind the oft-banged up Patrick Mahomes.
Kyle Van Noy, outside linebacker
2025 stats (Baltimore Ravens): 15 games, 13 starts, 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 17 pressures, 1 interception
KVN is already on record stating that if he chooses to play in 2026 that he will be selective and this upcoming season would likely be his last. The stats from his 2025 campaign fell far below his 2024 Pro Bowl season when he racked up 12.5 sacks. The 12-year veteran has nothing to prove at this point, though BYU fans would love to see him join a contender and end his career on a high note.
Taysom Hill, football player
2025 stats (New Orleans Saints): 13 games, 5 starts, 114 rush yards (2.2 YPC), 1 TD; 91 receiving yards; 57 passing yards, 1 TD
Every one of Taysom Hill's 118 games played over the last nine seasons has been joyful for BYU fans. There has never been a do-it-all player quite like Taysom Hill, and likely never will be again. Now entering his age-36 season and with a history of injuries and the effects of Father Time, it wouldn't be surprising to see Taysom call it a career. There are some rumors that he may consider joining the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton, who was Hill's former head coach in New Orleans, but my best guess is Taysom retires.
Brady Christensen, offensive lineman
2025 stats (Carolina Panthers): 8 games, 4 starts - suffered season-ending Achilles injury in October
I live in North Carolina and am a Panthers fan, so I've watched every one of Brady Christensen's games over his five-year career in Carolina. The 29-year-old has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Panthers and has literally started at all five positions across the offensive line. After playing out his four-year rookie contract in 2024, he re-signed with the Panthers last year on a one-year contract. He was off to a good start last year before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in October, which may be scaring off teams from signing him right now. In time he will sign and play somewhere in 2026, and I'm hoping he stays in Carolina.
Sione Takitaki, linebacker
2025 stats (Minnesota Vikings): 3 games, 3 tackles
Injuries over the last two seasons have derailed Sione Takitaki's promising career. He spent his first five seasons with the Cleveland Browns from 2019-2023 and racked up 268 tackles during that span. In 2024 he joined the New England Patriots but a lingering knee issue limited him to 11 games and seemingly hampered his effectiveness. In 2025 he signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and ultimately appeared in three games with three tackles on the season. Now entering his age-31 season, he can still produce for the right team, provided he's fully healthy.
Michael Davis, cornerback
2025 stats (New Orleans Saints): 11 games, 4 tackles
Michael Davis had a fantastic seven-year run with the Chargers from 2017-2023, starting 74 of 107 games with 275 tackles and eight interceptions. In 2024 he joined the Washington Commanders and had a down year as he was frequently targeted in pass coverage and saw his role diminish as the year went on. In 2025 he went unsigned in free agency then somewhat surprisingly was signed by the New Orleans Saints in October. Despite being a 30-year-old veteran on a young, losing team, Davis still played 114 special teams snaps (to just nine snaps on defense) and racked up four tackles. Given his age at 31 and declining pass coverage skills, the best hope for Davis is to sign somewhere as a veteran leader who can play special teams and offer depth in the secondary.