Top 101 NFL free agents of 2026: Who are the best players available?

I see him as the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner, and his tape in Green Bay showed incredible growth as a passer over his two years with Matt LaFleur. Despite his limited sample size, Willis jumped to the top spot of this ranking based on the same logic that applies to the NFL draft: If a potential franchise quarterback is good enough to be ranked in the top five of a list like this, then he should be placed first, by virtue of the position. The ceiling is the roof.

Pickens' 2025 season was him cashing in on all that talent that was obvious since his days at Georgia. Whether he continues to perform at that level is up to him; whether he stays in Dallas is not.

No NFL player made himself more money in 2025. After dealing with devastating injuries in back-to-back seasons, Phillips was excellent in Miami, then helped transform the Eagles defense with his complete arsenal. His best should still be ahead of him.

Dynamic in the running game, Linderbaum quickly established himself as a top-10 center in Baltimore. Some struggles holding up as a pass protector won’t stop him from becoming the game’s highest-paid center, because young players this good don’t often reach free agency.

A throwback to the 1970s, Pierce has posted a ridiculous 21.8 yards per reception over the past two seasons. He's been so effective stretching the field that he just joined Hall of Famer James Lofton with rare production, becoming the second player since 1982 to notch consecutive campaigns with six or more receiving touchdowns and an average of 20+ yards per reception (H/T NFL Research). Big plays are at a premium in today’s NFL, and Pierce's skill set is nearly impossible to find.

Only one season removed from finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Hendrickson hits free agency again, this time as a 31-year-old coming off core muscle surgery. He’s a boom-or-bust signing for a team looking to get over the hump.

There aren’t many three-down linebackers in the league right now who can rush the passer. Lloyd just earned second-team All-Pro honors in Year 4, though his improvement actually started in his third season. His next team should get his best years -- if the Jaguars aren't able to keep him.

Jones was a perfect fit for Shane Steichen’s Colts. But I worry about his 2026 availability and performance coming off a torn Achilles tendon, which makes this contract complicated.

Oweh exploded as a pass rusher after being acquired by the Chargers in early October, finally finishing the plays he often missed in Baltimore. He’s not a great run stopper, but that’s not what teams pay for in free agency. 

Walker has the type of running talent you can’t teach, the type that could one day flip a (second) Super Bowl.

Mafe’s film is more intriguing than his stats. He is an incredible athlete who plays hard and can handle a variety of roles. He’s worth the premium he’ll cost.

Seattle's Super Bowl run showed both Shaheed’s potential and the risk he comes with. He made a handful of big plays along the way, yet never fully integrated into the Seahawks' system. His penchant for long scores, however, is as rare as his speed.

Hall's production over the past three seasons (averaged more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage) indicates he's been more consistent than his film might suggest. The top-10 RB electricity he's displayed throughout his young career makes him a valuable piece the Jets should keep.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: Jets GM Darren Mougey said Tuesday from the NFL Scouting Combine that the team will place the franchise or transition tag on Hall if the two sides can't come to terms on a long-term agreement before the league's March 3 deadline.

A borderline Pro Bowl guard when he’s right, Vera-Tucker is coming off a torn triceps suffered just days before the season started. But that's not an injury that is worrisome long-term, so he looks like an outstanding buy-low candidate.

Consistent plus starters at guard get paid huge money in free agency. Edwards has been one of the best free-agent signings (2023) of the Brandon Beane era. 

There aren’t many true "X" receivers who can win on the outside and physically beat press coverage. Though Evans missed time in 2025, his tape shows he’s still that dude. 

By pure statistical profile (success rate, quarterback rating and EPA per target), Dean was one of the best cornerbacks in football last year. His roller-coaster career and tendency to leave games with injury dims his value, but not below what Carlton Davis received a year ago.

Welcome to Cade Otton Island, where you can run any offense you want while never giving an inch in the run game. In our growing two-tight end world, every NFL team needs an Otton.

Pitts moved better last year than he had since his rookie season (2021). He adds a unique element to any offense as a big pass catcher, but his lack of chops in the blocking game, injury record and poor contested-catch history make him a risky signing.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Falcons have officially placed the franchise tag on Pitts, the team announced on Feb. 24. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the decision on Feb. 23.

On the most important snap of Baltimore's 2025 season, Lamar Jackson trusted Likely, who came through with a leaping downfield grab over Jalen Ramsey. (Ravens fans know what happened next.) That catch was a reminder of Likely’s untapped potential, especially now that he's improved his run-blocking ability.

Robinson caught 185 passes over the last two seasons from a variety of quarterbacks. His improvement on intermediate and deeper throws shows he can help any offense.

A seventh-round pick in 2022, Walker kept fending off challengers for his bookend spot in Green Bay. He’s probably league average as a starting left tackle, which is worth plenty.

Eluemunor has improved from being a part-time player to one of the most consistent pass-protecting right tackles in football.

Etienne has improved as a red-zone threat and in catching designed passes. He ranked in the top 10 among all players in rushes of 20+ and 40+ yards last season. He'll fit comfortably in a running back tandem. 

It's crazy to think the Rams cut Franklin-Myers after his rookie year. Since then, he's earned more than $40 million on two veteran contracts and is headed for a third. Defensive tackles are aging better than ever lately, and JFN's old Jets friend Robert Saleh is a head coach again, in Tennessee. 

Ollie Connolly proposed on NFL Daily that an interested team like the Raiders could sign McGovern and David Edwards together to fix their interior line, an idea that I heartily cosign.  

Jim Harbaugh said Zion Johnson was so great so many times it eventually came true. He's developed into a complete guard who is best positioned on the left side.

Doubs does everything well as a complementary receiver, especially catching difficult throws. He’s the type of workmanlike wideout who too often is underrated because he lacks flashy traits.

Cook loves to hit and is a sure tackler; he played with an almost unhealthy level of confidence in 2025. His versatility fits perfectly in modern defenses, making him our top safety in a deep market.

The former Eagle played his best football in Pittsburgh over the past three seasons, which is why it’s odd the Steelers haven’t re-signed him yet.

There is a risk Watson could decline if playing in defense that is not run by the Chiefs' Steve Spagnuolo. There is also a risk in underestimating a player who was a capable starter in the Super Bowl as a rookie and only improved after that. 

Paye is more of an edge-setter than a great pass rusher; it’s telling that the Colts kept him around on his fifth-year option for last season but have not extended him. Some team will be dazzled by the physical potential of the former first-rounder.

Taylor is a blast to watch and a pain to play against. His lapses in judgement decreased under Saints DC Brandon Staley while playing in the slot, but he’s a boom-or-bust signing.

A much-criticized first-round pick in Jacksonville, Chaisson has rebuilt his career with the Raiders and Patriots over the last two seasons, providing excellent juice off the edge. 

One of the most underrated players of his generation, Elliss is one of the best pass-rushing linebackers in football. In Atlanta, he played more than 1,000 snaps for three straight years at a high level. 

There are times Okonkwo looks like a potential All-Pro, running over fools and catching deep passes. At worst, he’ll add versatility in two-tight end sets. 

It’s not certain that Mack will play again in 2026. He’s still a ferocious run stopper and pocket pusher but would best be used in a rotation.

Bryant prevented big plays, made a few of his own and was strong coming down to stop the run from his deep safety position. 

Woolen had a wild time over the course of his rookie contract, going from Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate to benched to playing the role of hero and goat in a two-play sequence in the NFC Championship Game. He is cornerback volatility incarnate.

Name a spot on the field, and Steve Spagnuolo used Chenal there for the Chiefs. He’s the rare player athletic enough to effectively spy Lamar Jackson. But can he handle more than 500 snaps in a season?

There’s a center shortage in the NFL, and Mays drew praise as a fill-in starter in 2025. There will be a market for him. 

A stat stuffer unlocked by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cross creates pressures and run stuffs. He’s someone you can structure a defense around.  

Teams need speed, and Dean has it. His best tape would put him in the top 20 of this list, but it’s hard to ignore his injury history and occasional lapses in coverage.

It will be telling to see if Walker's old defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Jeff Hafley, pursues him now that he's head coach in Miami. While the speedy former first-round pick improved over his first four pro seasons, he never quite mastered the linebacker instincts worthy of a big contract.

Smith said he was close to retirement before treating his OCD in 2024. Unfortunately, his previously consistent play at right tackle dipped in 2025, and he’s hitting free agency after a neck injury ended his season. 

A player who can handle any assignment without making errors, Curl seems likely to leave Los Angeles, because the Rams extended Quentin Lake late in the regular season. 

Everyone’s favorite instigator, Jennings is a rugged receiver who can block, make contested catches and occasionally carry an offense. I want that known. 

After returning to the Bengals on a one-year deal, Ossai recorded a career-high 43 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He’ll do better in the market this time around. 

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph clearly loves Strnad, who thrived during the last two seasons as a fill-in blitzing linebacker. He’s earned a bigger role.

A huge success story for most of his seven years in Cleveland, Teller said goodbye after a confusing campaign where he still looked like a solid starter before a benching and injury ended his season. He’s at an age where good starting years should still be ahead. 

If not for his history of concussions, Brisker would be ranked much higher on this list. He fulfilled his 1980s-style enforcer potential last season.

There’s no official word about whether Campbell will retire. It’s outrageous how he continually winds up being the best defensive lineman -- or close to it -- on every team he joins, with his 40th birthday (Sept. 1) now on the horizon. 

Kelce moved better in 2025 after a few seasons where he had sluggish starts. The uncertainty about his future and the reality he’s only playing for one team is what keeps him lower on these rankings.

Bosa took over a few games early last season and proved to be a quality pickup overall for the Bills. But he faded badly and ultimately hurt his team in the playoffs.

A veteran of the show Last Chance U, Wright turned his career around with a breakout ballhawking season in Chicago. While that will be tough to repeat, he fits Dennis Allen’s defense incredibly well.

The Texans acquired a gaggle of reclamation projects last offseason, hoping one would stick. It turned out to be Ingram, who now might leave for more money. 

I’m as surprised to rank Flott this highly as the Giants surely would be to see him here, given the way they kept trying to play former first-round pick Deonte Banks over him. Flott gave us no choice! 

Ebiketie got boxed out for snaps in Atlanta last season by two highly drafted rookies despite winning his pass-rush reps more regularly. He’s going to get more money than people -- especially Falcons fans -- expect.  

Cousins looked better another year removed from Achilles surgery. He remains too hesitant to stand in against pressure, but can still manage a game like a high-level backup or bridge starter.

After missing the entire 2024 campaign while rehabbing a torn ACL, Chubb posted 8.5 sacks last season -- a mark that somewhat masks an overall dip in pressures and wins. He could probably play more efficiently with fewer snaps.

A quick note on Chubb's status: Although he isn't technically ticketed for free agency in March (he's still under contract through 2027), NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports the Dolphins intend to release the former Pro Bowler this offseason. Sounds like he'll get the post-June 1 designation.

The best defenses have quality edge rushers coming off the bench. Epenesa fits in as a strong No. 3 who does the dirty work. 

Run-stuffing nose tackles used to stick around the league forever. So here’s to Reader occupying blockers like Ted Washington and Pat Williams once did until he’s 40. 

He’d help a team more as a high-octane backup. As a starter, Rodgers finished 31st of 33 qualified passers in success rate. When under pressure, he fell to last place in that category by a huge margin. The greatness comes out in flashes, but it’s hard to anchor a season on.

Jones immediately led the Ravens in pressures after they acquired him in a trade, resulting in a career-best 55. The last time he hit free agency on a high like this, Seattle gave him a big contract. 

An afterthought signing in Seattle, Jobe took over a starting job late in the 2024 season and never gave it up. It would make sense to return him to a Seahawks secondary with a lot of free agents.

Kenny G’s teammates named him MVP of the Steelers in 2025. He’s a passing-down ace as a blocker and receiver.

A linebacker in his late 30s shouldn’t keep making the impact Davis does on a down-to-down basis. He’s a one-man communication system. 

A slow-roasting late-round pick, Brown fit like a glove in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s scheme. He was productive on the ball and did well matching up downfield with receivers like Alec Pierce.

Deebo looked like his old self in Washington for stretches. His burst seems to come and go these days, so a role with reduced snaps could maximize his impact. 

Difference-making run-blocking tight ends are hard to find. Kolar also seems like he could catch more passes if asked after being buried behind two good players in Baltimore. 

Nailor was stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and didn’t have a quarterback who could throw to the middle of the field in his contract year. He has fans as a speedy slot receiver.

One of the most surprising players to receive All-Pro consideration in 2025, the former Steelers first-rounder cashed in on all his potential in Cleveland. Can he do it away from former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger?

Zeitler might not fit in every system, but PFF is still grading him as one of the top right guards in football. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him follow offensive line coach Bill Callahan from Tennessee to Atlanta.

Thompson just finished an effective stint on a three-year, $36 million extension in Arizona. He’d be better known if he played anywhere else.

If I was making this list a year ago, Newsome would easily be in the top 50. For stretches of his career, he's looked electric on tape. Can he put it all together consistently?

As a young edge player who creates havoc in the running game, Enagbare is a rotational player at worst heading into his second contract.

Mariota played some of the best ball of his career behind Jayden Daniels the last two seasons, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks. That’s worth plenty!

Reddick looked better than his lack of production in Tampa showed, but it’s admittedly been a few years since he put it all together for a full season. 

Don’t forget about Kohou after he missed all of last season with a partially torn ACL. Before that, he was an above-average starting slot defender who was particularly dynamic in run support.

One of the better blocking and receiving backs in football, White also created his own yards as a runner in 2025. He’d be a fun sleeper addition to any backfield. 

The production was still there for Goedert in 2025, but he isn’t moving or blocking at the same level he was early in his impressive career. He can still improve a lot of offenses if the Eagles move on.

Rankins has made this list at least three times over the years, and he’s still getting it done as a pass rusher who gets up the field. 

Just when it looked like the Manitoba product was nearing the end of a sneaky-excellent NFL career, he put up another season with 600+ snaps as a strong run defender. 

Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks in 2025 at age 36 after combining for six during the previous two seasons. The more important number might be a different "two," as in the amount of games Jordan has missed in his entire 15-year career.

The well-traveled edge player emerged as a top-12 sack artist out of nowhere at age 30 for Detroit.

Left tackles absolutely get a position-scarcity bump on this list. Jones started 44 games as a fifth-round pick for Chicago and would fit on many teams as a swing tackle, at worst.  

It would be a shame to see Byard leave Chicago, where he all but ran the show for a playmaking secondary.

Dowdle’s strong year in Carolina faded late, but I still sometimes just yell his name as loudly as I possibly can for fun. What kind of speed do you got, young man?

Koonce didn’t look right coming off his torn ACL, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign. A year further removed from surgery, it’s worth betting on a bounce-back season from the former third-rounder, who emerged late in 2023 as a rising pass rusher.

Salyer’s stretch on the blind side for the Chargers late last season changed my opinion of him and should change his market. He’s definitely a left tackle, and teams could do a lot worse with Salyer as a third tackle or bridge starter.

Rhyan held up at right guard in 2024 and as a replacement starter at center in 2025. Young potential starters will be hard to find in his market.

I’m as surprised as anyone he’s back on this list, but Waller’s scoring explosion was awesome in his comeback with the Dolphins.

I would buy low on Diggs after a brutal stretch of injuries and unhappiness with the Cowboys -- especially if I was old partner Dan Quinn.

An All-Pro in 2023, Quinnen Williams’s brother has gone through cornerback-style volatility in his career. That’s not necessarily what you want at linebacker, but he can still fit in many systems.

The production and pass-catching consistency came and went during Njoku’s nine-year run in Cleveland, but he still looks athletic enough to be a real asset.

Wilson’s blitzing breakout season in Brian Flores' Vikings defense was such a blast to watch that it would've felt wrong leaving him off this list.

Blankenship is coming off a rocky season. The end called into question how much of his playmaking resulted from his ideal surroundings. 

The fullback snaps were fun. The defensive tackle snaps where he ran over double teams were better.

Allgeier was so consistent and rugged that he kept Bijan Robinson off the field for stretches that would drive Falcons fans crazy. He’s a great 1B option in a backfield.

The lack of interior defensive linemen hitting free agency after their rookie contracts should help Hall get a deal with a team looking for a rotational option.

No one has earned his role as Mr. 101 more convincingly than Clowney, a near-annual fixture on this list. I thought that run was over before he started sacking fools straight off the couch in 2025, just like he'll do for the next 25 years.