2026 All-NFL Scouting Combine Team: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love Wows

The NFL Scouting Combine is the premier showcase event for top prospects hoping to solidify their spots on draft boards around the league. Although scouts proclaim to place greater emphasis on film evaluation, a jaw-dropping performance at the Combine can force evaluators to move an intriguing prospect up the charts. After taking some time to review the numbers and video of the 2026 Combine, here are the players who opened eyes and earned a coveted spot on my All-Combine Team ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft: OFFENSE Quarterback: Taylen Green, Arkansas The dual-threat playmaker might have secured a Day 3 spot with his spectacular display of athleticism and explosion. Measuring 6-foot-6, 227 pounds, Green blazed the turf with a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash, while popping a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump. With a resume that features 9,662 passing yards and 94 total touchdowns, the Arkansas standout will draw interest as a developmental/change of pace quarterback, with a creative coaching staff and front office envisioning a potential "slash" role (quarterback/wide receiver) or full-time position switch down the road. Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame The best player in the 2026 draft cemented his spot as the No. 1 prospect on the board with his impressive showing at Indianapolis. The Notre Dame standout ran an eye-popping 4.37-second 40-yard dash before dazzling evaluators with a flawless positional workout that showcased his rare combination of speed, quickness, balance, and body control. Given his production as a dynamic runner with a highlight reel loaded with big plays, explosive runs, and touchdowns, Love is a top-five prospect regardless of positional value. Wide Receiver: Zachariah Branch, Georgia The shifty slot receiver might have changed the narrative in the scouting community after his jaw-dropping performance. Despite being typecast as a slot receiver/punt returner with a future as a gadget player, Branch’s speed (4.35-second forty-yard dash), explosiveness and route-running ability could prompt creative play-callers to carve out a role for the former Bulldogs as a WR2/WR3 in an offense that prominently features "catch-and-run" concepts on the call sheet. As a speedster with electric running skills and breakaway speed, Branch could develop into a game-changer as a pro. Wide Receiver: Ted Hurst, Georgia State The long, rangy pass catcher might have locked up a Day 2 spot as a potential "X" receiver on most draft boards. Hurst followed a strong Senior Bowl performance with an excellent showing at the Combine, where he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and posted impressive measurements in the vertical jump (36.5 inches) and broad jump (11-feet, 3 inches). With Hurst flashing acrobatic body control and ball skills during the route-running drills, the Georgia State standout is a top-100 prospect in the 2026 draft. Wide Receiver: Omar Cooper, Indiana The Indiana product has been viewed as a borderline Day 1 prospect by evaluators who rave about his route-running precision and strong hands. Cooper cemented his status with a strong performance at Indianapolis, where he posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical jump. He followed the impressive athletic testing with a spectacular route-running and pass-catching exhibition, showcasing his potential as a WR2. Considering how teams love "plug-and-play" playmakers who can impact their teams from Day 1, Cooper continues to move up the charts as a prospect. Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon It is no surprise to see Sadiq dominate athletic drills, given his reputation as an athletic freak with rare physical tools. Measuring 6-foot-3, 241 pounds with 4.40 speed (40-yard dash) and NBA-caliber "bounce" (43.5-inch vertical jump; 11-foot-1-inch broad jump), the Oregon standout is a matchup nightmare on the perimeter. As play designers contemplate various ways to put opposing defenses in binds, Sadiq’s combination of athleticism and skill will make him a hot commodity on draft night. Offensive Tackle: Monroe Freeling, Georgia Experience matters, but it is hard to bypass a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle with elite athletic traits and impressive shadowboxing skills. Freeling was already on the radar as one of the top offensive tackle prospects despite his limited experience as a one-year starter and an unrefined game, but his agility, movement skills and high-end athleticism (4.93 40-yard dash; 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-7-inch broad jump) make him a desirable prospect in a pass-happy league. Given the lack of true left tackles in the 2026 class, the Georgia standout could parlay his dazzling Combine workout into a top-20 selection. Offensive Guard: Chase Bisonitis, Texas A&M Despite concerns over his short arms (31 3/4 inches), the former Aggie earned rave reviews for his work in Indianapolis. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder dazzled in drills, displaying outstanding balance, body control and agility working in space. Bisontis’ textbook technique matched the near-perfect form he consistently displays on tape. With strong athletic marks (5.03 in the 40-yard dash; 32-inch vertical jump) and a highlight reel full of "plus" plays, Bisontis is squarely in the mix as OG2 of the class. Center: Logan Jones, Iowa The next Iowa product to flourish as a pro showed the football world he is an A-plus athlete with his jaw-dropping performance in Indianapolis. Jones not only ripped off a 4.94-second in the 40-yard dash with a 1.74-second 10-yard split, but his movements match the short-area dominance that he displays on tape. With his quick hands and nimble feet shining in pass protection and on zone blocks, the 6-foot-3, 299-pounder moves to the top of the list of pivots in the 2026 class. Offensive Guard: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech The "Bully Ball" specialist might have surprised some evaluators with his sensational athletic performance at the Combine. Rutlege ran a 5.05-second 40-yard dash to complement his 32.5-inch vertical jump and impressive work in on-field drills. The Georgia Tech product is more than a mauler/brawler, and his solid workout suggests he could be a scheme-friendly prospect capable of thriving in a zone or gap-based scheme. Offensive Tackle: Spencer Fano, Utah The rugged right tackle earned high marks for his performance in Indianapolis, including a little work at center to showcase his versatility. Fano measured in at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, but impressed most with his 4.91-second 40-yard dash and above-average jumps (32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-3-inch broad jump), which confirmed his explosiveness. With his tape matching his athletic performance, Fano is an easy evaluation for teams looking for a high-end offensive lineman prospect. DEFENSE EDGE: David Bailey, Texas Tech Elite pass rushers often possess a combination of speed and skill that overwhelms blockers on the edge. Bailey’s Combine performance simply confirmed his blue-chip traits as a speed rusher with outstanding first-step quickness and dynamic "bend and burst" abilities. With a 4.50-second 40-yard dash time and elite jump measurements (35-inch vertical and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump) to match the explosive pass rush feats that show up on tape, it is easy to sell the Texas Tech standout as a top-five talent in this draft. Defensive Tackle: Caleb Banks, Florida Some have cast the Florida product as a "boom or bust" candidate due to his injuries and inconsistent flashes as a player, but it is hard to find a 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle with fluid movement skills and heavy hands. Despite prematurely ending his workout due to a minor issue with his cleats, Banks showed out with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash time and eye-popping jumps (32-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-6-inch broad jump) that showcased his athleticism and explosiveness. After impressing at the Senior Bowl and Combine, the big-bodied interior defender has scouts scouring his 2024 tape to see if his potential as an athletic freak warrants first-round consideration. Defensive Tackle: Zane Durant, Penn State As an undersized interior defender who wins with speed and quickness, Durant needed a dominant performance at the Combine to convince evaluators that he was worthy of Day 2 consideration. With a 4.75-second 40-yard dash to complement his 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-4-inch broad jump, Durant not only confirmed his elite athletic traits, but he followed it with a dazzling exhibition in drills. After reviewing his game tape and studying his workout numbers, it is hard to imagine a team with an attack-style defense, bypassing an ultra-athletic defender who plays with urgency and violence. EDGE: Malachi Lawrence, UCF As a "junkyard dog" edge rusher with a non-stop motor and relentless approach, Lawrence had put together a resume worthy of Day 2 consideration after a solid effort at the East-West Shrine Bowl. While he was not a lock to come off the board within the first three rounds of the 2026 draft, Lawrence’s explosive traits (4.52-second 40-yard dash; 40-inch vertical and 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump) push him to the top of the developmental group that rounds out the top 100 selections on most boards. Given his consistency as a pass rusher (20 career sacks and three forced fumbles) and his athletic traits as a potential rotational player/special teams standout, Lawrence is back on the radar as a "red star" (prospect who will make an impact regardless of role) candidate on the draft board. Off-Ball Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State The freakishly athletic defender put on a show at the Combine that has defensive coordinators salivating over his potential. Reese has teased evaluators with his talent as an off-ball linebacker with pass-rush potential, but his sensational showing in drills has defensive coordinators’ imaginations spinning out of control. As a potential hybrid with off-the-charts playmaking potential, the Ohio State star’s elite athletic measurements (4.46-second 40-yard dash with 1.53-second 10-yard split) have cemented his spot as a top-five pick. Off-Ball Linebacker: Sonny Styles, Ohio State The super-sized off-ball linebacker made his case to be a top-five pick with an eye-popping performance that has evaluators reviewing their notes from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The former safety-turned-linebacker is the ultimate "hit, run, and cover" player with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a pair of explosive jumps (43.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump) that will make it hard for quarterbacks to throw into his zone. With the Ohio State product flashing effective pass-rushing skills on tape, Styles has teams contemplating breaking traditional norms by placing an off-ball linebacker at the top of the charts. "Star" Linebacker: Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh After opening eyes at the Senior Bowl with his spectacular flashes in drills, Louis shows the football world that his athleticism matches the tape with an impressive performance at the Combine. The Pitt product blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, while popping a 39.5-inch and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump. As coaches and scouts dive deeper into his game film and discover a versatile playmaker with natural skills as a hybrid (linebacker/safety), the 6-foot, 220-pounder could shoot up the charts as a Day 2 prospect. Cornerback: Chris Johnson, San Diego State Scouts reviewing Johnson’s tape were smitten with his potential as a talented technician suited for a long-term role as a CB1/CB2. However, questions about his recovery clouded the evaluation after seeing a few struggles on deep routes. Those concerns were silenced after Johnson popped an impressive 4.40-second 40-yard dash with complementary jumps (38-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-6-inch broad jump) that confirmed his explosiveness as an athlete. Additionally, Johnson’s flawless technique makes it easy to sell him as a top-40 selection on draft weekend. Safety: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon The explosive ball hawk from Oregon has vaulted into top-20 consideration following a strong workout that showcased his speed and agility. Thieneman impressed his evaluators with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and 41-inch vertical jump. The measurements not only confirmed his elite explosiveness but also matched the outstanding displays of range and ball skills that had pushed him into Day 1 status ahead of the event. With multiple teams looking for a high-IQ safety with MLB centerfielder range and ball skills, Thieneman is a lock to come off the board as a first-round pick. Safety: Bud Clark, TCU Dynamic playmakers are always coveted by scouts and coaches, particularly at a time when the turnover obsession is running rampant throughout the league. Clark’s ball skills and takeaway prowess have earned rave reviews, but scouts are more smitten with the TCU standout after watching him shine in an impressive workout at the Combine. The explosion and agility displayed on the turf make it easy to envision the 6-foot, 188-pounder thriving in a role that enables him to tap into his strengths as a "see ball, get ball" defender. Cornerback: Colton Hood, Tennessee It might be hard for the Tennessee standout to climb to the top of the charts, but Hood’s outstanding workout at the Combine will have defensive coordinators and defensive back coaches around the league clamoring for his services as a future CB1. The 6-foot, 193-pounder is an athletic freak (4.44-second 40-yard dash time; 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump) with a silky smooth game that jumps off the tape. Additionally, Hood is a high-IQ defender with a knack for diagnosing routes and making plays on the ball, utilizing various techniques. As a "plug-and-play" starter with an impressive resume that makes him a late first-round prospect, Hood’s impressive performance at the NFL’s premier showcase event could seal his spot as a Day 1 pick. Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the "Moving the Sticks" podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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2026 NFL Free Agency: One Ideal Signing for All 32 Teams

Every fan base has the same thought about their favorite team ahead of the start of NFL free agency next week, wondering how many top free agents they can sign and try to become a contender overnight. Well, we had a similar thought: Who should be the top ideal free agent signing for every team? It would certainly make for a fun offseason if every team could make an impact signing in the coming weeks. So, we tried to find the answer to that question. We should note that we have a few players who are the top ideal signing for a few teams on this list. Obviously, a player can only sign with one team, but this exercise goes to show how valuable a few pending free agents will be. So, let's take a look at the ideal free-agent signing for all 32 teams. [2026 NFL Free Agency: The Top 100 Players Available and Potential Fits] Arizona Cardinals Eric D. Williams: QB Jimmy Garoppolo As expected, Arizona released Kyler Murray. Jacoby Brissett remains on the roster, but new head coach Mike LaFleur will want someone familiar with his offense running the show and setting an example of what he wants in terms of culture for the rest of the locker room. Garoppolo served as the backup for Matthew Stafford and is well-liked by Rams head coach Sean McVay, but signing with the Cardinals gives him a chance to start again in a division he knows from his time in the NFC West. Garoppolo has played in a Super Bowl and is 43-21 as a starter. Atlanta Falcons Greg Auman: WR Wan’Dale Robinson You’d be hard-pressed to find a team that got less from its receiver depth than the Falcons in 2025. Even with Kyle Pitts back on the franchise tag at tight end, they need a speed complement to Drake London’s size. Robinson is a high-volume receiver, with 140 targets in each of the last two seasons. Let’s say $15 million a year, and he can be a 1,000-yard receiver for not much more than Darnell Mooney was taking up. Take a receiver later in the draft as well, and with an offensive head coach in Kevin Stefanski, their pass game can take a big step forward. Baltimore Ravens Henry McKenna: DE Trey Hendrickson Baltimore should, first and foremost, focus on not losing center Tyler Linderbaum, which is why they’ve extended him a "market setting" deal, according to general manager Eric DeCosta. The Ravens, however, seem to have enough money to make one big splash on an out-of-house player. And I think Hendrickson would be as compelling as any player on Jesse Minter’s defense. The other tempting names for a big splash: edge Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Buffalo Bills Ralph Vacchiano: Edge rusher Bradley Chubb The Bills got the No. 1 receiver they so desperately needed when they traded for DJ Moore. Now they can focus on boosting their sagging pass rush. The 28-year-old Chubb proved he was healthy and able to dominate again last season, with 8.5 sacks in Miami after missing a year with a torn ACL. He could be even better, another year removed from his injury. Plus, he might be available on a shorter deal as he hopes to reset his market. The Bills had only one player with more than 5 sacks last season (Gregory Rousseau, 7). With Joey Bosa unlikely to return, they need a bookend edge rusher, and preferably one a little younger, too. Carolina Panthers Auman: Edge rusher Leonard Floyd This is ideal, as in "ideal and reasonably within their budget." They’re not all $20 million signings, and Carolina is barely under the cap entering free agency. Edge rusher is arguably the biggest positional need, and Floyd played well with the Rams in 2020-21 when Evero Eijro was there. Last season was a down year, but he’d gotten at least eight sacks in five straight years before that, and could bounce back as a solid value impact for an improved Panthers defense. Only two NFL teams had fewer sacks than Carolina’s 30 last year, with no Panthers player getting more than five. Chicago Bears McKenna: DT Khyiris Tonga The Patriots quietly unlocked a side to Tonga that few knew existed. And it’s something that a team like the Bears should try to build upon. Tonga is a mammoth interior disruptor who should come at a discount relative to someone who played as well as he did in 2025. And that’s what the Bears need: a value signing. They’re currently $11 million over the cap, per Spotrac. Cincinnati Bengals Ben Arthur: Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips The Bengals’ porous defense desperately needs pass rush help, and Trey Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati is all but over, with the veteran defensive end set to hit free agency. Phillips had just five sacks last season, but registered 76 pressures, which ranked 10th among all defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. Cleveland Browns McKenna: OT Jamaree Salyer I’m not really sure how to match a free agent with the Browns, who are currently $25.7 million over the cap and are a year away from simply beginning their rebuild. But they really need help at tackle, and I think they should double dip — with a high draft pick and a decent free agency signing. Salyer served as Rashawn Slater’s replacement for the Chargers, and he was competent enough for the Browns to give him a shot. Dallas Cowboys Arthur: Edge rusher Odafe Oweh Trading Micah Parsons had a devastating impact on the Cowboys’ defense. Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler are also set to hit free agency. With at least 7.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, Oweh would give new Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker some juice on the edge. Money could be a concern for the Cowboys, who are not typically major players in free agency, but restructuring some contracts could give the team some financial flexibility to pursue a higher-ticket free agent like Oweh. [NFL Free Agent Matchmaker: Who Lands Kenneth Walker III, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers?] Denver Broncos Auman: TE Cade Otton He’s not going to break the bank, but at maybe $8 million a year, Otton can play a ton of snaps and consistently give you 50 catches for 500 yards, younger and cheaper than Evan Engram this past year. Drops were an issue in Tampa but less so in 2025. The Broncos have a total of 12 tight end touchdowns in Sean Payton’s three years there, so plenty of room for improvement. Detroit Lions McKenna: C Cade Mays With Frank Ragnow retiring, the Lions were left scrambling to fill his shoes in 2025. Mays was a replacement center for the Panthers, and played at a starting level. After Lindenbaum, Mays might be the No. 1 center on the open market. Green Bay Packers McKenna: CB Nahshon Wright Not only do the Packers need help at cornerback, but they will also have tremendous insights on Wright, who played for the division-rival Bears. It’s great to get a good player at a position of need. It’s better when you can steal that player from a team you’ll play two times a year. Houston Texans Auman: C Connor McGovern Houston is overhauling its offensive line, and protecting C.J. Stroud is a priority, which means upgrading from Jake Andrews at center. The brass ring is Tyler Lindenbaum, but they don’t have the budget to land him. McGovern is three years older but should be closer to $15 million. He missed only two games in three years in Buffalo, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Indianapolis Colts Arthur: DE Trey Hendrickson The Colts have a big edge rusher need opposite Laiatu Latu. Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was also Hendrickson’s Bengals DC from 2021-24, when he posted seasons of at least 14 sacks. At 31 years old and coming off a season-ending core muscle injury, Hendrickson may not break the bank for Indy, either. Jacksonville Jaguars Auman: DL John Franklin-Myers Jacksonville’s priority will be keeping their own free agents from a breakout 2025 season, but if the price is too high for young stars like linebacker Devin Lloyd and running back Travis Etienne, Franklin-Myers would be a big get for their defensive front, and not too expensive at like $8 million a year. He started his NFL career with the Rams when general manager James Gladstone was there, and adds to a strength in what was the NFL’s top run defense last season. Kansas City Chiefs Arthur: RB Kenneth Walker Adding a dynamic running back should be a priority for the Chiefs, who had the NFL’s 25th-ranked rushing attack last season. Both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are entering free agency, and there’s no telling how Patrick Mahomes’ scrambling ability will be impacted coming off a torn ACL. The return of Eric Bienemy, a former running back, as offensive coordinator also bodes in favor of a Walker pursuit. Las Vegas Raiders Williams: WR Rashid Shaheed The Weber State product was a great midseason trade addition for the Seahawks, helping Seattle win the Super Bowl with explosive return ability. However, Shaheed follows former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to Las Vegas here, where he should get a larger role in the offense. Shaheed also played for Kubiak in New Orleans and is very familiar with the offensive scheme being installed in the desert. Los Angeles Chargers Williams: C Cade Mays The Bolts lost center Bradley Bozeman to retirement and must do a better job of protecting Justin Herbert. Signing the versatile Mays is a start. He allowed zero sacks in 12 starts for the Carolina Panthers last season. Mays also has played guard and tackle, providing some position flexibility for Chargers offensive line coach Butch Barry as Los Angeles looks to build chemistry with the five best offensive linemen who can work together to provide better pass protection for Herbert. Los Angeles Rams Williams: CB Tariq Woolen Woolen has worn out his welcome in Seattle but finds a new home with the Rams. Woolen talked trash to Sean McVay and the Rams’ sideline during the NFL championship, earning a head-scratching unsportsmanlike penalty, so things may need to be smoothed over initially. But with his speed, length and ball-hawking skills, Woolen provides an upgrade at cornerback on the perimeter and a defender familiar with covering the best receivers in the NFC West. Miami Dolphins Auman: Edge rusher Joey Bosa Bosa, 30, would address a key need for Miami at edge rusher. He has personal ties to the Dolphins, as he was born in Miami and his father, John, played three seasons with the Dolphins. He hasn't had double-digit sacks in a season since 2021, but he led the NFL with five forced fumbles last season and would be a solid plus at a position that has shed Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb in the last six months. A one-year, $12 million deal is a fraction of what he made at his peak, but it is suitable for a reset contract as part of Jeff Hafley's new defense. Minnesota Vikings McKenna: LB Kaden Elliss Even at 31 years old, Elliss is quietly one of the most dynamic defensive players in this free agency class. He is an outstanding tackle and run defender. But his value comes with his contributions as a pass-rusher, where he is sneaky efficient — and a perfect fit for a smart mind like Vikings DC Brian Flores. The Vikings are going to need help getting sacks after they likely trade Jonathan Greenard. Maybe they draft a rookie edge and bring in Elliss to fill the void. New England Patriots McKenna: WR Alec Pierce If the Colts thought they could retain Alec Pierce without tagging him, they were foolishly mistaken. New England will be a much more enticing home, even if the offer (by the dollar) is higher in Indy. The Patriots just dropped Stefon Diggs. They’ll probably stay in on a potential A.J. Brown trade. But Pierce — who can stretch the field with his speed and his jumpball skills — is basically perfect for Drake Maye, who established himself as one of the league’s best downfield throwers. Whether the Patriots trade for Brown or not, they’ll want Pierce. New Orleans Saints McKenna: WR Jalen Nailor I don’t think the Saints are going to extend themselves financially this offseason — not when they’re already $44 million over the cap. But a guy like Nailor is compelling, given what he might be able to do with a bigger role in New Orleans. With Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough showing promise at the end of last year, Nailor might see New Orleans as a place where he can realize his potential, perhaps even on a one-year, prove-it deal. New York Giants Vacchiano: C Tyler Linderbaum It’s going to cost them, but it’s a no-brainer, and a move that many in the league expect will happen. The Giants have long needed an offensive line upgrade and new coach John Harbaugh is going to insist on it. So why not bring one of his best players along from Baltimore? The 25-year-old is exactly the anchor they need in the middle. He’s durable and been to three straight Pro Bowls and will be a huge boost to the powerful run game Harbaugh wants to build. New York Jets Vacchiano: LB Alex Anzalone It would be an unremarkable and inexpensive signing, but it could be incredibly important. Aaron Glenn wants to go down swinging, which is why he’s running the defense his way, with his calls. What better way to do that than to bring in his old defensive QB from Detroit, who already knows his schemes, calls and overall plan? They have history dating back to their days together in New Orleans. It’s a perfect fit and Anzalone could be a steadying veteran influence in the middle of a defense that is going to be completely rebuilt. Philadelphia Eagles Vacchiano: TE Isaiah Likely The Eagles may still bring back tight end Dallas Goedert, who is a free agent at age 31 and frequently injured. But Likely is younger (25), more dynamic, and at this point has a bigger upside. Ideally, Philly could find a way to use both of them, but if not, Likely is a perfect replacement and just the kind of weapon that could add a little boost to the Eagles’ sagging offense. Their needs change if they trade wide receiver A.J. Brown, but if not, Likely would be an outstanding complementary piece, who should see his production jump if he becomes a team’s No. 1 tight end. Pittsburgh Steelers Vacchiano: RB Rico Dowdle Their top need changes if quarterback Aaron Rodgers retires, but assuming they’re running it back one more time with The Ancient One, it would be nice if they got him some help. Yes, they need receivers, but a strong rushing attack would really help keep the pressure off their 42-year-old quarterback. Kenneth Gainwell, their MVP last season, is a free agent and likely headed elsewhere. Meanwhile, Dowdle had his breakout season in Dallas under new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy two years ago. He could be the top half of a strong, 1-2 punch with Jaylen Warren that could power the Steelers while McCarthy pieces together a passing attack. San Francisco 49ers Williams: Edge rusher Joey Bosa The Ohio State product considered signing with San Francisco to play with younger brother Nick Bosa last season but instead took a better deal financially to play with the Buffalo Bills. This time, the older Bosa finally gets his wish to play with his brother in the NFL, a unique opportunity for the Bosa family. Joey Bosa turns 31 years old in July and can be effective for San Francisco as a situational pass rusher. Seattle Seahawks Williams: RB Tyler Allgeier With Kenneth Walker III likely moving on to greener pastures and finding a more lucrative deal elsewhere, Allgeier provides a good fallback option for Seattle. The bruising runner out of BYU is a good fit for Seattle’s zone running scheme and should pair nicely with Zach Charbonnet once he returns from season-ending knee surgery. The Seahawks can also look to add a pass-catching back in the draft to add to the running back room. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Auman: LB Nakobe Dean Whether Lavonte David retires or not, linebacker is a priority need for the Bucs, who struggled to limit passes in the middle of the field last season. Dean has had injury concerns, but played well on their Super Bowl team in 2024, and the Eagles drafted Jihaad Campbell last year, so there’s a good chance he moves on. Tampa Bay will address linebacker in the draft as well, but this gives them a young starter whose best football should still be ahead of him. Tennessee Titans Arthur: WR Alec Pierce Pierce could be the long-term, No. 1 receiver that the Titans are coveting for Cam Ward. He has more upside than any other wideout in this year’s market by far. And with over $90 million in cap space, Tennessee is positioned to give the former second-round pick the mammoth deal he’s expected to command. Washington Commanders Vacchiano: ​​DE Trey Hendrickson They have plenty of cap space and a glaring need for an elite pass rusher on a defense that might be completely rebuilt over the next few months. Hendrickson comes with risks. He’s 31 and coming off core muscle surgery. But if he’s healthy, he’s only one year removed from back-to-back seasons of 17.5 sacks. He’s the kind of game-wrecker they haven’t had on defense in Washington in nearly a decade. And if they pair him with an edge they take with the No. 7 pick in the draft, consider their defense instantly transformed.

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2026 NFL Free Agency: Who Signs Top RBs Kenneth Walker, Tyler Allgeier, Travis Etienne?

Kenneth Walker III struck another blow for the resurgence of running backs by earning the Super Bowl MVP award after the Seattle Seahawks’ runaway win over the New England Patriots. Now, Walker will see if he can turn that success into a big payday. The Seahawks declined to use the franchise tag on the Michigan State product, allowing him to enter free agency. A second-round selection by Seattle in the 2022 draft, Walker is the headliner of a solid if not spectacular running back group set to hit free agency next week. The New York Jets opted to keep the top back from hitting the market, placing the franchise tag on Breece Hall at $14.3 million. Along with Walker, however, other backs expected to make a splash in free agency include Rico Dowdle and bruising runner Tyler Allgeier. Here, we find the best home for each of the top five free-agent rushers. 5. Rachaad White: Jacksonville Jaguars White effectively served as half of Tampa Bay’s running back tandem with Bucky Irving, averaging just over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 50 catches a year. In four seasons with the Bucs, White scored 25 total touchdowns. A good fit for the 27-year-old back would be to reunite with his former offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen, who should understand how to maximize White’s skill set. With Travis Etienne potentially leaving in free agency, White would give Coen a productive runner familiar with his offensive scheme to pair with second-year pro Bhayshul Tuten. 4. Tyler Allgeier: Seattle Seahawks Walker has priced himself out of returning to Seattle, so former Falcon Allgeier could give the Seahawks a solid option at a reasonable price. Plus, he should fit the system of new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who will lean on the zone running scheme from his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Allgeier is one of the best zone running backs on the market and has a nose for the end zone, with eight rushing touchdowns last year for Atlanta. That will be important for Seattle GM John Schneider, whose best goal-line runner, Zach Charbonnet, will be returning from season-ending knee surgery. And Allgeier doesn’t turn the ball over. 3. Rico Dowdle: Washington Commanders Washington is looking to add a thumper to a running back room led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Dowdle possesses the ability to run through traffic and would add a home-run hitter to the backfield. Dowdle has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, first with the Dallas Cowboys and then with the Carolina Panthers last year. Paired with third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels in the backfield, Dowdle would have another opportunity to post big numbers. Head coach Dan Quinn wants to run the football and play good defense, and Dowdle would give Washington's running game an added boost. 2. Travis Etienne: Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City averaged just 106.6 rushing yards per game last year, No. 25 in the NFL, so the Chiefs need to upgrade their running game from the tandem of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Also, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is recovering from season-ending knee surgery, which means the Chiefs will have to lean on running the football more next season. Etienne was one of the best backs in football in 2025, totaling 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns with the Jaguars. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield, with 36 receptions for 292 receiving yards and seven scores. Etienne would add a dynamic, explosive dimension to Kansas City’s offense. 1. Kenneth Walker III: Denver Broncos The Broncos need an offensive boost to compete for a Super Bowl, so why not bring in a dynamic runner who just won a Lombardi Trophy? Walker would be even more dangerous playing behind Bo Nix, one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league and always a threat to run himself. In a division with the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and the Chiefs, adding a dynamic playmaker like Walker to one of the best defenses in the league would give the Broncos an advantage in the AFC West. I, for one, would be very interested to see how head coach Sean Payton and first-time playcaller Davis Webb use the Super Bowl MVP.

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Let's Debate: NFL Draft Prospects Who Could Struggle Early, Late-Round Steals

The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, which means front offices across the league are back in their war rooms reshuffling their respective draft boards. While several college stars look primed to thrive at the next level, others might face a steeper learning curve once Sundays roll around. Our panel of experts cut through the noise to identify which prospects might struggle early in the NFL, and which late-round picks could end up outperforming their draft position. Which former college standout do you think might struggle initially at the NFL level, and why? Michael Cohen: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee A former three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, Brazzell spent his first two collegiate seasons at Tulane before transferring to Tennessee. He made a massive leap from his first year with the Volunteers in 2024 to his second in 2025, ultimately catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns to earn first-team All-SEC honors this past fall. But wide receivers who have played for head coach Josh Heupel at Tennessee, where the "deep-choice" offense is quite different than most NFL systems, aren't enjoying much success at the next level. The four ex-Volunteer wideouts drafted since Heupel took over in 2021 — Velus Jones Jr., Cedric Tillman, Jalin Hyatt and Dont'e Thornton — combined to make just 36 receptions for 440 yards and two touchdowns last season. RJ Young: Davison Igbinosun, WR, Ohio State To call Igbinosun "handsy" in coverage is to liken an EF5 tornado to a stiff summer breeze off the Atlantic Ocean. In 2024, he was the most penalized corner in coverage in the Power 4 with 16 pass interference or holding calls made against him. In 2025, he was much more fundamentally sound and, at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, a tremendous addition in run coverage for the Buckeye defense. However, at the NFL level, where a 15-yard pass interference penalty is a spot foul and where he's not such an asset in run defense, I expect Igbinosun will have an adjustment period where he will have to truly lean into technique. He will need to improve on getting his head around, drop his hips, and run with the receiver rather than reach for him. Name a projected late-round pick you expect to exceed expectations in the NFL? Young: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia Branch is the best burst wide receiver available in the upcoming NFL Draft. He demonstrated elite speed, running 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and has been as explosive as a stick of dynamite with the ball in his hands. The easy comparison to make for him is Tyreek Hill. At Georgia last season, Branch was a walking first down, recording 81 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns. He has also proven himself to be an outstanding returner. In 2023, Branch's true freshman season, he averaged 20.5 yards per punt return. He also returned a punt and kickoff for a TD in 2023. Cohen: Bud Clark, S, TCU Certain scouts and evaluators will surely ding Clark for his age (six years in college) and lack of traditional size (6-foot-1, 188 pounds) at the safety position. However, few defensive backs in this year's draft had a better nose for the ball than he did. Clark intercepted at least three passes in four consecutive seasons for the Horned Frogs from 2022-25, finishing his career with 15 total picks and two defensive touchdowns. He also racked up 20 pass deflections during that span and ended his time at TCU by earning back-to-back second-team All-Big 12 honors the last two years. Clark tested very well at the NFL scouting combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds (seventh among safeties) and a 38-inch vertical leap (fifth among safeties) to reinforce his dual value as a potential core special teams player. In Let's Debate, our experts tackle and explain the hot-button issues fans care about.

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3 Best Team Fits for QB Tua Tagovailoa in NFL Free Agency

Tua Tagovailoa is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro, throwing for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdown passes and a career-high 15 interceptions for an 88.5 passer rating. The Dolphins quarterback started 14 games last year before being benched for the final three in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. Tagovailoa has struggled to stay healthy over his six NFL seasons, missing significant time due to concussion issues in addition to rib fractures, finger fractures and a back injury. However, the Alabama product has played winning football, posting a 44-32 record as a starter, reaching the playoffs once during his time in Miami and making the Pro Bowl in 2023 after leading the NFL in passing yards that season. Selected No. 5 overall in the 2020 draft, Tagovailoa is just 28 years old. Like Super Bowl-winning QB Sam Darnold — who bounced from the Jets to the Panthers to the 49ers to the Vikings to the Seahawks — he could restart his career in another spot. The Dolphins would like to trade Tagovailoa but will likely have to cut him, designating him as a post-June 1 release to help pay down some of the $99.2 million in dead money on the books. Tagovailoa is due $54 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season, and $3 million of his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year next week. Here are three teams that would make sense for Tagovailoa to revive his career. 3. Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals are starting over — once again — by releasing quarterback Kyler Murray and hiring new head coach Mike LaFleur. The former Rams offensive coordinator brings with him a quarterback-friendly system that relies on running the football and the play-action game to take pressure off the QB to carry the offense. Arizona also is a warm-weather team that plays indoors, which would benefit a quarterback like Tagovailoa. He doesn't possess a strong arm, but he is accurate, throws with anticipation and excels as a play-action passer. He would give LaFleur a low-cost option who still has tread on the tires and could excel in his offensive system, serving as a bridge quarterback until the Cardinals find a long-term developmental prospect. [RELATED: 3 Best Team Fits for QB Kyler Murray in NFL Free Agency] 2. Atlanta Falcons New head coach Kevin Stefanski drafted a left-handed quarterback in Dillon Gabriel while coaching the Cleveland Browns. Stefanski now takes over a team with a left-handed quarterback as the team’s projected starter in Michael Penix Jr. So, why not bring in a left-handed quarterback in Tagovailoa to start until Penix returns from the partially torn ACL he suffered last November? Tagovailoa would be a good fit in Stefanski’s system, a West Coast-based scheme that leans on running the football and play-action passing. The Falcons play in a dome, which should serve Tagovailoa well. Plus, Atlanta has a solid offensive line and one of the best groups of offensive weapons in the league, led by running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London. 1. Los Angeles Rams Rams coach Sean McVay helped to revive the career of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has had his best seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a 2022 stint in Los Angeles. And we’ve also seen transformations in the careers of QBs Darnold, Geno Smith and Daniel Jones after they left their original teams. Could Tagovailoa experience a similar turnaround serving as the backup to Matthew Stafford for a season in L.A.? There’s a decent chance that Rams backup Jimmy Garoppolo will have an opportunity to become a starter for another team in free agency. If that happens, Tagovailoa could sign with the Rams and learn for a year under McVay as the backup to Stafford. And if the 38-year-old NFL MVP decides to retire after the 2026 season, Tagovailoa would be in place to take over as the starter in 2027. Even if Stafford sticks around, working with the offensive guru McVay for a year could change the trajectory of Tagovailoa's career. He could find a starting job elsewhere in 2027 and rewrite the narrative of who he is as player in the league.

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2026 NFL Free Agency: Prescribing Plan A and B for 9 QB-Needy Teams

This is the worst offseason for a team in need of a starting quarterback. The draft is "razor-thin" as one scout told me. And the free-agent and trade markets "suck," the scout said, "unless you’re looking for broken down old guys, or a backup who’s had a couple of good starts." Those are harsh assessments, to be sure, but not atypical of what was heard around the rest of the league at the NFL Scouting Combine. Teams with decent quarterbacks are gripping them tightly because the alternatives are unimpressive. And teams without a decent quarterback … As another scout told me: "They’re pretty screwed." So what are those teams to do, other than wait until the 2027 draft when help could be on the way (maybe)? They better have a plan, even if it’s not a very good one. With free agency starting next week and the draft rapidly approaching, here is a Plan A and a Plan B for what each of those teams should do to address their QB issues this offseason. Atlanta Falcons Plan A: Sign Joe Flacco to back up a healthy Michael Penix Jr.Plan B: Sign Tua Tagovailoa There’s no guarantee Penix (torn ACL) will be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and even if he is, new coach Kevin Stefanski can’t be sure he’s their long-term answer. He needs to take a look at him if he can, though, so they know what they have before the 2027 draft. But they need a veteran backup to both mentor him and to step in, if necessary. Who better than the 41-year-old Flacco, who embraced both those roles multiple times for Stefanski in Cleveland, and who lit it up for six starts in Cincinnati last year? He’ll not only help Penix, but he’s the perfect bridge to 2027, too. Tagovailoa doesn’t really fit that mold, but at 28, he’s an interesting reclamation project if the Falcons are already doubting Penix’s long-term future. His injury history is definitely a concern, but his talent is undeniable. If Stefanski is the quarterback guru the Falcons hope he is, he might be able to fix him. This, of course, is assuming the Dolphins release him, which would make Tagovailoa available on a minimum-salary deal. Arizona Cardinals Plan A: Sign Tua Tagovailoa and keep Jacoby BrissettPlan B Draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson in Round 2, and sign Jimmy Garoppolo Their actual Plan A should be to sign Malik Willis, but since he’s going to be the hottest quarterback on the market, he’s surely going to have better options than this dysfunctional franchise. Tagovailoa might not, so he could take a deal in the desert out of desperation. Of course, the Cards have been down the road of dealing with an oft-injured quarterback before, so Tagovailoa can’t be their only answer. That’s why they would need to keep Brissett, who was good statistically last season (3,366 yards, 23 TDs, 8 interceptions) but not good enough to win (1-11). Together they could stabilize things, play decent and competitive football, while the Cards keep their eyes on the 2027 draft. With that in mind, I’m not so sure that signing the 35-year-old Garoppolo and drafting a non-first-round QB shouldn’t be their Plan A. New coach Mike LaFleur really likes Jimmy G after spending the past two years with him with the Los Angeles Rams. At the combine, multiple sources speculated LaFleur would bring him along. But Garoppolo hasn’t been good since 2022, so he’d have to come in as part of a pair. Simpson is a risk, especially at Pick No. 34, and his stock has been slipping in NFL circles, mostly due to his lack of college experience. But if LaFleur can work with him while a veteran starts and maybe plays most of the season, maybe Simpson can develop into something. The Cards may still have to draft someone in 2027. But Simpson could end up as insurance, or perhaps a future trade chip if he works out well. Cleveland Browns Plan A: Give Shedeur Sanders (or Dillon Gabriel) a full season and sign Russell Wilson as a backup.Plan B: Sign Wilson and let Russ cook The weirdest, most dysfunctional quarterback room in the NFL isn’t likely to be cleared up anytime soon. In fact, at the combine, GM Andrew Berry hinted they might even add to a group that includes last year’s two rookies (Sanders, Gabriel) and whatever is left of Deshaun Watson. For what it’s worth, Sanders is the incumbent, but Berry and new coach Todd Monken made it sound like that title wasn’t worth much. But really, instead of the "open competition" Monken promised, he should pick a favorite and give them the offseason, the summer, and the first few months of the season as the No. 1 quarterback. Sanders is probably the better choice, but it doesn’t matter. Pick one and see what he’s got. Then they can make an informed choice before the 2027 draft. And they should resist every urge to go with Watson. Their only goal with him should be to wait out his contract. Let some other team try to fix him and revive his career. That said, their not-so-dynamic rookie duo could use a leader in that room. That’s where Russell Wilson comes in, especially if they can find a way to get rid of Watson. He’s close to done at age 37, but he’s still smart enough to play, and a great leader who was a big help to Jaxson Dart last season after the rookie took his job. Wilson won’t have a lot of options. But the Browns might be able to offer him at least a path to the field, if he’s willing to be a good influence off of it. And if they secretly don’t like Sanders or Gabriel, then just let Wilson play and kill time until the 2027 draft. Indianapolis Colts Plan A: Ride with a healthy Daniel Jones, sign Tyrod Taylor as his backupPlan B: Sign Kirk Cousins The Colts made their preference clear by giving Jones the "transition tag" worth $37.8 million, even though he’s recovering from a torn Achilles. The timeline for his return is murky, though. Also, Jones doesn’t have a great history when it comes to recovering from injuries. With the Giants, after tearing his ACL, he did not quickly bounce back to his old self. But if the Colts are convinced he’ll be ready, that’s fine. They just need to make sure someone more capable than Anthony Richardson is backing him up. The 36-year-old Taylor would be perfect. Not only does he have a good relationship with Jones dating back to their days with the Giants, he’s also proven to be a capable, short-term replacement wherever he’s been. If they’re worried about Jones not being ready for the start of the season, or missing a significant chunk of it, they’ll have to do better than Taylor. That’s where the oft-traveled, well-compensated Cousins comes in. He’s not a perfect solution either. But he’ll be a short-term one, maybe even at a minimum salary once the Falcons release him. He probably still wants to start, but he’s not likely to be given a clear shot at doing that anywhere else. The Colts might at least be able to entice him with the possibility of a few games. Las Vegas Raiders Plan A: Draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, and sign Russell Wilson or Joe Flacco as his backup. Plan B: Trade the pick, if they can get multiple first-rounders in return; draft Ty Simpson in Round 2 and sign Wilson to be a temporary starter. They’re obviously going to draft Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, even if he isn't the blue-chip prospect most QBs taken No. 1 are. It’s the gift and the curse of that pick this year. The real question is what else they do. They need a veteran QB in their room, and maybe even one who can play until Mendoza is ready. They seem likely to cut Geno Smith, which is smart since they want to distance themselves from last year’s misery. Wilson is a better fit as a backup/mentor to a young quarterback anyway, especially since he filled that role with the Giants so well. Flacco would be perfect in the role, too. And both can still play on a limited basis. But there’s always the possibility of an "offer they can’t refuse," and they should at least make calls to the Jets (at No. 2 overall), Cardinals (at No. 3), and even the Browns (at No. 6 overall) to see if they’re willing to pay an extraordinary price for the rights to Mendoza. In that case, they’d pivot to Simpson in Round 2, even though there are legitimate fears he needs some time before he’s ready to be an NFL starter. If the Raiders do that, though, the offer better be big — big enough to ensure they have the ammo to get up near the top of the QB-rich draft in 2027. Think multiple first-round picks. Probably three. They’d be punting on a chance to take a franchise quarterback. If they do that, they better be sure they’ll be in position to take one next year. Miami Dolphins Plan A: Sign Malik WillisPlan B: Sign Kyler Murray They seem rightfully prepared to take the huge cap hit and part with Tua Tagovailoa, and their replacement target seems obvious. New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and new coach Jeff Hafley both come from Green Bay, where they had a front-row seat to the development of Willis, who figures to be the top free agent on the market (despite making just three starts in the past three years). Willis is only 26, so he’s definitely worth a short-term investment and the Dolphins don’t have a lot of better options. Willis could be enticed by the familiarity, as well as the speed Miami has on the offensive side. And if he’s not, then taking a short-term shot at fixing Murray is worth it, too. He will also have options, but he could see two years of playing time in Miami, or even just one year to rebuild his market value. Either one gives the Dolphins short-term value and a quarterback who could end up with them relatively long-term, too. Minnesota Vikings Plan A: Sign Kyler Murray to start over J.J. McCarthyPlan B: Sign Geno Smith or acquire Derek Carr, and trade for Anthony Richardson. Let them all compete with McCarthy McCarthy has made only 10 starts in his career, so it’s too soon to give up on the former No. 10 overall pick (2024). But the Vikings also have the pieces in place to be a contender, as they showed two years ago with Sam Darnold at QB. In Year 3, it’s time to put a little pressure on McCarthy to make sure he’s the guy. Murray, at age 28, is the perfect one to do that. There are a lot of questions that come along with him, but Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell might be the top quarterback whisperer in the league. If he gets his hands on Murray, maybe he can turn him into the player he once was, or at least a still-serviceable version. If not, there are already some indications that O’Connell sees the 35-year-old Smith as a quarterback he can fix, after two erratic seasons. He’s a talented quarterback who has already proven he can thrive in the right situation. And there are also whispers that Carr, at 34, is willing to unretire for the right opportunity. There are injury/age issues and he missed all of last season. Plus, the Saints still own his rights. But if the Vikings can get him, he’s got the talent that could blossom again in O’Connell’s hands. No matter which direction O’Connell goes, though, it also makes sense for him to hedge the Vikings’ bet by sending a low draft pick to the Colts for the rights to the strong-armed Richardson, too. He’s only 23, and it would be an interesting investment to let him sit in O’Connell’s Quarterback School for a season. If KOC can fix him, Richardson could end up as an all-time steal. New York Jets Plan A: Trade for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones (if the price is right)Plan B: Sign a stop-gap veteran, draft Ty Simpson in Round 2 and start counting the days until the 2027 draft. They are redefining Quarterback Hell after their disastrous experiments with Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields the past few years, and picking second in a one-quarterback draft. Add in a possible lame-duck head coach who just turned over his entire coaching staff, and it’s hard to imagine which available QB might see them as anything other than a place where quarterback careers go to die. So let’s assume no free-agent options (like Willis or Murray) would choose to sign with them, and let’s assume older vets (like Carr, Flacco, Cousins) don’t want to finish their careers in this kind of purgatory. The 27-year-old Jones, who has revived his career in San Francisco, at least wouldn’t have a choice. And he’d be a great quarterback for the Jets to try to build around for the next few years. The problem with Jones is that the 49ers don’t seem to want to trade him. Multiple sources at the combine said they heard the asking price was at least a second-round pick, likely more. The Jets have the draft capital to do it. And if they can get him without dealing a first-rounder? It’s probably worth a shot. If not … well, they’re a bit stuck. There are a lot of indications that the Jets are going to go the mid-veteran route, which will not make their fans happy. Think Marcus Mariota, Andy Dalton, maybe even Spencer Rattler. Even Mitchell Trubisky would make some sense if they go in this direction. The idea would be to just get through the 2026 season with their eyes on the 2027 draft. But if they do that, they should still draft a quarterback — maybe with their later second-round pick (No. 44), which could be a decent spot for Simpson. It seems counterproductive if their intent is to just draft a quarterback in the first round next year anyway, and maybe it is. These are the Jets, though. They don’t exactly have a great track record for finding young quarterbacks. Maybe having a couple to choose from in 2027 won’t be the worst idea. Pittsburgh Steelers Plan A: Sign Aaron Rodgers and draft Ty Simpson on Day 2Plan B: Sign Kyler Murray The best move for the long-term health of the franchise would be to move on from the 42-year-old Rodgers and start developing a young quarterback for their future. But they don’t have one of those yet, and new coach Mike McCarthy likes his old Packers QB, so here we are. It does make some sense. The Steelers won 10 games and the AFC North last year with Rodgers, and maybe McCarthy can squeeze even more out of him this year. But they really, really have to start thinking about the future. That’s why they should be the team that takes the risk on Simpson, the Alabama quarterback with only one year of starting on his résumé. He’s a good prospect, but few in the NFL think he’s ready. In Pittsburgh, he can wait, watch and learn from one of the best. If Rodgers decides to retire (or go elsewhere) — and assuming he decides to do that in a timely manner — the Steelers still won’t completely punt on the 2027 season. That makes Murray the next-best fit. He’s the most talented quarterback available, as long as he’s healthy. And McCarthy will surely believe he can win with him, too. Murray also is young enough that the Steelers could skip taking a quarterback in this draft, or take a later flier on someone like Penn State’s Drew Allar. If Murray works out, they’ll be competitive for a few years. If he doesn’t, the 2027 draft will loom large.

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2026 NFL Free Agency: The Top 100 Players Available and Potential Fits

The countdown to NFL free agency is on, and this year's class has more solid contributors than we can count. So, we ranked the top 100 players set to hit the open market, giving a predicted landing spot for each. NFL free agency opens on Monday, March 9, but there are some moves that could impact this list. Teams are releasing players in order to shed salary, which led to some additions to our previously published top 100. Teams are placing the franchise tag on players set to hit the open market or re-signing them to new deals, which could shake this list up. Players can start officially signing with new teams on Wednesday, March 11, and over a billion dollars worth of new contracts will be written by NFL teams in a short amount of time. We don't want this list to be strictly financial, so we've tried to hit on a variety of positions, touching on offense and defense, players old and young. The best players rarely make it to the open market, so talent is hard to find and value is even tougher. You will see teams cut veteran players to get under the salary cap in the next month, including players good enough to crack this list. [2026 NFL Free Agency: Top 25 Potential Salary Cap Cuts This Offseason] There's a slight defensive tilt to our top 100, with 55 players on defense, including 15 edge rushers. Only two teams didn't get a player on here: the Dolphins and Vikings. The Packers and Seahawks led the way with six each. JUMP TO: 100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-1 (Dropped out: Alohi Gilman, S, Ravens, prediction: signs with Saints; Asante Samuel Jr., CB, prediction: signs with Cowboys; Nick Cross, S, Colts, prediction: signs with Titans; 94. Kyle Dugger, S, Steelers, prediction: signs with Commanders; Quincy Williams, LB Jets, prediction: signs with Titans) 100. Von Miller, edge rusher, Commanders Miller, 36, managed to lead Washington with nine sacks in 2025 while playing rotational snaps on an affordable $6 million deal. Can he do it again for Year 16? Of course, he can. He's the NFL's active career sack leader with 138.5, a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he's playing for a fraction of what he cost a few years ago. He played in his heyday for Gary Kubiak in Denver, so could he finish his career with Klint in Las Vegas? Prediction: Signs with Raiders 99. Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals Flacco, 41, went 2-8 as a fill-in starter this past season, but it was an exciting 2-8 to be sure. Traded from the Browns, he threw seven touchdowns against zero interceptions in his first three games with Cincinnati, then went off for 470 yards and four touchdowns in a loss to Chicago. He's inexpensive as stopgap backups go, so if you have a young quarterback who might not be ready, Flacco is an entertaining bridge and still happy to throw it 45 times if you need a pinch-start. Prediction: Signs with Falcons 98. Christian Kirk, WR, Texans Kirk, 29, disappeared for much of the 2025 season in Houston, then flashed in the playoffs, with eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Steelers. He'd totaled 104 yards in the previous nine games, mind you, but some team will think they can bring back 2022 Kirk — 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns with the Jaguars. He'll likely cost a third of the $18 million a year he got on his last contract, so there's a chance for value. Perhaps to the Colts if Alec Pierce takes a big payday elsewhere? Prediction: Signs with Colts [NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers: The Top 10 WRs Available This Offseason] 97. Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons Allgeier, 25, has operated in the shadow of Bijan Robinson the last three years, playing second fiddle after rushing for 1,000-plus yards as a rookie in 2022. He's averaged a good-not-great 4.3 yards per carry on the way to 719 rushing yards per season, and he's averaged 155 carries since Robinson's arrival, so there's less wear on him as well. Could he land with former Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in Tampa? His 18 career touchdowns show that coaches can trust him near the goal line. Prediction: Signs with Buccaneers 96. Reed Blankenship, S, Eagles Blankenship, 26, was undrafted when he first came to the Eagles and has become a three-year starter and a key piece on their 2024 Super Bowl championship team. He had seven interceptions in 2023-24 but took a step back in 2025. Will the Eagles seek change in their secondary or pay to keep him around? He re-signed a year ago for $3.5 million as a restricted free agent but should command double that now on the open market. Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles 95. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Bears Gardner-Johnson, 28, is such a mixed bag, with six picks each in 2022 and 2024 in Super Bowl seasons with the Eagles, but he bounced from the Texans to the Bears last year, with two picks, three sacks and inconsistent play. Giving him a valuation is difficult — is he the guy who got $9 million a year not that long ago, or the one who was cut in-season and took a league-minimum deal with the Bears? Pairing him with the right coach to get him focused and playing at a high level again is a gamble that could still pay off. Prediction: Signs with Giants 94. Chig Okonkwo, TE, Titans Okonwko, 26, has been good for about 50 catches and 500 yards a year, while having not-so-great quarterbacks throwing to him — Ryan Tannehill, Josh Dobbs, Will Levis, Cam Ward. Tennessee has the cap space to pay him well and keep him, but if he went to the right offense, he could get as many touchdowns in 2026 as he has in his NFL career (8). Affordably priced at around $8 million a year, remember next year that we told you he'd be much improved. Prediction: Re-signs with Titans [NFL Free Agent Tight Ends: The Top 10 TEs Available This Offseason] 93. Najee Harris, RB, Chargers Harris, 27, is coming off a torn Achilles that ended his season with Los Angeles after only three games. There's mileage beyond the years, thanks to averaging 278 carries a season in four straight 1,000-yard campaigns for the Steelers. He had a tepid market in free agency last year, taking $5.25 million from the Chargers, and his injury status might take a bit off that total. But if he can stay healthy, he's a prime bounce-back candidate to return to form in 2026. Prediction: Re-signs with Chargers 92. Greg Newsome, CB, Jaguars Newsome, 25, played on a fifth-year option in 2025 for the Browns and was traded to the Jaguars. He only has four career interceptions in five years in the league, but has inside-outside versatility, having played extensively both outside and in the slot. Jacksonville must decide between him and fellow free agent Montaric Brown or bringing back Jourdan Lewis opposite Travis Hunter. He's still likely to draw between $8-10 million in free agency. Prediction: Signs with Falcons 91. D.J. Reader, DT, Lions Reader, 31, just finished a two-year, $22 million contract with Detroit, starting every game as nose tackle. There's talk he could return to Cincinnati, where he played from 2020-23, and the Bengals could use his presence up front after finishing dead last against the run and bottom three in points and yards allowed in 2025. In his prime with the Bengals, he was graded as a top-10 defensive lineman, and he's not that anymore, but could still be a match in the $6 million range. Prediction: Signs with Bengals 90. Cam Robinson, OT, Browns Robinson, 30, has played for four teams in the last two seasons, and was twice traded before finishing 2025 in Cleveland. He's gone from franchise tags to a $12 million contract last year, and he'll likely take less than that as he searches for some stability. He has 114 career starts, and that kind of experience makes him a known commodity, which is valuable at tackle. Could the Bears, with injury concerns for at least the start of 2026, be a good match? Prediction: Signs with Bears 89. Sheldon Rankins, DT, Texans Rankins, 31, has changed teams in four of the last five offseasons, but he started every game in 2025 for perhaps the best defensive front in football, so there's a good chance he's back with Houston. He made $5.25 million last year and should draw more this year with teams eager to poach from a dominant defense. Houston was able to bring back everyone from Demeco Ryans to defensive coordinator Matt Burke and line coach Rod Wright, so you'd think keeping Rankins will be a priority as well. Prediction: Re-signs with Texans 88. Kingsley Enagbare, edge rusher, Packers Enagbare, 26, has 11.5 sacks in four years as a rotational player in Green Bay. You can see why teams might try to mine the depth of a talented defense, trusting that the player stuck behind Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary might be able to do well in a larger role. He'll likely draw about $6 million a year, which projects as a team's third rusher, but the former fifth-round pick has exceeded expectations before — could he follow Jeff Hafley to the Dolphins? Prediction: Signs with Dolphins 87. Eric Stokes, CB, Raiders Stokes, 26, was a first-round pick of the Packers who never worked out in Green Bay, inconsistent and oft-injured. But he got a fresh start in Las Vegas on a one-year, $4 million prove-it deal and started 16 games, playing well enough to be ranked as the No. 19 corner by Pro Football Focus' grading. The Raiders have the second-most available cap space, so it's hard to imagine them letting their best defensive back go, though it'll likely cost them double what it did a year ago. Prediction: Re-signs with Raiders 86. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers Allen, 33, returned to the Chargers in 2025 and still found a way to get 81 catches for 777 yards and four touchdowns. He's easing into WR3 mode, but has a résumé with 1,000-plus catches and 70 career touchdowns, so he's a good fit for a team looking for a veteran mentor to pair with a young receiver. That could mean staying with the Chargers, but he'd be a nice value match for the Saints, who could use another playmaker and have Kellen Moore, who had him in 2023. Prediction: Signs with Saints 85. Alex Anzalone, LB, Lions Anzalone, 31, has had a productive five-year run in the middle of Detroit's defense, averaging 14 starts and 98 tackles per year. He's done it inexpensively, making $6 million a year on his last deal. Could his time with the Lions be up? Seems he could land with Aaron Glenn and the Jets if that is the case — Glenn was with him for four of those years in Detroit and arguably his best. Prediction: Signs with Jets 84. Josh Jobe, CB, Seahawks Jobe, 27, was cut by the Eagles before the 2024 season, landed on Seattle's practice squad and has quickly ascended to an every-game starter in a talented secondary. He re-signed this season for $2 million, but will be closer to $10 million on his next deal as other teams seek to crib from the NFL's No. 1 scoring defense. Two Super Bowls in four seasons doesn't hurt. Seattle has difficult decisions ahead in their secondary in free agency. Prediction: Re-signs with Seahawks 83. Jonah Williams, OT, Cardinals Williams, 28, has been limited by knee and shoulder injuries to 15 games over the last two seasons, so his durability is a question mark, but he's coming off a two-year, $30 million contract and is now probably in the $8-10 million range. He missed only two games in his final three years with the Bengals, so he's had consistent runs of good health before. A new coach in Arizona means he could be on the move, though the Cardinals have ~$40 million in available cap space. Prediction: Re-signs with Cardinals 82. Cam Jordan, DE, Saints Jordan, 36, had a nice bounce-back season in 2025, getting 10.5 sacks after totaling six in the previous two years. He's a lifelong Saint and likely isn't going anywhere, but his continued production at an age where most edge rushers are long since retired is enough to put him on this list. He played on a cap-friendly $6 million contract last year and is likely to re-sign for much the same. He's up to 132 career sacks, so his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a given. Prediction: Re-signs with Saints 81. Montaric Brown, CB, Jaguars Brown, 26, is a former seventh-round pick whose role in Jacksonville has increased with each season, such that he was Pro Football Focus' 26th-rated corner in 2025. The Jaguars have a young secondary, so Brown might be best served by signing elsewhere — he had two interceptions and 12 passes defensed last season. With luck, he'll make twice as much per season as he's totaled in his first four years in the league. Prediction: Re-signs with Jaguars 80. David Onyemata, DT, Falcons Onyemata, 33, has had a strong three years in Atlanta, with a career-best 62 tackles as part of an improved Falcons defense in 2025. He took a leadership role after Grady Jarrett's departure and after three years and $35 million, he'll likely draw less, but only as a factor of being older. This was Pro Football Focus' No. 8 defensive tackle, and don't rule out him going to a top contender, with only one conference championship appearance in his 10 years in the league. Prediction: Signs with Chargers 79. Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers Otton, 26, has played a ton for the Bucs, with at least 92% of offensive snaps in each of the last three years. He's averaged 52 catches and 500 yards in Tampa, but he's also totaled only 11 touchdowns, getting his lone score of 2025 in the season finale. The Bucs have precious little else at the position, so if they let him walk rather than pay $8 million a year or more, they'd have to invest in a proper replacement, either in free agency with limited options or in the draft. Jacksonville? A Liam Coen reunion might make sense. Updated prediction: Signs with the Broncos (previous prediction: signs with Jaguars) 78. Trevon Diggs, CB, free agent Diggs, 27, is a wild card on this list, two years removed from making $19 million a year, yet a player who was cut by the Cowboys and Packers at the end of this past season. He has an 11-interception season on his résumé, but went all of 2025 without so much as a pass defensed. He's worth a shot for a team that doesn't have to rely on him as an every-down corner, but what kind of contract does that yield? Spotrac has him at $7.5 million, which still seems like a big investment on a prove-it deal. Prediction: Signs with Commanders 77. Marcus Mariota, QB, Commanders Mariota, 32, is a good indication of just how slim the quarterback options are in free agency. He went 2-6 this year for Washington and is 9-17 as a starter since 2019, yet he's the third- or fourth-best passer available. He had 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 2025, and the hope is that your backup quarterback can help you go .500 while a starter is out, but he hasn't been there in a while. He made $8 million this past season and is probably down a tick from that. Maybe he follows Kliff Kingsbury and becomes the Rams' next backup quarterback? Prediction: Signs with Rams [NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks: The Top 10 QBs Available This Offseason] 76. Russell Wilson, QB, Giants Wilson, 37, has fallen hard over the last three years, going from a $40 million starter in Denver to barely playing on a bad Giants team. He went 0-3 as a New York starter, and after making $10 million this past season, he might draw half that. His best scenario is likely a bridge starter who goes to a team with a young starter so they don't have to rush him. Go back to 2024, he had 16 touchdowns against five interceptions while going 6-5 for the Steelers, and that's the hope for a team that brings him in as a stopgap. Prediction: Signs with Chiefs 75. Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers White, 27, is a versatile back who's averaged just over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 50 catches a year in Tampa. He took a backseat to Bucky Irving and won't be returning, but could be the lesser end of a nice 1-2 punch. The Bucs have lost enough offensive coordinators that he could follow any of them, from Dave Canales in Carolina to Liam Coen in Jacksonville and Josh Grizzard in Philadelphia. Anything over $5 million a year feels like too much — of 35 backs with 500-plus carries since 2022, he ranks 34th in yards/carry, ahead of only Kareem Hunt. Prediction: Signs with Panthers 74. Arnold Ebiketie, edge, Falcons Ebiketie, 27, got pushed aside with Atlanta using two first-round picks on rookie edge rushers in 2025. After 12 sacks in 2023-24, he managed just two, even as the Falcons' defense leaped from 31 sacks to 57 in 2025. That's not to say he can't get back to a solid rotational role in a fresh start — could he follow Raheem Morris to San Francisco, or reunite with Ryan Nielsen in Minnesota? A one-year deal in the $6-8 million range would let him reset himself for 2027. Prediction: Signs with 49ers 73. Jalen Thompson, S, Cardinals Thompson, 27, is a five-year starter who's consistently good but rarely great. He has nine interceptions in his career but none in the last two years, two career sacks, but averages 100 tackles a year over those last five seasons. Pro Football Focus has him graded as the No. 35 safety, but that's enough to get him $8-10 million a year. If he isn't back with Arizona, he could reunite with former Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph in Denver. Prediction: Re-signs with Cardinals 72. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Broncos Dobbins, 27, seems perpetually limited by injuries. He had rushed for 772 yards in 10 games for Denver when he sustained a season-ending Lisfranc injury in his foot. He had 60-plus rushing yards in all but one game, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, so if a team could just get him healthy for a full season, you'd have a Pro Bowl-caliber running back. He cost Denver only $2.75 million last year, and it might take until summer when he can show he's recovered, but he should land more than that for 2026. Prediction: Re-signs with Broncos 71. Leo Chenal, LB, Chiefs Chenal, 25, isn't an every-down linebacker, but he's stout against the run and improving as a pass-rusher. He's totaled seven sacks in four years under Steve Spagnuolo and averaged 55 tackles a year. Would another defense try to develop his coverage skills to make him someone who doesn't have to come off the field in nickel or obvious passing situations? He's had a tackle for loss in three different Super Bowls, so his experience doesn't hurt if you're trying to create a playoff culture in the locker room. Prediction: Re-signs with Chiefs 70. Kaden Elliss, LB, Falcons Elliss, 30, is a productive linebacker who blitzes well, with 19.5 sacks in the last four years, the last three in Atlanta. He's always been able to pile up tackles, and has 29 tackles for loss with the Falcons, who brought back defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. He was a smart signing away from the Saints in 2023 for a reasonable $21 million, and probably lands a similar deal, whether it's back to Atlanta, or maybe reunite with Sean Payton in Denver, where he could play with his brother Jonah, an outside linebacker. Prediction: Signs with Broncos 69. Ed Ingram, G, Texans Engram, who turns 27 next week, did so much in a contract year to improve his market after being traded from the Vikings to the Texans for a sixth-round pick. After being rated as Pro Football Focus' 66th-best guard in 2024, he was 12th in their rankings for 2025, with 55 starts in four seasons. That's good for at least $10 million a year, and knowing the Texans went through a major offensive line rebuild already, they would do well to keep him if possible. Prediction: Re-signs with Texans 68. Wyatt Teller, G, Browns Teller, 31, has been to three Pro Bowls and just finished a four-year deal paying him $14 million a year. He was rated as the top guard in football when he got that deal, but he's been closer to average of late: Pro Football Focus had him 40th out of 80 guards in 2025. Cleveland rotated him before putting him on injured reserve, an awkward ending that might keep him from following Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees to Atlanta. He was in Cleveland for Todd Monken's first stint with the Browns, so perhaps that helps him stay another year. Updated prediction: Signs with the Giants (previous prediction: re-signs with Browns) 67. Jadeveon Clowney, edge rusher, Cowboys Clowney, turning 33 next week, is a unicorn of a late-bloomer edge rusher, a former No. 1 overall pick who has played for seven teams in the last eight seasons and somehow has more sacks in his last five years (34.5) than he did in his first seven (32). That includes 8.5 sacks this season for Dallas as an absolute bargain, costing them all of $3.45 million. He might cost a little more this time around, but it's still smart value for any team looking for reliable veteran depth and surprisingly good production. Updated prediction: Signs with the Ravens (previous prediction: re-signs with Cowboys) 66. Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers David, 36, could be retiring, having finished his 14th season tied with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks for the Bucs' career tackles lead. This opens a subsection we'll call "ageless linebackers" — David was a step slower in 2025, but still led the team with 114 tackles, chipping in with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick. He's had an iconic run in Tampa and is only choosing between retiring and returning. To hear him talk on the podium after his final game, he sounded content to walk away with a prolific, memorable career. Prediction: Retires 65. Demario Davis, LB, Saints Davis, still going at 37, managed to set a career high with 143 tackles for the Saints in 2025. He's at an age where linebackers rarely exist, let alone play as actively as he does, and he's hinted he'll not only play again but test the free-agent waters. Davis deserves to finish with a contender — 227 career regular-season games, but only five in the playoffs, and two wins at that. He's had six straight seasons with at least 1,000 defensive snaps, a model of durability at a demanding position. Prediction: Signs with Bears 64. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders Wagner, 35, is also years past people saying it's amazing he was still playing. He had 162 tackles for Washington in 2025, with 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, missing Pro Bowl honors (he's made it 10 times already). A new coordinator for the Commanders could mean Wagner is signing elsewhere, a future Hall of Famer still making plays on a consistent basis. Could he return to the Seahawks or Rams and try to chase a second ring on the way out? Prediction: Signs with Rams 63. Al-Quadin Muhammad, edge rusher, Lions Muhammad, 30, had the most sacks of any impending free agent in 2025 with 11, all off the bench as a productive rotational player in Detroit. He had six sacks for the Colts in 2021, but has otherwise wandered around the league unremarkably. Could he be a double-digit sack guy in another scheme? If he doesn't go back to Detroit, could he land with Aaron Glenn and the Jets, who have much more cap space to pay him, say, $7-8 million a year? Prediction: Signs with Jets 62. Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers Dowdle, 27, has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers — nearly identical years, within 3 yards and one carry of each other, with the exact same number of catches. He had a lukewarm market a year ago and signed for $2.75 million with Carolina, but doubled his pay by cashing out another $2.75 million in incentives. Carolina leaning on Chuba Hubbard down the stretch could have him signing elsewhere. Would Mike McCarthy like him for a Dallas reunion in Pittsburgh? Prediction: Signs with Steelers 61. Dre'Mont Jones, edge rusher, Ravens Jones, 29, split last season between the Titans and Ravens and reset his career high with seven sacks. He's been a consistent rotational disruptor bouncing through four teams in seven years, averaging just over five sacks a season. With the coaching change, he could land with John Harbaugh and the Giants or could go back to Seattle with Mike Macdonald, and should get a bump from the $8.5 million salary he earned in 2025. Prediction: Signs with Seahawks 60. Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles Goedert, 31, probably isn't going anywhere — he's played his eight-year career in Philadelphia, and more than doubled his career high with 11 touchdowns in 2025. He's a reliable target on a team that lacks depth at receiver, so his steady mid-level production (between 40 and 60 catches for the last seven years) is a constant even as the Eagles change offensive coordinators every year. He restructured to a $10 million deal last year and will likely take less to return for 2026. Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles 59. Devin Bush, LB, Browns Bush, 27, found himself this past year in Cleveland, filling up the stat sheet with 125 tackles, three picks (two returned for touchdowns), two sacks and two forced fumbles. Once the 10th overall draft pick with the Steelers, his play there dropped off after a promising rookie year. He made $3.2 million with the Browns and should be a coveted free agent. Pro Football Focus is high on him, ranking him as the No. 8 overall free agent and projecting $12 million a year. Prediction: Signs with Cowboys 58. Kwity Paye, edge rusher, Colts Paye, 27, had only four sacks in a disappointing 2025 after totaling 16.5 between 2023-24, a former first-round pick who managed to play a career-high in snaps while matching his career lows in sacks and tackles for loss. Will he have a market based on the production he showed in previous seasons? Perhaps. Spotrac has him generously at $17.8 million a year, but he's not expected back with the Colts — there's a chance he could reunite with Indy defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with the Titans. Updated prediction: Signs with the Bengals (previous prediction: signs with Titans) 57. Calais Campbell, DT, Cardinals Campbell, 39, is ageless, now with four straight seasons of at least five sacks while playing for four different teams. He's a living legend, with 119 career sacks and six Pro Bowls. He made it to the Super Bowl as a rookie in 2008 with the Cardinals — 17 years ago — and how cool would it be if he signed on with a top contender and found his way back, turning 40 before the season starts in September? He signed for $5.5 million last year, and if a 40-year-old defensive lineman can make a case for a raise, Campbell can. Prediction: Signs with Packers 56. Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Patriots Hawkins, 28, a surprise success in the New England secondary, signed for a paltry $1.8 million. He had four interceptions — matching his career total in his first five seasons, and had 71 tackles as a reliable presence on the back end. It's only his second season as a full-time starter, but defenses will want to pluck talent from New England's Super Bowl roster, so he should be able draw $8-10 million a year, whether he returns or signs elsewhere. Prediction: Re-signs with Patriots 55. Zion Johnson, G, Chargers Johnson, 26, is difficult to assess, a former first-round pick whose fifth-year option was declined a year ago (at a hefty cost of $17.6 million), a solid run blocker who struggled in pass protection. The Chargers played most of 2025 without either of their stellar starting tackles, but before they get them back, they'll have to decide on whether it's worth spending to keep interior players like Johnson. Los Angeles has ample cap space, so it could come down to whether new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel sees him as a fit. Prediction: Re-signs with Chargers [NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen: The Top 10 OL Available This Offseason] 54. Jamel Dean, CB, Buccaneers Dean, 29, had one of the league's more remarkable seasons, agreeing to an $8 million pay cut to stay in Tampa, then having a huge season with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus loves him, rating him as the NFL's No. 5 cornerback for 2025 and ranking him as the No. 5 overall free agent at any position. He could draw his old Bucs salary of $12 million a year as a free agent, but he's only played for Todd Bowles in Tampa and likes it there, so there's no telling what he'll do. Prediction: Signs with Lions 53. Kamren Curl, S, Rams Curl, 26, was a steal for the Rams two years ago at $4.5 million a year. He finished second on the team with 122 tackles in the regular season and led them in the playoffs with 27. He's missed two games in the last three years and stands to earn double what he got on his last contract. Los Angeles has enough cap space and not that many free agents, so it should be able to bring him back as an ascending leader on their defense. Prediction: Re-signs with Rams 52. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Giants Robinson, 25, is a volume receiver. Only five receivers in the league have more targets in the last two seasons than his 280, and while the other five average 18 touchdown catches in that span, Robinson has just seven. So he's coming off a 1,014-yard season with 90 catches, but only 42% of those catches resulted in a first down. There are lofty projections out there for Robinson. Spotrac has him getting $15 million a year, but that's a lot for someone with nine career touchdowns on 389 targets. Updated prediction: Signs with Falcons 51. K'Lavon Chaisson, edge rusher, Patriots Chaisson, 26, is one of the league's best comeback stories of 2025. A first-round pick by the Jaguars in 2020, he totaled five sacks in four years, got cut by the Panthers before the 2024 season and salvaged five sacks with the Raiders. That got him a one-year, $3 million deal with the Patriots, and he came through with 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles for a defense good enough to get to the Super Bowl. He wants to stay in New England, and could triple his 2025 salary in doing so. Prediction: Re-signs with Patriots 50. Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons Cousins, 37, will be cut by the Falcons as free agency begins, adding to a meager list of QB options in free agency. Given a huge contract by Atlanta, he disappointed, but as a bridge type to pair with a rookie or developing starter, he isn't a bad option at a much lower price. He stepped in after Michael Penix Jr.'s injury this past season and threw 10 touchdowns against five interceptions, going 5-3 and getting Atlanta to match the best record in the NFC South. He might make sense to return to Minnesota and Kevin O'Connell and give the Vikings better competition for J.J. McCarthy after his 2025 struggles. Updated prediction: Signs with Vikings 49. Joel Bitonio, G, Browns Bitonio, 34, could very well retire. He's up to 178 career starts over 12 seasons, missing just two games over the last five years. That consistency and durability helped him to seven straight Pro Bowls from 2018-24. Only two career playoff games, no wins, so you'd understand it if he went to a strong contender just to chase a ring at the end of his career. He made $16 million a year on the deal he just finished, but should command less than that now with some inevitable dropoff. Pro Football Focus rated him 21st among guards. Prediction: Retires 48. Kevin Byard, S, Bears Byard, 32, led the NFL with seven interceptions. He also led the league in 2017, and this year earned him not only his third Pro Bowl but his third first-team All-Pro honor as well. He went to Chicago on a two-year, $15 million deal and probably will get a bit less than that on age, but he set the tone on a defense predicated on takeaways, so keeping him on a one-year deal wouldn't be bad at all for the Bears, who won't be able to keep their talented secondary intact. Prediction: Re-signs with Bears 47. Alontae Taylor, CB, Saints Taylor, 27, will be a good test for whether the Saints, finally out of the salary-cap hell they've been stuck in for years, can keep their best homegrown players. Taylor was a second-round pick who held up well once the veterans in the New Orleans secondary moved on — two interceptions in 2025, six sacks over the last two years and at least 10 passes defensed in all four seasons. Was a second-half surge enough to convince Taylor he wants to help the Saints continue their growth? Updated prediction: Signs with Commanders (previous prediction: re-signs with Saints) 46. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, Jets Tucker, 26, missed all of 2025 with a torn triceps muscle, and his injury history — playing 43 of a possible 85 games in five years — makes it hard to project a market for him. Pro Football Focus had him as the league's No. 11 guard entering 2025, and even coming off the injury, they project him to a four-year deal worth $70 million. That's $17.5 million a year. It's reasonable to think he'll come in short of that, if only because of the injury problems that have ended three of his last four seasons early. Prediction: Re-signs with Jets 45. Cade Mays, C, Panthers Mays, 26, settled in with 12 starts in 2025, after totaling 15 in his first three years in Carolina. The Panthers are already heavily invested at guard, so if his market gets as high as some are projecting — $10-12 million a year — then Carolina might reset with a rookie at center and focus their limited cap space elsewhere. This year's center class in free agency has a lot of good-not-great options, so finding the right match in that middle-tier financial range will be important. Prediction: Signs with Jets 44. Javonte Williams, RB, Cowboys Williams, 25, had a breakout year as a free-agent bargain for the Cowboys, rushing for a career-best 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns and averaging 4.8 yards per carry, a full yard better than the previous year with the Broncos. He went to Dallas on a one-year, $3 million deal, but could get double that this time around, with good pass-catching abilities, averaging 38 receptions per season. Dallas is well over the cap, so it may have a fourth leading rusher in four seasons in 2026. *Re-signed with the Cowboys on a three-year, $24 million contract 43. David Njoku, TE, Browns Njoku, 29, is coming off a down year — 33 catches for 293 yards, both his lowest totals in five seasons, with four touchdowns and a mishmash of quarterbacks old and young throwing to him. After nine seasons, it's fair to ask if he's a Brown for life — if he chose to sign elsewhere, Cleveland's offensive staff is now in Atlanta, where he could be seen as a cheaper alternative to paying Kyle Pitts. He made $14 million a year on his last deal with the Browns, but is likely down to the $8-10 million a year range on his next contract. Prediction: Signs with Falcons 42. Deebo Samuel, WR, Commanders Samuel, 30, has seen his value decline. After being traded from San Francisco to Washington, he agreed to a lesser deal worth $17 million. His one-year production for the Commanders was lackluster: 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. The same player who once led the league at 18.2 yards per catch averaged a career-low 10.1 in 2025, and the versatile playmaker who once rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns was barely used as a ballcarrier, getting 75 yards and a single score. Can a creative offensive mind get more out of his skill set? Perhaps, but it's likely he'll get less this time around, closer to $12-14 million a year. Prediction: Signs with Raiders (previous prediction: Chargers) 41. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs Kelce, 36, is retiring, right? That's certainly the presumption. He's made 11 straight Pro Bowls, even as his production has dropped off — his targets and catches hit 10-year lows in 2025, and he's totaled 13 touchdowns over the last three seasons. Again, it's OK — he's 36 years old, but you really haven't known Patrick Mahomes without having Kelce to throw to as a core part of their dynastic run over the last decade. Prediction: Retires 40. John Franklin-Myers, DL, Broncos Franklin-Myers, 29, has reset his career high for sacks in each of two seasons in Denver, getting seven in 2024 and now 7.5 this past season. That's solid production from a two-year, $15 million deal, and he'll get more than that this time around as a key cog on a top-five defense that helped the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game. If he doesn't stay in Denver, keep an eye on Atlanta, where defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had him with the Jets. Prediction: Signs with Falcons 39. Boye Mafe, edge rusher, Seahawks Mafe, 27, has seen his sack totals go down sharply in the last two years, from nine in 2023 to six in 2024 and just two in 2025. Seattle's defense was outstanding, giving up the fewest points in the league, and Mafe is an undervalued part of that front. ESPN has a "pass rush win rate" statistic, and Mafe had the eighth-best pass rush win rate in the NFL, just two spots below the Browns' Myles Garrett. Seattle has plenty of cap space to bring him back, but if it doesn't, keep an eye on the Raiders, who are hiring Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Prediction: Signs with Raiders 38. Isaac Seumalo, G, Steelers Seumalo, 32, graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 16 guard as he wrapped up a three-year, $24 million deal. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024, so the question is whether he can command more at 32 than he did at 29. Does a coaching change in Pittsburgh impact his likelihood to return there? Mike Tomlin is out of football, and Arthur Smith went to the college ranks, but one option is his line coach, Pat Meyer, who is now in Buffalo and might need a reliable guard if David Edwards signs elsewhere. Updated prediction: Signs with Cardinals (previous prediction: signs with Patriots) 37. Riq Woolen, CB, Seahawks Woolen, 26, led the NFL with six interceptions as a rookie in 2022, making the Pro Bowl, and he's totaled six over the last three seasons in helping the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. Seattle has plenty of cap space, but can't keep them all. Woolen has 10-plus passes defended in each of his four NFL seasons. Projections for his next deal are all over the map. Spotrac has him at $8 million, PFF has him at $15 million and others think he could draw more than that. Prediction: Re-signs with Seahawks 36. Nakobe Dean, LB, Eagles Dean, 25, has been limited by injuries throughout four seasons in Philadelphia. His peak was 128 tackles in 2024 in a Super Bowl season for the Eagles, though a knee injury sidelined him for most of the playoffs and through the first month of this season. He can get to the quarterback — seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss in the last two seasons — but his durability is a question mark. The Eagles used a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell last year, so maybe they've already decided on Dean's future. How much can Dean get as a free agent? There's a wide range of projections, but he's likely in the $8 million a year vicinity. Prediction: Signs with Buccaneers 35. Jaquan Brisker, S, Bears Brisker, 26, got healthy again in 2025, piling up 93 tackles in a vastly improved Bears secondary. Chicago has major decisions to make on who to keep in that group and who to let go, with Brisker and veteran safety Kevin Byard both free agents. Will teams make a big investment in a player who's had three concussions? Will the Bears lean into Byard at age 32 because his ball skills fit in better with the nature of their defense? Prediction: Signs with Raiders 34. Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens Likely, 25, had 11 touchdowns between 2023-24 but dropped off this past season, getting 27 catches for 307 yards and a single touchdown. Baltimore opted to extend Mark Andrews, so their investment in the position was there, but Likely has good opportunities if he wants to sign elsewhere. He could follow John Harbaugh to the Giants or former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken to the Browns, and he might want a one-year deal ($8 million or so) for the chance to reset himself as a top-of-market free agent in 2027. Prediction: Signs with Browns 33. Bryan Cook, S, Chiefs Cook, 26, is the model for low-key under-the-radar coverage skills without splash plays. He has three interceptions in four seasons in Kansas City, one sack and zero forced fumbles, but he's solid and consistent enough as a defender to be Pro Football Focus' No. 5 safety in 2025. What's tricky is the Chiefs have the least cap space of any NFL team, so they're going to have to let talented young players walk and must prioritize which, if any, they're able to extend. Prediction: Signs with Steelers 32. David Edwards, G, Bills Edwards, 28, has been a bargain for the Bills the last two years, starting at guard while making $6 million for two years. He'll cost significantly more as a free agent, with some projections close to $20 million a year. Does Buffalo promoting Joe Brady to head coach make them more likely to want to keep their offensive line intact? It'll be expensive to keep them all, so it's possible they'll re-sign one of their two free-agent starters and use the draft to replace the other. Prediction: Signs with Lions 31. Jaylen Watson, CB, Chiefs Watson, 27, is a former seventh-round pick who thrived in his first year as a full-time starter in 2025. He had two interceptions after just one in his first three seasons, and finished with 64 tackles. Pro Football Focus has him as their No. 13 corner, one spot behind teammate Trent McDuffie, who is due to make $13 million on his fifth-year option. Could Watson draw a similar salary on a multi-year deal? Kansas City is way over the salary cap, so this is an opportunity to grab a young defender with significant postseason experience, with two picks in 10 career playoff games. Prediction: Signs with Vikings 30. Joey Bosa, edge rusher, Bills Bosa, 30, had only five sacks in a healthy first season in Buffalo, but he did lead the NFL with five forced fumbles. He should get a deal similar to the $12.6 million he got a year ago. With two playoff wins in 10 years in the league, might he consider taking less to join his brother Nick with the 49ers and try to make a meaningful postseason push? Buffalo is over the cap as it is, so it might look to go younger rather than bringing Bosa back. Prediction: Signs with 49ers 29. Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins Hill, 31, won't make close to the $35 million he was due to make with the Dolphins, and he's coming off a significant knee injury. Because he was cut this offseason, he's free to sign anywhere as soon as he wants, though his physical recovery could complicate that. Teams must decide how likely it is that they'll get anything close to his 2023 production, when he led the NFL in receiving yards. Could he land with Mike McDaniel and the Chargers? He'll likely get half the salary, but can reset himself with a healthy 2026. Prediction: Signs with Chargers [3 Best Fits For Tyreek Hill, Who Might Not 'Have a Lot of Options'] 28. Braden Smith, OT, Colts Smith, 29, is about as tenured as you can be without a single Pro Bowl — eight years and 105 career starts in Indianapolis, and he's just finished a four-year, $70 million deal. Third contracts are rarely as lucrative as second deals are, and Smith has missed 16 games over the last three years, so durability is a concern. If he's still drawing $12 million a year or more, the Colts could turn to Jalen Travis, a 2025 fourth-round pick who stepped in for Smith at the end of this season. Prediction: Signs with Texans 27. Connor McGovern, C, Bills McGovern, 28, reads much like his linemate Edwards. Buffalo has gotten 51 starts from him in three years for $22 million, total. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024, but now it will cost much more to extend, likely $15 million a year or more. The Bills didn't draft McGovern or Edwards, but did well enough identifying them on the thrifty second contracts; they got reliable, inexpensive play from them. Replacing one or both with similar value signings won't be easy. Prediction: Re-signs with Bills 26. Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots Diggs, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowl receiver, and his postseason lull contributed to him getting cut by the Patriots. Only four touchdowns last year, so he might never get back his Bills heyday from 2020-23. His next team might pay him half of what the Patriots did, but he can still be a solid No. 2 receiver somewhere. Prediction: Signs with Titans 25. Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers Doubs, 25, has had steady mid-level production in Green Bay, averaging 50 catches, 600 yards and five touchdowns a year in his four seasons there. He stepped up in the playoff loss with eight catches for 124 yards and a score — finding value in a No. 2 receiver can be tough, and he's likely to come in the $12-15 million range, above the $11 million extension Christian Watson signed for last year. By Pro Football Reference's "Approximate Value" metric, the top two picks of the 2022 fourth round were both Packers, in Doubs and tackle Zach Tom, already signed to a nice extension. Prediction: Signs with Eagles 24. Khalil Mack, edge rusher, Chargers Mack, 34, is another year removed from a 17-sack season in 2023, dropping to six sacks in 2024 and 5.5 this past season, playing 12 games due to an elbow injury. His 12-year career divides neatly into three four-year runs with the Raiders, Bears and Chargers, and it's impressive he had more sacks with the Chargers than in Chicago. He earned $18 million last year, but that figure should drop as his production has, at an age where few edge rushers are still going. Prediction: Re-signs with Chargers 23. Quay Walker, LB, Packers Walker, 25, does a bit of everything for Green Bay — four straight 100-tackle seasons, including 128 this past year, and he's active in the opposing backfield with nine career sacks and 29 tackles for loss. The Packers declined his fifth-year option, opting not to pay him $14.7 million in 2026, and he'll likely get about $10 million a year. Pro Football Focus doesn't think much of him, ranking him 76th among NFL linebackers, with his pass coverage skills bringing him down. Prediction: Re-signs with Packers 22. Bradley Chubb, edge rusher, Dolphins Chubb, 29, had rebounded nicely with 8.5 sacks in 2025 after missing the previous season with a torn ACL. His last contract paid him $18 million a year, but he should be closer to $12-14 million per year. He's five years younger than Khalil Mack. If the Ravens don't land another top edge rusher, he could wind up there with Anthony Weaver, but another option would be Carolina and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who was with him in Denver for part of a Pro Bowl season in 2022.Prediction: Signs with Panthers 21. Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars Etienne, 27, has been a steady run presence in the last four years in Jacksonville, rushing for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. Keeping him will mean a nice raise — let's say $8 million a year — but the Jaguars were pleased with fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten in limited use this past season. Using the franchise tag at $14.5 million seems too expensive at a position where there isn't much guaranteed money beyond the first year on many contracts. Prediction: Signs with Saints [NFL Free Agent Running Backs: The Top 10 RBs Available This Offseason] 20. Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals Murray, 28, is this year's Russell Wilson, released from a monstrous contract with a guaranteed salary left so he can sign anywhere for the league minimum. So while he's wildly disappointing as a $46 million quarterback, he's really good value for $1.3 million, as he'll cost a team in 2026. If you rank all QBs with 200-plus passes since the start of 2023 by passer rating, he's higher than you'd expect — 24th out of 65. He'll find a match with a team with a wobbly QB situation and not much cap space that gives him a chance to reset himself as an NFL starter. Could that be the Dolphins? Jets? Falcons? Vikings? Browns? His only real coaching tie is to Kliff Kingsbury, who's with the Rams now, so it will likely be a new relationship starting from scratch. We'll say Minnesota, which gets inexpensive competition for J.J. McCarthy. Prediction: Signs with Vikings [3 Best Team Fits for QB Kyler Murray in NFL Free Agency] 19. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons Pitts, 25, stepped up in a contract year with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns — his touchdown total has increased every year — 1-2-3-4-5 in five seasons. Was that success more telling of Atlanta's absence of any real receiving depth? He'll be the top tight end available, which should get him $12–14 million a year, though the Falcons could hedge their bet and give him the franchise tag, which is $16 million for one season. Upgrading the receiving talent in Atlanta is a must, with new coach Kevin Stefanski needing more weapons in the pass game. Update: Pitts will get the franchise tag from the Falcons, earning about $15 million if he plays on that deal in 2026 18. Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers Jennings, 28, could benefit as San Francisco is expected to move on from Brandon Aiyuk, who missed 2025 recovering from a major knee injury. The 49ers' receiving corps has underwhelmed — Jennings has 15 touchdown catches over the last two seasons, but he also totaled 643 yards this season on 90 targets, ranking 55th among NFL receivers in yards/target. If he's getting more than $20 million a year, could he price himself out of San Francisco's budget? Prediction: Re-signs with 49ers 17. Rasheed Walker, OT, Packers Walker, who turns 26 this week, is a former seventh-round pick who developed into a three-year starter at left tackle for the Packers, protecting Jordan Love's blind side. He isn't great — Pro Football Focus rated him as the NFL's No. 54 tackle last season — but he's consistent and experienced enough to merit $20 million a year in free agency. It's possible Green Bay will let him walk and shift 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan into his spot. Prediction: Signs with Patriots 16. Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seahawks Shaheed, 27, was electric after Seattle acquired him from the Saints at the trade deadline — the only NFL player with a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown, adding another kickoff touchdown in the playoffs. His receiving skills — 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns — are a nice bonus, and Seattle will have tough decisions on which impending free agents it can afford to keep. He's likely to draw $15 million a year from a team that values a return threat and can use him creatively on offense as well. Prediction: Re-signs with Seahawks 15. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers Evans, 32, has a Hall of Fame résumé already with 108 career touchdown catches, so this is a three-way fork — does he retire at 32, coming off a year when he played only eight games due to hamstring and collarbone injuries? Does he come back and try to help the Bucs to one more playoff berth after a down 2025? Or if the outside offers are compelling enough, does he finish his career elsewhere? He made $20.5 million a year on his last deal, but Spotrac only has him projected to $13 million for 2026. It's likely he finishes his career with the Bucs, but leave open the slim chance he goes somewhere like Houston, close to his hometown of Galveston, with a strong contender he could help. [Where Will Mike Evans Play in 2026? 5 Best Fits for Bucs WR] Prediction: Re-signs with Buccaneers 14. Coby Bryant, S, Seahawks Bryant, 26, is another part of Seattle's amazing 2022 draft class, a fourth-rounder who has deftly shifted from corner to safety and has seven interceptions in the last two seasons. Like any Super Bowl team, the Seahawks will be hard-pressed to keep all of their young talents coming off rookie contracts. It might be a choice between Bryant at $12-14 million a year over their young corners. We have Seattle with five free agents in the top 50, and that could increase with success in the Super Bowl. Prediction: Signs with Raiders 13. Nahshon Wright, CB, Bears Wright, 27, helped himself in 2025 as much as any player, going to the Bears on a league-minimum $1.1 million contract with one interception and three starts in four NFL seasons. He was a ballhawk on one of the NFL's best takeaway defenses — five interceptions and two forced fumbles, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way. Chicago is over the salary cap right now, and Wright could end up the high-dollar corner in this not-particularly-deep class, drawing $16 million a year or more. Prediction: Signs with Jets 12. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers Rodgers, 42, is likely deciding between retiring and returning for a 22nd NFL season, especially with his longtime Packers coach, Mike McCarthy, taking over in Pittsburgh. Rodgers hasn't made a Pro Bowl in the last four years, but his 2025 numbers (24 touchdowns, seven interceptions) weren't bad. If he's willing to come back on a team-friendly deal like the one-year, $14 million deal he played on last season, he's in a good position to help Pittsburgh compete in a wide-open AFC North in 2026 — with 13 touchdown passes, he'll pass Peyton Manning for third in NFL history. Prediction: Re-signs with Steelers [3 Best Team Fits for QB Aaron Rodgers in NFL Free Agency] 11. Breece Hall, RB, Jets Hall, still just 24, has been a solid back on bad Jets teams, rushing for a career-best 1,065 yards in 2025. New York has ample cap space and traded away some of their best players last year in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams — will it be willing to overpay to keep him around? Hall has only 18 rushing touchdowns in four NFL seasons, but as the featured back on a more talented offense, he could get that in two years easily. He'll challenge Walker for the high-dollar back in this free-agent class, north of $10 million a year. Update: Jets placed the franchise tag on Hall. 10. Jaelan Phillips, edge rusher, Eagles Phillips, 26, got traded at the deadline when the Dolphins decided they weren't going to be able to keep him, but it was an underwhelming 2025 — two sacks in eight games with the Eagles after three sacks in nine games with the Dolphins. He's had injury concerns in the past and has 28 total sacks in five NFL seasons, peaking with 8.5 as a rookie in 2021. Phillips' pressure rates were solid and he's drawn praise from Vic Fangio. Could a one-year, $15 million deal get it done and allow him to reset himself at a higher value in 2027? Prediction: Re-signs with Eagles 9. Malik Willis, QB, Packers Willis, 26, may be the hardest free agent to ballpark in terms of how much money he'll get. There's an absolute lack of quality quarterbacks available, combined with a weak QB draft class, so teams without an obvious starter may overpay here. Willis has only six career starts, but his work in Green Bay has been promising — six touchdowns, zero interceptions over the last two years, with a 79% completion percentage. Could he be a match for former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, seeking a reasonably priced answer he can build around in Miami? You'll see him projected for a Justin Fields-type deal, like two years and $40 million. [3 Best Team Fits for QB Malik Willis in NFL Free Agency] Prediction: Signs with Dolphins 8. Alec Pierce, WR, Colts Pierce, 25, is arguably the NFL's best deep-threat receiver, leading the league in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2025, and four touchdowns in the last three games helped his market a bit. The Colts have a handful of top free agents and won't be able to keep them all. Pierce is likely to command $20 million a year as an underrated player who could be utilized more — Ja'Marr Chase had 101 more targets in 2025 than Pierce did, but only 409 more yards than the Colts wide receiver. Prediction: Signs with Bills 7. Odafe Oweh, edge rusher, Chargers Oweh, 27, benefited from a change in scenery at the trade deadline, stepping up with 7.5 sacks in 12 games after getting dealt from the Ravens to the Chargers. Los Angeles has close to $100 million in cap space, so keeping him shouldn't be a problem — by coincidence, one potential suitor would be the Ravens, who now have Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Nobody has more cap space than the Titans and landing an elite pass rusher should be high on their list, so bidding could get high if Oweh is deemed the best of the under-30 edge options. Prediction: Signs with Ravens 6. Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks Walker, 25, ramped it up in the playoffs with four touchdowns before running his way to Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 1,027 yards in the regular season. Seattle was a good bet to extend him already, but the injury to Zach Charbonnet should make that more of a priority. Can he clear $10 million a year on a new contract? The Seahawks are a Super Bowl team still somehow ranked in the top five in available cap space for 2026, so it's hard to imagine them not paying to bring him back as a central part of their offense moving forward. Prediction: Re-signs with Seahawks 5. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens Linderbaum, 25, has been to three straight Pro Bowls and was PFF's No. 4 center in 2025. The Ravens had declined his fifth-year option, pricey at $24 million or so, and while he's likely the highest-paid offensive lineman in free agency, that should be at less than $20 million a year. The league's top-paid center right now is the Chiefs' Creed Humphrey at $18 million a year, so he'll likely want to trump that. With coaching changes, will he stay in Baltimore, or look at joining John Harbaugh with the Giants or Todd Monken with the Browns? Prediction: Signs with Giants 4. Trey Hendrickson, edge rusher, Bengals Hendrickson, 31, doesn't have the luster he had a year ago. Instead of coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and four straight Pro Bowls, he's now coming off core muscle surgery in December that limited him to four sacks in seven games in 2025. He got a one-year, $29 million deal from the Bengals last year, but isn't likely to draw as much this time around. ESPN has him as the league's No. 1 overall free agent, but will he get more than one year guaranteed, and at much more than $20 million a year? He needs 19 sacks to reach 100 for his career and could easily get that in two more healthy seasons. Prediction: Signs with Titans (previous prediction: signs with Bears) 3. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars Lloyd, 27, broke out as the big-play leader of a ballhawking Jaguars defense, getting five interceptions, including a 99-yard pick-six off Patrick Mahomes. Jacksonville is over the cap as it stands, but he would be an offseason priority — he's likely to get a deal that will pay him as one of the top five linebackers in the NFL, say at $18 million a year. The Jaguars were able to retain both coordinators after a huge turnaround in Liam Coen's first season, so keeping their defensive core intact would make sense, even at a decent cost here. Prediction: Re-signs with Jaguars 2. Daniel Jones, QB, Colts Jones, 28, was one of the best stories of the first half of 2025, leading the Colts to a 7-2 record before things went downhill — Indianapolis missed the playoffs and Jones sustained a season-ending tear to his Achilles tendon in early December. He had 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions and over 3,000 passing yards before the injury. Indianapolis is committed to him as their quarterback moving forward, but what kind of contract is that? Spotrac projects a four-year, $178 million contract (about $44 million a year), though the injury may make them hesitant to guarantee a substantial portion of that. Update: Received trasition tag from Colts 1. George Pickens, WR, Cowboys Pickens, still just 24, had a breakout year in 2025, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns after the Cowboys acquired him from the Steelers. He's due to make $30 million a year or more, but Dallas is already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million a year — perhaps the franchise tag, at about $28 million for 2026, is a short-term solution if they don't want to invest more in Pickens. It seems like Pickens is a strong candidate to get the franchise tag as well, which could result in him getting traded. He's averaged at least 15 yards per catch in each of his four NFL seasons. Out of 56 players with 200-plus catches since the start of 2022, he ranks No. 1 in yards per catch at 16.0. Update: Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pickens BONUS! TOP 10 RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS The top 100 were all unrestricted free agents, but we want to throw a bone to the restricted free agents, who are tendered by their original teams, allowing other teams to make an offer sheet that the original team can choose to match or sometimes get draft-pick compensation from the new team. That rarely happens, but here are the top 10 RFA talents worth keeping an eye on 10. Chad Ryland, K, Cardinals 9. Jake Browning, QB, Bengals 8. Sean Tucker, RB, Buccaneers 7. Ivan Pace, LB, Vikings 6. Jake Tonges, TE, 49ers 5. Jack Gibbens, LB, Patriots 4. Emanuel Wilson, RB, Packers 3. John Metchie, WR, Jets 2. Ja'Quan McMillian, CB, Broncos 1. Brandon Aubrey, K, Cowboys

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