2023 NFL Free Agency: Big-Name Players Who Should Seek New Teams This Offseason

Hundreds of NFL players will enter free agency in 2023. But while reunions might be sensible for many of them, several top players should seriously consider a change in scenery.

Although one particular factor may stand out for each key free agent, that decision will not be based on a lone issue. Everything from playing time to projected role, coaching situations and financial upside can impact which teams are most appealing.

And hey, we can be selfish as well.

The thought of Tom Brady shifting teams is a catalyst for chaos on the quarterback market. Josh Jacobs would be a huge departure, too. However, the following players aren't covered merely for the sake of attention. They have legitimate reason to head elsewhere.

The choices are subjective, but they consider a player's situation and weigh the upside of staying or leaving his current team.

Tom Brady, QB

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TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 18: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Because the NFC South is delightfully subpar, the 6-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers might make the playoffs anyway. The offense isn't short on skill-position talent, and the defense is built reasonably well, even though both units have clearly underperformed in 2022.

There is a fine argument for Tom Brady—if he doesn't retire (and stay retired this time)—to re-sign with the Bucs.

However, the shift from Bruce Arians to Todd Bowles has resulted in a more conservative coaching style. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is a quality coach, but he hasn't elevated the team, either.

While Brady's preexisting relationships in Tampa might be appealing, he also has a connection with Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, and he (illegally) flirted with the Miami Dolphins last offseason. Both of those teams can create an opening for Brady if so desired.

Why not become take a shot at becoming the first starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl on three different teams?

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If the San Francisco 49ers don't have the most fascinating quarterback situation in the NFL, it's certainly near the top.

Following the 2021 season, the Niners publicly moved from Jimmy Garoppolo to 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance. San Francisco tried to trade Garoppolo but never found a suitor, so he instead returned as the backup. Garoppolo replaced Lance when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2, but Garoppolo's own injury in Week 13 then led to the emergence of rookie seventh-round pick Brock Purdy.

San Francisco can have a hugely inexpensive quarterback room by moving forward with Lance and Purdy. Meanwhile, Garoppolo should command a hefty contract after his solid play this season.

Yes, there's a legitimate question about Garoppolo's effectiveness outside of a Kyle Shanahan-led offense. But it isn't like Shanahan is the only outstanding play-caller in the NFL. A quarterback-needy team such as the New York Jets has multiple former 49ers coaches on staff anyway.

Garoppolo could land another big-money deal and be his new team's undisputed QB1 in 2023 if he departs in free agency.

Josh Jacobs, RB

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 04: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs entered the 2022 campaign as a consistently productive player, having finished with between 1,220 and 1,316 total yards in each of his first three seasons. But the Las Vegas Raiders declined his fifth-year option in the spring, opening the path for him to hit unrestricted free agency.

Based on what he did this year, he's about to get paid.

The Raiders could slap the franchise tag on Jacobs, preventing him from actually reaching the market. He should use any shred of leverage to avoid it, though, as running backs have a narrow timeline to land a substantial contract.

Considering how much the Raiders have invested in Derek Carr, Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, they aren't likely to dole another long-term contract to a skill-position player.

Las Vegas has a clear path to keeping Jacobs, but the thought of him joining a team such as the Baltimore Ravens or Philadelphia Eagles is appealing as well.

Marcus Davenport, Edge

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 20: Defensive end Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints lines up during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 20, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 42-34. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Teams will have to confront a financial dilemma when weighing whether to sign Marcus Davenport this offseason.

Since the New Orleans Saints picked him in the first round of the 2018 draft, Davenport has been an efficient pass-rusher. However, he hadn't played more than 13 games in a season prior to this year because of injuries.

Sacks aren't the only way to evaluate edge-rushers. But heading into Week 16, Davenport has only a half-sack in 12 appearances.

After five good-not-great seasons, perhaps the cash-strapped Saints aren't the optimal team to unlock his upside. Besides, they might not want to commit $15-plus million annually to a defender who hasn't proven to be a high-volume playmaker in five seasons.

Davenport could be a risky signing, but other suitors have greater reason to gamble on his breakout than the Saints.

Dre'Mont Jones, DL

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DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (93) runs onto the field during starting lineup introductions before a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Denver Broncos defensive end Dre'Mont Jones suffered a season-ending hip injury in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Will that be his last appearance with the Broncos?

Jones put together another solid year, tallying a career-high 47 tackles and matching his personal best of 6.5 sacks. He also effectively became an every-down player for the first time in his career, registering an 81 percent snap share this season.

As for his future? Well, read the tea leaves.

"I am here right now," Jones responded in early November when asked if he'd want to remain a long-term member of the Broncos, according to Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post.

Denver might try to retain Jones, especially since it won't be paying Bradley Chubb after trading him to Miami. However, Jones will be a high-value target who likely won't break the bank yet would be a clear defensive upgrade for many teams.

Cam Sutton, CB

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PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 20: Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) looks on during the national football league game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 20, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Playing the final season of a two-year, $9 million deal, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton is headed for a substantial raise in free agency.

Although he was a regular contributor for the Steelers through his four-year rookie contract, Sutton became a full-time starter after signing that extension. He's since developed into a lockdown corner and has surrendered only 5.7 yards per target so far this season.

Playoff contenders are often willing to spend on a high-level player at a premium position. This offseason, that might include the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens or Cincinnati Bengals.

Pittsburgh seems to have a promising future with young quarterback Kenny Pickett, so a reunion with Sutton would be sensible. Still, a win-now opportunity and a salary hike may be more appealing to Sutton entering his age-28 season.