6 NFL Teams Potentially Hit Hardest in 2023 Free Agency

Once the Super Bowl is finished, every NFL franchise will officially be looking ahead to free agency and the draft.

While the NFL Scouting Combine is next on the calendar, no rookies will be selected until late April. Free agency, on the other hand, is fast approaching in early March.

During the 2023 cycle, six teams in particular have several key free agents. They might hammer out extensions before March or reunite anyway, but teams like the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, for example, have an enormous list of negotiations to consider.

The list is subjective but focuses on a mix of perceived top free agents and others who contributed significantly in 2022.

Note: Cut candidates are not considered.

Baltimore Ravens

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Lamar Jackson

Exactly one league MVP might hit free agency: Lamar Jackson.

The Baltimore Ravens could be included for that reason alone. Even if they slapped a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, for instance, it's possible another team surrenders two first-round picks and a mountain of cash to swipe Jackson from the Ravens.

That situation, however, is only the beginning. Edge-rusher Justin Houston and cornerback Marcus Peters need new contracts. Houston recorded a team-high 9.5 sacks, and Peters has been a key starter for several years.

For good measure, left guard Ben Powers—a standout run-blocker—is also headed to the market.

Jackson is the undisputed star player, but each of Houston, Peters and Powers is valuable to the Ravens too.

Buffalo Bills

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Tremaine Edmunds and Jordan Poyer

The easiest way to describe the impact of Tremaine Edmunds and Jordan Poyer is visible in the accompanying picture.

Both players were captains for the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Leadership is replaceable, yes. Still, the franchise has become an AFC East power behind quarterback Josh Allen and a defense that has ranked first or second in points allowed during three of the last four seasons. Edmunds and Poyer have served as key pieces of those units.

Plus, the Bills need to consider keeping edge-rusher Shaq Lawson—who jumped into the lineup after Von Miller's knee injury—and cornerback Dane Jackson, a restricted free agent.

In short, Buffalo has important decisions with four useful defenders who held substantial roles last season.

New York Giants

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Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley

While the Bills contemplate major questions on defense, the New York Giants' attention is squarely on their offense.

At first.

You might be acutely aware of the situation: Both quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley are slated for unrestricted free agency. Top receivers Richie James, Darius Slayton and even Sterling Shepard are up for contracts too.

General manager Joe Schoen said last month the Giants want to retain Jones and Barkley. The outcome of those negotiations will define the direction of the franchise.

New York, though, also has potential key departures on defense. Three of the Giants' top four tacklers—safety Julian Love, linebacker Jaylon Smith and cornerback Fabian Moreau—are free agents.

This is a delicate offseason for a franchise that is weighing a breakout season with the reality that its roster still needs considerable upgrades.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Javon Hargrave

Good news: Philadelphia might win the Super Bowl!

Bad news: This roster is destined to fracture, barring some wizardry in the front office.

On offense, the Eagles must consider the futures of running back Miles Sanders and guard Isaac Seumalo—with the possibility that center Jason Kelce retires. And that's the easy side of the ball for Philly.

The opposite list is extensive. Defensive end Brandon Graham, D-tackles Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox, linebackers T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, cornerback James Bradberry and safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps all have expiring deals.

Names don't mean much to you? Understandable. That group of defenders includes Philly's top five tacklers, plus a second-team All-Pro corner and two guys with 18 combined sacks in 2022.

This could be a grueling offseason for the Eagles.

San Francisco 49ers

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Jimmy Garoppolo

Brock Purdy's emergence has complicated the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback plans, although his rise means Jimmy Garoppolo won't be back in the Bay Area.

Several other players might not return either.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey has established himself as a high-end run-blocker, and he'd attract plenty of interest—especially with former 49ers coordinators on the Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins. Additionally, center Jake Brendel had a breakout year.

The higher volume of departure risks is on defense. Edge-rushers Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu, defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, corner Emmanuel Moseley, nickel/safety Jimmie Ward and safety Tashaun Gipson are unrestricted free agents.

San Francisco can probably retain a handful of them, but Garoppolo and Ward are plausible big-name losses as the Niners also settle Nick Bosa's huge-dollar extension.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Lavonte David

Defense, defense and a little more defense.

Not only do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty of expiring contracts in the unit, but the list also includes two of the NFL's best free agents: linebacker Lavonte David and corner Jamel Dean.

However, the defense also has edge-rusher Anthony Nelson, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and safeties Mike Edwards, Keanu Neal and Logan Ryan headed to the open market. While the Bucs' catalog of defensive tackles wasn't great, they're practically all free agents too.

Oh, and Tom Brady—who would've been a free agent—retired. He leaves what you could call a substantial void at quarterback.

Tampa's front office has a serious challenge ahead as the franchise enters an uncertain new era.