2026 NFL Free Agency Rankings After Trade Deadline

The 2025 NFL trade deadline was an eventful one, as several teams made plays to improve their roster for the second half of the season.

While many of this year's deadline deals were made with the immediate future in mind, you can bet that every team is working on its long-term strategy. The 2026 offseason and the start of free agency on March 11 aren't that far away.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has been tracking team needs throughout the season and recently took an in-depth look at next year's top draft prospects.

Here, we'll dive into the 2026 free-agent class, ranking the top players based on factors such as past production, player upside, age, positional value, positional market depth and player health. You'll also find contract projections and potential landing spots for those in the top 10.

Nos. 50-46

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

50. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Will Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers return for his age-42 season? That's the big question here. If he does, he should draw heavy interest from teams believing they're a quarterback away. He hasn't been perfect this season, but he's playing his best ball since he was last a Pro Bowler in 2021.

49. Ar'Darius Washington, S, Baltimore Ravens

A rotational safety for the Baltimore Ravens, Ar'Darius Washington started to emerge as a key cog last season, finishing with 64 tackles, two picks and a 78.1 passer rating allowed. He'd rank higher if a torn Achilles hadn't wiped out his 2025 season to this point.

48. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, New York Jets

New York Jets lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is in a position similar to Washington's. A quality starting guard with tackle experience, health and durability are his biggest concerns. The 26-year-old had a significant injury history before this year and suffered a season-ending triceps tear in late August.

47. Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio has been a fantastic starter for over a decade and might be a Hall of Famer with a more successful franchise. The seven-time Pro Bowler has started all eight games this season but also turned 34 in August. There's no guarantee that he'll play for much longer or that he'll want to leave the only franchise he's ever known.

46. Malcolm Koonce, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce had a much higher draft stock before a torn ACL erased his 2024 campaign. He logged eight sacks in 2023, and the upside he showed that season still exists. However, he hasn't been as disruptive since returning from injury this year.

Nos. 45-41

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

49ers WR Jauan Jennings

45. Darius Slay, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, has seen his play drop off with the Steelers this season. He'll also turn 35 in January and will only interest teams looking to contend in 2026. That said, he's a starting-caliber cornerback, and we may not see many hit the open market.

44. Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Had Jauan Jennings hit the market this past offseason, he probably would have cashed in. His production has dipped significantly, as he's battled injuries and the absence of Brock Purdy. In 2024, though, Jennings racked up 975 yards and six touchdowns.

43. Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Cam Taylor-Britt has been in and out of the lineup for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, as new defensive coordinator Al Golden has preferred other options. He's an aggressive, physical corner who started all 17 games in 2024 and only turned 26 in October.

42. Joey Bosa, Edge, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Joey Bosa has battled injuries in recent years and will turn 31 in July. However, he's a five-time Pro Bowler who has been a fine situational defender in Buffalo this season. He'll draw interest from pass-rusher-needy teams.

41. Greg Newsome II, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Cornerback Greg Newsome II was more good than great in Cleveland, and he hasn't made much of an impact since being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he's been a fairly reliable starter overall and will only turn 26 in May.

Nos. 40-36

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Saints CB Alontae Taylor

40. Odafe Oweh, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

Odafe Oweh never quite played up to his draft status during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He did have a 10-sack season in 2024, though, and has flashed this season since being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers. He'll be 27 when free agency opens, and he'll draw long-term offers.

39. Alontae Taylor, CB, New Orleans Saints

Alontae Taylor might not be as well-known as fellow free-agent corners like Cam Taylor-Britt and Greg Newsome II. However, the 26-year-old has been a reliable starter for the New Orleans Saints. A physical, 6'0", 199-pound defender, he can fit multiple schemes.

38. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III has led the Seattle Seahawks' backfield for the better part of four years. He's a capable dual-threat who just turned 25 in October, but he's seemingly fallen behind Zach Charbonnet this season. He'd have more value in a shallower running-back class.

37. Deebo Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders

There's a lot to like about Deebo Samuel's physicality, versatility and big-play ability. He's continued being a difference-maker with the Washington Commanders this season, though he may never again replicate the All-Pro numbers he produced with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He'll turn 30 in January.

36. Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Philadelphia Eagles

Pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips showed a high ceiling when he first entered the league with the Miami Dolphins, but injuries have impacted him over the past three seasons. He's at least been healthy in 2025. He may increase his stock after getting traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and he won't turn 27 until May.

Nos. 35-31

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Buccaneers TE Cade Otton

35. David Onyemata, DL, Atlanta Falcons

David Onyemata may not be the biggest name on the Atlanta Falcons defense, but he plays an integral role along the defensive front. A strong run defender and underrated interior pass-rusher, the soon-to-be 33-year-old remains a starting-caliber defender.

34. Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cade Otton isn't the most notable Buccaneer headed to free agency—that would be Mike Evans, whose recovery from a shoulder injury over the next few months will heavily impact his market value.

However, Otton is an underrated 26-year-old who can block, catch and do everything else a team might want from its starting tight end.

33. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins will turn 27 in December and has a significant injury history. However, his play this season should make him one of the more prolific backs on the market in March—assuming he remains healthy until then.

32 Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts' physical upside is tremendous, but his production in Atlanta over the past few seasons has been lacking. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft will draw a lot of attention from coaches who believe they can unlock his potential. Other coaches, though, will look for more consistent producers in a deep tight end class.

31. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne Jr. has been more good than great when healthy for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's also been good more often than not. A versatile runner and receiver, he is on pace to top 1,200 scrimmage yards for the third time in his career.

Nos. 30-26

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner

30. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is one of those aforementioned "more proven" tight ends scheduled to hit the market this season. The three-time Pro Bowler turned 30 in September but has 15 touchdowns since the start of last season and continues to show he can be a weapon.

29. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

At some point, Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner is going to slow down and stop being the do-it-all difference-maker he's been for 13 seasons and counting. It just hasn't happened yet. The 35-year-old will find work next season if he wants it.

28. Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott has, rightfully, gotten credit for leading a potent offense that has kept the Dallas Cowboys afloat. However, the resurgence of Javonte Williams has also played a huge role. He has looked like the explosive playmaker he was before his 2022 ACL tear, and he'll only turn 27 in April.

27. David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns

David Njoku has missed time with a knee injury this season. He's also seen a bit of a reduced role in a bad Browns offense because of Harold Fannin Jr.'s emergence. The 29-year-old is an athletic marvel, though, and was a Pro Bowler just two years ago.

26. Cam Robinson, OT, Cleveland Browns

Cam Robinson is an average offensive tackle who has been responsible for seven penalties and two sacks allowed already this season, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he's only 30, and the 2026 market will be extremely light at tackle following a slew of 2025 extensions.

If Dan Moore Jr. can get starter money on the open market, Robinson will at least land a starting opportunity.

Nos. 25-21

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens TE Isaiah Likely

25. Andrew Wingard, S, Jacksonville Jaguars

Andrew Wingard will turn 29 in December but has been a reliable rotational safety and a core special-teamer for the Jaguars since 2019. Though he missed half of last season with a knee injury, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 61.5 in coverage that season.

24. DaQuan Jones, DL, Buffalo Bills

DaQuan Jones has missed time with a calf injury this season, and the Buffalo Bills' defensive front hasn't looked the same with him out of the lineup. The 33-year-old started 16 games in 2024 and finished that season with 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks and five tackles for loss.

23. Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Isaiah Likely is the other Ravens tight end scheduled to hit the 2026 free-agent market. While Mark Andrews is the bigger name, Likely is younger (26 in March) and possesses a higher physical ceiling. It'll be interesting to see just what Likely can do as a full-time starter.

22. Kaden Elliss, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Like David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss is an often-overlooked but key member of the Falcons' defense. One of Atlanta's only reliable pass-rushing options prior to this season, the 30-year-old remains a starting-caliber inside linebacker.

21. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Breece Hall should be the most coveted running back in 2026 free agency. A capable runner and receiver who is on pace to surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards for the third straight year. Still only 24 years old, he can be an average-to-above-average long-term starter.

Hall would rank much higher in a class with less running back talent.

Nos. 20-16

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Eagles S Reed Blankenship

20. Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers had his first 1,000-yard campaign last season after three straight seasons of 800 yards. His production has dipped a bit this season, but the 29-year-old should still be viewed as a solid No. 2 receiver.

19. Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs hasn't been as consistent as Meyers, and he projects as a third or fourth option. However, he has inside-outside versatility, an intriguing combination of size (6'2", 204 lbs) and quickness and is only 25 years old.

18. D.J. Reader, DT, Detroit Lions

D.J. Reader has dealt with a back injury this season, but he remains a very effective starting defensive tackle at 31 years old. He started 15 games for the Detroit Lions in 2024 and finished that season with 23 tackles, three sacks and four tackles for loss.

17. Braxton Jones, OT, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears benched left tackle Braxton Jones after he struggled to return to form following a 2024 ankle fracture and ensuing surgery. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve.

Some teams will be concerned with his 2025 performance and health. However, the 2026 class has few viable options at left tackle, and the 26-year-old has 44 starts on his resume.

16. Reed Blankenship, S, Philadelphia Eagles

Reed Blankenship has struggled a bit in coverage this season, allowing an opposing passer rating of 118.7 in coverage. However, the Eagles' secondary has struggled as a unit this year. Blankenship, who will turn 27 in March, has been a mostly reliable starting defensive back over the last three seasons.

Nos. 15-11

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Colts WR Alec Pierce

15. Braden Smith, OT, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith could end up being the top tackle to hit the market next offseason. He'll turn 30 in March and isn't exactly an elite talent. However, he's locked down the right side for Indy when healthy, and the 2026 tackle market looks underwhelming.

14. Travis Jones, DT, Baltimore Ravens

A mammoth 6'4", 341-pound defender, Travis Jones is more of a pure run-stuffer than some teams will want at defensive tackle. However, the 26-year-old has been a key cog in the Ravens' defense since becoming a full-time starter last season.

13. Wyatt Teller, G, Cleveland Browns

Wyatt Teller will turn 31 later this month and hasn't had a Pro Bowl campaign since 2023. However, the Browns' standout is still an above-average guard who should have several more good seasons ahead of him.

12. Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Linebacker Nakobe Dean had a breakthrough campaign in 2024, in which he amassed 128 tackles and three sacks while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 80.8 in coverage. While the 24-year-old's season was ended by a torn patellar tendon in January, he returned to the field in October.

11. Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

A few intriguing receivers are slated to hit the market, but Alec Pierce might be the best deep threat of the bunch. The 25-year-old averaged 22.3 yards per catch last season and is averaging 20.9 yards per catch this year.

10. Khalil Mack, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

Contract Projection: One Year, $16 Million

Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack will turn 35 in February and may only command one-year contracts for the rest of his playing career. However, he remains a legitimate difference-maker when healthy.

He missed time with a dislocated elbow early this season. However, he worked his way back onto the field and has logged eight tackles, three sacks and four quarterback hits in five games.

While Mack may not make his 10th Pro Bowl this season, he's going to interest contenders in the offseason. He reached 17 sacks just two seasons ago.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles

9. Leo Chenal, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Contract Projection: Three Years, $30 Million

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal plays a specific role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. He's an early-down run defender who didn't even reach 50 percent of the defensive snaps before this season.

However, the 25-year-old has been terrific in that role and should be viewed as a very good defensive starter.

Chenal appeared in all 17 games last season, finishing with 60 tackles, a sack and four tackles for loss. He's on pace to surpass those numbers this season.

Because he hasn't been an every-down linebacker—even if the potential is there—Chenal may have a limited market and isn't likely to land a top-of-the-market contract. His deal will probably come in significantly lower than teammate Nick Bolton's recent three-year, $45 million deal. However, he will interest teams that need to improve their run defense.

Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys

8. Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Contract Projection: Three Years, $49 Million

The rise of 2022 seventh-round pick Jaylen Watson probably played a big role in Kansas City's decision to trade away L'Jarius Sneed last offseason. The Ventura College product has been an above-average perimeter starter when healthy.

While Watson missed half of last season with a broken fibula, he was terrific when on the field—he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.4 in coverage. He also returned to appear in all three of the Chiefs' playoff games.

Watson has been reliable again this season and only turned 27 in September. He should get second-tier starter money on the open market.

Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts

7. John Franklin-Myers, DE, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Bart Young

Contract Projection: Three Years, $35 Million

The Broncos have paid several of their integral defensive players over the last calendar year. They have not, however, extended John Franklin-Myers just yet.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old has been a critical contributor, even if he's been overshadowed by the likes of Nik Bonnito and Zach Allen. He had seven sacks, eight tackles for loss and 21 quarterback pressures last season and may surpass those numbers in 2025.

While Franklin-Myers has never made the Pro Bowl, he's a disruptive front-line defender with a high motor and positional versatility. He should command a bit more than the $10.8 million-per-year salary DeMarcus Lawrence got last offseason.

Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals

6. Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Contract Projection: Four Years, $72 Million

For whatever reason, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has soured on cornerback Riq Woolen over the past couple of years, leading to plenty of trade buzz centered on the 26-year-old.

"They've been wanting to move him for a while," one executive said, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He doesn't fit what [head coach Mike Macdonald] wants to do."

Woolen will fit what plenty of teams are looking for on defense. He's a 6'4", 210-pound defensive back with 11 interceptions on his resume. As a rookie in 2022, the Texas-San Antonio product allowed an opposing passer rating of only 48.7 in coverage.

Charvarius Ward's $18 million-per-season contract from last offseason should provide a baseline for Woolen's next contract.

Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers

5. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Contract Projection: Three Years, $45 Million

Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd was mostly just sort of "fine" in his first three NFL seasons. The 2022 first-round pick was a good-enough starter but didn't regularly make wow plays. That's changed in 2025, though, which happens to be a contract year for him.

The 27-year-old has been all over the field this season, making impact plays as a run-stopper and coverage-backer. The elite athleticism that made him a first-round prospect has been on full display.

Lloyd missed Week 7 with a calf injury, and he may have to finish the season strong to land an upper-tier contract. Right now, though, he should warrant something just below the three-year, $51 million deal Zack Baun got this offseason.

Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders

4. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Contract Projection: Four Years, $73 Million

The Ravens declined the fifth-year option on Tyler Linderbaum's contract because the fifth-year option is the same for all offensive line positions—meaning he would have exceeded Creed Humphrey's market-leading $18 million salary by $5.4 million.

Linderbaum, a two-time Pro Bowler, will almost certainly surpass Humphrey's annual salary whenever he signs a new deal. The question is whether he signs with Baltimore or elsewhere.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported in August that the Ravens wanted to extend Linderbaum, Kyle Hamilton and Isaiah Likely before the end of the season. To this point, only Hamilton has been extended.

Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions

3. Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/David Richard

Contract Projection: Four Years, $130 Million

There's a non-zero chance Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson will slide down our board between now and the spring. A lot will hinge on the 30-year-old's production and availability over the second half of the season.

The reality is Hendrickson will turn 31 in December and has missed time with a hip ailment this season. That's a combination of factors that makes the sort of contract he's likely to command risky.

Of course, he is the reigning sacks leader and has logged 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons—while doing it in a bad Cincinnati defense. If things pick back up toward the end of the year, he should be the top edge-rusher on a lot of wish lists.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts

2. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Contract Projection: Three Years, $90 Million

Wide receiver George Pickens should be thrilled he got the 2025 change of scenery he did.

He was beginning to earn a reputation as a problem player in Pittsburgh. We haven't heard any negatives about the 24-year-old in Dallas, and he's having a career year.

Pickens is on pace to top the 1,140 receiving yards he had in 2023, and while he may not be a true No. 1 receiver, he's a heck of a second option. His next contract should reflect that.

Receivers like Jaylen Waddle, Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk—who earn in the $28-30 million-per-year range—should set the target floor for Pickens. He's young enough to justify a long-term contract. However, teams may push for a shorter deal to help protect against a potential return to old habits.

Potential Suitors: New York Jets, Tennessee Titans

1. Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Contract Projection: Four Years, $200 Million

There's a very good chance the top player on our board doesn't actually reach free agency.

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is playing at an All-Pro level, has Indianapolis looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender and is making the sort of highlight-reel plays we're used to seeing from Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen.

At only 28 years old, Jones still has the potential to become a franchise-caliber quarterback and long-term answer for a team. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Colts are already interested in bringing him back on a long-term deal after this season.

Just about any QB-needy team would be wise to make a run at Jones if he reaches the market. He should surpass the $33.5 million annually that Sam Darnold got this offseason by quite a bit, potentially approaching the $53 million annually that Brock Purdy received.

Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers

*Contract information from Spotrac.