1 Free Agent Every NFL Team Needs to Prioritize Re-Signing Before 2026 Offseason

Week 13 got underway on Thursday night, which means there's nearly six full weeks left in the regular season alone. However, the offseason comes quickly in the NFL, especially for teams already out of the playoff mix.

Even those franchises with lingering Super Bowl hopes have one eye on the offseason. The Los Angeles Rams, for example, just announced a three-year, $22.5 million extension for linebacker Nate Landman last weekend.

The reality is that every NFL team—even the bad ones—has at least one impending 2026 free agent it should prioritize re-signing before the offseason hits.

Based on factors like past production, positional value, team needs and projected market value, we'll dive into every team's top priority here.

Arizona Cardinals: S Jalen Thompson

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

The Arizona Cardinals may or may not move off of quarterback Kyler Murray in the offseason. If they do plan to bring in a new quarterback, some changes to the offensive personnel could be in order.

Defensively, though, not much should change, and Safety Jalen Thompson has been a staple of the defense since he was drafted in 2019. He has started all 11 games this season, played 99 percent of the defensive snaps and has logged 72 tackles and four passes defended.

Thompson will only turn 28 in July, and the Cardinals would be wise to lock him up before he tests free agency with a projected market value of $13 million annually.

Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss

AP Photo/John Bazemore

The Atlanta Falcons might consider re-signing 2021 fourth-overall pick Kyle Pitts. However, the tight end hasn't played up to his draft status and figures to be overpriced with a market value of $11.3 million per year.

It might behoove Atlanta to let Pitts test a free-agent market deep at his position before making an offer. Locking up linebacker Kaden Elliss, however, would be quite sensible.

Elliss is one of the more underrated players headed to market, but he's a terrific do-it-all defender for the Falcons. He's already racked up 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception this season. While he'll be 31 in July, the Falcons would be wise to keep him away from free agency.

Baltimore Ravens: C Tyler Linderbaum

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Baltimore Ravens opted not to exercise the fifth-year option on Tyler Linderbaum's rookie contract—not because they don't value the Pro Bowl center, but because it would have paid him like a top-tier offensive tackle.

The values of the fifth-year option and the franchise tag are the same for all offensive line positions. This would have paid Linderbaum over $5 million more than any other NFL center.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported in August that the Ravens do want to extend Linderbaum. They should do it before the start of the offseason. They're not going to get any discounts by allowing other teams to get in on the bidding.

Buffalo Bills: C Connor McGovern

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Baltimore isn't the only team that should look to keep its starting center away from the open market. Connor McGovern has held down the pivot point for the Buffalo Bills since 2023 and should remain with the team long-term.

McGovern, a Pro Bowler in 2024, just turned 28 earlier this month and is only entering his prime as a starter. He has a projected market value of $16.3 million annually, though, which could be an obstacle for the Bills.

Buffalo is currently projected to have just $8.7 million in 2026 cap space. While that number will inevitably change, the Bills would be wise to extend McGovern while they're still the only ones who can make offers.

Carolina Panthers: RB Rico Dowdle

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

The Carolina Panthers have made significant strides this season and are firmly in the NFC South mix. The emergence of running back Rico Dowdle is a big reason why.

An under-the-radar free-agent signing over the summer, Dowdle has emerged as a significant piece of Carolina's offensive puzzle. The former Dallas Cowboys starter has already more than 1,100 scrimmage yards and is averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per attempt.

Dowdle will only turn 28 next offseason and has only seen a significant workload in two of his NFL seasons. He'll be one of the hottest running backs on the 2026 free-agent market if the Panthers allow him to reach it.

Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

The Chicago Bears have taken a massive step forward under the guidance of new head coach Ben Johnson. While Johnson has done an excellent job improving quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago offense, the Bears' 27th-ranked defense could use help.

While Ryan Poles will undoubtedly focus on adding defensive talent next offseason, he should work to keep safety Jaquan Brisker in the fold. The 26-year-old has a history of concussions that can't be ignored, but he's also started every game in which he's appeared since being drafted in 2022.

Poles will want to make an incentive-laden offer that emphasizes Brisker's availability. However, he should look to keep good, young, home-grown contributors in Chicago, and Brisker is undoubtedly one of those.

Cincinnati Bengals: S Geno Stone

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

There's no arguing that edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson is the best free agent the Cincinnati Bengals have heading to market. After the two sides failed to work out a long-term deal in the offseason, though, it feels like a split is inevitable.

If Hendrickson is on the way out, the Bengals should make safety Geno Stone a top priority. The former Ravens standout has been a full-time starter since arriving in Cincinnati last year and will only turn 27 next April. Through Week 12, he had recorded 80 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown.

Cincinnati's defense is in need of a significant rebuild, but that doesn't mean the Bengals should let a talented contributor in his playing prime walk. Stone's positional versatility should allow him to find a role, even if the Bengals add multiple new pieces to their secondary.

Cleveland Browns: G Wyatt Teller

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Tight end David Njoku was the topic of trade chatter before the deadline, though Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that the Cleveland Browns were never really looking to deal him. There's a chance that Njoku remains in Cleveland's long-term plans, though the play of rookie Harold Fannin Jr. will make him more of a luxury.

Guard Wyatt Teller is not a luxury the Browns can afford to lose. He and Joel Bitonio are the two most dependable players on an offensive line that needs serious help at the tackle spot. Both are impending free agents, though Bitonio is 34 and may seriously consider retirement.

Teller is a couple of years younger than Bitonio and needs to be in Cleveland's 2026 plans. Keeping the three-time Pro Bowler away from free agency would help ensure that the Browns aren't completely rebuilding their line from scratch.

Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Wide receiver wasn't the Dallas Cowboys' biggest need when they acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. However, Pickens has blossomed in Dallas, becoming every bit as dangerous as No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb.

The Cowboys want to keep Pickens beyond this season, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, and they could use the franchise tag to do it.

If Dallas genuinely wants to keep Pickens, and not just use him for tag-and-trade capital, it should extend him now. The Cowboys hurt themselves by delaying new deals for Lamb, Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, and they need to finally learn from their mistakes.

Denver Broncos: DL John Franklin-Myers

AP Photo/Bart Young

The Denver Broncos are already working on locking up key contributors. They've recently given contract extensions to kicker Wil Lutz, center Luke Wattenberg and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach.

John Franklin-Myers has publicly supported\ his teammates' new deals, though he has yet to receive an extension of his own. That's a situation the Broncos need to remedy ASAP.

Franklin-Myers has been one of Denver's most underrated defensive contributors this season. The 29-year-old has already tallied 19 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures.

Detroit Lions: DT D.J. Reader

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

The Detroit Lions have done an excellent job of locking up their young centerpieces long before they even sniff free agency. Veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader, however, doesn't fall into that category.

The 31-year-old might be on the older side, but he's been an integral piece of Detroit's defense over the last two years. He's started every game this season and logged 23 tackles, three sacks and 10 quarterback pressures in 15 starts last season.

Reader has played a big role in Detroit fielding one of the league's top run defenses. Good interior defenders are always in high demand, and the Lions should make sure that Reader doesn't leave the building by extending him early.

Green Bay Packers: LB Quay Walker

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

The Green Bay Packers have a few young contributors slated to hit the market in 2026, including wide receiver Romeo Doubs and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. However, Green Bay might have the toughest time retaining linebacker Quay Walker if he reaches the open market.

Walker is a true do-it-all defender in Jeff Hafley's defense and is on pace for a career year. Entering Week 12, he had already amassed 84 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback pressures and four passes defended.

Set to turn just 26 next offseason, Walker figures to be one of the top off-ball linebackers available in 2026, if not the top linebacker. Green Bay probably stands to save a few million by extending Walker before he can hit the open market.

Houston Texans: DT Sheldon Rankins

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

The Houston Texans got off to a rocky start this season, but they've clawed their way back into the playoff picture thanks to the league's most disruptive defense. While edge-rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have rightfully gotten a lot of the credit up front, Sheldon Rankins has been a key contributor.

The 31-year-old has started all 11 games for Houston this season and has played 60 percent of the defensive snaps. He has recorded 22 tackles, four quarterback hits, a sack and a fumble recovery.

Rankins provides a steady presence on the interior between Anderson and Hunter. Houston let him leave in 2024 free agency before bringing him back for a second stint this season. The Texans should make sure he doesn't get away again.

Indianapolis Colts: OT Braden Smith

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Quarterback Daniel Jones hasn't played quite as efficiently in recent weeks as he did at the start of the season. The Indianapolis Colts might not be eager to sign Jones to a long-term extension as they were just a few weeks ago.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported in October that the Colts were already hoping to sign Jones to an extension after the season. Given Jones' career arc before coming to Indianapolis, waiting until after the season and using the franchise tag on Jones would be the more prudent course of action.

Extending right tackle Braden Smith before the end of the year, though, would make a ton of sense.

After missing time in both 2023 and 2024 due to injuries, Smith is again healthy and playing at a high level. The 29-year-old figures to be one of the top tackles in free agency if he gets there. The Colts must ensure that he doesn't.

Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Devin Lloyd

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

If Quay Walker isn't the top linebacker available in 2026 free agency, Devin Lloyd will be. The Jacksonville Jaguars standout is making the most out of a contract year and has been arguably the biggest difference-maker on Jacksonville's defense.

The 27-year-old has missed time with a calf injury but has put up very impressive numbers when healthy. In nine starts, he has amassed 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, four interceptions and one pick-six.

With a projected market value of $19.9 million annually, Lloyd is expected to have multiple suitors in the spring. If the Jags don't wish to engage in a bidding war, they should extend him before then.

Kansas City Chiefs: CB Jaylen Watson

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

To be fair, the Kansas City Chiefs may not be in a position to retain many of their own free agency next offseason. The team is currently projected to be $30.9 million over the salary cap.

The Chiefs are currently up against the cap as well, but if they create enough wiggle room to extend Jaylen Watson, they should. The 27-year-old has been a very dependable starter this season, allowing an opposing passer rating of only 74.6 in coverage through 12 weeks.

Watson, who has a projected market value of $11.1 million per year, will be one of the most coveted corners in free agency if he gets there—and if he does, the Chiefs won't be able to afford to get in on the bidding.

Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Malcolm Koonce

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

The Las Vegas Raiders have fielded one of the league's most disappointing rosters in 2025. Even with top-tier players like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers in the lineup, Las Vegas has struggled to put a quality team on the field.

Raiders fans might make the argument that letting every 2026 free agent walk and starting over is the best course of action. That probably isn't the wildest idea either.

However, edge-rusher Malcolm Koonce has the potential to be an integral long-term piece, albeit one a tier or two below the likes of Crosby and Bowers. The 27-year-old missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL but flashed with eight sacks and 17 quarterback hits the previous season.

Koonce is again healthy and has logged two sacks and four quarterback hits. Extending him would make a lot more sense than chasing edge help in the offseason.

Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Odafe Oweh

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Los Angeles Chargers acquired edge-rusher Odafe Oweh in an October trade with Baltimore. The 26-year-old wasted little time in establishing himself as one of Los Angeles' most disruptive defenders.

In only six games with the Chargers, Oweh has already logged four sacks, four tackles for loss and six quarterback hits. He's played less than half of the defensive snaps, but as a rotational edge-rusher, he's a perfect fit for Jesse Minter's defensive scheme.

Oweh's age and draft pedigree—he was a 2021 first-round pick—will earn him considerable attention on the open market. The Chargers have seen enough to extend him before he gets there.

Los Angeles Rams: S Kamren Curl

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

The Rams should extend quarterback Matthew Stafford before the offseason, even though he's technically not an impending free agent. $40 million of next year's compensation will become fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the new league year. Assuming Stafford wants to keep playing, Los Angeles will likely want to renegotiate his contract terms.

Of course, the Rams won't lose Stafford to the open market if they don't renegotiate. They do stand to lose starting safety Kamren Curl if he doesn't get a new deal—and he should.

Curl has started 27 games for L.A. since he was acquired in 2024 and has provided stability on the back end of the defense. He's already tallied 87 tackles and two interceptions this year while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 88.4 in coverage.

Still only 26 years old, Curl should continue to be a pivotal piece of the Rams' defense.

Miami Dolphins: CB Kader Kohou

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Miami Dolphins fans haven't seen cornerback Kader Kohou this season because of a partially torn ACL that he suffered over the summer. However, the Dolphins have seen enough from the 26-year-old to justify bringing him back in 2026.

Kohou appeared in 15 games last season and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 79.3 in coverage. He signed a one-year, $3.3 million deal as a restricted free agent to remain in Miami in the spring, and the Dolphins should offer him another contract soon.

Obviously, that hinges on Miami being Satisfied with Kohou's recovery. However, he is the sort of reliable young contributor who can serve as a cornerstone as the Dolphins likely navigate some significant offseason changes. Re-signing him on the open market might be difficult, though, as Miami is currently projected to be over the 2026 salary cap.

Minnesota Vikings: WR Jalen Nailor

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Wide receiver Jalen Nailor doesn't carry the high profile of Justin Jefferson or even Jordan Addison. However, he's been a quality contributor for the Minnesota Vikings and is on pace for a career year.

Keeping the 26-year-old in the fold would make a ton of sense as Minnesota looks to continue developing quarterback J.J. McCarthy—and if the Vikings are out on McCarthy by year's end, Nailor could help support whoever their 2026 starter might be.

The problem is that Minnesota is projected to be $24 million over the salary cap next season. If the Vikings want to keep their No. 3 receiver in the lineup beyond this season, their best bet is to extend him early.

New England Patriots: Edge K'Lavon Chaisson

Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini

The New England Patriots have become one of the NFL's hottest teams thanks to second-year quarterback Drake Maye. With Maye not even extension-eligible until 2027, now's the time for the Patriots to build around his rookie contract and chase Super Bowls.

While New England is busy compiling its 2026 shopping list, it should find time to give 26-year-old edge-rusher K'Lavon Chaisson an extension.

The 2020 first-round pick joined the Patriots on a one-year deal during the offseason and has built on the breakout year he had in Las Vegas last season. He's already recorded career-highs in sacks (6.5) and QB pressures (13) and appears poised to be a long-term contributor in the Patriots' defense.

New Orleans Saints: CB Alontae Taylor

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

At some point, Mickey Loomis' habit of kicking contract dollars down the road will catch up to the New Orleans Saints. Right now, New Orleans is projected to be $15.3 million over the 2026 salary cap.

While Loomis will inevitably figure out how to create some wiggle room before the start of the new league year, he'd be wise to extend cornerback Alontae Taylor now.

Taylor will only turn 27 next month, and he possesses the sort of inside-outside versatility that will make him attractive on the open market. And while some players might jump at the chance to leave New Orleans for a legitimate contender, Taylor has "kept lines of communication open" with the Saints regarding his contract status, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

New York Giants: WR Wan'Dale Robinson

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

It would seem that the New York Giants have found their quarterback of the future in rookie Jaxson Dart. Putting the necessary pieces around him should be a top priority for general manager Joe Schoen and whoever New York's next coach might be.

Wan'Dale Robinson is finally beginning to look like the sort of centerpiece player the Giants should keep. It's worth noting that he's gotten more opportunities in the wake of Malik Nabers' season-ending injury, but the fact that he's already set a career-high in receiving yards while averaging an impressive 12 yards per catch is equally noteworthy.

Still only 24 years old, Robinson can be New York's No. 2 receiver opposite Nabers for the long haul. The Giants must avoid competing with receiver-needy teams for his services in free agency.

New York Jets: RB Breece Hall

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The New York Jets traded big names like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the deadline but refused to move starting running back Breece Hall.

"I think I've said this a million times over and over that Breece was not a guy I wanted to get rid of," head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters after the deadline passed.

Since the Jets didn't cash in Hall when they had the chance, they should go ahead and extend the 24-year-old. While Hall isn't an elite back, he's an above-average dual-threat who can provide stability to the ground game and provide the quarterback with a security blanket.

Presumably, the Jets will have a new quarterback in 2026. Having Hall locked in before going QB shopping would make a ton of sense.

Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Jaelan Phillips

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins just before the trade deadline. The 26-year-old wasn't producing eye-popping numbers in Miami but was finally healthy after missing extended stretches in both 2023 and 2024 due to injuries.

Now in Philly, Phillips is proving to be a strong fit for Vic Fangio's defense. In three games, he has recorded a sack, 10 quarterback pressures, five quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

In short, Phillips is again playing up to his draft status as a 2021 first-round pick. Howie Roseman would be foolish for letting him test free agency after landing him for a third-round selection.

Pittsburgh Steelers: S Kyle Dugger

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will probably be the Pittsburgh Steelers' most important free agent next offseason. However, there's no guarantee that the soon-to-be 42-year-old wants to play beyond this season, so any thoughts of an early extension are probably moot.

However, the Steelers can and should offer a long-term deal to 29-year-old safety Kyle Dugger.

Pittsburgh acquired Dugger from New England in exchange for a late-round pick swap, and it has already seen impactful results. Dugger has started all four games in which he's appeared and has recorded 18 tackles, three passes defended and a pick-six while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 53.1 in coverage.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

This past offseason, the San Francisco 49ers opted to adjust the contract of receiver Jauan Jennings rather than give him an entirely new deal. Now, extending the 28-year-old would make a ton of sense.

Jennings battled injuries early in the season but has resumed being one of Brock Purdy's go-to targets. He's logged 19 receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns over his last four games.

Keeping Jennings should be an even bigger priority now than it was in the offseason. According to Dianna Russini and Michael Silver of The Athletic, the 49ers have voided the 2026 guarantees of Brandon Aiyuk and are preparing to split with the receiver after the season.

If Aiyuk is truly out, San Francisco should ensure that Jennings remains in.

Seattle Seahawks: WR Rashid Shaheed

AP Photo/Wade Payne

There was a fair bit of trade buzz surrounding Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen before the deadline. Woolen, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "doesn't fit what [head coach Mike Macdonald] wants to do."

Woolen, who has allowed an opposing passer rating of just 82.4 in coverage this season, would be a logical extension candidate if the Seahawks hadn't soured on him. Since it appears they have—Woolen has started just one of his last four games—wideout Rashid Shaheed gets the nod here.

Seattle acquired Shaheed from the Saints at the trade deadline in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round picks. While he only has three catches for 30 yards through three games, the Seahawks already know that the 27-year-old is a great fit for Klint Kubiak's offense.

The Seahawks' offensive coordinator held the same position for New Orleans last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jamel Dean

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Wide receiver Mike Evans might be out with a shoulder injury right now, but he's still the most notable member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who could hit the 2026 free agent market.

Of course, Evans is injured. He'll also turn 33 next offseason and may choose to call it a career. If he doesn't, it's hard to imagine him bolting Tampa for another team in free agency.

Cornerback Jame Dean, however, might do just that because of the money. The 29-year-old has been sensational this season, allowing an opposing passer rating of only 27.5 in coverage. His projected market value of $14.3 million annually might actually be quite a bit low.

If the Bucs want to retain Dean on anything close to a team-friendly deal—and they should—extending him before the offseason would be sensible.

Tennessee Titans: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Rookie quarterback Cam Ward hasn't played up to his status as the No. 1 overall pick just yet. However, a poor Tennessee Titans supporting cast has had a lot to do with that.

While Ward has been hampered by a bad offensive line and one of the league's more underwhelming receiving corps, he's had a reliable target in tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.

The 26-year-old leads the Titans in both receptions and receiving yards and has provided a quarterback rating of 90.6 when targeted. Tennessee did just use a fourth-round pick on Gunnar Helm, but there's room for both tight ends in the offense.

Next year's free-agent class is expected to be deep at tight end, which could keep Okonkwo's market price down. However, Tennessee should avoid taking chances and simply lock up one of Ward's favorite targets before the offseason.

Washington Commanders: WR Deebo Samuel

AP Photo/Bernat Armangue

This past offseason, the Washington Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel from the 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. While Washington's investment in the 29-year-old wasn't exactly substantial, it should look to keep him beyond this season.

Samuel has proven himself to be a great fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington. While he hasn't replicated the Pro Bowl numbers he had back in 2021, he's racked up 522 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns as a versatile receiver and runner.

Injuries prevented the Commanders' vision of attacking defenses with Samuel, Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and Jayden Daniels this season. Washington should extend Samuel early and look to run it back while hoping for better injury fortunes in 2026.

*Contract, cap and market value information from Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.