NFL Free Agents 2026 Predictions for Top Players Expected to Hit Open Market

Only one week remains in the 2025 NFL regular season. In a matter of days, 14 teams will begin preparations for the postseason, while the rest of the league will officially turn its attention to the offseason.

And in the blink of an eye, the offseason will officially be here. The new league year—and 2026 free agency—will officially open on March 11.

Several notable players are scheduled to reach the open market in the spring. Here, you'll find some early predictions and any relevant recent buzz surrounding some of the biggest names.

Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo//Chris Szagola

There's a non-zero chance that Philadelphia Eagles pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips will be the top edge-rusher on the market this spring. Acquired from the Miami Dolphins at the trade deadline, Phillips reunited with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and immediately shined.

A brief injury scare during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills has been about the only low point for Phillips since he landed in Philadelphia.

The 26-year-old has logged two sacks, four tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback pressures in eight games with the Eagles this season. His combination of age, production, and draft pedigree—he was the 18th overall pick in 2021—could make him more attractive to certain teams than bigger names like Khalil Mack and Trey Hendrickson.

With $22.2 million in projected cap space, the Eagles may not seriously consider using the franchise tag on Phillips—the 2025 tag value for linebackers was $25.5 million. However, Philly should make an aggressive push to re-sign the Miami product on a multi-year deal before or during free agency.

"He is just 26 and plays a premium position, making him precisely the type of player Philadelphia's front office would commit to long term," ESPN's Tim McManus wrote.

Prediction: Phillips signs a three-year, $80 million extension with Philadelphia

Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Hendrickson will undoubtedly be one of the biggest names on the open market, assuming he gets there. The 2024 sacks leader has had a forgettable season with the Cincinnati Bengals and recently decided to undergo surgery for a core muscle injury.

According to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr., Hendrickson is expected to be healthy by the start of free agency.

While Hendrickson's injury may not concern prospective employers, his age could limit his market to a degree. The four-time Pro Bowler turned 31 in December.

It feels unlikely that Hendrickson will return to Cincinnati after this past offseason's public standoff. The Bengals refused to honor his trade request and revised his contract instead of giving him a new deal.

If Hendrickson does hit the open market, the Indianapolis Colts would provide him with a very logical landing spot. Indy will be hoping to reenter the playoff picture after this season's collapse. The Colts could also use an edge-rusher of Hendrickson's caliber after notching a good-not-great 39 sacks through 16 games.

Indianapolis also happens to employ former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the same position. Assuming Anarumo is back next season—he's generated some head-coaching buzz this year—reuniting him with Hendrickson would make a ton of sense.

Prediction: Hendrickson signs a three-year, $78 million deal with the Colts

Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

It's been a disappointing season for the Kansas City Chiefs, to say the least. They lost Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending ACL tear, were eliminated from the playoffs in Week 15, and they now enter an offseason of uncertainty.

With a $39.7 million projected cap deficit, the Chiefs may not be able to bring back top free agents like 27-year-old cornerback Jaylen Watson.

Watson has dealt with injuries over the past two years. He suffered a broken fibula in 2024 and was recently placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. However, the 2022 seventh-round pick has been a dependable starter when healthy.

In 15 starts this season, Watson allowed an opposing passer rating of only 79.0 in coverage.

Watson should draw strong interest on the open market, even if he isn't the most notable cornerback available—Riq Woolen, Greg Newsome II, and Alontae Taylor are arguably bigger names. Don't be surprised if the Tennessee Titans make a strong push to land him.

The Titans need an influx of talent and are projected to have the third-most cap space in the league in 2026. They could also use corner help to bolster a defense ranked 29th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.

Tennessee also employs general manager Mike Borgonzi, who joined the Titans after 16 seasons with Kansas City.

Prediction: Watson signs a three-year, $40 million deal with the Titans

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

There may not be an impending free agent who improved his stock more this season than Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens—though Daniel Jones is certainly a strong candidate.

After flashing potential but lacking consistency with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens made his way to Dallas via an offseason trade. He quickly established himself as a No. 1-caliber receiver opposite star CeeDee Lamb. Through 17 weeks, the 24-year-old has racked up 1,420 yards and nine touchdowns on 92 receptions.

With a projected $36.8 million cap deficit, though, it's fair to wonder how or if the Cowboys can afford to keep Pickens. Of course, it seems highly unlikely that they'll let him get away.

"He ain't leaving," one Cowboys source said, per ESPN's Todd Archer and Jeremy Fowler.

Dallas may not be eager to give Pickens the sort of long-term deal he'd likely command on the open market. It already has a ton of cap tied to Lamb and Quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys were also willing to trade Micah Parsons because of the cost of adding a third massive salary to the mix.

Pickens would likely command north of $30 million annually as a free agent. The prediction here, though, is that he won't get that opportunity until 2027 at the earliest.

Prediction: Dallas uses the franchise tag on Pickens.

*Cap information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.