2026 NFL Free Agents Predictions for Potential Offseason Targets amid Rumors

Week 18 means that 14 teams are about to start their second season and 18 can go back to the drawing board for 2026.

The first step in that process will obviously be making some critical decisions about free agency. Some teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs, will have to figure out how to dig themselves out of a cap space hole. Others, like the Las Vegas Raiders, will have to figure out who they are going after with their $121.2 million in cap space.

With one week left in the regular season the free agency rumor mill isn't operating at warp speed, but we are starting to get some buzz regarding names who could be on the market.

Let's take a look at the early rumblings and make a few predictions about big names who will be seeking a new contract.

Colts "Banking" on Daniel Jones?

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Colts QB Daniel Jones

The Colts took a one-year, $14 million flier on Daniel Jones this offseason. The veteran was brought in to compete with Anthony Richardson and potentially be a bridge.

Not only did he take the job from Richardson, but he ended up going 8-5 as the starter and posting a career-high 100.2 passer rating.

Unfortunately, Jones' impending free agency got a bit complicated when the 28-year-old suffered a torn Achilles that ended his season. Recently, Adam Schefter of ESPN offered a promising update on The Pat McAfee Show.

"I think the Colts are banking on Daniel Jones being back and I do think that they'll re-sign him... I think that he will ready for the start of the season," the NFL insider told McAfee.

Jones' free agent situation is reminiscent of Sam Darnold and the Vikings last season. Darnold came in on a one-year contract, posted career-high numbers and the Vikings had a tough decision.

The major difference is that the Colts have a much better feel for what Anthony Richardson can do compared to the Vikings and JJ McCarthy.

That should lead the Colts to feel a bit more impetus to keep Jones in the building on a long-term contract.

Prediction: Jones Re-Signs a four-year contract with Colts

Wan'Dale Robinson Expected to Cash In on Historic Season?

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Giants WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Wan'Dale Robinson made some history when he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the Giants this season. He became the shortest receiver (5'8") to hit the milestone in a season.

Robinson stepping up to have a career-year in a season where the Giants offense lost Malik Nabers for the season was huge. It gave Jaxson Dart a primary target to throw to as he developed in his rookie season.

But he just might have priced himself out of the Big Apple.

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported that one NFL scout told him that Robinson will, "command $15 million to $16 million." The scout also noted that it had to be more than the $12 million a year the Giants are paying Darius Slayton and could come in just short of the $18 million average that Christian Kirk got.

The price tag, the impending return of Malik Nabers and the money committed to Slayton ($16 million next season) could give the Giants pause.

It's also important to consider that they are on pace to have the No. 2 pick in the draft. The Giants could wind up trading down with a quarterback-needy team and wind up with Carnell Tate (eighth on the B/R big board) or Jordyn Tyson(11th).

Having one of those rookies with Malik Nabers on rookie contracts at the same time could let the Giants spend money on other needs to build out the roster.

The Commanders, Raiders and Titans all have needs at wide receiver and over $110 million in cap space. The market could be there for Robinson to have a surprisingly big contract.

Prediction: Robinson signs a multi-year deal with the Washington Commanders

Jets "Very Interested" in Retaining Breece Hall

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

Jets RB Breece Hall

There haven't been many bright spots for the New York Jets this season. However, Breece Hall eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in a season for the first time was one of the few.

Now the question becomes whether he'll be returning to New York next season.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets would like to bring back the 24-year-old back.

"From all indications, though, the Jets remain very interested in retaining Hall before he hits the open market as a free agent in March," Cimini wrote. The Jets beat writer also noted that Hall could "command as much as $12 million per year."

Assuming Aaron Glenn will lean in to his experiences with the Detroit Lions, the run game is going to be important to New York. That doesn't necessarily mean that Hall will want to continue with the Jets after four years of not winning. It also doesn't mean he would be worth that kind of investment.

The reality is that this year's free agent class has intriguing options who could sign for less or shorter contracts because of their age. Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne Jr. and Rico Dowdle all have expiring deals.

In other words, there are intriguing options for the Jets if Hall decides he's like to sign somewhere that is ready to contend right now.

Prediction: Hall signs multi-year deal with Chiefs