2026 NFL Free Agency Big Board: Ranking Top 50 Players Before Wild Card Weekend

The 2025 NFL regular season has ended, and 14 teams are now preparing for the postseason run. The rest of the league has already begun its offseason, which means reviewing the latest campaign, filling front-office vacancies and preparing for free agency and the 2026 draft.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department has spent the season tracking team needs, and it released an updated draft board ahead of the College Football Playoff. Here, we'll take an early look at this year's upcoming free agent class.

The legal tampering period is set to open on March 9.

Here, you'll find the top 50 impending free agents, ranked 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 our top 10 players.

Nos. 50-46

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Packers QB Malik Willis

50. Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers

Malik Willis has flashed as a spot-starting quarterback during his two years with the Green Bay Packers, and he's looked much more like the high-upside third-round prospect he was in 2022 than he was for two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old will likely get an opportunity to start somewhere in 2026.

49. Teair Tart, DT, Los Angeles Chargers

After spending a few seasons in and out of starting lineups, Teair Tart returned to being a full-time starter with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. A dependable interior defender who will turn 29 in February, Tart will draw interest as a starter.

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

26-year-old offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker would rank higher if he didn't carry injury concerns. However, Vera-Tucker had a significant injury history before this year and he missed all of 2025 with a triceps tear. That said, he's been a quality starting guard when healthy and has tackle experience.

47. Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio recently told reporters that he considered retirement last offseason and is unsure about his playing future. If he does want to continue his career, though, he should be a top target for contending teams. The 34-year-old has made seven Pro Bowls and has rarely missed time due to injury.

46. Bryan Cook, S, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook has been a full-time starter for the last three years and has shown the versatility to play multiple roles in the secondary. While the 2022 second-round pick isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber defender, he's a starting safety who just turned 26 in September.

Nos. 45-41

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Panthers C Cade Mays

45. Cade Mays, C, Carolina Panthers

Cade Mays entered the NFL as a 2022 sixth-round pick, and he spent most of his early career providing depth at guard and center. However, he emerged as a dependable starting center for the Carolina Panthers this season and should cash in with a starting-level contract in March.

44. Jaylinn Hawkins, S, New England Patriots

Jaylinn Hawkins established himself as an above-average starter with the New England Patriots over the past two years and was a full-time starter in 2025. He has flashed positional versatility in New England and won't turn 29 until August.

43. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

In a different offseason, Kenneth Walker III would probably garner more attention. He's been a quality starter for the Seattle Seahawks, recording three seasons of 1,100 scrimmage yards in four years. He's also just 25 years old. However, Walker has been at his best when used in tandem with Zach Charbonnet, and multiple starting-caliber backs are set to hit the market.

42. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

With the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers showed that he can still be a high-level game-manager with a playoff-caliber team. He played some of his best football of the past few years and could probably lead a playoff team in his age-42 season.

The question is whether Rodgers will look to play in 2026, as he recently told reporters, "hopefully that's a decision down the line."

41. David Edwards, G, Buffalo Bills

David Edwards, a 2019 fifth-round pick out of Wisconsin, began his career as a starting guard for the Los Angeles Rams. He reestablished himself as a strong starter over the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, playing over 95 percent of the offensive snaps in both 2024 and 2025.

Nos. 40-36

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Seahawks edge Boye Mafe

40. Andrew Wingard, S, Jacksonville Jaguars

Safety Andrew Wingard returned to being a full-time starter this season and has fared extremely well in the Jacksonville Jaguars' new-look defense. The 29-year-old can play both strong and free safety and hasn't allowed an opposing passer rating above 100.0 since 2021.

39. Boye Mafe, Edge, Seattle Seahawks

Boye Mafe fell into more of a rotational role this past season and finished with just two sacks and 17 quarterback pressures. However, he's still a 27-year-old edge-rusher with 20 sacks and 24 tackles for loss on his resume. Mafe's best season was a nine-sack campaign in 2023.

38. Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Isaiah Likely has often been forced to play second fiddle to fellow Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who received a contract extension in early December. However, the 2022 fourth-round pick is a quick, athletic pass-catcher who could shine as another team's top receiving tight end.

37. Odafe Oweh, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

Originally a 2021 first-round pick by the Ravens, Odafe Oweh revitalized his stock this season following an in-season trade to the Chargers. Explosive and long (6'5"251 lbs), the Penn State product has a Pro Bowl ceiling and just turned 27 in mid-December.

36. Coby Bryant, DB, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant has spent time as a nickel corner and at safety, and he's coming off a splendid season in Mike Macdonald's defense. The 26-year-old allowed an opposing passer rating of only 54.0 in coverage this past season, his first as a full-time free safety.

Nos. 35-31

AP Photo//Kyusung Gong

Rams S Kamren Curl

35. Kamren Curl, S, Los Angeles Rams

Kamren Curl was part of a safety rotation that played a big role in the Los Angeles Rams reaching the postseason in 2025. He logged 122 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 16 starts and will only turn 27 in March. Having already extended safety Quentin Lake, Los Angeles may lock up Curl before he actually reaches the market.

34. Deebo Samuel, WR, Washington Commanders

Though he'll turn 30 this month, Deebo Samuel remains a versatile and productive runner/receiver. He tallied 802 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in an injury-hampered Washington Commanders offense this past season, and he should interest creative offensive coordinators who are eager to use his skill set.

33. David Onyemata, DT, Atlanta Falcons

Having turned 33 in November, David Onyemata won't interest every franchise. However, the Atlanta Falcons standout is still a terrific interior defender and a capable full-time starter. He appeared in all 17 games this past season, has topped 45 tackles for the third straight season, and provided Atlanta with a bit of an interior pass rush.

32. Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cornerback Jamel Dean will turn 30 next October, but he continued to be a high-level starter when healthy in 2025. Injuries limited him to 14 games, but he played 75 percent of the defensive snaps in those games and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 61.8 in coverage.

31. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

Will linebacker Bobby Wagner choose to come back for his age-36 season? If he does, he'll have no trouble finding a home. The 10-time Pro Bowler remains a full-time starter and do-it-all defender who just became the third player in NFL history to log 2,000 career tackles.

Nos. 30-26

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Cowboys RB Javonte Williams

30. David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns

Browns tight end David Njoku is coming off a disappointing campaign that included just 293 receiving yards, 12 games, and a knee injury that ended his season prematurely. However, the 29-year-old remains one of the league's better pass-catching tight ends when healthy, topping 500 yards in three straight seasons prior to 2025.

29. Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Javonte Williams reestablished himself as a starting-caliber running back with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. The 25-year-old started 16 games and finished with 1,338 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. He would rank even higher if the 2026 free-agent class wasn't deep at the running back position.

28. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans missed a significant portion of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury. He'll turn 33 in August and may decide to call it a career now that his run of 1,000-yard campaigns has ended.

Of course, the 32-year-old is still a legitimate No. 1 target when healthy. If he decides to keep playing, he'll be one of the top receiver options in free agency.

27. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants

New York Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson took full advantage of Malik Naber's season-ending injury, finishing with the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career. Robinson is an undersized (5'8", 185 lbs) but explosive pass-catcher who can be a high-volume target in the right scheme.

26. DaQuan Jones, DT, Buffalo Bills

Good interior defenders are hard to find, and DaQuan Jones remains a terrific one when healthy. The Buffalo Bills standout dealt with a calf injury late in the regular season but still managed to record 22 tackles and three sacks. The 34-year-old should command a sizeable short-term contract in March.

Nos. 25-21

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts

25. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Breece Hall is another running back who would benefit from hitting the market in a different year. He's inconsistent as a ball-carrier, but he's a high-volume runner and receiver who has topped 1,300 scrimmage yards in three straight seasons. Hall will get starter money in free agency.

24. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts' value could vary wildly from team to team, depending on whether he's judged by his floor or his ceiling. A 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie in 2021, Pitts was merely an above-average tight end for the next four seasons before returning to Pro Bowl form late in 2025.

What's undeniable is Pitts' rare combination of size (6'5", 250 lbs) and playmaking ability.

23. Kaden Elliss, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Kaden Elliss might be an overlooked member of the Falcons' defense, but he's a starting-caliber inside linebacker who can cover, tackle, and rush the passer. The 30-year-old just had his third straight season with at least 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three passes defended.

22. Leo Chenal, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal is an intriguing defender. He's excelled in a starting role over the past two seasons but has never been an every-down player—he played a career-high 53 percent of the defensive snaps in 2025. Still only 25, Chenal should be heavily targeted by teams that believe he can be a full-time defender.

21. Wyatt Teller, G, Cleveland Browns

Browns guard Wyatt Teller finished his 2025 season on injured reserve (calf), marking the second-straight season he's been limited to 13 games. However, the three-time Pro Bowler is one of the league's top guards when healthy, and at 31, he should have several productive years still ahead of him.

Nos. 20-16

AP Photo/John Raoux

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr.

20. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

While teams will have their own opinions on who is the "best" running back in the 2026 free-agent class, it's hard not to like what Travis Etienne Jr. brings to the table. The 26-year-old has always been a productive runner and receiver; he just finished his third 1,000-yard rushing campaign in four seasons.

19. Reed Blankenship, S, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship had a down year in coverage in 2025, but he's still one of the top young safeties slated to hit the market in March. The 26-year-old has started at least 15 games in each of the past three seasons, and while he might not do any one thing at an elite level, he does a little bit of everything well.

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

While D.J. Reader will turn 32 in July, he remains one of the league's more reliable interior defenders. Despite playing through a back injury this past season, he started all 17 games for the Detroit Lions. He's started at least 14 games in each of the past three seasons.

17. Alontae Taylor, CB, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor has been a fairly reliable starter over the past three seasons, and he just finished one of his best pro campaigns. While the 27-year-old isn't an elite cover man, he's extremely role-versatile and should fit into multiple schemes.

Taylor logged two interceptions, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss this past season.

16. Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers

After dealing with injuries early in the season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings was back to being a go-to target by November. The 6'3", 212-pound possession specialist has delivered 83 first downs and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Nos. 15-11

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Chargers edge Khalil Mack

15. Nakobe Dean, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Injuries continue to be a significant concern for Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, who has missed time in each of the past three seasons. As a player, though, the 25-year-old has shown elite upside.

Dean amassed 55 tackles, four sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 10 games this past season. He may command a short-term "prove-it" deal, but his long-term upside is intriguing.

14. Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers

Though Quay Walker hasn't played a full 17-game season since he was a rookie, his injury concerns aren't quite as extensive as Dean's. A terrific all-around linebacker, the 25-year-old has recorded at least 100 tackles, two passes defended, and 1.5 sacks in all four of his seasons.

13. Khalil Mack, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

Age may limit the market of Chargers edge-defender Khalil Mack, who will turn 35 in February. However, the nine-time Pro Bowler is still a disruptive force. He logged 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback pressures in 12 games this past season.

12. Braden Smith, OT, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith ended his 2025 season on injured reserve with a concussion and neck injury. He's also missed at least four games in each of the last three years and will turn 30 in March.

However, Smith is one of the league's top right tackles when healthy, and this year's line market is alarmingly underwhelming overall.

11. Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen looked like a future perennial All-Pro when he logged six interceptions as a rookie in 2022. His ball production has fallen off since then, but he's still a 26-year-old starting-caliber corner who hasn't allowed an opposing QB rating above 80.0 in coverage in any of his four seasons.

10. Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Colts QB Daniel Jones

Contract Projection: Three Years, $134 Million

Aside from his one playoff campaign, quarterback Daniel Jones largely disappointed during his time with the Giants. However, he finally looked like a top-10 draft pick early this season with the Colts.

The 28-year-old showcased top-tier playmaking ability while operating with a combination of rhythm, touch and accuracy that was often absent in New York.

However, Jones reverted to some bad habits later in the year, including a lack of ball security. He had eight turnovers in his final five games—a stretch in which Indianapolis went 1-4. He then suffered a torn Achilles that could impact him early in 2026.

His free-agent stock isn't as high as it was a couple of months ago, but he's still likely to command a deal somewhere between the four-year, $160 million extension he once signed in New York and the three-year, $100.5 million deal Sam Darnold inked this past offseason.

Expect Jones to interest most QB-needy teams if he reaches the open market. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter recently told The Pat McAfee Show that he believes the Colts "are banking" on a Jones return.

Potential Suitors: Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo

Contract Projection: Four Years, $85 Million

Don't be surprised if Colts receiver Alec Pierce commands nearly as much attention on the open market as George Pickens this offseason.

While Pierce isn't a truly elite receiver—and won't get No. 1 receiver money, as a result—he's an explosive difference-maker with a great combination of size (6'3", 211 lbs) and speed. The 25-year-old just finished the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career and has led the NFL in yards per catch in back-to-back seasons.

Pierce averaged an impressive 21.3 yards per reception in 2025 and 22.3 yards per catch the previous season.

Teams looking for a big-play threat will be extremely high on the former second-round pick out of Cincinnati, whose next contract may surprise some folks.

Potential Suitors: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

8. Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson

Contract Projection: Three Years, $49 Million

Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson has long flown under the radar as a 2022 seventh-round pick. However, the 27-year-old is one of the best perimeter corners slated to hit the market.

With great length (6'2", 197 lbs), a physical play style, and terrific coverage skills, Watson leaves little to be desired. He started 15 games in 2025, allowing an opposing passer rating of only 79.0 in coverage.

If there's a knock on Watson, it's his injury history. He missed the majority of 2024 with a broken fibula and finished this past season on injured reserve with a groin injury.

However, Watson still possesses an alluring blend of youth, size, and proven production that should appeal to any team seeking a long-term starting corner.

Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers

7. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd

Contract Projection: Three Years, $51 Million

Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd never quite played up to his draft status before the 2025 season. However, the 2022 first-round pick certainly made the most of his contract year.

Despite missing time with a calf injury, Lloyd racked up 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven passes defended, 14 quarterback pressures, and five interceptions, while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 56.4 in coverage.

While the Utah product will turn 28 next September, he should have several good years in front of him.

Teams will have to determine how much of Lloyd's 2025 breakout campaign was the result of contract motivation. However, his floor of being a good all-around starter should land him a deal similar to the three-year, $51 million deal Zack Baun got this past offseason.

Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders

6. Rasheed Walker, OT, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Packers OT Rasheed Walker

Contract Projection: Four Years, $85 Million

The free-agent market is usually short on starting-caliber left tackles, which is precisely how Dan Moore Jr. landed a four-year, $84 million contract last offseason. Despite having less experience on the left side, Rasheed Walker should get a similar deal this offseason.

Walker first stepped into a starting role for Green Bay in 2023, replacing an injured David Bakhtiari. He's been a fairly reliable pass protector ever since, though he's often left something to be desired as a run blocker.

This past season, Walker was responsible for five sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. That's a far cry from the 12 sacks Moore allowed in 2024 before getting his payday from the Tennessee Titans.

Set to turn 26 in February, Walker should be the top target of any team seeking a long-term left tackle in free agency.

Potential Suitors: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns

5. John Franklin-Myers, DE, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers

Contract Projection: Three Years, $44 Million

John Franklin-Myers might not be the biggest name among defenders headed to market. However, the 29-year-old is a disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles.

A 2018 fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin, Franklin-Myers has spent time at both defensive tackle and defensive end, and he's shown an ability to rush the passer from either spot. While not a true edge-rusher, Franklin-Myers is a capable pressure man who has thrived in the Denver Broncos' defense over the past two seasons.

Over the last two years, Franklin-Myers has compiled 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss. That's impressive production, especially considering he's played alongside sack artists like Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Jonathon Cooper.

Expect Franklin-Myers to get a substantial raise with a new team in 2026.

Potential Suitors: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys

4. Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Eagles edge Jaelan Phillips

Contract Projection: Three Years, $80 Million

Few players boosted their stock over the second half of the season quite like Jaelan Phillips.

A 2021 first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Phillips tallied 22 sacks over his first two-and-a-half seasons before injuries became a significant issue. He was traded to Philadelphia at the 2025 deadline, and he quickly regained his early elite form.

Though Phillips only logged two sacks with the Eagles this past season, he recorded 17 quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He wasted no time adapting to Vic Fangio's defense and becoming a legitimate difference-maker for Philly.

Phillips' injury history will likely lead to an incentive-laden deal that gives his next employer some insurance against another stretch of missed time—he played just 12 games between 2023 and 2024. However, the 26-year-old will be the top edge-defender on a lot of boards.

Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers

3. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum

Contract Projection: Four Years, $73 Million

There's a good chance that Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum doesn't actually reach the open market. Baltimore declined his fifth-year option strictly because of salary implications—the franchise tag and the fifth-year option values are determined by offensive line salaries, not just center salaries.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported last August that the Ravens planned to extend Linderbaum.

If Linderbaum does reach free agency, though, he may be the most coveted lineman on the market. The 25-year-old was just named to his third Pro Bowl and has rarely missed time in his four seasons with the Ravens.

While Linderbaum may be a center-only lineman, he's durable, dependable, and just entering his playing prime.

Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns

2. Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Bengals edge Trey Hendrickson

Contract Projection: Three Years, $75 Million

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson didn't have the sort of contract year he might have hoped for. Cincinnati's defense was an overall disaster, and Hendrickson logged just four sacks and 12 quarterback pressures before suffering a core muscle injury that ended his season.

Having turned 31 in December, Hendrickson probably will not command the same money he might have gotten had he signed an extension over the summer.

Of course, a more reasonable contract makes Hendrickson much less of a risk than he might be on a market-level deal. He's still a four-time Pro Bowler who recorded 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. If healthy, he should provide double-digit sacks in 2026.

Expect Hendrickson to land a contract high on incentives and with a team option on the back end. He'll likely draw the most interest from teams that expect to contend over the next couple of seasons.

Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts

1. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File

Cowboys WR George Pickens

Contract Projection: Four Years, $124 Million

No one should be surprised if Cowboys receiver George Pickens never makes it to the open market. Dallas took a chance on him this past offseason, and the 24-year-old (25 in March) proved to be a legitimate No. 1-caliber receiver while operating next to No. 1 wideout CeeDee Lamb.

Pickens racked up an impressive 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns while earning his first career Pro Bowl nod.

Over the course of the 2025 season, Pickens showcased the ability to win in multiple ways. He can stretch the field with his speed, chew up yards after the catch, and win most contested-catch situations.

Pickens should be the top target of virtually all teams in need of a true top target, provided they have the cap flexibility to offer a top-10 receiver contract. Of course, Dallas is likely to ensure that Pickens never receives those offers.

"The Cowboys have made it clear that they want Pickens back," The Athletic's Jon Machota wrote on January 2.

Dallas will probably extend an offer well ahead of free agency and then use the franchise tag if Pickens doesn't accept. For now, though, his combination of youth, upside, and recent production makes him our top 2026 free agent heading into the playoffs.

Potential Suitors: Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans

*Contract information from Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.