Undrafted Free Agents 2026 Rumors and Predictions for Signed Players

The 2026 NFL draft wrapped on Saturday. However, the chance for teams to add rookie talent didn't end with the 257th selection. Prospects who weren't drafted immediately became eligible for free agency, and several good ones became available.

Many of them will go on to become solid NFL contributors, as players like Reed Blankenship, Jalen Coker, Charvarius Ward, and Ronnie Hickman have done.

This year's crop of undrafted free agents includes multiple players who easily could have had their names called over the weekend. Here, we'll dive into the latest buzz surrounding them and make a few predictions.

Draft Results

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

David Bailey, right, reacts with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New York Jets

Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has a knack for finding value in the draft. He may have added a great value after this year's draft, too.

Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson was the 101st-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final big board, and he's a player who absolutely has the tools and traits needed to start at the next level.

"Lawson is a highly athletic linebacker who combines movement skills with an ability to read the quarterback's eyes to make plays on the ball in the air and projects as a good coverage defender in the NFL," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Lawson is signing with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent (UDFA).

While Philadelphia has a deep and talented defense, Lawson should be able to stick as a rotational linebacker and core special teamer. He may need to add weight and gain experience to be a full-time defensive contributor, but expect Lawson to make the final 53.

Prediction: Lawson makes the Eagles' regular-season roster.

Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC

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Edge-rushers are always in demand in the NFL, and yet, USC's Anthony Lucas. While Lucas was only the 180th-ranked prospect on the B/R board, the former 4-star recruit has an alluring athletic ceiling.

"Lucas has intriguing physical traits, standing at 6'5", 267 pounds, with impressive quickness and movement skills," Holder wrote. "His frame and athleticism makes him an appealing developmental prospect among the class' edge-rushers."

According to the Trojans' social-media team, Lucas is signing with the Detroit Lions as a priority free agent.

For Lucas, it's a terrific situation. It may take time for the 21-year-old to develop and reach his physical potential. However, the Lions have a need for edge-rushing depth behind Aidan Hutchinson, even after drafting Michigan's Derrick Moore in the second round.

Lucas' athletic profile also matches what Detroit typically wants in its edge-defenders. Like Hutchinson and Moore, Lucas has the length and size to rush as a defensive end in an even front.

Prediction: Lucas sticks on Detroit's 53-man roster or practice squad.

Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

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Seeing tight end Michael Trigg go undrafted was one of the bigger surprises of Day 3. He was the third-ranked tight end on the B/R board, the 77th-ranked prospect overall, and a player who justifiably could have been selected on Day 2.

"Trigg is a matchup problem for defenses. The hybrid target already displays the nuance and route detail to immediately contribute in an NFL offense," Daniel Harms of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

It's almost as if teams forgot that Trigg was in the draft pool.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't forget about Trigg after the draft. They're signing the talented pass-catcher, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. According to Spotrac, his UDFA deal will include $200,000 in guarantees and a $25,000 signing bonus.

While Dallas has its starting tight end in Jake Ferguson, Trigg should have a strong chance to stick as a rotational player. Luke Schoonmaker has largely been a disappointment for the Cowboys, so there's room for a pass-catching complement behind Ferguson.

Prediction: Trigg makes Dallas' 53-man roster.