Ranking the Top 10 2027 NFL Free Agents Ahead of the 2026 Season-Opener

With the 2026 NFL regular season set to kick off on Wednesday, the 2027 offseason may feel like a distant event. After all, most teams are focused on chasing a championship, and Super Bowl LXI is still more than five months away.

You can bet, though, that teams looking to build long-term already have one eye on next year's free-agent class. Some very good players are set to be available when next year's market opens on March 11, and teams are already trying to decide who to target, who to lock up, and how pricey contracts may get.

Here, we'll take our own dive into the 2027 free-agent class and rank the top 10 players based on past production, player upside, age, positional value, and player health.

We'll also make contract projections based on recent signings, projected positional demand, and the rest of the upcoming free-agent landscape.

10. Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Terrance William

For Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, a lot will hinge on his ability to get and stay healthy in 2026. He'll begin the 2026 season on the physically unable to perform list while continuing to recover from a torn Achilles.

However, the Lions do believe that Branch and fellow safety Kerby Joseph (knee) will be available early in the year.

"They're both here, they're rehabbing, they're working hard, just can't offer a timeline but yeah, the hope is to have both of them back soon," GM Brad Holmes said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard.

If Branch is back to pre-injury form this season, the 24-year-old should earn a contract that approaches the top of the market—which Kyle Hamilton currently tops with an average salary of $25.1 million. In 43 career games, Branch has logged seven interceptions, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 80.4 in coverage.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $80 Million

9. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Though he hasn't quite cracked the ranks of the elite, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been in the top tier since entering the league as a 2023 second-round pick.

Porter has appeared in 47 games with 41 starts and has allowed an opposing passer rating of only 71.2 in coverage. This past season, the 26-year-old was graded 36th overall among qualifying corners by Pro Football Focus.

The Steelers and Porter appear to be in a contract standoff that could potentially lead to a trade or a holdout during the regular season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"Sources say the Steelers' lack of a formal offer for weeks sent the clear message to Porter that they would like him to play out the final year of his rookie contract," Fowler wrote.

Porter's next contract will probably come in a bit below the top of the market. If he doesn't sign until next offseason and has a career year in 2026, though, that could change.

Projected Contract Value: Three Years, $74 Million

8. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

Like Branch, Lions tight end Sam LaPorta carries some injury concerns heading into 2026. He suffered a season-ending back injury last year and dealt with a hip injury during training camp.

However, LaPorta has returned to practice and appears on track to start in Week 1. He and Branch both remain in Detroit's long-term plans, too.

"There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through. But in terms of us wanting those guys around? Absolutely," GM Brad Holmes said, per Richard Silva of The Detroit News. "Hopefully, we can get that done."

When healthy, LaPorta has been one of the league's best pass-catching tight ends, and he should be paid accordingly. The 25-year-old has recorded 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in 42 regular-season games.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $72 Million

7. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

With Jared Verse immediately becoming a star, Byron Young has largely been viewed as the Los Angeles Rams' other pass-rusher over the last couple of seasons. That's not going to change in 2026, as the Rams have replaced Verse with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

However, Young is a terrific edge player who can pressure quarterbacks, meet ball-carriers in the backfield, and maintain gap integrity on the perimeter. He led the Rams with 12.0 sacks in 2025 but has regularly flashed as an all-around player.

In three seasons, the 2023 third-round pick has recorded 205 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2025.

The one potential concern with Young is the fact that he entered the NFL as an older prospect and will turn 29 in March. He should have many good years in front of him, but he may garner shorter contract offers than some of his peers.

Projected Contract Value: Three Years, $90 Million

6. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

Top-tier edge-rushers always command a high market value, and Tuli Tuipulotu is on the cusp of proving that he is one of them. The 2023 second-round pick out of USC has steadily grown during his three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Following an 8.5-sack breakout campaign in 2024, Tuipulotu graduated to Pro Bowl status in 2025. He finished last year's campaign with 13 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 32 quarterback pressures.

Tuipulotu is unlikely to approach market leaders like Maxx Crosby, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett in terms of contract value. However, he could get a deal that comes closer to the top of the market than its mid-level.

Having just turned 24 on September 3, Tuipulotu is only now entering his playing prime. He could also hit the open market coming off of back-to-back double-digit-sack campaigns, which would make him very attractive in free agency.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $105 Million

5. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/David Becker

George Pickens is set to play a second season with the Dallas Cowboys on the franchise tag. If he's able to replicate last year's production, he'll likely move even further up the free-agent rankings.

Pickens shared targets with an elite receiver in CeeDee Lamb and still managed to rack up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. He's also still only 25 years old.

However, Pickens will need to show that he can consistently produce at a Pro Bowl level to earn a top-of-the-market deal. His production fluctuated during his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh was willing to trade him for third- and fifth-round picks last offseason.

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also questioned Pickens' ability to be a leader following the trade, which probably won't be forgotten by some team decision-makers.

If Pickens has another Pro Bowl season while continuing to repair his locker-room reputation, he should be able to match recent receiver deals—like Drake London's four-year, $141.1 million extension—on the open market.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $142 Million

4. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson has been going strong since he was drafted sixth overall in 2018. He's been named to the Pro Bowl in all eight of his seasons and has been a first-team All-Pro three times.

While Nelson has already put together a career that might earn him Hall of Fame consideration, he's still only 30, is playing at an extremely high level, and remains remarkably durable.

Nelson has started all 17 games in each of the past four seasons. In 2025, Pro Football Focus graded him 4th overall among all qualifying guards.

It's difficult to envision Nelson playing for a different franchise with several quality years likely to come. However, price could become a significant factor for the Colts. Nelson is likely seeking a contract that will top every non-tackle offensive line deal in the NFL.

Tyler Linderbaum currently leads the interior-lineman market with a $27 million annual value.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $109 Million

3. Kobie Turner, DT, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Aaron Donald is back and is ready to resume his role as the Rams' star defensive tackle. However, he won't be the only top-tier interior defender in Los Angeles' lineup this season.

Kobie Turner hasn't made fans forget about Donald over the last couple of years, but he's done a very admirable job of filling the future Hall of Famer's shoes. The 27-year-old has been extremely productive while also proving to be incredibly durable.

Turner has appeared in all 51 regular-season games since he was drafted and has recorded 167 tackles, 24 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 62 quarterback pressures. Pro Football Focus graded him sixth overall among defensive tackles in 2025.

Elite interior defenders are coveted in today's NFL, and Turner will have multiple interested suitors if he reaches free agency. He may not top Jalen Carter as the league's highest-paid defensive tackle, but his next contract should rival those of recently-extended DTs like Quinnen Williams and Jeffery Simmons.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $141.5 Million

2. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is betting on himself once again. The 2018 first overall pick wanted to sign an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the start of training camp. That didn't happen, and so the former Heisman winner will play out the final year of his deal.

"So, we'll just have to see how it plays out," GM Jason Licht said, per ESPN's Jenna Laine. "I'll never close the door on anything in the short term, but right now, he's focused on football."

If Mayfield has another Pro Bowl-caliber season for Tampa, the Bucs will likely retain him—either with a new contract or via the franchise tag. In three seasons with the franchise, the 31-year-old has made two Pro Bowls, delivered two division titles, and has passed for 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns.

Only Jared Goff has thrown more touchdown passes (101) over the last three seasons.

While Mayfield isn't quite an elite quarterback, he's the top signal-caller scheduled to be available in 2027. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t Laine), Mayfield wants a contract comparable to those of Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Brock Purdy. Barring a major step backward on the field, he should get it.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $215 Million

1. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Though he entered the league as a relatively unheralded fifth-round draft pick out of BYU, Puka Nacua has since established himself as one of the best offensive playmakers in the game.

The 25-year-old led the NFL in receptions last season with 129 and has racked up 4191 yards in just three seasons. Getting to play with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford has certainly helped Nacua's production, but he's still a top-tier wideout who is just entering his prime.

Nacua became extension-eligible this offseason and has certainly earned a second contract. Unlike some players, though, he hasn't considered holding out.

"It never crossed my mind that I don't want to be out there with those guys," Nacua said, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press.

It'll be a surprise if Los Angeles allows Nacua to reach the market, especially with a transition to quarterback Ty Simpson coming at some point in the next few years. Whether he re-signs with the Rams or becomes an unrestricted free agent, though, Nacua should become the new highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

Projected Contract Value: Four Years, $170 Million

*Contract information from Spotrac