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Every NFL Teams' Most Important 2027 Free Agent Entering Week 1

Kristopher Knox
Sep 12, 2026

We're now two games into the 2026 NFL season, which means the march to Super Bowl LXI has officially begun. For the coaches and players hoping to chase a championship, the focus is firmly on the here and now.

However, team decision-makers already have one eye on the future and the 2027 offseason. This is why we saw a flurry of extensions—involving players like Baker Mayfield, Michael Wilson, and Jameis Winston—just before the start of Week 1.

Franchises rarely want to part with valuable long-term contributors, and we're sure to see several notable 2027 free agenct receive new contracts between now and the spring. Who are the likeliest candidates? That's what we're here to examine.

We'll examine each team's most important impending 2027 free agent based on factors like past production, player upside, projected role, and positional value. The caveat is that this is an early look at next year's free-agent class, and the players who are most important to each franchise could easily change in the coming months.

Arizona Cardinals: QB Jacoby Brissett

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Cardinals Raiders Football

This is one of those aforementioned situations that could change significantly over the course of the 2026 season.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett started 12 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2025 and posted a respectable 94.1 passer rating. He's entering Week 1 as the starter, and while he'll turn 34 in December, he would be a valuable bridge candidate if the Cardinals draft a quarterback early in 2027.

However, there's a non-zero chance that Arizona will pivot to third-round rookie Carson Beck at some point this season. If that happens, and the Cardinals are pleased with Beck's development, Arizona may search for a more budget-friendly understudy to fill the QB2 role.

Plus, Brissett may want the opportunity to start elsewhere, even in a bridge role.

Atlanta Falcons: S Jessie Bates III

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Rams Falcons Football

Safety Jessie Bates III will turn 30 in February, but he remains one of the most important pieces in the Atlanta Falcons defense. A second-team All-Pro in 2025, Bates started all 17 games and played a whopping 99 percent of the defensive snaps.

Bates finished this past season with 98 tackles, six passes defended, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one tackle for loss. He was arguably the key cog on the back end of Jeff Ulbrich's defense.

Retaining Bates should be a priority for the Falcons, as it appears that Ulbrich will oversee the defense for the foreseeable future. He was hired as the defensive coordinator last offseason, and he was given a three-year extension shortly after Kevin Stefanski was hired as the new head coach in January.

Baltimore Ravens: CB Marlon Humphrey

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Ravens Camp Football

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey will turn 31 next offseason and saw a dip in his level of play this past season. However, the Ravens are confident that he'll bounce back in 2026.

"[He] did not have a great year last year," general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters in early September. "I feel confident he is going to rebound and have a great year this year."

Humphrey's not-great year included 15 starts, four interceptions, and an opposing passer rating of 84.6. Those would be considered strong numbers for a lot of other cornerbacks around the league.

Of course, Humphrey was a first-team All-Pro two years ago. If he can come close to matching his 2024 performance, DeCosta should be eager to keep Humphrey in the fold on another contract.

Buffalo Bills: LB Dorian Williams

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Bills Football

The Buffalo Bills don't have an extensive list of impending 2027 free agents, as the franchise has a tendency to lock up key players early. However, Dorian Williams is one important contributor who could potentially get away in the spring.

A 2023 third-round pick out of Tulane, Williams hasn't been a full-time starter, but he's been a valuable role player, especially in three-linebacker formations. He appeared in 16 games last season and recorded 63 tackles and a fumble recovery while playing 47 percent of the defensive snaps.

In all, Williams has appeared in 50 games with 22 starts and has recorded 220 combined tackles. He'll only turn 26 next summer.

Carolina Panthers: CB Mike Jackson

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Panthers Jaguars Football

Mike Jackson might not be a household name, but the Carolina Panthers cornerback could be one of the best bargain free agents available in 2027 if he hits the open market.

While Jackson will turn 30 in January, he was a high-level starter for the Panthers in 2025. He appeared in all 17 games and played 99 percent of the defensive snaps. He logged four interceptions and a league-high 19 passes defended (tied), while allowing an opposing passer rating of only 75.0 in coverage.

Jaycee Horn might be the star of Carolina's secondary, but Jackson is the perfect complement to him in Ejiro Evero's defense. If he can replicate his 2025 performance, it'll be difficult to justify letting him walk.

Chicago Bears: CB Tyrique Stevenson

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Steelers Bears Football

Running back D'Andre Swift was a candidate here, as he's led the Chicago Bears' backfield rotation for the past two seasons. However, he signed a three-year extension on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson now becomes a clearer choice.

Stevenson has largely served as Chicago's No. 2 perimeter corner opposite standout Jaylon Johnson. He was limited to 13 games by a hip injury last season, but he made 10 starts and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 86.3 in coverage.

While Stevenson may be challenged by rookie Malik Muhammad at some point this season, the fourth-round pick out of Texas is likely to push for time in the slot initially. Stevenson is only 26 years old, and if he can stay healthy and hold down the perimeter job, he should earn a second contract in Chicago.

Cincinnati Bengals: CB D.J. Turner II

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Bengals Ravens Football

The Cincinnati Bengals finally decided to invest in their defense this offseason. Assuming their focus on defense wasn't a one-off occurrence, cornerbacks D.J. Turner II and Dax Hill should both be priorities in the 2027 offseason.

Running back Chase Brown is also set to be a free agent in the spring, though he should be easier to replace, given the rest of the offensive supporting cast.

Turner was the more efficient of the two defensive backs in 2025 and appears to be on the verge of establishing himself as a top-10 cover man. The 26-year-old appeared in all 17 games last season, recorded two interceptions, and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.6 in coverage.

Cleveland Browns: DL Maliek Collins

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Browns Patriots Football

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins has his 2025 campaign ended prematurely by a torn quad. However, while he opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list, he was activated in late August and could be ready for early-season action.

If Collins is healthy and can approach last season's form, he should be a top priority for the rebuilding Cleveland Browns. Quality defensive tackles are tough to find, and Collins has shown that he can be a disruptive force in Cleveland.

Collins started all 12 games in which he appeared last season, and he amassed 25 tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 QB pressures. He'll turn 32 in April, but he can be a centerpiece of the Browns' defensive-line rotation, alongside 2025 first-round pick Mason Graham.

Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens

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Eagles Cowboys Football

Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens made our preseason top-10 list of 2027 free agents for a reason. Though he'll need to prove that he can replicate last year's success, Pickens' first campaign in Dallas proved that he can be an elite offensive playmaker.

Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Pairing him with CeeDee Lamb was the catalyst behind an offense that might just be Super Bowl caliber in 2026. While the Cowboys were forced to keep Pickens via the franchise tag, franchise owner Jerry Jones sounds quite open to keeping him long-term.

"I'm excited what he has to do with us this year and in coming years, and I emphasize that, in coming years," Jones said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Pickens is still only 25 years old, and if he can prove that last year's campaign was no fluke, Dallas would be wise to lock him up early in the offseason.

Denver Broncos: CB Riley Moss

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Chargers Broncos Football

The Denver Broncos have three viable candidates for this list in receiver/returner Marvin Mims Jr., nickel back Ja'Quan McMilland, and cornerback Riley Moss. Heading into Week 1, though, Moss projects as the most valuable.

The 2023 third-round pick out of Iowa has developed into an above-average perimeter corner and a quality complement to star Patrick Surtain II. This past season, Moss started all 17 games, played 97 percent of the defensive snaps, and recorded 80 tackles to go with a league-high 19 passes defended (tied).

Moss allowed an opposing passer rating of 88.2 despite being regularly targeted as quarterbacks tried to avoid Surtain. The big question for Denver may be whether the team is willing to invest big money in both of its starting perimeter corners.

At only 26 years old, Moss should command a lucrative long-term deal on the open market.

Detroit Lions: S Brian Branch

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Lions Eagles Football

The Detroit Lions have been quick to lock up offensive playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs. That trend should continue with tight end Sam LaPorta, likely before 2027 free agency.

The unknown is whether Detroit will view LaPorta as a bigger priority than standout safety Brian Branch. Both are scheduled to be free agents in the spring, and Detroit would prefer to keep them.

"We still want to keep those guys around. Those plans haven't changed," GM Brad Holmes said, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.

LaPorta is the healthier of the two right now, as Branch is on the PUP list following last year's Achilles tear. If he returns quickly and returns to form, though, Branch will probably be the more difficult player for the Lions to replace. LaPorta has been great when healthy, but those other aforementioned weapons give Detroit plenty of offensive flexibility.

Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft

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Packers Kraft Football

Before suffering a torn ACL, tight end Tucker Kraft was establishing himself as the Green Bay Packers' go-to pass-catcher in 2025. He tallied 32 catches and 489 yards in his eight appearances, and he's on track to be an offensive focal point again in 2026.

It'll be a massive surprise if the Packers let the 25-year-old reach free agency. They might even have him signed before the start of the season.

"The Packers have a relatively strong offer out there to Tucker Kraft," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show.

The Packers clearly view Kraft as an important piece of the proverbial puzzle, and his contract should remain a priority until it's officially signed.

Houston Texans: DT Tommy Togiai

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Raiders Texans Football

The Houston Texans might make a run at Super Bowl LXI due to the strength of their defense. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai is a vastly underrated piece of that star-studded unit.

While Togiai doesn't have the name recognition of standouts like Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. or Derek Stingley Jr., he has become a very important rotational piece in Houston's defensive front. Last season, Togiai appeared in 15 games with six starts and played 51 percent of the defensive snaps. He recorded 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and four passes defended.

Set to turn 27 later this month, Togiai could be a quality contributor in Houston for years to come.

Indianapolis Colts: G Quenton Nelson

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Lions Colts Football

Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson turned 30 in March, but the eight-time Pro Bowler has shown no signs of approaching the proverbial cliff. He 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.

Nelson has been one of Indianapolis' most important players—and arguably its best overall—since he was taken sixth overall out of Notre Dame in 2018. He should be one of the Colts' top players again in 2026, and it would be a mild surprise if Indy even lets Nelson sniff the 2027 market.

The Colts are desperately hoping that Daniel Jones can rebound from last year's Achilles tear and prove that he's suited to be the franchise's long-term starting quarterback. Protecting Jones—and keeping Nelson—should be high on Indy's priority list.

Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Parker Washington

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Titans Jaguars Football

Re-signing Parker Washington could become less of a priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars if Travis Hunter really starts to develop as a receiver and/or if Brian Thomas Jr. finally returns to his standout rookie form. Right now, however, it's hard to see how the Jags could justify parting with Washington.

A 2023 sixth-round pick out of Penn State, Washington was a fine complementary receiver in his first two seasons before exploding in 2025. Last year, he appeared in 16 games, caught 58 passes, and led the team with 847 receiving yards.

If Washington remains one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets in 2026, retaining him for the long-term will be a must. Washington won't turn 25 until March.

Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice

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Chiefs Camp Football

We have to give an honorable mention to tight end Travis Kelce. The future Hall of Famer will turn 37 in October, but the Kansas City Chiefs are likely to welcome him onto the roster for as long as he wishes to play.

Kansas City won't be as committed to wide receiver Rashee Rice, who has much to prove in 2026. He missed most of the 2024 season with a torn LCL, and he missed six games last season due to suspension.

However, Rice has been the Chiefs' best wideout when he's been on the field. He's played just 28 career games in three seasons but has averaged 5.6 catches and 64.2 yards per game during that span.

If Rice can stay on the field and maintain that pace for a full 17-game campaign, Kansas City will be hard-pressed to let him reach the 2027 market.

Las Vegas Raiders: WR Tre Tucker

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49ers Raiders Football

This one could change, depending on the health of star Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who recently underwent a knee procedure. If Bowers battles injuries again this season, keeping fellow tight end and 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer could become a top priority.

Assuming Bowers returns quickly and stays healthy, however, Las Vegas may look to lock up one of its other pass-catchers first.

Tre Tucker was the Raiders' top wideout in 2025. He started all 17 games and finished with five touchdowns and a team-high 696 receiving yards. While those aren't overly impressive numbers, it's worth recognizing that Las Vegas' passing attack was a borderline disaster last season.

Things should be better under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and Tucker should again be the Raiders' No. 1 receiver. If he maintains that role, keeping the 25-year-old will be a must. At some point, the Raiders will pivot to quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and he'll need all the quality receivers he can get.

Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Tuli Tuipulotu

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Eagles Chargers Football

The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the NFL's top defenses in 2025, and the emergence of Tuli Tuipulotu was a big reason why. The USC product had been productive in his first two seasons, but he truly broke through as an elite playmaker last year.

Tuipulotu recorded 49 tackles, 13 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 32 quarterback pressures en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.

As a 2023 second-round pick, Tuipulotu's rookie contract didn't include a fifth-year option. However, it would be a major shock to see Los Angeles let him walk away next offseason. Having just turned 24 earlier this month, Tuipulotu is just entering his playing prime and has all the hallmarks of a future franchise centerpiece.

Los Angeles Rams: WR Puka Nacua

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Lions Rams Football

The Los Angeles Rams have, arguably, the most loaded roster in the entire NFL. Unsurprisingly, they also have several important players scheduled to hit the 2027 free-agent market.

With all due respect to Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Steve Avila, it's hard not to consider Puka Nacua priority No. 1. The BYU product tallied 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first three seasons, and he led the NFL in receptions last year. He also just turned 25 in May and should have a long and fruitful career ahead of him.

Receivers of Nacua's caliber aren't easy to find, and keeping one could be critical for Los Angeles' long-term outlook. At some point, they'll be forced to transition from Matthew Stafford to Ty Simpson at quarterback. Keeping Nacua should help ensure that the shift is a smooth one.

Miami Dolphins: OT Austin Jackson

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Falcons Dolphins Football

The Miami Dolphins are in the early stages of a rebuild and actively worked to turn over their roster during the offseason. They parted with the majority of their top players—though they did extend De'Von Achane—and they largely filled in their depth chart with unproven talent.

Following roster cuts, the Dolphins added a whopping seven players off of waivers.

While the process of turning over the roster may extend into the 2027 offseason, offensive tackle Austin Jackson is one key player who should be retained. The 2020 first-round pick was limited to 14 games over the past two seasons by toe and knee injuries but has been a solid starter when healthy.

Jackson has started 60 of the 62 games in which he has appeared and has settled in at right tackle. He'll need to prove he can stay healthy, of course, but he's still only 27 years old and can become a staple along the line.

Minnesota Vikings: QB Kyler Murray

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Vikings Giants Football

We're projecting a bit here because we don't yet know how Kyler Murray will perform as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback. However, he's Minnesota's top option right now, having unseated J.J. McCarthy early in training camp.

There are reasons to believe that Murray can recapture the Pro Bowl form he showcased early in his career, too. Kevin O'Connell is considered a QB-friendly head coach, and Minnesota boasts one of the top receiving corps in the league.

If Murray can take full advantage of pass-catchers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, he should fully reestablish himself as an above-average NFL starter. If he does, the 29-year-old will likely become the most coveted quarterback in 2027 free agency.

The Vikings saw a similar situation unfold with Sam Darnold two years ago before allowing him to walk last offseason. If Murray thrives, Minnesota shouldn't make the same mistake twice.

New England Patriots: OL Mike Onwenu

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Patriots Jets Football

The New England Patriots didn't win in their season opener, but their offensive line looked like a much better unit than it did in Super Bowl LX.

Mike Onwenu has been an integral part of New England's O-line pretty much since he entered the league as a 2020 sixth-round pick out of Michigan. He has appeared in 99 games with 91 starts and has started all 35 regular-season games since the start of the 2024 campaign.

Onwenu has settled in as the Patriots' right guard, but he has also spent time at left guard and offensive tackle over the years. He's a quality starter with a ton of positional flexibility, and he's still only 28 years old.

New Orleans Saints: DT Nathan Shepherd

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Jets Saints Football

The rebuilding New Orleans Saints are clearly focused on their future. However, if edge-defender Cameron Jordan wants to return for his age-38 season, he'll probably be back in 2027.

As productive as Jordan still is—he had 10.5 sacks last season—re-signing defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd might be the bigger priority. He's several years younger than Jordan (33 in October), and he plays a position at which it's notoriously difficult to find high-end starters.

Shepherd only started eight games last season, but he appeared in 16 contests and played 67 percent of the defensive snaps. He recorded 47 tackles, three sacks, and 14 quarterback pressures while being credited with just two missed tackles.

New York Giants: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux

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Giants Football

New York Giants edge-defender Kayvon Thibodeaux recently took the top spot on B/R's trade block big board, and there's a reason for that. The Giants have two other standout edge-rushers in Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, and they may eventually put rookie linebacker Arvell Reese on the edge.

If New York does view Reese as a future sack artist, it may also view Thibodeaux as expendable. If that's the case, the Giants would be wise to trade him while they can.

Letting Thibodeaux walk for nothing in free agency would be foolish, and if the Giants plan to keep Reese at linebacker, re-signing Thibodeaux should be a priority. His production was down last season, but he recorded 11.5 sacks and 35 QB pressures in 2023.

Thibodeaux is a former top-five pick and is still only 25 years old. He's absolutely worth retaining as part of a deep edge rotation.

New York Jets: QB Geno Smith

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Giants Jets Football

The New York Jets traded for quarterback Geno Smith early in the offseason, and they have high hopes for his ability to deliver some wins in 2026.

"I just feel like he's the guy that's going to lead us to the promised land," head coach Aaron Glenn said in March, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.

In all likelihood, Smith will lead the Jets to the 2027 draft, where they'll hold three first-round picks and will have the chance to chase their quarterback of the future. However, if the 35-year-old performs well during the regular season, retaining him and allowing him to play mentor to said quarterback-to-be-named would make a ton of sense.

Of course, this potential play could quickly unravel in 2026. There's no guarantee that Smith will play well after last year's disaster of a campaign with the Raiders. There's also no guarantee that he'll hold off rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, who could take over the bridge role if he performs admirably.

Philadelphia Eagles: DL Moro Ojomo

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Eagles Chargers Football

After extending both Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, the Philadelphia Eagles may not be able to afford keeping fellow defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. However, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio certainly hopes they can.

"I like him," Fangio said, per Johnny McGonigal of PennLive.com. "[GM] Howie [Roseman] needs to save some money for him, too."

Ideally, Roseman will find a way to keep Ojomo in the fold. While he isn't as recognized as Carter or Davis, the 2023 seventh-round pick has developed into a key cog in the defensive rotation. He appeared in all 34 games over the past two seasons, and he played 66 percent of the defensive snaps in 2025.

Last season, Ojomo also racked up 38 tackles, six sacks, and 21 quarterback pressures. Still only 25 years old, he'll draw a ton of interest if he reaches the open market.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Joey Porter Jr.

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Steelers Jets Football

The Pittsburgh Steelers may eventually reach a point where they're willing to move off of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. However, they would prefer to keep him and have made a contract offer ahead of Week 1—the Steelers traditionally have not negotiated after the start of the season.

The problem is that Porter is apparently dissatisfied with Pittsburgh's offer.

"It is not good enough for this one to be deemed close. But the Steelers are showing a willingness to engage," NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday (h/t Bleacher Report's Scott Polacek).

While Pittsburgh may not be eager to match Porter's price tag on the open market, keeping him would be ideal. The 26-year-old has been an above-average starter for the Steelers since becoming a full-time starter midway through his rookie season.

San Francisco 49ers: S Ji'Ayir Brown

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49ers Eagles Football

Narrowing down the most important free agent for the San Francisco 49ers was admittedly tricky.

Mac Jones might be the best backup quarterback in the league. After last season's performance as a spot-starter, though, he's likely to receive starting opportunities—and starter money—in free agency. Jake Brendel, meanwhile, is a very good starting center, though he'll turn 35 near the start of next season.

With those factors considered, safety Ji'Ayir Brown appears to be the right choice here. He's been a regular starter since his 2024 sophomore season, he's allowed a career opposing passer rating of only 87.1 in coverage, and he won't turn 27 until January.

A few of San Francisco's top stars are likely nearing the end of their careers, but Brown should be a fixture of the future.

Seattle Seahawks: Edge Uchenna Nwosu

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Super Bowl Football

The defending champion Seattle Seahawks were willing to let a few key contributors—including Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen, and Kenneth Walker III—leave in free agency this offseason. They shouldn't face as many tough decisions in 2027, though they could have a tricky one with linebacker and edge-defender Uchenna Nwosu.

Nwosu will turn 30 in December and hasn't been a full-time starter since his first season with the Seahawks in 2022. However, the 2018 second-round pick was a valuable rotational player during last year's championship run.

Last season, Nwosu played 56 percent of the defensive snaps and recorded 35 tackles, seven sacks, three passes defended, and 23 quarterback pressures. He also recorded a pick-six in Super Bowl LX.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge YaYa Diaby

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Buccaneers Dolphins Football

Though they did lose Mike Evans in free agency this year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have typically done an excellent job of keeping their key players away from the open market.

Now that Mayfield is under contract on a new three-year extension, Tampa should turn its attention to linebacker and edge-defender YaYa Diaby. While the Louisville product has never produced elite sack numbers, he's a very impactful defender who has recorded 64 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons.

Diaby has also started all 34 regular-season games over the past two seasons while playing more than 70 percent of the defensive snaps. Still only 27 years old, he should be considered a building block of the Bucs' defensive future.

Tennessee Titans: Edge Jermaine Johnson II

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Titans Camp Football

We have to project a bit here because edge-defender Jermaine Johnson II Jermaine Johnson II has yet to take a regular-season snap with the Tennessee Titans.

A 2022 first-round pick of the Jets, Johnson was acquired in a trade in March. He was a logical addition for the Titans, as he previously played under head coach Robert Saleh when Saleh was in New York.

Johnson has also flashed high-end potential when healthy. A torn Achilles erased most of his 2024 campaign and may have impacted his 2025 performance. In 2023, however, he was a Pro Bowler who logged 7.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures.

Still only 27 years old, Johnson can become a defensive centerpiece in Tennessee if he can come close to replicating his 2023 form.

Washington Commanders: DT Daron Payne

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Seahawks Commanders Football

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne entered the 2026 offseason as a logical trade candidate because of his hefty contract. Moving him now could still save Washington $17.4 million in cap space. With Payne on the roster entering Week 1, however, extending him might make a lot more sense.

Top-tier defensive tackles remain one of the rarest commodities in the modern NFL. While Payne isn't an elite interior defender, he's been an above-average starter throughout his eight-year career.

This past season, Payne tallied 46 tackles, three sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 15 starts. He's still only 29 years old and could be a defensive building block for the Commanders for several more seasons.

*Contract and cap information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.