Who are the best NFL players unsigned ahead of the 2026 season?
Before current teams start re-signing, extending and franchise-tagging priority personnel, there are plenty of top free agents available for other teams to consider when upgrading rosters.
With NFL free agency kicking off when the new league begins on March 11, here's looking at the best unrestricted free agents, overall and by position.
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NFL free agency 2026: Ranking the top 100 players
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1. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Bengals (age: 31)
Hendrickson battled through an injury-riddled season, limiting him to 4 sacks. But when healthy, he was the same level of pass rusher that produced 17.5 sacks in the previous two seasons.
2. George Pickens, WR, Cowboys (age: 24)
Pickens had a massive breakout season in coming over from the Steelers with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 TDs. He will try for a mega payday after proving he can be more like an outside No. 1 than just speedy deep threat.
3. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens (age: 25)
Linderbaum's natural strong and athletic run blocking is his calling card, and he also has become a savvy line-leader and snapper as he keeps growing his game all-around.
4. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars (age: 27)
Lloyd is living up to his billing as a speedy do-everything linebacker with few weaknesses in his game with incredible all-around range.
5. Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Eagles (age: 26)
Phillips was impactful coming over from the Dolphins before the trade deadline. He is a reliable pass-rusher with some big upside.
6. Breece Hall, RB, Jets (age: 24)
Hall produced his best healthy season, despite everything crumbling around him in the Jets' offense as the centerpiece with his running burst and receiving pop.
7. Alec Pierce, WR, Colts (age: 25)
Pierce is a speedy field-stretcher who keeps developing better as an intermediate route-runner with a chance for a bigger breakout soon as a No. 1.
8. Devin Bush, LB, Browns (age: 27)
Bush, the former Steeler, has blossomed into a very active playmaker and key coverage ace at the position.
9. Jaylen Watson, CB, Chiefs (age: 27)
Watson is a solid big cover corner who also uses his size (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) well in a tackling capacity.
10. Rasheed Walker, OT, Packers (age: 25)
Walker is rare top-level pass-protector set to enter the open market, so the Packers should do everything they can to lock him in for the left side long-term.
11. Odafe Oweh, EDGE, Chargers (age: 27)
Oweh was another nice pass rusher who swapped teams at the trade deadline. The former Raven tapped more into his potential with 7.5 sacks.
12. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks (age: 27)
Walker was in a committee with Zach Charbonnet that worked well, but he proved he could still handle a big workload with explosiveness to reel off chunk runs. And he's solid when it comes to pass-blocking and catching when needed.
13. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers (age: 32)
Evans saw his 1,000-yard streak end in a tough injury-plagued season with age starting become a factor. But he still can deliver his usual combination of field-stretching and red zone prowess, likely continuing on in Tampa Bay.
14. Leo Chenal, LB, Chiefs (age: 25)
Chenal is capable of starring in a bigger role for another team because he has unique upfield skills as a pass rusher and also covers plenty of lateral ground.
15. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers (age: 42)
Rodgers had a bit of a rejuvenation in Pittsburgh, working in a challenging schematic and personnel offense, and Mike McCarthy taking over should almost ensure he comes back.
16. Alontae Taylor, CB, Saints (age: 27)
Taylor (6-foot, 199 pounds) is a good big matchup corner who makes a lot of plays on the ball and uses all of his savvy in coverage.
17. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars (age: 26)
Etienne is another top elusive and explosive back unsigned for next season, and the Jaguars also finally tapped more into his special receiving skills in Liam Coen's offense.
18. Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers (age: 26)
Jennings is a smooth route-runner with good hands who just knows how to get open against tough coverage, both in the slot and outside.
19. Jamel Dean, CB, Buccaneers (age: 29)
Dean is a tough corner who has developed into a relentless battler in coverage with shutdown flashes.
20. Malik Willis, QB, Packers (age: 26)
Willis, the former Titans draft pick, has evolved well in the Packers' system under Matt LaFleur, developing into a strong downfield passer on top of being a plus athlete.
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21. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons (age: 25)
Pitts fell short of his first 1,000-yard season since his rookie year, but he had a great resurgence as a go-to receiver with 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 TDs. He should be a priority re-signing for Kevin Stefanski's offense.
22. David Edwards, G, Bills (age: 28)
For a run-heavy team, Edwards stood out plenty, and he also was key in keeping inside pass rushers out of Josh Allen's face.
23. Nakobe Dean, LB, Eagles (age: 25)
Dean has pretty good all-around range when he can stay on the field, but his signature is rare pass-rushing ability when blitzing.
24. Daniel Jones, QB, Colts (age: 28)
Jones was an efficient passer, staying more within the pocket in his true late-blooming breakout season in Shane Steichen's system. He showed off a good deep ball and settled in well playing off the run. The question is whether he can heal fast enough from his torn Achilles' to be their best QB option in 2026, too.
25. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Seahawks (age: 27)
Mafe has worked hard to become an effective all-around end where his run-stopping is as strong as his budding pass rush.
26. D.J. Reader, DT, Lions (age: 31)
Reader is getting up there in age, but he remains a reliable plug-and-play starter in any scheme with his inside run stopping and occasional pressure juice.
27. Javonte Williams, RB, Cowboys (age: 25)
Williams, further removed from the knee injuries that limited him in Denver, broke out for Dallas as a workhorse, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs. There's a good chance he stays put after a bargain boom.
28. Riq Woolen, CB, Seahawks (age: 26)
Woolen can be a bit inconsistent in coverage but he still stands out for uncanny on-the-ball impact and a high volume of big plays.
29. Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens (age: 25)
Likely had some big expectations taking over from Mark Andrews as their top receiving threat at the position, but that got derailed with his season marred by an early foot injury. His special receiving qualities should get him a good look elsewhere.
30. Rashid Shaheed, WR/KR, Seahawks (age: 27)
Shaheed was a nice midseason pickup for Seattle with some field-stretching contributions, and the former Saints speedster also provided an extra special-teams spark for their Super Bowl run.
31. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Giants (age: 25)
Robinson was a key short-area target in the slot for Jaxson Dart and can do the same for another QB after posting 92 catches for 1,014 yards and 4 TDs.
32. Connor McGovern, C, Bills (age: 28)
McGovern is a strong starter who can play anywhere inside with his combination of power and athleticism.
33. Calais Campbell, DT, Cardinals (age: 39)
The ageless future Hall of Famer still is an imposing impactful force in the pass rush at 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds.
34. Isaac Seumalo, G, Steelers (age: 32)
The former Eagle transitioned well to Pittsburgh with smooth blocking both in the running and passing games.
35. Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons (age: 25)
Allgeier remained a strong complementary power runner to Bijan Robinson and should get plenty of interest in that capacity elsewhere.
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36. Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Patriots (age: 28)
Hawkins is a rising start with his ace run-stopping at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds and also has learned to become more of a prolific playmaker in coverage.
37. Khalil Mack, EDGE, Chargers (age: 34)
If Mack doesn't retire, he can still bring consistent heat on QBs, much like Campbell, with his steady pass-rush remaining his Hall-of-Fame career signature.
38. Joel Bitonio, G, Browns (age: 34)
Bitonio has remained a nimble inside pass protector as his edge, relying more on his smarts with some diminished athleticism.
39. Kamren Curl, S, Rams (age: 26)
Curl, the former Commanders standout, has remained a force in coverage with a good nose to make big plays on the ball.
40. Kevin Byard III, S, Bears (age: 32)
Byard had a career renaissance in Chicago, leading the league in interceptions (7) for a second time in his illustrious ballhawking career that started with the Titans. Given the Bears' other secondary free-agent issues, keeping Byard's leadership and playmaking will be key.
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41. Joey Bosa, EDGE, Bills (age: 30)
Bosa has become more of a pure pass-rush pop player later in his career with health being a lot more on his side.
42. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders (age: 35)
Wagner is another age-defying future Hall of Famer in the Campbell and Mack vein. He remains incredibly durable to handle every responsibility, still dominant against the run and capable of covering plenty vs. The pass.
43. Coby Bryant, S, Seahawks (age: 26)
Bryant is a young secret star safety against the run, a big part of why the Seahawks can have Nick Emmanwori roam in inside coverage. He has elite potential in coverage, too.
44. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers (age: 26)
Gainwell is a unique talent with his combination of toughness and elusiveness and is a high-level change of pace with top receiving skills.
45. David Njoku, TE, Browns (age: 29)
Njoku likely won't be back in Cleveland with a new coach and being displaced as the top receiver from the position by Harold Fannin Jr., but his blocking and experience will give him a good spot on another team.
46. Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers (age: 27)
Dowdle is well-rounded back with some tough running qualities and some burst to take over games vs. Weaker defenses.
47. Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers (age: 25)
Doubs is just a few notches below Jennings with his reliability as a tough route runner through the red zone.
48. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Falcons (age: 27)
Although he had modest production, Ebiketie showed more of the pass-rush flash that was expected of him. He has a chance for his big breakout on another defense.
49. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs (age: 36)
Will Kelce retire? That's the big question as he gets ready for his big off-field offseason. Despite slowing down at his age, he is a savvy pass-catcher, and it would be shocking if he wanted to play for another team should he come back for one more year.
50. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, 49ers (age: 26)
Robinson landed in a good spot backing up Christian McCaffrey with some strong running and good finishing burst. He would fit well again seeing a bigger committee role.
51. Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles (age: 31)
Goedert went from a down-the-seam field-stretcher to a needed short-area target to help out a slumping passing offense, turning his 64 catches into 624 yards and a major spike to a career-high 12 touchdowns. His age will limit his market a little.
52. Bryan Cook, S, Chiefs (age: 26)
Cook is a smooth run-stopping safety who like many in his free-agent class have intriguing all-around upside vs. The pass.
53. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Broncos (age: 27)
Dobbins has proven to be an effective and efficient power runner when healthy with some good burst after contact but the big knock on him is the consistent lacking durability.
54. Deebo Samuel, WR, Commanders (age: 29)
Samuel has slowed down as an explosive threat after the catch but can still be valuable getting open on routes in intermediate areas in traffic.
55. Cameron Jordan, EDGE, Saints (age: 36)
Jordan's Hall of Fame-worthy versatility and pass rush is fading, but he remains relentless going after the QB and uses his size well against the run.
56. Reed Blankenship, S, Eagles (age: 26)
Blankenship tends to have high highs and low lows in coverage, but his steady play against the run the past two seasons should get him some interest in a deep safety free-agent pool
57. Quay Walker, LB, Packers (age: 25)
Walker is an active linebacker who does a little bit of everything well and has some room to grow further in every apsect.
58. Jaquan Brisker, S, Bears (age: 26)
Brisker was surprisingly a little off with his coverage and run support in 2025, taking a back seat to the playmaking of Byard. But the talent is great and can be revved up for more great coverage impact.
59. John Franklin-Myers, DT, Broncos (age: 29)
Franklin-Meyers keeps finding a lot of NFL defensive homes because of his savvy interior pass-rush skills.
60. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Cowboys (age: 32)
Clowney has gone from top draft pick to a valuable mercenary pass rusher whose best asset remains how much he can dominate vs. The run.
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61. Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers (age: 27)
White was drafted as a pass-catching back and was good in that capacity for Tom Brady, but now he's become a better power runner to complement Bucky Irving. He has feature-back potential outside of Tampa, maybe as this year's Javonte Williams.
62. Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals (age: 40)
Flacco may retire and go back to his busy life with family but he showed the Bengals early that he has the big arm and gunslinging mentality to give teams a chance as an experienced pocket passer.
63. Demario Davis, LB, Saints (age: 36)
Davis is much like Wagner, still getting it done as a run-stopping force and providing plenty of leadership and valuable coverage skills, too.
64. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, Jets (age: 26)
Vera-Tucker is coming off a season totally wiped out by injury, just as he was turning into the run blocker to live up to his first-round pedigree.
65. Najee Harris, RB, Chargers (age: 27)
Harris was supposed to be a good power complement to rookie Omarion Hampton, but he didn't stay on the field long before tearing his Achilles'. Assuming he recovers well, he can maintain that value for another team.
66. Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Giants (age: 31)
Eluemenor has kind of developed into a plug-and-play reliable pass protector despite not offering too much pop in the running game.
67. Kevin Zeitler, G, Titans (age: 35)
Here's another plug-and-play starting offensive lineman with Zeitler continuing to show his athleticism and savvy as a run blocker.
68. Rob Havenstein, OT, Rams (age: 33)
Havenstein has started his fade with age and injury attrition, but he has a little left to start on the right side with the Rams ready to get younger.
69. David Onyemata, DT, Falcons (age: 33)
Onyemata will have some unique cheap appeal because of his relentless inside pass rush.
70. Braden Smith, OT, Colts (age: 29)
Smith will get his looks as another sturdy and experienced right tackle in the Havenstein vein.
71. Nahshon Wright, CB, Bears (age: 27)
Wright has great size (6-foot-4, 199 pounds) to make a lot of plays on the ball, and the Pro Bowler can become consistent after a flashy five-interception season.
72. Alex Anzalone, LB, Lions (age: 31)
Anzalone is a savvy relentless playmaker, cleaning up well against the run and staying active to finish on short-area pass-catches. He can also lead any style of defensive group well on the field.
73. Braxton Jones, OT, Bears (age: 26)
Jones is a well-rounded tackle who should find another good home as a starter with the Bears moving on with other options.
74. DaQuan Jones, DT, Bills (age: 35)
Jones has proven at his age that he remains a valuable inside-pass rusher and leader in a line rotation.
75. Alohi Gilman, S, Ravens (age: 28)
The former Charger was very effective doing a lot things well to help the Ravens' transitional secondary.
76. Marcus Mariota, QB, Commanders (age: 32)
Mariota has become a plus-backup with his athleticism and arm accuracy and might get more looks as a bridge starter in 2026.
77. Kaden Elliss, LB, Falcons (age: 30)
Elliss doesn't offer traditional second-level skills but has a nose for blitzing and coverage.
78. Jabrill Peppers, S, Steelers (age: 30)
The very versatile veteran now uses his experience and agility to handle himself well vs. Run and pass.
79. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Seahawks (age: 29)
Jones has bounced around but he has found a good home in Seattle as an ace interior pass rusher who can also disrupt run plays in the backfield.
80. Joshua Williams, CB, Chiefs (age: 26)
Williams is an intriguing backup cover corner who can tap into more of the flashes he showed early in his career.
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81. Dylan Parham, G, Raiders (age: 26)
Parham is a solid, although unspectacular, run-blocking starter.
82. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Bears (age: 28)
Gardner-Johnson is a roller-coaster of a playmaker vs. Pass and run but now is a lower-risk, high-reward flyer.
83. Christian Kirk, WR, Texans (age: 29)
Kirk has had his share of injury issues through his time with Arizona, Jacksonville and Houston, but he can be a good experienced slot for a fourth team.
84. Mike Hilton, CB, Colts (age: 31)
Hilton is the Kirk of defense as a slot cover corner who can get the job done in suitable schemes and also is a good safety-like asset vs. The run.
85. Greg Van Roten, G, Giants (age: 35)
Van Roten is a solid blocker with lot of experience and can start or back up anywhere inside.
86. Andre Cisco, S, Jets (age: 25)
When healthy, Cisco can provide as a solid starter for many teams.
87. Rasul Douglas, CB, Dolphins (age: 31)
Douglas has been become a solid mercenary cover corner who makes a lot of plays in the right systems.
88. Russell Wilson, QB, Giants (age: 37)
Wilson is down to being a straight-up backup with his still-strong arm, despite his athletic regression.
89. Jalen Thompson, S, Cardinals (age: 27)
Thompson is a very experienced run-stopping safety who is developing some more reliable coverage skills of late.
90. Cade Mays, C, Panthers (age: 26)
Mays was a solid run blocker finding his right starting position.
91. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans (age: 26)
The athletic young receiver has some upside and is expendable because of Gunnar Helm.
92. K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, Patriots (age: 26)
Chaisson has gone from Jaguars bust first-rounder to a valuable rotational pass rusher.
93. Dalton Risner, G, Bengals (age: 30)
The converted tackle is best known for his athleticism in inside pass protection.
94. Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Steelers (age: 26)
Samuel is a well-rounded cover corner who can either start or be a valuable reserve in outside coverage.
95. Justin Strnad, LB, Broncos (age: 29)
Strnad is best known for his versatile upfield skills vs. The run and on the pass rush.
96. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Ravens (age: 30)
Awuzie is a savvy solid cover corner who would fit best opposite a young ballhawk.
97. Germaine Pratt, LB, Colts (age: 29)
Pratt keeps on contributing well as an active playmaker, fitting well with Lou Anarumo on the Bengals and Colts.
98. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Colts (age: 27)
Paye can offer teams a durable rotational pass-rusher with upside.
99. Ed Ingram, G, Texans (age: 26)
Ingram was OK run blocking and can be a good backup for many teams.
100. Donovan Wilson, S, Cowboys (age: 30)
Wilson can offer teams an experienced coverage playmaker at the position.
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2025 NFL free agents: Top players by position
Quarterbacks
- Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
- Malik Willis, Packers
- Daniel Jones, Colts
- Joe Flacco, Bengals
- Marcus Mariota, Commanders
- Russell Wilson, Giants
Running backs
- Breece Hall, Jets
- Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks
- Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars
- Javonte Williams, Cowboys
- Tyler Allgeier, Falcons
- Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
- Rico Dowdle, Panthers
- Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers
- JK Dobbins, Broncos
- Rachaad White, Buccaneers
- Najee Harris, Chargers
Wide receivers
- George Pickens, Cowboys
- Alec Pierce, Colts
- Mike Evans, Buccaneers
- Jauan Jennings, 49ers
- Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks
- Wan'Dale Robinson, Giants
- Romeo Doubs, Packers
- Deebo Samuel, Commanders
- Christian Kirk, Texans
Tight ends
- Kyle Pitts, Falcons
- Isaiah Likely, Ravens
- David Njoku, Browns
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs
- Dallas Goedert, Eagles
- Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans
Offensive tackles
- Rasheed Walker, Packers
- Jermaine Eluemunor, Giants
- Rob Havenstein, Rams
- Braden Smith, Colts
- Braxton Jones, Bears
Guards
- David Edwards, Bills
- Isaac Seumalo, Steelers
- Joel Bitonio, Browns
- Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets
- Kevin Zeitler, Titans
- Dylan Parham, Raiders
- Greg Van Roten, Giants
- Dalton Risner, Bengals
- Ed Ingram, Texans
Centers
- Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens
- Connor McGovern, Bills
- Cade Mays, Panthers
Edge rushers
- Trey Hendrickson, Bengals
- Jaelan Phillips, Eagles
- Odafe Oweh, Chargers
- Boye Mafe, Seahawks
- Khalil Mack, Chargers
- Joey Bosa, Bills
- Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons
- Cameron Jordan, Saints
- Jadeveon Clowney, Cowboys
- K'Lavon Chaisson, Patriots
- Kwity Paye, Colts
Defensive tackles
- D.J. Reader, Lions
- Calais Campbell, Cardinals
- John Franklin-Myers, Broncos
- David Onyemata, Falcons
- DaQuan Jones, Bills
- Dre'Mont Jones, Seahawks
Linebackers
- Devin Lloyd, Jaguars
- Devin Bush, Browns
- Leo Chenal, Chiefs
- Nakobe Dean, Eagles
- Bobby Wagner, Commanders
- Quay Walker, Packers
- Demario Davis, Saints
- Alex Anzalone, Lions
- Kaden Elliss, Falcons
- Justin Strnad, Broncos
- Germaine Pratt, Colts
Cornerbacks
- Jaylen Watson, Chiefs
- Alontae Taylor, Saints
- Jamel Dean, Buccaneers
- Riq Woolen, Seahawks
- Nahshon Wright, Bears
- Joshua Williams, Chiefs
- Mike Hilton, Colts
- Rasul Douglas, Dolphins
- Asante Samuel Jr., Steelers
- Chidobe Awuzie, Ravens
Safeties
- Jaylinn Hawkins, Patriots
- Kamren Curl, Rams
- Kevin Byard III, Bears
- Coby Bryant, Seahawks
- Bryan Cook, Chiefs
- Reed Blankenship, Eagles
- Jaquan Brisker, Bears
- Alohi Gilman, Ravens
- Jabrill Peppers, Steelers
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bears
- Andre Cisco, Jets
- Jalen Thompson, Cardinals
- Donovan Wilson, Cowboys
Kickers
- Nick Folk, Jets
- Joey Slye. Titans
- Eddy Pineiro, Bears
- Riley Patterson, Dolphins
- Daniel Carlson, Raiders
Punters
- Braden Mann, Eagles
- Ryan Wright, Vikings
- Jake Bailey, Dolphins
- Tommy Townsend, Texans
- Tress Way, Commanders
- Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
- Bradley Pinion, Falcons
Long snappers
- James Winchester, Chiefs
- Joe Cardona, Dolphins
- J.J. Jansen, Panthers
- Casey Kreiter, Giants
- Jon Weeks, 49ers