The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will meet in the 2026 Super Bowl. With that stage set, front offices and fan bases around the league are already shifting focus to the 2026 free-agent market. NFL free agency tends to be unpredictable because so much of a player’s production depends on scheme and supporting personnel, and teams will be making roster and cap moves in the weeks leading up to the new league year.
Still, CBS Sports projects the top 50 impending free agents for 2026 and beyond based on current impact, age, health, and recent production. Some players on this list could be released, re-signed to new long-term deals, or retained with the franchise tag before the signing period starts. This is intended as an initial snapshot of the most important names who could change teams in March.
Note: The 2026 free-agent signing period opens March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. Teams may begin contract talks at noon ET on March 9.
Top free-agent notes and player summaries
– George Pickens (Dallas): After a rocky end to his time in Pittsburgh, Pickens thrived in Dallas, setting career highs and earning his first Pro Bowl and a 2025 All-Pro Second Team nod. He became Dak Prescott’s deep threat and intermediate-yardage weapon; owner/GM Jerry Jones intends to pursue an extension, and Pickens could return on a multi-year deal or the franchise tag.
– Trey Hendrickson (free agent, previously Bengals): After consecutive 17.5-sack seasons in 2023–24, Hendrickson’s 2025 was cut short by core-muscle surgery after seven games. He’s proven as a high-level pass rusher with excellent hand work and bend, and should command a multi-year deal near a $30M average if healthy.
– Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts): Jones posted the best stretch of his career as the Colts’ starter in 2025 before tearing his Achilles late in the year; he could be ready early in the 2026 season. He flourished in Shane Steichen’s play-action system with career-best marks in several passing metrics and likely makes the most sense to remain in Indianapolis if both sides agree.
– Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles): Phillips took off after a midseason trade to Philly, finishing with 73 pressures and showing high upside as an edge rusher when healthy. The Eagles are unlikely to let him walk easily; he’s a candidate for the franchise tag or a sizable multi-year contract.
– Tyler Linderbaum (center, Ravens): One of the league’s top centers per PFF (79.8), Linderbaum shines getting to the second level and in space, and the Ravens declined his fifth-year option. If Baltimore doesn’t re-sign him, multiple teams will pursue him.
– Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts): Pierce is one of the NFL’s elite deep threats, leading the league in yards per reception two years running and combining size and speed that are rare. His market would rise if comparable veterans secure big deals elsewhere.
– Rasheed Walker (Green Bay Packers): A durable tackle who’s played nearly all games over the last three seasons and grades respectably in pass protection, Walker should attract significant interest and a healthy payday as tackle consistency is in short supply.
– Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers): Rodgers showed he still has high-level throws in him, notably a game-winning 26-yard TD late in a playoff win, though playoff results were mixed. If he decides to keep playing in 2026, Pittsburgh is the expected landing spot, though other veteran-needy clubs could court him.
– Breece Hall (New York Jets): Hall returned to 1,000-yard form (1,065 yards in 2025) and is an unrestricted free agent in his prime, a dynamic runner and receiver who should draw interest from playoff-capable teams.
– Key Walker (Green Bay Packers LB): The former first-round pick has grown into a versatile linebacker in Jeff Hafley’s scheme; his size and coverage traits make him a solid free-agent target.
– Jauan Jennings (San Francisco 49ers): Jennings does the tough, physical work in the middle and has been a reliable chain-mover and red-zone contributor; he’s shown versatility (including trick-play passing in the playoffs) and could command starter-level money similar to recent veteran wideout deals.
– Odafe Oweh (Los Angeles Chargers): After a midseason trade, Oweh posted 7.5 sacks and showed solid pass-rush traits (length, athleticism). He’s likely to be more valuable to a team that gives him a bigger role and could earn roughly $20M annually.
– Tarik Uhlen (cornerback): A big-bodied corner who led the league in interceptions as a rookie, Uhlen hasn’t matched those early numbers under a more complex coverage scheme but could bounce back in a different system.
– Alonte Taylor (cornerback): Taylor’s value comes from physical traits and developable coverage ability; he’s a candidate for teams that value versatility outside or in the slot.
– Devin Lloyd (Jacksonville Jaguars): Lloyd’s production surged in Anthony Campanile’s scheme—he was disruptive with pressures and five interceptions in 2025 and earned high PFF marks—but his strong play appears scheme-dependent, so staying in Jacksonville is the logical fit.
– Jalen Watson (cornerback): Watson has improved dramatically over three years and has not allowed a touchdown since 2024; at 6-2 he’ll attract market interest as a developing outside corner.
– Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Evans’ streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons ended in 2025 due to injuries, but he remains a large red-zone threat and precise route runner; he’s likely to stay in Tampa Bay but could command a $15–$22M AAV if he hits free agency.
– Brayden Smith (Indianapolis RT): Smith has been hampered by injuries, including a season-ending concussion/neck issue in 2025, but he’s capable as a starter and could draw bids if he proves healthy.
– Kenneth Walker III (running back): An elusive runner with notable tackles evaded totals since 2022, Walker remains a dynamic playmaker within a committee and should continue to have opportunities.
– Kyle Pitts (tight end, Atlanta): Pitts has been burdened by unrealistic generational expectations but has expanded his role as a blocker and posted a career-high 88 catches in 2025. If the Falcons don’t reach an agreement, he could be franchised or hit free agency.
– Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers QB): Rebuilt in Green Bay after struggles elsewhere, Willis provided a strong spark as a backup with big-play passing and run ability. Teams in need of a QB might pay him more than $10M per year as a bridge or potential starter, despite limited starts (six in his career).
– John Franklin-Myers (defensive tackle): Among the few defensive tackles with seven-plus sacks and 15 QB hits over the last two seasons, Franklin-Myers offers interior disruption and could be sought after by teams need defensive tackle help.
– Travis Etienne (running back): Etienne rebounded from injuries to rush for 1,107 yards and be a strong receiving option; he could land a three-year deal around $10M per season.
– Kobe Bryant (Seattle S): A former slot corner who moved to free safety, Bryant has seven interceptions and 13 passes defended over two seasons and could command roughly $15M annually.
– David Edwards (Buffalo Bills guard): A strong pass protector with a PFF pass-blocking grade placing him among the league’s better guards; Edwards could approach a $20M AAV in free agency.
– Rashid Shahid (Seattle WR/returner): Since his trade from New Orleans, Shahid has been explosive on offense and special teams, producing multiple long touchdowns and a game-changing punt return that helped clinch the NFC West; his combination of return and downfield playmaking will attract many suitors.
– Connor McGovern (center, Buffalo): After a Pro Bowl in 2024, McGovern graded well again in 2025 as a nimble center with strong hands and would be a desirable free-agent center if Buffalo lets him go.
– Boye Mafe (Seattle DE / listed as “Way”): Mafe fell behind veterans on the Seahawks depth chart but showed promise when given snaps and could flourish with more playing time elsewhere.
– Javonte Williams (running back): Williams ran for 1,201 yards (9th in NFL in 2025) for Dallas after signing a one-year deal, recovering from his major 2022 knee injury; durability and how he fares after a heavy workload will determine his market.
– Cade Mays (offensive line): A 2022 sixth-rounder, Mays stepped in at center and played well before moving to guard, showing starter-level ability and likely to be rewarded in free agency.
– Romeo Doubs (Green Bay WR): A trustworthy target and red-zone weapon for Jordan Love, Doubs can be streaky but has shown big-play potential; he may be squeezed in Green Bay’s crowded receiving room if the team rebalances.
– Isaiah (likely Isaiah Likely): He regressed in 2025 with career lows across multiple receiving categories, and with Mark Andrews extended in Baltimore, Isaiah is expected to test the market and might best find a one-year deal to rebuild value.
– Nakobe Dean (Philadelphia LB): Dean’s career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries; when healthy he’s effective, but availability makes his market uncertain.
– Camren Karl (Los Angeles Rams S): Karl played as a traditional deep safety while also supporting the box and earned a high run-defense grade from PFF; he should see a pay raise.
– Nashon Wright (Chicago CB): Wright posted a rare stat line in 2025—at least five interceptions, double-digit passes defended, and multiple forced fumbles—after reuniting with a former coach; his rare length and instincts will make him a starter-level free agent.
– Joey Bosa (Buffalo DE): Bosa has been a stabilizing presence on Buffalo’s line and still grades highly per PFF; he could command near $20M per year on a short-term deal if available.
– Jaylin Hawkins (safety): After being traded twice earlier in his career, Hawkins broke out in 2025 with interceptions, PFF’s top-5 safety grade (83.3), and versatile production; he projects to earn around $10M per year in free agency.
– Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay CB): Dean has allowed very few touchdowns while recording interceptions and limiting passer rating, though injuries and age (turning 30 in 2026) may temper his market; he could still command starter-level money if teams overlook those concerns.
– Robinson (wide receiver): Small but reliable hands and speed helped Robinson reach his first 1,000-yard season (1,014) in 2025; even as a slot specialist he could earn close to $20M AAV on a multi-year deal.
– Khalil Mack (Los Angeles Chargers DE): Despite age and missed games due to an elbow injury, Mack remains impactful—PFF rates him among the better overall edge rushers—and he can still contribute to playoff defenses if healthy.
– David Njoku (tight end): Persistent knee issues limited Njoku in 2025 and cost him his top tight-end role in Cleveland; if he returns to health, he remains a viable red-zone and middle-field weapon but will be more obtainable than in prior years.
– Isaac Seumalo (Pittsburgh G): A Pro Bowler in 2024, Seumalo’s beat rate dropped in 2025 yet his pass-blocking grade remained elite among guards (78.5); his veteran interior play will interest multiple teams.
– Brian Cook (Kansas City S): A versatile piece in Kansas City’s defense, Cook is better against the run than the pass but has improved in coverage; he projects to get a starting safety payday near $15M AAV.
– Deebo Samuel (San Francisco WR): Samuel’s production has dipped with career-low yards per reception and yards per game over the past two seasons, signaling he’s past his peak, though he still provides hard-nosed yards after catch value.
– Jadeveon Clowney (Dallas DE): Clowney closed 2025 with a three-sack game and totaled 8.5 sacks after joining Dallas; the Cowboys view him as a free-agent priority and he could improve with a full offseason in the system.
– Joel Bitonio (Cleveland G): Though older, Bitonio remains effective and surrendered just two sacks in 2025; his PFF pass-blocking grade ranked him among the top guards and he could be a budget-friendly interior upgrade for contenders.
– Bobby Wagner (Washington LB): Even at age 35, Wagner graded highly with PFF and provided early-down value and strong pass-rush snaps used as a blitzer; his leadership and consistency remain attractive for teams seeking veteran linebacker play.
– Demario Davis (veteran LB): At 36, Davis still rates among the top inside linebackers per PFF with high run-defense grades and tackle totals on designed runs; age is the main concern, but he could be a short-term starter for contenders.
– Joe Flacco (Cincinnati Bengals QB): Flacco steadied the Bengals when Joe Burrow was out—throwing 13 TDs and 4 INTs in nine games—and remains a desirable veteran backup or spot starter for teams that want a reliable experienced arm.
– David Onyemata (defensive tackle): Onyemata started all 17 games for Atlanta and earned a PFF grade among the top defensive tackles (78.2) in 2025; he’s a reliable interior presence who could help upgrade other teams’ trenches.
Fan take (two sentences): This batch of impending free agents matters because it includes a mix of ascending young stars, rebound candidates, and veteran difference-makers—moves in March could reshape contenders’ rosters and cap layouts. For fans, free agency will test front offices’ ability to pair scheme fit with financial risk, and the outcomes will influence competitive balance and the next few seasons of NFL storylines.
