Most teams are getting smarter about keeping their best players. That's partly why the list of 2026 potential free agents below has already been decimated by a slew of forward-thinking clubs that locked up young stars. (Or they just trade them to the Packers.)
Still, there are a lot of intriguing options, especially among pass rushers, pass catchers and offensive linemen. Without further ado, our way-too-early look at the top 25 free agents of 2026.
Having just earned his first Pro Bowl selection with 13.5 sacks, Bonitto is not a one-year wonder but a player who steadily built his game to become an unpredictable, every-down difference maker. Solidifying those gains in 2025 will net him a quarterback-like contract.
It’s hard to imagine the Ravens letting a two-time Pro Bowl center leave after his rookie contract.
This ranking assumes Phillips can stay healthy this season. If so, he’s just about everything teams look for in a pass rusher.
The Bengals’ one-year raise for Hendrickson makes it likely that he actually makes it to free agency next offseason. A potential franchise tag would cost $36 million.
Woolen improved his tackling in 2024 to fortify a promising career for a cornerback with incredible size and speed.
After logging 14 interceptions and five pick-sixes in his first two seasons, Bland will look to re-establish himself as a difference-maker coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for 10 games in 2024.
In the wake of a tumultuous time in Pittsburgh, Pickens’ ability to fit into Dallas' offense as a No. 2 receiver will inform whether any team wants to give him the contract of a No. 1 option.
Vera-Tucker has started at every position except center, settling in as one of the league’s better right guards when healthy.
Likely is the type of explosive matchup problem that every team is trying to find to round out their two-tight end sets.
Speed kills. In a league designed to prevent big plays, Shaheed has averaged almost 17 yards per catch for his career. He looks set up for a big year and a possible franchise tag.
Yeah, Evans' consistency and longevity are getting ridiculous. He’s staying on this list until any decline is apparent.
One of the better development stories in football, Goedeke evolved from a liability at guard to a plus starting right tackle.
Teller became a top-tier guard soon after arriving in Cleveland, but he will be 31 at the start of his next contract and might not fit the Browns’ timeline.
This league is desperate for big plays, and Pierce averaged an NFL-high 22.3 yards per catch in 2024, routinely streaking past defenders deep down the field.
Jones is becoming an archetypal Ravens development story. He might blow up just in time to get paid elsewhere in free agency.
McCollum improved greatly in his third season and is one of four Bucs on this list.
Meyers wanted a raise from the Raiders and then requested a trade when he didn’t get it. He’s rare as a No. 2/3 receiver who has shown he can fit in any style of offense.
One of the most improved players at his position last season, Otton is quietly a complete tight end who is just hitting his prime at 26.
Walker has missed a fair amount of time due to injury, but no one’s ever questioned his explosive ability or creativity as a runner when healthy.
There’s a compelling list of potentially available running backs. Hall might not be the most complete rusher, but he's an asset when used as part of a tandem.
Typecast at times in his career as a role player, Jennings showed last season (77 catches, 975 yards, six TDs) he can carry a bigger load as a ball-winner when asked.
Part of a deep crop of potentially available pass rushers, Mafe might not be a priority for the Seahawks to sign because they have so many players in the front seven.
Any solid starting-caliber offensive lineman will get paid plenty, and McKivitz (37 starts over the past two seasons) qualifies.
The sack production (10 last season) might be better than the down-to-down difference-making.
Lloyd improved greatly in Year 3. This league is short on linebackers who can stay on the field, and he should be peaking in time for his next contract.
