2026 NFL free company: Early top-25 rating and predictions

The second half of the 2025 NFL season is kicking into gear, and 18 groups have playoff probabilities beneath 50% heading into Week 11, per ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index. It will not be lengthy earlier than many entrance workplaces are beginning to consider offseason plans, together with 2026 free company. The negotiation interval will start March 9, and free brokers will be capable of formally signal two days afterward March 11.

Let’s get an early begin on who is perhaps accessible. NFL analyst Matt Bowen and nationwide NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler regarded on the present group of gamers primed to hit unrestricted free company (expiring contracts or offers in line to void) and ranked the highest 25 who is perhaps accessible. Just one quarterback made the checklist this far out, however Bowen broke down a number of playmakers on each side of the ball, together with a number of actual difference-makers at receiver, operating again and edge rusher. Components in making the checklist included age, positional worth (the lone QB will get a lift), anticipated future manufacturing and scheme versatility.

However gamers do not at all times attain free company simply because their contracts are expiring, and this checklist will not look the identical in March. Take into account that Brock Purdy, James Prepare dinner III, Trey McBride, Rashawn Slater, Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt had been all named on our Approach-Too-Early have a look at the category again in March, and so they’ve all signed massive extensions since then. We’ll see extra extensions and some franchise tags earlier than free company, simply as gamers will be part of the free agent pool through cuts. And since lots of the gamers listed beneath will in the end re-sign with their present franchises, Fowler weighed in with the newest buzz on whether or not every is perhaps re-signed or franchise-tagged by their 2025 group.

Notice: All ages are as of Sept. 3, 2026, a tough estimate of when the 2026 season would possibly start.

Soar to the top-ranked:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | IOL
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S

Present group: Cincinnati Bengals
2025 wage: $29 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 31

What he brings: Hendrickson is a relentless defender off the sting with a deep toolbox of counters and a knack for making performs late within the down. Hendrickson has 4 sacks this season, and his 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures in 2024 had been each league highs. He could be a direct improve for almost any group. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Not often does an elite go rusher hit free company. The Bengals have the choice to franchise-tag Hendrickson at round $36 million. That is steep for a group in transition however could possibly be a solution to facilitate a sign-and-trade. Seven go rushers make a minimum of $34 million per yr, and Hendrickson might turn out to be the subsequent one. — Fowler

Present group: Baltimore Ravens
2025 wage: $2.5 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the inside of the entrance with the foot pace and physique management to match go rushers and climb to the second degree within the run recreation. Linderbaum’s go block win price of 95.5% ranks eighth amongst facilities this season, and his 70.0% run block win price is sixteenth. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Linderbaum is taken into account a top-10 inside offensive lineman within the eyes of execs, coaches and scouts. That makes him an costly choice, poised to turn out to be one of many highest-paid facilities. The Ravens have mentioned an extension with Linderbaum however are usually not inside putting distance on a deal. When the Ravens declined his fifth-year choice within the spring, that enhanced his probabilities without cost company. — Fowler

Present group: Indianapolis Colts
2025 wage: $14 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 29

What he brings: Jones has elevated his degree of play and poise underneath coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis. Via 10 video games, Jones’ 66.8 QBR ranks ninth within the league, and he’s throwing with a a lot stronger sense of timing. He suits in an offense that contains a good run recreation, which permits him to function as a facilitator. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Jones has an opportunity to turn out to be the largest earner within the free company class. The Colts seem all-in on protecting Jones long run, and so they have comps for former top-10 picks who thrived when quarterbacking a brand new group — Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who every earned three-year offers value round $100 million. Jones would completely be justified asking for that … with curiosity. — Fowler

Present group: Dallas Cowboys
2025 wage: $3.7 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 25

What he brings: With 12 receptions of 20 or extra yards (third most within the league), Pickens has the explosive-play skill to flip the sphere. Plus, his six landing receptions are tied for fourth. Splash performs pay. Pickens has additionally proven three-level route operating traits this season in Dallas, boosting his free agent profile much more. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: The Pickens experiment in Dallas has gone swimmingly. He’s pacing for 1,400-plus yards and greater than 10 touchdowns as the best counterpart to CeeDee Lamb. His immense expertise — and the variety of groups starved for receiver assist — will drive his worth. A number of league executives imagine the inconsistency will probably be an element to contemplate in free company, however Pickens’ outcomes with succesful quarterback mess around him are plain. (The franchise tag — which might be round $29 million — could possibly be a backup choice for Dallas.) — Fowler

Present group: Indianapolis Colts
2025 wage: $8 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 30

What he brings: He is a big-bodied drive blocker at 6-foot-6 and 312 kilos, and he can match energy in go safety. He has began all 10 video games at proper sort out for the Colts after sitting out 12 video games over the previous two years, and his go block win price jumped from 83.3% in 2024 to 90.3% this season. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Smith is following the Ronnie Stanley playbook from final season — parlay a contract-year restructure into a powerful efficiency to boost worth in March. Common offensive tackles receives a commission. However Smith is acting at an above-average degree in 2025, and he has upside with nearly $70 million in profession earnings. — Fowler

Present group: New York Jets
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 25

What he brings: He is a fluid mover with good contact stability and the imaginative and prescient to seek out daylight, and he brings a dual-threat factor to the backfield. Corridor has 174 receptions in his profession, whereas averaging 92.0 complete yards. He additionally has 82 rushes of 10 or extra yards over 3½ seasons, so he is a three-down again with big-play juice. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Corridor was coveted on the commerce deadline. That the Jets needed a third-round decide in return for a operating again reminds that Corridor has top-end expertise. And my sense is he’ll just do superb in free company — suppose Josh Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a risk. A number of personnel evaluators thought that was a good contract comp. — Fowler

Present group: Indianapolis Colts
2025 wage: $3.7 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: A vertical stretch goal at 6-foot-3 and 211 kilos, Pierce is averaging a league-best 20.9 yards per catch. He has the straight-line pace to elevate the safeties to create open protection voids beneath. With extra quantity and an elevated function, Pierce might produce someplace as a multilevel route runner in 2026. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Groups I’ve talked to anticipate Pierce will hit a giant quantity in free company. They suppose the $20 million per yr threshold is not out of the query for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the scale/pace mixture groups covet. The Colts have choices to make on offense. In the event that they pay Daniel Jones — who has chemistry with Pierce — do they let Pierce stroll? A lot of that may depend upon how Pierce’s market develops. The Colts usually do not do extensions through the season. — Fowler

play

Why fantasy managers should not overlook Alec Pierce

Even with the Colts heading right into a bye, Eric Moody makes a case for fantasy managers to offer Alec Pierce a attempt.

Present group: Baltimore Ravens
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: At 6-foot-4 and 341 kilos, Jones is a bodily presence on the inside of the entrance, with the facility to displace blockers and fill gaps. Over 3½ seasons in Baltimore, Warren has 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 33 pressures. He is additionally a high-energy participant on tape. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: A number of groups contemplate him the very best defensive sort out to probably be accessible. “He is superior,” an NFC government mentioned. “Very robust to dam, elite run stopper. A large-bodied man who has sufficient go rush.” The Ravens might try and re-sign Jones however aren’t afraid to let key gamers depart through free company. One participant comp from an NFC exec: Dalvin Tomlinson, who acquired $57 million over 4 years from Cleveland in 2023. — Fowler

Present group: Baltimore Ravens
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Seemingly’s alignment versatility provides offensive playcallers extra flexibility, and he has the catch-and-run traits to supply on high-percentage throws. Seemingly ought to be considered as a “transfer” tight finish who brings matchup upside. He has 10 catches for 103 yards this season, and he caught six landing passes in 2024. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: A number of group executives anticipate Seemingly doing very nicely in free company as a result of he can function a matchup drawback who can separate from protection. A part of the equation: The tight finish franchise tag in 2026 may be very affordable ($15.8 million). Some folks I’ve talked to contained in the league wouldn’t be shocked if Baltimore tags him, particularly with its prime three tight ends hitting free company. — Fowler

Present group: Philadelphia Eagles
2025 wage: $13.3 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Accidents have diminished Phillips’ vary, however he has the bodily instruments that groups search for on the sting. Together with his lengthy 6-foot-5 body, Phillips can play as each an edge setter and a pocket disrupter. In his first recreation with the Eagles on Monday evening, Phillips had 4 pressures and one sort out for loss. Over his five-year profession, Phillips has accounted for 26 sacks and 127 pressures. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Many personnel evaluators as soon as considered Phillips as a close to top-10 participant at his place. Accidents derailed that ascension quickly. However he has proven enchancment this season, and the Eagles are relying on Vic Fangio maximizing Phillips’ huge potential. Philly might get a top quality compensatory decide for Phillips in free company to assist offset the third-round decide despatched to Miami in final week’s commerce. And if issues go nicely, the Eagles might faucet into its aggressive nature and try and re-sign him. — Fowler

Present group: New Orleans Saints
2025 wage: $3.7 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Taylor’s versatility and pressing play fashion exhibits on tape. He has the pace to cowl on the perimeter, however he may play a disruptive function within the slot. In 4 seasons with the Saints, Taylor has 3 interceptions, 37 go breakups and 6 sacks. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Taylor will get the sting as the highest nook primarily based on groups consulted for this train. He has good measurement (6-foot, 199 kilos) with the pliability to play in and out. The Saints and Taylor as soon as mentioned an extension, however a deal by no means occurred, which made him a commerce candidate ultimately week’s deadline. The Bears and Colts confirmed curiosity. As a reference level, the highest 2025 free agent corners earned about $18 million per yr on new offers. — Fowler

Present group: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 wage: $21 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 33

What he brings: Accidents have restricted Evans to 4 video games this season, however the veteran had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons coming into 2025. He is a traditional boundary receiver with 6-foot-5 matchup measurement and nice ball expertise. Evans can nonetheless get free within the pink zone and produce as a No. 2 choice. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Evans is in his profession twilight — retirement is just not off the desk — however he is nonetheless superior when he is on the sphere as a perennial top-10 receiver within the pantheon. It is laborious to image Evans in every other uniform. Gauging his market will probably be difficult due to his prolonged stint on IR attributable to a damaged collarbone, however high-end expertise that ages nicely at all times earns. — Fowler

Present group: Denver Broncos
2025 wage: $8 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 29

What he brings: Franklin-Myers lacks the lateral pace and bend to show pressures right into a bunch of sacks from edge alignments. However he is an energetic inside rusher who can play as a defensive sort out or 5-technique together with his 6-foot-4, 288-pound body. Franklin-Myers has 4.5 sacks this season. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Having paid a number of key defensive gamers prior to now yr, the Broncos know they very nicely might lose Franklin-Myers to free company. Inside rushers — 3-4 defensive ends or defensive tackles — with pass-rush skill receives a commission, and Franklin-Myers has 11.5 sacks since becoming a member of Denver through commerce from New York in 2024. — Fowler

Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers
2025 wage: $2.6 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Walker’s explosive traits create playmaking upside; he can cowl floor as a run-and-hit defender. Plus, Walker is diagnosing the run recreation at a faster price in 2025. He’s averaging 8.6 tackles this season to go together with his 1.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and three go breakups. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: It pays to have pace, and Walker’s vary from sideline-to-sideline is exclusive. So is his measurement (6-foot-4, 241 kilos). He can blitz or matchup one-on-one with operating backs. The Packers opened dialogue on an extension with Walker within the preseason however hit an deadlock. It would not shock if Inexperienced Bay tries once more. He is the kind of participant the Packers would attempt to maintain. — Fowler

Present group: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Watson is not a high-end playmaker, however he has the size to problem in press, together with the route consciousness to play top-down on the ball in zone schemes. Watson has two profession interceptions and 22 go breakups. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Watson is not a marquee identify however is one which generated buzz when discussing free brokers with groups. “He’ll have a pleasant market,” an AFC government mentioned. “He might shock some folks.” The Chiefs’ extension candidates embrace star nook Trent McDuffie, which might pressure Watson to go elsewhere through the offseason. — Fowler

Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Walker’s go block win price of 94.3% ranks seventh amongst offensive tackles. His method might nonetheless enhance, and he lacks a powerful anchor, however he has the footwork and mobility to match pace on the sides. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: The expectation is that Walker hits free company, the place massive cash awaits even common tackles (Dan Moore Jr.’s four-year, $82 million take care of Tennessee final March is a major instance). One NFC government says Walker is healthier than Moore and can get “paid paid” in consequence. He is a constant three-year starter on an excellent group, and the Packers have discovered him to be a tough employee. Inexperienced Bay already paid its different sort out, Zach Tom. — Fowler

Present group: Los Angeles Chargers
2025 wage: $18 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 35

What he brings: Since coming back from an elbow harm in Week 7, Mack has three sacks (4 complete this season) and two pressured fumbles. He’ll should be used extra as a situational rusher at this stage of his profession, however he is nonetheless a robust defender who creates impression performs off the sting. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Age will cap Mack’s incomes energy, however he is enjoying nicely sufficient to attain one other high-end one-year take care of Los Angeles or elsewhere, after pumping out 4 sacks in six video games. Here is to guessing the Chargers’ brass makes an attempt to maintain him, relying how the season performs out. Both approach, he’ll have a market. — Fowler

Present group: Seattle Seahawks
2025 wage: $5.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Woolen has 11 interceptions and 33 go breakups in his four-year profession. Inconsistent tackling and lapses in eye self-discipline have prevented him from reaching his ceiling, however Woolen has the bodily traits and pace at 6-foot-4 to assist a protection majoring in man protection. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Woolen’s elite traits and Professional Bowl expertise ought to create a powerful market. His two go breakups Sunday in opposition to the Cardinals had been an excellent reminder of that. Count on Woolen to hit be accessible in free company versus a re-signing with Seattle, which hasn’t been a scheme match for him underneath coach Mike Macdonald. However for groups that want man protection assist, he has super upside. — Fowler

Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 wage: $6.1 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Etienne has regarded extra explosive on tape this season, slashing by way of creases of daylight as a runner. Etienne’s 16 rushes of 10 or extra yards are tied for the tenth most, and he is a succesful receiver out of the backfield (21 catches in 2025). — Bowen

What we’re listening to: He has aided his free company worth with a return to kind in 2025. The operating again market is usually a wrestle, however he ought to hit a good vary because of lengthy pace and the flexibility to interrupt arm tackles. It is value noting Etienne and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have performed collectively since their Clemson days, even crossing paths on the prep 7-on-7 scene. — Fowler

Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Doubs has the route-running traits and foot quickness to uncover, and he’s greater than prepared to work the center of the sphere on in-breaking ideas. He averages 12.7 yards per reception, and has 4 touchdowns — all on pink zone targets. Briefly, he is a dependable go catcher. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Inexperienced Bay might carry him again, however that is perhaps a problem this near free company. He has performed his approach out of a cut price deal, serving as Inexperienced Bay’s No. 1 receiver all through the primary 10 weeks. Although groups do not contemplate Doubs the kind of discipline stretcher who have to be double-teamed persistently, he will get open, he is robust and he is sure-handed. — Fowler

Present group: Atlanta Falcons
2025 wage: $10.9 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 25

What he brings: Pitts performs the place like a large receiver, and his numbers are up in 2025. He is already at 420 yards, and his 45 catches are solely two in need of the 47-catch mark he hit in 2024. Although Pitts must be extra prepared as an in-line blocker, there’s nonetheless upside right here within the go recreation. And he has the instruments to play a matchup function from a wide range of pre-snap alignments. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Pitts hasn’t fairly lived as much as his pre-draft billing as an elite prospect. Accidents have been an element. However some evaluators see him slowly coming again. “He appears to be like good — operating higher than he has,” an AFC government mentioned. Pitts’ 45 receptions rank third amongst tight ends by way of Week 10. — Fowler

Present group: Seattle Seahawks
2025 wage: $1.9 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Mafe has an explosive first step, which permits him to assault the sides of offensive tackles. His effort degree and bottom pursuit skill additionally result in second-reaction sacks. Mafe can nonetheless add extra refinement to his pass-rushing plan, however the traits are there to supply in a system that schemes matchups out of a number of fronts. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Like Jaelan Phillips, Mafe had curiosity on the commerce deadline. His numbers are down — one sack in 2025 in comparison with 15 by way of his first three seasons — however as one NFL coordinator mentioned, “He can win one-on-one in go rush, he is robust on the level of assault and versatile sufficient to drop in protection.” Others suppose he must get stronger in opposition to the run. The Chiefs had been among the many groups inquiring final week. Maybe they’ll make a transfer for him in March. — Fowler

Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 wage: $2.5 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: Lloyd’s on-the-ball manufacturing will increase his worth heading into free company. Lloyd has 4 interceptions on the season, returning one for a landing. He is a stable starter who has proven Professional Bowl flashes this season. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: Lloyd is having a dynamic contract yr, coupling his high-end athleticism and physicality with these 4 interceptions. He struggled by way of elements of 2022 and 2023, so groups will need to reconcile that. Nonetheless, he has used his superb measurement and size to enhance his go protection. — Fowler

Present group: Los Angeles Rams
2025 wage: $3.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 27

What he brings: An interchangeable security with matchup traits within the slot, Lake brings each versatility and ball disruption to the sphere. He has one interception and 9 go breakups, plus he has added a sack, pressured fumble and 5 pressures. He is across the ball for a purpose. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: The protection place has a number of depth however is just not as top-heavy as final free company. A number of executives consulted on the place thought-about Lake essentially the most versatile of the bunch. He is a group captain, performs each snap, performs a number of positions and has ball manufacturing in a contract yr. The Rams have curiosity in extending Lake however have additionally proven a penchant for letting key defensive gamers on the again seven stroll. — Fowler

Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 wage: $13.4 million
Age coming into 2026 season: 26

What he brings: Newsome has solely three profession interceptions, however he has created on-the-ball manufacturing with 32 go breakups over 5 years. Newsome has the instruments to match in man protection, however he is at his greatest in zone schemes that enable him to play with backfield imaginative and prescient. — Bowen

What we’re listening to: The Jaguars traded a well-established man-cover nook (Tyson Campbell) to the Browns in change for Newsome as a result of he suits their scheme as a protracted, savvy zone defender. Although Newsome by no means performed nicely sufficient to earn an extension in Cleveland, he has elevated his worth together with his play this season. — Fowler

Honorable mentions

• Odafe Oweh, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

• Kwity Paye, Edge, Indianapolis Colts

• Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

• Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns