As the 2025 NFL season draws to a close and we head into the 2026 offseason, the free-agent class is dominated by elite pass rushers and a surprisingly deep pool of young skill-position talent. With several early-extension candidates (like DaRon Bland and Nik Bonitto) already off the board, the remaining market is set to be a bidding war for “difference-makers.”
Here is the projected top 25 free agents heading into the 2026 NFL offseason.
The “Elite Pillar” Tier (Top 1-5)
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Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Bengals): The most bankable 12+ sack guarantee in football. At 31, he’s still the closer every contender is desperate for.
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George Pickens (WR, Cowboys): After a 1,200-yard season in Dallas, he is the undisputed WR1 of this class.
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Tyler Linderbaum (C, Ravens): Set to become the first $20M+ per year Center. He’s the anchor of the league’s best run game.
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Jaelan Phillips (EDGE, Eagles): High-ceiling pass rusher who flourished in Philly’s aggressive front.
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Rasheed Walker (LT, Packers): A 26-year-old franchise left tackle hitting the market is a unicorn. He’ll have 10+ teams calling on Day 1.
High-Impact Starters (Top 6-11)
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Tariq Woolen (CB, Seahawks): A physical anomaly who finally paired his track speed with elite technical discipline in 2025.
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Breece Hall (RB, Jets): The premier three-down back. In a copycat league, everyone wants their own version of McCaffrey.
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Alec Pierce (WR, Colts): The NFL’s most dangerous deep threat (18.5 YPC). He’s the ultimate “field tilter.”
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Jamel Dean (CB, Buccaneers): The veteran “CB1” option for teams that don’t want to gamble on youth.
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Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seahawks): Led the league in missed tackles forced; a pure home-run hitter.
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Isaiah Likely (TE, Ravens): He proved he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber TE1 who just happened to be playing behind Mark Andrews.
The “QB Wildcards” & Mid-Tier Stars (Top 12-17)
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Malik Willis (QB, Packers): (The “LaFleur Graduate”) He’s the ultimate “high-variance” play. His 85% completion rate in relief was staggering, and that Week 17 performance against Baltimore proved he can handle a complex offense. He’s the best “bridge with upside” we’ve seen in years.
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Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons): The “Unicorn” finally put up a 1,000-yard season. He’s basically a jumbo wide receiver.
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Daniel Jones (QB, Colts): The Achilles tear in December is the only reason he isn’t higher. His first 10 weeks were Top-10 QB material.
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Odafe Oweh (EDGE, Chargers): Finally translated those “pressure” stats into double-digit sacks (11.5).
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Wyatt Teller (OG, Browns): Still the most feared pull-blocker in the league.
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Rashid Shaheed (WR, Bills): A specialized weapon who transformed Buffalo’s vertical passing game.
Veteran Value & Depth (Top 18-25)
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Kamren Curl (S, Rams): A versatile, high-IQ safety who cleans up everything in the secondary.
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Jaylen Watson (CB, Chiefs): A press-man specialist who thrives in high-pressure defensive schemes.
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Aaron Rodgers (QB, Steelers): The “One Last Ride” candidate. If he doesn’t retire, a contender will pay him for one final mercenary season.
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Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers): Age is just a number. He’s still a lock for 1,000 yards and double-digit TDs.
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Jalen Thompson (S, Cardinals): An underrated, rangy playmaker who anchors the back end.
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Braden Smith (RT, Colts): The premier right tackle available; a plug-and-play veteran leader.
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Boye Mafe (EDGE, Seahawks): A speed-rusher who is just entering his statistical prime.
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Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders): Still a “professional’s professional” who provides elite consistency for a young QB.
