Prisco's Top 100 NFL free agents for 2026: Market light on big-name talent, but some stars to be had

The New England Patriots did a great job with free agency in 2025, and it helped them get to the Super Bowl.

Those types of situations are rare.

The market usually isn't flush with talent and instead is littered with older players on the decline, who just aren't what their names say they are anymore.

The NFL's 2026 free agent class is no different. There isn't a lot of marquee talent for teams in need, very little in fact.

What this class does have is veterans who have been big-time players in the past who can help teams for a year or two. There are guys like edge players Von Miller and Khalil Mack, tight end Dallas Goedert, defensive lineman Calais Campbell and linebacker Bobby Wagner. At times, they've been stars. But now what do you get and how much do you pay?

That's the story of this year's class. 

It makes for ranking the players for my Top 100 free agent list tough to do. I don't like putting older players near the top, although I will make some exceptions. 

The top-ranked player on my list is Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. He is one of the best in the league and recent Super Bowls once again have taught us the value of good line play -- and the value of a center who can make calls to identify the funky looks that have infiltrated the NFL.

I usually skew younger when I put together my list. So, for example, Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is higher on here than Aaron Rodgers, even though he isn't a better player. Why? For free agency, he would make more sense. You could get him for three years and Rodgers might -- and it's might -- play one more.

The same goes with a lot of players near the top of my list. Younger means more value and more upside. That's where the money should be spent. 

The reality is that unlike the Patriots last season, spending usually doesn't solve problems. So once again I remind teams to be cautious. Spending to spend can be a dangerous thing to do.

Note: NFL free agency officially begins March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, but a legal tampering period will be held from March 9-11. 

Top 100 free agents

1	Tyler Linderbaum Baltimore Ravens C
He's the best offensive lineman in this group and it's not close. The Ravens would be stupid to let him walk. At 26, he's got a lot of good football left.
2	Trey Hendrickson Cincinnati Bengals DE
At 31, he is coming off an injury-plagued season that will cause some to be cautious. But it's rare for a pass rusher of his ability to get to the market.
3	George Pickens Dallas Cowboys WR
He showed last season he can be a dynamic top receiver when he's focused on the task. The Cowboys will likely tag him to keep him off the market. He's 24, so there is a lot of good football left for him.
4	Alec Pierce Indianapolis Colts WR
He's always been a big-play threat, but he has added a lot of layers to his game. He is much more now than a one-trick pony. Teams in need of speed should attack him early on the market. He's 25.
5	Jaylen Watson Kansas City Chiefs CB
This 27-year-old will be the target of a lot of teams looking for corner help. He is coming off his best season for the Chiefs, his first as a full-time starter. His best football is ahead of him.
6	Jaelan Phillips Philadelphia Eagles LB
He came off injury last season and had a good season for both Miami and the Eagles after he was traded to Philadelphia. He's 27, so his market should be good. Played well for the Eagles.
7	Odafe Oweh Los Angeles Chargers LB
After being traded to the Chargers from the Ravens, he played his best football. He is an athletic edge who is just 27, so there will be a market for him. He had 7 1/2 sacks last season.
8	John Franklin-Myers Denver Broncos DE
He's a good inside player who can push the pocket. Those players have great value. He has 14 1/2 sacks the past two seasons. There will be a robust market for him at age 29.
9	Connor McGovern Buffalo Bills C
At 28, he has developed into a quality starting center. The Bills would be wise to keep him, but he has value if he hits the market. He has 51 starts the past three seasons.
10	Kyle Pitts Atlanta Falcons TE
This former top 10 pick finally started to flash his star potential late last season. He finished with 88 catches and five touchdowns. But it took him a long time to get there. At 25, he might just be settling in to what was expected of him on draft night.
11	Boye Mafe Seattle Seahawks LB
The 27-year-old is a rotational player in the Seattle defense, yet he still had over 40 pressures this season. He has 20 sacks in four seasons, but just two this past season.
12	Devin Lloyd Jacksonville Jaguars LB
He made a lot of splash plays last year, but almost certainly won't be back with the Jaguars. Off-the-ball linebackers are tricky to pay in terms of big dollars, but he will get somebody to pay him.
13	Breece Hall New York Jets RB
This 24-year-old is a good back who can run it and also be a real threat in the passing game. But the market for backs is always a tricky one. He showed last season on a bad offense he can do a lot of things well.
14	Daniel Jones Indianapolis Colts QB
He's coming off the torn Achilles, so that will hurt his market. The Colts would love him back, but at what price? He's 28, so he has good football left in his body. The issue is price.
15	Alontae Taylor New Orleans Saints CB
He has good size at 6-feet and can play inside and outside. He's 27 and should be ready for a big payday. He played his best football late last season.
16	Jaquan Brisker Chicago Bears SAF
After playing five games in 2024 because of injury, he bounced back to play 17 last season. He's a solid safety who will tackle and he's just 26 years old.
17	David Onyemata Atlanta Falcons DT
This 33-year-old is coming off a disruptive season for the Falcons. He can push the pocket, but he can also play the run. His ability will be a wanted commodity, but age might hold down the price.
18	Kenneth Walker III Seattle Seahawks RB
He split time during the regular season, but in the postseason he took over as the lead back when Zach Charbonnet went down and showed he was more than capable, winning Super Bowl MVP. At 25, he is the right age in terms of free agent backs. But what's the cost? Is it more than $10 million per season?
19	Rasheed Walker Green Bay Packers OT
This 26-year-old has developed into a solid, if not special, left tackle. He's good in pass protection, but he isn't a great run blocker.
20	Bryan Cook Kansas City Chiefs SAF
He's developed into a quality safety for the Chiefs. He's 26 and coming off his best season. He isn't flashy with a lot of big plays, but he's steady. There is value in that.
21	Tariq Woolen Seattle Seahawks CB
After a great start to his career, he hasn't been as good the past two seasons. But he is a long corner with a lot of potential who is just 26. There are flashes that will attract a lot of teams.
22	Isaiah Likely Baltimore Ravens TE
The flash is there, but the production isn't quite what you would expect. At 26, he has a lot of potential as a pass-catching tight end who could help his market. His production dipped last season.
23	Jamel Dean Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB
At 29, he made some splash plays last year, but I don't think he's as good as his reputation right now. The Bucs are likely going to move on, but some team will pay him based on the big plays, such as the three picks he had last season.
24	David Edwards Buffalo Bills OG
He has developed into a good guard who can get push in the run game and is solid in pass protection. He has 32 starts the past two seasons at 28 years old.
25	Nick Cross Indianapolis Colts SAF
He's a 24-year-old who has started the past two seasons. His play tailed off some last season, but a starter at his age will have some value for teams.
26	Romeo Doubs Green Bay Packers WR
This 26-year-old produces when he's on the field, but he has had some injury concerns. He was reliable down the stretch for the Packers last season.
27	Travis Etienne Jacksonville Jaguars RB
This 27-year-old running former first-round pick is likely going to price himself out of Jacksonville. He is a solid back who can catch the football, but he isn't dynamic in terms of running between the tackles.
28	Leo Chenal Kansas City Chiefs LB
At 25, he has been a solid starter for the Chiefs the past three seasons. He is better against the run than the pass. He can sometimes struggle in coverage.
29	Braxton Jones Chicago Bears OT
He was a starter in 2024 and did a nice job, but was limited to four games in 2025 with a knee injury and was benched. At 26, he has the ability to be a starting tackle for some teams.
30	Alijah Vera-Tucker New York Jets G
He's a good player, but he has issues staying healthy, missing all of last season with a torn triceps muscle. At 27, he can help a team but the injury concerns might slow his market.
31	Malik Willis Green Bay Packers QB
In his two seasons with the Packers, he has grown as a quarterback. At 27, there should be a starter's market for him out there. His mobility is a big plus.
32	Jalen Thompson Arizona Cardinals SAF
He's a solid if not special safety who can hold up in the run game and still be solid against the pass. He's 27, but he has a lot of starts and experience.
33	Jauan Jennings San Francisco 49ers WR
He's a big receiver who has the knack for moving the chains. He can be a nice No. 2 for a team looking for that type of player. He's 29.
34	Nakobe Dean Philadelphia Eagles LB
Coming off injury last season, he wasn't as good as he was the year before. But maybe a year removed will help him get back to his pre-injury form. He's only 25.
35	Jermaine Eluemunor New York Giants OG
This veteran is coming off his best season as he excelled in pass protection. He's been a journeymen for most of his career, but settled in nicely at right tackle for the Giants last year.
36	Joey Bosa Buffalo Bills DE
He didn't quite bring the pass rush to the Bills they expected when they signed him last season, and his age (30) is becoming an issue. He did have five sacks in his lone season with the Bills.
37	Dre'Mont Jones Baltimore Ravens DE
He played for both the Titans and Ravens last season after being traded at the deadline. At 29, he is a nice rotational player who had seven sacks last season.
38	Cade Mays Carolina Panthers C
He started 12 games last season and did well enough that projected center Austin Corbett played right guard when he returned from injury. He is 26, so there is upside.
39	Mike Evans Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR
At 32, he's at the end of his career. Injuries have also been an issue as of late, but he can still be a big factor down the field for a team looking for help.
40	Rashid Shaheed Seattle Seahawks WR
He was a nice addition to the Seattle team when he came over in a trade from the Saints. He is a speed threat in the passing game, but also a good return man. He's 27.
41	Alohi Gilman Baltimore Ravens SAF
When the Ravens traded to get him from the Chargers, he really helped change their defense. He's a good coverage player with range. He's 28. Maybe new coach Jesse Minter, who had him with the Chargers, will decide to keep him.
42	Bobby Wagner Washington Commanders MLB
He is 35, but can still do a lot of things for a defense. He had 143 tackles last season. The speed isn't what it once was, and he doesn't cover like he once did, but he can still help a defense.
43	Chigoziem Okonkwo Tennessee Titans TE
He flashes the ability to be a nice pass-catching tight end, but he hasn't put up big numbers so far in his career, some of that because of bad quarterback play. At 26, teams like players who can create problems in the middle of the field, which could make him attractive on the market.
44	Kwity Paye Indianapolis Colts DE
He has 30 1/2 sacks in his five seasons with the Colts, but just four last season after 16 1/2 in the previous two seasons. He's 27, so there will be a market because of what he did before 2025.
45	Kaden Elliss Atlanta Falcons LB
He's a good, productive linebacker who can blitz and play the run. He's 30, but he has 19 1/2 sacks the past three seasons with the Falcons.
46	Joel Bitonio Cleveland Browns OG
He is 34, so age is a concern but he can still be a good starter in the league, He's been really good at times in his career, but he might not get to that level again.
47	Coby Bryant Seattle Seahawks SAF
This former corner has developed into a solid safety for the Seahawks. He has the cover skills you like on the back end. He's 27 and has a good feel for playing the position.
48	Wan'Dale Robinson New York Giants WR
This 25-year-old is coming off his best season. He's good in the middle of the field and after Malik Nabers went down, he was their top receiver. He had 90 catches last season.
49	Reed Blankenship Philadelphia Eagles SAF
This 27-year-old saw his play drop off a bit last season for the Eagles after two good ones. He's not a burner -- and coverage can be an issue -- but he's a reliable player who can help hold a defense together.
50	Josh Jobe Seattle Seahawks CB
At 27, he became a solid starter on the Super Bowl-winning Seattle defense. He is much improved over the player who was let go by the Eagles -- and at his age he could warrant a solid deal.
51	Deebo Samuel Washington Commanders WR
As he turns 30, he is slowing down and that is not a good thing for a guy who was never a burner. He's more of a gadget player now than a big-time receiver. He had 72 catches last season, but for only 727 yards.
52	Cade Otton Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE
Otton is 26 and has been a solid player in the Tampa Bay offense. He had 59 catches last season for 572 yards.
53	Jaylinn Hawkins New England Patriots SAF
This 29-year-old is coming off his best season and was a big part of why the Patriots defense played so well. For a team looking for a steady back-end player, he would make sense
54	Devin Bush Cleveland Browns LB
He is coming off a revitalize-his-career season with the Browns. This former first-round pick is 28 and after being considered a bust of sorts with the Steelers, he showed he's far from that last season.
55	Ed Ingram Houston Texans OG
After a slow start to his career with the Vikings, he had his best season for the Texans in 2025. He's 27, so that season could be attractive to teams looking for inside help.
56	Kevin Byard Chicago Bears FS
At 32, age is becoming an issue for him, which could hurt his market. He did lead the NFL in picks with seven. You wonder when he will slow down even more.
57	Kenneth Gainwell Pittsburgh Steelers RB
He was voted the offensive MVP by the Seelers players last season. He is one of those air backs who can run it and catch it. At 27, he's a nice change-of-pace back.
58	Justin Strnad Denver Broncos LB
After playing mostly special teams in 2022 and 2023, this 29-year-old has been on the field a lot more the past two seasons. He started 16 games the past two seasons and has said he wants to go where he can be a full-time starter.
59	Charlie Kolar Baltimore Ravens TE
He has become a nice blocking tight end, which teams love and need, but he also could break out as a receiver if given a chance somewhere to play more.
60	Nahshon Wright Chicago Bears CB
In his one season with the Bears, he became a ball-hawking corner who had five picks last season. At 27, he just needs to be a little more consistent with his coverage.
61	Calais Campbell Arizona Cardinals DE
He turns 40 in September, but the veteran can still be a nice rotational piece for a team. He clearly isn't what he once was, but his big body can still help teams.
62	K'Lavon Chaisson New England Patriots LB
In his one season with the Pats, he had 7 1/2 sacks to help revitalize his career. This former first-round pick of the Jaguars is 26.
63	Sheldon Rankins Houston Texans DT
He is 31, so he's another inside player who has some talent but age concerns. He started every game for the Texans last year, which means something on a good defense.
64	Khalil Mack Los Angeles Chargers OLB
At 35, he showed last season he still has come pass-rush pop, but he did miss five games. Age will limit his contact some, but he can help pass-rush needy teams.
65	Von Miller Washington Commanders OLB
Miller had nine sacks in his one season with the Commanders, showing he could still get after the quarterback in spurts. His best football is behind him at 36, but teams in need of depth edge help would be wise to give him a short-term deal.
66	Zion Johnson Los Angeles Chargers OG
At 26, this former first-round pick is good in the run game, but struggles in pass protection. His age and experience will help his cause.
67	Dallas Goedert Philadelphia Eagles TE
This 31-year-old is a good threat in the middle of the field and you wonder how much better he would be on a team with a better pass offense. He has battled through some injuries in recent years.
68	Sebastian Joseph-Day Tennessee Titans DE
He is a good veteran who would be a nice add as a spot starter-rotational player. He plays hard and does a nice job against the run.
69	Jadeveon Clowney Dallas Cowboys OLB
He was somewhat of a surprise for the Cowboys as he had 8 1/2 sacks and helped revitalize his pass-rush reputation. He's 33, but look for the Cowboys to try and bring him back.
70	Quay Walker Green Bay Packers LB
This former first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to the hype, but he's a solid linebacker who has size and can run. He does struggled in coverage at times. He's 26.
71	Kingsley Enagbare Green Bay Packers DE
He was a backup in Green Bay, but when Micah Parsons went down he was forced to play more. At 26, he has 11 1/2 career sacks, which could entice a solid offer for a team looking for a rotational player.
72	Rasul Douglas Miami Dolphins CB
This veteran is coming off a good season for the Dolphins after signing a one-year deal as a free agent last season. He's a long corner who excels in zone coverage. At 31, age is a concern.
73	Aaron Rodgers Pittsburgh Steelers QB
If he decides to play and not retire, he will almost certainly be back with the Steelers. He does have a relationship with new coach Mike McCarthy, which could make that possible. He's 42, but who is counting?
74	Javonte Williams Dallas Cowboys RB
After suffering a major knee injury with the Broncos that slowed him in 2024, he had a breakout season with the Cowboys when he rushed for 1,201 yards in 2025. He did miss some time late with and injury.
75	Cameron Jordan New Orleans Saints DE
He is 36, so age is becoming an issue. He did have 10 1/2 sacks last season, so he can still make plays at his age. It's likely he will stay with the Saints, but you never know what a contender might do to lure him away.
76	Demario Davis New Orleans Saints OLB
He is 37, so age is a concern, but he played well last season for the Saints. He is a smart thumper who brings great energy to a defense. He's a veteran who can help lead a young defense, even if he doesn't run like he once did.
77	Keenan Allen Los Angeles Chargers WR
He is 33, so age is a major factor. But he did have 81 catches last season. He doesn't run that well, so he's more of a possession receiver at this point in his career.
78	Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs TE
He's a free agent, but if he plays it's likely going to be in Kansas City. At 37, he's isn't what he was but he was still reliable in 2025.
79	Alex Anzalone Detroit Lions MLB
He has been a big part of the Lions defense the past three seasons. He is a good run-and-chase linebacker who is solid against the pass. At 31, age is a factor.
80	Jonah Williams Arizona Cardinals OT
He has battled injuries the past two seasons that have limited his on-field time to 15 games. He is a solid, if not special, player when he is on the field. Health will be key in his evaluation.
81	Dylan Parham Las Vegas Raiders OG
He's started at a few positions for the Raiders. He isn't dominant, but there are places for players who have his versatility. He's only 26.
82	Rico Dowdle Carolina Panthers RB
He has been a good back the past two seasons, one in Dallas and one in Carolina. He isn't explosive, but he's chain mover. Has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons but isn't really a true No. 1 back.
83	J.K. Dobbins Denver Broncos RB
He was off to a good start in his first season with the Broncos in 2025, but he suffered a foot injury that ended his season. He is 27 years old, but injuries have impacted his career in a big way.
84	Isaac Seumalo Pittsburgh Steelers OG
At 32, he is a power player who has improved in pass protection. He's a solid guard who can help a team for a few years with a short-term deal.
85	Arnold Ebiketie Atlanta Falcons LB
At 27, he's got some pass-rush pop, but he had just two sacks last season. He is more of a rotational player than a starter.
86	Braden Smith Indianapolis Colts OT
He's been a solid starter in his career, bur at 30 he's had some injury concerns. His 2025 season was cut short by a neck injury.
87	David Njoku Cleveland Browns TE
He is coming off a down year in a bad Cleveland offense. Harold Fannin became the Browns' go-to tight end, which hurt Njoku's production. But at 29, he is still capable of being a good No. 2.
88	Eric Stokes Las Vegas Raiders CB
In his one season with the Raiders, the former Packers first-round pick elevated his play and was a solid player. At 26, he is the right target age for a team in need of corner help.
89	Matt Milano Buffalo Bills OLB
He's 31 and has battled through injuries the past few seasons. His play hasn't been as good in recent years either, which is a concern.
90	Kamren Curl Los Angeles Rams SAF
This 27-year-old is a good player against the run, leading the team in tackles, but he can be exposed in coverage. The Rams need more speed on the back end, so he will likely be moving on.
91	Wyatt Teller Cleveland Browns G
At 31, his play has dropped off from his Pro Bowl play of a few years ago. He's always been a self-made player who battles and that's what you will get if he is signed to your roster.
92	Rachaad White Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB
At 27, he's a good receiver who also is good in pass protection. But he isn't a great between-the-tackles runner.
93	Jake Martin Washington Commanders DE
He had a career-best 5 1/2 sacks last season. He is a perfect guy to be a rotational player who can come in and provide edge help.
94	D.J. Reader Detroit Lions DE
At 32, he isn't the same player he was early in his career, but he's still a good veteran to have in the middle of the line. A short-term deal would make sense for interior-needy teams.
95	Tyler Allgeier Atlanta Falcons RB
As the backup to Bijan Robinson, he is a tough runner who can run over people. He doesn't have a lot of carries, which helps. He is 25.
96	Marcus Mariota Washington Commanders QB
At 32, he is a solid veteran backup who threw 10 touchdowns and seven picks last season playing for the injured Jayden Daniels. There might be a team -- Jets? -- who will potentially look at him to compete for a starting job.
97	Montaric Brown Jacksonville Jaguars CB
He had his best season when he moved into the starting lineup last season because of injuries to others. He isn't fast, but he's smart and plays well in zone. He's 26.
98	Al-Quadin Muhammad Detroit Lions DE
At 30, he had 11 sacks last season for a team that badly needed it opposite Aiden Hutchinson. There is always a market for these types of rotational edge players.
99	Ar'Darius Washington Baltimore Ravens SAF
He is coming off a torn Achilles, but in 2024 he was the type of player teams love on their defense, a versatile player who can do a lot of things. He is 25.
100	Joseph Ossai Cincinnati Bengals DE
After a slow start to his career, he has come on the past two seasons. He can help a team in need of edge depth. He's 25.