The official start of NFL free agency is just days away.
Teams are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Clubs can officially sign free agents once the NFL’s new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.
Currently, two defensive players are at the top of the free agent rankings. Quarterback Kyler Murray has also made his way onto the list after being informed of his release; he is set to become a free agent on March 11. Murray will join a group of free agent quarterbacks that includes Aaron Rodgers and Malik Willis.
All NFL teams have roster needs they must address. Where will the top free agents land? USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon ranks his top 32 free agents for this NFL offseason.
Editor’s note: This ranking is subject to change throughout the free agency period.
Tyler Dragon’s top 32 NFL free agents for 2026
1. LB Devin Lloyd (2025 team: Jaguars)
Lloyd garnered Defensive Player of the Year consideration in 2025. His five interceptions were tied for second in the NFL. Pro Football Focus gave him the second-highest grade (88.4) among qualified inside linebackers. Lloyd has produced at least 113 tackles in three of the last four seasons.
2. Edge Trey Hendrickson (2025 team: Bengals)
Hendrickson has been Cincinnati’s best defensive player for the past few seasons. He possesses strong technique and plays with a high motor. He was limited to seven games in 2025 due to injury, but he had 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons in 2023-2024. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 paced the NFL.
3. C Tyler Linderbaum (2025 team: Ravens)
Linderbaum is an anchor in the middle of the offensive line. He allowed only two sacks and 26 pressures last year with the Ravens. The three-time Pro Bowler was Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest-graded player among centers with at least 900 snaps last season. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the team has already extended a “market-setting offer” to Linderbaum.
4. WR Mike Evans (2025 team: Bucs)
Evans’ streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons came to an end in 2025 after a concussion, hamstring injury and broken collarbone limited him to eight games. Were the injuries a sign of Father Time catching up? Evans will turn 33 in August. However, he’s still a legitimate X receiver when healthy.
5. RB Kenneth Walker III (2025 team: Seahawks)
Walker proved his value during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 run. He gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. It will behoove the Seahawks to keep the Super Bowl 60 MVP, but he’ll have some suitors. Walker thrived in Seattle’s outside zone run scheme.
6. QB Kyler Murray (2025 team: Cardinals)
Murray will officially be a free agent at the start of the league year. The dual-threat quarterback has struggled with consistency and playing within structure but the talent is there. Murray can still be a good starting quarterback if placed in the right situation, with the right pieces around him.
7. Edge Jaelan Phillips (2025 teams: Dolphins/Eagles)
The Eagles acquired Phillips at the 2025 trade deadline for a third-round pick. Phillips’ 44 pressures ranked fourth on the Eagles despite him only playing in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips likes playing in Philly, but star DT Jalen Carter is eligible for a lucrative extension. The top edge rushers in the open market typically receive massive paydays.
8. Edge Odafe Oweh (2025 teams: Ravens/Chargers)
Oweh’s productivity surged when he was traded to the Chargers. His 7.5 sacks ranked second on the team, and he registered three sacks in LA’s playoff loss to New England. His 81.6 pass rush grade was a Chargers team-high, per Pro Football Focus.
9. OT Rasheed Walker (2025 team: Packers)
Walker is the top-rated offensive tackle entering free agency after starting 48 games the past three seasons for Green Bay. He allowed five sacks and 40 pressures during the regular season and playoffs in 2025.
10. QB Aaron Rodgers (2025 team: Steelers)
There are rumblings that Rodgers could be back for a 22nd season. If Rodgers does return, it’ll likely be to reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The four-time MVP isn’t the QB he once was, but he’s still a capable starter who helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs.
11. WR Alec Pierce (2025 team: Colts)
Pierce enjoyed career-highs in catches (47) and receiving yards (1,003) last season. The 6-foot-3 receiver is a good vertical threat. He averaged 21.3 yards per reception, the highest among qualified players.
12. QB Malik Willis (2025 team: Packers)
Willis is in line for a starting opportunity after successful spot duty with the Packers. Willis had an underwhelming two years in Tennessee, but he deserves another chance to be a starting quarterback after his time as a backup in Green Bay. Teams are rumored to be interested in Willis as QB1.
13. OT Braden Smith (2025 team: Colts)
Smith gave up one sack and 26 pressures in 766 snaps at right tackle last year. He was placed on Injured Reserve in December due to a concussion and neck injuries. The right tackle will be 30 years old at the start of next season.
14. RB Travis Etienne Jr. (2025 team: Jaguars)
It’ll seem strange if Etienne isn’t in the backfield with his college and Jaguars teammate Trevor Lawrence. Etienne is a versatile running back who can catch passes. He’s topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four NFL seasons. He’s also tallied at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in three of his four seasons.
15. WR Rashid Shaheed (2025 teams: Saints/Seahawks)
Shaheed ignited Seattle’s special teams as soon as he arrived. He was the only player in the NFL in 2025 with both kick and punt return touchdowns. Shaheed told USA TODAY Sports that he “absolutely” wants to re-sign with the Seahawks.
16. LB Quay Walker (2025 team: Packers)
Walker has led the Packers in tackles for four straight seasons. The inside linebacker has compiled more than 100 tackles in every year since Green Bay selected him in the first-round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
17. Edge Khalil Mack (2025 team: Chargers)
Mack is 35 and entering his 13th NFL season. His age is the only reason why he’s this low on this free agent list. The veteran is still a proven edge rusher and a stout run defender. He produced 5.5 sacks and 42 pressures for the Chargers last season.
18. WR Romeo Doubs (2025 team: Packers)
Doubs showed the potential to be a team’s No. 1 wide receiver. He led the Packers in receptions and receiving yards last season. The outside receiver has struggled with consistency during his time in Green Bay, but he could be paid like a No. 1 wideout this offseason.
19. TE Isaiah Likely (2025 team: Ravens)
Likely appeared poised to take the tight end mantle from Mark Andrews in Baltimore, but the Ravens re-signed Andrews to a three-year extension in December. Likely and Andrews have been an excellent combo for the Ravens, but another club could offer the top tight end in free agency more money and a chance to be the bona fide starter.
20. Edge Bradley Chubb (2025 team: Dolphins)
The Dolphins informed Chubb in February that they would be releasing him. Chubb led Miami in sacks in two of the last three seasons (2023, 2025). He suffered a torn ACL in 2024. He will turn 30 years old at the start of next season and has recorded 48 career sacks.
21. LB Nakobe Dean (2025 team: Eagles)
Dean started the 2025 season on the PUP list due to a knee injury he suffered during the 2024 postseason. He compiled a career-high 128 tackles in 2024. The 5-foot-11 inside linebacker might be a little undersized but he has a nose for the football.
22. WR Tyreek Hill (2025 team: Dolphins)
The NFL’s most explosive receiver over the last decade. Hill has legitimate track speed but was among Miami’s cap casualties as the Dolphins enter a rebuild. The speedy wide receiver is recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL that he suffered in Week 4 of the 2025 season and will likely miss a large chunk of the 2026 season. The injuries and Hill’s age will likely impact his vaunted speed.
23. OG Wyatt Teller (2025 team: Browns)
A top free agent guard. Teller allowed three sacks and 24 pressures in 765 snaps for the Browns last season. He started in 13 games in each of the past two seasons. The 31-year-old offensive lineman is a three-time Pro Bowler.
24. CB Riq Woolen (2025 team: Seahawks)
At 6-foot-4, Woolen has the length that teams covet at cornerback. Woolen occasionally has lapses in coverage that result in big plays, but he does possess the skills to be a starting outside cornerback.
25. LB Tremaine Edmunds (2025 team: Bears)
The Bears decided to release Edmunds ahead of the new league year, a person close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Edmunds compiled a team-high 112 tackles last year. He’s registered at least 100 tackles in each of his eight seasons. He’s a sure tackler at linebacker and will only be 28 years old at the start of next season.
26. CB Alontae Taylor (2025 team: Saints)
Taylor has the versatility to play in the slot or outside corner. He’s also an effective blitzer. His seven career sacks rank first in Saints history by a cornerback. He’s started 31 games the past two seasons.
27. CB Jaylen Watson (2025 team: Chiefs)
Watson’s role steadily increased in Kansas City. He started a career-high 15 games last season. He was the Chiefs’ second-best cornerback in 2025, leading the team with two interceptions.
28. S Jaquan Brisker (2025 team: Bears)
Brisker displayed his versatility, lining up in the box and at free safety for Chicago. He tallied one interception and eight pass deflections for a Bears defense that led the NFL in takeaways last year. He has produced at least 93 tackles in three of his four seasons.
29. WR Jauan Jennings (2025 team: 49ers)
Jennings provided steady production at wide receiver for the injury-riddled 49ers. He led all San Francisco wideouts in catches (55) and receiving yards (643). His nine touchdown receptions were a team and career-high.
30. S Coby Bryant (2025 team: Seahawks)
A key member of Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense. Bryant tallied four interceptions, which was tied for second on the team. The free safety started in 15 games this season. He allowed a 59% completion percentage when targeted.
31. C Connor McGovern (2025 team: Bills)
McGovern has position versatility along the offensive line. He started as a guard in Buffalo in 2023, switched to center and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Pro Football Focus gave McGovern a 73.4 pass blocking grade in 2025, which ranked sixth among centers.
32. Edge K’Lavon Chaisson (2025 team: Patriots)
K’Lavon Chaisson led New England with 74 pressures and his 7.5 sacks were second on the squad. The athletic edge rusher is a former first-round pick and has upside at 26 years old.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.