Even though there are still 12 days until Super Bowl LX, it’s important to remember that the NFL free agent period begins in just six weeks.
Teams can discuss the terms of new contracts with players during the legal negotiation period from March 9-10, before the market officially opens at 4 p.m. on March 11. Who could land juicy new contracts?
Let’s review the best free agents of the 2026 vintage.
1. Trey Hendrickson, Defensive End
Team in 2025: Cincinnati Bengals | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 31 years old
What he brings: Hendrickson is a monster on the wings, equipped with a wide range of moves to chase down opposing quarterbacks and a particular knack for making plays at the opportune moment. In seven games this season, he has made four sacks. His 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures in 2024 were the best in the league. Hendrickson would immediately bolster any team’s defensive line.
2. George Pickens, Wide Receiver
Team in 2025: Dallas Cowboys | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 25 years old
What he brings: With 22 receptions of 20 yards or more in 2025 (4th in the NFL), Pickens has an ability to turn the tide of the game with explosive plays. This unique ability will allow him to earn a lot of money in the market. Pickens also finished third in the NFL with 1,429 passing yards. His ability to run routes at all three levels further bolsters his profile.
3. Tyler Linderbaum, Centre
Team in 2025: Baltimore Ravens | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 26 years old
What he brings: Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality inside the offensive line, using his footwork and balance to thwart passers or climb to the second level in the running game. His block success rate on passing plays of 97.2% ties him for second among 31 qualified centers this season.
4. Daniel Jones, Quarterback
Team in 2025: Indianapolis Colts | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 29 years old
What he brings: An Achilles injury in Week 14 could delay Jones’ debut next season, but it’s clear he’s raised his level of play under coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis. Jones’ efficiency rating of 64.1 ranked him eighth in the league in Week 13, and he was throwing with a much sharper sense of timing. He fits well into an offense that relies on a good running game, which allows him to act as a facilitator.
5. Jaelan Phillips, Defensive End
Team in 2025: Philadelphia Eagles | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 27 years old
What he brings: At 6-foot-5, Phillips can be effective against both the run and the pass. After being traded to the Eagles on November 3, he had two sacks and 27 pressures in coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. During his five seasons in the NFL, Phillips had 28 sacks and 150 pressures on the opposing quarterback.
6. Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver
Team in 2025: Indianapolis Colts | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 26 years old
What he brings: A 1.90 m vertical target, Pierce had the best average per reception in the NFL with 21.3 yards on average. He also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and scored six touchdowns. Pierce has the straight-line speed to require double coverages on vertical routes, creating open coverage gaps for other targets. With greater volume and an increased role, he has the assets to make a major impact.
7. Breece Hall, Running back
Team in 2025: New York Jets | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 25 years old
What he brings: he is fluid in his movements, has good balance on contact and good vision to find space, while being able to get involved on the ground as well as passing. Hall has 188 receptions in his career. He also had 87 runs of 10 yards or more in four seasons. He is one of the few running backs who can make an impact on all 3 downs.
8. Rasheed Walker, Blocker
Team in 2025: Green Bay Packers | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 26 years old
What he brings: Walker’s pass protection success rate (93.8%) ranks him 11th among 68 eligible blockers. His technique could still improve and he lacks anchoring, but he has the footwork and mobility to match the speed of the best defensive ends. At a highly coveted position, Walker will attract strong interest on the free agent market.
9. Odafe Oweh, Defensive End
Team in 2025: Los Angeles Chargers | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 27 years old
What he brings: Oweh can both pass through a blocker or get around him with his speed. After being traded from the Ravens on October 7, Oweh had 7.5 sacks and 27 pressures in Los Angeles. Additionally, he recorded three sacks in the Chargers’ loss to the Patriots in the playoffs.
10. Braden Smith, Blocker
Team in 2025: Indianapolis Colts | Age at the start of the 2026 season: 30 years old
What he brings: He’s a strong blocker, standing at 6-foot-9, 310 pounds, who has no trouble competing for power in pass protection. Injuries have been a concern, as Smith has missed 17 games over the past three seasons. He started 13 games at right tackle for the Colts in 2025, and his pass protection success rate jumped 7% from 2024.
