Free agency opens in a little over 2 weeks. I’m going to do a Chicago Bears centric primer in the next week or two, but in this piece I’m going to look at the top potential free agents, by position, as ranked by Pro Football Focus.

I’ll also look at some players that aren’t free agents but could be on the move. Let’s start with the most important position:

Quarterbacks

There’s always intrigue surrounding the QB position, but this year seems especially intriguing. The lack of top tier prospects in the draft adds to that. I think at least five teams will have a new starting QB at the beginning of the 2026 season.

Malik Willis, GB

Willis is the most intriguing name among potentially available quarterbacks because no one is entirely sure what you’re going to get.

Willis has played sparingly as Jordan Love’s backup in Green Bay, but he has flashed encouraging growth, potential and play making abilities.

There are several QB needy teams, but a lack of long term solutions. Willis represents the closest thing and his upside is worth the short term gamble.

To me, two teams make the most sense. First is the Miami Dolphins. Miami is going to either trade or release Tua Tagovailoa, either way they do not have the cap flexibility to spend big on a quarterback. Finding a cheaper alternative with upside would be ideal.

Enter Willis. New Dolphins head coach, Jeff Hafley was in Green Bay with Willis the last two seasons, the connection is there. Willis could be the long term replacement for Tua or at the very least a decent placeholder until Miami clears their books and is able to land their next franchise quarterback.

The Arizona Cardinals are in a similar position as Miami. They are likely trading Kyler Murray or releasing him. The Cardinals cap situation will not be as dire and they have a decent short term replacement on the roster in Jacoby Brissett. Still, Willis would make sense.

The Cardinals new head coach, Mike LaFleur, is the brother of Packers head coach, Matt LaFleur. The offense would be similar and you can bet the LaFleur brothers have exchanged intel on Willis.

Like with Miami, Willis would be a short term gamble for Arizona that could pay off handsomely, at the very least he’d be a decent placeholder or backup QB until the Cardinals land their franchise quarterback.

Prediction- Malik Willis signs with the Arizona Cardinals.

I think Arizona has more cap flexibility than Miami and they don’t appear to be initiating a full tear down and rebuild like the Dolphins. I think the Cardinals have the edge.

Aaron Rodgers, PIT

Rodgers will either be a Steeler in 2026 or he’ll retire. I just cannot see him returning and starting over with another team.

In typical Rodgers fashion, though, we might not get an official answer until early summer. We should be able to get an idea by how Pittsburgh addresses the quarterback situation in free agency.

Prediction- Aaron Rodgers retires.

Daniel Jones, IND

Jones was poised to be this year’s version of Sam Darnold until he suffered an Achilles injury in week 14. That injury muddies the picture a bit.

Jones performed well enough during 2025 to still garner interest on the open market, despite the uncertainty of his availability to start the 2026 season.

Jones’ best option is returning to Indianapolis where he had success in Shane Steichen’s system. I am sure this will be the end result, the question is whether the Colts can work out a long term deal or if they have to use the franchise tag.

Prediction- The Indianapolis Colts franchise tag Daniel Jones.

Other QBs

• Kyler Murray is traded to the New York Jets.

I think Arizona will find it easier to trade Murray than Miami will with Tua. I think the Jets make the most sense. The Jets aren’t going with an unproven QB with upside this time, they did that with Justin Fields and it failed miserably. Murray is a higher end placeholder until the Jets can take their shot at a franchise QB in 2027.

• Kirk Cousins signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All signs point to Cousins being released by the Atlanta Falcons. He’ll certainly be seeking a starting opportunity and will garner significant interest. Miami & Arizona won’t be able to pay as much and Pittsburgh also offers the best chance of making the playoffs. A Cousins signing would signal that the Steelers are expecting Aaron Rodgers to retire.

• The Las Vegas Raiders trade Geno Smith to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Tua Tagovailoa and draft compensation.

The Raiders clear the path to the starting QB role for presumptive #1 pick Fernando Mendoza and get the rookie a higher end veteran backup. The Dolphins, meanwhile, get Tua off their books and a cheaper starting quarterback.

Edge Rushers

There’s some big names at the top of the free agent edge rusher list, if they actually get to free agency. It’s not a deep group, but pass rushers always have a market.

Trey Hendrickson, CIN

Playing at a high level at premium position makes Hendrickson the biggest name on the free agent market. He is coming off an injury plagued season, but he’s only a year removed from leading the NFL in sacks. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Hendrickson will have a robust market… if he gets to free agency.

The Cincinnati Bengals do have the option of using the franchise tag, or re-signing him and one would think that with the state of their defense that keeping the best defensive player on the roster would be a priority.

It really depends on how deeply the relationship between Hendrickson & the Bengals was damaged by last year’s contract stalemate.

Prediction- The Cincinnati Bengals franchise tag Trey Hendrickson.

With as bad as their defense is, I cannot imagine Cincinnati allowing Hendrickson to walk with minimal compensation.

Odafe Oweh, LAC

After being acquired from Baltimore mid-season, Oweh had a breakout. I believe the Chargers are intent on signing Oweh to an extension and they may use the franchise tag to give themselves time to work one out.

Prediction- The Los Angeles Chargers franchise tag Odafe Oweh.

Jaelan Phillips, PHI

Phillips was very good for the Eagles after arriving via a deadline trade with Miami. He seems like a very good fit for the Philly defense and GM Howie Roseman usually finds a way to keep his guys.

However, Philly also has a history of letting edge rushers walk when they get too expensive.

Edge rushers always have a robust market & Phillips will have multiple suitors. Ultimately, I think he lands with a familiar foe.

Prediction- Jaelan Phillips signs with the New England Patriots.

More Edge Rushers

• Boye Mafe (SEA) signs with the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Joey Bosa (BUF) signs with the San Francisco 49ers.
• Khalil Mack re-signs with the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Jadaveon Clowney (DAL) signs with the Carolina Panthers.
• Arnold Ebiketie (ATL) signs with the Washington Commanders.
• Cameron Jordan re-signs with the New Orleans Saints.
• Bradley Chubb (MIA) signs with the Tennessee Titans.
• Maxx Crosby- Because I’m a Bears fan, I feel the need to address Crosby as the rumors swirl. I would love to add him at the right price, but I just don’t think this kind of swing for the fences is Ryan Poles’ style. Crosby may get traded, but I don’t think it will be to Chicago.

Wide Receivers

WR is another position that usually has a pretty robust free agent market, but I don’t think the class is very deep in 2026.

George Pickens, DAL

Pickens had a breakout season for the Dallas Cowboys, establishing himself as a true #1 receiver. He’s going to want #1 WR money, the problem is that Dallas is already paying CeeDee Lamb as a #1.

Dallas can, and probably will, use the franchise tag on Pickens, whether or not they can sign him to a long term deal is open for debate.

Prediction- The Dallas Cowboys franchise tag George Pickens.

Alec Pierce, IND

Pierce had a breakout season for the Indianapolis Colts & Indy would certainly like to keep him. There is probably a bigger payday out there for Pierce, though.

As the top receiver on the open market (not counting the aforementioned Pickens), Pierce will have a healthy market.

Prediction- Alec Pierce signs with the New England Patriots.

New England spent big last offseason but they still have ample cap space to make significant additions. Drake Maye nearly won the MVP award with a past his prime Stefon Diggs as his #1 target. Pierce could help Maye reach new heights.

Mike Evans, TB

Evans will reportedly explore his options in free agency, and he’ll certainly have opportunities, but I just can’t imagine him playing anywhere other than Tampa.

Prediction- Mike Evans re-signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

More WRs

• Deebo Samuel (WAS) signs with the San Francisco 49ers.
• Jauan Jennings (SF) signs with the Carolina Panthers.
• Rashid Shaheed re-signs with the Seattle Seahawks.
• Romeo Doubs (GB) signs with the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• The Chicago Bears trade DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills for draft compensation.

I’m pretty certain the Bears will move Moore to create cap space and I also believe that GM Ryan Poles will do right by Moore and trade him to a contender rather than a rebuilding team. Josh Allen finally gets the #1 WR he’s been missing.

Cornerbacks

Top end corners rarely hit free agency, when one does, they are in high demand. Not a deep group of free agent cornerbacks this year.

Jamel Dean, TB

Dean will be the top corner on the market if Tampa Bay lets him get there. The Buccaneers usually do their utmost to retain their key players, but Dean’s price tag may be too high.

Prediction- Jamel Dean signs with the Los Angeles Rams.

More CBs

• Jaylen Watson (KC) signs with the New York Jets.
• Tariq Woolen (SEA) signs with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Mike Hilton (IND) signs with the Minnesota Vikings.
• Nahshon Wright (CHI) signs with the Dallas Cowboys.

Offensive Tackles

OTs are probably the most overpaid players in free agency. Above average tackles get paid like perennial All-Pros.

Rasheed Walker, GB

Walker is set to get paid as the top available offensive tackle, whether he’s worth the contract or not is up for debate.

Prediction- Rasheed Walker signs with the Cleveland Browns.

Other OTs

• Jermaine Eluemunor re-signs with the New York Giants.
• Braxton Jones (CHI) signs with the Detroit Lions.

Defensive Tackles

Teams don’t let true game changing DTs hit free agency, as evidenced by this rather weak class.

• DJ Reader (DET) signs with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Calais Campbell re-signs with the Arizona Cardinals.
• David Onyemata (ATL) signs with the Green Bay Packers.
• John Franklin-Myers (DEN) signs with the Atlanta Falcons.

Running Backs

The RB position had been devalued over the years, but there has been a slight resurgence in recent years. This year’s class is pretty deep. I expect a lot of movement here.

Kenneth Walker III, SEA

The Seahawks will probably prioritize extensions for WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba & CB Devon Witherspoon & retaining other free agents. Despite the uncertainty of Zach Charbonnett’s availability, the champs seem likely to let the Super Bowl MVP walk.

Prediction- Kenneth Walker III signs with the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans have the most cap space in the NFL, they can afford to splurge a little. Nothing helps a young QB, like Cam Ward, more than a consistent rushing attack.

Breece Hall, NYJ

Hall was the Jets most consistent offensive weapon in 2025, but he was noticeably unhappy with the dumpster fire raging in NY and was openly disappointed to not have been dealt at the deadline.

Getting Hall to agree to a long term extension seems highly unlikely this offseason, but the Jets won’t let him go for nothing.

Prediction- The New York Jets franchise tag Breece Hall.

Travis Etienne, JAX

The emergence of 2025 rookie Bhayshul Tuten means it’s highly unlikely that Jacksonville will use the franchise tag or match what Etienne could garner on the open market.

Prediction- Travis Etienne signs with the Kansas City Chiefs.

KC will have to do some creative accounting to make this work, but I believe there is mutual interest here. The Chiefs haven’t had a dual threat RB of this caliber since before Isaiah Pacheco’s injury.

Rico Dowdle, CAR

Dowdle was at times spectacular for the Panthers in 2025, but he took a backseat to Chuba Hubbard down the stretch. He’ll be looking for greener pastures and more of a primary role in 2026.

Back to back solid seasons with two different teams will make him an attractive RB to many teams.

Prediction- Rico Dowdle signs with the Denver Broncos.

Dowdle would take over the lead role in a backfield with 2025 rookie RJ Harvey. He offers similar skills, with less injury issues than JK Dobbins.

More RBs

• Tyler Allgeier (ATL) signs with the Washington Commanders.
• Najee Harris (LAC) signs with the Green Bay Packers.
• JK Dobbins (DEN) signs with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Rachaad White (TB) signs with the Carolina Panthers.
• Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) signs with the New Orleans Saints.

Gainwell could be an indication of Aaron Rodgers’ intentions. He was a favorite of Rodgers in Pittsburgh, if he walks you can bet Rodgers isn’t returning.

Linebackers

Off ball LB is another position that has been devalued over the years. This is a pretty decent class of free agents, though.

Devin Lloyd, JAX

Lloyd had a career year in 2025 and is set to cash in as the top available off ball linebacker.

The Jaguars will try to retain him, but he’ll likely get a bigger payday elsewhere.

Prediction- Devin Lloyd signs with the Cincinnati Bengals.

With the state of their defense, the Bengals will be linked to all the top available defensive players.

Devin Bush, CLE

Bush resurrected his career in Cleveland, but with their cap situation I doubt the Browns can re-sign him.

Prediction- Devin Bush signs with the Washington Commanders.

Nakobe Dean, PHI

When healthy Dean has been phenomenal for the Eagles, unfortunately he’s had injury issues dating back to college. Philly has depth and I think they’ll let Dean walk.

Prediction- Nakobe Dean signs with the Buffalo Bills.

Leo Chenal, KC

Chenal has never had a full time role in KC, but he’s flashed plenty of potential. There will multiple teams hoping he’s ready for a bigger role at a rather affordable price.

Prediction- Leo Chenal signs with the Chicago Bears.

I expect the Bears to release Tremaine Edmunds to create cap space, they could replace him at a fraction of the cost.

Other LBs

• Bobby Wagner (WAS) signs with the Dallas Cowboys.
• Alex Anzalone (DET) signs with the New York Jets
• Demario Davis re-signs with the New Orleans Saints.
• Tremaine Edmunds (CHI) signs with the Tennessee Titans after being released.

Tight Ends

Big time TEs don’t usually hit free agency, but this year is a bit different. There is at least one superstar and one potential superstar about to hit the open market.

Kyle Pitts, ATL

Pitts finally had that breakout season we’ve been waiting for since he was the fourth overall pick in 2021.

The Falcons could use the franchise tag on him, but my hunch says he’ll hit the open market and be in demand.

Prediction- Kyle Pitts signs with the Denver Broncos.

Pitts could be the ‘joker’ Sean Payton has talked about his offense needing.

Travis Kelce, KC

Kelce will either return to Kansas City or retire to become Mr. Swift. My hunch says he’s back for at least one more year.

Prediction- Travis Kelce re-signs with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Other TEs

• Dallas Goedert signs with the New York Jets.
• Isaiah Likely (BAL) signs with the Atlanta Falcons.
• David Njoku (CLE) signs with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Chig Okonkwo (TEN) signs with the New England Patriots.

Safeties

Safety is yet another position that has been devalued over the years. There is a pretty good class of free agent safeties this year, however.

Kevin Byard, CHI

Byard returned to his All-Pro form in 2025 and I think re-signing him is one of the Bears’ offseason priorities.

Prediction- Kevin Byard re-signs with the Chicago Bears.

More Safeties

• Bryan Cook (KC) signs with the Cincinnati Bengals.
• Kamren Curl (LAR) signs with the Chicago Bears.
• Coby Bryant (SEA) signs with the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Reed Blankenship (PHI) signs with the Arizona Cardinals.
• Jaquan Brisker (CHI) signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Interior Offensive Linemen

All offensive linemen have a market, but it’s not a real deep class for 2026.

Tyler Linderbaum, BAL

Because of rules that lump all offensive linemen into the same group, it is highly unlikely that the Baltimore Ravens would use the franchise tag on Linderbaum, though they would obviously like to keep him.

All-Pro offensive lineman always have a good market, no matter if they’re tackles, guards or centers like Linderbaum. If he gets to free agency, I expect him to become the highest paid center in the NFL

Baltimore would love to get a deal done before free agency begins.

Prediction- Tyler Linderbaum re-signs with the Baltimore Ravens.

Isaac Seumalo, PIT

Seumalo is probably the top guard to hit the open market, and he’ll have a decent market.

Prediction- Isaac Seumalo signs with the San Francisco 49ers.

More IOLs

• David Edwards (BUF) signs with the New Orleans Saints.
• Alijah Vera-Tucker re-signs with the New York Jets.
• Kevin Zeitler (TEN) re-signs with the Tennessee Titans.
• Joel Bitonio re-signs with the Cleveland Browns.
• Connor McGovern (BUF) signs with the New England Patriots.