2026 NFL Free Agency: A Glimpse at the Potential Top 10
The frenzy of the 2025 NFL free agency has subsided, leaving teams to assess their acquisitions and prepare for the upcoming season. While many franchises significantly altered their rosters with lucrative contracts and strategic trades, the ever-present eye of the NFL looks forward. Speculation is already mounting regarding the potential landscape of the 2026 free agency period.
This year’s market saw several high-profile players locked down either through extensions, like Ronnie Stanley, or the use of the franchise tag. However, that didn’t stop teams from aggressively pursuing available talent. For teams that missed out on their primary targets, the good news is that the 2026 free agency class is shaping up to be equally compelling, potentially offering better fits for specific team needs.
Looking ahead to 2026, several prominent names are poised to hit the open market, barring any extensions or unforeseen circumstances. This preview excludes players drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, as it’s highly probable that teams will exercise their fifth-year options on those players. For instance, it’s almost certain that the Detroit Lions will retain Aidan Hutchinson, the Baltimore Ravens will keep Kyle Hamilton, and the Houston Texans will secure Derek Stingley Jr. through their fifth-year options.
With that understanding, let’s delve into the potential top 10 free agents of 2026:
1. T.J. Watt, Edge Rusher
Entering his age-31 season in 2025, T.J. Watt remains an elite defensive force. Despite his age, there’s been minimal decline in his production since he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021. Watt led the NFL in sacks in 2023 with 19 and followed it up with 11.5 sacks in 2024, earning him his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro designation.
Watt has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense for years. Even if he experiences a slight dip in performance, his reputation and proven track record will command significant interest on the open market. Many teams will likely offer lucrative short-term deals for his services.
2. Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver
Tee Higgins received the franchise tag once again this offseason, setting the stage for a potential free agency appearance after two consecutive tag years. While his teammate Ja’Marr Chase garners much of the attention as one of the league’s premier wide receivers, Higgins possesses a unique skill set as a physical, ball-winning receiver with consistent production.
Higgins will turn 27 by the time free agency arrives, indicating he has plenty of prime years remaining. His size, strength, and reliable hands would make him a valuable addition to almost any team seeking a dependable receiving threat.
3. Danielle Hunter, Edge Rusher
Danielle Hunter joined the Houston Texans as a significant free agent signing during the 2025 offseason, a move designed to maximize the value of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract. Hunter delivered a solid season, recording 12 sacks and a career-high 90 pressures, according to NFL Pro data.
Hunter is a year younger than Watt and has earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the last three seasons. He hasn’t missed a game since 2021 and is expected to continue producing strong numbers in Houston. He will undoubtedly be a sought-after commodity in the free agent market once again.
4. Trey McBride, Tight End
Trey McBride, selected after the first round in the 2022 NFL Draft, is poised to enter free agency. The Colorado State product earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after achieving career highs in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,146).
With a relatively young roster surrounding quarterback Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals will likely attempt to secure McBride with a long-term contract before the 2025 season commences. If he reaches free agency, he would undoubtedly be the top tight end available in the class.
5. Trey Smith, Guard
Similar to Cincinnati’s situation with Higgins, the Kansas City Chiefs utilized the franchise tag on Trey Smith this offseason to prevent him from entering the open market. If the two parties fail to reach a long-term agreement, Smith will become a free agent next year.
The former sixth-round pick has proven to be a remarkable steal for Kansas City, missing only one game in his first four seasons. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and was expected to reset the guard market in 2025. He could potentially do so again if he becomes available next year.
6. Kaleb McGary, Right Tackle
Kaleb McGary has been a consistent and reliable right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons since 2019. He’s missed just five games in the past four years. While he allowed six sacks in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was also recognized as one of the league’s better run-blocking tackles last season.
The Falcons will likely aim to sign him to another long-term contract, potentially made easier with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. still under his rookie deal.
7. Cody Goedeke, Offensive Tackle
Cody Goedeke transitioned from guard to tackle in 2023 and performed well enough to remain at the position in 2024. PFF ranked him 30th out of 141 qualifying tackles in 2024, noting his strength as a run blocker. His versatility to play both guard and tackle will make him a highly sought-after player for teams seeking offensive line reinforcement in 2026.
8. Kerby Joseph, Safety
Like McBride, Kerby Joseph was a Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and is ineligible for a fifth-year option. Joseph’s impressive college production has translated seamlessly to the NFL. He led the league in interceptions last year with nine, including one pick-six, along with 12 passes defensed.
He has been a valuable complement to star Brian Branch in the secondary. However, Detroit may face challenges in affording all of their young stars after already extending contracts to players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell.
9. George Pickens, Wide Receiver
George Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh might be uncertain after the Steelers traded for D.K. Metcalf. Both players possess similar skill sets, and Pittsburgh has committed to Metcalf with a long-term deal. Pickens can stretch the field and make plays after the catch, but concerns about off-field behavior have been an issue.
10. Kolton Miller, Offensive Tackle
Kolton Miller has been a mainstay at left tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders for the past seven years after being selected No. 15 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. PFF ranked Miller 14th among qualifying tackles in 2024 and recognized him as one of the top pass-blocking tackles in the league.
Like Hunter, he’ll be entering his age-31 season in 2026, but offensive tackles can maintain high performance levels well into their 30s. Miller should be an appealing option on the market if Las Vegas doesn’t extend his contract.
The 2026 free agency class promises a diverse array of talent, potentially reshaping team rosters and impacting the competitive balance of the league. While much can change in the intervening seasons, these players represent the early frontrunners to command top dollar and significant attention in the next cycle of free agency. Teams will be closely monitoring their performance and contract situations as they prepare for the bidding wars to come.
