NFL's top 50 free agents of 2023

Business is about to pick up in the NFL, with free agency on the horizon. Though numerous stars could find new homes when it's all said and done, the open market doesn't come without some risks and big price tags. While some impending unrestricted free agents will likely sign extensions or get slapped with the franchise tag by next month, here's a look at the 50 best players slated to hit the market:

1. Lamar Jackson, QB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

Barring a catastrophe, it remains extremely unlikely that Jackson enters free agency. The Ravens have gone as far as saying there's a "200%" chance the former league MVP remains in Baltimore. The organization has done everything to commit to Jackson except meet his terms on an extension. The franchise tag could be a remedy that'll buy the Ravens more time. From there, it's anyone's guess what happens with arguably the league's most talented dual-threat quarterback.

2. Derek Carr, QB

Carr and the Raiders just finalized an awkward divorce after nine years together. While that means change in Las Vegas, it also means other franchises will have the opportunity to add a proven four-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Carr is coming off a difficult season, with a 60.8% completion percentage and 86.3 passer rating being his lowest since his rookie year. That shouldn't stop a rich market from developing for his services. For teams with a strong all-around roster but lacking at quarterback, Carr could be the missing piece under center that provides legitimate playoff aspirations.

3. Javon Hargrave, DT

Hargrave looks slated to hit free agency and will be arguably the top interior pass-rusher on the market. While the Philadelphia Eagles would love to have him back, they might not be able to match what the 30-year-old will fetch in free agency. Hargrave terrorized offensive lines in 2022, setting career highs in sacks (11) and tackles for loss (10). After spending the majority of his career overshadowed by some talented front sevens in Pittsburgh and Philly, it's finally time for Hargrave to get his due.

4. Geno Smith, QB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

One of the best comeback stories in recent memory, Smith proved detractors were foolish to write him off by shining in his first season as a starter in seven years. He repaid the Seahawks for their faith in him by leading the franchise to a postseason appearance and setting multiple franchise passing records. Now, it's time for the Seahawks to repay him. The two sides appear interested in an extension, though the franchise tag could precede the deal. In the unlikely event that Smith hits the open market, he would undoubtedly have a long list of suitors looking to be part of the next chapter in his incredible career turnaround.

5. Saquon Barkley, RB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

After spending the last couple of seasons battling injuries and being stuck in a pedestrian offense, Barkley put together the best season since his rookie year. The Saquon of old came to play last season, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. This leaves the New York Giants with quite the decision when it comes to their 26-year-old running back. While he has previously said he's not looking to reset the running back market, Barkley's ability to break a huge play at any moment makes him a valuable commodity for any offense. The franchise tag could be an option, though the Giants will have other free-agent situations to deal with, too.

6. Orlando Brown Jr., OT

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

Brown wants to be paid like a franchise left tackle; that's been clear since last offseason. Getting there hasn't been as easy to figure out. The Chiefs and Brown couldn't agree on a long-term deal after franchise tagging him last year. They could opt to try again with the franchise tag and endure another round of negotiations or let him walk. Quality left tackles don't hit the open market often, meaning Brown could be courted pretty intensely if he becomes a free agent. Will a team pony up and meet his asking price, though? PFF handed him the 18th-highest grade among all tackles last season.

7. Jamel Dean, CB

The Bucs are in serious salary-cap trouble, making it unlikely they'll be able to keep Dean from testing the market. Dean has served as the No. 2 opposite Carlton Davis but should have plenty of teams willing to give him an opportunity to be their top guy. Can he be a No.1? It sure seems like it. Dean nabbed two interceptions and allowed just 55.4% of passes thrown his way to be completed in 2022, per Pro Football Reference.

8. Daron Payne, DT

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

There would be a competitive bidding war if Payne is allowed to hit the market next month. Entering his age-26 season and coming off a career year, the Commanders defensive tackle is on a one-way path to a gigantic payday. A former 13th overall pick, Payne finally showed the kind of dominant interior pass-rusher he can be in 2022 by recording a personal-best 11 sacks and 49 pressures, per PFF. Teams will be banking on him continuing that production, seeing that Payne had never produced more than five sacks in a campaign prior, but there's reason to believe the Alabama product could be entering his prime.

9. Mike McGlinchey, OT

While Brown comes in as the best left tackle potentially available, McGlinchey will undoubtedly be the top right tackle on the market. It doesn't seem as if the 49ers will be able to retain him, either, with Colton McKivitz waiting in the wings. While he may still be prone to a misstep or two at times, McGlinchey is as solid a tackle as they come. His true calling card comes as a run-blocker, an area where PFF ranked the 28-year-old in the top 25 of all tackles last season.

10. Daniel Jones, QB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

Brian Daboll did what no Giants coach could before: unlock Jones' full potential. It couldn't have come at a better time for the former top-10 pick, as he's slated to be a free agent this offseason. Jones has the world in his hands after posting a winning record for the first time in his career and flashing as a dual-threat quarterback to the tune of 15 passing touchdowns and seven rushing scores. Of course, New York will broach the subject of an extension, but figuring out Jones' worth, considering his play before this year, could be a difficult topic.

11. Josh Jacobs, RB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

Jacobs' value as a first-round running back had been questioned for three years before he silenced his critics in Year 4. Not only did the 24-year-old lead the league with 1,653 rushing yards, but he did it in a physical fashion. His 821 yards after contact led all running backs, while his 31 broken tackles on carries were also second-most in the NFL, per PFR. After struggling to cement himself in the Raiders' plans in the past, Jacobs has proved to be an important piece in Josh McDaniels' offense. With the running back franchise tag coming in at just over $10 million, it would make sense for Las Vegas to tag its new offensive star.

12. Jessie Bates, S

There's a better chance Bates is allowed to test the market in 2023 than last season. Should it occur, the 25-year-old will be in high demand as the top safety available this offseason. Bates is one of the best all-around safeties in the game, with three seasons of 100-plus tackles and four years of three or more interceptions under his belt. He's also coming off a career year that saw him grab four interceptions and allow a 76.1 passer rating when targeted, per PFR. He won't come cheap, but it's harder to picture a better investment than one of the NFL's most proven defensive backs.

13. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

Garoppolo all but wrote his final San Francisco chapter in 2022. Despite all the quarterback injuries the 49ers have endured, head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn't believe Garoppolo will be back again. That means that a veteran signal-caller with starting experience is about to hit the open market. The 31-year-old was in the midst of an impressive campaign before a foot injury shut down his season. He threw 16 touchdowns to four interceptions, and his 103 passer rating was his highest as an extended starter. While he does come with baggage, such as limitations in athletic ability and an extensive injury history, Garoppolo shouldn't have to worry about a lack of interest.

14. James Bradberry, CB

Bradberry bet on himself last offseason, joining the Eagles on a one-year contract after being released from the Giants. Now, it's time for him to cash in following a stellar year. The veteran made a defendable case for the best cornerback play in the league after allowing a league-best 45.3% completion percentage (min. 60 targets), per PFR. Not to mention, he also added three interceptions and 17 passes defended. He'll be 30 when the 2023 season kicks off, but the veteran corner has done more than enough to earn one more big contract.

15. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S

The acquisition of Gardner-Johnson paid dividends not only for the Eagles but for the defensive back himself. Playing predominantly as a safety, Gardner-Johnson put himself on the map with a league-leading six interceptions. Thanks to his versatility, the 25-year-old can also play in the slot, which makes him an intriguing Swiss Army knife.

16. Jakobi Meyers, WR

The free-agent wide receiver class is underwhelming, but Meyers is the best of the bunch. Still just 26 years old, the Patriots wideout recorded 800-plus receiving yards and a career-high six touchdowns last season despite playing in an offense that struggled to push the football downfield. While perhaps not flashy or a household name, Meyers has been consistent no matter what situation he's found himself in. He's put up at least 700 receiving yards in three straight seasons. Interested teams might have to project a bit with Meyers, but there's a lot of promise in imagining what he'll be able to do in a more passing-oriented offense.

17. Evan Engram, TE

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

After spending his first five seasons trying to find his footing with the Giants, Engram broke through with the Jaguars. Head coach Doug Pederson unlocked Engram's athleticism like never before, leading to a personal-best 73 receptions for 766 yards. Just how good was the 28-year-old? He was tied for third among all tight ends in catches and fourth in receiving yards. The Jaguars have expressed interest in retaining the former first-rounder, but it'll surely come at a price higher than his previous one-year, $9-million deal. The franchise tag could also be in the mix after the allocation for tight ends came in at just over $11 million.

18. Lavonte David, LB

While the end of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl window may have been marked by Tom Brady's retirement, the end of this current Bucs era will likely be signaled with the departure of David. Though he's still playing at a high level, David is now 33 and in the sunset of his career, making him a tough fit for where the Bucs currently stand. His age shouldn't scare away teams on the open market, though. Just take a look at what Bobby Wagner was able to do in his early 30s with the Rams last season. David, who was PFF's third-highest-graded linebacker in 2022, should be a great short-term answer for teams lacking leadership and talent at the LB position.

19. Dalton Schultz, TE

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

The Cowboys could franchise tag Schultz once again if they're unable to see eye-to-eye on a new deal, though doing so would come with an increased cost. Schultz's numbers don't jump off the page, but he's been a key cog in Dallas' offense for three seasons now. He didn't top his 808-yard 2021 campaign this season, but 577 yards and five touchdowns is still quality production for the position. Turning 27 later this year, Schultz could be hitting the market in the prime of his career.

20. Tremaine Edmunds, LB

While Edmunds might not be as polished as fellow free-agent linebacker David, the former's upside, experience, and athleticism will have plenty of teams circling. In a perfect world, the Bills keep him, but they are tight against the salary cap and have other free agents to consider. What makes Edmunds so appealing is he'll still only be 25 years old when the 2023 campaign starts, yet will have five years of experience and 74 career starts under his belt. A two-time Pro Bowler and uber-athletic talent, Edmunds can inject a jolt into any linebacking corps.

21. Jordan Poyer, S

There's no doubt Poyer is still playing at a high level. Just turn on any Bills game, and it's easy to see the ball-hawking safety is still a huge factor in the secondary. The only issue is he'll be turning 32 soon and coming off a year that saw him deal with numerous injuries. Though there'll be an element of risk involved, if his body holds up through his mid-30s, it's a no-brainer to pursue Poyer. The veteran safety has grabbed nine interceptions over the last two seasons.

22. Dre'mont Jones, DT

Jones isn't a household name, but that doesn't mean he can't be in the future. The Broncos defensive lineman has quietly been one of the franchise's best pieces on defense, thanks to his versatility, and could be an underrated pickup, depending on his price tag. His 6.5 sacks led the team last season, while he also added nine tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble.

23. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

He's not expected to get after the quarterback, but Tomlinson is a top big-bodied nose tackle that's an elite run-stopper. Don't be fooled: There's still a huge need for players like that in the NFL. His work goes beyond that, though, as he can plug holes in the trenches against the run and clog up bodies to allow edge rushers to get home. While he's not an interior rusher first, let's not totally discount that area of his game. Tomlinson put up a career-high 10 quarterback hits last season with 2.5 sacks. More impressively, the 28-year-old didn't miss a single tackle in 2022, per PFR.

24. Tony Pollard, RB

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

The most dynamic running back in the Cowboys' backfield wasn't Ezekiel Elliott. For the first time in his career, Pollard played over half of Dallas' offensive snaps, and he rewarded the club with 1,378 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. Now the Cowboys reportedly want to bring him back and could even call on the franchise tag despite having significant money tied to Elliott. That was before Pollard was forced to undergo tightrope ankle surgery after a postseason injury, but it shouldn't stop the Cowboys or others from wanting to add an explosive player to their backfield.

25. Marcus Davenport, EDGE

A pass-rusher with 0.5 sacks in 2022 on the list, what gives? Davenport may not have gotten to the quarterback as often as he hoped last season - nor has he lived up to his first-round billing - but the pressure numbers are still there. While he may never develop into a premier player, Davenport could still be an important situational pass-rusher. He's just one year removed from racking up nine sacks while playing 64% of the Saints' defensive snaps.

26. Jawaan Taylor, OT

Taylor will be just 25 when next season begins with four years of starting experience, making him the leading pending free agent of the second tier of tackles.

27. Cam Sutton, CB

Equipped with slot and outside versatility, Sutton is coming off a career year in which he picked off three passes and recorded 15 passes defended.

28. Zach Allen, DT

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

Allen impressed on a mediocre Cardinals squad in 2022. His 5.5 sacks were second on the team, only trailing J.J. Watt, who recently retired.

29. Kaleb McGary, OT

🔖 Franchise-tag candidate

It's likely in the Falcons' best interests to retain McGary, who was rated as PFF's fourth-highest-graded tackle this past season.

30. Jonathan Jones, CB

Jones is the latest cornerback to come from the Patriots' pipeline. While he may not have the appeal of past New England defensive backs who tested the market, Jones has been a solid find, allowing just 52.7% of passes thrown his way to be completed in 2022, per PFR.

31. David Long, LB

A force against the run, Long has gotten better with every passing season. He peaked with 86 tackles and two interceptions last season.

32. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

Smith-Schuster put up his best numbers in a while and collected a Super Bowl ring during his 2022 stop with the Chiefs. Time will tell what's next for one of the game's most entertaining slot receivers.

33. Isaac Seumalo, OG

Seumalo was a significant reason why the Eagles had arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and now he's set to collect his due in free agency.

34. Mike Gesicki, TE

After being franchise tagged by the Dolphins last offseason, Gesicki appears to be headed for the door this time around. The tight end just hasn't been a fit in Mike McDaniel's offense, but he's proven to be a quality pass-catcher in the past.

35. T.J. Edwards, LB

Edwards was a tackling machine in 2022, ranking in the top 10 in combined and solo tackles. Don't overlook his work getting after the quarterback, either.

36. Ben Powers, OG

Powers really deserves more praise for his dominance in the trenches last season. He played 100% of the Ravens' snaps and didn't allow a single sack all year, per PFF.

37. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE

One of the league's most consistent pass-rushers, Ngakoue made it seven straight seasons with at least eight sacks in 2022.

38. Byron Murphy, CB

There are a lot of good qualities that Murphy has going for him despite ending last season on injured reserve. He's still only 25 and has been a starting-caliber cornerback for the Cardinals, which points to a lot of untapped upside.

39. Dalton Risner, OG

Risner is an above-average interior offensive lineman that has been an anchor for the Broncos. He's started 62 games since coming into the league in 2019.

40. DJ Chark, WR

Chark could make some noise in a weak receiver pool. He battled injuries last season but came on strong late, going over 90 receiving yards in three of his last six games.

41. Rock Ya-Sin, CB

Coaches running a man-heavy scheme should persuade their front offices to bring in Ya-Sin, who excels in that area.

42. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

Teams didn't feel comfortable signing Beckham toward the tail end of the season. Perhaps that'll change this offseason. If healthy, Beckham can still provide a spark in the right environment.

43. Miles Sanders, RB

Sanders got a taste of a true No. 1 running-back workload with a career-high 259 carries. Volume played a factor, but the 25-year-old responded with 1,269 yards, second-most in the NFC.

44. Brandon Graham, EDGE

Graham is going to be 35 years old this offseason, but that hasn't slowed him down. He tallied 11 sacks last season, a new high for the veteran.

45. Marcus Peters, CB

There's no second-guessing Peters' knack for creating game-changing plays, though it comes at a sometimes costly price. He's intercepted five passes over the past two seasons but has also allowed 10 touchdowns, per PFR.

46. Allen Lazard, WR

Lazard might not be capable of being the top receiver on a depth chart, but he's a large, vertical threat, and there's always a role for players like that around the NFL.

47. Vonn Bell, S

Bell has made a living coming downhill, racking up 288 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and eight forced fumbles in three years with the Bengals.

48. Germaine Pratt, LB

Yet another defensive player on the Bengals who could land elsewhere, Pratt is an athletic linebacker that holds his own in coverage. His coverage grade was third among all linebackers in 2022, per PFF.

49. Patrick Peterson, CB

Father Time came calling, but Peterson hasn't answered. Even at 32, the veteran grabbed five interceptions last season, his most in a decade.

50. Baker Mayfield, QB

Mayfield might be staring at his final opportunity to hack it as a starter as he begins his search for what'll likely be his fourth team since 2021.