Top NFL free agents at every position

The NFL's free-agent negotiating period officially opens Monday, March 9 at noon ET. Get set for all the action with our look at the top 10 players available at each position.

👉 Jump to: theScore's NFL offseason tracker

QBs

It's not the worst year to be in the market for a veteran quarterback. Kyler Murray is the most appealing option of the bunch, and the Cardinals owing him $36.8 million in guarantees means the former No. 1 pick will be available on a league-minimum salary. Malik Willis' price tag might end up looking a little crazy, considering he made three starts for Green Bay over the last two years. But his development has clearly come a long way from where it was in Tennessee. With the incoming rookie class being thin at the position, why not gamble on Willis continuing his trajectory and joining the increasingly long list of late-breakout quarterbacks?

RBs

This running back group has a little something for everyone. If you've got the money to spend on a potential game-changer, Kenneth Walker III will be your top target. The reigning Super Bowl MVP figures to become one of the highest-paid runners in football upon getting his first shot at free agency. Shopping for a starter in a slightly more affordable aisle of the running back market? Travis Etienne Jr., J.K. Dobbins, and Rico Dowdle all represent capable options for such a role. And for anyone in need of a backup to ease the workload on their starter, Tyler Allgeier is just about as reliable as they come.

WR

Alec Pierce is the headliner of this year's receiver class. While he never approached true WR1 production over his first four years with the Colts, the former second-round pick has led the league in yards per reception two years running. That big-play ability will earn him a monumental payday, with teams betting that the 25-year-old's best football is still ahead of him. Mike Evans and Jauan Jennings should both generate plenty of interest as the most reliable veterans available at the position. Rashid Shaheed is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the game, and Romeo Doubs could be in for a breakout if he earns an expanded role at his next stop.

TE

Tight end-heavy sets are the new meta for NFL offenses. Any team trying to get with the times will find a number of potential contributors at the position in free agency. Dallas Goedert, Travis Kelce, and David Njoku offer decent veteran options at the top. Isaiah Likely and Chig Okonkwo could generate just as much interest, if not more. The ascending young talents could take their games to another level with more significant target shares in offenses capable of maximizing their athletic abilities.

OT

There aren't any superstar talents available at offensive tackle this year, but that's nothing new. Teams simply don't let those kinds of players walk out the door in free agency. That doesn't mean you can't find some worthwhile upgrades though. Rasheed Walker will command the biggest contract of the group, having put together three full seasons of steady play in pass protection at just 26 years old. Taylor Decker can be a short-term stopgap after being granted his release from Detroit, and Jawaan Taylor remains a capable starter at right tackle despite his frustrating penalty issues. Braxton Jones is an especially interesting gamble for a team with a need on the left side, as he'd shown flashes of potential before missing the majority of the 2025 campaign due to injury.

IOL

It's not very often that an offensive lineman of Tyler Linderbaum's caliber hits free agency at 25 years old. He's expected to reset the center market by a fairly wide margin. Alijah Vera-Tucker will be a fascinating swing for a team looking to upgrade at guard. Injuries have been an issue for the versatile former first-rounder, forcing him to miss significant time in three of his five seasons, but he's an impact player when on the field. David Edwards was a key component of an elite Bills offensive line over the last two years, and Kevin Zeitler continues to play at a high level heading into the 15th year of his pro career.

EDGE

Teams that missed out on trading for Maxx Crosby will have no shortage of options to pivot to on the open market. Trey Hendrickson should be among the most coveted players league-wide after finally shaking free from Cincinnati. Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and Boye Mafe are all ascending talents worthy of substantial paydays, and there's a middle class of established veterans who shouldn't go overlooked. Bradley Chubb, Joey Bosa, and Jadeveon Clowney can each step in as starters who provide surplus value at relatively affordable price tags.

DL

John Franklin-Myers isn't the most recognizable name among the available defensive tackles, but he's in line to receive a significant contract after playing a key role for Denver's league-best pass-rush over the last two years. Any contending team searching for a run-stuffing nose tackle will be hot after DJ Reader. And while Calais Campbell's play has to drop off at some point, he's somehow shown no sign of slowing down as he closes in on 40 years old. Keep an eye on Christian Wilkins too. He'd be at the top of this list if talent were the only factor. His status is still uncertain after a disagreement over the need for a second foot surgery led the Raiders to release him last summer.

LB

Devin Lloyd will likely turn his second-team All-Pro breakout into a contract that makes him one of the highest-paid linebackers in football. And he won't be the only one to cash in. Nakobe Dean has proven to be a versatile weapon when healthy, Devin Bush is starting to realize his potential after a pair of stellar seasons in Cleveland, and Leo Chenal is a supremely underrated player who can do anything asked of a linebacker in today's game. Tremaine Edmunds added some depth to the group following his release from the Bears, and Quay Walker is a capable run defender who's still just 25 years old. Contenders who can't justify meeting lofty contract demands for the young players at the top of this list can find value in more affordable big-name veterans further down the board.

CB

Riq Woolen figures to command the biggest contract among free-agent cornerbacks. There simply aren't many players at the position who can offer his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability. Jamel Dean may be approaching 30 years old, but he's also coming off a year in which he posted a league-best 47.7 passer rating against. Jaylen Watson was an underrated cover man over his four years in Kansas City, and the same was true of Taron Johnson in Buffalo before a change in defensive scheme led to his release. Eric Stokes could earn a more substantial payday than many are expecting, as the former first-rounder finally started to put it all together upon getting a fresh start with the Raiders in 2025.

S

The free-agent safety class is another group that lacks star talent but offers plenty of depth. Bryan Cook has been a steady presence for Kansas City's defense, and he provides the versatility to take on various roles in the secondary. Kevin Byard will have to settle for a short-term deal at this point, but his unique playmaking traits are still there; he led the league with seven interceptions in 2025. Coby Bryant and Jaquan Brisker are both ascending young players who should find strong multi-year deals on the open market. And while Budda Baker is the star of the show in Arizona's defensive backfield, Jalen Thompson has long been a reliable presence in the third level. The former supplemental draft pick already has seven years of NFL experience under his belt as he hits free agency for the first time at 27 years old.