NFL's top 100 free agents of 2020

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window on March 16.

These are the 100 best unrestricted free agents slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S

Top 100

1. Tom Brady, QB

The GOAT is ready to learn his worth. For the first time in his legendary career, Brady will test free agency. The quarterback's stats in 2019 paled in comparison to his production in recent seasons, but the Patriots' lack of offensive talent is mostly to blame for that. A return to New England is possible, but Brady won't be short on options either way. The Raiders, Chargers, Titans, and Buccaneers are reportedly among the teams set to chase Brady's signature.

2. Amari Cooper, WR

Rarely does a player of Cooper's talents hit the open market ahead of the prime of his career. But with the Cowboys forced to use the franchise tag to retain Dak Prescott, the 25-year-old wideout is set to be one of free agency's biggest prizes. A savvy route-runner who can excel at every level of the field, Cooper fought through injury for most of 2019 but still put up 79 catches for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns.

3. Drew Brees, QB

Brees is yet to re-sign with the Saints, but it's only a matter of time. The quarterback already announced he intends to return for a 20th NFL season and is only interested in playing in New Orleans. The 41-year-old's arm isn't what it once was, but Brees can still play at an elite level. He finished second in passer rating last season while throwing 27 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

4. Byron Jones, CB

The supremely athletic Jones has blossomed over the last two seasons after a move from safety to cornerback. Though he doesn't generate many turnovers, the 27-year-old routinely locks down opponents' top receiving threats. Dallas would presumably love to re-sign its top corner, but the Cowboys will likely be forced to watch him leave while they prioritize deals for Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper.

5. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE

Clowney will likely never be an elite pass-rusher after topping out at 9.5 single-season sacks over his first six NFL campaigns. But the former No. 1 pick is capable of being the top dog in a solid rotation and is arguably unmatched against the run among edge players. Though Clowney's injury history may be concerning for some teams, someone will almost certainly be willing to give him the biggest defensive deal of the free-agency period.

6. Chris Harris Jr., CB

Harris is widely recognized as the gold standard for slot cornerbacks and has shown little sign of decline. The Broncos asked the 30-year-old to play almost exclusively outside in 2019, which likely explains why his interception and pass-defense totals dropped. A move back to his natural position should correct that when Harris takes the field for a new team in 2020.

7. Jameis Winston, QB

Five years into Winston's career, we're no closer to knowing who he is. The enigmatic quarterback can play at an elite level one minute then look like a high school player the next. The former No. 1 pick founded the 30-touchdown, 30-interception club in 2019 while also throwing for over 5,100 yards.

8. Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE

Everything finally clicked for the former No. 3 pick in 2019. Fowler racked up career highs in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (16) in his first full season with the Rams following a 2018 trade from the Jaguars. The pass-rusher won't turn 26 until August, which makes him even more appealing, but teams could wonder how much playing alongside Aaron Donald helped spark Fowler's breakout year.

9. Jack Conklin, OT

Conklin played a major role in Tennessee's dominance on the ground last season. Rebounding from an ACL injury that hindered his 2018 performance, the right tackle re-established himself among the game's best run blockers. It's unlikely Conklin's pass protection ever comes close to his talent in the running game, but that shouldn't stop the 25-year-old from breaking the bank for some free-agent suitor.

10. James Bradberry, CB

Bradberry is rarely mentioned among the game's great cornerbacks. But that might have something to do with the fact he faces members of the NFC South's insane lineup of wideouts - Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, and Julio Jones - six times a year. The 26-year-old is reportedly looking to challenge Xavien Howard's spot as the league's top-paid corner.

11. Cory Littleton, LB

Teams around the league are desperate for athletic linebackers who can provide dynamic coverage against top tight ends and running backs without being liabilities in the run game. Littleton, who went undrafted in 2016, fits that modern-day linebacker role better than most.

12. Philip Rivers, QB

Rivers' play took a significant nosedive in 2019 after back-to-back years of elite performance. The 38-year-old's arm looked weak at times, and there will be teams that believe he has little left in the tank. But if Rivers can recapture his 2018 form, he'll be a great stopgap option. The Colts' coaching connections have made them the team most heavily linked to the quarterback.

13. Arik Armstead, EDGE

Armstead racked up 10 sacks in a contract year as part of the 49ers' dominant pass rush - one more than he managed over his last four seasons combined. The 26-year-old was always known to possess rare physical talents, but the additions of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford gave Armstead far more opportunities to showcase those abilities than he received in years past.

14. Teddy Bridgewater, QB

Bridgewater is all but certain to leave New Orleans with Drew Brees returning for Year 20, and a strong market reportedly awaits the 27-year-old after he impressed in five starts - all wins - in 2019. Last season marked his first significant action since a career-threatening knee injury in 2016.

15. Robby Anderson, WR

Anderson's big-play potential makes him a mouth-watering asset for teams looking to stretch the field. Seven of the wideout's 20 career touchdowns have been 40-yarders or longer, including a 92-yard score last season.

16. Austin Hooper, TE

It's easy to see why Hooper has been labeled one of the best pass-catchers available. The 25-year-old had a career year in 2019, finishing fifth among NFL tight ends in receptions (75), sixth in receiving yards (787), and tied for fourth in touchdowns (six).

17. Joe Schobert, LB

The Browns will reportedly let Schobert hit the open market after balking at his $10-million price tag. The linebacker regressed in coverage in 2019, but he remains a tackling machine after finishing last season tied for sixth in the league in solo stops.

18. Emmanuel Sanders, WR

One of the league's better possession receivers, Sanders helped spark the 49ers' passing game after being traded midseason. He's 33 years old, but his game should age well. Teams looking for stopgap options in free agency should make Sanders a top priority.

19. Javon Hargrave, DT

Hargrave shined after Stephon Tuitt went down for the season, producing the best pass-rushing campaign of his four-year NFL career and erasing his reputation as nothing more than a run-stuffing nose tackle.

20. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S

Clinton is equally proficient at free and strong safety, though he's never reached the level of play expected from a first-round pick. The 27-year-old could potentially be playing for his fourth team in three seasons in 2020.

21. Kyle Van Noy, LB

Van Noy took on a hybrid role in his three-plus seasons in New England, but he was used mostly as a pass-rusher last year. The linebacker responded by easily setting a career high in QB hurries.

22. Marcus Mariota, QB

Mariota is likely heading for a backup role after losing his starting job to comeback star Ryan Tannehill. Constant coaching changes and injuries have mired the 2015 No. 2 overall pick's career, so teams could think he's worth a shot as a reclamation project.

23. D.J. Reader, DT

Reader is one of the league's premier nose tackles. He continued to be a force against the run game last year, but more importantly for his free-agent value, the veteran took a significant step forward as a pass-rusher.

24. Jason Pierre-Paul, EDGE

Pierre-Paul's 21 sacks in his two seasons with the Bucs tie him for the 11th-most over that time. While the pass-rusher was inconsistent in 2019 (five of his 8.5 sacks came in the final two games), he's still a great run defender.

25. Melvin Gordon, RB

After failing to get a top contract with a holdout last year, Gordon is heading for the open market after regressing back to his previous good-but-not-great level of play in 2019.

26. Robert Quinn, EDGE

Quinn, the league's 2013 sacks leader, looked reinvigorated during his first season with the Cowboys. The 29-year-old racked up 11.5 sacks in 2019, but he'll likely be too expensive for Dallas to retain. He should be Plan B for teams interested in Clowney.

27. Everson Griffen, EDGE

Griffen opted out of his contract with the Vikings after bouncing back from a down year that included concerns about his mental health. Minnesota wants him back, but the team is unlikely to pay big money for a 32-year-old at the tail end of his career.

28. Bryan Bulaga, OT

Bulaga remains a solid, starting-caliber right tackle, but the 10-year veteran is constantly battling injuries. Any team that signs him should insure itself with another viable option on the depth chart.

29. Trae Waynes, CB

The 2015 first-rounder hasn't developed into the stud the Vikings thought they were drafting. Waynes is too often beaten for touchdowns and is inconsistent week to week. But he's a good tackler and played well to end 2019.

30. Breshad Perriman, WR

Perriman posted career highs in catches (36), yards (645), and touchdowns (six) last season. However, more than half of that production came during the final three weeks when he stepped up as the Bucs' No. 1 target with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined.

31. Blake Martinez, LB

Martinez plays like a man possessed. His 284 solo tackles since 2017 lead the league by a fair margin. But linebackers in the modern NFL need to be more than just downhill bowling balls, and Martinez's throwback style could hurt his value on the open market.

32. Logan Ryan, CB

Ryan is a consistent slot corner who can hold up on the outside if required - a valuable skill in the modern NFL. The 29-year-old's market should be robust, though few teams will likely view him as a significant difference-maker.

33. Vonn Bell, S

Bell could be a perfect fit for a team in need of a physical safety with solid run-defense skills. The former second-rounder led the NFL in fumbles recovered last season (five) and was also the Saints' second-leading tackler (89).

34. Kendall Fuller, CB

Fuller had a subpar 2019 season overall, allowing completions on more than 77% of passes thrown his way while opposing quarterbacks racked up a 131.6 passer rating when targeting him. Still, some strong playoff performances may help his case this offseason.

35. Jordan Phillips, DT

Phillips enters the open market after nearly doubling his previous career total with 9.5 sacks in 2019. Able to stop the run and create inside pressure, the former second-round pick should be in line for a decent contract.

36. Connor McGovern, C

McGovern's emergence was on full display with the Broncos in 2019. He played every snap of the season for the first time in his NFL career and didn't commit a single penalty.

37. Graham Glasgow, C/G

Glasgow has given the Lions reliable starts at both center and guard in the past three seasons. The 27-year-old didn't allow a single sack in 15 games in 2019.

38. Ndamukong Suh, DT

Suh is no longer a disruptive force in the passing game, but the 33-year-old proved during his tenure with the Buccaneers he can still be a superior defender against the run.

39. Cordy Glenn, OT

Glenn only appeared in six contests for the Bengals in 2019 but allowed three sacks - the veteran's most since 2015, when he started 16 games. He has a history of above-average play, though, and won't turn 31 years old until the start of the 2020 campaign.

40. Shaq Lawson, EDGE

Though Lawson hasn't unlocked the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2016, the pass-rusher had a career-high 6.5 sacks last year despite playing only 47% of the snaps on the Bills' deep defensive line.

41. Desmond Trufant, CB

The Falcons released Trufant after an injury-plagued 2019 season, and he'll turn 30 years old in September. While he is no longer capable of locking down No. 1 wideouts every week, the cornerback is still a solid starter when healthy.

42. Jason Peters, OT

Peters is no longer an All-Pro talent 16 seasons into his career, but the potential Hall of Famer remains an above-average blocker capable of getting things done at one of football's most important positions.

43. Reshad Jones, S

Jones just turned 32 years old. Though the safety's Pro Bowl days are likely over, he remains a force against the run and should be an enticing stopgap option.

44. Eli Apple, CB

Teams are still waiting for Apple to hit his potential. The 24-year-old started strong in 2019, but he'd allowed more than 60% of passes thrown his way to be completed for a 100.9 passer rating by the end of the year.

45. Mackensie Alexander, CB

Alexander's solid performances over the past two seasons make him one of the better slot corners available this offseason.

46. Jarran Reed, DT

Teams looking at Reed will hope to acquire the 10.5-sack monster from 2018 - not the player who managed only two sacks in 10 games after returning from a six-game suspension.

47. Jamie Collins, LB

Collins' return to New England in 2019 was spectacular: seven sacks, six turnovers, 81 total tackles, and one touchdown. But is the 30-year-old only good under Bill Belichick?

48. Xavier Rhodes, CB

Despite making the Pro Bowl as a replacement, Rhodes was a shell of his former self in 2019. The former first-round cornerback allowed around 83% of passes thrown his way to be completed. He could, however, be an intriguing reclamation target.

49. Vic Beasley, EDGE

Beasley led the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2016, but the former first-rounder has barely exceeded that mark since, managing just 18 sacks over the last three seasons combined.

50. Eric Ebron, TE

His 13-touchdown campaign in 2018 was probably an aberration, but Ebron is better than the 375 yards he mustered in 2019 when he played through an ankle injury.

51. Mario Addison, EDGE

Addison, 32, has produced a late-career surge. Despite never playing more than 70% of the Panthers' snaps, he's one of only two players to record at least nine sacks in each of the past four years.

52. Bashaud Breeland, CB

Facing free agency for a third straight year, Breeland is likely targeting a long-term deal after a failed physical kept him from landing one two years ago. He allowed completions on just 48.4% of passes thrown his way in 2019.

53. Michael Pierce, DT

After three emerging seasons with the Ravens, Pierce had a slower campaign in 2019. The 27-year-old doesn't create a ton of pressure, but the numbers don't illustrate his ability to move blockers against the run.

54. Kenyan Drake, RB*

*The Cardinals placed the transition tag on Drake, giving them the right of first refusal to match any offer he gets from another team.

After taking the top role from David Johnson following a midseason trade to the Cardinals, Drake put together the best stretch of his career. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns in eight games.

55. Randall Cobb, WR

Cobb looked to be reaching the end of his time as a starter after producing on a downtrend trend in his final years in Green Bay. But the slot wideout rebounded in Dallas last season, averaging five more yards per catch (10.1 to 15.1) than he did in 2018.

56. Andrew Whitworth, OT

The 38-year-old Whitworth committed a career-high 14 penalties last year and finally looked his age. That said, a weak offensive-tackle market should boost his value.

57. Gerald McCoy, DT

McCoy figures to land with a contender after his plan to reach the playoffs for the first time in his career went sideways with the Panthers. The former Bucs star can still help a team as a rotation player.

58. Devonta Freeman, RB

Freeman hasn't produced a 1,000-plus-yard season since 2016, and he's recorded only two rushing touchdowns over his last two injury-marred campaigns (he only played in two games in 2018). When healthy, the versatile 28-year-old can contribute in a three-down role, but teams will likely view Freeman as a committee back.

59. Damon Harrison, DT

Harrison's days as an All-Pro might be behind him, but the 31-year-old is still one of the NFL's most dominant forces against the run.

60. Jimmy Smith, CB

Injuries and suspensions have limited Smith to 12 games or fewer in four consecutive seasons, but the veteran cornerback remains effective when he's on the field.

61. Tre Boston, S

Set to enter free agency for the fourth time in as many years, the underrated Boston had a career-high 11 passes defensed and three interceptions during his second stint with the Panthers in 2019.

62. Ronald Darby, CB

Injuries have cost Darby 23 games (including playoffs) since the Eagles acquired him in 2017. The former first-round pick posted 11 passes defensed and two interceptions in 11 games last season.

63. Michael Brockers, DT

Brockers was a consistent piece of the Rams' defense in recent years. He amassed at least 50 tackles in each of the past three seasons and has missed just five games since entering the NFL in 2012.

64. Prince Amukamara, CB

Amukamara's 2019 campaign marked a step down from 2018, with his turnover and pass-defense totals both dropping. But he could be a difference-maker for teams seeking a reliable No. 2 cornerback.

65. Germain Ifedi, OT

The market will likely be lucrative for offensive tackles, and Ifedi should benefit after playing what might have been the best football of his career in 2019. He did, however, lead the Seahawks in penalties for a third straight year.

66. Andrus Peat, G

Peat's versatility is probably his best asset entering free agency. His injury history hurts his value, however: He has yet to play a full season since the Saints selected him in the first round in 2015.

67. Nick Kwiatkoski, LB

Kwiatkoski amassed 76 tackles, three sacks, and two forced turnovers despite playing fewer than 50% of the Bears' defensive snaps in 2019.

68. Michael Bennett, EDGE

Bennett recorded 6.5 sacks in a 2019 campaign split between Patriots and Cowboys. The veteran can still add depth to a defensive line, though he isn't the disruptive force he once was.

69. Markus Golden, EDGE

Golden quietly enjoyed a spectacular season with the Giants, posting 10 sacks in 2019 following a pair of write-off years with the Cardinals.

70. Karl Joseph, S

The former first-round pick hasn't played up to expectations through his first four NFL seasons. That said, Joseph flashed his potential before a foot injury prematurely ended his 2019 campaign.

71. Brian Poole, CB

After getting picked on for three years with the Falcons, Poole fit in nicely with the Jets in his familiar slot role. He won't have to settle for another 1-year, $3-million deal when free agency opens.

72. Jimmie Ward, S

Ward picked the perfect time to post a career year. The 28-year-old safety was a key piece for the defense that led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Teams will hope the injury nightmares that plagued Ward's early career are over.

73. Derek Wolfe, DT

A dislocated elbow ended Wolfe's 2019 campaign after 12 games. But the defensive end was putting together a strong season before the injury, registering seven sacks and eight tackles for loss.

74. Nigel Bradham, LB

Bradham was a vital cog in the Eagles' defense over the past four seasons, but he became a liability as a run defender in 2019 and is 30 years old.

75. Demarcus Robinson, WR

Despite the competition for passes within the Chiefs' offense, Robinson managed career highs with 32 catches, 449 yards, and four touchdowns in 2019. He's also just 25, so teams could believe he possesses untapped potential.

76. Shelby Harris, DT

The underrated Harris could enjoy a far more competitive market than most expect after producing a career-best six sacks in his first full season as a starter with the Broncos.

77. Maliek Collins, DT

Collins' career high in sacks came during his rookie season in 2016. But he enters free agency at age 24 and is coming off a solid campaign with the Cowboys that saw him amass four sacks and six tackles for loss.

78. Linval Joseph, DT

Joseph is no longer worth the high price he was set to cost the Vikings before his release. But the veteran defensive tackle is as durable and consistent as they come, and he should still garner interest for a starting role.

79. Kamalei Correa, EDGE

Correa came on strong at the end of 2019. Four of his career-high five sacks came in the final five weeks of the regular season. He added another two during the Titans' shocking playoff run.

80. Jimmy Graham, TE

No longer capable of consistently stretching the field or making contested catches, Graham is heading into the twilight of his career. The 33-year-old managed just five touchdowns in two seasons with the Packers.

81. Marcell Dareus, DT

Now on the wrong side of 30, Dareus is no longer an elite run defender and has become a non-factor against the pass. The veteran could still make an impact as a two-down rotational piece, though.

82. Dontari Poe, DT

Poe remains an impact run defender at 29 years old, but it's questionable if he can be sufficiently effective in the pass rush to consistently anchor a defensive line.

83. Rodney McLeod, S

McLeod will be 30 by the time the 2020 campaign rolls around. He's still a strong coverage safety, however, and he should have two or three more years of start-worthy play in him.

84. Darqueze Dennard, CB

The oft-injured Dennard has only played in 16 games once over six NFL seasons. When healthy, though, he's one of the league's best slot cornerbacks against the run and rarely gives up big plays.

85. Jordan Howard, RB

Howard has fallen well short of the expectations set during a great rookie year in 2016. Still, he was playing well for the Eagles last year, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and adding six touchdowns before missing Philadelphia's final six games.

86. Mike Daniels, DT

A high-profile signing by the Lions, Daniels was hampered by a foot injury in 2019 and failed to make the sort of impact Detroit envisioned. He hasn't played a full season since 2016.

87. Timmy Jernigan, DT

Injuries have plagued Jernigan over the last two years, but there's still a chance he could transform back into the monster he was in 2017 when his attacking style helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

88. Tony Jefferson, S

After tearing his ACL in 2019, Jefferson could be forced to settle for a one-year deal and re-enter the market in search of a more lucrative contract in 2021.

89. Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE

Ogbah's 2019 campaign ended in Week 10 due to a pectoral injury, but the 26-year-old still tied his career high with 5.5 sacks while primarily playing a secondary role on the Chiefs' defensive line.

90. Damarious Randall, S

Randall can play both safety spots and is able to move into the slot in a pinch. That versatility makes him an attractive option, as does his above-average speed.

91. Carlos Hyde, RB

Despite a career year rushing the ball in 2019, Hyde is still viewed as a replacement-level running back who lacks the ability to break away from defenders or make them miss in the open field.

92. Tyler Eifert, TE

Eifert played 16 games for the first time in his career last year, posting 436 yards and three scores on 43 catches. He's not as impressive as he once was, but his low value makes him an interesting option.

93. Carl Nassib, EDGE

Teams looking for a rotational pass-rusher could do a lot worse than Nassib. He had 12.5 sacks in two seasons with the Bucs and is only 26 years old.

94. Phillip Dorsett, WR

The speedy Dorsett can make phenomenal downfield catches, but he doesn't create enough separation or have the size to be a No. 2 wideout.

95. Tavon Wilson, S

Wilson is best suited to box safety, where he can sniff out the run and cover tight ends when needed. Though he can play deep, his lack of speed stops him from making big plays in coverage.

96. Adrian Phillips, S

Phillips is known as one of the top special teams players in the league, but he's steadily been improving in coverage at safety. He could be a free-agency steal if he lands with the right team.

97. Devin Funchess, WR

Funchess was limited to one game with the Colts in 2019 due to injury. With a solid 840-yard campaign in 2017 on his resume before a regression in 2018, the 25-year-old receiver could be a buy-low candidate.

98. Delanie Walker, TE

Once one of the game's most productive tight ends, Walker has been unable to stay on the field in the last two seasons. Before an ankle injury ended his 2019 at seven games, the veteran was on pace for his worst season since 2012.

99. A'Shawn Robinson, DT

Robinson doesn't offer much value as a pass-rusher, and his previously stout run defense took a major dip last year.

100. Cameron Wake, EDGE

Wake has been one of the NFL's most rarefied athletes during his standout career, but at 38 years old, the pass-rusher has slowed down considerably. After racking up 22 sacks from 2016-17, Wake has only managed 8.5 over the last two seasons.