One 2026 free agent that every NFL team should pursue
- Alec Pierce could land with the Raiders: The breakout star would give projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza a reliable deep threat.
- Devin Lloyd will be a hot commodity: The former Jaguar might see interest from the Buccaneers and Bengals.
- 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated Reading Time: 37 minutes
With NFL Draft showcase events getting underway and no televised pro football this week, the offseason air is already palpable. As dominos continue to fall at the coaching and coordinator levels, teams are refining the directions that they’ll take in 2026 and beyond.
Whether teams have gobs or minimal amounts of cap space, virtually every franchise will invariably make some type of addition. With roster needs, previous connections and available money in mind, here’s one external free agent that each squad should focus on.
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PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 5
The Cardinals have a myriad of questions to sort out this offseason, starting with their head coach hire. Although Arizona’s roster will need retooling along the offensive line, it’s more likely that the team will address tackle with the third overall pick. Consequently, attention should turn to cornerback in free agency, a position where the team ranked 28th in overall PFF grade last year.
Second-round pick Will Johnson showed flashes in his first season, but the Cardinals’ second corner slot is somewhat shaky as Sean Murphy-Bunting returns from a knee injury that caused him to miss all of 2025. Dean could be a natural fit next to Johnson after producing an 81.9 overall grade with a 46.9 passer rating when targeted, especially if Arizona keeps a predominantly zone scheme.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 96
The Falcons will have to gauge whether or not to re-sign multiple important free agents like Kyle Pitts, Kaden Elliss and David Onyemata. If Pitts — the No. 1 tight end on the market — gets priced out of Atlanta, then a Njoku reunion with new head coach Kevin Stefanski would make sense.
The 2025 season was a down one for Njoku with a 55.9 overall PFF grade and only 1.06 yards per route run. But from 2021 onward, his 73.9 PFF receiving grade ranks 14th among qualified tight ends, and his 6.0 yards after the catch per reception is third. Njoku would help replicate Pitts’ field-stretching skillset and be a natural fit in Stefanski’s offense.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 17
The Ravens are in the process of assembling their staff under Jesse Minter, and defensive standouts from Los Angeles very well may follow him to Baltimore. However, the Ravens also desperately need help at guard after owning the 26th-ranked grade at the position this year.
Seumalo enjoyed a terrific season for the Steelers with a 73.3 overall PFF grade. The former Eagle especially shined in pass protection, permitting just 20 pressures with a 76.4 PFF pass-blocking grade. The 32-year-old would offer an instant upgrade over either Daniel Faalele or Andrew Vorhees.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 26
New head coach Joe Brady will inherit a Bills roster that needs attention on both sides of the ball, but the team’s receiving corps seems the most dire. With Khalil Shakir returning as the lone consistent contributor, Buffalo needs more weapons for Josh Allen.
Shaheed owns a career 74.2 PFF receiving grade, including posting a 61.5 receiving mark since being acquired by the Seahawks midseason, but he would be a strong fit with Allen. The 27-year-old has dropped only two passes across his four-year career, and his 95.7 deep receiving grade is the 12th-highest among qualified receivers since 2022. Shaheed would help inject perimeter speed to Buffalo’s offense without breaking the bank.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 7
The Panthers finished ahead of schedule after claiming the NFC South in 2025. Now, Carolina’s focus should be on improving across the board, with a priority on pass rush.
Oweh’s deal to the Chargers ended up being a major boon. The former Raven produced an 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade and 39 pressures in 13 games with Los Angeles, helping restore his stock as a former first-round pick. Given that no Panthers starting edge defender reached even 40 pressures, the 27-year-old would help wreak havoc next to Derrick Brown.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 1
Although the Bears’ offense improved significantly under Ben Johnson, the team’s defense ranked 21st in EPA per play. In particular, a subpar pass rush was an Achilles heel all season — and the Bears can address it in a big way in free agency.
Hendrickson played only 285 snaps last season as he battled a hip injury, but he still recorded 23 pressures on a 90.0 PFF pass-rushing grade in that duration. Meanwhile, only one Bears edge rusher (Montez Sweat) exceeded a 10.5% pass-rush win rate in 2025. The market value and level of interest in the 31-year-old will be compelling, but a return to playing under Dennis Allen would make plenty of sense.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 4
The Bengals have no choice but to tweak their defensive personnel this season after finishing 29th in EPA per play and 28th in success rate. Although all three levels could use boosts, Cincinnati ranked dead last in overall grade at linebacker — which Lloyd could fix in one fell swoop.
Lloyd was masterful for the Jaguars all season, ranking second among qualified linebackers with an 88.4 overall PFF grade. No phase of the game looked too challenging for the All-Pro, as he ranked 10th or better in both coverage and run defense. With the seventh-most cap space currently available, the Bengals could use a defensive splash, and the 27-year-old would definitely qualify.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 57
As the Browns determine their next head coach, one thing is certain: The team’s offensive line must be addressed in 2025 after ranking 31st in overall PFF grade up front. Although Cleveland will likely draft a touted lineman, adding an instant starter in free agency should be of high import.
Zeitler was solid for the Titans in 2025 with a 74.5 overall grade, especially in pass protection. The 35-year-old permitted just 16 pressures, and his 98.2 pass-blocking efficiency score tied for the fourth-best among qualified guards. Considering his age, Zeitler should be a cheaper but effective signing, which is exactly what the cash-strapped Browns need as both Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio assess their futures.
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PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 69
The Cowboys’ main maneuver this offseason figures to be retaining star receiver George Pickens, but Dallas’ languid defense still needs major modifications. That includes in the secondary, where Donovan Wilson will be a free agent.
Blankenship was ineffective in coverage last season with a 29.9 PFF coverage grade, but he still flashed with a 75.3 PFF run-defense grade. Additionally, his coverage grade before this season is a noticeably better 87.1. With Christian Parker coming in from Philadelphia as Dallas’ new defensive coordinator, several Eagles could join him — and the Cowboys could bank on a bounce-back season from the 26-year-old safety.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 2
The Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game on the heels of their elite defense, but their offense remains a bit of a worry going into 2026. Denver will need to better a unit that ranked 25th in passing success rate, and a weapon like Pickens would enable exactly that.
Pickens grew immensely in his first season in Dallas, playing to a career-best 87.2 PFF receiving grade with 2.35 yards per route run. Although the Broncos will return Courtland Sutton, the team finished 26th in collective receiving grade. Boasting $27 million in cap space before restructures, the Broncos can afford a big-time signing on offense — and there’s none better than Pickens at receiver.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 103
As the Lions head into an offseason of critical reflection, they’ll likely lament what’s happened to the state of their cornerback room by the end of the last two seasons. Although significant investments have been made, more is needed, especially on the inside with Amik Robertson no longer under contract.
McCreary represents a younger upgrade at slot corner. The 25-year-old owns a 70.0 overall PFF grade throughout his four-year career, including a 68.7 PFF coverage mark. After joining the Rams midseason, McCreary notched a 79.4 coverage grade, and his 6.9 snaps per target tied for fourth among slot corners. The former second-round pick could bring inside-outside versatility with starting upside to Detroit’s corner room.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 34
The Packers will receive some automatic addition this offseason as they await the returns of Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft from season-ending torn ACLs. But even with Parsons back in the fold, Green Bay will need to boost an edge rushing room that owned the 21st-ranked PFF pass-rush grade after its superstar got hurt.
Whether or not Mack returns for another season is still up in the air, but his productivity isn’t in question. The former Charger produced a 79.2 overall PFF grade last season with a 77.2 PFF run-defense grade and a 13.2% pass-rush win rate. The soon-to-be 35-year-old could bolster Green Bay’s pass-rushing rotation, which may or may not include Rashan Gary in 2026.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 59
The Texans’ defense assembled a masterful season, finishing first in both EPA per play and success rate. However, Houston has major contributors at interior defender on expiring contracts, with the team likely needing to add at the position in free agency.
Franklin-Myers has been an unsung standout for Denver’s similarly fantastic defense. Over the last two years, he’s generated 96 pressures on a 15.2% pass-rush win rate, the fifth-best among defensive linemen in that span. It would only be fitting for the underrated star on one of the league’s top defenses to take his services to another; Franklin-Myers certainly fits the bill of what Houston aims to be up front.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 1
The Colts’ white-hot start came to a precipitous end by the conclusion of 2025, with a lackluster edge rusher room a major part of that equation. As Indianapolis looks for more reliable options alongside Laiatu Latu — and with players like Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis all free agents — there would be no better running mate than Hendrickson.
Despite his age and injury history, Hendrickson has displayed no signs of slowing down. The All-Pro has posted a 20.0% pass-rush win rate or better in each of the last five seasons, including at least a 25.3% mark on true pass sets. Playing under Lou Anarumo again seemed a possibility at the trade deadline, but general manager Chris Ballard instead added Sauce Gardner. Now, Ballard could easily deploy some of his $26.9 million in cap space on a splurge for the star edge defender.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 65
The Jaguars should retain the bulk of the roster from their impressive 2025 campaign, with Lloyd as the elephant in the room. At the same time, Jacksonville could stand to better its safety room with Andrew Wingard a free agent.
Thompson has been a steady presence in the Cardinals’ secondary, earning at least a 64.4 overall PFF grade in each of his seven career seasons. He brings positional versatility by logging 1,160 or more snaps at free safety, in the box or in the slot. Further, Thompson would also fit defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s zone-oriented scheme well, as his 73.5 PFF coverage grade on Cover 3, Quarters or Cover 6 is the ninth-best among qualified safeties since 2024.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 9
The Chiefs currently own the least amount of cap space in the NFL, but they still have considerable work to do to address the offensive side of the ball. Squarely among those corrections is a run game that placed 21st in PFF rushing grade.
Hall posted a career-best 83.5 overall PFF grade last season, courtesy of an 83.7 PFF rushing grade and 17 runs of 15-plus yards. The Iowa State product specifically fits Kansas City’s zone scheme, recording the eighth-highest rushing grade on inside or outside zone since 2024 among qualified backs. Moreover, his career 1.51 yards per route run could give Patrick Mahomes easier outlets. The Chiefs reportedly tried to acquire Hall at the 2025 trade deadline, and they could bring their interest in the New York standout to fruition in March.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 10
While the Raiders’ 2025 season was a disaster, the silver lining is the assortment of assets that the team’s brain trust wields going into 2026 — including the No. 1 overall pick and the second-most cap space. Las Vegas needs to land impact free agents on both sides of the ball, and Pierce would more than qualify.
The 25-year-old registered the best year of his career at the perfect time, recording an 81.0 PFF receiving grade along with 2.10 yards per route run and a 113.7 passer rating when targeted. His career 96.3 deep receiving grade is ninth since 2022 and would dovetail nicely with the deep ball prowess of anticipated rookie Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas needs significantly more weapons in its receiving room, and adding Pierce would form a strong offensive nucleus next to Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 3
The fact that the Chargers made the playoffs with the NFL’s worst offensive line by overall PFF grade is borderline miraculous. Natural reinforcements will come via the returns of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, but the unit also needs an upheaval up the middle. Spending on Linderbaum is a prudent idea.
Linderbaum has posted a 74.6 overall PFF grade or better in each of his four pro campaigns, and he’s allowed only two sacks over the last three seasons. Indeed, the former first-round pick is the second-most-valuable center since his debut, according to PFF’s Wins Above Replacement metric. Los Angeles holds the most available cap space going into free agency, and Linderbaum is an ideal candidate for a market-resetting deal.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 157
The Rams fell just short of the Super Bowl after losing an epic trilogy to the Seahawks, with their secondary a major reason why. Los Angeles should better a cornerback room that placed 17th in overall PFF grade in 2025, and Pierre could certainly serve as an upgrade.
Pierre was elite in coverage last season with an 88.9 PFF coverage grade and a 57.2 passer rating when targeted, breaking up nine passes across only 255 coverage snaps. Moreover, his 87.6 coverage grade on Cover 2, 3 or Quarters is the fifth-best among qualified corners since 2024 — which means he would fit well in Chris Shula’s scheme. Questions about consistent production could follow Pierre into free agency, but his last year of tape could make him a big fish at the position.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 18
The Dolphins have brought a green and gold tone to South Beach, reconnecting new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. Perhaps the next move is to then add Green Bay’s prized backup quarterback.
Willis played just 314 offensive snaps during his two years in Green Bay while playing behind Jordan Love, but he looked extremely comfortable when given an opportunity. The former Titan earned an 85.8 overall PFF grade with a 79.9 PFF passing grade, tossing five big-time throws to only one turnover-worthy play. The 26-year-old should net a reasonable quarterback deal, which would also help Miami mitigate the potential dead cap from Tua Tagovailoa’s contract.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 83
Although there may not be a tremendous amount of roster turnover, the Vikings face a crucial offseason. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will hope to yield hits after largely missing on some big swings with 2025 free agents, and he could turn his attention to the team’s linebacking corps.
Elliss was a quiet standout for Atlanta for the last three years with a 75.5 overall PFF grade and 140 total stops. The defensive chess piece is particularly effective at rushing the passer, with his 84.8 PFF pass-rushing grade the third-best among qualifying linebackers since 2022. Elliss’ ability to get after the quarterback but also remain effective elsewhere could have high appeal to Brian Flores, especially with Eric Wilson no longer under contract.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 14
The Patriots’ spending spree last offseason has already yielded humongous dividends, helping the team get back to the Super Bowl much quicker than expected. New England has another chunk of change to utilize this spring, with edge rusher an area to target.
Phillips has been good when on the field, owning an 80.9 overall PFF grade across his injury-riddled five-year career. He stayed healthy in 2025, playing 871 snaps between the Dolphins and Eagles — and the results were encouraging with a 76.2 PFF pass-rush grade and 31 stops. The 26-year-old could assist a room that placed 29th in pass-rush grade at the position, and where K’Lavon Chaisson will be a free agent.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 25
The Saints’ surprisingly busy free agent period last offseason helped the team on an upward trajectory entering 2026. Although New Orleans currently boasts the seventh-lowest cap space, the team often gets creative — which could allow for the addition of a notable receiver.
Jennings registered a 68.7 PFF receiving grade last year, but that figure is a more representative 79.7 over the last three years — paired with an impressive 12.5 yards per reception. Also, Jennings thrives in the intermediate part of the field with a 91.2 receiving grade over the last three years, which aligns well with Tyler Shough’s highest-graded passing depth. New Orleans needs more firepower next to Chris Olave, and the 28-year-old Jennings is a worthwhile candidate.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 81
The John Harbaugh era is now underway in New York, which means several former Ravens could flock to the Giants. Likely would be a logical target as he seeks his next destination.
Likely underperformed in 2025 with a 57.0 PFF receiving grade, but he flourished with a 77.1 mark and 1.71 yards per route run in 2024. It’s also worthwhile to consider that Giants tight ends finished last season 23rd in receiving grade. The 25-year-old still feels like he has untapped potential, and joining forces again with Harbaugh (and potentially Todd Monken) wouldn’t be surprising.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 8
The Jets’ escape from purgatory didn’t get off to an auspicious start under Aaron Glenn, with most of the team’s staff not being retained. The good news for New York is that general manager Darren Mougey has both the No. 2 overall pick and over $66 million in cap space, which could enable the team to sign a stud.
Bush has played like one of the premier linebackers in the NFL since 2024 with an 88.9 overall PFF grade as well as a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade. More specifically, his 80.4 PFF coverage grade from last year would aid a defense whose linebackers posted the fourth-worst coverage grade. Glenn had a centerpiece linebacker in Jack Campbell in Detroit, and he could attract another in the 27-year-old Bush this spring.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 75
The Eagles’ discordant season will produce natural turnover, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Philadelphia has arguably the league’s best corner duo in Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, but landing another good perimeter corner would be wise.
Douglas was outstanding during his lone season in Miami, earning a 73.6 PFF coverage grade and allowing only 54.1% of his targets to be hauled in. Over the last two years, he also ranks 13th in coverage grade on Cover 3 and Cover 6, the two most featured looks by Vic Fangio. The former Eagle could very well return to Philadelphia on a short-term deal.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 44
With the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy, the team will likely invest more in its offense as it attempts to better a unit that placed 20th in EPA per play. Finding a running mate for D.K. Metcalf would go a long way in doing so.
Doubs has been a solid option over the last three seasons with a 78.6 PFF receiving grade. Since 2024, he also sits in the 75th percentile in receiving grade vs. single coverage. The 25-year-old former Packer could reunite with Aaron Rodgers (if he returns) and should have little trouble learning McCarthy’s terminology.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 27
The 49ers crawled their way to the divisional round despite a plague of injuries on both sides of the ball. Even before Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL in Week 3, San Francisco’s edge defender room was thin — something which John Lynch must focus on this spring.
Joey Bosa’s one-year stint with the Bills was generally favorable. The former Charger not only stayed healthy, but also got after the quarterback: His 85.5 PFF pass-rush grade was the eighth-best among qualified edge defenders. As the 49ers seek more viable options on the outside, pairing the Bosa brothers would be both a fun and sound football move.
The Seahawks’ run to Super Bowl 60 may get even sweeter considering they own the fourth-most cap space going into free agency. While retaining pieces like Kenneth Walker III and Shaheed will likely be a goal, the team also has multiple options at cornerback on expiring deals.
Taylor looked his best in 2025 with a 67.7 PFF coverage grade and six pass breakups, although he’s allowed at least a 98.5 passer rating when targeted in each of the last three years. What’s also encouraging is that Taylor owned the 10th-best coverage grade in zone (80.3) this season among qualified corners. The former second-round pick could compete for a chance to start next to Devon Witherspoon in Mike Macdonald’s zone-reliant system.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 4
The Buccaneers ended the 2025 campaign in unfavorable fashion, losing seven of their last nine games. The team’s defense was certainly liable, especially a poor linebacking corps.
Indeed, Tampa Bay’s linebackers produced a 29.7 PFF coverage grade, which was the third-lowest in the NFL. Whether or not Lavonte David returns, the team cannot simply return the same crop next year. Lloyd’s well-rounded skillset could be affordable for Tampa, as the team can clear over $83 million in cap space via several restructures.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 51
The Titans have their next leaders established in the form of head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The next step will be enhancing multiple spots along the roster, with more necessary at receiver.
Robinson stood out during a trying season for the Giants with a 69.8 PFF receiving grade and a career-high 1.87 yards per route run. He also ranked in the 82nd percentile in separation rate, reflecting his suddenness and solid route-running. Tennessee placed 27th in team receiving grade in Cameron Ward’s rookie season, but getting Robinson to occupy the slot again for Daboll could ameliorate that.
PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 24
The Commanders seek a rebound from an uninspiring 2025 campaign, part of which was due to injury. Although Washington’s defense was yet again among the league’s worst, the team could also upgrade its skill-position options.
Pitts looked his best since 2021 with an 82.0 PFF receiving grade, 1.71 yards per route run and 51 first downs gained. The former fourth overall pick could find a landing spot in Washington: Zach Ertz’s future is uncertain after a serious knee injury, while John Bates and Ben Sinnott haven’t proven receiving threats. Pairing the 25-year-old Pitts with Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin could be enticing for multiple seasons.
