NFL free agency 2026: LB tops Tyler Dragon's top 32 free agents

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAYSun, March 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC

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The calendar has officially turned to March. This month marks the official kickoff of the NFL’s 2026 league year.

The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11. Before the formal start of next season, NFL teams are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9 – the unofficial start of free agency.

The Atlanta Falcons used the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts and the Dallas Cowboys placed the tag on wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens was the top free agent on the board, but there are still standout players available.

All 32 teams have a chance to drastically change their roster beginning March 9. USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon ranks his top 32 free agents for this NFL offseason.

Editor’s note: This ranking is subject to change throughout the free agency period.

Tyler Dragon's top 32 NFL free agents for 20261. LB Devin Lloyd (2025 team: Jaguars)

Lloyd garnered defensive player of the year consideration in 2025. His five interceptions were tied for second in the NFL. Pro Football Focus gave him the second-highest grade (88.4) among qualified inside linebackers. Lloyd’s produced at least 113 tackles in three of the last four seasons.

2. Edge Trey Hendrickson (2025 team: Bengals)

Hendrickson was easily Cincinnati’s best defensive player the past few seasons. Hendrickson has good technique and plays with a high motor. He was limited to seven games in 2025 due to injury, but he had 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons in 2023-2024. His 17.5 sacks in 2024 paced the NFL.

3. C Tyler Linderbaum (2025 team: Ravens)

Linderbaum’s an anchor in the middle. He allowed only two sacks and 26 pressures last year with the Ravens. The three-time Pro Bowler was Pro Football Focus’ fourth highest-graded player among centers with at least 900 snaps last season. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said the team has already extended a “market-setting offer” to Linderbaum.

4. QB Daniel Jones (2025 team: Colts)

Was last season a fluke or the start of a trend? Jones’ career was revitalized in Indy, as he enjoyed career-highs in completion percentage and passer rating despite only playing in 13 games. The Colts certainly want to retain Jones even though he’s coming off a ruptured Achilles. The team gave Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, which increases the likelihood that Jones will be back in Indy.

5. WR Mike Evans (2025 team: Bucs)

Evans’ streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons came to an end in 2025 after a concussion, hamstring injury and broken collarbone limited him to eight games. Were the injures a sign of Father Time catching up? Evans will turn 33 in August. However, he’s still a legitimate X receiver when healthy.

6. RB Kenneth Walker (2025 team: Seahawks)

Walker proved his value during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 run. He gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. It will behoove the Seahawks to keep the Super Bowl 60 MVP, but he’ll have some suitors. Walker thrived in Seattle’s outside zone run scheme.

7. Edge Jaelan Phillips (2025 teams: Dolphins/Eagles)

The Eagles acquired Phillips at the trade deadline for a third-round pick. Phillips’ 44 pressures ranked fourth on the Eagles despite him only playing in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips likes playing in Philly, but star DT Jalen Carter is eligible for a lucrative extension. The top edge rushers in the open market typically receive massive paydays.

8. Edge Odafe Oweh (2025 teams: Ravens/Chargers)

Oweh’s productivity surged when he was traded to the Chargers. His 7.5 sacks ranked second on the team, and he registered three sacks in LA’s playoff loss to New England. His 81.6 pass rush grade was a Chargers team-high, per Pro Football Focus.

9. OT Rasheed Walker (2025 team: Packers)

The top-rated tackle going into free agency. Walker allowed five sacks and 40 pressures during the regular season and playoffs. He started in 48 games the past three seasons for Green Bay.

1 / 0NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana10. RB Breece Hall (2025 team: Jets)

Hall was rumored to be on the trading block during the 2025 trade deadline, though Aaron Glenn has stated that he wanted Hall to remain a Jet. The Jets could franchise tag the running back as he’s one of the few building-block players on the team. But the Jets are on a rebuild, which might mean a change of scenery for Hall.

11. QB Aaron Rodgers (2025 team: Steelers)

There are rumblings Rodgers could be back for a 22nd season. If Rodgers does return, it’ll likely be to reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The four-time MVP isn’t the QB he once was, but he’s still a capable starter who helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs.

12. WR Alec Pierce (2025 team: Colts)

Pierce enjoyed career-highs in catches (47) and receiving yards (1,003) last season. The 6-foot-3 receiver is a good vertical threat. He averaged 21.3 yards per reception, which led all qualified players.

13. QB Malik Willis (2025 team: Packers)

Willis is in line for a starting opportunity after successful spot duty with the Packers. Willis had an underwhelming two years in Tennessee, but he deserves another chance to be a starting quarterback after his time as a backup in Green Bay. Teams are rumored to be interested in Willis as QB1.

14. OT Braden Smith (2025 team: Colts)

Smith gave up one sack and 26 pressures in 766 snaps at right tackle last year. He was placed on injured reserve in December due to concussion and neck injuries. The right tackle will be 30 years old at the start of next season.

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15. RB Travis Etienne Jr. (2025 team: Jaguars)

It’ll seem strange if Etienne isn’t in the backfield with his college and Jaguars teammate Trevor Lawrence. Etienne is a versatile running back who can catch passes out of the backfield. He’s topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four NFL seasons. He’s also tallied at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in three of his four seasons.

16. WR Rashid Shaheed (2025 teams: Saints/Seahawks)

Shaheed ignited Seattle’s special teams as soon as he arrived. He was the only player in the NFL in 2025 with both kick return and punt return touchdowns. Shaheed told USA TODAY Sports that he “absolutely” wants to re-sign with the Seahawks.

17. LB Quay Walker (2025 team: Packers)

Walker’s led the Packers in tackles for four straight seasons. The inside linebacker has compiled more than 100 tackles in every year since Green Bay selected him in the 2022 first-round draft.

18. Edge Khalil Mack (2025 team: Chargers)

Mack is 35 and entering his 13th NFL season. His age is the only reason why he’s this low on this free agent list. The veteran is still a proven edge rusher and a stout run defender. He produced 5.5 sacks and 42 pressures for the Chargers last season. He’s flirted with retirement the past couple years.

19. WR Romeo Doubs (2025 team: Packers)

Doubs showed the potential to be a team’s No. 1 wide receiver. He led the Packers in receptions and receiving yards last season. The outside receiver has struggled with consistency during his time in Green Bay, but he could be paid like a No. 1 wideout this offseason.

20. TE Isaiah Likely (2025 team: Ravens)

Likely appeared poised to take the tight end mantel from Mark Andrews in Baltimore, but the Ravens re-signed Andrews to a three-year extension in December. Likely and Andrews have been a really good tight end combo for the Ravens, but another club could offer the top tight end in free agency more money and a chance to be the bona fide starter.

21. Edge Bradley Chubb (2025 team: Dolphins)

The Dolphins informed Chubb in February that he will be released. Chubb led the Dolphins in sacks in 2023 and 2025. He tore his ACL in 2024. He’s registered 48 career sacks and will be 30 years old at the start of next season.

22. LB Nakobe Dean (2025 team: Eagles)

Dean started the 2025 season on the PUP-list due to a knee injury he suffered during the 2024 postseason. He compiled a career-high 128 tackles in 2024. The 5-foot-11 inside linebacker might be a little undersized but he has a nose for the football.

23. WR Tyreek Hill (2025 team: Dolphins)

The NFL’s most explosive receiver the past 10 years. Hill has legitimate track speed but was among Miami’s cap casualties as the Dolphins enter a rebuild. The speedy wide receiver is recovering from a dislocated a knee and torn ACL that he suffered in Week 4 of the 2025 season and will likely miss a large chunk of 2026 season. The injuries and Hill’s age will likely impact his vaunted speed.

24. OG Wyatt Teller (2025 team: Browns)

A top free agent guard. Teller allowed three sacks and 24 pressures in 765 snaps for the Browns last season. He started in 13 games in each of the past two seasons. The 31-year-old guard is a three-time Pro Bowler.

25. CB Riq Woolen (2025 team: Seahawks)

At 6-foot-4, Woolen has the length that teams covet at cornerback. Woolen occasionally has lapses in coverage that result in big plays, but he does possess the skills to be a starting outside cornerback.

26. CB Alontae Taylor (2025 team: Saints)

Taylor has the versatility to play in the slot or outside corner. He’s also an effective blitzer. His seven career sacks rank first in Saints history for sacks by a cornerback. He’s started 31 games the past two seasons.

27. CB Jaylen Watson (2025 team: Chiefs)

Watson’s role steadily increased in Kansas City. He started a career-high 15 games in 2025. He was the Chiefs’ second best cornerback. He led the team with two interceptions last season.

28. S Jaquan Brisker (2025 team: Bears)

Brisker lined up in the box and at free safety for Chicago. He tallied one interception and eight pass deflections for a Bears defense that led the NFL in takeaways last year. He’s produced at least 93 tackles in three of his four seasons.

29. WR Jauan Jennings (2025 team: 49ers)

Jennings provided steady production at wide receiver for the injury-riddled 49ers. He led all San Francisco wideouts in catches (55) and receiving yards (643). His nine touchdown catches were a team and career-high.

30. S Coby Bryant (2025 team: Seahawks)

A key member of Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense. Bryant tallied four interceptions, which was tied for second on the team. The free safety started in 15 games this season. He allowed a 59% completion percentage when targeted.

31. C Connor McGovern (2025 team: Bills)

McGovern has position versatility. He started as a guard in Buffalo in 2023, switched to center and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Pro Football Focus gave McGovern a 73.4 pass blocking grade in 2025, which ranked sixth among centers.

32. S Bryan Cook (2025 team: Chiefs)

Cook’s started 46 games the past three seasons for Kansas City. He tallied career highs in tackles (85) and passes defensed (6) last season. He’s a smart safety and was reliable in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top NFL free agents of 2026: Tyler Dragon ranks Breece Hall, Malik Willis

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