Free agency is just a few weeks away as we delve further into the NFL offseason. While the 2026 class isn’t as deep as some in years past, there’s still plenty of talent available, though it’s spread thin across positions. In this piece, I’ll break down the best fits for players that teams will be highly coveting.
Note: Not ranked in order, and excludes players likely to get franchise tagged, including George Pickens and Daniel Jones.
Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver
Original Team: Miami Dolphins
The last two years in Miami have not gone Tyreek Hill’s way, though he still has plenty of juice in the tank. Quarterback decline and unavailability have been large factors in his decline in receiving yards. It was only two years ago that Hill was coming off back-to-back 1,700-yard+ receiving seasons, though he tore his ACL in week four.
Best Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
With former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back in his old role, why not get the gang back together? Hill is already familiar with the system, and chemistry with Patrick Mahomes won’t be difficult to pick back up. With Mahomes also returning from injury, Hill wouldn’t be forced to come back too soon.
Kenneth Walker III, Running Back
Original Team: Seattle Seahawks
As seen in the Super Bowl, an available Kenneth Walker III is a game-changing weapon. While injuries and underwhelming offensive line play muddled his 2023-24 seasons, 2025 was a different story, in which he led the best running back duo in the league.
Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks
Seattle might have been more willing to let their top running back walk if his running mate, Zach Charbonnet, didn’t tear his ACL in their Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Now, coming off a Super Bowl MVP and playing better than ever, the Seahawks will likely be forced to pay up.
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE
Original Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Finally, Trey Hendrickson will be able to test free agency after internal strife between him and the Bengals’ front office. Before a turbulent 2025, Hendrickson racked up 35 total sacks from 2023-24, solidifying himself as one of the game’s top edge rushers.
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts
Hendrickson is nearing the end of his prime, which eliminates many non-contending teams. The Colts currently have $35 million in cap space, ranking in the top half of the NFL. Despite investing in their pass rush, they still ranked in the middle of the pack with 39 total sacks. Pairing Hendrickson with his old defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, makes this a seamless fit.
Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver
Original Team: Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce had been banging on the door to have a breakout season for a while, and it finally came in 2025. He established himself as one of the game’s best deep threats, going over 1,000 yards while averaging an incredible 21.3 yards per catch.
Best Fit: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s offense was at its best when Josh Allen would launch deep balls to Gabe Davis. Since then, they haven’t had a legit outside threat besides Brandin Cooks, whose best days are far behind him. Pierce returns Allen’s ability to stretch the field.
Devin Lloyd, Linebacker
Original Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Devin Lloyd broke out in his fourth year in the league, after Jacksonville decided not to pick up his fifth-year option – a decision that has not aged well. Lloyd was integral to the Jaguars’ defensive upswing, showcasing the sideline-to-sideline agility modern linebackers need.
Best Fit: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ defense was awful last year, ranking 28th in the PFSN NFL Defensive Impact metrics. They need help at every level of the defense, but the linebacker stands out most. After getting rid of Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt, they desperately need a new defensive signal-caller, and they have big money to pay him.
Tyler Linderbaum, Center
Original Team: Baltimore Ravens
As many expected, Tyler Linderbaum has turned into one of the league’s best centers after getting drafted 25th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. For the last four years, he’s helped anchor an offensive line that has kept Lamar Jackson protected and kept Derrick Henry a constant rushing threat.
Best Fit: New York Giants
Pairing Linderbaum back with his old head coach, John Harbaugh, makes too much sense. After cuts, the Giants will have some money to spend, and keeping Jaxson Dart upright should be a top priority.
Mike Evans, Wide Receiver
Original Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It took Mike Evans 11 seasons to have his first non-1,000-yard campaign. He’s been the model of consistency, but injuries have been an issue in recent years – notably a concussion, hamstring, and collarbone injuries in 2025, which caused him to miss nine games. He’s still a threat when healthy.
Best Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans’ loyalty has been tested in past free agencies, but he hasn’t flinched. That, combined with the assumption that he’ll want revenge after a poor regular-season finish, makes it hard to believe that he’ll go elsewhere. His positive relationship with Baker Mayfield doesn’t hurt either.
Kyle Pitts Sr., Tight End
Original Team: Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts Sr. has had a turbulent four years in the NFL, but his highs are remarkable. When he’s in the right system with an above-average quarterback, Pitts Sr. is able to remind us why he’s one of the biggest mismatches in the league. A quality 2025 season significantly helped his image rebound.
Best Fit: Tennessee Titans
To develop Cam Ward, the Titans need to significantly increase their investment in skill-position players. In acquiring Pitts Sr., offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could use him like a chess piece, either out wide or next to a tackle.
Breece Hall, Running Back
Original Team: New York Jets
Breece Hall has had an up-and-down tenure with the Jets, with much of it out of his control. Yet when he’s been healthy, he’s been able to produce both on the ground and in the air. He’s just reaching his prime and will be a lead running back wherever he ends up.
Best Fit: Houston Texans
The Texans’ defense is perfect. The offense could use some help to prop up C.J. Stroud. While Woody Marks showed out as a rookie, his injury tendencies suggest he’s not able to handle a full workload. Hall can help them win on the ground now.
Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Original Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
At age 42, Aaron Rodgers had a respectable season for Mike Tomlin’s final run. While extremely susceptible to pressure, when protected, he’s flashed the ability to spin it with the top quarterbacks in the league. At this late stage of his career, his options are extremely limited.
Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers may have been leaning towards retirement before the Steelers hired his former head coach, Mike McCarthy. Now that he’s back, Rodgers has a chance to make things right with McCarthy in a system he’s familiar with. Teams are wary of bringing Rodgers in, likely making this either a situation in Pittsburgh or retirement for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE
Original Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Jaelan Phillips, when healthy, is certainly one of the better edge rushers in the league. Coming off a torn ACL suffered in week 4 of 2024, he has yet to return to his previous form. Miami dealt him to Philadelphia midseason, where he totaled two sacks.
Best Fit: Washington Commanders
The Commanders badly need to add to their pass rush group. Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. aren’t going to get it done as starters, and their depth leaves much to be desired. Phillips could demand a pretty penny, but Washington looks to have over $70 million in cap space, plus Phillips fits Dan Quinn’s 4-3 defense.
Malik Willis, Quarterback
Original Team: Green Bay Packers
Many people were ready to give up on Malik Willis after his tenure in Tennessee. Green Bay didn’t, and he’s shown them and the league that he’s more than capable as a backup in the NFL. His dual-threat ability will interest many teams looking for a bridge quarterback.
Best Fit: Miami Dolphins
It seems inevitable that Tua Tagovailoa will be off Miami’s roster. Outside of him, they don’t have a viable option. New head coach Jeff Hafley is familiar with Willis from Green Bay, and the appeal of playing for and in Miami could be too hard to pass up.
Travis Etienne Jr., Running Back
Original Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne Jr. has been one of the most consistent running backs in the league, with three 1,000-yard seasons dating back to 2022. He has a second-wind ability that keeps him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field. He’s a bona fide RB1 for at least the next two years.
Best Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars
Liam Coen’s offense is built for running backs, which makes it hard for Etienne Jr. to get out of it. He had his best season yet under Coen’s tutelage, running for 4.3 yards per carry. Since the Jaguars let Lloyd walk in this scenario, they should have the funds to re-sign their top running back.
Jamel Dean, Cornerback
Original Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jamel Dean has been one of the unsung heroes of the Buccaneers’ defense for years. His elite speed and physical tools allow him to compete closely with WR1s each week. He has big-game experience and is a lower-end CB1 moving forward.
Best Fit: Los Angeles Rams
After getting exposed by Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the NFC Championship, it’s clear the Rams need to upgrade at cornerback. General manager Les Snead will respect Dean’s big-time play in the playoffs, a place they’ll look to return. After addressing internal needs, the Rams are expected to prioritize adding Dean or another top cornerback.
