2026 NFL free agency: Best team fits for the top 50 players - ESPN

A few weeks ago, we ranked the NFL's top 50 free agents available this offseason. Let's take that same list of 50 stars — with a few small updates — and now pick out one perfect team fit for each player.

NFL free agency unofficially opens at noon ET on March 9 with the negotiation window (when players can agree to terms), and it officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 11 (when players can actually be signed). Not all of these 50 players will be available; some will be re-signed or franchise-tagged. But the majority will indeed hit the open market and be looking for the best fit. Which landing spots would make the most sense?

Our suggested fits are mainly focused on team needs, scheme and potential future production, though we also factored each franchise's salary cap situation. But remember that every team's cap room will shift up and down before free agency as front offices restructure, cut and re-sign contracts. For some of these fits to work, teams might have to get creative.

Jump to a fit for the top-ranked:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | LB | DB

Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts

Colts general manager Chris Ballard could make a splash move in landing the top free agent on our board. And Hendrickson would reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, his former coach in Cincinnati, to boost the pass rush opposite Laiatu Latu. In seven games last season with the Bengals, Hendrickson had four sacks — but his 17.5 sacks in 2024 ranked No. 1 in the league.

The Colts finished with 39 sacks last season, tied for 15th in the NFL. Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis. The Bears are a team to keep an eye on here, too.

Best team fit: Dallas Cowboys

All signs point to Pickens staying in