2026 NFL free agency: Ranking top 50 players, QBs available - ESPN

Though we still have 12 days until Super Bowl LX, it's important to remember that NFL free agency is only six weeks away. The offseason is coming quickly. Teams can discuss terms on new deals with players over the March 9-10 negotiation period before the free agency window officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 11. Who could land big new contracts?

I looked at the players primed to hit unrestricted free agency and ranked the top 50 who might end up available. Factors in building the list include age, positional value, expected future production, scheme versatility and what I'm hearing around the league. Of course, this ranking will change a lot before we actually reach free agency, as plenty of the players on this list will be extended or franchise-tagged by their 2025 team. And more players will join the list as front offices make cuts, too.

We will have an updated top 100 in March, but for now, here are my top 50 pending free agents — including just two quarterbacks. Let's stack the free agent class, starting with the 2024 sack leader.

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

2025 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age entering 2026 season: 31

What he brings: Hendrickson is a relentless defender off the edge, with a deep toolbox of counters and a knack for making plays late in the down. In seven games this season, he had four sacks. His 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures in 2024 were league highs. Hendrickson would immediately upgrade just about any team's defensive line.

2025 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age entering 2026 season: 25

What he brings: With 22 receptions of 20 or more yards in 2025 (fourth most in the league), Pickens has the explosive ability to flip the field. That skill will lead to big money in the open