NFL Free Agency Tracker 2026: Top Fantasy & IDP Targets

Could There Be Sneaky RB Value?

Welcome to the 2026 NFL Free Agency Tracker. This is your hub for every signing across the league.

We’ll break down what each move means for player roles, team needs, and fantasy value so you can stay ahead of the market.

• Top offensive free agents
• Free agents by position
• Top defensive free agents

Top 2026 NFL Free Agents

Below are our top 36 skill-position free agents, followed by our top IDP picks.

1. George Pickens, WR

• 2025 team: Dallas Cowboys
• 2026 team: Dallas Cowboys
• Contract details: Franchise tag

The Cowboys made things boring by using the franchise tag. Pickens set career-best marks in targets (137), catches (93), yards (1,429), and TDs (9) with Dallas. He turns 25 in March and is poised to set the market.

He and the Cowboys have until 4 p.m. on July 15 to work out a long-term deal. If they don't, he'll play on the one-year tender.

2. Breece Hall, RB

• 2025 team: New York Jets
• 2026 team: New York Jets
• Contract details: Franchise tag

Sorry if you were hoping to see Hall in another uniform. The Jets applied the franchise tag. That doesn't necessarily mean Hall will remain on the team come September. But it's difficult to imagine any team paying the price now after none offered the Jets enough at the 2025 trade deadline.

This is probably not good news for at least his short-term fantasy outlook. We'll see what else the Jets add on offense.

3. Kenneth Walker III, RB

• 2025 team: Seattle Seahawks
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Walker stayed healthy and exceeded 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in four seasons despite splitting time with Zach Charbonnet. Walker exceeded 15 carries in a game five times all season and saw his second-fewest targets. He's got the skill set and breakaway ability to be a feature back and, at 25, should still be in his prime -- according to our aging-curve research.

Walker's tremendous run through the playoffs only strengthened his free-agent case. His workload obviously benefited from Charbonnet tearing an ACL in the win over the 49ers. But he turned those 74 touches into 145, 111, and 161 total yards.

The Charbs injury might increase the chances that Seattle re-signs Walker. Sounds like he'd be into it, too: "If it was my choice, I'd definitely stay."

SI's Albert Breer reported that the Chiefs, Broncos, and Texans could all bepotential landing spots for Walker if the Seahawks don't tag Walker or come to terms on a long-term deal. 

Meanwhile, ESPN's Jordan Raanan listed the Giants as another team interested in Walker. 

4. Travis Etienne Jr., RB

• 2025 team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Etienne rebounded nicely from a down 2024 campaign. He has been durable (two missed games in four seasons), has topped 1,000 rushing yards in three of four seasons, and ranked second among all RBs with 6 TD grabs in 2025. Etienne will be 27 when the 2026 season opens but should find at least a decent market.

Jacksonville made contingency plans in the 2025 draft, selecting Bhayshul Tuten in Round 4 and LeQuint Allen in Round 7. 

5. Kyle Pitts, TE

• 2025 team: Atlanta Falcons
• 2026 team: Atlanta Falcons
• Contract details: Franchise tag

Pitts got the tag and won't be leaving Atlanta. He'll play on a one-year deal unless he and the Falcons work out a long-term pact by 4 p.m. on July 15.

Pitts will still face a challenge in adjusting to a new coaching staff. HC Kevin Stefanski ran a TE-friendly system in Cleveland, though.

6. Brandon Aiyuk, WR

• 2025 team: San Francisco 49ers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Aiyuk's not technically eligible for free agency yet. And maybe the football gods smile on the 49ers by bestowing a trade path, so they can get something in return. But that seems unlikely after the very public falling out between star receiver and team. And it's been clear for a while that Aiyuk won't see the field again for San Francisco.

How will the rest of the league react to a guy coming off a torn ACL who willfully divorced from his franchise so soon after signing a long-term pact? We'll see. But the talent and age (28 on March 17) remain worth chasing in fantasy.

7. Mike Evans, WR

• 2025 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Injuries derailed Evans in 2025, ending his streak of 1,000-yard seasons at 11. He turns 33 in August, coming off career-worst marks in route rate, yards per route, and yards after catch per reception -- all signs of a player past his prime.

There have been a smattering of reports -- with varied quality -- surrounding Evans' status this offseason. But we finally got clear word from his camp.

"His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options," ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin posted on X.

That sure makes it sound like there's a decent chance Evans plays for some team other than the Bucs for the first time in his career.

8. Travis Kelce, TE

• 2025 team: Kansas City Chiefs
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

He's not the downfield threat he was during his prime, but even at 36, Kelce remains one of the top pass-catching TEs in football. If he plays in 2026, a reunion with the Chiefs seems like the most likely outcome. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said in February that Kelce "has been in touch with" the Chiefs about a return. The veteran also praised the recent return of OC Eric Bieniemy.

"I can't wait to see him back in the building, man," Kelce said via NFL.com. "He's one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy."

According to The Athletic’s Jesse Newell, “it would be shocking if the 36-year-old decided to play with anyone but the Chiefs if he returns for a 14th season.” Kelce still finished as the No. 3 fantasy tight end last year, showing he remains a high-end producer. With potential roster turnover elsewhere, bringing back the veteran tight end is the logical move for Kansas City.

9. Alec Pierce, WR

• 2025 team: Indianapolis Colts 
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Pierce led the NFL with 21.3 yards per catch. He finished his fourth season with a career-best 1,003 yards on just 47 receptions, the fewest for any 1,000-yard receiver in 15 years. At 25, Pierce has developed into one of the league's premier deep threats and will be among the highest-paid free-agent WRs this offseason.

Pierce indicated just ahead of the start of free agency that he plans to test the market.

10. Javonte Williams, RB

• 2025 team: Dallas Cowboys
• 2026 team: Dallas Cowboys
• Contract details: Three years, $24 million

The Cowboys re-signed Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal with $16 million guaranteed, solid mid-tier money at the position.

The commitment follows a 2025 season in which Williams ranked among the top 10 in carries, rushing yards, rushing TDs, and PPR points per game.

His efficiency rebounded to pre-injury levels, averaging a career-best 4.8 yards per rush and finishing top 10 in yards after contact per carry, elusive rating, and missed tackles forced per Pro Football Focus. The rushing profile looks legit.

The receiving profile does not. Williams posted career lows in PFF receiving grade, yards per catch, and yards after catch per reception, which helps explain why the contract stopped short of top-tier money. Dallas could still add a receiving complement, whether through internal growth or the draft.

11. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR

• 2025 team: New York Giants
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Robinson is coming off back-to-back 140-target campaigns. He exceeded 90 receptions each time and topped 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in 2025. Robinson has proved reliable in the short range but also posted a career-high 9.0-yard average depth of target in 2025 (per PFF). That helped produce a career-best 11.0 yards per catch.

If Robinson re-signs with the Giants, he would play in an offense coached by new OC Matt Nagy.

12. Romeo Doubs, WR

• 2025 team: Green Bay Packers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

The Packers are loaded with young WR talent, increasing the chances that Doubs lands with a new team. He turns 26 in April and enters his prime years off a career-best 724 receiving yards and 1.86 yards per route run. 

13. Tyreek Hill, WR

• 2025 team: Miami Dolphins
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

We're sticking Hill here on name value. We'll have to see whether he belongs this high on remaining ability and potential impact.

Hill looked pretty good early in 2025, potentially rebounding from a down 2024. But he dislocated his left knee in Week 4 and tore multiple ligaments, including the ACL. We'll have to track his progress throughout the summer.

Will that recovery delay his signing? We'll see, but there has already been plenty of speculation about a reunion in Kansas City.

For now, consider Hill a major question mark to play early in the season. He's no more than a late-round flier in early best ball leagues.

14. Kyler Murray, QB

• 2025 team: Arizona Cardinals
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Cardinals are releasing Murray after seven seasons. That follows not only the arrival of a new coaching staff, but also Murray's career low in fantasy points per game.

That followed three down scoring years vs. his 2020-21 heights. But check out Murray's annual PPG ranks at the position:

• QB12
• QB4
• QB5
• QB12
• QB12
• QB12
• QB20

Maybe he's done being a top-12 scorer. Or maybe he had a rough year in a shaky offense.

At the least, the right landing spot could make Murray an upside fantasy target for 2026.

15. Jauan Jennings, WR

• 2025 team: San Francisco 49ers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Jennings exceeded expectations over his last two seasons in San Francisco and will now have the opportunity to test the open market. He turns 29 this summer and could get attention as a No. 2-level WR. It's also worth remembering, however, that Jennings sought an extension with the 49ers last offseason and succeeded only in negotiating a slight pay bump for 2025. The WR didn't reach fantasy relevance until his age-27 campaign (2024).

16. David Njoku, TE

• 2025 team: Cleveland Browns
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

It was a disappointing 2025 season for Njoku. Injuries cost him six games, and the emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. limited his opportunities.

We were already banking on Njoku leaving Cleveland, and he confirmed it the day after the Super Bowl.

"The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart," the TE posted on Instagram.

The nine-year veteran turns 30 in July.

17. Dallas Goedert, TE

• 2025 team: Philadelphia Eagles
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

After never exceeding 5 TDs in a season, Goedert scored 11 times in 2025. The Eagles appear unlikely to keep the 31-year-old. They've generally made a habit under GM Howie Roseman of extending veteran starters well before they hit the market.

If he does stay in Philly, Goedert would work under first-time OC Sean Mannion, who replaces Kevin Patullo after one (challenging) season. 

18. Daniel Jones, QB

• 2025 team: Indianapolis Colts 
• 2026 team: we'll see
• Contract details: Transition tag

The Colts placed the transition tag on Jones ahead of free agency. That's close to the franchise tag, paying him $37.8 million for 2026 (about $6 million less than the franchise tag) if there's no longer-term extension.

But the biggest difference with the transition tag is that it allows Jones to negotiate more freely with other teams. The Colts would still get the option to match any offer. But they'd get no draft picks in return if they let him go.

19. Jalen Coker, WR (exclusive rights free agent)

• 2025 team: Carolina Panthers
• 2026 team: Almost definitely the Panthers
• Contract details: ERFA tender

Coker missed the first six weeks with a hamstring injury. When healthy, he established himself as the No. 2 WR behind Tetairoa McMillan. Coker really flashed in the postseason with a 9-134-1 line vs. the Rams. His ERFA status means he'll only hit the open market if the Panthers decide they don't want him back.

The exclusive-rights free-agent tender means that the only way Coker hits the open market is if Carolina decides not to keep him. Don't be surprised if he inks a multi-year deal.

20. Isaiah Likely, TE

• 2025 team: Baltimore Ravens
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Likely spent most of the past four seasons playing behind and then splitting time with Mark Andrews. Likely has flashed his upside with 11.6 career yards per catch and an 11.1% TD rate. Baltimore extended Andrews during the season, so expect Likely to seek a starting role elsewhere. He turns just 26 in April.

21. Rashid Shaheed, WR

• 2025 team: New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Shaheed joined the Seahawks in a November trade. He saw limited opportunities in a low-volume pass offense that ran through Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That offensive role has remained small in the playoffs, but Shaheed reminded everyone of his big-play ability with a kick-return TD against the 49ers.

We'd still bet on Seattle extending Shaheed after swapping two draft picks for him.  

HC Mike Macdonald has said he plans to replicate last season’s Super Bowl–winning offensive blueprint, and Shaheed has publicly stated he wants to “run it back” with the Seahawks. 

We'll see if the defending champs can make it work cap-wise. 

22. Kenneth Gainwell, RB

• 2025 team: Pittsburgh Steelers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Gainwell earned a sizable role in his first season with Pittsburgh. Playing all 17 games, the former Eagle tallied 1,023 total yards and 8 scores -- plus a whopping 73 catches. We expect Pittsburgh to try to re-sign him on a short-term deal. But the move to Mike McCarthy and the potential Aaron Rodgers departure make the situation tougher to read.

23. Tyler Allgeier, RB

• 2025 team: Atlanta Falcons
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Allgeier brings a physical two-down skill set, but he's been lightly used alongside Bijan Robinson over the past three seasons (9.1 carries per game). The former Round 5 pick hasn't missed a game over that stretch.

The Athletic's Josh Kendall reported that Allgeier's asking price of a three-year deal in the $22 million range means he's unlikely to re-sign with the Falcons.

24. Malik Willis, QB

• 2025 team: Green Bay Packers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Willis proved highly effective in late-season action, completing 27 of 32 attempts for 409 yards. Mix in his rushing appeal, and he may draw interest as a 2026 starter. Willis turns just 27 in May.

Willis should garner attention from multiple teams, including the Cardinals and Dolphins, both operating under new regimes and expected to move on from their current starting QBs.

Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports.com says, "the overwhelming belief from people I've spoken with is that Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley favors signing Malik Willis."

That'd make sense. Hafley, of course, most recently served as Green Bay's DC for the same two seasons Willis spent with the Packers.

But Pauline also adds that "many question whether Miami will have enough money to sign Willis" and that "people I've spoken with believe Willis ends up with the Arizona Cardinals."

We have no idea which people Pauline has spoken with and how much value these tips contain. But we'll certainly be watching.

25. Deebo Samuel, WR

• 2025 team: Washington Commanders
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Limited by Jayden Daniels' 10 missed games and his own heel injury, Samuel recorded a just-OK 72-727-5 line in 2025. Samuel's age (30) and injury history suggest he may face a thin market in free agency.

26. Rachaad White, RB

• 2025 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

White just handled a career-low 10.1 touches per game, despite seven missed games from Bucky Irving. At 27 (in April), White should be able to find pass-catching work with a new team.

27. Darnell Mooney, WR

• 2025 team: Atlanta Falcons
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

The Falcons are dumping Mooney ahead of the final year on his three-year, $39 million deal.

That's fair. Mooney nearly halved his receiving production in 2025, dropping from 4.0 receptions per game to just 2.1. His yardage suffered even more: 62.0 per game to 29.5.

Expect Mooney to land more harshly this time than he did in his first shot at free agency. But he's still headed into just his age-29 season.

There's at least some late-round upside for best-ball formats.

28. Keenan Allen, WR

• 2025 team: Los Angeles Chargers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Allen is a candidate to retire ahead of his age-34 season. He played all 17 games in 2025 but mustered only 9.6 yards per catch and 4 TDs. He hit 50 yards only once over his final 10 games (postseason included).

29. Rico Dowdle, RB

• 2025 team: Carolina Panthers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Dowdle went off, recording 3 games with 130+ rushing yards in 2025. He faded down the stretch, though, and it's unclear if the Panthers want to re-sign him with Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks under contract.

Attesting to Chuba Hubbard's contract and the potential return of Jonathon Brooks, ESPN's David Newton doesn't think Dowdle will be back in Carolina unless he wants to "return at a bargain price."

30. J.K. Dobbins, RB

• 2025 team: Denver Broncos
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Dobbins missed the second half of the season with a foot injury. He has now missed 36 games over the past four seasons. But he ran well while leading the Denver backfield before that. The veteran turns 28 in December.

He'll have the opportunity to test the open market, but a return to Denver remains firmly in play. When asked about re-signing, he said, “I think I will be here, hopefully I will. I think I'm a Bronco for life.”

If Denver brings him back without adding a significant early-down threat, Dobbins retains flex value in a split with RJ Harvey. If he lands elsewhere, downgrade him unless the depth chart clearly supports lead-back volume.

31. Christian Kirk, WR

• 2025 team: Houston Texans
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Houston acquired Kirk in a March trade with the Jaguars. Kirk underwhelmed with 28-239-1 in 13 games, and the Texans drafted two WRs (Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel) on Day 2 last April. Kirk seems headed elsewhere and won't get anywhere near the $18 million he earned in 2025. 

32. Aaron Jones, RB

• 2025 team: Minnesota Vikings
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

The Vikings will reportedly release Jones this month, once the new league year begins. It's not a shocking development, given that Jones turned 31 in December and saw his efficiency drop last season.

Perhaps this will mark the end of his career, but there are still worse RBs who played significant roles in 2025.

33. Isiah Pacheco, RB

• 2025 team: Kansas City Chiefs
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Pacheco averaged 57 rushing yards per game over his first two seasons. But that figure dropped to 38.6 over the past two. He'll need to compete for a role in 2026. In his 2022 rookie campaign, Pacheco ran for 830 yards and 5 TDs with Eric Bieniemy as the OC. Bieniemy returned to that role in January. 

The Athletic’s Jesse Newell reports that Pacheco “seems likely to sign elsewhere.” If that holds, Kansas City’s backfield will shift again. If Pacheco finds a depth chart with a clear path to 12 to 15 touches per game, he regains flex value. If he returns to the Chiefs, expect another committee and price him accordingly.

34. Brian Robinson Jr., RB

• 2025 team: San Francisco 49ers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

The 49ers traded for Robinson in August, but he saw only 100 touches behind a healthy Christian McCaffrey. Robinson turns 27 in March. Re-signing with San Francisco could be a sneaky-good landing spot. McCaffrey proved impressively durable in 2025. But his past six seasons include three years of playing every game and three years of missing 10+ contests.

35. Marquise Brown, WR

• 2025 team: Kansas City Chiefs
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Ten of Brown's 49 catches this past season came in Week 1. At 29 (in June), Brown projects as more of a depth signing than a starter.

36. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE

• 2025 team: Tennessee Titans
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Okonkwo didn't post a true breakout in 2025, but he still set career highs in targets (79), catches (56), and yards (560). He hits free agency having not missed a game in any of his four seasons.

37. Cade Otton, TE

• 2025 team: Tampa Bay Buccanners 
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Otton remained a high catch rate, low TD rate player in 2025. He ranked fourth among TEs in routes, 12th in catches, and 15th in yards while scoring only once. If Otton returns, he'll work under his fifth OC in five years.

38. Kirk Cousins, QB

• 2025 team: Atlanta Falcons
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

The Falcons confirmed that they'll be releasing Cousins. The vet presents nothing exciting at this point and might land merely a backup gig for 2026. But there's also room for him to compete for a job as a bridge starter -- especially given the weakness of this year's rookie QB class.

39. John Metchie, WR

• 2025 team: Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Metchie's 2025 production ticked up after an October trade to the Jets. He finished with career highs in catches (33), yards (274), and TDs (2) in 12 games. He projects as a No. 4 WR in 2026. We'll see if the hiring of OC Frank Reich has any impact on Metchie returning. 

40. Calvin Austin III, WR

• 2025 team: Pittsburgh Steelers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Austin never became more than a splash player for Pittsburgh. Just note: He tallied six TDs on passes of 20+ air yards over the past two seasons.

A new coaching staff will take over in 2026, and Austin said he’s “excited” about hitting free agency and exploring his options.

41. Sean Tucker, RB

• 2025 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

There's a lot of fantasy love for Tucker out there, but he hasn't performed nearly as well as his fantasy highlights would lead you to believe.

Among 55 RBs with 80+ carries last year, Tucker ranked:

• 43rd in yards per carry
• 51st in yards after contact per attempt
• 51st in missed tackles forced per attempt

And if that's not enough for you, consider the Bucs' decision. They could have tendered him as a restricted free agent at just $3.5 million on a one-year deal. Instead, the team just said "bye."

Be careful about overrating Tucker in your 2026 drafts. Perhaps his next landing spot will afford you a "sell" window in dynasty.

42. Jerome Ford, RB

• 2025 team: Cleveland Browns
• 2026 team:
• Contract details:

Ford's value peaked in 2023 with 248 touches and 1,132 total yards. He managed only 60 touches (in 13 games) this past season, but he should find a No. 3 role in free agency. The Browns appear set in the backfield with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson.

Top 2026 Free Agent Quarterbacks

1. Kyler Murray
2. Daniel Jones
3. Malik Willis
4. Kirk Cousins
5. Marcus Mariota
6. Russell Wilson
7. Joe Flacco
8. Carson Wentz
9. Tyrod Taylor
10. Gardner Minshew
11. Mitchell Trubisky
12. Trey Lance

At QB, it's Jones, Willis, and then everyone else. The most interesting story to watch at this position just might be whether Willis finds a starting gig. The decision by Oregon QB Dante Moore to stay in school probably helps.

Where's Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers signed a one-year contract in June of last year. Now with HC Mike Tomlin out, the smart money was on Rodgers either retiring or playing elsewhere in 2026.

However, the arrival of Mike McCarthy at least sparks some potential for Rodgers to stay in Pittsburgh. McCarthy said he "definitely" wants to see the future Hall-of-Fame QB return.

The two spent 13 years together in Green Bay.

If he moves on, Rodgers could make sense in Minnesota, which can provide a nice group of pass catchers. Of course, that depends on the Vikings' evaluation of 23-year-old J.J. McCarthy.

Top 2026 Free Agent Running Backs

1. Breece Hall (franchise tagged)
2. Kenneth Walker III
3. Travis Etienne Jr.
4. Javonte Williams (re-signed)
5. Kenneth Gainwell
6. Tyler Allgeier
7. Rachaad White
8. Rico Dowdle
9. J.K. Dobbins
10. Aaron Jones
11. Isiah Pacheco
12. Brian Robinson Jr.
13. Sean Tucker
14. Jerome Ford
15. Najee Harris
16. Kareem Hunt
17. Jeremy McNichols

Walker let fantasy managers down big time in 2025, though the problem was workload more than performance. Does he land a lead role for 2026 (and beyond)? Or should we quit hoping for more?

Keep in mind: Zach Charbonnet's recent ACL tear could impact Seattle's offseason plans.

Also, where do emergent 2025 RBs Gainwell and Williams go next?

Robinson could easily climb this list if he lands a spot with more immediate opportunity.

Additionally, veteran RBs D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon, James Conner, and Devin Singletary could be cap casualties. They would add to what is already a strong group of free-agent rushers. 

Top 2026 Free Agent Wide Receivers

1. George Pickens
2. Brandon Aiyuk
3. Mike Evans
4. Alec Pierce
5. Wan'Dale Robinson
6. Romeo Doubs
7. Tyreek Hill
8. Jauan Jennings
9. Jalen Coker (tendered by Panthers)
10. Rashid Shaheed
11. Deebo Samuel
12. Darnell Mooney
13. Keenan Allen
14. Christian Kirk
15. Marquise Brown
16. John Metchie
17. Calvin Austin III
18. Jalen Nailor
19. Dyami Brown
20. Kalif Raymond

This ain't a strong group at receiver. That could mean big money for players such as Pierce and Robinson. Exactly how much they get and where should signal what we can expect.

The Dolphins have -- as expected -- released Tyreek Hill. Calvin Ridley, Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Stefon Diggs, and Darnell Mooney could join him.

Top 2026 Free Agent Tight Ends

1. Kyle Pitts
2. Travis Kelce
3. David Njoku
4. Dallas Goedert
5. Isaiah Likely
6. Chigoziem Okonkwo
7. Cade Otton
8. Tyler Higbee
9. Noah Fant
10. Darren Waller

Looking at this list makes it seem even more likely that Pitts is headed for a big payday. Kelce, Njoku, and Goedert will all reside on the wrong side of 30 (if you're a professional athlete, at least) when next season begins.

Several other veteran TEs could also be released to free up salary cap space, including Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, Colby Parkinson, Evan Engram, Jonnu Smith, and Dawson Knox. 

Top 2026 Defensive Free Agents

Below you’ll see a loosely ranked top 22 for this year’s defensive free agent class. Why “loosely”? Because the gap between real-life value and fantasy value can often be even more pronounced on defense.

So don’t consider these the top 22 defensive players available. Consider them the top 22 free agents in expected IDP value. Contract size and landing spot could alter these ranks some. And keep in mind that IDP value can vary quite a bit by scoring format.

Beyond the top 22, you’ll find a particularly interesting group of LBs. This free agent class features nine prominent LB starters who will all be 30 or older when the 2026 begins. That age factor could mean anything from retirement to a multi-year deal for much of that list.

1. Quay Walker, LB

• 2025 team: Green Bay Packers
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The former first-round pick disappointed across his four Green Bay seasons but maintained a starter role throughout. Some team is likely to pay up for his athleticism ahead of his age-26 campaign.

2. Jaelan Phillips, Edge

• 2025 team: Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Eagles gave a 2026 third-round pick to get Phillips at midseason120. It would be surprising if they don’t manage to extend or re-sign him this offseason.

3. Nick Cross, S

• 2025 team: Indianapolis Colts
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The 24-year-old former third-round pick spent the past two years starting for the Colts and racking up 266 total tackles. He’s a box safety who presents less value in coverage. That could limit the size of his next contract.

4. Devin Lloyd, LB

• 2025 team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Lloyd’s value -- to the Jaguars and fantasy managers -- wavered across his four seasons there. That the team didn’t exercise the fifth-year option on the former first-round pick points to general disappointment. But he’s also coming off a 5-INT season. Don’t be surprised if someone pays Lloyd well, which could boost his playing time (and fantasy value) going forward.

5. Kamren Curl, S

• 2025 team: Los Angeles Rams
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Curl spent the past two years starting for the Rams after four years spent mostly as a starter in Washington. He’s likely to get paid by someone ahead of his age-27 season. The biggest question looks like whether L.A. can afford to be that team.

6. Nakobe Dean, LB

• 2025 team: Philadelphia Eagles
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Dean rebounded from a patellar tendon tear in the first round of the 2025 playoffs to regain his starting gig at midseason. That he pushed first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell out of the lineup signals that Philly considers the veteran the better player at this stage. But Campbell’s arrival might also have signaled the Eagles' expectation to lose Dean this offseason. He should start somewhere in 2026.

7. Jaquan Brisker, DB

• 2025 team: Chicago Bears
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

This versatile secondary player looks like a potential building block for a Bears defense short on such players. Count on the former second-round pick getting good money somewhere. That landing spot could determine his specific role and fantasy outlook.

8. Jalen Thompson, S

• 2025 team: Arizona Cardinals
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Thompson’s already seven years deep into his NFL career and spent nearly all that time starting for the Cardinals. This offseason will be interesting for gauging his value first to Arizona, and then to the rest of the league.

9. Bobby Okereke, LB

• 2025 team: New York Giants
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Giants dumped Okereke ahead of the final year on his contract. He now hits a crowded LB market -- with a nice crop of rookies also on the way at the position -- ahead of his age-30 season.

We'll see how the market treats him, but plenty of worse players garnered full-time snaps at the position around the league last year.

We're betting Okereke remains fantasy-relevant for at least one more year.

10. Dre’Mont Jones, Edge

• 2025 team: Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Ravens traded just a fifth-round pick to get Jones ahead of the deadline. (That could have become a fourth-rounder if Baltimore had reached the playoffs.) I’d guess they’d like to keep him around, but that’s not a steep enough price to make it imperative. The size of Jones’ contract will be interesting. He managed just 2.5 sacks across nine games with the Ravens, but racked up 15 QB hits over that span. That’s more than he tallied in any of his six previous full seasons, split between Denver and Seattle. Jones turned 29 on Jan. 5.

11. Trey Hendrickson, Edge

• 2025 team: Cincinnati Bengals
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

I wouldn’t be shocked if the 31-year-old retires after an injury-riddled 2025. But Hendrickson will certainly be worth rostering if he plays on. He delivered 17.5 sacks each of the previous two seasons while not missing a single game.

12. Bradley Chubb, Edge

• 2025 team: Miami Dolphins
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Dolphins dumped Chubb to purge his hefty cap hit for 2026. He returned after losing all of 2024 to an ACL tear to play in every game in 2025. But Chubb also saw declines in PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades. He's still likely to land a solid contract and starting shot ahead of his age-30 season.

13. Reed Blankenship, S

• 2025 team: Philadelphia Eagles
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Blankenship’s nothing special as a player and is coming off his worst pro season in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. But he likely fared well enough across three starting years in Philly to land in someone’s lineup. And Blankenship has been a decent tackle source with some big-play upside.

14. Geno Stone, S

• 2025 team: Cincinnati Bengals
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Stone snagged 13 INTs over the past three seasons and boosted his fantasy output with a TD return in each of his two Cincinnati seasons. But there’s a reason the Ravens let him hit the open market at 25 off a 7-INT campaign in 2023. And PFF has awarded Stone his two weakest coverage grades and overall grades the past two seasons. His next contract should signal how much the league agrees. 

15. Devin White, LB

• 2025 team: Las Vegas Raiders
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

You might think this is absurdly low after White delivered a top-5 fantasy season among LBs in 2025. But that’s the only reason he sits even this high. The former fantasy stud got dumped by Tampa after his fifth season and then couldn’t stick on minimal deals with the Eagles or Texans before landing with the Raiders. Vegas’ coaching change only complicates White’s outlook further.

16. Drake Thomas, LB (RFA)

• 2025 team: Seattle Seahawks
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Thomas shoved Tyrice Knight out of the lineup and then held the job the rest of the way, delivering production as both a blitzer (3.5 sacks) and cover guy (8 passes defensed). We’ll see whether the Seahawks keep Thomas starting or seek an upgrade.

17. Joseph Ossai, Edge

• 2025 team: Cincinnati Bengals
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Ossai hit unrestricted free agency last year before returning to Cincinnati on a modest one-year deal. If this trip to the market goes similarly, it’ll be time to stop paying him fantasy attention.

18. D.J. Wonnum, Edge

• 2025 team: Carolina Panthers
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Wonnum managed just 7 sacks and 10 total QB hits across his two seasons with Carolina, after posting a pair of 8-sack seasons in Minnesota. We’ll see how much interest he draws, but don’t be surprised if he stays irrelevant.

19. Alohi Gilman, S

• 2025 team: Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Gilman saw his playing time climb after his early-season trade to the Ravens. If the next coaching staff elects to let him walk, though, we’ll see what the rest of the league thinks. Gilman will turn 29 on Sept. 17.

20. Micah McFadden, LB

• 2025 team: New York Giants
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

McFadden missed basically the whole season after suffering a Week 1 neck injury. We’ll see about his status for 2026, physically and contractually. He flashed upside over two starting seasons with the Giants before the injury.

21. Nahshon Wright, CB

• 2025 team: Chicago Bears
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

The Bears probably didn’t intend for Wright to start after they signed him for just $1.1 million on a one-year in April. But he did and snagged 5 INTs, tied for second most in the league. We’ll see what that means as he heads into his age-28 campaign.

22. Christian Rozeboom, LB

• 2025 team: Carolina Panthers
• 2026 team: 
• Contract details: 

Rozeboom topped 120 tackles each of the past two years. But he got just a small, one-year deal on the open market last year. And he trailed second-year LB Trevin Wallace in playing time when both were healthy. We’ll see whether he can find another light depth chart this offseason, but don’t be surprised if Rozeboom’s a 2026 reserve.

The Gilded Group of Aging Scorers

As promised, here’s that list of 30+ LBs who have remained relevant in IDP formats … but might be ready to age out of relevance.

• Kaden Elliss, LB
• Bobby Wagner, LB
• Lavonte David, LB
• DeMario Davis, LB
• Quincy Williams, LB
• Germaine Pratt, LB
• Matt Milano, LB
• Alex Anzalone, LB
• Alex Singleton, LB

We'd bet Ellis remains a starter. Wagner, David, and Davis could all remain options for their current teams … or retire. The rest? We’ll see.

Maybe YOU Should Make a Move

Now's a great time to hit the trade market in your dynasty league.

Our latest round of Dynasty Trade Targets takes free agency into account while shelling out four BUY targets and four SELL options.

Check it out to get ahead of the market ... and your league mates.

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2026 Dynasty Superflex Rookie Rankings: Mendoza and Question Marks at QB (Updated Feb. 13)

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Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15+ years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). He finished 1st in FantasyPros Draft Accuracy competition in 2024. Kevin's work has been featured in The Mercury News, NBC Sports/Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.