We are less than a month away from the start of the 2026 NFL League Year, which means that free agency is right around the corner. At 4:00 p.m. EDT on March 11th, teams will begin to make their free agent signings official. With that in mind, let's run down the list of the most important positions in the NFL and identify the three best available players at each one of those positions.

Quarterback

1. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones is coming off his best season as a pro from an efficiency standpoint, with career-highs in passer rating (100.2) and QBR (63.0). Before he hurt his leg, he was a legitimate MVP candidate. Obviously, we need to wait and see how he recovers from the torn Achilles tendon, but if Jones plays as well as he did before the injury, he clearly looks like the top free agent quarterback in the Class of 2026. He has a playoff win under his belt and appears to have finally turned a corner from a performance perspective. He'll probably remain with the Colts, but if he tests free agency, Daniel Jones will be a top candidate for every quarterback-needy team.

2. Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers

The sample size is small, but Malik Willis showed that he can be a dynamic and exciting quarterback while in Green Bay. During the 2024-25 season, he led the Packers to two wins while putting up a 124.8 passer rating. In four games this year, Willis threw for 422 passing yards, ran for 123 rushing yards, and scored five total touchdowns. He actually had the highest passer rating this season amongst all quarterbacks to attempt at least one pass (145.5). It's foolish to expect him to play like an all-time great quarterback long-term, but he can be a good NFL starter.

3. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

He might be 42 years old, but in a weaker free agent class of quarterbacks, Rodgers is the third-best available option. The future Hall of Famer didn't have a mind-blowing season, but he was still effective in an archaic offensive scheme, finishing the year with a 94.8 passer rating, good for 14th in the NFL. Whoever signs him won't be getting 2020, MVP-winning Aaron Rodgers, but they will get a reliable quarterback who can lead a team to the playoffs and give your squad a chance to be competitive every week. If Rodgers leaves Pittsburgh, which wouldn't be that surprising, he could be a good option for a championship contender that is just a quarterback away.

Running Back

1. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

We rarely see the reigning Super Bowl MVP test out free agency, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the Seahawks will re-sign Kenneth Walker III to a long-term deal. However, if they choose to move on from him, he'll easily be the best running back in the free agent Class of 2026. Despite splitting touches with Zach Charbonnet, Walker was 22nd in scrimmage yards this season (1,309). He burst onto the scene in the playoffs, where he led all players in scrimmage yards (417) and rushing touchdowns (four). He will be an excellent addition to any offense as an effective rusher and a pass catcher.

2. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Since 2022, Travis Etienne Jr. has been one of the most productive players in the NFL. During that stretch, he is 13th in scrimmage yards (5,136) and tenth in rushing yards (3,798). This season, he accounted for almost a quarter of the Jaguars' total yards (24.4%). He proved to be very valuable to the Jags' passing attack, catching six of the team's 29 passing TDs. Hell, Etienne actually LED the team in receiving touchdowns this year. Every season in which he recorded at least 200 carries, he has gone over 1,000 rushing yards. He can be the bell-cow back for most NFL teams.

3. Rico Diwdle, Carolina Panthers

The recent news that the Jets are planning to use one of their tags on Breece Hall has left a huge hole within the running back group of the 2026 free agent class. I previously had Hall as the second-best running back scheduled to become a free agent this off-season. Now, though, Etienne moves into the two spot, leaving us with a void at three. There's Kenneth Gainwell, Rachaad White, and Tyler Allgeier, but none of those guys stand out as starters. The only other starting caliber free agent running back this off-season is Dowdle, who showed he can be a team's premier back after going for 1,300+ scrimmage yards this year.

Wide Receiver

1. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

Pickens is arguably the best free agent in the Class of 2026. The guy just finished the regular season with the third-most receiving yards in the NFL (1,429). Hell, there's a case to be made that he was more important to the Cowboys' offense than CeeDee Lamb. On a team where he was splitting targets with Lamb, Pickens still managed to record the eighth-most catches in the league (93). He could go to 28 of 32 NFL teams and immediately be their number-one receiving threat. It would be silly for the Cowboys to move on from Pickens because he is worth whatever contract he's asking for.

2. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

This free agent class is loaded with marquee talent like Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, and Deebo Samuel, to name a few guys. But, based on his age and production last season, Alec Pierce is the second-best available wideout in the Class of 2026. He'll only be 26 next season and is coming off a year where he looked like the best deep-threat wide receiver in the NFL. More importantly, he has the stats to back up that claim. His 21.3 receiving yards per catch is the second-best mark in the league and the highest mark amongst players who caught at least 30 passes. Pierce will get plenty of contract offers next month.

3. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers

There are plenty of wideouts who could've taken the third spot on our list (Wan'Dale Robinson, Rashid Shaheed, and Juaun Jennings come to mind), but Doubs gets the nod after leading a playoff team in receiving yards (724), receptions (55), targets (85), and touchdown catches (six). He is a do-it-all receiver who is at his best on third down. His 41 receiving first downs this season were the 30th-most in the NFL, ahead of guys like George Kittle, DK Metcalf, and Emeka Egbuka.

Tight End

1. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens

With the recent reports that the Atlanta Falcons plan on using their franchise tag on Kyle Pitts Sr., Isaiah Likely is the best available tight end in the 2026 free agent class. Despite playing second fiddle to Mark Andrews for most of his career, Likely still averages 36 catches for 423 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the course of a 17-game season. In an offense where he is TE1, he'll probably be able to double those numbers. Plus, he has shown improvement as a run-blocker. At 26 years old, he will be the most sought-after tight end in the NFL this off-season.

2. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans

Cade Otton might be a safer investment, but if we’re talking about high-upside players, Chig Okonkwo might be the best tight end available this Spring. In his first season playing with a good quarterback, Okonkwo had career highs in targets (79), receptions (56), and receiving yards (560). Keep in mind that he did that with a rookie QB and a head coach who was fired midway through the season. If he were to go to a more stable situation with better quarterback play, he could be a perennial Pro Bowl candidate.

3. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As I just said, Cade Otton is a safe choice for any team that needs to improve the tight end spot. The 2025-26 campaign wasn't his best, but he has shown improvement every year since entering the league. Perhaps he is most valuable as a blocker, which is important in a day and age where offensive linemen need help containing the NFL's elite pass rushers. The fact that he can go make plays in the pass game is a bonus. No team will regret signing Cade Otton for $7 million a year.

Offensive Tackle

1. Rasheed Walker, Green Bay Packers

There are limited options for teams looking to improve their offensive tackle spot. Walker has shown a lot of promise over the last few years since becoming the Packers' starting left tackle. He didn't finish the season strongly, but over the course of the entire campaign, he played well enough to earn a high-paying contract. He needs to be better in the run game, but he is one of the most polished players available this off-season when it comes to pass blocking. On top of that, Walker’s only 26 years old, so he’ll be around for a long time.

2. Jermaine Eluemanor, New York Giants

He's one of the older players on our list at 31 years old, but offensive tackles have a long shelf life in the NFL. After being a rotational piece during the first half of his career, he has emerged as a full-time starter over the last four years. The good news about Eluemanor is that he's a plug-and-play guy. Once you sign him, you put him on your line, and he’ll be there for the long haul. His 1,088 snaps last season were the seventh-most amongst all qualifying tackles in the NFL. He will be a staple of whatever offensive line he joins.

3. Braden Smith, Indianapolis Colts

Coming off a neck injury might scare some teams away, but if you look beyond that, he has consistently played at least ten games every season he has been in the NFL. He's a good pass blocker and a decent enough run blocker that he will be well-paid this off-season. Had he not missed the end of the year with a neck injury and a concussion, he would be the most coveted offensive tackle in this free agent class. He won't be a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro, but Smith will be a reliable cornerstone of most teams' offensive lines.

Offensive Guard

1. David Edwards, Buffalo Bills

Edwards was an unsung hero on the Bills' offensive line, and he was a big reason why Buffalo led the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (159.6). According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 19th-highest graded guard in the NFL out of 81 qualifying players. His pass blocking and run blocking grades both ranked in the top 25 (14th and 23rd). He will be a fantastic addition to any offensive line in the league.

2. Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

At 34 years old, Bitonio is no spring chicken, but he still can bring a lot of grit to any offensive line for at least the next two years. He would best fit a team looking to add one or two more blockers to solidify its trenches. He is an elite pass blocker with a 75.7 grade, which is the eighth-highest mark amongst qualifying guards on PFF. Bitonio also shows no signs of slowing down after playing 1,081 snaps this season, which was the 12th-most amongst qualifying offensive guards.

3. Alijah Vera-Tucker, New York Jets

This is a gamble because AVT has a history of serious injuries. However, when he’s healthy, Alijah Vera-Tucker is a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive lineman. He has also shown an ability to play elsewhere along the offensive line when other guys are dealing with injuries. At 26 years old, he has excellent potential and is worth at least a one- or two-year deal. If AVT can stay on the field, he will be a fabulous addition in the trenches for a guard-needy team that won't cost much.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

Though there is not a huge emphasis on center play in the NFL, Tyler Linderbaum is actually one of the best available free agents in the Class of 2026. He's not even 26 yet, and he has already been named to three straight Pro Bowls. If you need further proof of his excellence, Linderbaum was the fourth-highest graded center on Pro Football Focus. He is one of the best run blockers in the NFL and is already a solid pass blocker. Any team that is thinking of making a change at center will be clamoring after Linderbaum and offering him a lot of money.

2. Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills

He has a little more tread on his tires than Linderbaum since he’s turning 29 this November, but Connor McGovern has proven to be a great center. He was named to the Pro Bowl two years ago and was graded as one of the 15 best centers in the NFL last season. His 73.4 pass blocking grade ranked sixth out of 40 qualifying centers on PFF. More importantly, he rarely misses playing time, starting in 56 of Buffalo's last 58 regular-season and playoff games.

3. Austin Corbett, Carolina Panthers

There isn't a lot of center depth in the 2026 free agent class, so Corbett rounds out our top three. Both he and fellow Panthers center Cade Mays are no longer under contract, so it's fair to assume Corbett will be able to test free agency since he is four years older than Mays. Corbett is a guard by trade, but has shown he can play center when needed to. In a desperate market, he could receive a big payday if he decided to make the move to center.

Defensive End

1. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

Even though he is recovering from a season-ending hip/pelvis procedure, Hendrickson could be seen as the best available free agent in the Class of 2026. The last two Super Bowls have shown us how important an effective pass rush can be when it comes to winning games, and Hendrickson has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL for a few years. Since the start of the 2023 season, Hendrickson has the third-most sacks in the NFL (39) behind only Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter. The Bengals have completely botched contract negotiations with Hendrickson, so he will be the most sought-after free agent this off-season.

2. Joey Bosa, Buffalo Bills

Though ranking Joey Bosa as the second-best defensive end sounds counterintuitive to how the rest of the list has gone, there is actually a method to the madness. Nowadays, defensive ends towards the end of their career take on one-year contracts as hired guns. In his lone year with the Bills, he showed he still had a lot of gas left in the tank with five sacks (second-most on the team) and a league-leading five forced fumbles. Bosa also led Buffalo in tackles for loss this season with nine. He will be a third-down pass-rush specialist who will make his presence felt every week. Bosa can still get after quarterbacks at a high level.

3. Kwity Paye, Indianapolis Colts

The former first-round draft pick is turning 28 next season after recording career highs in snap count (721) and quarterback hurries (14). His pass-rushing stats leave a little something to be desired, but he is a solid run defender. His frame (6'3" and 265 lbs.) and his former first-round grade will be enticing enough that some team will bring him in to be their second-best defensive lineman. He would be a great compliment to a guy like Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson or Green Bay’s Micah Parsons.

Defensive Tackle

1. D.J. Reader, Detroit Lions

Similar to the center spot, there is a shortage of pure-bred defensive tackles this off-season. D.J. Reader is the best of the available bunch. At 6'3" and a monstrous 330 lbs., he could work as a 3-4 or a 4-3 nose tackle, though he makes more sense in a 3-4 front given his size. While he's 32 years old, we have seen defensive tackles have long and successful careers. Just look at Calais Campbell, who is still going strong at 39 years old.

2. John Franklin-Meyers, Denver Broncos

He's not a defensive tackle by definition, but he has experience at that spot. At the very least, he's experienced enough to play that spot at an effective level. He had 39 total pressures this season, which is the 18th-most amongst qualifying interior defensive linemen on PFF. We also can't forget his 7.5 sacks. Franklin-Myers would be best suited in a 4-3 defensive front where he doesn't have to take on all the responsibilities of a starting nose tackle and can share them with somebody else.

3. Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

Though he is the second-oldest player on our list, Calais Campbell is still a high-production player, even at 39 years old. Despite his age, he played almost half of the Cardinals' defensive snaps (46%). He was Arizona's second-best pass rusher with 6.5 sacks, the 11th-most amongst qualifying defensive tackles. He won't be around for a long time, but a defensive tackle-needy team will be getting a meaningful contributor if they sign Campbell to a hired-gun contract similar to what Joey Bosa will probably receive.

Outside Linebacker

1. Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles

Nowadays, most outside linebackers are pass-rushers first and off-ball defenders second. In that case, nobody in the free agent Class of 2026 is a more promising outside linebacker than Phillips. He's only 26 years old and is a polished pass rusher who forced 20 quarterback hurries on 22 blitzes this season. He was a key player on the Eagles' defense once he arrived in Philly and finally put together a full season of tape without any injuries. Now that he has proven he can stay on the field and have a huge impact on a defense, Phillips will be on the receiving end of a big contract.

2. Odafe Oweh, Los Angeles Chargers

After a disappointing start to the season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he shone as a pass-rusher, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games. He's only 27 years old and ranked in the top 35 amongst 115 edge rushers in hits (34th), quarterback hurries (32nd), total pressures (31st), and defensive stops (29th). Keep in mind, he only played 513 total snaps, which ranks 62nd amongst qualifying edge defenders. His strong build (6'5" and 257 lbs.), age, and production under an elite defensive mind make him an excellent outside linebacker option for almost any team.

3. K'Lavon Chaisson, New England Patriots

The Pats took a flyer on Chaisson by signing him to a one-year, $5 million deal last off-season, and it paid off tremendously. He had the second-most sacks on the team (7.5) and another three sacks in the playoffs, which was tied for the second-most amongst all players this postseason. As a pass-rushing specialist, he had 74 total pressures this season, which ranked 11th out of 115 qualifying players. He’s a pass-rusher first, so don't ask him to drop into pass coverage, but Chaisson earned a long-term deal with his play in New England this year.

Inside Linebacker

1. Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lloyd is a 27-year-old middle linebacker who is coming off the best season of his career, where he was named a Pro Bowler and a Second-Team All-Pro. He was PFF's third-highest-graded linebacker this season (89.1). He also showed an ability to get after quarterbacks with 28 total pressures, the third-most amongst qualifying inside linebackers. Lloyd is a defensive leader who is just starting to come into his own at the NFL level. He will be a force for years to come, regardless of where he ends up.

2. Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs

He alternates between outside linebacker and interior 3-4 linebacker, which makes him a good fit for this spot. He has been playing more and more of the Chiefs' defensive snaps each season, going from 23% in 2022 to 41% in 2023 and 2024, and 53% this season. He misses less than 5% of his tackles, can blitz the quarterback, and drop into coverage when asked. After spending the last few years playing under Steve Spagnuolo, this 25-year-old is ready to land a big-time contract.

3. Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers

He hasn't taken that step forward and turned into an elite linebacker, but he also isn't hindering his defense. He's responsible for calling plays and had 128 total tackles this season, which ranked 17th in the NFL. Walker only has a missed tackle rate of 5.1% over his entire career. He’s excellent at defending the run, but is somewhat of a liability in the pass game. Still, he probably hasn't hit his ceiling yet and will take a big leap forward if he lands with the right defensive coordinator.

Cornerback

1. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dean quietly had an elite season with the Bucs. He was superb in pass coverage, giving up just 29 receptions on 59 targets while holding opposing QBs to a 63.1 passer rating. Dean was also reliable in those rare moments where he gave up a reception, considering he only had one missed tackle this season. His PFF grade of 80.6 was the third-highest mark amongst 114 qualifying corners in the NFL this year. His interception numbers leave something to be desired, but make no mistake about it, Dean is a fantastic cornerback and could make the Pro Bowl next season. Once he gets a big payday, people will start paying attention to him, and that's when he'll rise to stardom.

2. Riq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks

We're still waiting for him to put up the numbers he did during his rookie season, but Riq Woolen is a proven defender who could be the number-one cornerback for a majority of the teams in the NFL. He has only allowed four touchdowns per season over the last three years. At the same time, opponents have a 70.6 passer rating when throwing Woolen's way since he came into the NFL. We can expect him to miss a tackle a game, but he is really good in pass coverage, and that's what you want to see from your starting corner.

3. Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs

I really wanted Chicago's Nahshon Wright to take the third spot here, but his breakout season was fueled by interceptions, and I don't think he'll have another five-interception campaign considering he only had one INT before this year. Therefore, Jaylen Watson takes this spot. He's only 27 years old and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 77.8 passer rating over the last two seasons. Watson rarely misses tackles and has shown an ability to get after quarterbacks with two sacks on just 13 blitzes. With the right defensive coordinator, he can be a top-flight cornerback for the next few years.

Safety

1. Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Brisker looked like the best player on the field in the Divisional Playoff game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. He had a game-high 14 total tackles and eight solo tackles, as well as a sack, a tackle for loss, two pass deflections, and a quarterback hit. That performance alone will earn Brisker a big contract. He's only 26 years old and can play almost any position in the secondary. He had the seventh-most solo tackles amongst qualifying safeties (81) and played 1,220 snaps this year, which were the third-most by a safety in the NFL this season. He can be the final piece on the back-end of a championship-caliber defense.

2. Kevin Byard III, Chicago Bears

At 33 years old, it might be hard to justify giving Byard a long-term contract this off-season, but he earned it with his play in Chicago. He was the heart and soul of the Bears' defense, while leading the NFL in interceptions for the second time in his career. Byard was a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro and still has a lot of gas left in the tank. Wherever he lands, Kevin Byard III will be an immediate difference-maker and a locker-room leader. And - as we have seen with guys like Budda Baker and Harrison Smith - safeties can play at a high level well into their 30s.

3. Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams

After playing well in Washington during the early part of his career, Curl has been fantastic over the last two years with the Rams. Out of 98 qualifying safeties, he led the league in solo tackles (107) and assists (37). More importantly, he was reliable on the back-end with 1,324 total snaps in the regular season and the playoffs, the most amongst all safeties. Curl had more interceptions than touchdowns allowed in coverage this year while holding opposing QBs to an 89.3 passer rating. He only missed 4.7% of his tackles this season, too. Curl is a fantastic free agent option for any team looking for safety help.