Ranking the top 100 NFL free agents of 2026

TheNFL's great annual migration is about to begin, free agency set to reshape rosters – and competitive balance, to some degree – throughout the league.

USA TODAY Sports

The market will officially open at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, the start of the 2026 league year. But the list of free agents is sure to evolve significantly and virtually continuously before that grand opening.

Thewindow for teams to utilize franchise or transition tags– mechanisms designed to restrict a free agent's movement – will be open until 4 p.m. ET on March 3. As the Miami Dolphins have already notably started to do, many clubs will also have to shed copious salary in the coming weeks in order to comply with the 2026 salary cap and/or create sufficient room under it in order to become buyers in the talent acquisition business. Other players, like Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, have contractual clauses likely to trigger their releases even if they're not actually free agents yet. At noon ET on March 9, pending free agents can begin negotiating new pacts with teams other than their own and agreeing to deals.

<p style=Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13. Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6. Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

Suffice it to say USA TODAY Sports' list of top 100 NFL free agents in 2026 – and we've puta little extra emphasis on the top 26 playersin what is (currently) a somewhat uninspiring group overall – will continue to develop and change as news warrants (^denotes a franchise tag, though currently none have been assigned; *denotes a player whose contract was terminated, making him eligible to sign with a new team immediately):

1. WR George Pickens

Will he play for the Dallas Cowboysin 2026? Will he sit out for theDallas Cowboysin 2026?Will he be franchised– but maybe traded anyway? You never know what Jerry Jones, owner of "America's Team" will do, but he's got a big decision ahead on Pickens,just as he did last year with former Dallas DE Micah Parsons. Pickens is coming off a career year (93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 TDs, all personal bests) and turns 25 next month − compelling reasons for Dallas to tag him regardless of Jones' ultimate objective (Pickens and CeeDee Lamb would form an awesome but expensive wideout duo). Obviously a good fit in the Cowboys offense last season, Pickens isn't for everyone − and might still have to prove he's a clear-cut No. 1 wideout. But his 2025 effort strongly suggested his production and potential are quickly coming into alignment.

Best fits:Cowboys, Patriots, Titans

2. C Tyler Linderbaum

Full transparency, he was ranked third in this list's first iteration – but his age and ability may render him the richest man to emerge from this year's free agency cycle. You'd think theBaltimore Ravenswould find a way to retain a 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler. They may have to address QB Lamar Jackson's contract first − he currently carries a cap charge of $74.5 million in 2026and'27 − which means a franchise tag could be a strong possibility if the Ravens are to keep Linderbaum off the market before granting him an extension. However the tag's value is based on the top contracts ofallO-linemen, which would mean paying Linderbaum at a left tackle level – basically the same reason Baltimore declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. If he goes free, an immediate (and likely frenzied) bidding war will doubtless commence.

Best fits:Ravens, Chargers, Giants

3. DE/OLB Trey Hendrickson

After registering 35 sacks between the 2023 and '24 seasons, including a league-leading 17½ in the latter campaign, the 31-year-old was limited to seven games by injuries last year − that in the wake of acontentious offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. It's worth wondering now if Cincy simply lets Hendrickson walk or tries a tag-and-trade gambit, but a fresh start seems like the best outcome. Regardless, his services should be in high demand.

Best fits:Patriots, Colts, Eagles

4. OLB/DE Jaelan Phillips

It's hard to come by untethered edge defenders theoretically entering their prime. But Phillips, 26, could be one of the belles of the FA ball afterbeing acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles at last year's trade deadline. He finished the season with five sacks and 63 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats. More importantly, he appeared in 17 regular-season games for the first time since 2022 after injuries ruined his following two seasons. Strong against the pass and run, the 6-5, 266-pounder should find a very robust market ... presuming he gets there.

Best fits:Patriots, Eagles, Ravens

5. QB Daniel Jones

A torn Achilles last December cut short what had been his best season statistically (238.5 passing yards per game, 100.2 QB rating) to that point. The QB trend du jour that may be forming in the NFL could be finding a reclamation project who won't necessarily eat up a massive chunk of the salary cap − and Jones, 28,can thank Sam DarnoldandBaker Mayfield for their ongoingheroics. Hard to believe the Indianapolis Colts will allow Jones to gauge his worth with the rest of the league, though ... especially when his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings, could suddenly become very interested in swooping in if he's not secured soon.

Best fits:Colts, Vikings

6. OLB/DE Odafe Oweh

He has 17½ sacks and 98 pressures as a part-time starter over the past two seasons, which were split between the Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers. Heady numbers for a 27-year-old who should be ready for a bigger role ... and certainly a larger paycheck.

Best fits:Titans, Chargers, Patriots

7. QB Malik Willis

He could be this year's version of Justin Fields − a quarterback with intriguing skills but limited experience who can nevertheless capitalize financially given the high demand but low supply at his incomparably critical position. Willis, 26, has far fewer NFL reps than Fields but really impressed while filling in as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons, completing nearly 80% of his passes while throwing six TDs and zero INTs. In addition to a 134.6 passer rating, Willis can also move like a tank. Keep an eye on the Dolphins, who just plucked their new GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and coach (Jeff Hafley) from the Pack, as a potential buyer.

Best fits:Dolphins, Cardinals

8. TE Kyle Pitts

The No. 4 overall pick in 2021 − the highest-drafted tight end ever − Pitts, 25, never seemed to fully reach his potential with the Atlanta Falcons, which isn't completely an indictment of him. But he was a second-team All-Pro in 2025 and did just put together his best season since he was a rookie, catching a career-high 88 passes and five TDs. Pitts could really take off in an offense that truly leverages his estimable abilities ... and maybe even has the foresight to feature him in the red zone.

Best fits:Falcons, Buccaneers, Commanders

9. WR/KR Rashid Shaheed

The big-play ability he flashed for years with the New Orleans Saints translated beautifully − and crucially − when theSeattle Seahawks obtained him last November. Shaheed, 27, seemed like the final piece for to the 'Hawks' championship puzzle and delivered huge catches and returns in pivotal games down the stretch and in the postseason. However it should be captivating to see what Shaheed can fetch given he's never been a No. 1 receiver nor has averaged 600 receiving yards during his four-year career. Still, his return ability − at a time when the kickoff is becoming an increasingly important component of the game − could really drive up his price tag.

Best fits:Seahawks, Raiders, Broncos

10. RB Breece Hall

Though the New York Jets seemingly purged much of their talent atlast year's trade deadline, they hung on to their 24-year-old back. And why not? Hall has averaged 1,260 yards from scrimmage and nearly seven TDs during his four seasons − and for a pop-gun offense. Explosive and an excellent receiver, Hall is the best runner on the market ... if he actually reaches it.

Best fits:Jets, Chiefs, Seahawks

11. WR Alec Pierce

Similar to Shaheed, he could be an elite No. 2 receiver in the right system. Unlike Shaheed, he doesn't bring any special teams value. However Pierce, 25, has led the league in yards per reception each of the past two seasons (21.8 ypc over the duration) and is coming off a breakout year with 47 grabs for 1,003 yards. He should get paid nicely in what's a fairly thin crop of free agents.

Best fits:Colts, Broncos, Titans

12. S Coby Bryant

After struggling as a corner earlier in his Seattle career, he's flourished as a safety the past two seasons − and the 26-year-old should get a nice bump given the league's other teams always look to raid the most recent Super Bowl champions.

Best fits:Seahawks, Chargers, Ravens

13. CB Jaylen Watson

He's big (6-2, 197), young (27), still experienced (29 starts) and playoff tested. Watson is coming off his best season but is probably a luxury for the capped-out Kansas City Chiefs.

Best fits:Chiefs, Jets, Seahawks

14. LB Devin Lloyd

A first-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he blossomed into a Pro Bowler last season as the team blossomed around him. If the Jags don't pony up to keep their 27-year-old defensive quarterback, someone will.

Best fits:Jaguars, Commanders, Jets

15. S Bryan Cook

He's emerged as a key component of Steve Spagnuolo's K.C. D in recent years. A steady, reliable player, Cook, 26, should be a stabilizing presence if not one who's going to make a ton of splash plays.

Best fits:Chiefs, Raiders, Titans

16. OT Rasheed Walker

He's been a solid, if unspectacular, starter for the Packers since 2023. But serviceable, 26-year-old left tackles don't grow on trees.

Best fits:Rams, Patriots, Cardinals

17. RB Kenneth Walker III

The 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP will get a hefty raise in Seattle or elsewhere. But Walker is not the second coming of Saquon Barkley, isn't as good an every-down player as Hall and has spent most of his career in a platoon. The guess here is that Walker won't come close to resetting the compensation scale at a position that generally doesn't command top dollar.

Best fits:Seahawks, Jets, Steelers

18. WR Jauan Jennings

A 6-3, 212-pounder, the 28-year-old caught 132 balls (15 for TDs) over the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings' roots as a quarterback also make him quite a threat on trick plays. He's also the proverbial dog that some locker rooms covet ... and others won't.

Best fits:Commanders, Raiders, 49ers

19. WR Mike Evans

He'll be 33 by Week 1 and is coming off the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-5 and 231 pounds don't fade like speed does, and a healthy Evans should be a dangerous offensive weapon and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it's for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or someone else.

Best fits:Buccaneers, Patriots, Seahawks

20. OLB/DE Khalil Mack

He'll be 35 by next week and is coming off (perhaps) the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-3 and 269 pounds worth of power don't fade like an agile pass rusher might, and a healthy Mack should be a dangerous defensive weapon and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it's for the Chargers or someone else.

Best fits:Chargers, Ravens, Patriots

21. CB Nahshon Wright

Though he's already 27, he's hardly a finished product. He's also a 6-4, 199-pound corner who led the NFL with eight takeaways (5 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries) after becoming a surprise starter (and surprise first-time Pro Bowler) for the Chicago Bears. The upside and production spike are going to make Wright rich.

Best fits:Bears, Seahawks, Cowboys

22. WR Romeo Doubs

He's 25 with good size (6-2, 204) and has averaged roughly 50 receptions and 600 yards during four years with the Pack, who have widely dispersed their target share in the post-Davante Adams era. Doubs could be far more impactful as a 1A or second option elsewhere.Best fits:Cardinals, Jets, Titans

23. QB Aaron Rodgers

Last season was his best since 2021, his most recent MVP effort. Hard to imagine the 42-year-old legend playing anywhere besides the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just hired Mike McCarthy,formerly Rodgers' coach in Green Bay. Again, monitor the Vikings as a possible dark horse.

Best fits:Steelers, Vikings, Cardinals

24. S Kamren Curl

The kind of versatile DB any defense wants, able to play deep, in the box or in the slot. Only 26, Curl already has 86 starts split between Washington and the Los Angeles Rams.

Best fits:Chiefs, Seahawks, 49ers

25. DE/OLB Joey Bosa

He'll be 31 this season and has a checkered injury history. But Bosa's 2025 campaign with the Buffalo Bills was his best since 2021. He had five sacks and 43 pressures in 15 games and led the league with five forced fumbles. He'd be wise to find a home where his snaps can be maximized but limited.

Best fits:49ers, Ravens, Bills

26. WR Wan'dale Robinson

He may be 5-8 and 185 pounds, but the 25-year-old was targeted 140 times each of the past two years with the New York Giants − and posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Robinson isn't a No. 1 receiver, either − doesn't mean he won't heavily impact his next offense.

Best fits:Jets, Giants, Titans

27. OLB/DE Boye Mafe

Despite being a rotational player in Seattle, he was still credited with 41 pressures despite playing fewer than half the defensive snaps. Only 27, he's another who could get a Lombardi raise from an outside suitor.

28. CB Jamel Dean

He was All-Pro-caliber in his seventh season, allowing just 22 completions in 14 games. And Dean is only 29.

29. G David Edwards

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Buffalo Bills may not be able to afford to keep? Then Edwards might be your guy.

30. C Connor McGovern

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Buffalo Bills may not be able to afford to keep? Then McGovern might be your guy.

31. CB Riq Woolen

He's a 6-4, 210-pound athletic freak who will be 27 in May. He also lost the starting job he'd held for 3½ years midway through the 2025 season – though that's at least partially due to Seattle's embarrassing riches of talent, and Woolen remained a significant contributor. He'll be a starter elsewhere soon … and a well-compensated one.

32. RB Travis Etienne

He rebounded from a miserable 2024 to rack up 1,399 yards from scrimmage and a career-best 13 TDs for the AFC South champion Jags. Etienne, 27, may not be an every-down back, but he's a highly capable receiver who should always be on the field during high-leverage situations.

33. DL Dre'Mont Jones

Physically imposing at 6-3 and 281 pounds, he can be a valuable end for teams that favor 3-4 fronts. Traded to the Ravens midway through last season, the 29-year-old had his best year – actually appearing in 18 games (no bye due to the trade) and finished with seven sacks and 55 pressures, both the best of his seven-year career.

34. CB Cor'Dale Flott

He'll be 25 at the beginning of next season and has shown steady improvement over the past two years with the Giants – allowing just two TD passes while starting 24 of 28 games over that span.

35. CB Montaric Brown

A 26-year-old coming off a breakout season, when QBs had a 69.9 passer rating when targeting him.

36. LB Bobby Wagner

He doesn't play a premium position, and he's 35 – not that you'd know it. A great leader and great guy who should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he's done, championship-aspiring teams should be lining up to sign him.

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37. TE Travis Kelce

He doesn't play a premium position, and he's 36 – not that you'd know it, especially after playing better in 2025 than he did the previous year. Hard to imagine Kelce plays anywhere but Kansas City, assuming he plays and can find a financial middle ground with the team after making more than $17 million last season.

38. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

An immensely talented player who was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2021, he can play pretty much anywhere on the line … provided he can play, period. Vera-Tucker has played more than seven games twice in his career and missed all of last season with a triceps injury.

39. S Jaylinn Hawkins

He really hit his groove with the New England Patriots in 2025, his sixth year but third team, picking off four passes – doubling his career total entering the season. Other teams tend to love 28-year-olds who just played in the Super Bowl.

40. DL John Franklin-Myers

A 29-year-old who's done a lot of the dirty work during his career, he collected a career-best 7½ sacks for the Denver Broncos in 2025. Franklin-Myers, who's mostly played in three-man fronts, has averaged 43.2 pressures since 2020.

41. RB Tyler Allgeier

He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 … the year before Bijan Robinson arrived in Atlanta. Yet Allgeier, 25, still averaged nearly 750 yards from scrimmage and five TDs over the next three seasons in a valuable secondary role to Robinson.

42. LB Devin Bush Jr.

A first-round pick of the Steelers in 2019, the 27-year-old has come into his own the past two years in Cleveland, his third NFL team.

43. S Jalen Thompson

Only 27, he's quietly been Budda Baker's backline partner in crime for seven years in Arizona.

44. RB Javonte Williams

He replaced Rico Dowdle in Dallas last year and responded with his best NFL season – 1,338 yards from scrimmage and 13 TDs. Williams will be 26 in Week 1 and finally appears ready to fulfill his potential four years after a devastating knee injury in Denver.

45. OT Braxton Jones

A series of injuries starting late in the 2024 season waylaid him, but he was a reliable left tackle for the Bears for the three years up to that point. Jones turns 27 next month and should have a lot of good football left in him.

46. DL Calais Campbell

Even at 39, he continues to be a phenomenal player and leader – one who remarkably hasn't missed a game since 2022.

47. G Teven Jenkins

A second-round pick in 2021, he's more than solid inside but can also shift out to tackle in a pinch.

48. CB Cobie Durant

The 28-year-old has allowed a 54% completion rate on passes thrown in his direction the past two years as a full-time starter for the Rams.

49. C Cade Mays

After taking over the pivot in Carolina last year, the 26-year-old could find himself enriched as the Linderbaum consolation prize somewhere.

50. LB Nakobe Dean

He's little more than a year removed from suffering a torn patellar tendon in the 2024 playoffs and it impacted his '25 campaign. The Eagles could get a bargain if they can get the 25-year-old, who played 10 games last season, back for at least one more year.

1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana <p style=2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=18. Minnesota Vikings – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo <p style=21. Pittsburgh Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson 26. Buffalo Bills – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.) <p style=27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech <p style=29. Los Angeles Rams – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl

51. G Dalton Risner

A solid addition in Cincinnati last year, the Bengals should think twice before letting a player who allowed just two sacks to leave.

52. RB Rico Dowdle

He has 2,701 yards from scrimmage while splitting the last two years in Dallas and Carolina. A tough runner who's only 27, his production really tailed off in the second half of last season after an explosive October.

53. S Kevin Byard

A three-time All-Pro, he led the league with seven INTs in 2025, and his 36 picks are the second most among active players. Byard will be 33 in August but still clearly has gas left in the tank.

54. G Ed Ingram

A second-round pick of Minnesota four years ago, Ingram just had his best season in Houston.

55. LB Leo Chenal

He's started 44 games during his four-year career with the Chiefs, but 2025 was the first time he was on the field for more than half the snaps – and barely then (53.2%). Only 25, Chenal is an exceptional athlete who could shine given the opportunity to play more for another team – though he probably needs to factor more as a pass rusher.

56. TE Isaiah Likely

He's 25 and extraordinarily talented. But 2025 was also his least productive season, partially derailed by a foot injury early in the year. But it was notable the Ravens chose to extend TE Mark Andrews, who's five years older than Likely, in December.

57. DE Kwity Paye

Reliable if unspectacular, the 27-year-old has started 74 games since being a first-round pick of the Colts in 2021. Paye has 30½ career sacks, at least 40 pressures in each of the past three seasons and defends the run well enough.

58. S Jaquan Brisker

Not a lot of flash, but a 26-year-old who started in Chicago for four years can stabilize the back end of a defense.

59. DE-OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad

He's nearly 31 but picked the right time to have a career season – registering 11 sacks and 59 pressures for the Detroit Lions in 2025, by far personal bests. TBD how much his outlier season and age will allow Muhammad to cash in.

60. G Isaac Seumalo

A decade into his career, Rodgers sung his praises last season. Seumalo, 32, won't get Linderbaum-level money … but he likely won't be waiting long for a new deal, either.

61. WR Deebo Samuel

He's a big name. He's also 30, isn't a polished receiver and has averaged fewer than 900 yards from scrimmage over the past four years in what's largely a play-making role. He has handled kickoffs the past two years, a factor that boosts his value.

62. RB Rachaad White

He had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage for the Bucs in 2023 but was overtaken on the depth chart by Bucky Irving in 2024. But White, 27, who's also averaged more than 50 receptions during his four-year career, should find a significant role elsewhere.

63. TE Dallas Goedert

He's 31 but also coming off one of his best seasons, his 11 TDs and 60 catches in 2025 both career highs. Blocking isn't the longtime Eagle's forte …the "Tush Push" notwithstanding.

64. NT Khyiris Tonga

Tough to find 6-2, 335-pounders who eat space and stress pockets. Tonga, 29, did it well for New England in 2025, playing a career-high 322 snaps.

65. S Alohi Gilman

Traded for Oweh last October, Gilman did a nice job in Baltimore – his ability to line up just about anywhere making him a nice complement to Kyle Hamilton.

66. CB Alontae Taylor

He's not a shutdown guy. He is 27, largely lives in the slot and is extremely durable.

67. DL Logan Hall

A 6-6, 283-pounder who was a second-round pick of the Bucs in 2022, he can eat up a lot of snaps and should be able to do so in even or odd fronts.

68. OT Jermaine Eluemunor

A fifth-rounder in 2017, he's been better than average during his career and has become an especially good pass blocker in recent years – starting 62 games since 2022.

69. WR Jalen Nailor

His numbers would probably be much more impressive had he not been stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Still, Nailor, 26, had 47 first downs and 10 TDs over the past two seasons and has averaged 15.4 yards per catch during his four-year career.

70. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney

Something of a mercenary at age 33, the No. 1 pick of the 2014 draft had 8½ sacks and 38 pressures for the Cowboys last season despite playing about half of his typical snap count. He can also still set a nice edge.

71. RB J.K. Dobbins

Durability has always been the issue, and a foot injury limited him to 10 games in Denver last season. Yet Dobbins, 27, was averaging a career-best 77.2 rushing yards per game before going down.

72. DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He's 28, versatile and knows how to get underneath an opponent's skin … though that's also sometimes true of his own teams, too.

73. G Kevin Zeitler

He'll be 36 next month. Otherwise? Still plug and play – at a very high level.

74. CB Josh Jobe

He doesn't have Woolen's physical gifts, but Jobe emerged as a consistent starter on Seattle's defense – yet probably won't command nearly as much as dough as his (in all likelihood) soon-to-be former teammate.

75. OLB/DE K'Lavon Chaisson

He finally showed why he was a first-round pick six years ago, providing 7½ sacks and 52 pressures – both career highs – during his first season with the Patriots. The 6-3, 255-pounder has to be in the right system but should have plenty of time to flourish in an ideal environment given he's only 26.

76. OLB Arden Key

A slightly older, slightly slighter version of Chaisson, Key does own 27½ sacks and more than 200 pressures since 2021.

77. CB Rasul Douglas

He bounced back nicely after a rough 2024 campaign in Buffalo. A big (6-2, 209) corner with 21 career picks shouldn't be unemployed for long, even at 30.

78. RB Kenneth Gainwell

He was the Steelers' MVP last season, when he had a career-high 187 touches and career-best 1,023 yards from scrimmage – along with a personal best eight TDs. Soon to be 27, Gainwell could be a perfect addition for an offense that favors a running back by committee approach.

79. TE David Njoku

He's still a physical marvel at 29, good for around 50 grabs, 600 yards and a handful of TDs annually. And unlike a lot of tight ends nowadays, he's also effective in-line as a blocker.

80. G Zion Johnson

A first-rounder in 2022, he was decidedly average for the Chargers. But a lot of teams would take decidedly average if it's available for 1,000-plus snaps per season, as Johnson has been.

81. TE Cade Otton

He averaged 59 catches and nearly 600 yards over the past two seasons in Tampa. Decent blocker.

82. DT DJ Reader

Even at 31, the 6-3, 330-pounder can still crush a pocket – especially if his snaps are used judiciously.

83. OT Braden Smith

He's started 105 games in eight seasons for the Colts but has missed 16 over the past three seasons and has battled asevere obsessive-compulsive disorder.

84. OLB/DE Arnold Ebiketie

He's 27 and has shown the ability to get to the quarterback (130 total pressures) during his four-year career. But he hasn't proven he can be any more than rotational defender with only 12 starts to his credit.

85. CB Eric Stokes

A first-rounder of the Packers in 2021, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders last year and had his best season since he was a rookie.

86. TE Chig Okonkwo

An oversized receiver at 6-3 and 238 pounds, maybe it shouldn't be a surprise he doesn't block much. But Okonkwo, 26, had his best season in 2025 with 56 receptions for 560 yards.

87. WR Keenan Allen

He'll be 34 in April but still moves the sticks, 49 of his 81 catches for the Chargers going for first downs last season.

88. LB Alex Singleton

He's 32 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past six years and can quarterback a defense.

89. LB Alex Anzalone

He's 31 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past four years and can quarterback a defense.

90. OLB Von Miller

He's about to turn 37, yet he's transitioned into a highly effective situational pass rush specialist – the former Super Bowl MVP racking up 15 sacks and 67 pressures over the last two years, that despite starting just three games.

91. WR Marquise Brown

He's only caught more than 70 passes once during his seven-year career, but his speed remains an offensive force multiplier.

92. RB Brian Robinson

His touches were down while backing up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco last season, but the 26-year-old Robinson still has plenty of tread on the tires and should be a nice addition to a rotation somewhere.

93. DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

A 6-4, 310-pound veteran who's played effectively for a variety of teams and in a variety of systems. He'll get scooped up.

94. DE/OLB Cameron Jordan

His 10½ sacks in 2025 were his most in four years. Hard to imagine the 36-year-old playing a 16th season anywhere but New Orleans, but he seems to have more to give.

95. LB Demario Davis

Now 37, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but New Orleans'.

96. LB Lavonte David

Now 36, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but Tampa Bay's.

97. G Wyatt Teller

Now 32, he's tailed off a bit since being a three-time Pro Bowler for Cleveland from 2021-23. Still, he should be a valuable addition if healthy.

98. K Eddy Piñeiro

Someone's going to throw a chunk of change at a guy who drilled a league-best 96.6% of his field goals in 2025 (for San Francisco). Right?

99. QB Russell Wilson

His days as a starter appear over … unless he's willing to go into another situation where he's clearly a stopgap.

100. WR Tyreek Hill*

He's a Hall of Fame-caliber player, but last season's dislocated knee might preclude him from playing in 2026 – if ever again for a diminutive player whose game has been so reliant on his signature speed. Doesn't mean someone won't take a flier on him at some point … even though he turns 32 on March 1.All NFL news on and off the field.Sign upfor USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL free agency rankings: Top 100 players available

Ranking the top 100 NFL free agents of 2026

TheNFL's great annual migration is about to begin, free agency set to reshape rosters – and competitive balance, to s...
Patriots give receiver Mack Hollins $400,000 bonus, despite finishing 4 catches short of triggering incentive

The New England Patriots felt receiver Mack Hollins earned an incentive in his contract, even if he didn't technically reach the number that triggered the bonus.

Yahoo Sports

Hollins, 32, received a $400,000 bonus from the Patriots on Friday that would have come with him getting 50 catches this season, according toNFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He finished with 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns, but missed the final two games of the regular season with a lacerated spleen.

The eight-year veteran also missed New England's wild-card and divisional playoff games, but returned for the AFC championship game and the Super Bowl. During the postseason, Hollins finished with eight catches for 129 yards and a TD. Against the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, he led the Patriots in receiving yards.

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In addition to his on-field performance, Hollins drew attention forhis quirky behavioroff the field. He arrived for Super Bowl 60wearing a Hannibal Lecter-style maskon his face, along with handcuffs on his wrists and ankles.

Head coach Mike Vrabel appreciates what Hollins brings to the Patriots' culture by being a great teammate.

"Mack brings a great spirit to work every day. He's a great teammate,"Vrabel told Boston.comin December. "I actually showed a clip from the first game on a kickoff coverage, and Mack's over there excited, not going in the game, but he's into it.

"Somebody made a tackle and Mack's the first one cheering on the sidelines, and those are the little things that mean a lot, I think, to me," he added. "So, again, we ask him to do a lot of different things, and again, I think just the spirit that he brings to work and the teammate that he is."

Last season with the Buffalo Bills, Hollins would also arrive to Highmark Stadium barefoot and shirtless despite the area's snow and frigid temperatures. Before the Super Bowl, he warmed up without shoes or a shirt in Santa Clara, California.

Hollins just finished the first year of a two-year, $8.4 million contract he signed with the Patriots. During his NFL career, he's also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Bills. In his eight seasons, Hollins has compiled 208 receptions for 2,619 yards and 17 TDs.

Patriots give receiver Mack Hollins $400,000 bonus, despite finishing 4 catches short of triggering incentive

The New England Patriots felt receiver Mack Hollins earned an incentive in his contract, even if he didn't technicall...
Twins ace Pablo López is set for season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery as expected

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota right-hander Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery, expected once theTwins discovered their ace's torn ulnar collateral ligament.

Associated Press

The team said Friday that López's surgery will be performed next week in Texas by Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister. López turns 30 early next month.

It will be the second Tommy John surgery for López. He had the procedure as a minor leaguer with the Seattle organization and missed the 2014 season.

López ended a bullpen session early during the Twins' first full-squad workout Monday. First-year manager Derek Shelton said he was hopeful the move was precautionary, but a day later general manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters of the UCL tear.

López was the Twins' opening-day for the past three years and was planning to pitch for Venezuela in next month's World Baseball Classic.

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López made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2018 and spent five seasons with them, then was traded to the Twins.

He made the All-Star team in his first year with Minnesota and helped the franchise end a record 18-game postseason losing streak for North American professional sports, going 2-0 with an 0.71 ERA in two starts in the 2023 playoffs.

López is making $21.75 million this season and is signed through next year.

A shoulder injury limited him to 14 starts last season after he made 32 in each of three consecutive 10-win seasons, the first in his final season with the Marlins. López was 5-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 2025 and is 59-53 with a 3.81 ERA for his career.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Twins ace Pablo López is set for season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery as expected

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota right-hander Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery, expected onc...
Tim Gunn - Project Runway

Project Runwayis returning without one beloved mentor. Fashion mavenTim Gunnwill notreturn for Season 22, which is slated to premiere later this year. Instead, Season 4 winnerChristian Sirianowill serve as the mentor for the designers. Tim Gunn recently opened up about his exit from the runway in an episode ofChelsea Handler'spodcast, Dear Chelsea. He revealed he was not asked back for Season 22, calling the news "devastating." Here's what you need to know.

Tim Gunn has "no complaints" despite not returning to Project Runway

Fans were surprised when news brokethat Project Runwaywas returning without Tim. His name and the show have become synonymous, which may explain the uproar from fans after hearing word of his departure. He spoke candidly about the end of his Project Runway career in his conversation with Chelsea.

"I wasn't invited to return to the party," he shared. "My agent called the producers to say, 'We understandHeidi [Klum]signed up. We haven't heard a thing about Tim,' and they said, 'We don't want him.'"

Tim said the news initially devastated him, but he now looks back on the show with gratitude.

"I feel extremely lucky to have had 19 seasons of the show, 16 with Heidi, and I have a beautiful Emmy sitting on my kitchen counter," he said. "Yeah, so no complaints. I feel very, very, very lucky."

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Producers offered Tim a cameo on the upcoming season, but he declined.

"What do I do? Wave from a bus? As the designers are going into Mood [Fabrics]? Heidi comes to see me at the retirement home, and we play croquet?" he joked. "No, thank you. And as Heidi would say, you're either in or you're out. And I'm out."

Project Runwayis streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

TELL US – DO YOU WANT TIM BACK ON PROJECT RUNWAY?

The postProject Runway Star Tim Gunn Gets Honest About Not Being Asked Backappeared first onReality Tea.

Project Runway Star Tim Gunn Gets Honest About Not Being Asked Back

Project Runwayis returning without one beloved mentor. Fashion mavenTim Gunnwill notreturn for Season 22, which is slated to premiere later...
Can King Charles III pardon his brother Andrew? Why it's unlikely.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 19, his 66th birthday, for suspicion of misconduct in public life. Hours later, he was released from police custody.

USA TODAY

The former prince allegedly leaked confidential information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to previousUSA TODAY reporting. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing.

King Charles III is the older brother of Mountbatten-Windsor and in response to the arrest, issued a statement via Buckingham Palace signaling support for a "full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities."

"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," the king added. "As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."

Still, some might wonder if the king could pardon his brother, former Prince Andrew. The short answer: it's very unlikely. Here's what to know.

Live updates:Former Prince Andrew seen in first photo since release after arrest

<p style=Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked to disgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor was reportedly arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=The media gather to report near the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Unmarked police vehicles enter the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, on Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=In this photo illustration, a statement from His Majesty King Charles III via communications at Buckingham Palace pledges his "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" to the "appropriate authorities" in response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=A person steps out of unmarked car at the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Feb. 19, 2026, in Sandringham, Norfolk.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Unmarked police vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Unmarked vehicles exit the gates of the Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence in Windsor Great Park, Feb. 19, 2026, in Windsor, England.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Police investigate homes tied to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid his arrest

Police officers, unmarked vehicles and media were seen at residences linked todisgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsoron Feb. 19, 2026. Windsor wasreportedly arrestedon suspicion of misconduct in public office on the Sandringham estate. In a statement, Thames Valley police said they were also "carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk" as part of the investigation. See the scene outside various residences, beginning here near the entrance to Wood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk.

Who is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?Ex-prince tied to Epstein scandal

Can King Charles pardon ex-Prince Andrew?

King Charles holds the "royal prerogative of mercy," a power granted to the ruling British monarch that allows them to issue pardons for persons convicted of criminal offenses, according to theUK government.

If Mountbatten-Windsor is convicted of a crime, it's technically not impossible for him to receive a pardon from his brother, King Charles. However, issuing clemency would require approval from governing bodies.

King Charles III (then Prince Charles), left, and former Prince Andrew attend one of Queen Elizabeth II's annual tea parties in the garden of Buckingham Palace in London on July 11, 2001.

The king has no direct power to ask for a pardon, Robert Hazell, director of the Constitution Unit at University College London, said in emailed comments to USA TODAY.

"King Charles has no discretion independently to exercise the prerogative of mercy: He can only do so on the advice of the government," said Hazell.

Expert: An Andrew pardon could cause 'riot in the streets'

Another reason a pardon is unlikely is because the British public would likely not approve and the king could face backlash.

When the then-prince was stripped of his royal titles in 2025 over his ties with Epstein, it came with the overwhelming support from Brits. He'd previously been removed as a senior royal in 2022.

According to a 2025Ipsos poll, 88% of Britons thought it was definitely or probably the right decision. Additionally, eight in 10 Britons had an unfavorable opinion of the prince at that time.

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"I don't think (Charles) is going to give him a pardon," Andrew Lownie, author of 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York,' told USA TODAY.

"I think there would be a sort of riot in the streets if that happened, and that really would kill the monarchy."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor(L) and Britain's King Charles III leave following a Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral in London on September 16, 2025.

Cases of previous royal pardons

Royal pardons are rarely used and typically only issued when a person is innocent of the offense and when a request has been made by someone with a vested interest, such as a family member, according to the United Kingdom'sgovernment website. Pardons can be issued without either requirement being met, as was the case with Alan Turing.

Turing, considered the father of computer science, was given a posthumous royal pardon by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2013. He was convicted in 1952 for "gross indecency" after being arrested following an affair with a 19-year-old man, which is no longer a crime in the United Kingdom.

After his conviction, Turing was chemically castrated.

The most recent high-profile recipient of a royal pardon was Steve Gallant, 47. The convicted murderer was on a day release from prison to attend a conference for rehabilitated prisoners when he confronted a terrorist attacker with a narwhal tusk on London Bridge. Two people died in the tragedy. Gallant's sentence began in 2005. He was released from prison in 2021. The queen reduced his sentence by 10 months.

Allegations against Prince Andrew, Epstein ties

Since last autumn, Mountbatten-Windsor has appeared in several pages and images released by the U.S. government in relation to Epstein. The latest cache of documents included a photo of the former prince kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the ground.

The former Prince Andrew reacts at the end of the Requiem Mass, on the day of the funeral of Britain's Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral in London, Sept. 16, 2025.

The former prince came under intense scrutiny over his ties with the disgraced financier following a BBC interview in 2019. In the interview, he said he met Epstein in 1991 through his partner Ghislaine Maxwell, but denied ever coming into contact with the late Virginia Giuffre.

One of the Epstein victims, Giuffre, said she was 17 years old when she was allegedly trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sexual relations with the then-prince. The encounters took place between 2001 and 2002, she said.

The former prince gave the remarks despite the existence of a photograph with him and Giuffre in Maxwell's London home in 2001.

Mountbatten-Windsor raised issues with the photograph's authenticity, saying it might not be him in the picture because he was wearing his "traveling clothes" and suggested his left hand may have been photoshopped onto Giuffre's waist.

Giuffre filed a sex abuse lawsuit against Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021. The former prince settled the suit the following year but continued to deny the allegations against him.

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, Wendy Naugle

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Could King Charles III pardon his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?

Can King Charles III pardon his brother Andrew? Why it's unlikely.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 19, his 66th birthday...

 

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