Top 2026 Free Agent Every NFL Team Must Pursue

As the NFL offseason approaches, every franchise is laying the groundwork for the 2026 season. Decisions regarding free agents will be crucial, especially with the upcoming NFL Draft on the horizon. Each team is likely to target specific players who can fill gaps and enhance their rosters significantly.

Top 2026 Free Agent Every NFL Team Must Pursue

The following outlines key free agents who could strengthen each NFL team’s roster for the upcoming season.

Arizona Cardinals: CB Jamel Dean

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 5
• Need: Cornerback

The Cardinals, facing numerous questions this offseason, need to bolster their cornerback position after ranking low in PFF grade last year. Jamel Dean, with impressive metrics, could fit well in a zone scheme.

Atlanta Falcons: TE David Njoku

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 96
• Need: Tight End

If Kyle Pitts exits, re-signing Njoku would address a significant gap at tight end, providing a versatile receiving option.

Baltimore Ravens: G Isaac Seumalo

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 17
• Need: Offensive Guard

Seumalo could elevate the Ravens’ offensive line, which struggled last season. His proven pass protection skills are a strong asset.

Buffalo Bills: WR Rashid Shaheed

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 26
• Need: Wide Receiver

Boosting their receiving corps is essential for the Bills. Shaheed’s track record of efficiency makes him an appealing target.

Carolina Panthers: EDGE Odafe Oweh

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 7
• Need: Pass Rusher

Oweh would significantly enhance the Panthers’ pass rush after impressing with strong PFF grades last season.

Chicago Bears: EDGE Trey Hendrickson

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 1
• Need: Edge Rusher

Hendrickson’s elite pass-rushing grades could help the Bears improve their defensive statistics moving forward.

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Devin Lloyd

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 4
• Need: Linebacker

Addressing the linebacker position with Lloyd could dramatically improve the Bengals’ defense next season.

Cleveland Browns: G Kevin Zeitler

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 57
• Need: Offensive Line

Zeitler’s experience and solid grades could offer immediate improvements to a struggling Browns offensive line.

Dallas Cowboys: S Reed Blankenship

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 69
• Need: Safety

Upgrading at safety could help the Cowboys solidify their secondary, especially with Blankenship’s previous performance.

Denver Broncos: WR George Pickens

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 2
• Need: Wide Receiver

Pickens would be a game-changer for the Broncos’ receiving unit, enhancing their passing attack considerably.

Detroit Lions: CB Roger McCreary

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 103
• Need: Cornerback

McCreary’s versatility and performance could help the Lions improve their defensive backfield.

Green Bay Packers: EDGE Khalil Mack

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 34
• Need: Pass Rusher

Mack’s proven ability to impact the game would give the Packers much-needed depth at edge rusher.

Houston Texans: DL John Franklin-Myers

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 59
• Need: Defensive Line

Franklin-Myers has shown consistency and quality production, making him a potential fit for the Texans’ defense.

Indianapolis Colts: EDGE Trey Hendrickson

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 1
• Need: Edge Rusher

Hendrickson could provide the Colts with much-needed edge flair, enhancing their defensive capabilities.

Jacksonville Jaguars: S Jalen Thompson

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 65
• Need: Safety

Thompson’s versatility in the secondary could benefit the Jaguars as they fine-tune their roster.

Kansas City Chiefs: RB Breece Hall

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 9
• Need: Running Back

Hall’s explosive abilities would significantly bolster the Chiefs’ running game.

Las Vegas Raiders: WR Alec Pierce

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 10
• Need: Wide Receiver

Adding Pierce would provide the Raiders with a reliable deep threat as they begin their rebuild for 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers: C Tyler Linderbaum

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 3
• Need: Center

Linderbaum’s consistency is a perfect match for strengthening the Chargers’ offensive line.

Los Angeles Rams: CB James Pierre

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 157
• Need: Cornerback

Signing Pierre could allow the Rams to improve their secondary, which struggled last season.

Miami Dolphins: QB Malik Willis

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 18
• Need: Quarterback

Willis’ upside as a quarterback could give the Dolphins a solid alternative moving forward.

Minnesota Vikings: LB Kaden Elliss

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 83
• Need: Linebacker

Elliss would enhance the Vikings’ linebacking corps, adding depth and skill.

New England Patriots: EDGE Jaelan Phillips

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 14
• Need: Edge Rusher

Phillips’ agility and past performances indicate that he could be an impactful addition to New England’s defense.

New Orleans Saints: WR Jauan Jennings

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 25
• Need: Wide Receiver

Jennings’ ability to create matchups could benefit the Saints as they seek to improve their offensive potency.

New York Giants: TE Isaiah Likely

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 81
• Need: Tight End

Likely’s potential makes him a worthwhile consideration as the Giants try to overhaul their tight end position.

New York Jets: LB Devin Bush

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 8
• Need: Linebacker

Bush’s proven success would enhance the Jets’ defense significantly.

Philadelphia Eagles: CB Rasul Douglas

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 75
• Need: Cornerback

Douglas’ prior performances suggest he could fit well back into the Eagles’ scheme.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Romeo Doubs

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 44
• Need: Wide Receiver

Doubs could bolster the Steelers’ receiving group and add depth opposite D.K. Metcalf.

San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Joey Bosa

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 27
• Need: Edge Rusher

Bringing back Bosa could provide the 49ers with formidable pass-rushing options.

Seattle Seahawks: CB Alontae Taylor

• PFF Free Agent Rank: N/A
• Need: Cornerback

Taylor’s recent improvements could make him a valuable asset for Seattle’s secondary.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Devin Lloyd

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 4
• Need: Linebacker

Adding Lloyd could significantly enhance the Buccaneers’ lacking linebacker unit.

Tennessee Titans: WR Wan’Dale Robinson

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 51
• Need: Wide Receiver

Robinson’s skill set could help the Titans remedy their receiving issues.

Washington Commanders: TE Kyle Pitts

• PFF Free Agent Rank: No. 24
• Need: Tight End

Pitts’ talent could revitalize the Commanders’ lackluster receiving game.

As teams enter free agency, targeting these players could significantly influence their success in the upcoming NFL season.