NFL · 3 hours ago

ESPN Predicts the Best Fit for the Top 25 NFL Free Agents for 2026

John Canady

Host · Writer

25) S Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Team Fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Bryan Cook gives the Bengals a versatile safety to fill the void left by Geno Stone in 2025. He totaled 85 tackles and six pass defenses, showing he can play from depth or come down into the box. As the top-rated free agent at his position, Cook would upgrade a Bengals secondary that allowed 233.8 passing yards per game (26th in the league) last season.

"Cook is a versatile safety who can play from depth or spin down to the front and would be an upgrade for the Bengals." - Matt Bowen
1) EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
Best Team Fit: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts need more production off the edge, and Trey Hendrickson would instantly raise the ceiling of this defense. Even in just seven games last season, he posted 16 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble, and his 17.5 sacks in 2024 led the NFL. For a team that finished with 39 sacks (tied for 15th in the league), adding a proven finisher opposite Laiatu Latu feels like a win-now swing.

"Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis." - Matt Bowen
2) WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
Best Team Fit: Dallas Cowboys

After a true breakout in 2025, George Pickens looks like a foundational piece in Dallas. He hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, flashing big-play juice with 22 catches of 20-plus yards. Lined up opposite CeeDee Lamb, Pickens gives Dak Prescott another dynamic, three-level threat who can win outside and stretch coverage in Brian Schottenheimer’s system.

"With his explosive-play ability (22 receptions of 20 or more yards), Pickens can win on the boundary as a three-level target opposite CeeDee Lamb." - Matt Bowen
3) C Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
Best Team Fit: New York Giants

If the Giants are serious about stabilizing the interior, Tyler Linderbaum would be a tone-setting addition. One of the league’s most athletic centers, he brings the movement skills to thrive in both zone and gap concepts, along with the edge and toughness coaches love in the middle of the line. Reuniting with John Harbaugh in New York would give the Giants a plug-and-play leader up front and instantly upgrade their protection and run game identity.

"The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency." - Matt Bowen
4) QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Best Team Fit: Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones offers the Colts a versatile QB who can thrive as a facilitator in Shane Steichen’s system. In 13 games last season, he threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding five rushing scores, showcasing improved timing and poise. Once fully healthy from his Achilles injury, Jones gives Indianapolis a reliable signal-caller to manage the game and maximize their productive run game.

"Jones displayed more poise in 2025 with the Colts, and he threw with a much stronger sense of timing." - Matt Bowen
5) EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles
Best Team Fit: Philadelphia Eagles

Jaelan Phillips gives the Eagles a rare combination of size and speed off the edge. In 2025, he totaled 53 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble, continuing to show his ability to impact both the pass rush and run defense. His 6-foot-5 frame and range in Vic Fangio’s system make him a disruptive force who can set the edge and collapse the pocket, giving Philadelphia a versatile weapon for years to come.

"Phillips could continue to play as a disruptive pass rusher who can also set an edge to the run front." - Matt Bowen
6) WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Best Team Fit: Tennessee Titans

Alec Pierce brings a rare vertical threat to the Titans’ offense under Brian Daboll. In 2025, he caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a league-best 21.3 yards per catch with the Colts. His ability to stretch the field and operate as a multilevel target gives Cam Ward a dynamic option downfield and adds a new dimension to Tennessee’s passing game.

"Pierce has the vertical stretch ability to produce down the field and can play a volume role as a multilevel target for quarterback Cam Ward." - Matt Bowen
7) RB Breece Hall, New York Jets
Best Team Fit: New York Jets

Breece Hall gives the Jets a dynamic centerpiece in Frank Reich’s offense. In 2025, he rushed for 1,065 yards on 243 carries with four touchdowns, showcasing his home-run ability with 87 runs of 10+ yards over four seasons. His dual-threat skill set makes him a weapon both on the ground and in the passing game, perfect for a Jets offense looking to rebuild around explosive playmakers.

"With his dual-threat traits and home run ability, he can be the centerpiece of the offense under new coordinator Frank Reich." - Matt Bowen
8) OT Rasheed Walker, Green Bay Packers
Best Team Fit: Cleveland Browns

Rasheed Walker would give the Browns a much-needed boost on the offensive line. One of the league’s most reliable tackles, he brings consistency, strength, and technique that can immediately improve both pass protection and run blocking. With Todd Monken rebuilding the front, Walker is a plug-and-play upgrade who can anchor the line for years.

"Walker should be viewed as an upgrade in Cleveland, as new coach Todd Monken rebuilds the front." - Matt Bowen
9) EDGE Odafe Oweh, Los Angeles Chargers
Best Team Fit: Los Angeles Chargers

Odafe Oweh gives the Chargers a dynamic edge presence to pair with Chris O’Leary’s scheming. In 2025, he totaled 38 tackles and 7.5 sacks, adding three more in the wild-card loss to the Patriots. His explosiveness and ability to win one-on-one matchups make him a perfect fit for Los Angeles’ pass-rush plans.

"Oweh's production in L.A. after being traded from the Ravens should keep him with the Chargers under new coordinator Chris O'Leary." - Matt Bowen
10) OT Braden Smith, Indianapolis Colts
Best Team Fit: Houston Texans

Braden Smith would immediately upgrade Houston’s offensive line and give C.J. Stroud more protection and run-game support. A powerful drive blocker in the run game, he can hold his ground against edge rushers in pass protection, making him a cornerstone piece for a Texans line looking to stabilize and elevate.

"Elevating the offensive line in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud must be a priority for the Texans, and Smith would be an upgrade over free agent right tackle Trent Brown." - Matt Bowen
11) DL John Franklin-Myers, Denver Broncos
Best Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons

John Franklin-Myers gives the Falcons a versatile interior presence who can line up as a nose or 5-technique while also providing a pass-rush threat in sub-packages. In 2025, he recorded 25 tackles and 7.5 sacks, adding pressure and disruption up the middle that Jeff Ulbrich can scheme into multiple fronts.

"Franklin-Myers could be used as a versatile defender, playing as a nose or 5-technique in the base fronts while providing an interior rush out of sub-package personnel." - Matt Bowen
12) CB Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints
Best Team Fit: Los Angeles Rams

Alontae Taylor gives the Rams a versatile cornerback who can play outside or in the slot while bringing speed and disruption to a secondary that struggled in big moments. In 2025, he totaled 83 tackles, 11 pass defenses, two sacks, and two interceptions, demonstrating the ability to make plays all over the field.

"Taylor would provide the Rams a versatile cover corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot." - Matt Bowen
13) LB Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers
Best Team Fit: Washington Commanders

Quay Walker gives the Commanders a young, fast linebacker to pair alongside Frankie Luvu and replace veteran leadership lost in free agency. In 2025, he recorded 128 tackles and 2.5 sacks, showcasing the speed and range to track the ball, close passing windows, and thrive in Dan Quinn’s scheme.

"Walker could fill a need for the Commanders and has the traits to fit really well in Dan Quinn's defense." - Matt Bowen
14) CB Riq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Best Team Fit: New York Jets

Riq Woolen gives the Jets a physical, long-armed corner to help shut down deep threats. In 2025, he recorded 41 tackles, 12 pass defenses, and one interception, adding length and speed to Aaron Glenn’s man-coverage scheme. With his four-year career totals of 12 interceptions and 36 pass breakups in Seattle, Woolen can be a disruptive presence in the secondary.

"Adding Woolen, a 6-foot-5 corner with high-end physical tools and speed, fits under coach Aaron Glenn's defense." - Matt Bowen
15) WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best Team Fit: Buffalo Bills

Mike Evans offers the Bills a proven boundary threat and reliable red-zone target for Josh Allen. Despite an injury-shortened 2025, he still recorded 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, adding veteran presence and big-play ability. With a track record of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons before last year’s setbacks, Evans could instantly elevate Buffalo’s passing attack.

"Evans could become the top receiver in Buffalo and create matchups in the low red zone." - Matt Bowen
16) CB Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Team Fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Jaylen Watson gives the Raiders a versatile corner who can excel both in press coverage and top-down zone looks. In 2025, he totaled 64 tackles, six pass defenses, two sacks, and two interceptions, showcasing his ability to disrupt the perimeter and make plays across the field.

"Watson is scheme-versatile and could upgrade the perimeter of the Raiders’ defense." - Matt Bowen
17) QB Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers
Best Team Fit: Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis offers the Dolphins a dual-threat quarterback to build around under Jeff Hafley and Bobby Slowik. In limited action last season, he threw for 422 yards with three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions while adding two rushing scores, showing the ability to create mismatches with his legs and arm. Miami’s scheme could maximize his motion-based play style and quarterback run game to keep defenses off balance.

"Willis could slot in as the new starter under coordinator Bobby Slowik and take advantage of a scheme built around motion and play-action." - Matt Bowen
18) RB Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Best Team Fit: Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker III is the engine of Seattle’s offense and a natural fit to stay in town. In 2025, he carried 221 times for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, earning Super Bowl LX MVP honors with 417 total yards and four scores in three postseason games. A slasher with big-play ability, Walker can dominate both on the ground and in the passing game, making him a cornerstone for the Seahawks’ offense.

"Walker is a slasher with big-play juice who can contribute to the pass game." - Matt Bowen
19) LB Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars
Best Team Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars

Devin Lloyd gives the Jaguars a playmaking linebacker who can impact the game in coverage and against the run. In 2025, he totaled 81 tackles, seven pass defenses, five interceptions, and 1.5 sacks, including a pick-six, showcasing his ball-hawking ability. Keeping him in Jacksonville strengthens a defense that ranked in the top 10 in both scoring and run defense.

"Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score, and fits well in Jacksonville's top-10 defense." - Matt Bowen
20) TE Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
Best Team Fit: Washington Commanders

Isaiah Likely gives the Commanders a dynamic middle-of-the-field target under new coordinator David Blough. In 2025, he totaled 27 receptions for 307 yards and one touchdown, showing catch-and-run ability that can create mismatches underneath. Likely’s versatility as a move player makes him a natural replacement for Zach Ertz and a weapon for Jayden Daniels in the passing game.

"Likely would bring more upside with his catch-and-run ability and can be schemed into underneath one-on-ones." - Matt Bowen
21) WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Best Team Fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Romeo Doubs gives the Raiders a polished route-runner who can navigate traffic and find openings downfield. In 2025, he totaled 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns, providing a reliable target to pair with top pick Fernando Mendoza. Doubs’ ability to consistently move defenders and make catches in contested areas fits perfectly in Klint Kubiak’s system.

"His ability to uncover and work the heavy traffic areas of the field would be great for the anticipated top pick, Fernando Mendoza." - Matt Bowen
22) EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Best Team Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Khalil Mack gives the Buccaneers a proven edge presence to boost a pass rush that finished with 37 sacks (18th in the league) last season. Despite missing five games due to an elbow injury, he still recorded 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures, showing he can create disruption and get home to the quarterback even in a situational role under Todd Bowles.

"They need to address the edges of their pass rush, and Mack can still create disruption and get home to the quarterback." - Matt Bowen
23) TE Kyle Pitts Sr., Atlanta Falcons
Best Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts Sr. gives the Falcons a top-tier tight end to exploit defenses under new coach Kevin Stefanski. In 2025, he posted 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns, setting career highs while showing the ability to attack coverage gaps and create one-on-one matchups. Pitts’ skill set makes him a central weapon in any passing scheme.

"Stefanski can set up Pitts to attack open coverage voids off play-action and create isolation matchups." - Matt Bowen
24) RB Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Best Team Fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Etienne Jr. gives the Chiefs a dynamic boost to a run game that ranked 25th in yards per game (106.6) last season. In 2025, he rushed 260 times for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns, with 26 carries of 10+ yards (tied for 12th in the NFL), and his dual-threat skills make him a weapon in the passing game. Andy Reid can leverage screens and backfield releases to maximize Etienne’s big-play ability.

"This is a move to add more juice and big-play ability to the Kansas City offense." - Matt Bowen
25) S Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Team Fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Bryan Cook gives the Bengals a versatile safety to fill the void left by Geno Stone in 2025. He totaled 85 tackles and six pass defenses, showing he can play from depth or come down into the box. As the top-rated free agent at his position, Cook would upgrade a Bengals secondary that allowed 233.8 passing yards per game (26th in the league) last season.

"Cook is a versatile safety who can play from depth or spin down to the front and would be an upgrade for the Bengals." - Matt Bowen
1) EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
Best Team Fit: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts need more production off the edge, and Trey Hendrickson would instantly raise the ceiling of this defense. Even in just seven games last season, he posted 16 total tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble, and his 17.5 sacks in 2024 led the NFL. For a team that finished with 39 sacks (tied for 15th in the league), adding a proven finisher opposite Laiatu Latu feels like a win-now swing.

"Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis." - Matt Bowen