NFL · 1 hour ago

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 10 NFL Free Agents for 2026

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

2026 NFL Free Agency
While these predictions align with the scheme's needs, the open market is notoriously unpredictable. When the frenzy officially begins in March, millions will be spent, rosters will be reshaped, and the league's landscape will change overnight. Buckle up!

Which stars are more likely to wear a different uniform in 2026? Who could be the missing piece? Which team needs to break the bank to keep their guy?

Sound off in the comments!

More to Come: Check Back for Live 2026 Free Agent Landing Spots & Signing Grades!

Paul Connor is an NFL writer who has spent five years covering NFL Free Agency. As a multi-time FFPC champion and trusted voice in the fantasy community, he has a proven track record when ranking players.
2026 NFL Free Agency: Predicting Landing Spots
As the NFL calendar turns to the offseason, front offices are bracing for a chaotic spring. With the salary cap projected to skyrocket past $300 million and a relatively thin 2026 draft class, the importance of securing proven veteran talent in free agency has never been higher.

The legal tampering window is just a month away, so we're cutting through the smoke and predicting the landing spots for the ten biggest names set to hit the open market.

Let's dive in!
1. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
George Pickens Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 24
- Experience: 4 Years
- Previous AAV: $1,688,045
- Market Value (Spotrac): $30,606,359
George Pickens arrived in Dallas via a blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh last offseason and exploded for a career-high 1,429 yards. However, the Cowboys are effectively in "cap hell" (over $30M in the red) and may use the franchise tag to facilitate a "tag-and-trade" rather than pay Pickens the $30M+ APY he commands.

Predicted Landing Spot: Denver Broncos

Rationale: Denver has the cap space and a desperate need for a true WR1 to pair with QB Bo Nix. Rumors indicate the Broncos are willing to part with Day 2 draft capital to secure an elite playmaker.
2. Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
Trey Hendrickson Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 31
- Experience: 8 Years
- Previous AAV: $29,000,000
- Market Value (Spotrac): $25,449,056
Injuries limited Trey Hendrickson to just seven games in 2025, but the 31-year-old remains one of the league's best pass rushers. Unable to secure a long-term contract last offseason, it would be a surprise if Hendrickson were to re-up with the Bengals.

Predicted Landing Spot: Detroit Lions

Rationale: The Lions' Super Bowl window is shrinking, and Detroit needs another edge presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Hendrickson’s high motor fits Dan Campbell’s culture perfectly.
3. Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 28
- Experience: 5 Years
- Previous AAV: $14,000,000
- Market Value (Spotrac): $43,598,522
Daniel Jones revitalized his career in Indianapolis, leading the Colts to an 8-4 start before a torn Achilles derailed his 2025 campaign. Both GM Chris Ballard and Jones have expressed a strong mutual interest in a reunion.

Predicted Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts

Rationale: Despite the injury, Jones proved he fits Shane Steichen's RPO-heavy scheme. With the Colts having invested heavily in the roster (including the massive trade for Sauce Gardner last year), they are unlikely to start over at QB. Expect a short-term, incentive-laden "prove it" deal.
4. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Linderbaum Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 25
- Experience: 3 Years
- Previous AAV: $3,309,572
- Market Value (Spotrac): $17,723,496
A Pro Bowler in each of the last three seasons, Tyler Linderbaum has cemented himself as one of the league's best centers. To that end, the Ravens rarely let homegrown, All-Pro caliber offensive linemen walk.

Predicted Landing Spot: Baltimore Ravens

Rationale: The Ravens will likely make Linderbaum the highest-paid center in league history. If a long-term deal isn’t reached by the deadline, he is a prime candidate for the franchise tag as the anchor of Lamar Jackson’s line.
5. Jaelan Phillips, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jaelan Phillips Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 26
- Experience: 4 Years
- Previous AAV: $3,504,551
- Market Value (Spotrac): $17,338,353
Acquired from the Dolphins at the 2025 trade deadline, Jaelan Phillips was a revelation in Vic Fangio’s defense, racking up pressures in the second half of the season. The Eagles gave up draft capital to get Phillips and likely view him as a long-term piece.

Predicted Landing Spot: Philadelphia Eagles

Rationale: GM Howie Roseman is aggressive about retaining premium position talent. With Phillips fully healthy and just entering his prime (26 years old), Philadelphia will prioritize an extension over letting him test the open market.
6. Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 25
- Experience: 3 Years
- Previous AAV: $1,650,336
- Market Value (Spotrac): $20,249,081
Alec Pierce set career highs in both catches (47) and yards (1003) while leading the league with a whopping 21.3 yards per reception. With the Colts likely paying Daniel Jones, and Michael Pittman Jr. already on the books, Pierce might be the odd man out.

Predicted Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

Rationale: The Raiders need a vertical threat to open up their offense. Pierce’s ability to take the top off a defense makes him an ideal target for a team looking to add explosiveness without paying "WR1" money.
7. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Breece Hall Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 24
- Experience: 3 Years
- Previous AAV: $2,253,694
- Market Value (Spotrac): $10,391,954
Breece Hall remains one of the few true three-down workhorses in the NFL. The Jets have cleared significant cap space, but paying running backs is always a contentious debate in modern front offices.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Jets

Rationale: The Jets' offense is entirely dependent on Hall’s versatility. Expect Gang Green to place the franchise tag on him to keep their offensive engine intact for at least one more year while they again try to figure out the quarterback position.
8. Rasheed Walker, LT, Green Bay Packers
Rasheed Walker Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 25
- Experience: 3 Years
- Previous AAV: $935,218
- Market Value (Spotrac): $20,286,180
Rasheed Walker has developed into a reliable blindside protector for Jordan Love. Good left tackles seldom hit the open market, and the Packers prioritize stability on the offensive line above almost everything else.

Predicted Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers

Rationale: Green Bay will not risk exposing its franchise QB to a rookie or a downgrade at left tackle. Walker signs a competitive four-year extension.
9. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 25
- Experience: 3 Years
- Previous AAV: $2,110,395
- Market Value (Spotrac): $8,397,845
Fresh off earning Super Bowl MVP honors, Kenneth Walker III heads into free agency with plenty of momentum. However, Walker did split time with Zach Charbonnet (a favorite of Mike Macdonald) for most of the year before the latter's injury, so it's possible Seattle lets him test the waters.

Predicted Landing Spot: Houston Texans

Rationale: The Texans need a home-run hitter to take some pressure off C.J. Stroud. Walker would be a terrific fit in Houston's zone-blocking scheme.
10. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers Free Agent Profile
- Free Agent Type: UFA
- Age: 42
- Experience: 20 Years
- Previous AAV: $13,650,000
- Market Value (Spotrac): $10,569,536
After a solid 10-7 season and an AFC North title in 2025, Aaron Rodgers is reportedly "refreshed" and weighing one final run. The Steelers have openly stated they are willing to wait for the 42-year-old's decision.

Predicted Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Rationale: Rodgers has a strong relationship with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy from their days in Green Bay, and Pittsburgh's roster is playoff-caliber. The future Hall of Famer runs it back for one final "Last Dance" in the Black and Gold before retiring.
2026 NFL Free Agency
While these predictions align with the scheme's needs, the open market is notoriously unpredictable. When the frenzy officially begins in March, millions will be spent, rosters will be reshaped, and the league's landscape will change overnight. Buckle up!

Which stars are more likely to wear a different uniform in 2026? Who could be the missing piece? Which team needs to break the bank to keep their guy?

Sound off in the comments!

More to Come: Check Back for Live 2026 Free Agent Landing Spots & Signing Grades!

Paul Connor is an NFL writer who has spent five years covering NFL Free Agency. As a multi-time FFPC champion and trusted voice in the fantasy community, he has a proven track record when ranking players.
2026 NFL Free Agency: Predicting Landing Spots
As the NFL calendar turns to the offseason, front offices are bracing for a chaotic spring. With the salary cap projected to skyrocket past $300 million and a relatively thin 2026 draft class, the importance of securing proven veteran talent in free agency has never been higher.

The legal tampering window is just a month away, so we're cutting through the smoke and predicting the landing spots for the ten biggest names set to hit the open market.

Let's dive in!