Matt Bowen
Jeremy Fowler
Jeremy Fowler
senior NFL nationwide reporter
Jeremy Fowler is a senior nationwide NFL author for ESPN, masking the complete league together with breaking information. Jeremy additionally contributes to SportsCenter each as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter masking for NFL video games. He’s an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after masking school soccer for CBSSports.com.
The second half of the 2025 NFL season is kicking into gear, and 18 groups have playoff probabilities under 50% heading into Week 11, per ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index. It will not be lengthy earlier than many entrance places of work are beginning to consider offseason plans, together with 2026 free company. The negotiation interval will start March 9, and free brokers will be capable to formally signal two days afterward March 11.
Let’s get an early begin on who is perhaps obtainable. NFL analyst Matt Bowen and nationwide NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler regarded on the present group of gamers primed to hit unrestricted free company (expiring contracts or offers in line to void) and ranked the highest 25 who is perhaps obtainable. Just one quarterback made the listing this far out, however Bowen broke down a number of playmakers on either side of the ball, together with just a few actual difference-makers at receiver, working again and edge rusher. Components in making the listing included age, positional worth (the lone QB will get a lift), anticipated future manufacturing and scheme versatility.
However gamers do not all the time attain free company simply because their contracts are expiring, and this listing will not look the identical in March. Think about that Brock Purdy, James Cook dinner III, Trey McBride, Rashawn Slater, Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt have been all named on our Approach-Too-Early have a look at the category again in March, and so they’ve all signed large extensions since then. We’ll see extra extensions and some franchise tags earlier than free company, simply as gamers will be a part of the free agent pool by way of cuts. And since lots of the gamers listed under will in the end re-sign with their present franchises, Fowler weighed in with the most recent buzz on whether or not every is perhaps re-signed or franchise-tagged by their 2025 group.
Observe: All ages are as of Sept. 3, 2026, a tough estimate of when the 2026 season would possibly start.
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Present group: Cincinnati Bengals2025 wage: $29 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 31
What he brings: Hendrickson is a relentless defender off the sting with a deep toolbox of counters and a knack for making performs late within the down. Hendrickson has 4 sacks this season, and his 17.5 sacks and 65 pressures in 2024 have been each league highs. He could be a direct improve for nearly any group. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Not often does an elite cross rusher hit free company. The Bengals have the choice to franchise-tag Hendrickson at round $36 million. That is steep for a group in transition however could possibly be a approach to facilitate a sign-and-trade. Seven cross rushers make at the least $34 million per 12 months, and Hendrickson may grow to be the subsequent one. — Fowler
Editor’s Picks
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Present group: Baltimore Ravens2025 wage: $2.5 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Linderbaum has a tone-setting mentality on the inside of the entrance with the foot pace and physique management to match cross rushers and climb to the second stage within the run sport. Linderbaum’s cross block win price of 95.5% ranks eighth amongst facilities this season, and his 70.0% run block win price is sixteenth. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Linderbaum is taken into account a top-10 inside offensive lineman within the eyes of execs, coaches and scouts. That makes him an costly possibility, poised to grow to be one of many highest-paid facilities. The Ravens have mentioned an extension with Linderbaum however are usually not inside hanging distance on a deal. When the Ravens declined his fifth-year possibility within the spring, that enhanced his probabilities totally free company. — Fowler
Present group: Indianapolis Colts2025 wage: $14 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 29
What he brings: Jones has elevated his stage of play and poise beneath coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis. By 10 video games, Jones’ 66.8 QBR ranks ninth within the league, and he’s throwing with a a lot stronger sense of timing. He suits in an offense that encompasses a good run sport, which permits him to function as a facilitator. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Jones has an opportunity to grow to be the most important earner within the free company class. The Colts seem all-in on retaining Jones long run, and so they have comps for former top-10 picks who thrived when quarterbacking a brand new group: Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who every earned three-year offers price round $100 million. Jones would completely be justified asking for that … with curiosity. — Fowler
Present group: Dallas Cowboys2025 wage: $3.7 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 25
What he brings: With 12 receptions of 20 or extra yards (third most within the league), Pickens has the explosive-play skill to flip the sector. Plus, his six landing receptions are tied for fourth. Splash performs pay. Pickens has additionally proven three-level route working traits this season in Dallas, boosting his free agent profile much more. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: The Pickens experiment in Dallas has gone swimmingly. He’s pacing for 1,400-plus yards and greater than 10 touchdowns as the best counterpart to CeeDee Lamb. His immense expertise — and the variety of groups starved for receiver assist — will drive his worth. A number of league executives imagine the inconsistency will probably be an element to think about in free company, however Pickens’ outcomes with succesful quarterback mess around him are plain. (The franchise tag — which might be round $29 million — could possibly be a backup possibility for Dallas.) — Fowler
Present group: Indianapolis Colts2025 wage: $8 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 30
What he brings: He’s a big-bodied drive blocker at 6-foot-6 and 312 kilos, and he can match energy in cross safety. He has began all 10 video games at proper deal with for the Colts after sitting out 12 video games over the previous two years, and his cross block win price jumped from 83.3% in 2024 to 90.3% this season. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Smith is following the Ronnie Stanley playbook from final season: Parlay a contract-year restructure into a powerful efficiency to boost worth in March. Common offensive tackles receives a commission. However Smith is acting at an above-average stage in 2025, and he has upside with nearly $70 million in profession earnings. — Fowler
Present group: New York Jets2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 25
What he brings: He is a fluid mover with good contact stability and the imaginative and prescient to seek out daylight, and he brings a dual-threat ingredient to the backfield. Corridor has 174 receptions in his profession, whereas averaging 92.0 whole yards. He additionally has 82 rushes of 10 or extra yards over 3½ seasons, so he is a three-down again with big-play juice. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Corridor was coveted on the commerce deadline. That the Jets needed a third-round decide in return for a working again reminds that Corridor has top-end expertise. And my sense is he’ll do exactly tremendous in free company — assume Josh Jacobs’ four-year, $48 million deal signed in March 2024 as a risk. Just a few personnel evaluators thought that was a good contract comp. — Fowler
Present group: Indianapolis Colts2025 wage: $3.7 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: A vertical stretch goal at 6-foot-3 and 211 kilos, Pierce is averaging a league-best 20.9 yards per catch. He has the straight-line pace to carry the safeties to create open protection voids beneath. With extra quantity and an elevated function, Pierce may produce someplace as a multilevel route runner in 2026. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Groups I’ve talked to anticipate Pierce will hit an enormous quantity in free company. They assume the $20 million per 12 months threshold is not out of the query for him. Pierce is poised for his first 1,000-yard season and has the dimensions/pace mixture groups covet. The Colts have choices to make on offense. In the event that they pay Daniel Jones — who has chemistry with Pierce — do they let Pierce stroll? A lot of that can rely upon how Pierce’s market develops. The Colts sometimes do not do extensions throughout the season. — Fowler
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Why fantasy managers should not overlook Alec Pierce
Even with the Colts heading right into a bye, Eric Moody makes a case for fantasy managers to present Alec Pierce a attempt.
Present group: Baltimore Ravens2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: At 6-foot-4 and 341 kilos, Jones is a bodily presence on the inside of the entrance, with the ability to displace blockers and fill gaps. Over 3½ seasons in Baltimore, Warren has 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 33 pressures. He is additionally a high-energy participant on tape. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: A number of groups contemplate him the very best defensive deal with to probably be obtainable. “He is superior,” an NFC government mentioned. “Very powerful to dam, elite run stopper. A large-bodied man who has sufficient cross rush.” The Ravens may try and re-sign Jones however aren’t afraid to let key gamers depart by way of free company. One participant comp from an NFC exec: Dalvin Tomlinson, who obtained $57 million over 4 years from Cleveland in 2023. — Fowler
Present group: Baltimore Ravens2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Doubtless’s alignment versatility provides offensive playcallers extra flexibility, and he has the catch-and-run traits to supply on high-percentage throws. Doubtless must be seen as a “transfer” tight finish who brings matchup upside. He has 10 catches for 103 yards this season, and he caught six landing passes in 2024. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: A number of group executives anticipate Doubtless doing very nicely in free company as a result of he can function a matchup downside who can separate from protection. A part of the equation: The tight finish franchise tag in 2026 may be very affordable ($15.8 million). Some folks I’ve talked to contained in the league wouldn’t be stunned if Baltimore tags him, particularly with its prime three tight ends hitting free company. — Fowler
Present group: Philadelphia Eagles2025 wage: $13.3 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Accidents have diminished Phillips’ vary, however he has the bodily instruments that groups search for on the sting. Along with his lengthy 6-foot-5 body, Phillips can play as each an edge setter and a pocket disrupter. In his first sport with the Eagles on Monday night time, Phillips had 4 pressures and one deal with for loss. Over his five-year profession, Phillips has accounted for 26 sacks and 127 pressures. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Many personnel evaluators as soon as seen Phillips as a close to top-10 participant at his place. Accidents derailed that ascension quickly. However he has proven enchancment this season, and the Eagles are relying on Vic Fangio maximizing Phillips’ monumental potential. Philly may get a high quality compensatory decide for Phillips in free company to assist offset the third-round decide despatched to Miami in final week’s commerce. And if issues go nicely, the Eagles may faucet into its aggressive nature and try and re-sign him. — Fowler
Present group: New Orleans Saints2025 wage: $3.7 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Taylor’s versatility and pressing play fashion reveals on tape. He has the pace to cowl on the perimeter, however he can even play a disruptive function within the slot. In 4 seasons with the Saints, Taylor has 3 interceptions, 37 cross breakups and 6 sacks. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Taylor will get the sting as the highest nook primarily based on groups consulted for this train. He has good dimension (6 ft, 199 kilos) with the pliability to play inside and outside. The Saints and Taylor as soon as mentioned an extension, however a deal by no means occurred, which made him a commerce candidate finally week’s deadline. The Bears and Colts confirmed curiosity. As a reference level, the highest 2025 free agent corners earned about $18 million per 12 months on new offers. — Fowler
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Present group: Tampa Bay Buccaneers2025 wage: $21 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 33
What he brings: Accidents have restricted Evans to 4 video games this season, however the veteran had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons getting into 2025. He is a traditional boundary receiver with 6-foot-5 matchup dimension and nice ball abilities. Evans can nonetheless get unfastened within the purple zone and produce as a No. 2 possibility. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Evans is in his profession twilight — retirement will not be off the desk — however he is nonetheless superior when he is on the sector as a perennial top-10 receiver within the pantheon. It is arduous to image Evans in some other uniform. Gauging his market will probably be difficult due to his prolonged stint on IR attributable to a damaged collarbone, however high-end expertise that ages nicely all the time earns. — Fowler
Present group: Denver Broncos2025 wage: $8 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 29
What he brings: Franklin-Myers lacks the lateral pace and bend to show pressures right into a bunch of sacks from edge alignments. However he is an lively inside rusher who can play as a defensive deal with or 5-technique along with his 6-foot-4, 288-pound body. Franklin-Myers has 4.5 sacks this season. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Having paid a number of key defensive gamers up to now 12 months, the Broncos know they very nicely may lose Franklin-Myers to free company. Inside rushers — 3-4 defensive ends or defensive tackles — with pass-rush skill receives a commission, and Franklin-Myers has 11.5 sacks since becoming a member of Denver by way of commerce from New York in 2024. — Fowler
Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers2025 wage: $2.6 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Walker’s explosive traits create playmaking upside; he can cowl floor as a run-and-hit defender. Plus, Walker is diagnosing the run sport at a faster price in 2025. He’s averaging 8.6 tackles this season to go along with his 1.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and three cross breakups. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: It pays to have pace, and Walker’s vary from sideline to sideline is exclusive. So is his dimension (6-foot-4, 241 kilos). He can blitz or matchup one-on-one with working backs. The Packers opened dialogue on an extension with Walker within the preseason however hit an deadlock. It would not shock if Inexperienced Bay tries once more. He is the kind of participant the Packers would attempt to maintain. — Fowler
Present group: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Watson is not a high-end playmaker, however he has the size to problem in press, together with the route consciousness to play top-down on the ball in zone schemes. Watson has two profession interceptions and 22 cross breakups. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Watson is not a marquee title however is one which generated buzz when discussing free brokers with groups. “He’ll have a pleasant market,” an AFC government mentioned. “He may shock some folks.” The Chiefs’ extension candidates embody star nook Trent McDuffie, which may power Watson to go elsewhere throughout the offseason. — Fowler
Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Walker’s cross block win price of 94.3% ranks seventh amongst offensive tackles. His method may nonetheless enhance, and he lacks a powerful anchor, however he has the footwork and mobility to match pace on the perimeters. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: The expectation is that Walker hits free company, the place large cash awaits even common tackles (Dan Moore Jr.’s four-year, $82 million cope with Tennessee final March is a first-rate instance). One NFC government says Walker is healthier than Moore and can get “paid paid” because of this. He is a constant three-year starter on group, and the Packers have discovered him to be a tough employee. Inexperienced Bay already paid its different deal with, Zach Tom. — Fowler
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Present group: Los Angeles Chargers2025 wage: $18 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 35
What he brings: Since getting back from an elbow damage in Week 7, Mack has three sacks (4 whole this season) and two pressured fumbles. He’ll must be used extra as a situational rusher at this stage of his profession, however he is nonetheless a strong defender who creates influence performs off the sting. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Age will cap Mack’s incomes energy, however he is enjoying nicely sufficient to attain one other high-end one-year cope with Los Angeles or elsewhere, after pumping out 4 sacks in six video games. Here is to guessing the Chargers’ brass makes an attempt to maintain him, relying how the season performs out. Both means, he’ll have a market. — Fowler
Present group: Seattle Seahawks2025 wage: $5.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Woolen has 11 interceptions and 33 cross breakups in his four-year profession. Inconsistent tackling and lapses in eye self-discipline have prevented him from reaching his ceiling, however Woolen has the bodily traits and pace at 6-foot-4 to assist a protection majoring in man protection. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Woolen’s elite traits and Professional Bowl expertise ought to create a powerful market. His two cross breakups Sunday in opposition to the Cardinals have been reminder of that. Count on Woolen to hit be obtainable in free company versus a re-signing with Seattle, which hasn’t been a scheme match for him beneath coach Mike Macdonald. However for groups that want man protection assist, he has large upside. — Fowler
Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars2025 wage: $6.1 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Etienne has regarded extra explosive on tape this season, slashing by way of creases of daylight as a runner. Etienne’s 16 rushes of 10 or extra yards are tied for the tenth most, and he is a succesful receiver out of the backfield (21 catches in 2025). — Bowen
What we’re listening to: He has aided his free company worth with a return to type in 2025. The working again market could be a battle, however he ought to hit a decent vary due to lengthy pace and the flexibility to interrupt arm tackles. It is price noting Etienne and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have performed collectively since their Clemson days, even crossing paths on the prep 7-on-7 scene. — Fowler
Present group: Inexperienced Bay Packers2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Doubs has the route-running traits and foot quickness to uncover, and he’s greater than keen to work the center of the sector on in-breaking ideas. He averages 12.7 yards per reception, and has 4 touchdowns — all on purple zone targets. Briefly, he is a dependable cross catcher. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Inexperienced Bay may convey him again, however that is perhaps a problem this near free company. He has performed his means out of a cut price deal, serving as Inexperienced Bay’s No. 1 receiver all through the primary 10 weeks. Although groups do not contemplate Doubs the kind of subject stretcher who should be double-teamed constantly, he will get open, he is powerful and he is sure-handed. — Fowler
Present group: Atlanta Falcons2025 wage: $10.9 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 25
What he brings: Pitts performs the place like a large receiver, and his numbers are up in 2025. He is already at 420 yards, and his 45 catches are solely two in need of the 47-catch mark he hit in 2024. Although Pitts must be extra keen as an in-line blocker, there’s nonetheless upside right here within the cross sport. And he has the instruments to play a matchup function from a wide range of pre-snap alignments. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Pitts hasn’t fairly lived as much as his pre-draft billing as an elite prospect. Accidents have been an element. However some evaluators see him slowly coming again. “He seems to be good — working higher than he has,” an AFC government mentioned. Pitts’ 45 receptions rank third amongst tight ends by way of Week 10. — Fowler
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Present group: Seattle Seahawks2025 wage: $1.9 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Mafe has an explosive first step, which permits him to assault the perimeters of offensive tackles. His effort stage and bottom pursuit skill additionally result in second-reaction sacks. Mafe can nonetheless add extra refinement to his pass-rushing plan, however the traits are there to supply in a system that schemes matchups out of a number of fronts. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Like Jaelan Phillips, Mafe had curiosity on the commerce deadline. His numbers are down — one sack in 2025 in comparison with 15 by way of his first three seasons — however as one NFL coordinator mentioned, “He can win one-on-one in cross rush, he is robust on the level of assault and versatile sufficient to drop in protection.” Others assume he must get stronger in opposition to the run. The Chiefs have been among the many groups inquiring final week. Maybe they are going to make a transfer for him in March. — Fowler
Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars2025 wage: $2.5 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: Lloyd’s on-the-ball manufacturing will increase his worth heading into free company. Lloyd has 4 interceptions on the season, returning one for a landing. He is a strong starter who has proven Professional Bowl flashes this season. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: Lloyd is having a dynamic contract 12 months, coupling his high-end athleticism and physicality with these 4 interceptions. He struggled by way of components of 2022 and 2023, so groups will need to reconcile that. Nonetheless, he has used his best dimension and size to enhance his cross protection. — Fowler
Present group: Los Angeles Rams2025 wage: $3.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 27
What he brings: An interchangeable security with matchup traits within the slot, Lake brings each versatility and ball disruption to the sector. He has one interception and 9 cross breakups, plus he has added a sack, pressured fumble and 5 pressures. He is across the ball for a purpose. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: The security place has loads of depth however will not be as top-heavy as final free company. A number of executives consulted on the place thought of Lake essentially the most versatile of the bunch. He is a group captain, performs each snap, performs a number of positions and has ball manufacturing in a contract 12 months. The Rams have curiosity in extending Lake however have additionally proven a penchant for letting key defensive gamers on the again seven stroll. — Fowler
Present group: Jacksonville Jaguars2025 wage: $13.4 millionAge getting into 2026 season: 26
What he brings: Newsome has solely three profession interceptions, however he has created on-the-ball manufacturing with 32 cross breakups over 5 years. Newsome has the instruments to match in man protection, however he is at his greatest in zone schemes that permit him to play with backfield imaginative and prescient. — Bowen
What we’re listening to: The Jaguars traded a well-established man-cover nook (Tyson Campbell) to the Browns in alternate for Newsome as a result of he suits their scheme as an extended, savvy zone defender. Although Newsome by no means performed nicely sufficient to earn an extension in Cleveland, he has elevated his worth along with his play this season. — Fowler
Honorable mentions
Odafe Oweh, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
Kwity Paye, Edge, Indianapolis Colts
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears
Joel Bitonio, G, Cleveland Browns
