With the NFL offseason right around the corner, so comes the excitement for the league’s top free agents in 2026. Whether organizations are looking to build for the future or win now, a group of top-tier talent will undoubtedly be the talk of the town. George Pickens is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys. In a parallel universe, Trevor Hendrickson is the highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL. A number of these guys are putting up amazing numbers and upside. There’s no question this offseason will thrill the most competitive clubs and the biggest baseball fans in this league!
There are a number of athletically gifted individuals who will be key players for this year’s free agency class, possessing eye-popping artistic talents that fill their mold. Outside receiver Mike Evans, for one, stands 6-foot-5. His unique ability at the catch point will always draw attention from GMs and make him an attractive target for any QB. In the meantime, Isaiah Likely has developed into a matchup problem with his ability to get open through coverage. With next year’s Collectively Bargained Agreement negotiations set to take place, these players will most certainly be sought after.
Beyond these emerging superstars, there are a number of top-flight players making waves for their unpredictable play or contract status. In only four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Taylor has left an indelible mark. He has three career interceptions, 37 career pass breakups and six career sacks. Josh Jones comes into the 2025 season at a relatively cheap $3.7 million. That makes him a tempting choice for teams looking for affordable players that can still thrive.
Emerging Stars in the League
George Pickens has gone from a rookie throw-in to an immediate-playmaker-to-be since joining the Dallas Cowboys. He leads the NFL with 12 receptions of 20 or more yards. This illustrates his deep threat capabilities to open up the field with home run play potential. His speed and agility make him a significant threat to opposing defenses, and his performance will be closely monitored during the offseason.
Another name to watch is Trevor Hendrickson who, like Jones, is setting himself up well for his next contract. This season, he’ll be making $29 million. That whopping total could set him up to be the next pass rusher to make at least $34 million per year. His exceptional pedigree of winning distinguishes him on the diamond. For all these reasons, teams looking to improve their defensive line consider him one of the best prospects available.
Along with Jones, Khalil Mack has made waves in recent weeks since returning from an elbow injury. With three sacks and two forced fumbles since his return, he’s proven he can overcome adversity and fight back with ferocity. Contending teams in need of veteran experience paired with proven pass rush productivity should view Mack as an appealing option this offseason.
Defensive Standouts to Watch
The defensive landscape has seen the emergence of breakout stars that have stepped into their own. Taylor’s impressive stats include three interceptions, 37 pass breakups, and six sacks over four seasons with the Saints, establishing him as a versatile defensive back. His knack for creating turnovers while being a factor in the pass rush makes him one of the most coveted free agents.
Besides Taylor, Michael Walker of late has carved out a notable presence on defense. This season, he’s averaging an eye-popping 8.6 tackles for loss per game. His tackling ability and on-field awareness combine to make him an instant impact asset for any team looking to bolster their linebacker corps.
Jaelan Phillips has certainly turned heads with how dominant he was over the last five years, recording 26 sacks and 127 pressures. This does not take away from his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, which will understandably make him a widely sought player once free agency talks begin. Defensive teams will be chomping at the bit to try to beef up their pass-rushing potential by plucking Phillips from their rosters.
Offensive Talents on the Market
The other side of the ball is loaded with talent up front on offense. Backup Anthony Jones has a stellar 66.8 QBR, good enough for ninth in the league. His performance suggests that he is capable of leading an offense effectively and could attract interest from teams seeking a reliable quarterback.
Cameron Linderbaum is widely-regarded as a top-10 interior offensive lineman in all of the league. Any team interested in shoring up their offensive line will be hard-pressed not to consider Linderbaum’s availability on the free-agent market. His technique in run blocking and pass protection is elite. Now franchises hoping to supplement their offensive game plan aren’t just interested in getting him, they’re downright desperate to do so.
Lloyd’s dynamic contract year highlights his high-end athleticism and physicality, further elevating his profile in the upcoming free agency period. Defensively, he is a stud and special teams is his unwavering passion. This versatility is what makes him a really intriguing pick for playoff teams looking to improve their rosters.
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