- Daniel Jones should lead the pack at quarterback: The free agent quarterback market for the 2026 cycle features limited options for quarterback-needy franchises looking for a high-upside signal caller, which bodes well for Jones, as he profiles well above the rest of the group in terms of experience and upside.
- Breece Hall should outearn the rest of the free-agent running backs: At just 25 years old, Hall is projected to be the most sought-after backfield centerpiece in a free agent class that includes some strong options.
- 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026's top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated reading time: 19 minutes
As franchises look for their next key roster acquisitions in pursuit of a championship, lucrative contracts will undoubtedly be the topic of conversation around NFL circles come March. Every season sees new heights reached in free agent spending due to players signing exorbitant deals.
Here are the names to expect to sign the highest-paying free agent deals of the 2026 offseason at every position. Dive into PFF's free agency rankings for more contract projections.
Note: Check out more players who deserve to get paid here: Offense | Defense
Quarterback: Daniel Jones
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $101 million
The free agent quarterback market for the 2026 cycle features limited options for quarterback-needy franchises looking for a high-upside signal caller, which bodes well for Daniel Jones, as he profiles well above the rest of the group in terms of experience and upside.
While a season-ending Achilles injury will likely influence his potential earnings, there is precedent for passers signing lucrative contracts despite suffering the same injury. During the 2024 offseason, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract ($100 million guaranteed), just over four months after suffering a torn Achilles. Cousins was also 35 years old at the time of signing, while Jones will be 29 entering next season.
Both Jones and the Colts have expressed interest in running it back in 2026. Understandable, given that each brought the best out of the other. Under Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen, Jones earned his fifth season with a 70.0-plus PFF grade, while also leading the Colts to league-leading marks in EPA per play while healthy.
Offensive EPA per play (Week 1-13)
Running Back: Breece Hall
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $37 million
At just 25 years old, Breece Hall is projected to be the most sought-after backfield centerpiece in a free agent class that includes some strong options like Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr. and Javonte Williams. As the youngest of the running back group, Hall also maintains the most decorated grading profile, as his 83.5 PFF grade this season ranked eighth among qualifying backs.
Unfortunately for the rest of the NFL, the Jets aren’t keen on letting the dynamic back hit free agency. Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, “the Jets could've moved Hall at the Nov. 4 trade deadline, but they retained him for a reason: They would like to work out a long-term deal.” Hall could be a candidate for the franchise (~$14.5 million) or transition (~$11.7 million) tags, if an extension isn’t able to be reached.
Receiver: George Pickens
PFF Contract Projection: One year, $28.06 million (franchise tag)
A cursory glance at his 2025 stats, tape and grading profile is all it takes to understand why George Pickens is projected to sign the largest contract by a non-quarterback this offseason. Entering his age-25 season, Pickens has more than proven to be capable of stepping in as a franchise’s WR1. His 90.4 PFF receiving grade against man coverage ranked fourth among qualifying receivers this season, buoyed by his ability to haul in contested catches (22; second).
As mentioned during our look at players that deserve to get paid, Pickens’ contract projection would place him inside the top-10 receivers in average annual value, which may push Dallas toward hitting him with the franchise tag — projected to be roughly $28 million for wide receivers in 2026. The Cowboys are no strangers to wielding the tag. Per ESPN’s Todd Archer, they’ve exercised that right six times since 2018.
Receiving yardage leaders (WR)
Tight End: Kyle Pitts
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $48 million
Kyle Pitts ended the year showing flashes of the talent that made him a top-five pick in the 2021 draft. His 91.8 PFF receiving grade from Week 13 through the end of the regular season ranked as the third-highest mark in the NFL. Even in a small sample, that level of talent is something NFL general managers crave when shopping for a dynamic weapon to bolster an offense.
Considering the tight end market features a variety of quality options, including names such as David Njoku, Isaiah Likely, and Dallas Goedert, Pitts’ best opportunity to reach a high-profile contract offer may be in the hands of his old teammate and the Atlanta Falcons’ new president of football operations, Matt Ryan. Pitts generated a career-best 81.1 PFF grade while playing with Ryan, which may benefit the 25-year-old tight end’s extension talks within the Falcons’ facility.
A potential contract structure for Pitts could take a similar shape as Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson’s four-year, $50 million extension signed last summer.
Offensive Tackle: Rasheed Walker
PFF Contract Projection: Four years, $84 million
The former seventh-round pick has performed far above the expectations of his draft stock. Over his three seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ starting left tackle, Walker has earned above a 69.0 PFF pass-blocking grade in each. Although his run blocking requires improvement, his ability as a pass blocker is noteworthy and will attract teams in need of consistency at tackle.
With former first-round pick Jordan Morgan likely to step into the left tackle role, Walker’s return to Green Bay is unlikely. With the tackle position being one of the highest-paid in the NFL, Walker could receive lucrative offers elsewhere. His value on the open market could vary in the range of Los Angeles Rams tackle Alaric Jackson’s three-year, $56.3 million extension and Tennessee Titans tackle Dan Moore’s four-year, $82 million contract, both of which were signed last offseason.
Interior Offensive Line: Tyler Linderbaum
PFF Contract Projection: Four years, $80 million
Across his four seasons, Tyler Linderbaum has proven to be one of the NFL’s premier run blockers on the interior, earning above a 78.0 PFF run-blocking grade in each season. Over that span, he’s proven to be elite regardless of scheme ranking in the 85th percentile or better in both gap and zone concepts.
The recent rookie extensions of Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (four-year, $72 million) and Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (four-year, $68 million) will be the likely starting point for any team looking to acquire Linderbaum. Yet, given the need for quality blocking on the interior for many franchises, Linderbaum could quickly jump to the top of the list, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.
Tyler Linderbaum’s Stable Metrics
Edge Defender: Trey Hendrickson
PFF Contract Projection: One year, $21 million
After a long impasse last offseason regarding Trey Hendrickson’s contract, the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to a revised deal that affords the All-Pro pass-rusher the opportunity to enter the open market this offseason. While various lesser offers were made to retain Hendrickson, the issues stemming from a lack of long-term security and guaranteed money prevailed. Those issues will likely be a focal point of his desires when fielding offers in March.
At 31 years old and coming off an injury that limited his showing in 2025, some teams may be more hesitant to offer long-term deals. Which could lead to a shorter-term deal — with a large guarantee attached — for a team that aims to contend.
When on the field, Hendrickson is undoubtedly one of the NFL's most effective pass-rushers. He stands as one of just six edge rushers to record a pass-rush win rate above 20% over the past three seasons while also ranking in the top three in sack production despite missing a majority of last season. Regardless of age, Hendrickson has more left in the tank and will elicit many lucrative free agent offers.
Interior Defender: John Franklin-Myers
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $45 million
The market on the defensive interior lacks a true franchise cornerstone this cycle. Veterans such as Calais Campbell (barring retirement) and David Onyemata will draw some attention, but many names warrant potential investment as complementary pieces. One such player to watch among the list is John Franklin-Myers, who has produced well during his time with the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.
Over the past two seasons in Denver, Franklin-Myers has showcased his talent as a pass-rusher, posting 14.5 sacks and ranking in the 96th percentile among interior defenders in both PFF pass-rush grade (78.4) and pass-rush win rate (15.1%). Undoubtedly, he should draw the attention of teams in need of a strong contributor on the interior of the defense.
Linebacker: Devin Lloyd
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $48 million
As offenses have become more creative with how they manipulate defenses with personnel and disguise, the necessity to have an all-around talent at linebacker, capable of being effective on an every-down basis, has become vital. Devin Lloyd is just that.
The former first-round pick posted above a 75.0 PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons, culminating in a 2025 campaign where he produced a career-best 89.1 mark, the second-highest among qualifying linebackers. The second-team All-Pro stood out as the only linebacker to earn an 80.0-plus grade as a run defender, pass rusher, and in coverage.
As a multifaceted piece to build a defense around, there will be no shortage of offers for his services, likely driving up the price.
Highest-graded LBs (2025)
Cornerback: Jamel Dean
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $55 million
Entering his age-30 season, Jamel Dean has a resume of consistency that is rarely seen at the cornerback position. Coverage play is volatile, with even the best players riding through the peaks and valleys. Yet, Dean has been able to produce a PFF coverage grade above 72.0 in each of his seven seasons as a pro.
Dean profiles as one of the game’s stalwart outside cornerbacks, with his 86.9 PFF coverage grade on the outside ranking fourth among all qualifying cornerbacks.
At around an $18 million average annual value, Dean would position himself among the 15 highest-paid cornerbacks, with his deal taking on a similar structure to that of Carlton Davis, Byron Murphy and Charvarius Ward, who each signed three-year, $54 million contracts last offseason.
Safety: Bryan Cook
PFF Contract Projection: Three years, $36 million
Cook took massive strides in 2025, posting a career-best 83.5 PFF overall grade, the fifth-highest mark among qualifying safeties. The 26-year-old safety stood out as the only safety to earn above an 80.0-plus PFF grade in both run defense (80.1) and coverage (83.2). He also ranked above the 90th percentile in missed tackle rate among safeties.
While Cook’s grading profile in previous seasons doesn’t jump off the page, he brings experience as a starter in a complex scheme. His projection of $12 million per year would place him tied for 15th among safeties in average annual value, just shy of Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga’s three-year, $39 million deal signed last March.
© 2026 PFF - all rights reserved.