- The Ravens should try to re-sign Tyler Linderbaum: Linderbaum has graded out as one of the league's best centers since his debut in 2022.
- Jermaine Eluemunor is crucial for the Giants: Over the past two seasons, the right tackle ranks 16th among qualified tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (76.8) while tying for seventh in pressure rate allowed (4.3%).
- 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: 30 minutes
Although the 2025 NFL playoffs are only in the divisional round, the football calendar spares nobody. With 24 teams already eliminated and the deadline to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft having passed, attention is squarely focused on upcoming transactions in the coming months.
A significant part of the roster-building equation is which internal free agents to retain. Below are 32 pending free agents, one for every team, who should be key re-sign targets for their respective franchises.
Click here to jump to a team:
ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals: Dl Calais Campbell
The Cardinals face an overwhelming offseason, with big-picture decisions at head coach and quarterback looming. The good news for Arizona is that its list of pending free agents is rather thin, although keeping Campbell would be smart.
In his return to the desert, Campbell fared solidly. The 39-year-old produced a 72.2 PFF overall grade with 33 pressures and a 69.2 PFF run-defense grade while also placing in the 84th percentile in run-stop rate.
With 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 16, the Cardinals could use some insurance on their defensive interior. Convincing Campbell out of retirement would be a boon.
Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss
The Falcons’ defense took steps forward in 2025, placing 15th in EPA allowed per play and 18th in success rate. Elliss was at the forefront.
The former seventh-round pick posted a 68.1 PFF overall grade and especially excelled as a pass rusher, collecting 30 pressures with an 84.6 PFF pass-rushing grade. Elliss was one of two linebackers with 30-plus pressures and 40-plus stops in 2025, joining Eric Wilson.
One could argue that tight end Kyle Pitts is more indispensable for Atlanta, but his career production, his projected contract and the team’s talent on offense could make Elliss a more prioritized free agent. Finding a way to extend the do-it-all linebacker would be huge for the Falcons’ next coaching staff.
Baltimore Ravens: C Tyler Linderbaum
After finishing this past season 8-9, the Ravens will turn the page to a formative offseason. Finding a new head coach to replace the legendary John Harbaugh is of utmost importance, but re-signing Linderbaum is also key.
Since being selected in the first round by Baltimore in 2022, Linderbaum has been one of the best centers in football. Over the past four seasons, the Iowa product is tied for second at the position in PFF Wins Above Replacement (1.15) and ranks fourth in PFF overall grade (87.0) among qualifiers. Linderbaum is a model of consistency in both the pass and run games, allowing just two sacks in the past two years while posting an 83.1-plus PFF run-blocking grade in both of the past two campaigns.
Linderbaum very well may reset the center market this offseason based on his pedigree, and the Ravens should look to ensure he stays in purple.
Buffalo Bills: EDGE Joey Bosa
While quarterback Josh Allen is the perennial star of the show in Buffalo, the team’s defense grew in 2025. Bosa was a focal point in that improvement.
The former Charger has played sound football in his first year with the Bills — particularly boosting the team’s pass rush. Bosa has registered 51 pressures on an 88.7 PFF pass-rush grade and a 15.9% pass-rush win rate, the latter two of which are top-15 marks among qualified edge defenders.
It’s true that the Bills can (and probably should) still invest more in their defensive line, especially with Bosa entering his age-31 season and struggling against the run. But his ability to impact opposing quarterbacks makes him a worthwhile re-sign candidate for the Bills.
Carolina Panthers: IOL Austin Corbett
The Panthers are on an upward trajectory after winning the NFC South in only Dave Canales’ second season. Another silver lining is that most of the team’s core should be back in 2026, with few significant free agents. At the same time, retaining Corbett could be shrewd.
Corbett produced a 65.4 PFF overall grade in 2025, playing 689 snaps between center, right guard and left guard. He particularly shined up the middle: In the six games in which he exclusively played center, Corbett commanded a 73.7 PFF overall grade with a 77.9 PFF run-blocking grade.
The Panthers possess a top-notch guard tandem in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, but the versatile Corbett is still depth that Carolina has consistently relied upon.
Chicago Bears: S Kevin Byard
The Bears’ 2025 campaign has been a bit of a fairytale, with the team reaching the divisional round in Ben Johnson’s inaugural season. Although Chicago’s defense is still suboptimal, keeping Byard would go a long way toward improving the unit.
Byard’s 72.9 PFF overall grade this season ranks 12th among qualified safeties, and his PFF run-defense and PFF coverage grades both place him at least 18th at the position. Moreover, since joining Chicago before the 2024 season, Byard is 13th in PFF overall grade among qualifiers (76.4).
Paying a 32-year-old safety carries innate risks, but Byard also owns the highest PFF overall grade among Chicago defenders this year. Keeping his run-defense and coverage instincts in the team’s secondary would continue to bolster the defensive foundation.
Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals underwhelmed yet again in 2025, largely because of injuries to Joe Burrow and one of the league’s worst defenses. Although Cincinnati has created a tenuous relationship with Hendrickson over the past few years, the team should still try in earnest to re-sign him.
The 2024 All-Pro was limited to just 285 snaps this season, but he still flourished with a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade and 23 pressures across seven games. He finished fourth on the team in pressures and paced the unit in PFF overall grade (minimum 100 snaps), which speaks volumes about the state of the Bengals’ pass rush without him.
Even if a divorce between the parties has felt overdue for quite some time, perhaps the franchise tag could be in the works — or maybe Hendrickson’s market won't be as expected at age 31. Regardless, the Bengals probably don’t want to envision what their defense looks like sans Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns: LB Devin Bush
Even though the Browns floundered again in 2025, the team’s defense ranked third in EPA per play and second in PFF overall grade. The unit boasted talent at all three levels, including Bush up the middle.
The former 10th overall pick has established a home in Cleveland. Over the past two seasons, Bush ranks fifth among qualified linebackers in both PFF overall grade (88.9) and PFF WAR (0.42). In 2025 alone, Bush finished in the top eight in both PFF coverage and run-defense grades at the position.
The Browns’ bet to re-sign Bush last offseason was a wondrous one. Expect Cleveland to do more of the same — on a presumably bigger deal — this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens
Although the Cowboys fell short of their ultimate goal of making the playoffs, the team’s offense received contributions from multiple newcomers. Ultimately, none was better than Pickens, who was one of the better receivers in the NFL in his first year in Dallas.
The former Steeler meshed tremendously with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Pickens ranked sixth among qualified wideouts in PFF receiving grade (87.2), sixth in yards per route run (2.35) and fourth in passer rating when targeted (120.1). He commanded a 96.5-plus PFF receiving grade on short, intermediate and deep attempts, showcasing his skills at all three levels.
The price to retain Pickens won’t be low, and Dallas currently boasts the third-least cap space of any team this offseason. Still, expect Jerry Jones to be aggressive in reuniting one of the better receiver duos in football.
Denver Broncos: RB J.K. Dobbins
The Broncos have relished every bit of their 2025 season, going 14-3 and securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Although Denver still has a fair shot at reaching the Super Bowl, the team’s odds would be that much higher if Dobbins were still healthy.
Dobbins was terrific through the first 10 weeks of the season. The former Raven and Charger procured an 80.8 PFF rushing grade with 32 missed tackles forced and 21 explosive carries before suffering a season-ending foot injury against the Raiders. Since Dobbins’ exit, the Broncos fell from a 79.5 to a 68.2 team PFF rushing grade.
Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian is another player whom Denver will likely try to retain, but the first-round selection of Jahdae Barron could make McMillian less key. On the flip side, Dobbins offered the Broncos a much-needed offensive spark that they still require more of in 2026.
Detroit Lions: S Avonte Maddox
The Lions couldn’t entirely replicate their recent string of success in 2025, due in part to another slew of defensive injuries and an offensive line that regressed. Despite the team's down season, Maddox stood out.
The former Eagle filled in admirably as safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch combined to play only 1,062 snaps. In his first season operating primarily as a safety since 2018, Maddox compiled a 79.1 PFF overall grade with 75.0-plus marks in coverage and run defense. Admittedly, there was a lot of variance across his 342 snaps — with three games above an 83.0 and two below a 42.0 — but the general results are promising.
Amid Branch’s unknown status entering next season following a Week 14 Achilles tear and Joseph's ongoing recovery, Maddox figures to be a prudent depth signing for general manager Brad Holmes.
Green Bay Packers: T Rasheed Walker
The Packers will look to turn the corner in 2026 after collapsing down the stretch, with Micah Parsons’ torn ACL the impetus for disaster. Green Bay should be potent yet again next season, especially if the team can re-sign Walker.
The Packers’ offense has several stars, which leaves players like Walker overshadowed. But as the past two seasons demonstrate, he’s been a good pass blocker. In that span, Walker’s 77.5 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks 15th among 52 qualified tackles, and he’s yielded just eight sacks. At the same time, his 6.7% pressure rate is the eighth highest, and he committed 11 penalties in 2025.
Entering the market at age 26 and with three years of starting experience under his belt, Walker could receive more money than anticipated. Considering other injuries and questions along the team’s offensive line, the Packers should probably try to keep their left tackle.
Houston Texans: G Ed Ingram
The Texans weren’t fazed by their 0-3 start this season, catapulting all the way to the divisional round and winning 10 consecutive contests. Houston’s suffocating defense has led the charge all year, but the team’s revamped offensive line has also grown, with Ingram a focal point.
After being acquired by the Vikings, Ingram has elevated his play with the Texans. The LSU product has accumulated a career-high 74.2 PFF overall grade, including a 78.3 PFF run-blocking grade — which ranks sixth among qualified guards. Despite Ingram’s 56.5 PFF pass-blocking mark, he has surrendered only four sacks this year.
Still only 26 and peaking at the right time, Ingram could be a costly option on the free-agent market. Considering how much their offensive line was a liability in recent memory, the Texans shouldn’t let him leave the building.
Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce
The Colts’ 2025 campaign was truly a tale of two halves. The team went from possible Super Bowl contenders to finishing third in the AFC South. Compounding the situation is that Indianapolis doesn’t have its first-round pick, plus has several contributors on expiring contracts. The most valuable of those names is certainly Pierce.
Pierce found his groove this past year, blossoming into one of the better receivers in football. Among receivers with 75 or more targets, he placed 14th in PFF receiving grade (81.0), 14th in yards per route run (2.10) and eighth in passer rating when targeted (113.7). Additionally, his 96.3 deep PFF receiving grade since 2024 ranked second, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The Colts have decisions to make on Daniel Jones, Braden Smith, Nick Cross and others, but Pierce was an engine for their improved passing attack. No matter who Indianapolis’ man under center is in 2026, having Pierce back in the fold would be enormous.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Devin Lloyd
Jacksonville was one of the best all-around teams in the AFC in Liam Coen’s first season, especially due to a defense that placed fifth in EPA per play. The heartbeat of the talented unit was Lloyd up the middle.
The former first-round pick dominated at the perfect time. Lloyd garnered an All-Pro nod due to his 88.4 PFF overall grade, which ranked second to only Jack Campbell among qualified linebackers. On top of that, Lloyd slotted in the top 10 at the position in both PFF run-defense and coverage grades, and he tied for fifth in PFF WAR.
An inherent risk comes with paying linebackers handsomely. But at 27 and after playing like one of the best at his position, Lloyd could receive $15 million or more per year. The Jaguars should exhaust their funds to make that happen.
Kansas City Chiefs: LB Leo Chenal
For the first time in 10 seasons, the Chiefs’ offseason began in early January. Kansas City’s roster will likely undergo some retooling on both sides of the ball, but Chenal is a rather critical piece of the team’s defense.
Chenal has played only 1,490 snaps over the past three years, but he’s certainly made them count. Since 2023, he ranks sixth among qualified linebackers in PFF overall grade (87.0), and his 91.5 PFF run-defense grade is also sixth best within that bunch. Encouragingly, the Wisconsin product produced a career-best 72.6 PFF coverage grade in 2025.
Chenal is more of a role player with the Chiefs, but he could easily be afforded starter-caliber money on the open market. Kansas City may have lots of competition in keeping the 25-year-old.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Eric Stokes
The Raiders are staring down the barrel of another reset after their 2025 efforts backfired dramatically. At the same time, the team’s signing of Stokes has rendered him worth re-signing.
The former Packer unlocked new energy in Las Vegas, turning in career highs in both PFF overall (73.6) and coverage (73.5) grades. More specifically, Stokes’ 261 yards allowed were the second fewest among qualified cornerbacks in coverage, and he led the group in snaps per target (11.1) and reception (19.8).
With the Raiders desiring more help at all three levels of their defense, Stokes figures to be a player to build around with Maxx Crosby on that side of the ball.
Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Odafe Oweh
The Chargers’ second season with Jim Harbaugh was generally a success. Reaching even the wild-card round with the lowest-graded offensive line in the league is a real feat. Los Angeles’ defense also excelled, and the team's mid-season acquisition of Oweh was a prudent move.
After arriving from the Ravens, Oweh instantly infused the Chargers with needed pass-rush impact. The former first-round pick compiled an 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 39 pressures across 13 games with the Chargers. His magnum opus was against the Patriots in the playoffs: three sacks on a 90.1 PFF pass-rushing grade.
With Khalil Mack’s future up in the air, Oweh seems like a natural bet to return to Los Angeles and build on his career-best 2025 season.
Los Angeles Rams: S Kamren Curl
The Rams have reaped the rewards of their aggressive 2025 offseason, reaching at least the divisional round and playing like arguably the best team over the entire year. The team’s defense ranks eighth in EPA per play despite retaining much of the same personnel, with improved play — including from Curl — being a major reason.
Curl has hit his stride in his second season with the Rams. His 74.1 PFF overall grade ranks 10th among qualified safeties, and his 86.5 PFF run-defense grade places second at the position. Also, Curl has missed only 7.8% of his tackle attempts.
Rams general manager Les Snead already extended fellow safety Quentin Lake in early January. Curl feels like the logical next priority to keep a top duo intact.
Miami Dolphins: CB Rasul Douglas
The Dolphins’ overall concerns heading into this season proved too much to overcome, with Tua Tagovailoa being benched and head coach Mike McDaniel losing his job. Yet, several individual Dolphins flourished, including Douglas.
Despite not finding a home until August, the veteran looked at ease in Anthony Weaver’s system. Douglas posted a 73.6 PFF coverage grade with a 67.0 passer rating against, which put him in the 92nd percentile.
Finding year-to-year consistency will be key for Douglas, who was far less effective in 2024 with the Bills. But based on his latest body of work, Douglas will be in demand this spring — and the Dolphins, who are thin in the secondary, could assuredly use him back.
Minnesota Vikings: LB Eric Wilson
The Vikings significantly regressed from their unbelievable 2024 season, with subpar quarterback play being a major prong. Still, Minnesota’s defense ended the year ranked sixth in EPA per play, with Wilson offering contributions all over the field.
Wilson finished with a 62.1 PFF overall grade, mostly due to his issues in coverage. Yet, he was good against the run with a 72.9 PFF run-defense grade and a team-leading 52 stops. On top of that, Wilson added 37 pressures, the most among linebackers.
Admittedly, the Vikings don’t have a laundry list of notable free-agents-to-be. Then again, Wilson has proven his productivity in multiple departments, even if the team seeks an upgrade at the linebacker position.
New England Patriots: S Jaylinn Hawkins
The Patriots’ remarkable 2025 season has been powered by several newcomers and turnarounds, including Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs and Will Campbell. Another name that shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle is Hawkins.
Hawkins has played like one of the foremost safeties in the league this season. His 83.3 PFF overall grade ranks fifth among qualifiers, and he’s tied for 12th in PFF WAR. Moreover, Hawkins is one of two safeties with an 80.0-plus PFF run-defense and coverage grade.
The 28-year-old has been an unsung hero for New England’s improved defense, and in a weaker safety class, he should be one of the top options. Expect the Patriots to dispense some of their $46 million in cap space to keep him.
New Orleans Saints: LB Demario Davis
The Saints overcame an inauspicious beginning to win four of their last five games and display real optimism heading into 2026. Even though Davis is one of the oldest linebackers in the league, he had a big say in that success.
The 37-year-old was still a presence in the middle of New Orleans’ impressive defense, compiling an 80.3 PFF overall grade with an 88.9 PFF run-defense grade. Even though coverage is no longer Davis’ forte, he still held up solidly with a 68.3 PFF coverage mark.
Davis has seemed like an every-year trade candidate on bottom-dwelling Saints teams. But with New Orleans now trying to improve for the short- and long-term, keeping the elder statesman in house should be the team’s goal.
New York Giants: T Jermaine Eluemunor
The Giants may have finished with four or fewer wins for the second straight season, but reasons for hope have slowly permeated the organization. With a new head coach and young pieces on both sides of the ball, the team could turn things around — especially if Eluemunor returns.
There hasn’t been much positivity surrounding New York since 2024, but Eluemunor warrants that type of praise. Over the past two seasons, the right tackle ranks 16th among qualified tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (76.8) while tying for seventh in pressure rate allowed (4.3%).
As the Giants look to build more guardrails for Jaxson Dart in his second campaign, keeping the 31-year-old Eluemunor — and preserving a great tackle tandem with Andrew Thomas — should be high on the agenda.
New York Jets: G Alijah Vera-Tucker
The Jets compiled a sub-.500 record for the 10th straight season, with looming questions at a myriad of positions propping up even before the end of the campaign. Among the team's top free agents, Vera-Tucker feels like the most valuable.
Vera-Tucker has played only 2,265 snaps across his five-year career, including missing all of 2025 with a triceps injury. However, he owns a 75.4 PFF overall grade when healthy. Vera-Tucker's last healthy campaign was also his best yet, featuring a 74.5-plus PFF grade in both pass blocking and run blocking.
It was tough to leave Breece Hall out of this slot, but the Jets paying top dollar to a running back — especially when they have Braelon Allen on the roster — doesn’t make as much sense. Vera-Tucker’s versatility and youth should only further a good offensive line foundation.
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Jaelan Phillips
The Eagles continued their alternating-season trend in 2025, falling from the zenith of the sport to a swift and disappointing exit in the wild-card round. Although Philadelphia’s roster is still among the tops in the NFL, several starters are on expiring contracts. Phillips may be the most important.
After acquiring Phillips from the Dolphins at the trade deadline, the Eagles’ defense turned a corner. From Week 10 onward, the Eagles ranked seventh in EPA per play and success rate, plus fourth in pressure rate. Phillips was impactful from the start, tallying 44 pressures and a 17.8% pass-rush win rate with a 7.4% run-stop rate.
Philadelphia still has major questions at edge defender, and keeping Phillips would certainly help alleviate those. Although Dallas Goedert has been a good receiver, his diminished efficiency this season gave way to Phillips’ selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB James Pierre
The Steelers’ 2025 season paralleled much of their recent campaigns, encompassing both brilliance and cataclysm en route to a 10-7 record and a wild-card loss. Pittsburgh will seemingly operate quite differently without Mike Tomlin in 2026, needing solutions at positions like cornerback, where Pierre can contribute.
After moonlighting as a backup for his first five seasons with the Steelers, Pierre took a certifiable leap in 2025. Across 408 total snaps, he generated an 88.9 PFF coverage grade — the best among cornerbacks with at least 250 coverage snaps. Further, Pierre’s 29% forced incompletion rate and 163 yards permitted were the best at the position.
Although Joey Porter Jr. has turned into a standout, the Steelers still need a multi-year starter opposite him, which has been a struggle to find of late. The best option may be extending Pierre, whose improved coverage acumen passed flying colors against even the likes of Ja’Marr Chase.
San Francisco 49ers: K Eddy Pineiro
The 49ers have defied conventional wisdom in 2025, reaching the divisional round despite suffering another cavalcade of injuries. As San Francisco heals this offseason, the good news is that the team doesn’t have lots of productivity on expiring contracts. In fact, the 49ers' best pending free agent may be their kicker.
After enduring multiple uneven seasons from Jake Moody, the 49ers finally cut ties in 2025 by signing Pineiro. The ex-Bear has been a godsend for Kyle Shanahan, converting 29-of-30 field goals — including going 16-for-17 from 40-plus yards. Altogether, Pineiro’s 85.6 field goal grade places 11th among qualifiers.
The 49ers hold the sixth-highest touchdown drive rate, and Shanahan certainly doesn’t want to see Pineiro kicking three-point tries too often. However, his security has been an asset for a team that sorely lacked it previously.
Seattle Seahawks: RB Kenneth Walker III
The Seahawks have transcended their prior play in Mike Macdonald’s second year, earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed and boasting the highest odds to win Super Bowl 60. The team’s depth along both sides of the ball has been tremendous, including at running back. Even with a two-headed monster, Walker is worthy of being re-signed.
The 25-year-old has been one of the league’s preeminent rushers since breaking into the pros. Since 2022, Walker’s 93.6 PFF rushing grade ranks third among running backs, as do his 235 missed tackles forced. The Michigan State product has also tacked on an average of 3.1 yards after contact per carry.
Seattle boasts a budding star in Zach Charbonnet (90.5 PFF rushing grade), but Walker has been the more reliable and consistent option. Finding a way to retain him and keep a complementary duo together would be huge.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jamel Dean
The Buccaneers vacillated greatly in 2025, going from potential Super Bowl contenders to losing seven of their final nine contests. The team’s defensive performance waned down the stretch, but Dean made a name for himself over the full year.
Across 661 total snaps, Dean recorded a 76.9 PFF coverage grade, the sixth-best mark among qualified cornerbacks. His 46.9 passer rating when targeted was the lowest among the group, and he finished third in completion percentage allowed (45.5%).
Much like the rest of the Buccaneers, Dean wasn’t quite as lockdown after Week 8. At the same time, he has recorded at least a 72.5 PFF coverage grade in every pro season. Even with young contributors in Tampa Bay’s secondary, the team should strive to re-sign Dean.
Tennessee Titans: G Kevin Zeitler
Even after drafting Cam Ward with the first overall pick, the Titans saw their deep roster flaws get swiftly exposed this season. However, one bright spot was the team’s offensive line, with Zeitler ingrained in that play.
The former Lion parlayed a terrific 2024 season into a one-year deal with Tennessee, where he extended his strong performance. Zeitler recorded a 74.5 PFF overall grade, including 70.8-plus marks in both pass protection and run blocking. In fact, his 16 pressures allowed tied for the third fewest among qualified guards.
The unmistakable goal for Tennessee in 2026 should be helping Ward as much as possible, both with hiring a strong coaching staff and roster construction. Zeitler’s presence at right guard would align with that — and keep a solid offensive line together.
Washington Commanders: LB Bobby Wagner
The Commanders experienced a precipitous drop-off this season after reaching the NFC championship game in 2024. Injuries, notably to quarterback Jayden Daniels, played a major part, but the Washington defense was yet again one of the worst in football. Despite that, Wagner assembled a great individual year.
The six-time All-Pro accrued a 79.3 PFF overall grade, with his usual strengths of run defense and tackling manifesting well. Wagner’s 90.3 PFF run-defense grade was the fourth-best mark of any qualified defender, and his 7.7% run-stop rate was a top-20 figure among linebackers. Further, Wagner missed only 4.8% of his tackle attempts, the third-best rate at the position.
While Wagner was an issue in coverage — his 542 yards allowed tied for the 16th most — it’s hard to deny his attacking ability downhill. Considering that Washington ranked 31st in rushing EPA allowed per play, the team could still benefit from the 35-year-old as it pursues other reinforcements.
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