With Super Bowl LX concluded, the spotlight in the football community shifts to free agency, which officially opens its negotiating window on March 9.
This article provides an early analysis of the 25 top players expected to enter the market. Franchise-tag candidates are marked alongside their anticipated tag values, according to Over the Cap.
1. George Pickens
Franchise-tag candidate (Projected value: $28.8M)
| 2025 team | Age on Sept. 1 | Pos. rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | 25 | WR1 |
Key stat: Led the NFL with 510 receiving yards versus man coverage this season, as indicated by PFF.
After three seasons struggling in Pittsburgh, Pickens emerged in Dallas, demonstrating his WR1 capability with Dak Prescott. He recorded 1,429 receiving yards, ranking third in the league. If the Cowboys fail to keep him, Pickens will be a significant asset in free agency.
2. Trey Hendrickson
| 2025 team | Age on Sept. 1 | Pos. rank |
|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 31 | EDGE1 |
Key stat: Despite missing 10 games in 2025, Hendrickson ranked third in sacks (39) over the last three seasons.
Hendrickson’s complicated relationship with the Bengals is nearing its end after an injury-prone 2025. However, he previously posted impressive seasons, including back-to-back 17.5-sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024.
3. Tyler Linderbaum
| 2025 team | Age on Sept. 1 | Pos. rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ravens | 26 | C1 |
Key stat: Allowed only 2 sacks this season, based on PFF stats.
Linderbaum stands out as the top offensive lineman in this free-agent class and would enhance any team he joins, boasting three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. His potential impact is similar to that of Drew Dalman, who significantly improved the Bears’ offensive line last year.
4. Daniel Jones
Franchise-tag candidate (Projected value: $47.3M)
| 2025 team | Age on Sept. 1 | Pos. rank |
|---|---|---|
| Colts | 29 | QB1 |
Key stat: Registered a career-high average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt in 2025.
Had it not been for an Achilles tear, Jones could have emerged as the top free agent. Yet he still managed to rebuild his value through impressive stats, including a 68% completion rate and six touchdowns. Teams seeking a quarterback will likely take a chance on him for similar production.
5. Alec Pierce
| 2025 team | Age on Sept. 1 | Pos. rank |
|---|---|---|
| Colts | 26 | WR2 |
Key stat: Led all receivers in yards per reception over the last two seasons.
Teams eager for a deep threat should prepare for competitive bidding for Pierce, who achieved a career-high 1,003 receiving yards this season. His significant improvement over the last two seasons suggests that he has even more potential to unlock.
