Every fan base has the same thought about their favorite team ahead of the start of NFL free agency next week, wondering how many top free agents they can sign and try to become a contender overnight.
Well, we had a similar thought: Who should be the top ideal free agent signing for every team? It would certainly make for a fun offseason if every team could make an impact signing in the coming weeks. So, we tried to find the answer to that question.
We should note that we have a few players who are the top ideal signing for a few teams on this list. Obviously, a player can only sign with one team, but this exercise goes to show how valuable a few pending free agents will be.
So, let’s take a look at the ideal free-agent signing for all 32 teams.
[2026 NFL Free Agency: The Top 100 Players Available and Potential Fits]
Eric D. Williams: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
As anticipated, Arizona launched Kyler Murray. Jacoby Brissett stays on the roster, however new head coach Mike LaFleur will need somebody aware of his offense working the present and setting an instance of what he needs when it comes to tradition for the remainder of the locker room. Garoppolo served because the backup for Matthew Stafford and is well liked by Rams head coach Sean McVay, however signing with the Cardinals offers him an opportunity to begin once more in a division he is aware of from his time within the NFC West. Garoppolo has performed in a Tremendous Bowl and is 43-21 as a starter.
Greg Auman: WR Wan’Dale Robinson
You’d be hard-pressed to discover a staff that bought much less from its receiver depth than the Falcons in 2025. Even with Kyle Pitts again on the franchise tag at tight finish, they want a velocity complement to Drake London’s measurement. Robinson is a high-volume receiver, with 140 targets in every of the final two seasons. Let’s say $15 million a 12 months, and he generally is a 1,000-yard receiver for not rather more than Darnell Mooney was taking over. Take a receiver later within the draft as effectively, and with an offensive head coach in Kevin Stefanski, their cross recreation can take a giant step ahead.
Henry McKenna: DE Trey Hendrickson
Baltimore ought to, initially, concentrate on not dropping middle Tyler Linderbaum, which is why they’ve prolonged him a “market setting” deal, in response to basic supervisor Eric DeCosta. The Ravens, nonetheless, appear to have sufficient cash to make one large splash on an out-of-house participant. And I feel Hendrickson can be as compelling as any participant on Jesse Minter’s protection. The opposite tempting names for a giant splash: edge Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Ralph Vacchiano: Edge rusher Bradley Chubb
The Payments bought the No. 1 receiver they so desperately wanted after they traded for DJ Moore. Now they will concentrate on boosting their sagging cross rush. The 28-year-old Chubb proved he was wholesome and in a position to dominate once more final season, with 8.5 sacks in Miami after lacking a 12 months with a torn ACL. He may very well be even higher, one other 12 months faraway from his damage. Plus, he is likely to be obtainable on a shorter deal as he hopes to reset his market. The Payments had just one participant with greater than 5 sacks final season (Gregory Rousseau, 7). With Joey Bosa unlikely to return, they want a bookend edge rusher, and ideally one slightly youthful, too.
Auman: Edge rusher Leonard Floyd
That is excellent, as in “excellent and fairly inside their price range.” They’re not all $20 million signings, and Carolina is barely below the cap coming into free company. Edge rusher is arguably the most important positional want, and Floyd performed effectively with the Rams in 2020-21 when Evero Eijro was there. Final season was a down 12 months, however he’d gotten a minimum of eight sacks in 5 straight years earlier than that, and will bounce again as a strong worth influence for an improved Panthers protection. Solely two NFL groups had fewer sacks than Carolina’s 30 final 12 months, with no Panthers participant getting greater than 5.
McKenna: DT Khyiris Tonga
The Patriots quietly unlocked a facet to Tonga that few knew existed. And it’s one thing {that a} staff just like the Bears ought to attempt to construct upon. Tonga is a mammoth inside disruptor who ought to come at a reduction relative to somebody who performed in addition to he did in 2025. And that’s what the Bears want: a price signing. They’re at present $11 million over the cap, per Spotrac.
Ben Arthur: Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips
The Bengals’ porous protection desperately wants cross rush assist, and Trey Hendrickson’s time in Cincinnati is all however over, with the veteran defensive finish set to hit free company. Phillips had simply 5 sacks final season, however registered 76 pressures, which ranked tenth amongst all defenders, in response to Professional Soccer Focus.
Jaelan Phillips may not have recorded many sacks in 2025, however he was one of many league’s high edge rushers at producing stress. (Photograph by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
McKenna: OT Jamaree Salyer
I’m probably not positive learn how to match a free agent with the Browns, who’re at present $25.7 million over the cap and are a 12 months away from merely starting their rebuild. However they actually need assistance at deal with, and I feel they need to double dip — with a excessive draft decide and a good free company signing. Salyer served as Rashawn Slater’s alternative for the Chargers, and he was competent sufficient for the Browns to provide him a shot.
Arthur: Edge rusher Odafe Oweh
Buying and selling Micah Parsons had a devastating influence on the Cowboys’ protection. Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler are additionally set to hit free company. With a minimum of 7.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, Oweh would give new Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker some juice on the sting. Cash may very well be a priority for the Cowboys, who should not sometimes main gamers in free company, however restructuring some contracts may give the staff some monetary flexibility to pursue a higher-ticket free agent like Oweh.
[NFL Free Agent Matchmaker: Who Lands Kenneth Walker III, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers?]
Auman: TE Cade Otton
He’s not going to interrupt the financial institution, however at perhaps $8 million a 12 months, Otton can play a ton of snaps and persistently provide you with 50 catches for 500 yards, youthful and cheaper than Evan Engram this previous 12 months. Drops have been a problem in Tampa however much less so in 2025. The Broncos have a complete of 12 tight finish touchdowns in Sean Payton’s three years there, so loads of room for enchancment.
McKenna: C Cade Mays
With Frank Ragnow retiring, the Lions have been left scrambling to fill his sneakers in 2025. Mays was a alternative middle for the Panthers, and performed at a beginning degree. After Lindenbaum, Mays is likely to be the No. 1 middle on the open market.
McKenna: CB Nahshon Wright
Not solely do the Packers need assistance at cornerback, however they can even have great insights on Wright, who performed for the division-rival Bears. It’s nice to get a superb participant at a place of want. It’s higher when you may steal that participant from a staff you’ll play two instances a 12 months.
Auman: C Connor McGovern
Houston is overhauling its offensive line, and defending C.J. Stroud is a precedence, which implies upgrading from Jake Andrews at middle. The brass ring is Tyler Lindenbaum, however they don’t have the price range to land him. McGovern is three years older however needs to be nearer to $15 million. He missed solely two video games in three years in Buffalo, incomes a Professional Bowl nod in 2024.
Arthur: DE Trey Hendrickson
The Colts have a giant edge rusher want reverse Laiatu Latu. Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was additionally Hendrickson’s Bengals DC from 2021-24, when he posted seasons of a minimum of 14 sacks. At 31 years previous and coming off a season-ending core muscle damage, Hendrickson could not break the financial institution for Indy, both.
Trey Hendrickson led the league in sacks in 2024 with 17.5. (Photograph by Kara Durrette/Getty Photos)
Auman: DL John Franklin-Myers
Jacksonville’s precedence will probably be preserving their very own free brokers from a breakout 2025 season, but when the value is simply too excessive for younger stars like linebacker Devin Lloyd and working again Travis Etienne, Franklin-Myers can be a giant get for his or her defensive entrance, and never too costly at like $8 million a 12 months. He began his NFL profession with the Rams when basic supervisor James Gladstone was there, and provides to a energy in what was the NFL’s high run protection final season.
Arthur: RB Kenneth Walker
Including a dynamic working again needs to be a precedence for the Chiefs, who had the NFL’s Twenty fifth-ranked dashing assault final season. Each Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are coming into free company, and there’s no telling how Patrick Mahomes’ scrambling capacity will probably be impacted coming off a torn ACL. The return of Eric Bienemy, a former working again, as offensive coordinator additionally bodes in favor of a Walker pursuit.
Williams: WR Rashid Shaheed
The Weber State product was an awesome midseason commerce addition for the Seahawks, serving to Seattle win the Tremendous Bowl with explosive return capacity. Nonetheless, Shaheed follows former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to Las Vegas right here, the place he ought to get a bigger function within the offense. Shaheed additionally performed for Kubiak in New Orleans and may be very aware of the offensive scheme being put in within the desert.
Williams: C Cade Mays
The Bolts misplaced middle Bradley Bozeman to retirement and should do a greater job of defending Justin Herbert. Signing the versatile Mays is a begin. He allowed zero sacks in 12 begins for the Carolina Panthers final season. Mays additionally has performed guard and deal with, offering some place flexibility for Chargers offensive line coach Butch Barry as Los Angeles appears to construct chemistry with the 5 greatest offensive linemen who can work collectively to offer higher cross safety for Herbert.
Williams: CB Tariq Woolen
Woolen has worn out his welcome in Seattle however finds a brand new dwelling with the Rams. Woolen talked trash to Sean McVay and the Rams’ sideline throughout the NFL championship, incomes a head-scratching unsportsmanlike penalty, so issues could must be smoothed over initially. However together with his velocity, size and ball-hawking expertise, Woolen offers an improve at cornerback on the perimeter and a defender aware of overlaying the most effective receivers within the NFC West.
Auman: Edge rusher Joey Bosa
Bosa, 30, would tackle a key want for Miami at edge rusher. He has private ties to the Dolphins, as he was born in Miami and his father, John, performed three seasons with the Dolphins. He hasn’t had double-digit sacks in a season since 2021, however he led the NFL with 5 pressured fumbles final season and can be a strong plus at a place that has shed Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb within the final six months. A one-year, $12 million deal is a fraction of what he made at his peak, however it’s appropriate for a reset contract as a part of Jeff Hafley’s new protection.
McKenna: LB Kaden Elliss
Even at 31 years previous, Elliss is quietly some of the dynamic defensive gamers on this free company class. He’s an excellent deal with and run defender. However his worth comes together with his contributions as a pass-rusher, the place he’s sneaky environment friendly — and an ideal match for a sensible thoughts like Vikings DC Brian Flores. The Vikings are going to want assist getting sacks after they doubtless commerce Jonathan Greenard. Perhaps they draft a rookie edge and usher in Elliss to fill the void.
McKenna: WR Alec Pierce
If the Colts thought they might retain Alec Pierce with out tagging him, they have been foolishly mistaken. New England will probably be a way more attractive dwelling, even when the provide (by the greenback) is larger in Indy. The Patriots simply dropped Stefon Diggs. They’ll most likely keep in on a possible A.J. Brown commerce. However Pierce — who can stretch the sector together with his velocity and his jumpball expertise — is principally good for Drake Maye, who established himself as one of many league’s greatest downfield throwers. Whether or not the Patriots commerce for Brown or not, they’ll need Pierce.
Alec Pierce led the league in yards per reception for a second straight season in 2025. May he be a superb match with Drake Maye? (Photograph by Dylan Buell/Getty Photos)
McKenna: WR Jalen Nailor
I don’t assume the Saints are going to increase themselves financially this offseason — not after they’re already $44 million over the cap. However a man like Nailor is compelling, given what he would possibly be capable of do with an even bigger function in New Orleans. With Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough exhibiting promise on the finish of final 12 months, Nailor would possibly see New Orleans as a spot the place he can understand his potential, maybe even on a one-year, prove-it deal.
Vacchiano: C Tyler Linderbaum
It’s going to value them, nevertheless it’s a no brainer, and a transfer that many within the league anticipate will occur. The Giants have lengthy wanted an offensive line improve and new coach John Harbaugh goes to insist on it. So why not carry one among his greatest gamers alongside from Baltimore? The 25-year-old is strictly the anchor they want within the center. He’s sturdy and been to 3 straight Professional Bowls and will probably be an enormous enhance to the highly effective run recreation Harbaugh needs to construct.
Vacchiano: LB Alex Anzalone
It could be an unremarkable and cheap signing, nevertheless it may very well be extremely necessary. Aaron Glenn needs to go down swinging, which is why he’s working the protection his approach, together with his calls. What higher approach to try this than to usher in his previous defensive QB from Detroit, who already is aware of his schemes, calls and total plan? They’ve historical past relationship again to their days collectively in New Orleans. It’s an ideal match and Anzalone may very well be a steadying veteran affect in the course of a protection that’s going to be utterly rebuilt.
Vacchiano: TE Isaiah Doubtless
The Eagles should carry again tight finish Dallas Goedert, who’s a free agent at age 31 and regularly injured. However Doubtless is youthful (25), extra dynamic, and at this level has an even bigger upside. Ideally, Philly may discover a approach to make use of each of them, but when not, Doubtless is an ideal alternative and simply the type of weapon that would add slightly enhance to the Eagles’ sagging offense. Their wants change in the event that they commerce vast receiver A.J. Brown, but when not, Doubtless can be an excellent complementary piece, who ought to see his manufacturing leap if he turns into a staff’s No. 1 tight finish.
Vacchiano: RB Rico Dowdle
Their high want modifications if quarterback Aaron Rodgers retires, however assuming they’re working it again yet one more time with The Historical One, it might be good in the event that they bought him some assist. Sure, they want receivers, however a powerful dashing assault would actually assist preserve the stress off their 42-year-old quarterback. Kenneth Gainwell, their MVP final season, is a free agent and certain headed elsewhere. In the meantime, Dowdle had his breakout season in Dallas below new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy two years in the past. He may very well be the highest half of a powerful, 1-2 punch with Jaylen Warren that would energy the Steelers whereas McCarthy items collectively a passing assault.
Williams: Edge rusher Joey Bosa
The Ohio State product thought-about signing with San Francisco to play with youthful brother Nick Bosa final season however as a substitute took a greater deal financially to play with the Buffalo Payments. This time, the older Bosa lastly will get his want to play together with his brother within the NFL, a singular alternative for the Bosa household. Joey Bosa turns 31 years previous in July and will be efficient for San Francisco as a situational cross rusher.
Williams: RB Tyler Allgeier
With Kenneth Walker III doubtless shifting on to greener pastures and discovering a extra profitable deal elsewhere, Allgeier offers a superb fallback choice for Seattle. The bruising runner out of BYU is an efficient match for Seattle’s zone working scheme and may pair properly with Zach Charbonnet as soon as he returns from season-ending knee surgical procedure. The Seahawks may also look so as to add a pass-catching again within the draft so as to add to the working again room.
Auman: LB Nakobe Dean
Whether or not Lavonte David retires or not, linebacker is a precedence want for the Bucs, who struggled to restrict passes in the course of the sector final season. Dean has had damage considerations, however performed effectively on their Tremendous Bowl staff in 2024, and the Eagles drafted Jihaad Campbell final 12 months, so there’s a superb likelihood he strikes on. Tampa Bay will tackle linebacker within the draft as effectively, however this offers them a younger starter whose greatest soccer ought to nonetheless be forward of him.
Arthur: WR Alec Pierce
Pierce may very well be the long-term, No. 1 receiver that the Titans are coveting for Cam Ward. He has extra upside than some other wideout on this 12 months’s market by far. And with over $90 million in cap house, Tennessee is positioned to provide the previous second-round decide the mammoth deal he’s anticipated to command.
Vacchiano: DE Trey Hendrickson
They’ve loads of cap house and a obvious want for an elite cross rusher on a protection that is likely to be utterly rebuilt over the subsequent few months. Hendrickson comes with dangers. He’s 31 and coming off core muscle surgical procedure. But when he’s wholesome, he’s just one 12 months faraway from back-to-back seasons of 17.5 sacks. He’s the type of game-wrecker they haven’t had on protection in Washington in almost a decade. And in the event that they pair him with an edge they take with the No. 7 decide within the draft, take into account their protection immediately reworked.
