NFL Players Look for New Teams in 2026 Free Agency

Many NFL players will become free agents on March 9, 2026. This means they can sign with new teams. Experts are guessing where players like Daniel Jones and Malik Willis might play next season.
By Newsroom | NFL, Sports |

Key NFL Free Agents Face Critical Decisions as March Deadline Looms

The upcoming National Football League free agency period, commencing March 9, 2026, presents a pivotal juncture for numerous players. With contracts set to expire, these athletes face the prospect of changing teams or negotiating new deals with their current franchises. This period, often characterized by significant player movement and strategic team building, will see upwards of 50 prominent free agents seeking new professional homes. The anticipation is heightened by the publication of detailed analyses predicting potential team fits for these top talents, fueling speculation about which organizations will pursue which players to address their roster gaps.

Identifying Top Talent and Projected Team Alignments

As the 2026 NFL free agency window approaches, various sports outlets have published extensive lists detailing the top available players and their perceived ideal team destinations. These projections are based on current roster construction, salary cap situations, and perceived needs of NFL franchises. The analyses aim to provide a roadmap for teams looking to bolster their squads and for players seeking to maximize their impact and opportunities.

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50 top free agents, 50 perfect NFL team fits: We picked where each player should sign in March - 1

  • Core Information from Sources:

  • ESPN's analysis highlights potential fits for Daniel Jones (QB) with the Indianapolis Colts and Quay Walker (LB) with the Washington Commanders.

  • Other players like Malik Willis (QB) are projected to the Miami Dolphins, and Romeo Doubs (WR) to the Las Vegas Raiders.

  • Tyler Linderbaum (C) is mentioned as a potential target for the New York Giants, with a note about following coach John Harbaugh.

  • FOX Sports predicts certain players may re-sign with their current teams, such as an unnamed player with the Jets and another with the Seahawks.

  • Sharp Football Analysis provides a broad list of top free agents, including Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Kenneth Walker (RB), Breece Hall (RB), and Travis Etienne (RB), among many others across various positions.

  • CBS Sports offers landing spot predictions for top free agents, noting George Pickens might "stay put" but also listing the Commanders, Cowboys, and Jets as suitors for other players.

Player Movements and Strategic Team Needs

The assessment of free agency destinations is intrinsically linked to how well a player's skills and role align with a team's specific positional requirements. Projections suggest a range of strategic moves, from quarterbacks seeking new leadership to offensive and defensive players aiming to fill critical gaps.

Quarterback Prospects and Potential Employers

Quarterback mobility in free agency often dictates significant shifts in team fortunes. Daniel Jones, listed as a top free agent quarterback, has been projected to land with the Indianapolis Colts. This move would imply a need for a stable presence under center for the Colts. Similarly, Malik Willis, another quarterback with potential, is tabbed for the Miami Dolphins.

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50 top free agents, 50 perfect NFL team fits: We picked where each player should sign in March - 2

  • Other notable QB considerations: The lists also mention Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew, and Mitchell Trubisky as available quarterbacks, indicating a potential market for experienced, albeit perhaps inconsistent, signal-callers.

Skill Position Talent and Franchise Development

The acquisition of offensive weapons remains a key focus for many teams. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs is projected to join the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports also suggest other teams like the Commanders, Cowboys, and Jets are potential landing spots for top wide receivers.

  • Running Backs: Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, and Travis Etienne are identified as premier running back free agents, signaling a strong demand for potent ground games across the league.

  • Tight Ends: Players like Kyle Pitts and Travis Kelce are also listed among the top tight ends, a position critical for both receiving and blocking schemes.

Offensive and Defensive Line Reinforcements

The trenches are equally crucial, with projections indicating needs at both offensive and defensive lines. Tyler Linderbaum, a center, is linked to the New York Giants, a move that could be influenced by coaching changes or scheme adjustments. On the defensive side, linebackers such as Quay Walker are being eyed by teams like the Washington Commanders.

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  • Edge Rushers and Defensive Linemen: Names like Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips (EDGE), and Calais Campbell and Christian Wilkins (Defensive Linemen) appear on lists, highlighting teams' continuous search for pressure and disruption.

Analysis of Projections and Market Dynamics

The published projections offer a speculative yet informed outlook on the 2026 free agency landscape. These analyses synthesize player performance data, team needs, and contract considerations to paint a picture of potential player destinations. The overlap in predictions for certain players across multiple outlets lends credibility to those specific projections.

  • Consistency in Projections: Daniel Jones appearing as a top free agent quarterback with potential landing spots noted by multiple sources, including ESPN and Sharp Football Analysis, underscores his significance in this year's market.

  • Team-Specific Interests: The mention of specific teams like the Commanders, Cowboys, and Jets as suitors for multiple players suggests these franchises might be aggressive in the free agency period, looking to make substantial roster improvements.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The 2026 NFL free agency period is shaping up to be a dynamic period for player movement. The provided analyses offer a comprehensive, albeit predictive, view of where top talents might land. These projections are subject to the intricate negotiations, team strategies, and player preferences that will unfold as the legal tampering period begins on March 9, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does NFL free agency start in 2026?
NFL free agency starts on March 9, 2026.
Q: What is free agency?
Free agency is when players whose contracts are finished can sign with any team.
Q: Which players might move?
Players like Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, and Romeo Doubs are expected to be free agents.
Q: Where might some players go?
Daniel Jones might go to the Indianapolis Colts, and Malik Willis could go to the Miami Dolphins, according to some experts.