Five free agents who could change the 2026 NFL season
With the 2025 NFL season done after Super Bowl LX, we look ahead to the next year, starting with the 2026 free agency period.
The Super Bowl confetti has been swept away, but the NFL’s next phase is already underway. We now look forward to free agency, the league’s most volatile and transformative window, and the 2026 class has the potential to reshape the balance of power across the league.
While the draft brings hope, free agency brings urgency. One signing has the potential to turn a fringe playoff team into a contender, or expose a roster that’s one move away. With that in mind, here are five projected free agents who could dramatically alter the 2026 NFL season, depending on where they land.
Top five free agents available in the 2026 NFL offseason
1. George Pickens, WR, Cowboys
George Pickens is the rare young No. 1 receiver who might actually be available. The Cowboys already pay CeeDee Lamb top-of-market money, and while the franchise tag is a possibility, a tag-and-trade scenario is also a very real one.
"Give [George Pickens] 36 million [dollars] and the deal is done"
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) February 11, 2026
– @housh84 says he got free game for the Dallas Cowboys to secure George Pickens for the future 👀
WE ARE LIVE RIGHT NOW DISCUSSING COWBOYS FRANCHISE TAGGING GP ➡️ https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/o9KdISxweT
2. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III is no longer just a running back. Now, he’s a Super Bowl MVP and the engine of Seattle’s offense. He is likely to re-sign in Seattle, but if for some reason talks stall, he’d immediately become the most impactful back to hit the market in years.
There is going to be a significant market for Kenneth Walker when he enters Free Agency this offseason.
— Theo Gremminger (@TheOGfantasy) December 19, 2025
Only 25 years old.
A chance for a big dynasty value boost once we have landing spot clarity. Two way/home run ability — needs consistent volume.pic.twitter.com/Vb7RXpHclF
3. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens
Elite centers never hit free agency in their prime. Tyler Linderbaum has three Pro Bowls, elite mobility, and anchors an entire offensive identity. Even if he’s expected to command top-of-market money, his availability alone would reshape multiple offensive lines.
PFF on free agent Tyler Linderbaum:
— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) February 4, 2026
He "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." pic.twitter.com/2hCe7ITRlB
4. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Bengals
Age and injury temper the hype, but pass rushers with his history don’t come around often. If healthy, Trey Hendrickson is still a difference-maker, and teams desperate for pressure will overlook recent dip in production.
Trey Hendrickson is a special player, who rarely hits free agency.
— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) January 29, 2026
Seasons with 17 or more sacks:
Trey Hendrickson = 2 (2023 & 2024)
TJ Watt = 2
Myles Garrett = 1
Khalil Mack = 1
Nick Bosa = 1
Von Miller = 1
Micah Parsons = 0
Maxx Crosby = 0
Danielle Hunter = 0 pic.twitter.com/jMHnubQKdU
5. Daniel Jones, QB, Colts
Quarterback scarcity changes everything. Even with the Achilles injury, Daniel Jones proved in 2025 he could stabilize and elevate a roster. Whether he re-signs or not, his contract will help define the QB market tier just below the elite.
Michael Pittman Jr. on Daniel Jones as the Colts’ long-term answer:
— Colts Muse (@ColtsMusee) February 8, 2026
“I really think he’s the guy here… I think they’re going to do everything they can to make that happen.”
Via @TheAthleticNFL pic.twitter.com/ZRjADxlBlN
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