[Elvis]

https://theathletic.com/2364517/2021/02 ... -rankings/

2021 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Dak Prescott, Allen Robinson lead Top 50

Sheil Kapadia Feb 9, 2021

Where do Dak Prescott, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Leonard Williams, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kenny Golladay and Trent Williams rank among the top 50 pending unrestricted free agents? Glad you asked.

The list will be updated in the weeks ahead as players are re-signed, released and tagged. The age in parentheses indicates how old the player will be at the start of the 2021 season.

1. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (28)
Prescott has completed 66 percent of his passes, averaged 7.7 yards per attempt (YPA) and thrown 106 touchdown passes with 40 interceptions in his career. If we want to go to advanced stats, he’s averaged 0.14 Expected Points Added (EPA) per play over the last three years, according to TruMedia’s model. That ranks ninth out of 44 quarterbacks. Prescott is coming off of a serious ankle injury but didn’t miss a game in his first four seasons. There’s pretty much no scenario where he enters the free-agent market, but Prescott tops the list because technically his contract is due to expire. The Cowboys have four options:

Sign Prescott long term.
Use the franchise tag for the second time and keep him.
Use the franchise tag for the second time and trade him.
Let him walk in free agency.

Signing Prescott long term would be ideal, but the Cowboys have had the opportunity to make that happen in the last two offseasons and have failed to get it done. Keeping him on the franchise tag is risky: One, because it will cost roughly $37 million — both in cash and cap — in 2021; and two, it would all but guarantee that Prescott could hit the open market in 2022. Bottom line: The Cowboys need to make a decision this offseason. Either sign Prescott long term, or see what the options look like for a tag and trade.

2. Allen Robinson, WR, Bears (28)
Teams in need of help at wide receiver are in luck. This free-agent class is loaded with pass-catchers. And Robinson figures to be near the top of the list for most teams.

His talent is obvious, but Robinson has been victimized by bad quarterback play since signing with the Bears in 2018. He now could get another chance to test the market. Robinson’s 2,397 receiving yards over the last two seasons ranks third among wide receivers, behind only Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins. He’s a legit outside No. 1 wide receiver who would fit pretty much any scheme.

It would be no surprise to see Robinson command $19 or $20 million per season on the open market. That’s what Keenan Allen got on his extension with the Chargers and what Amari Cooper re-signed for last offseason. The Bears have the option to use the franchise tag on Robinson — either to keep him or try to trade him.

3. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers (25)
Godwin has a case to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the group. He is a complete player who can win at all levels and play outside or in the slot. Godwin was prolific in 2019 with 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. He battled injuries this season but still caught 65 balls for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 regular-season games. The floor for Godwin is probably what Robert Woods got ($16.25 million annually), and Godwin could very well find a $20 million per year deal on the open market.

4. Justin Simmons, S, Broncos (27)
The Broncos used the franchise tag on Simmons last offseason, and he responded by earning a Pro Bowl bid. Simmons is the type of young difference-maker the Broncos should be looking to build around. He’s been the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for two consecutive years and hasn’t missed a game in the last three seasons. Given his age and production, Simmons could very well set the top of the safety market. That would mean surpassing Budda Baker’s four-year, $59 million deal ($14.75 million annually).

5. Leonard Williams, DL, Giants (27)
The Giants sent a pair of draft picks to the Jets to acquire Williams in 2019 and then used the franchise tag on him. Williams turned in a career year in 2020 with 11.5 sacks (seventh league-wide) and 30 quarterback hits (third). Teams could view him as a player who is finally playing to his potential and entering his prime. Williams’ stock is higher than it would have been last offseason. He could land somewhere in the range of Kenny Clark’s deal (four years, $70 million) and DeForest Buckner’s deal (four years, $84 million). The Giants also have the option of using the franchise tag on him a second time, which would mean paying Williams roughly $19 million on a one-year deal for 2021.

6. Trent Williams, OT, 49ers (33)
After missing all of 2019, Williams was traded to the 49ers and played at a high level. He finished fourth among tackles in ESPN’s pass-block win rate and made the Pro Bowl. Williams is on the wrong side of 30, but left tackles of his caliber are hard to find, and he should still have plenty of suitors if he hits the open market. David Bakhtiari ($23 million per year) is currently the NFL’s top-paid tackle. The floor for a Williams deal could be the contract ($17 million per year) Garrett Bolles signed with the Broncos. One important note: As part of Williams’ restructured deal with San Francisco, the 49ers can’t use the franchise tag on him.

7. Yannick Ngakoue, Edge, Ravens (26)
He has had eight sacks or more in each of his first five seasons and has missed just two games in his career. That production and durability should get Ngakoue paid, especially given how young he is.

The Jaguars used the franchise tag on Ngakoue last offseason and then traded him to the Vikings. He played six games in Minnesota and then was dealt to Baltimore, where Ngakoue had his moments but was not a consistent difference-maker. The Ravens had him on the field for just 42 percent of the snaps and 36 percent of the snaps, respectively, in their two playoff games. Over the last five years, Ngakoue’s 45.5 sacks rank 12th, and his 95 QB hits rank tied for 14th. The Ravens can sign him to an extension, tag him again and keep him, tag and trade him or let him walk in free agency for a potential compensatory pick. Arik Armstead signed with the 49ers for $17 million per year last offseason, and Demarcus Lawrence got $21 million per year from the Cowboys. That’s likely the range that Ngakoue would be looking at on the open market.

8. Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions (27)
Golladay played in only five games last season because of a hip injury, but he’s been a difference-making receiver when he’s on the field. Golladay’s 2,253 yards across 2018 and 2019 ranked ninth among all wide receivers. He’s averaged 16.8 yards per reception for his career and is a terrific downfield threat who knows how to use his size to out-muscle opponents. As long as there are no lingering questions about Golladay’s hip injury, he should be in line to land a deal between $17 and $20 million per year.

9. Brandon Scherff, OG, Washington (29)
Washington used the franchise tag to keep Scherff last offseason. He made his fourth Pro Bowl, ranking fourth among guards in ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric. The only question with Scherff is durability. He missed three games in 2020, five in 2019 and eight in 2018. But given how well he’s played when healthy, Scherff could become the NFL’s highest-paid guard and find a deal worth $15 million per year.


Shaquil Barrett (Matthew Emmons / USA Today)
10. Shaquil Barrett, Edge, Buccaneers (28)
He was dominant during the Bucs’ Super Bowl run with four sacks and eight quarterback hits in Tampa’s last two games. Barrett was a monster in 2019 (19.5 sacks, 37 QB hits and six forced fumbles), and the Bucs used the franchise tag to retain him. His regular-season numbers (eight sacks, 16 QB hits) weren’t as impressive in 2020, but he made his mark in the playoffs. The Buccaneers will have to decide whether to again use the franchise tag on Barrett, sign him to a long-term extension or let him walk in free agency.

11. J.J. Watt, DL, Texans (32)
He asked for his release, and the Texans granted Watt’s wish. Unlike the other players on this list, Watt is free to sign right away and doesn’t have to wait for the start of the new league year, which could be a big advantage. Watt will be a high-risk, high-reward option for contending teams. He played in all 16 games last season, producing five sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 14 tackles for loss. The numbers are more impressive when considering how often Watt was double-teamed. On the other hand, he’ll be 32 at the start of the season and missed 32 games during a four-year stretch from 2016 to 2019.

12. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers (24)
He came into the league at a young age and is set to enter free agency at just 24. Smith-Schuster was hurt by terrible quarterback play in 2019 but bounced back with 97 catches for 831 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020. He is a great option to work the middle, intermediate part of the field and brings a toughness that teams will find appealing. Players like Robert Woods, Adam Thielen and Cooper Kupp are in the neighborhood of $16 million per year. That seems like a reasonable floor for any potential deal with Smith-Schuster.

13. Bud Dupree, Edge, Steelers (28)
The Steelers used the franchise tag on him last offseason, and Dupree was playing at a high level before tearing an ACL in December, with eight sacks and 15 quarterback hits in 11 games. In 2019, he had 11.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Intel on Dupree’s knee injury will obviously be key, but it’s relatively common now for players to return to full strength after ACL injuries. It’s possible that Dupree settles for a one-year deal and then tries to cash in next offseason. But given his age, production and versatility, it would be no surprise to see Dupree land a long-term deal that pays him north of $15 million per year.

14. Matt Judon, Edge, Ravens (29)
The Ravens used the franchise tag on Judon last offseason. He produced just six sacks, but his 21 QB hits were tied for 11th most in the league. Judon hit the quarterback on 8.5 percent of his pass-rush opportunities, which ranked third behind only T.J. Watt and Joey Bosa. Using the franchise tag again on Judon would cost north of $20 million. The Ravens could be forced to choose between Ngakoue and Judon, and it’s possible that they lose both players this offseason.

15. Aaron Jones, RB, Packers (26)
With 3,017 yards from scrimmage since the start of 2019 (fifth league-wide among running backs), Jones has been one of the NFL’s best all-around backs over the past two seasons. Aside from his talent and production, the case for signing Jones would be that he hasn’t had to carry a heavy workload in his first four seasons. In the last year, Dalvin Cook, Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon have signed deals between $12 million and $13 million per year. That could be the range Jones is looking for.

16. Lavonte David, LB, Buccaneers (31)
He was a key cog on one of the NFL’s best defenses and added a Super Bowl ring to an already impressive resume. David is on the wrong side of 30, but he has been durable and productive throughout his nine-year career. Since David entered the league in 2012, only Bobby Wagner has produced more tackles. David played at a high level in 2020 and will interest teams that are looking for a veteran leader and a three-down linebacker.

17. Corey Linsley, OC, Packers (30)
He’s started 99 games in seven seasons for the Packers and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2020. Linsley ranked fifth among centers in pass-block win rate. He will be the top option for teams in the market for a veteran center. Ryan Kelly signed a four-year, $49.65 million deal ($12.4 million per year) with the Colts in September. That could be a good comp for what Linsley commands on the open market.

18. Leonard Floyd, Edge, Rams (29)
The change of scenery served him well. The Bears released Floyd, and the Rams signed him to a one-year, $10 million deal. Floyd finished ninth in the league with 10.5 sacks and tied for 19th with 19 QB hits. He played 90 percent of the snaps and has not missed a game in the past three years.

19. Taylor Moton, OT, Panthers (27)
There’s a lot to like about Moton. He’s never missed a game and has been a rock-solid right tackle for Carolina. Ja’Wuan James got a four-year, $51 million deal with the Broncos in 2019, and Jack Conklin signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Browns last offseason. Moton will likely be looking to get a deal in that range.

20. Joe Thuney, OG, Patriots (28)
The Patriots surprisingly used the franchise tag on Thuney last offseason. He’s started 80 consecutive games and been a solid, steady player. Thuney will likely be one of the top available guards on the market and could find a deal in the range of $14 million per year.


Corey Davis (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)
21. Corey Davis, WR, Titans (26)
He picked the right time to have a career year. Davis had 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to his draft slot (he was taken fifth in 2017), and the Titans declined his fifth-year option, but Davis is still young and offers the floor of a No. 2 wide receiver. Teams could talk themselves into him having a No. 1 wide receiver ceiling. The advanced numbers are kind to Davis. He averaged 2.73 yards per route run in the regular season, which ranked eighth among 276 qualifying players.

22. Matt Milano, LB, Bills (27)
He’s a true three-down linebacker whose skill set should fit any scheme. Milano is coming off of an injury-riddled 2020 when he started five regular-season games and played 30 percent of the defensive snaps, but durability had not been a major issue previously. Based on recent deals signed by guys like Cory Littleton and Zach Cunningham, Milano seems likely to command between $12 million and $14 million per year.

23. William Jackson III, CB, Bengals (28)
It’s not an especially strong group of cornerback free agents, which could be good news for Jackson. He hasn’t been a shutdown, Pro Bowl-caliber player and has just three interceptions in 59 career games, but Jackson has played well. He’s a talented cover corner, and there’s always a market for those guys.

24. Shaquill Griffin, CB, Seahawks (26)
He’s been a four-year starter since Seattle selected him in the third round in 2017. Griffin has speed and length and should be able to fit any defensive scheme. He missed four games this season with injuries, but durability has not been a long-term issue. It would be no surprise to see a team project that Griffin’s best days are still ahead of him. He should be among the highest-paid corners in this free-agent class.

25. Carl Lawson, Edge, Bengals (26)
He’s another player who made the most out of his contract year. Lawson had just 5.5 sacks, but his 32 QB hits ranked second to only Watt. Some teams may view Lawson more as a rotational pass rusher than an every-down player, although he played a career-high 68 percent of the defensive snaps in 2020 and has been consistently productive. Lawson’s 83 QB hits over the past four seasons are tied for 11th league-wide.

26. Marcus Maye, S, Jets (28)
He was one of the few bright spots for the Jets in 2020. Maye could be a nice free safety option in Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme. He hasn’t missed a start in the past two years and played 100 percent of the snaps last season. If the Jets don’t re-sign him before he hits the market, Maye should have plenty of suitors.

27. John Johnson, S, Rams (25)
He was limited to six games due to an injury in 2019 but came back strong and played 100 percent of the Rams’ defensive snaps. Johnson has been used more as a strong safety but can play deep in split-safety looks. He’s young and has the intangibles teams will find attractive.

28. Trey Hendrickson, Edge, Saints (26)
He made the most of his contract year, finishing second league-wide with 13.5 sacks and tied for eighth with 25 quarterback hits. Hendrickson had never played more than 38 percent of the defensive snaps in a season prior to 2020, when he was on the field 53 percent of the time. Teams will have to weigh his 2020 production against previous years to determine whether Hendrickson is a one-year wonder or an ascending player. He had 6.5 sacks and 18 QB hits during his first three seasons.

29. Haason Reddick, Edge/LB, Cardinals (27)
He had a big second half of the season and finished with 12.5 sacks, which was tied for fourth league-wide. Reddick’s role in Arizona has changed about 400 times in four seasons, but he has shown pass-rushing chops. He’s a hybrid-type player who could be really fun with the right defensive coordinator.

30. Will Fuller, WR, Texans (27)
The question with Fuller has never been talent but durability. He missed 22 games in his first four seasons. Fuller was turning in a career year through 11 games in 2020 but was suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. He had 53 catches for 879 yards and eight touchdowns. Fuller is the type of vertical field-stretcher that teams covet. He’ll be a boom-or-bust free agent.


Marcus Williams (Derick E. Hingle / USA Today)
31. Marcus Williams, S, Saints (25)
Williams is young and durable. He’s missed just four games in four seasons and played well in 2020. Williams should be among the more attractive starting-caliber free safety options available on the open market.

32. Anthony Harris, S, Vikings (29)
The Vikings surprisingly tagged him last offseason, and Harris had an up-and-down 2020 while adjusting his role and responsibilities to account for Minnesota’s young and inexperienced cornerbacks. He should still be an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable, rangy free safety who can make plays on the ball.

33. Nelson Agholor, WR, Raiders (28)
After a disappointing 2019 with the Eagles, Agholor settled for a one-year, $1.05 million deal with the Raiders. He made the most of his opportunity, catching 48 balls for 896 yards and averaging 18.7 yards per reception. He should have a much different market this time around.

34. Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers (25)
Coaches often fall in love with players like Samuel, who can offer speed and versatility. Samuel set career highs with 77 catches for 851 yards in 2020, and he was much more efficient than he had been previously, catching 79.4 percent of his targets. The Panthers used Samuel as a ballcarrier, too — he had 41 carries for 200 yards. With the right offensive coach, Samuel is a really fun player. With the wrong one, he could be a bust. But he produced his career season at the perfect time to get paid and is one of the youngest players on this list.

35. Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers (26)
The Chargers tagged Henry last offseason. He finished the year with 613 receiving yards — 12th among tight ends. Henry averaged 1.35 yards per route run, which ranked 31st among tight ends. Austin Hooper got a four-year, $42 million deal last offseason. Given how young Henry is, he could be in line for a similar deal if a team thinks his best football is still ahead of him.

36. Jonnu Smith, TE, Titans (26)
He’s a good example of how teams might be willing to pay for future projection over past performance. Smith has made a lot of big plays, but his career high for receiving yards in a season — set this year — is 448. Smith also set a career high with eight touchdowns in 2020. His talent is obvious, and teams could view Smith as a player who could put up big numbers if given more opportunities in a pass-heavy offense.

37. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Giants (27)
He’s started 64 games in four seasons and has been a steady presence on the Giants’ defensive line. Tomlinson has seven sacks and 19 quarterback hits over the past two seasons. He’ll be a nice option for teams in the market for a run-stopping defensive tackle, and some may view Tomlinson as a player with pass-rushing upside. D.J. Reader got a four-year $53 million deal from the Cincinnati Bengals last offseason. That’s probably the ceiling for a potential Tomlinson contract.

38. Justin Houston, Edge, Colts (32)
He’s on the wrong side of 30, but Houston continues to produce. He was eighth among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate and had eight sacks to go along with 12 QB hits. Houston signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Colts in 2019. It’s possible he finds a similar deal on the open market.

39. Melvin Ingram, Edge, Chargers (32)
It was a tough contract year for Ingram. He appeared in seven games before heading to injured reserve with a knee injury. Ingram has had a very good career, but he finished 2020 with no sacks and four QB hits. If healthy, Ingram is a disruptive player and a versatile pass rusher capable of lining up in different spots. His market will likely come down to whether teams are confident he can bounce back from the injury.

40. Romeo Okwara, Edge, Lions (26)
He made the most of his contract year. Okwara finished 10th with 10 sacks and tied for 22nd with 18 QB hits. However, teams will have to balance that production with Okwara’s first four seasons, when he totaled 10 sacks in 51 games. He’s one of the trickier players to project on this list, but given Okwara’s age, there’s reason to think he could be an ascending player.


Alejandro Villanueva (Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
41. Alejandro Villanueva, OT, Steelers (33)
There’s always a market for starting-caliber left tackles. Villanueva didn’t become a starter until he was 27. He’s never missed a game and is a two-time Pro Bowler, although 2020 was not his best season. Given Villanueva’s age, teams may view him as a declining player, but he plays a premium position. The two-year, $33 million deal that Anthony Castonzo signed last offseason is probably the ceiling for what Villanueva could land.

42. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts (31)
He started off slow but came on strong in the second half of the season and finished with 56 catches for 762 yards and five touchdowns. Just two years ago, Hilton totaled 1,270 yards with Andrew Luck as his quarterback. He’s older than the other receivers on this list but should still have at least a couple of years left as a starting-caliber player. If a team needs wide receiver help but doesn’t have the cap space to target the top of the market, Hilton at around $9 million per year could make sense.

43. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Titans (28)
He was searching for a big payday last offseason but didn’t find it and had to settle for a one-year, $13 million deal with the Titans. Now Clowney’s stock is likely to be significantly lower. He failed to notch a single sack in eight games and then underwent season-ending knee surgery. Clowney might have a hard time finding the deal he’s looking for once again this offseason.

44. Richard Sherman, CB, 49ers (33)
He’s a tough player to slot. Sherman will be 33 at the start of next season and appeared in only five games in 2020 because of injury. He was 30 when he signed with the 49ers in 2018 and delivered two great years, making the Pro Bowl in 2019. If healthy, Sherman can still be effective. But given his age, he might be looking at another incentive-laden deal or a one-year contract.

45. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Buccaneers (32)
He returned to action in 2020 after a one-year hiatus and started every game, playing 75 percent of the Bucs’ offensive snaps. Gronkowski was outstanding as a blocker and showed he can still be effective as a receiver, catching 45 balls for 623 yards and seven touchdowns. It’s hard to picture him catching passes from anyone other than Tom Brady, but Gronkowski should draw interest if he wants to look elsewhere.

46. Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals (31)
He’s another tough player to slot. Peterson was suspended for six games in 2019 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. He played 99 percent of the Cardinals’ defensive snaps in 2020 but looked like a declining player. Peterson has put together a Hall of Fame-caliber resume and, at his best, is an elite man corner. But his best days are behind him, and interested teams will have to determine how much to invest in Peterson at this stage of his career.

47. Michael Davis, CB, Chargers (26)
After originally signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Davis has developed into a quality starting corner. He has size at 6-foot-2 with athletic traits, and he is young. Davis was on the field for 92 percent of the Chargers’ defensive snaps in 2020 and has been a contributing player for three seasons. Teams will likely view Davis as a number two corner, but his best days could be ahead of him.

48. Desmond King, CB, Titans (26)
He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2018, but King’s performance dipped, and the Chargers ended up trading him to the Titans in November. King will likely be viewed by most teams as a nickel or a hybrid defensive back who can also be an option in the return game.

49. Daryl Williams, OT, Bills (29)
He settled for a one-year, $2.25 million deal last offseason but played well as a 16-game starter at right tackle for one of the league’s best offenses. Williams should have a significantly stronger market than he did a year ago.


Cam Newton (Brian Fluharty / USA Today)
50. Cam Newton, QB, Patriots (32)
His season in New England didn’t go according to plan. Newton finished the season ranked 30th in QBR, and the Patriots missed the playoffs. But he also played with one of the league’s worst supporting casts. If you’re looking for a glass-half-full view, Newton stayed healthy and ran for 513 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Patriots could opt to bring him back with a younger quarterback, or Newton could see if he can find a starting job elsewhere. Last offseason, he settled for a one-year, $1.75 million deal. And Newton is again hitting the market at a bad time, given all the quarterback options available via trade.

Players you might yell at me about for not including:
Jameis Winston, QB, Saints (27)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Dolphins (38)
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bears (27)
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts (28)
Andy Dalton, QB, Cowboys (32)
Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks (27)
Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers (26)
Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals (27)
James Conner, RB, Steelers (26)
James White, RB, Patriots (29)
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Chiefs (29)
Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs (28)
Breshad Perriman, WR, Jets (28)
Antonio Brown, WR, Buccaneers (33)
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals (33)
Marvin Jones, WR, Lions (31)
Josh Reynolds, WR, Rams (26)
Gerald Everett, TE, Rams (27)
Cam Robinson, OT, Jaguars (25)
Russell Okung, OT, Panthers (32)
Kelvin Beachum, OT, Cardinals (32)
Matt Feiler, OT, Steelers (29)
Jon Feliciano, OG, Bills (29)
Germain Ifedi, OG, Bears (27)
Austin Reiter, OC, Chiefs (29)
David Andrews, OC, Patriots (29)
Alex Mack, OC, Falcons (35)
Denico Autry, Edge, Colts (31)
Everson Griffen, DE, Lions (33)
Ryan Kerrigan, Edge, Washington (33)
Aldon Smith, Edge, Cowboys (32)
Olivier Vernon, Edge, Browns (30)
Takk McKinley, Edge, Falcons/Raiders (25)
Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Browns (27)
D.J. Jones, DT, 49ers (26)
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Buccaneers (34)
Shelby Harris, DT, Broncos (30)
K.J. Wright, LB, Seahawks (32)
Jayon Brown, LB, Titans (26)
Denzel Perryman, LB, Chargers (28)
Reggie Ragland, LB, Lions (28)
Anthony Walker, LB, Colts (26)
Eric Wilson, LB, Vikings (27)
Bashaud Breeland, CB, Chiefs (29)
Jason Verrett, CB, 49ers (30)
Mike Hilton, DB, Steelers (27)
Cameron Sutton, DB, Steelers (26)
Ronald Darby, CB, Washington (27)
Brian Poole, CB, Jets (28)
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Bengals (27)
K’Waun Williams, CB, 49ers (30)
Troy Hill, CB, Rams (30)
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Cowboys (26)
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Colts (31)
Rasul Douglas, CB, Panthers (27)
Quinton Dunbar, CB, Seahawks (29)
Kevin King, CB, Packers (26)
Terrance Mitchell, CB, Browns (29)
Tashaun Gipson, S, Bears (31)
Duron Harmon, S, Lions (30)
Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Chargers (27)
Keanu Neal, S, Falcons (26)
Xavier Woods, S, Cowboys (26)

[HopHead Ram]

I am very interested to see how this offseason shakes out. Not just for the Rams but for all of the teams. Sucks to be a FA the year the Cap drops and maybe that big payday you were expecting just doesn't materialize. I think there will be lots of 1 year deals with the hope that next year the cap bounces back. Maybe the Rams can free up enough space and a veteran is willing to chase a ring instead of the dollars that will be more available in 2022.

[Elvis]

https://www.nfl.com/news/top-101-nfl-fr ... -available

Top 101 NFL free agents of 2021: Who are the best players available?

Mar 01, 2021 at 11:10 AM
Gregg Rosenthal
Around The NFL Editor

Chris Wesseling and I worked together on the Top 101 Free Agents list for the past seven seasons. For years before that, we battled on AOL Instant Messenger over fantasy football rankings at Rotoworld. There's no one I respected more than Wess, which meant there was no one I loved arguing with more. It doesn't feel right doing the rankings without him this year. It may never feel right.

Those arguments mellowed in recent years. Maybe it was perspective after his first cancer battle or maybe we were just getting old. To argue about football is to love it, and to love it is to know it can mean everything and nothing at all. We'd wonder about a job that could be joyous yet ephemeral. His voice, however, will remain lodged in my head forever, including during this exercise. I heard him dismiss my ranking of Jameis Winston below with incredulity. Mike Hilton, long one of Wess' favorites, was given a bump.

Many of our last conversations came on Tuesday afternoons in the fall, driving him home from chemo. Football was usually part of the discussion, a dose of normality in a year that was anything but. We marveled at Aaron Rodgers playing on easy mode or ranked Justin Herbert's place in history among rookie QBs. It was nothing and everything all at once.

NOTE: Each player's listed age represents how old they will be on Sept. 9, when the 2021 NFL season is expected to kick off.

Rank
1
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott
QB | Age: 28
It perversely may have taken a major injury for Cowboys brass to fully appreciate Prescott’s value. The longer they wait, the more expensive Dak gets.

Rank
2
Trent Williams
Trent Williams
OT | Age: 33
A Hall of Fame-caliber player like Williams performing near his peak at a premium position will do incredibly well in the open market. (And Williams will get there because the 49ers agreed not to tag him.) Great tackles often play well into their late 30s, which is why I fully expect Williams to become the highest paid player at his position.

Rank
3
Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson
WR | Age: 28
It has never been harder to be a top-10 NFL receiver because the position is so deep. Robinson still belongs in that group, so don’t be surprised if there’s a trade market after the Bears presumably tag him.

Rank
4
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams
DE | Age: 27
Giants GM Dave Gettleman was right. Unleashed in an attacking scheme, Williams was one of football’s best interior linemen last year and is about to be paid like it.

Rank
5
Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons
S | Age: 27
The Broncos appear ready to go year-to-year with their star safety and locker room leader, just like they are going year-to-year with the head coach who utilizes Simmons’ skill set so well.

Rank
6
Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin
WR | Age: 24
Like a lot of players near the top of this list, Godwin will almost certainly receive the franchise tag. The Bucs won’t let Tom Brady’s favorite target walk.

Rank
7
J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt
DE | Age: 32
He is still a hoss. Watt played 91.5 percent of the Texans’ defensive snaps last season, the highest of any free agent defensive lineman. His next team could see more explosive plays by giving the 10-year veteran more rest.

Rank
8
Shaquil Barrett
Shaquil Barrett
Edge | Age: 28
While Barrett’s sack total fell in 2020, he was a monster in the playoffs. Anyone believing he’s a one-year wonder should also check out his remarkably steady annual PFF grade, never dipping below 74.0 in six NFL seasons despite increased usage.

Rank
9
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones
RB | Age: 26
The 3,017 yards and 30 touchdowns on just 533 touches over the last two seasons speaks to Jones’ explosiveness and efficiency. The projected franchise tag value for running backs is so low that the Packers would be foolish to let him go.

Rank
10
Taylor Moton
Taylor Moton
OT | Age: 27
A Pro Football Focus top-20 tackle for three seasons running, Moton is highly unlikely to hit the open market.

Rank
11
Brandon Scherff
Brandon Scherff
OG | Age: 29
Scherff is elite in all aspects of guard play. The four-time Pro Bowler would be ranked in the top five here if not for the 16 games he's missed over the last three seasons before turning 30.


Rank
12
Bud Dupree
Bud Dupree
Edge | Age: 28
A late-season torn ACL hurts Dupree’s value, but he’s versatile and strong enough to make a three-year contract worth it.

Rank
13
Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson
Edge | Age: 26
The 2017 third-rounder always looked like a guy who could explode if given more snaps. In 2020, he was and he did. A Shaq Barrett-like career path is in play, with more production at his second stop.

Rank
14
Carl Lawson
Carl Lawson
Edge | Age: 26
Pass rush in a bottle. I can’t imagine why the Bengals would not tag Lawson, who finished fourth in pressures (64) and second in QB hits (24) among edge rushers, per PFF.

Rank
15
Kenny Golladay
Kenny Golladay
WR | Age: 27
An injury-marred 2020 season won’t erase memories of Golladay skying over defenders and winning 1-on-1 matches on the outside, a difficult skill set to find.

Rank
16
Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney
Edge | Age: 28
His stock is at a low, but I’m still taking Clowney’s snap-to-snap ferocity upside over players like Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon. Still just 28, Clowney remains capable of a strong second phase to his career.

Rank
17
Joe Thuney
Joe Thuney
OG | Age: 28
Above-average starting guards who never miss a snap get paid so much in free agency that Bill Belichick may just use the franchise tag on Thuney for the second year in a row.

Rank
18
Matt Judon
Matt Judon
Edge | Age: 29
Never lacking for effort, Judon is the product of a Ravens system known for strong outside linebacker play that doesn’t always translate to other rosters.

Rank
19
Corey Linsley
Corey Linsley
C | Age: 30
The Packers are probably going to disappoint Aaron Rodgers by allowing Linsley or Aaron Jones to leave. Linsley figures to cost more after seven rock-solid seasons in Green Bay.


Rank
20
Yannick Ngakoue
Yannick Ngakoue
Edge | Age: 26
It’s clear that Ngakoue’s pure outside rush doesn’t work in every scheme after a lost season in Minnesota and Baltimore. He’s a liability against the run, and it’s a red flag that his production has fallen every season since 2017, when he played on a historically good Jags defense.

Rank
21
Will Fuller
Will Fuller
WR | Age: 27
Finally healthy and on his way to a monster season, Fuller’s 2020 campaign was cut short by a PED suspension that will also sideline him for Week 1 of next season. The NFL equivalent of a plus-minus NBA standout, Fuller’s speedy presence on the field has proven to make everyone around him better.

Rank
22
Matt Milano
Matt Milano
LB | Age: 27
Milano isn’t quite a young Lavonte David, but he’s close enough. There aren’t many off-ball linebackers left who can be an asset on all three downs, tracking down runners while holding up in coverage.

Rank
23
Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston
QB | Age: 27
It will take the right coach, but Winston could improve a handful of starting quarterback situations. Don’t be surprised if it happens in New Orleans.

Rank
24
Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel
WR | Age: 25
It took Panthers coach Matt Rhule to show Samuel’s full value, helping him to top 1,000 yards from scrimmage with a mix of route trees and surprisingly potent inside runs. He’s a perfect weapon for today’s wide-open offenses.

Rank
25
JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu Smith-Schuster
WR | Age: 24
He’s known for his social media, yet JuJu’s game is decidedly old school. A perfect No. 2 receiver who can do all the dirty work with incredible toughness over the middle.

Rank
26
Cam Newton
Cam Newton
QB | Age: 32
Look closer at Newton’s 2020 season and it’s clear he’s not done yet as a starter. His yards per attempt (7.2) was near his career average, and he was still able to rush for 592 yards and 12 scores. Bridge quarterbacks are worth plenty!

Rank
27
Jonnu Smith
Jonnu Smith
TE | Age: 26
Closer to a poor man’s Gronk or Delanie Walker than a Travis Kelce-type, Smith’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s an incredible red-zone weapon.


Rank
28
Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry
TE | Age: 26
It’s OK if Henry doesn’t ever develop into Tony Gonzalez. Putting up more than 600 yards annually with a knack for field-stretching plays up the seam is going to make Henry rich.

Rank
29
Shaquill Griffin
Shaquill Griffin
CB | Age: 26
After four admittedly streaky years in Seattle, Griffin is undeniably an above-average starting cornerback. The thin market at the position could bump up his price tag.

Rank
30
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
QB | Age: 38
You could argue Fitz’s peak started around age 37. Why stop now?

Rank
31
Romeo Okwara
Romeo Okwara
Edge | Age: 26
His pass-rush production spiked in 2020 with 61 pressures, tying him for the fifth-most among edge rushers, according to PFF.

Rank
32
Corey Davis
Corey Davis
WR | Age: 26
Consider it a red flag the Titans thought so little of Davis a year ago that they didn’t exercise his fifth-year option. After he recorded 984 yards in 14 games, they may regret that decision like they regret letting Jack Conklin walk a year ago.

Rank
33
Marcus Maye
Marcus Maye
S | Age: 28
Jamal Adams’ departure to Seattle helped Maye shine in 2020. The Jets have so much cap space they might as well keep Maye with the franchise tag.

Rank
34
Dalvin Tomlinson
Dalvin Tomlinson
NT | Age: 27
If you need a consistent big body to anchor the middle of your defensive line, Tomlinson is a fine choice. Guys with his size and strength inevitably get huge dollars.

Rank
35
John Johnson
John Johnson
S | Age: 25
The secret back-end weapon in the Rams' defense last year could possibly join his old coach Brandon Staley without changing stadiums.


Rank
36
Lavonte David
Lavonte David
LB | Age: 31
I feel guilty ranking the linebacker this low because he’s a borderline Hall of Famer coming off another steady season. But with David already having logged 9,000-plus snaps in an incredibly durable career, teams could get caught paying for past accomplishments.

Rank
37
Daryl Williams
Daryl Williams
OT | Age: 29
A dislocated kneecap a few years ago ruined Williams’ previous chance to cash in following a second-team All-Pro season. Now fully recovered, Williams proved in Buffalo he can still play right tackle at a high level.

Rank
38
Marcus Williams
Marcus Williams
S | Age: 25
If the Saints can find the cap space, they will try to retain Williams. He’s been a smart, reliable starter since the day he entered the league.

Rank
39
Leonard Floyd
Leonard Floyd
Edge | Age: 29
Playing on the same line as Aaron Donald gave Floyd a bump like it did to Dante Fowler a year ago. Floyd’s longer track record as a workmanlike starter makes him a relatively safe pickup.

Rank
40
William Jackson
William Jackson
CB | Age: 28
Youngish cornerbacks with some terrific highs in their careers are few and far between in this market. Jackson is a prime candidate to get more money than expected.

Rank
41
Shelby Harris
Shelby Harris
DE | Age: 30
If you know, you know. A master shot blocker in the paint, Harris’ game has exceeded his brand name for a while.

Rank
42
Justin Houston
Justin Houston
Edge | Age: 32
Professionalism ages well. One of the most productive pass rushers of the last decade can still get it done, albeit in a reduced role.

Rank
43
Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick
Edge | Age: 26
In one year, Reddick went from a potential roster cut to a contract-year revelation. I’d be wary of expecting 2020 production from Reddick again, but his first-round pedigree will help him get paid.


Rank
44
Jayon Brown
Jayon Brown
LB | Age: 26
Brown just makes plays. After four seasons with Mike Vrabel, the inside linebacker could stay within the extended Bill Belichick coaching tree and land in New England or Miami.

Rank
45
Jason Verrett
Jason Verrett
CB | Age: 30
This is the part of the free agent list where I’m willing to take a chance. Verrett is the type of boom-or-bust signing who is worth a shot on a one-year deal for a contending team.

Rank
46
Ronald Darby
Ronald Darby
CB | Age: 27
It feels like Darby is available in free agency every season. I usually rate him higher than the market does and finally felt justified after he ranked 12th out of 79 qualifiers in PFF’s 2020 cornerback grades.

Rank
47
T.Y. Hilton
T.Y. Hilton
WR | Age: 31
Smaller receivers don’t always age well, but Hilton’s tape last year was a lot more impressive than his final numbers.

Rank
48
Andy Dalton
Andy Dalton
QB | Age: 33
Great backup quarterbacks were weirdly undervalued in last year’s market, receiving less money than mediocre situational pass rushers. Dalton is settling into the phase of his career where he’s one of the best backups in football.

Rank
49
David Andrews
David Andrews
C | Age: 29
After missing the 2019 season due to career-threatening blood clots, Andrews came back to anchor the Patriots' line in 2020. He’s a quick fix for any team with a center problem.

Rank
50
Anthony Harris
Anthony Harris
S | Age: 29
His play dipped in 2020 after a torrid season and a half in the starting lineup. The depth in the free agent safety class could hurt Harris’ bottom line.

Rank
51
Mike Hilton
Mike Hilton
CB | Age: 27
With flair for days, the Steelers slot corner would bring energy and versatility to any team that knows how to use him.


Rank
52
Melvin Ingram
Melvin Ingram
Edge | Age: 32
There is some concern that Ingram’s ferocious playing style could be compromised by injury (missed 12 games since 2019), but he’s been a force every time he’s stepped on the field and could give any defense a nasty attitude upgrade.

Rank
53
Chris Carson
Chris Carson
RB | Age: 26
It’s not cool to value tackle-breaking running backs like Chris Carson, but it is exceedingly cool to watch Chris Carson play football.

Rank
54
K.J. Wright
K.J. Wright
LB | Age: 32
Wright bounced back from an injured 2018 and down 2019 season to show off his incredible instincts in 2020, but the market for an off-ball linebacker who turns 32 in July still may not be to Wright’s liking.

Rank
55
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski
TE | Age: 32
I wanted to rank Gronk lower before realizing he finished in the top 10 among tight ends in yards (623) and touchdowns (7), all while blocking well and rarely leaving the field. He will live forever.

Rank
56
Nelson Agholor
Nelson Agholor
WR | Age: 28
It’s hilarious to think of Agholor's five seasons in Philadelphia, where he was used as a chain-moving slot receiver. He doubled his yards per catch in Las Vegas (18.7 in 2020; 9.3 in 2019) and probably doubled his salary.

Rank
57
Marvin Jones
Marvin Jones
WR | Age: 31
Still flush with mid-air ball skills, Jones pulled off one of the toughest feats in the NFL: He made it to the very end of a five-year free agent contract! (And his 978-yard 2020 campaign could earn him one more nice payday.)

Rank
58
Denico Autry
Denico Autry
DE | Age: 31
I defy you to watch Autry for a few games and not come away thinking, “Nice ballplayer!”

Rank
59
Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman
CB | Age: 33
Sherman is only one year removed from a remarkable late-career second-team All-Pro season. A calf injury in 2020 limited him to 321 snaps, most of them at less than full strength.


Rank
60
Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins
WR | Age: 28
Playoff heroics aside, Watkins hasn’t topped 700 yards in a season since 2015. In related news, he has missed at least six games three of the last five years.

Rank
61
Xavier Rhodes
Xavier Rhodes
CB | Age: 31
In the right scheme, Rhodes showed in Indianapolis he still has quality snaps to give.

Rank
62
Michael Davis
Michael Davis
CB | Age: 26
Undrafted free agents with forgettable names and prominent mustaches tend to get ignored, which is a shame for this solid starting cornerback.

Rank
63
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett
QB | Age: 28
See my note on Andy Dalton for the relative value of backup quarterbacks. The last time Brissett played with a healthy shoulder, in the first half of the 2019 season, he played quite well.

Rank
64
Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown
WR | Age: 33
A.B. was more productive than you might remember (483 yards in eight regular-season games), but still wasn’t the old Antonio Brown. The risk-reward ratio now looks out of whack unless your team employs Tom Brady at quarterback.

Rank
65
DaQuan Jones
DaQuan Jones
NT | Age: 29
The Titans’ scheme asked Jones to do a lot that doesn’t show up in the box score, and he did it all well.

Rank
66
Jaquiski Tartt
Jaquiski Tartt
S | Age: 29
I like medium-risk/high-reward free agent signings like Tartt. He’s a devastating tone-setter with explosive skills and significant injury risk.

Rank
67
K'Waun Williams
K'Waun Williams
CB | Age: 30
See above. Williams may have some injury risk like Tartt, but he’s been one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL during stretches of his career.


Rank
68
Kenyan Drake
Kenyan Drake
RB | Age: 27
He had to work harder in 2020, but Drake topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the third straight season. His best role would be as a dangerous tag-team partner, rather than as a lead back.

Rank
69
Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson
CB | Age: 31
The Cardinals asked a lot of Peterson the last two years, and it did not pay off for the future Hall of Fame candidate. The right coach should still be able to find a role for him.

Rank
70
Larry Ogunjobi
Larry Ogunjobi
DT | Age: 27
A nice third-round pick by the Browns, Ogunjobi’s play seemed to decline as his rookie contract wore on.

Rank
71
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh
DT | Age: 34
Teams will eventually see diminishing returns on these one-year deals for Suh, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Rank
72
Xavier Woods
Xavier Woods
S | Age: 26
Any Cowboys defender associated with last season’s meltdown figures to come at a discount. Woods was quietly an effective player before defensive coordinator Mike Nolan arrived.

Rank
73
Austin Reiter
Austin Reiter
C | Age: 29
The Chiefs have a lot of tricky decisions to make on the offensive line, including whether to bring back their starting center Reiter after two capable years protecting Patrick Mahomes.

Rank
74
Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson
WR | Age: 30
Patterson is ranked this high because he’s one of the best special teams players in NFL history, not because of his efficiency as an offensive weapon (no matter how hard coaches still try).

Rank
75
Sheldon Rankins
Sheldon Rankins
DT | Age: 27
The upside here -- his boffo 2018 season -- is significant. Will Rankins be better another year removed from Achilles surgery, or is he just settling in as a useful rotation piece?


Rank
76
Keanu Neal
Keanu Neal
S | Age: 26
Injuries have taken a toll, but Neal started to show flashes of his physical form down the stretch last year. Would Dan Quinn bring him to Dallas?

Rank
77
Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett
TE | Age: 27
Sean McVay could never fully unlock Everett, but the tight end has the size and speed to carve out a long NFL career.

Rank
78
Duke Johnson
Duke Johnson
RB | Age: 27
I remain convinced Johnson can be one of the best third-down backs in football, even after landing in two straight tricky situations for running backs.

Rank
79
Alejandro Villanueva
Alejandro Villanueva
OT | Age: 32
It looks like the Steelers are ready to move on from Villanueva, which is a red flag because the Steelers are nothing if not loyal.

Rank
80
Desmond King
Desmond King
DB | Age: 26
After falling out of favor with the Chargers, King helped the Titans' secondary down the stretch last season. He has special teams value, too.

Rank
81
Aldon Smith
Aldon Smith
Edge | Age: 31
While Smith’s comeback faded as the season wore on in Dallas, he showed enough to get another contract as a third pass rusher for some team.

Rank
82
Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor
QB | Age: 32
It’s a shame that the Chargers' medical staff mishap cost Taylor a chance at being a Week 1 starter in 2021. He can still help a team as a backup.

Rank
83
Bashaud Breeland
Bashaud Breeland
CB | Age: 29
Cornerback is a weird position: You can have a name brand and make huge dollars, or you can be a guy like Breeland, going year-to-year while always giving his team creditable starts.


Rank
84
Marlon Mack
Marlon Mack
RB | Age: 25
One of the league’s most underrated running backs would be worth a flier, even coming off a torn Achilles.

Rank
85
Tyrell Williams
Tyrell Williams
WR | Age: 29
While Williams couldn’t stay healthy with the Raiders, there’s a reason he cost $11 million per year just two offseasons ago.

Rank
86
Kelvin Beachum
Kelvin Beachum
OT | Age: 32
Cheap, serviceable snaps from a tackle is hard to find in free agency. Beachum got the job done for the Cardinals last year.

Rank
87
Derek Wolfe
Derek Wolfe
DE | Age: 31
It was no surprise that Wolfe helped the Ravens as a rotational player last season and should provide a similar boost for some team in 2021.

Rank
88
Tyson Alualu
Tyson Alualu
NT | Age: 34
It’s pretty rare for a former first-round nose tackle to have his best season at 33 years old, but Alualu made himself some money with the Steelers.

Rank
89
Quinton Dunbar
Quinton Dunbar
CB | Age: 29
Inconsistent play will hurt Dunbar’s market, but there is plenty of upside here.

Rank
90
Kyle Juszczyk
Kyle Juszczyk
FB | Age: 30
This ranking is absolutely my way of saying sorry after clowning John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan for giving Juszczyk a record-breaking deal four years ago. It proved to be a bargain!

Rank
91
Takkarist McKinley
Takkarist McKinley
Edge | Age: 25
I’d love to see the right organization turn McKinley’s career around because the juice he showed in his first three seasons as a pass rusher was not a fluke.


Rank
92
Malik Hooker
Malik Hooker
S | Age: 25
Players coming off major injuries like Hooker’s torn Achilles can often be underpaid in free agency.

Rank
93
Troy Hill
Troy Hill
CB | Age: 30
There’s a reason Hill kept getting snaps in Los Angeles over the last five years (usually making the most of them): He’s competitive as hell.

Rank
94
Lawrence Guy
Lawrence Guy
DT | Age: 31
Being named to the Patriots’ All-Decade team of the 2010s -- a decade that included five Super Bowl appearances -- should be worth something!

Rank
95
Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos
K | Age: 29
The Tulane legend has been one of the most consistent kickers in the league and is coming off a season in which he hit 30 of 32 field goals and 36 of 37 extra points.

Rank
96
Dan Arnold
Dan Arnold
TE | Age: 26
Arnold's listed at 220 pounds, helping to explain why he's one of the most purely athletic pass-catching tight ends in football.

Rank
97
James Conner
James Conner
RB | Age: 26
The Pittsburgh offensive line didn’t help Conner’s decisiveness over the last two seasons.

Rank
98
Kawann Short
Kawann Short
DT | Age: 32
One of the better defensive tackles in football over the last decade is worth a flier after two injury-ravaged seasons.

Rank
99
James White
James White
RB | Age: 29
A reunion with Tom Brady would make a lot of sense after both players appeared to miss one another in 2020.


Rank
100
Breshad Perriman
Breshad Perriman
WR | Age: 27
If you need cheap, capable speed on the outside, Perriman is your guy.

Rank
101
Mitchell Trubisky
Mitchell Trubisky
QB | Age: 27
Remember that week when everyone wondered if the Bears would have to re-sign Trubisky to a big contract? That was weird.