One 2026 free agent that every NFL team can’t afford to lose

• Jermaine Eluemunor is crucial for the Giants: Over the last two seasons, the right tackle ranks 16th among qualified tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (76.8) while tying for seventh in pressure rate allowed (4.3%).

• 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026's top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.

Estimated Reading Time:30 minutes

Although the 2025 NFL playoffs are only in the divisional round, the football calendar spares nobody. With 24 teams already eliminated and the deadline to declare for the NFL Draft having passed, attention is squarely focused on upcoming transactions in the coming months.

A significant part of the roster-building equation that every team must consider is which internal free agents to retain. Below is one player on an expiring contract whose franchise would love to re-sign.

Click here to jump to a team:

ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS

ArizonaCardinals: Dl Calais Campbell

The Cardinals face an overwhelming offseason, encountering big-picture decisions at head coach and at quarterback. The good news for Arizona is that its list of pending free agents is rather thin, although keeping Campbell would be smart.

In his return to the desert, Campbell fared solidly. The 39-year-old produced a 72.2 overall PFF grade with 33 pressures and a 69.2 PFF run-defense grade while also placing in the 84th percentile in run stop rate.

With 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 16, the Cardinals could use some insurance on their defensive interior. Convincing Campbell out of retirement would be a boon.

Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss

The Falcons’ defense took steps forward in 2025, placing 15th in EPA per play and 18th in success rate. Elliss was at the forefront of that.

The former seventh-round pick posted a 68.1 overall PFF grade and especially excelled as a pass-rusher, collecting 30 pressures with an 84.6 PFF pass-rushing grade. Elliss was one of two linebackers with 30-plus pressures and 40-plus stops in 2025, joining Eric Wilson.

One could argue that Kyle Pitts is more indispensable for Atlanta, but his career production, projected contract and the team’s talent on offense could make Elliss a more prioritized free agent. Finding a way to extend the do-it-all linebacker would be huge for the Falcons’ next coaching staff.

Baltimore Ravens: C Tyler Linderbaum

After finishing this past season 8-9, the Ravens will turn the page to a formative offseason. Finding a new head coach to replace the legendary John Harbaugh is of utmost importance, but re-signing Linderbaum is also key.

Since being selected in the first round by Baltimore in 2022, Linderbaum has instantly played like one of the best centers in football. Over the last four seasons, the Iowa product is tied for second at the position in PFF Wins Above Replacement (1.15) and is fourth in overall PFF grade (87.0) among qualifiers. Linderbaum is a model of consistency in both the pass and run game, allowing just two sacks in the last two years while posting an 83.1-plus PFF run-blocking grade in both of the past two campaigns.

Linderbaum very well may reset the center market this offseason based on his pedigree, and the Ravens should utilize all capacities to make sure he stays in purple.

BuffaloBills: EDGE Joey Bosa

While Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense is the perennial star of the show in Buffalo, the team’s defense grew in 2025. Bosa was a focal point in that improvement.

The former Charger has played sound football in his first year with the Bills — particularly boosting the team’s pass rush. Bosa has registered 51 pressures on an 88.7 PFF pass-rush grade and a 15.9% pass-rush win rate, the latter two of which are top-15 marks among qualified edge defenders.

It’s true that the Bills can (and probably should) still invest more in their defensive line, especially with Bosa entering his age-31 season and struggling against the run. But his ability to impact opposing quarterbacks is still important for the Bills to keep.

Carolina Panthers: IOL Austin Corbett

The Panthers are on an upward trajectory after winning the NFC South in only Dave Canales’ second season. Another silver lining is that most of the team’s core should be back in 2026, with few significant free agents. At the same time, retaining Corbett could be shrewd.

Corbett produced a 65.4 overall PFF grade in 2025, playing 689 snaps between center, right guard and left guard. He particularly shined up the middle: In the six games in which he exclusively played center, Corbett commanded a 73.7 overall grade with a 77.9 PFF run-blocking grade.

It’s true that the Panthers possess a top-notch guard tandem in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, but the versatile Corbett is still depth that Carolina has consistently relied upon.

ChicagoBears: S Kevin Byard

The Bears’ 2025 campaign has been a bit of a fairytale one, reaching the divisional round in Ben Johnson’s inaugural season. Although Chicago’s defense is still suboptimal, keeping Byard would go a long way in improving the unit.

Byard’s 72.9 overall PFF grade this season is 12th among qualified safeties, and his PFF run-defense and coverage grades are both at least 18th at the position. Moreover, since joining Chicago before the 2024 season, Byard is 13th in overall grade among qualifiers (76.4).

Paying a 32-year-old safety carries innate risks, but Byard also owns the highest overall grade among Chicago defenders this year. Keeping his run-defense and coverage instincts in the team’s secondary would continue to bolster a defensive foundation.

CincinnatiBengals: EDGE Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals underwhelmed yet again in 2025, with injuries to Joe Burrow and one of the league’s worst defenses the major culprits. Although Cincinnati has created a tenuous relationship with Hendrickson over the last few years, the team should still try in earnest to re-sign him.

The 2024 All-Pro was limited to just 285 snaps this season, but he still flourished with a 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade and 23 pressures across seven games. Indeed, Hendrickson finished fourth on the team in pressures and paced the unit in overall PFF grade (minimum 100 snaps), which speaks volumes about the state of the Bengals’ pass rush without him.

Even if a divorce between the parties has felt overdue for quite some time, perhaps the franchise tag could be in the works — or that Hendrickson’s market may not be as expected at age 31. Regardless, the Bengals probably don’t want to envision what their defense looks like sans Hendrickson.

Cleveland Browns: LB Devin Bush

Even though the Browns floundered again in 2025, the team’s defense ranked third in EPA per play and second in overall PFF grade. The unit boasted talent at all three levels, including Bush up the middle.

The former 10th overall pick has established a home in Cleveland. Over the last two seasons, Bush ranks fifth among qualified linebackers in both overall PFF grade (88.9) and PFF WAR (0.42). In 2025 alone, Bush finished in the top eight in both PFF coverage and run-defense grades at the position.

The Browns’ bet to re-sign Bush last offseason was a wondrous one. Expect Cleveland to do more of the same — on a presumably bigger deal — this offseason.

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Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens

Although the Cowboys fell short of the stick in their ultimate goal of making the playoffs, the team’s offense received contributions from multiple newcomers. Ultimately, none was better than Pickens — who was one of the better receivers in his first year in Dallas.

The former Steeler meshed tremendously with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Pickens ranked sixth among qualified wideouts in PFF receiving grade (87.2), sixth in yards per route run (2.35) and fourth in passer rating when targeted (120.1). Pickens commanded a 96.5-plus receiving mark on short, intermediate and deep attempts, showcasing his skills at all three levels.

The price to retain Pickens won’t be cheap for Dallas, which currently boasts the third-lowest cap space of any team this offseason. Still, expect Jerry Jones to be aggressive in reuniting one of the better receiver duos in football.

DenverBroncos: RB J.K. Dobbins

The Broncos have relished every bit of their 2025 season, going 14-3 and securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Although Denver still has a fair shot at reaching the Super Bowl, the team’s odds would be that much higher if Dobbins were still healthy.

Dobbins was terrific through the first 10 weeks of the season. The former Raven and Charger procured an 80.8 PFF rushing grade with 32 missed tackles forced and 21 explosive carries before suffering a season-ending foot injury against the Raiders. Since Dobbins’ exit, the Broncos fell from a 79.5 to a 68.2 team rushing grade.

Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian is another player that Denver will likely try to retain, but the first-round selection of Jahdae Barron could make McMillian less key. On the flip side, Dobbins offered the Broncos a much-needed offensive spark that they still require more of in 2026.

Detroit Lions: S Avonte Maddox

The Lions couldn’t entirely replicate their recent string of success in 2025, due in part to another slew of defensive injuries and an offensive line that regressed. In spite of a down collective season, Maddox was a player who stood out.

The former Eagle filled in admirably as safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch combined to play only 1,062 snaps. In his first season operating primarily as a safety since 2018, Maddox compiled a 79.1 overall PFF grade with 75.0-plus marks in coverage and run defense. Admittedly, there was a lot of variance across his 342 snaps — with three games above an 83.0 and two below a 42.0 — but the general results are promising.

With Branch’s status unknown entering next season following a Week 14 Achilles tear and Joseph still recuperating, Maddox figures to be a prudent depth signing for general manager Brad Holmes.

Green Bay Packers: T Rasheed Walker

The Packers will look to turn the corner in 2026 after collapsing down the stretch, with Micah Parsons’ torn ACL the impetus for disaster. Green Bay should be potent yet again next season, especially if it can re-sign Walker.

The Packers’ offense has several stars, which leaves players like Walker overshadowed — but as the last two seasons demonstrate, he’s been a good pass-blocker. In that span, Walker’s 77.5 PFF pass-blocking grade is 15th among 52 qualified tackles, and he’s yielded just eight sacks. At the same time, his 6.7% pressure rate is the eighth-highest, and he committed 11 penalties in 2025.

Entering the market at age 26 and with three years of starting experience under his belt, Walker could receive more in his contract than anticipated. Considering other injuries and questions along the team’s offensive line, the Packers should probably try to keep their left tackle.

HoustonTexans: G Ed Ingram

The Texans weren’t fazed by their 0-3 start this season, catapulting all the way to the divisional round and winning 10 consecutive contests. Houston’s suffocating defense has led the charge all year, but the team’s revamped offensive line has also grown — with Ingram a focal point.

After being acquired by the Vikings, Ingram has elevated his play with the Texans. The LSU product has accumulated a career-high 74.2 overall PFF grade, including a 78.3 PFF run-blocking grade — which is sixth among qualified guards. Despite Ingram’s 56.5 PFF pass-blocking mark, he’s surrendered only four sacks this year.

Still only 26 and peaking at the right time, Ingram could be a costly option on the free-agent market. Considering how much their offensive line was a liability in recent memory, the Texans shouldn’t let him leave the building.

Indianapolis Colts: WR Alec Pierce

The Colts’ 2025 campaign was truly a tale of two halves, going from possible Super Bowl contenders to finishing third in the AFC South. What only compounds the situation is that Indianapolis doesn’t have its first-round pick, plus has several contributors on expiring contracts. The most valuable of those names is certainly Pierce.

Pierce found his groove this past year, blossoming into one of the better receivers in football. Among receivers with 75 or more targets, Pierce placed 14th in PFF receiving grade (81.0), 14th in yards per route run (2.10) and eighth in passer rating when targeted (113.7). Additionally, his 96.3 deep receiving grade since 2024 is second to only Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Colts have decisions to make on Daniel Jones, Braden Smith, Nick Cross and others, but Pierce was an engine for their improved passing attack. No matter who Indianapolis’ man under center is in 2026, having Pierce back in the fold would be enormous.

JacksonvilleJaguars: LB Devin Lloyd

Jacksonville was one of the best all-around teams in the AFC in Liam Coen’s first season, especially due to a defense that placed fifth in EPA per play. The heartbeat of the talented unit was Lloyd up the middle.

The former first-round pick dominated at the perfect time. Lloyd garnered an All-Pro nod due to his 88.4 overall PFF grade, which was second to only Jack Campbell among qualified linebackers. On top of that, Lloyd slotted in the top 10 at the position in both PFF run-defense and coverage grade, and tied for fifth in WAR.

An inherent risk comes with paying linebackers handsomely. But at 27 and after playing like one of the best at his position, Lloyd could receive $15 million or more per year. The Jaguars should exhaust their funds to make that happen.

Kansas City Chiefs: LB Leo Chenal

For the first time in 10 seasons, the Chiefs’ offseason began in early January. Kansas City’s roster will likely undergo some retooling on both sides of the ball, but Chenal is a rather critical piece of the team’s defense.

Chenal has played only 1,490 snaps over the last three years, but he’s certainly made them count. Since 2023, Chenal is sixth among qualified linebackers in overall PFF grade (87.0), and his 91.5 PFF run-defense grade is also sixth within that bunch. Encouragingly, the Wisconsin product also produced a career-best 72.6 PFF coverage grade in 2025.

Chenal is more of a role player with the Chiefs, but he could easily be afforded starter-caliber money on the open market. Kansas City may have lots of competition in keeping the 25-year-old.

Las Vegas Raiders: CB Eric Stokes

The Raiders are staring down the barrel of another reset spring after their 2025 efforts backfired dramatically. At the same time, the team’s signing of Stokes has rendered him worth re-signing.

The former Packer unlocked new energy in Las Vegas, turning in career highs in both overall (73.6) and PFF coverage (73.5) grades. More specifically, Stokes’ 261 yards allowed were the second-fewest among qualified corners in coverage, leading the group in snaps per target (11.1) and reception (19.8).

With the Raiders desiring more help at all three levels of their defense, Stokes figures to be a player to build around with Maxx Crosby on that side of the ball.

Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Odafe Oweh

The Chargers’ second season with Jim Harbaugh was generally a success — reaching even the wild-card round with the lowest-graded offensive line in the league is a real feat. Los Angeles’ defense also distinguished itself in another season, with the mid-season acquisition of Oweh a prudent move.

After arriving from the Ravens, Oweh instantly infused the Chargers with needed pass-rush impact. The former first-round pick compiled an 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 39 pressures across 13 games with the Chargers. His magnum opus was against the Patriots in the playoffs, securing three sacks on a 90.1 pass-rushing grade.

With Khalil Mack’s future up in the air, Oweh seems like a natural bet to return to Los Angeles and build off his career-best 2025 season.

Los Angeles Rams: S Kamren Curl

The Rams have reaped the rewards of their aggressive 2025 offseason, reaching at least the divisional round and playing like arguably the best team over the entire year. The team’s defense is eighth in EPA per play despite retaining much of the same personnel, with improved play — including from Curl — a major reason why.

Curl has hit his stride in his second season with the Rams. His 74.1 overall grade is the 10th-best for qualified safeties, and his 86.5 PFF run-defense grade is second at the position. Also, Curl has missed only 7.8% of his tackle attempts.

Rams general manager already extended fellow safety Quentin Lake in early January. Curl feels like the logical next priority to keep a top duo intact.

Miami Dolphins: CB Rasul Douglas

The Dolphins’ overall concerns heading into this season proved too much to overcome, with Tua Tagovailoa being benched and Mike McDaniel losing his job. Yet several individual Dolphins flourished, including Douglas.

Despite not finding a home until August, the veteran looked at ease in Anthony Weaver’s system. Douglas posted a 73.6 PFF coverage grade with a 67.0 passer rating against — which sat in the 92nd percentile.

Finding year-to-year consistency will be key for Douglas, who was far less effective in 2024 with the Bills. But based on his latest body of work, Douglas will be in demand this spring — and the Dolphins, who are thin in the secondary, could assuredly use him back.

MinnesotaVikings: LB Eric Wilson

The Vikings regressed in a big way from their unbelievable 2024 season, with subpar quarterback play a major prong. Still, Minnesota’s defense ended the year sixth in EPA per play, with Wilson offering contributions all over the field.

Wilson finished with a 62.1 overall PFF grade, mostly due to his issues in coverage. Yet Wilson was good against the run with a 72.9 PFF run-defense grade and a team-leading 52 stops. On top of that, Wilson added 37 pressures, the most among linebackers.

Admittedly, the Vikings don’t have a laundry list of notable free agents to be. Then again, Wilson has proven his productivity in multiple departments, even if the team seeks an upgrade at the linebacker position.

New England Patriots: S Jaylinn Hawkins

The Patriots’ remarkable 2025 season has been powered by several newcomers and turnarounds, including play of Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs and Will Campbell. Another name that shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle is Hawkins.

Hawkins has played like one of the foremost safeties in the league this season. His 83.3 overall PFF grade is fifth among qualifiers, and he’s tied for 12th in WAR. Moreover, Hawkins is one of two safeties with an 80.0-plus PFF run-defense and coverage grade.

The 28-year-old has been an unsung hero for New England’s improved defense, and in a weaker safety class, he should be one of the top options. Expect the Patriots to dispense some of their $46 million in cap space to keep him.

New Orleans Saints: LB Demario Davis

The Saints overcame an inauspicious beginning to win four of their last five games and display real optimism heading into 2026. Even though Davis is one of the older linebackers in the league, he had a big say in that success.

The 37-year-old was still a presence in the middle of New Orleans’ impressive defense, compiling an 80.3 overall PFF grade with an 88.9 PFF run-defense grade. Even though coverage is no longer Davis’ forte, he still held up solidly with a 68.3 PFF coverage mark.

Davis has seemed like an every-year trade candidate on bottom-dwelling Saints teams. But with New Orleans now trying to improve for the short- and long-term future, keeping the elder statesman in house should be the team’s goal.

New York Giants: T Jermaine Eluemunor

The Giants may have finished with four or fewer wins for the second straight season, but reasons for hope have slowly permeated the organization. With a new head coach and young pieces on both sides of the ball, the team could turn things around — especially if Eluemunor returns.

There hasn’t been much positivity surrounding New York since 2024, but Eluemunor warrants that type of praise. Over the last two seasons, the right tackle ranks 16th among qualified tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (76.8) while tying for seventh in pressure rate allowed (4.3%).

As the Giants look to build more guardrails for Jaxson Dart in his second campaign, keeping the 31-year-old Eluemunor — and preserving a great tackle tandem with Andrew Thomas — should be high on the agenda.

New York Jets: G Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Jets compiled a sub-.500 record for the 10th straight season, with looming questions at a myriad of positions propping up even before the end of the campaign. New York has a cornucopia of questions to answer, including what it wants to do with top free agents. Vera-Tucker feels like the most valuable one.

Vera-Tucker has played only 2,265 snaps across his five-year career, including missing all of 2025 with a triceps injury. However, his excellence when on the field is undeniable, owning a 75.4 overall PFF grade. His last healthy campaign was also Vera-Tucker’s best yet, sporting a 74.5-plus grade in both pass- and run-blocking.

It was tough to leave Breece Hall out of this slot, but the Jets paying top dollar to a running back — especially when they have Braelon Allen on the roster — doesn’t make as much sense. Vera-Tucker’s versatility and youth should only further a good offensive line foundation.

Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Jaelan Phillips

The Eagles continued their alternating-season trend in 2025, falling from the zenith of the sport to a swift and disappointing exit in the wild-card round. Although Philadelphia’s roster is still among the tops in the NFL, several starters are on expiring contracts. Phillips may be the most important.

After acquiring Phillips from the Dolphins at the trade deadline, the Eagles’ defense turned a corner. From Week 10 onward, the Eagles ranked seventh in EPA per play and success rate, plus fourth in pressure rate. Phillips was impactful from the start, tallying 44 pressures and a 17.8% pass-rush win rate with a 7.4% run stop rate.

Philadelphia still has major questions at edge defender, and keeping Phillips would certainly help alleviate those. Although Dallas Goedert has been a good receiver, his diminished efficiency this season gave way to Phillips’ selection.

PittsburghSteelers: CB James Pierre

The Steelers’ most recent season paralleled much of their recent campaigns, encompassing both brilliance and cataclysm en route to a 10-7 record and wild-card loss. Pittsburgh will seemingly operate quite differently without Mike Tomlin in 2026, needing solutions at positions like cornerback — where Pierre can contribute.

After moonlighting as a backup for his first five seasons with the Steelers, Pierre took a certifiable leap in 2025. Across 408 total snaps, Pierre generated an 88.9 PFF coverage grade — the best among corners with at least 250 coverage snaps. Further, Pierre’s 29% forced incompletion rate and 163 yards permitted were the best at the position.

Although Joey Porter Jr. has turned into a standout, the Steelers still need a multi-year starter opposite him — which has been a struggle to find of late. The best option may be extending Pierre, whose improved coverage acumen passed flying colors against even the likes of Ja’Marr Chase.

San Francisco49ers: K Eddy Pineiro

The 49ers have defied conventional wisdom in 2025, reaching the divisional round despite suffering another cavalcade of injuries. As San Francisco heals this offseason, the good news is that it doesn’t have lots of productivity on expiring contracts. In fact, its best pending free agent may be its kicker.

After enduring multiple uneven seasons from Jake Moody, the 49ers finally cut ties in 2025 by signing Pineiro. The ex-Bear has been a godsend for Kyle Shanahan, converting 29-of-30 field goals — including going 16-for-17 from 40-plus yards. Altogether, Pineiro’s 85.6 field goal grade is 11th among qualifiers.

The 49ers hold the sixth-highest touchdown drive rate, and Shanahan certainly doesn’t want to see Pineiro kicking 3-point tries too often. However, his security has been an asset for a team that sorely lacked it prior.

SeattleSeahawks: RB Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks have transcended their prior play in Mike Macdonald’s second year, earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed and boasting the highest odds to win Super Bowl LX. The team’s depth along both sides of the ball has been tremendous, including at running back. Even with a two-headed monster, Walker is worthy himself.

The 25-year-old has been one of the league’s preeminent rushers since breaking into the pros. Since 2022, Walker’s 93.6 PFF rushing grade is third among running backs, as are his 235 missed tackles forced. The Michigan State product has also tacked on an average of 3.1 yards after contact per carry.

It’s true that Seattle boasts a budding star in Zach Charbonnet (90.5 rushing grade), but Walker has been the more reliable and consistent option. Finding a way to retain him and keep a complementary duo together would be huge.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jamel Dean

The Buccaneers’ 2025 campaign vacillated greatly, going from potential Super Bowl contenders to losing seven of their final nine contests. The team’s defensive performance waned down the stretch, but Dean made a name for himself over the full year.

Across 661 total snaps, Dean recorded a 76.9 PFF coverage grade, the sixth-best among qualified corners. His 46.9 passer rating when targeted was the lowest among the group, and he finished third in completion percentage allowed (45.5%).

Much like the rest of the Buccaneers, Dean wasn’t quite as lockdown after Week 8. At the same time, he’s recorded at least a 72.5 coverage grade in every pro season. Even with young contributors in Tampa Bay’s secondary, the team should strive to re-sign Dean.

TennesseeTitans: G Kevin Zeitler

Even after drafting Cameron Ward with the first overall pick, the Titans’ deep roster flaws were swiftly exposed this season. However, one bright spot was the team’s offensive line — with Zeitler ingrained in that play.

The former Lion parlayed a terrific 2024 season into a one-year deal with Tennessee, where he extended his strong performance. Zeitler recorded a 74.5 overall PFF grade, including 70.8-plus marks in both pass protection and run-blocking. In fact, his 16 pressures allowed tied for the third-lowest among qualified guards.

The unmistakable goal for Tennessee in 2026 should be helping Ward as much as possible, both with hiring a coaching staff and roster construction. Zeitler’s presence at right guard would align with that — and keep a solid offensive line together.

WashingtonCommanders: LB Bobby Wagner

The Commanders experienced a precipitous drop-off this season after reaching the NFC championship in 2024. Injuries, notably to Jayden Daniels, played a major part, but the Washington defense was yet again one of the worst in football. In spite of that, Wagner still assembled a great individual year.

The six-time All-Pro accrued a 79.3 overall PFF grade, with his usual strengths of run defense and tackling manifesting well. Wagner’s 90.3 PFF run-defense grade was the fourth-best of any qualified defender, and his 7.7% run stop rate was a top-20 mark among linebackers. Further, Wagner missed only 4.8% of his tackle attempts, the third-best rate at the position.

While Wagner was an issue in coverage — his 542 yards allowed tied for the 16th-most — it’s hard to deny his attacking ability downhill. Considering that Washington ranked 31st in rushing EPA per play given up, the team could still benefit from the 35-year-old as it pursues other reinforcements.