It’s been nearly a week since the negotiation window opened, followed by the start of NFL free agency. NFL teams have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on contracts in 2026 to enhance their rosters in hopes of competing for the Super Bowl.
As of March 15, the Miami Dolphins lead the league in free agent signees with 19, and the Tennessee Titans lead the way in total spending, per OverTheCap. Defensive lineman Jaelan Phillips signed the biggest deal of free agency with a four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, including $80 million guaranteed.
Advertisement
Veteran offensive stars like wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Kenneth Walker III have agreed to terms for 2026 and beyond with new teams. However, plenty of free agents remain, including defenders who could be difference-makers.
We’ve seen quarterbacks Malik Willis , Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa agree to contracts with new teams but who is the best remaining signal-caller available?
There are still dozens of notable players in free agency looking to sign who could be key contributors for teams in 2026. Here are the top 10 remaining players available in free agency as of March 15:
Top 10 remaining NFL free agents
1. WR Jauan Jennings (Previous team: 49ers) | Age at start of 2026 season: 29
Jennings entered free agency among the top wide receivers available. He’s a do-it-all type of player. He’s a willing blocker and finished in the top four with 18 contested catches in 2025. He’s a big-bodied receiver standing at 6-3, and despite missing time with injuries, he led the 49ers in receiving touchdowns and was San Francisco’s top wide receiver in targets (90), receptions (55) and yards (643).
Advertisement
2. QB Aaron Rodgers (Previous team: Steelers) | Age at start of 2026 season: 42
The four-time MVP showed he can still sling it at a high level. He led the Steelers to an AFC North title but his lack of mobility at the age of 42 was evident. He threw 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. while ranking 16th in completion percentage (65.7%) and 23rd in QBR (44.4).
Any team acquiring Rodgers would be on a timeline with the 42-year-old signal-caller. Rodgers is the NFL’s oldest player, but his vision, accuracy and arm talent remain, though he’s no longer the MVP he once was. If Rodgers plays a 22nd season, the Steelers could benefit since his old coach, Mike McCarthy, was hired for the same role.
3. QB Kirk Cousins (Previous team: Falcons) | Age at start of 2026 season: 38
The 14-year vet started eight games for an injured Michael Penix Jr with the Falcons in 2025, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns. He posted a QBR of 47.6 (tied-22nd). He led the Falcons to a 5-3 record down the stretch. He can be a valuable stopgap or viable short-term starter for several teams.
Advertisement
4. DE/OLB Joey Bosa (Previous team: Bills) | Age at start of 2026 season: 31
The former third-overall pick has been selected to five Pro Bowls throughout his decade in the league and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2016. Bosa spent the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills, starting 15 games. He forced five fumbles, recorded five sacks, 54 QB pressures and 16 quarterback hits – the most since his 2021 season with the Chargers. The soon-to-be 31-year-old is a situational rusher who can still win at the line of scrimmage.
5. LB Bobby Wagner (Previous team: Commanders) | Age at start of 2026 season: 36
Wagner is in the latter stage of his career but remains a capable starter in the middle of any defense. Wagner will enter the 2026 season at 36 years old, and his pass coverage ability has dropped off in recent years, but he’s still a tackling machine. In 2025, he was the only linebacker to exceed 90.0 grade in run defense (90.3), pass rushing (92.4), and tackling (90.5), per PFF. The future Hall of Famer would be a valuable addition to any locker room.
Advertisement
6. WR Stefon Diggs (Previous team: Patriots) | Age at start of 2026 season: 33
Diggs is a veteran and former All-Pro coming off a comeback season after tearing his ACL in Week 8 in 2024. He will turn 33 next season. He’s been one of the most reliable receivers over the last decade, finishing with over 1,000 receiving yards in seven straight healthy seasons. He was released by New England before the start of free agency
He has finished in the top 25 in PFF overall grade in every season and led the Patriots with 85 receptions and 1,013 receiving yards. If not for his pending legal matter, teams may be more aggressive in pursuing the four-time Pro Bowler.
7. WR Deebo Samuel (Previous team: Commanders) | Age at start of 2026 season: 30
Samuel is a player some would consider at the top of the list, but the receiver will be 30 in June, and his role in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense never gained traction. Washington traded for Samuel before the 2025 season, but the veteran wideout didn’t have much impact. Samuel has made a career of using his physical tools to create after the catch, but Father Time is undefeated. Still, he offers a veteran presence, versatility and consistency for a team searching for a proven player to add to their receiving room.
Advertisement
8. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney (Previous team: Cowboys) | Age at start of 2026 season: 33
The former No. 1 overall pick will be entering his 13th season. Clowney totaled 8.5 sacks and 32 pressures last season in 13 games with Dallas. In 2025, only Micah Parsons and Will Anderson Jr. had a higher pressure rate than his 19.1%. He ranked 15th in pass-rush win rate. Although he is no longer a game-wrecker, he will be a strong rotational pass-rusher for any contender.
9. TE David Njoku (Previous team: Browns) | Age at start of 2026 season: 30
Njoku is known for his size and athleticism during his nine seasons in Cleveland. He’s dealt with injuries over the last two seasons, missing a total of 11 games. However, he is an elite red zone threat and a solid blocker.
Advertisement
10. LT Taylor Decker (Previous team: Lions) | Age at start of 2026 season: 33
Decker requested and was granted his release after a decade in Detroit. He’s been an anchor along the line since entering the league in 2016. Last season, he allowed two sacks in 551 pass-blocking snaps. Before the 2025 season, he considered retirement due to shoulder surgery, but he brings playoff experience and intangibles at a premium position.
More top NFL free agents available
-
WR Keenan Allen (Previous team: Chargers) | Age at start of 2026 season: 34
-
RB Nick Chubb (Previous team: Texans) | 30
-
CB Mike Hilton (Previous team: Colts) | 32
-
QB Russell Wilson (Previous team: Giants) | 37
-
CB Rasul Douglas (Previous team: Dolphins) | 31
-
DT DJ Reader (Previous team: Lions) | 32
-
DE AJ Epenesa (Previous team: Lions) | 27
-
TE Jonnu Smith (Previous team: Steelers) | 31
-
WR Brandon Aiyuk (Previous team: Commanders) | 28
-
RB Brian Robinson (Previous team: 49ers) | 27
-
OLB Von Miller (Previous team: Commanders) | 37
-
WR Tyreek Hill (Previous team: Dolphins) | 32
-
G Mekhi Becton (Previous team: Chargers) | 27
-
LT Cam Robinson (Previous team: Browns) | 30
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top available NFL free agents 2026. Who are best players to sign?
Read the full article here
