The beginning of the 2023 NFL free agency period is looming large for both players and teams. There are a number of very talented players potentially set to hit the open market this year, but who is the best of the 2023 NFL free agents at each position?

If you are looking to see how the different free agents rank relative to each other, regardless of position, then check out PFN’s Top 100 Free Agents for 2023.

2023 NFL Free Agents by Position | Offense

The talent available on offense is intriguing. There were a number of quarterbacks and running backs potentially available, but players re-signing and teams using the franchise tag have altered that landscape. Outside of quarterback, the biggest improvements available in terms of offensive free agents in 2023 may well be along the offensive line.

Quarterbacks

We have seen some lowly free agent quarterback classes in recent years. In 2023, the potential for the likes of Lamar Jackson and Daniel Jones, and Geno Smith to hit free agency, as well as Derek Carr being released, made things intriguing. It was never likely all of them would make it to the new league year, meaning that we are largely looking at this position for backups as opposed to starters in 2023.

1) Lamar Jackson*
2) Carson Wentz
3) Matt Ryan
4) Teddy Bridgewater
5) Drew Lock
6) PJ Walker
7) Jeff Driskel

*Jackson received the non-exclusive franchise tag and can negotiate with other teams.

Wide Receiver

The WR class for 2023 is somewhat underwhelming compared to previous years. There are certainly some talented players available, but we are unlikely to see anyone commanding the type of money that the likes of Christian Kirk got paid as a free agent last year.

MORE: Highest-Paid NFL Players and Biggest Contracts Heading Into the 2023 Season

1) Odell Beckham Jr.
2) D.J. Chark
3) Mecole Hardman
4) Marvin Jones
5) Isaiah Hodgins
6) Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
7) Olamide Zaccheaus
8) Jauan Jennings

Running Backs

The late franchise tag for Saquon Barkley has left some interesting options as the top free agent running backs this offseason.

1) Jerick McKinnon
2) Devin Singletary
3) Damien Harris
4) Kareem Hunt
5) Ezekiel Elliott

Tight Ends

After playing on the franchise tag last season, Dalton Schultz and Mike Gesicki are heading to the open market in 2023. They headline a group that contains some useful pieces, such as Hayden Hurst, Austin Hooper, and Juwan Johnson.

1) Dalton Schultz
2) Foster Moreau
3) Austin Hooper
4) Irv Smith Jr.
5) Zach Gentry

Offensive Line

With the news the Kansas City Chiefs do not intend to franchise tag Orlando Brown again, he was the clear star atop this group. However, the offensive line contains both stars and a lot of depth. This could be one of the most exciting free agent groups in 2023

1) Dalton Risner
2) Ben Jones
3) Donovan Smith
4) George Fant
5) Taylor Lewan
6) Yosuah Nijman (RFA)
7) Sam Mustipher
8) Rodger Saffold
9) Austin Blythe

2023 NFL Free Agents by Position | Defense

While the offensive free agents lack the mouth-watering upside we might have seen in previous years, you cannot make that case for the defense. Outside of some uncertainty in terms of pass rushers, there is some real game-wrecking talent available at all three levels in free agency.

Defensive Line

Much like the offensive line, the defensive line has both star power, headlined by Javon Hargrave, and depth. Teams can look to either add a piece to build their line around or bring in a rotational piece they can lean on in specific situations.

1) Calais Campbell
2) Poona Ford
3) Shelby Harris
4) Linval Joseph
5) Larry Ogunjobi
6) Matt Ioannidis
7) Teair Tart (RFA)

EDGE

This is arguably the weakest free agent class on defense, but there are still some talented pieces here. With the big impact pass rushers can have on opposing passing games, don’t be surprised to see some big numbers come out of this group in free agency.

1) Jadeveon Clowney
2) Yannick Ngakoue
3) Robert Quinn
4) Justin Houston
5) Melvin Ingram
6) Dawuane Smoot
7) Kyle Van Noy

Linebackers

Even with Roquan Smith re-signed, we have some very talented linebackers available in free agency. The depth of talent available here could mean we see somewhat of a standoff at the LB position as teams wait to see the market set.

1) Bobby Wagner
2) Denzel Perryman
3) Zach Cunningham
4) Anthony Walker
5) Damien Wilson
6) Cory Littleton
7) Myles Jack

Defensive Backs

Of all the positions when it comes to the 2023 NFL free agents, defensive back may well be the deepest.

1) Rock Ya-Sin
2) Marcus Peters
3) Kareem Jackson
4) Ronald Darby
5) Duron Harmon
6) William Jackson III