NFL free agency gives every team a chance to fix weaknesses and strengthen key positions before the draft. This projection, using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator, identifies one realistic signing for each franchise based on salary cap, roster needs, scheme fit, and long-term value. Some moves would address major holes, while others would add depth or reliability in critical areas. Each pairing reflects how teams can take the next step heading into the 2026 season.
Arizona Cardinals
Alijah Vera Tucker, IOL
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has talent, but the challenge has been keeping players healthy enough to play and protect the quarterback. Alijah Vera Tucker would give them flexibility on the inside of the offensive line. He has experience at both guard and tackle and has started in different systems, which is helpful in the NFL with the amount of injuries that arise.
The Cardinals do not need to rebuild their offensive line; instead, they need a reliable player. The former first-round pick had his fifth-year option picked up during the 2025 offseason but suffered a torn triceps in practice before Week 1 and was placed on the season-ending injured reserve. Either way, he should be healthy by the time the 2026 season comes around.
Atlanta Falcons
Rock Ya Sin, CB
Rock Ya Sin is now 29 years old and will turn 30 by the start of the 2026 NFL season. He has played with several NFL teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. He has 96 total games under his belt, starting 39 contests with 193 total tackles and two interceptions.
The Atlanta Falcons have a top corner in A.J. Terrell, but the depth behind him is inconsistent at best. Rock Ya Sin would not be a star addition, but he would bring some experience and stability to the room. He plays physically and has shown he can handle starting receivers. Ya Sin would strengthen the rotation and give coaches more options without a big price tag.
Baltimore Ravens
Dylan Parham, OL
The Baltimore Ravens have always prioritized offensive line play, and Dylan Parham fits their profile perfectly. He has started almost every game in his career and can play multiple spots inside. Over the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens recorded a PFSN OL impact score of 74.8, ranking 11th in the league. Their 8-9 campaign was ugly at times due to the offense’s poor performance.
Now with a new coach at the helm in Jesse Minter and former Bears offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle now calling plays in Baltimore, their trajectory should be much higher. In Baltimore’s system, that reliability is more important than flashy plays. The Ravens want linemen who know their jobs and communicate well, and this signing can offer both.
Buffalo Bills
Romeo Doubs, WR
Romeo Doubs earned a 77.9 score on PFSN’s WR Impact Metric and is an interesting case for the Buffalo Bills to sign. He has two 100-yard receiving games in his career, but both came in the playoffs. The Bills really need someone who can get open when it matters most, and Doubs has put up good numbers even with lots of competition for catches. He had 724 yards and 6 touchdowns last season and played even better in the playoffs.
What stands out is not just his stats, but the way he wins. He does a great job of tracking deep passes and is confident in the middle of the field. If Buffalo wants a receiver who can handle a bigger role without needing the spotlight, Doubs is a good choice.
Carolina Panthers
Jauan Jennings, WR
The argument could certainly be made that Jauan Jennings is in his prime. He’s entering his age-29 season and has never reached 1,000 yards, but he’s played well since being extended (77 catches in 2024 and 9 touchdowns last year), and we could see him level up a step further with his role likely only to rise as the paycheck grows.
The Carolina Panthers have talented receivers, but they need more toughness. He excels in tough situations and just had his best season with 9 touchdowns. He is physical at the line, handles crowded areas well, and is reliable in the red zone. The Panthers need someone to take pressure off their younger players and give them a steady option on third down. Jennings is not flashy, but he plays with determination, which is important for a team building its identity.
Chicago Bears
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE
According to PFSN’s EDGE Impact metric, Trey Hendrickson has ranked in the top 25 of NFL edges each season dating back to 2021. The Chicago Bears need a pass rusher who can finish games and help set the tone of defense. Although Hendrickson’s injury history will matter in negotiations, when he is healthy, he is still effective. He uses good technique and has a strong presence in the locker room.
Dennis Allen’s defense was 21st in EPA per play despite a league-high 33 turnovers forced. Johnson’s offense had the fewest turnovers (11), too. The Bears cannot rely solely on their young players to create pressure, and if they have a chance to bring in a veteran who forces offenses to adjust their protection, the Bears will be in a great position.
Cincinnati Bengals
Coby Bryant, S
The Cincinnati Bengals have talent, but their secondary has not been steady, and everyone in the NFL knows that. Bryant posted a PFSN Safety Impact Score of 84 in 2025, ranking first in the NFL, and carried that elite play into the postseason. His transition from cornerback to safety has unlocked his instincts and playmaking ability, allowing him to impact games at a higher level.
In the last two seasons, he has given up very few touchdowns, and although Cincinnati usually doesn’t go after the most expensive free agents, this could be a change. They want young players who fit their system, and for a defense that has struggled in the secondary, he would be a real improvement.
Cleveland Browns
Rashid Shaheed, WR
Over his first three NFL seasons, Shaheed had over 94 receptions for 1,556 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Saints’ passing attack, also earning All-Pro honors as a return specialist. Prior to the 2025 trade, he appeared in nine games for New Orleans, hauling in 44 passes for 499 yards and 2 touchdowns, including an 87-yard score that showcased his deep-threat ability. In his nine regular-season games with the Seahawks during 2025, Shaheed registered 15 receptions for 188 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch.
For the Browns, it’s clear they need a player with speed to challenge defenses deep. Shaheed can stretch the field and make safeties cover more ground. He also adds value on special teams as a returner, helping the Browns consistently win the field position battle. Cleveland has lacked explosive plays, and Shaheed’s speed gives them a legitimate deep threat who can change momentum quickly.
Dallas Cowboys
Reed Blankenship, S
In 2024, Blankenship agreed to a one-year extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding another season to his agreement and increasing its total value to two years and $4.56 million. Of that, $3.935 million is guaranteed. While it represents a respectable salary, it falls far below market value by NFL standards, particularly for a starting safety on a championship team. He is only expected to earn $1.475 million in 2025.
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However, Blankenship heading to a fellow NFC East rival, the Cowboys, makes sense. Dallas is installing a new defensive system, and Blankenship is disciplined and knows his assignments. Also, the 26-year-old safety has a connection to new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who worked with him in Philadelphia. Blankenship is seen as a potential upgrade to replace Donovan Wilson and is a reliable addition to Dallas.
Denver Broncos
Devin Lloyd, LB
Devin Lloyd finally played like the player many thought he could be. He was faster and could read plays better, which allowed him to make an impact in every situation. The Denver Broncos’ defense is already well-organized, but adding Lloyd could put them in the best of the best. What they need is a linebacker who can cover the whole field and defend the pass. Lloyd fits that need. However, the only concern is his price, and if it gets too high, Denver might back off.
Detroit Lions
Austin Hooper, TE
The Lions should consider signing Austin Hooper as a low-risk, high-value depth move at tight end. With uncertainty around Sam LaPorta and his health heading into 2026, Detroit cannot afford to leave itself thin at the tight end position. Hooper is not a headline signing, but he is a dependable veteran who would be a good option behind LaPorta.
Green Bay Packers
Josh Jobe, CB
The Packers struggled with depth in their secondary last season. Keisean Nixon endured an uneven year, and Nate Hobbs failed to provide the impact that the team hoped for. If the Packers added a corner like Josh Jobe, it would make a huge difference in the secondary. Jobe thrives in press and can hold up in man coverage, which would give Gannon more schematic flexibility.
Houston Texans
Roy Lopez, DT
The Houston Texans’ defensive line needs more impact in the middle, and Roy Lopez uses good technique and effort to win. He may not have big stats, but he consistently pushes the pocket and gets into the backfield. Houston only has Tommy Togiai and Mario Edwards Jr. at the top of the defensive tackle depth chart heading into free agency. Lopez recorded 19 tackles and 13 total pressures through only 425 snaps. For a Texans defense that likes to keep players fresh, Lopez is a solid addition who will not break the bank.
Indianapolis Colts
Bryan Cook, S
Bryan Cook made clear progress last season and showcased his physicality against the run. Furthermore, he has improved significantly in coverage. The Indianapolis Colts have been looking for a long-term solution at safety, and if they can add Cook, who is entering his prime, that would be a huge win. The Colts made a big splash during last year’s trade deadline, trading for Sauce Gardner, but it hasn’t exactly paid off yet. Being able to complement Gardner with Cook could separate the Colts’ defense from the rest of the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Rasul Douglas, CB
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ secondary needs more experience, and Rasul Douglas could bring that. He is not young, but he is smart and competes for the ball at a really high level. Douglas has spent time with eight NFL teams and has compiled over 500 tackles. He has 21 interceptions under his belt, and the former Super Bowl Champion is now 30 and could be looking for a new home. For a Jaguars defense that wants to avoid coverage mistakes, Douglas would add a steady veteran presence.
Kansas City Chiefs
David Njoku, TE
If tight end Travis Kelce doesn’t re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, then they’ll want to have a plan in place. David Njoku is not the same player, and you can’t even make the comparison, but he brings athleticism and the ability to stretch the field, which fits Andy Reid’s offense.
PFSN’s TEi graded Njoku at 71.5, a reminder that while his 2025 numbers dipped, his value hasn’t evaporated. He remains an accomplished tight end in franchise history, second only to Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in touchdown receptions (34) and catches (384) at the position.
Las Vegas Raiders
Alec Pierce, WR
Alec Pierce is a real deep threat, and the Las Vegas Raiders are going to want that type of serious playmaker. They are projected to select Francisco Mendoza with the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the league in yards per catch and went over 1,000 yards last season. His speed forces defenses to change their coverage, and for a Raiders offense that needs more big plays, Pierce could easily be the answer.
Los Angeles Chargers
DaQuan Jones, DT
The Los Angeles Chargers scored 82.9 in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Metrics, ranking eighth in the league. Adding DaQuan Jones, who is a 34-year-old veteran interior defender whose Bills contract will void ahead of the March 11 league year, putting him on track for free agency.
The Chargers could use a steady early-down presence inside, and although he is not a box-score player, he helps you reach third down by making the run game harder and shrinking those interior lanes. For a defense seeking more consistency in the middle, his floor and experience fit.
Los Angeles Rams
Tariq Woolen, CB
Tariq Woolen is set to hit free agency after his four-year rookie deal with the Seattle Seahawks. This season, the Seahawks’ defense is ranked third overall in the PFSN NFL Defensive Impact Metrics, and Woolen has been a big part of that. He had a bit of a slow start to the season, but he really found his role in the defense.
The Los Angeles Rams need more high-end athleticism, and Woolen offers just that. He brings rare length on the outside that could help elevate the Rams’ defense. When you have a corner that can survive on an island, it allows the defense to be more aggressive with pressures and rotations. Woolen also has proven ball production, which matters for a team that needs more takeaways, not just better coverage reps.
Miami Dolphins
Christian Kirk, WR
Christian Kirk might be heading to free agency. The Texans sit at No. 23 in offense, with a 70.9 grade in PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric, and might opt to re-sign Kirk. His previous AAV of $18 million underscores the significance of his role with the Houston Texans. Miami’s offense is built on speed and explosive plays.
On Feb. 16, the Dolphins announced they would be releasing Tyreek Hill, so they’ll be in the market for a new receiver. Kirk can live in the slot and read leverage quickly, which would be important for the 2026 Miami offense. Even though he isn’t a big-name receiver, he is the type of wide-out who keeps drives alive and reduces the pressure to force big shots.
Minnesota Vikings
Nick Cross, S
If longtime veteran Harrison Smith retires, the Minnesota Vikings’ safety room will definitely look bleak. Nick Cross is set to reach free agency after his rookie contract ends, and he profiles as the kind of athletic safety that teams will take a gamble on with a big contract.
Minnesota will need more speed on the back end, especially when offenses stretch the field and force safeties to tackle in space. Cross brings a certain kind of elite physicality and has improved his instincts in recent seasons. He fits a defense that asks safeties to cover ground and clean up mistakes, which he can excel in.
New England Patriots
Braden Smith, OT
The New England Patriots had a protection problem last season, especially in the playoffs. According to Next Gen Stats, Will Campbell allowed 14 quarterback pressures, the most by any offensive lineman in a single game this season and tied for the most in a postseason game since 2018. The Patriots’ offensive line had climbed from last place in the PFSN NFL Team OL Impact Rankings in 2024 to 12th in 2025-26.
New England had the fourth-worst record in the NFL just one year ago. Braden Smith is the kind of veteran tackle who can immediately help with protection. New England’s priority is keeping the pocket clean, and Smith has plenty of experience showcasing he can do just that. He is fundamentally sound in pass protection, which matters and would give the Patriots a reliable option on the edge.
New Orleans Saints
Breece Hall, RB
Breece Hall has had an up-and-down tenure with the New York Jets, with much of it out of his control. Yet when he’s been healthy, he’s been able to produce both on the ground and in the air. He’s just reaching his prime and will be a lead running back wherever he ends up. The New Orleans Saints need more juice and an easier offense, and Hall can create both. He has the burst to turn small zones into explosive plays.
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It’s also important to note that Alvin Kamara is a free agent, and Hall could help replace the void left by Kamara. Even if New Orleans keeps a committee approach, adding a back with Hall’s skill set would raise the ceiling not only in the run game but also in the passing game.
Philadelphia Eagles
Isaiah Likely, TE
Howie Roseman has built his reputation on understanding value better than almost anyone in the league, which makes it hard to imagine him overpaying for Dallas Goedert, even after an 11-touchdown season that ranked second among tight ends in a contract year. If the price climbs too high, the Eagles could turn toward a quieter but intriguing option in Isaiah Likely.
The Eagles are tight against the cap at roughly $9.8 million and have limited flexibility to create additional space through cuts or restructures. That reality makes a more cost-conscious move at tight end logical for a roster that otherwise has very few glaring needs.
New York Jets
David Edwards, G
David Edwards makes too much sense for a Jets team that needs more stability inside. New York has had way too much pressure seep through the A and B gaps, which have turned into disasters for the offense on several occasions. Edwards is not a splash signing, but he is a dependable and reliable guard who can help clean up protection calls and be a teacher in a younger offensive-lineman room. Adding him would also give the Jets more flexibility, since he can fit different run schemes without a full overhaul.
New York Giants
D.J. Reader, DT
Dexter Lawrence remains one of the most dominant interior defenders in football, but the New York Giants have struggled to find a reliable presence next to him. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter bring juice off the edge, yet both are more impactful as pass rushers than true run anchors. That is where D.J. Reader fits. At 335 pounds, the soon-to-be 32-year-old is built to occupy space and collapse double teams. Doing this will immediately make life easier for everyone else.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Daniel Jones, QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been lacking in offensive firepower since the Killer Bs days of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown. None of those three are walking in the door to fix things anytime soon, but the Steelers rank in the top ten in cap space this offseason and have an offensive-minded head coach now in Mike McCarthy.
If Pittsburgh wants to make a serious push out of mediocrity, it’ll need to invest in its offense. That starts with fixing the quarterback position. Daniel Jones has mobility and can extend plays, which would be an added benefit in the new Steelers offense. If Pittsburgh pairs him with a strong run game and a clear identity, Jones gives them a credible starter option.
San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel, WR
In his lone year with Washington, Deebo Samuel recorded 72 receptions for 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while adding another score as a rusher. In PFSN’s NFL Wide Receiver Impact Metric (WRi), he ranked No. 34 with an impact score of 77.2 and a C+ grade.
If the 49ers are looking to retool, Deebo is still a player who forces defensive adjustments because he can align anywhere and threaten the run and pass game with the same personnel. Samuel can be put in space, in motion, or anywhere in between. A reunion with the 49ers makes sense for both sides.
Seattle Seahawks
Greg Newsome II, CB
Greg Newsome II is a logical fit for the Seahawks’ defense because he will add more consistency on the perimeter. Seattle has relied on long, athletic corners, and the 25-year-old can offer that. Jacksonville’s defense was great in its first year under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, excelling at taking the ball away. Part of the reason was Newsome’s stellar play. All of 2025, he played with good feet and had exceptional route awareness.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bradley Chubb, EDGE
Bradley Chubb is heading to free agency after Miami’s decision to release him, and he immediately becomes one of the highest-impact edge options available. Tampa Bay needs more consistent pressure, and Chubb can win with power and has a strong rush plan when healthy.
The key is that, when healthy, Chubb is at his best, and not many in the league have better talent. He also changes protections, which helps everyone else on the front. The fit is simple: the Buccaneers want to speed up quarterbacks and close games, and Chubb gives them a proven rusher who can tilt a matchup. The contract will reflect his upside and injury history, but the on-field fit is real.
Tennessee Titans
Travis Etienne, RB
Travis Etienne has the kind of speed and versatility the Tennessee Titans have been missing. The Titans have traditionally leaned on physical football, but the modern NFL still demands explosive plays, and Etienne can create them without perfect blocking.
Etienne’s next deal will come down to two questions: how Jacksonville values him long-term, and how the league prices an all-around back at a position that rarely receives patience. If the Titans chose to add Etienne, then they would diversify the offense and force defenses to respect the perimeter, especially in the run game.
Washington Commanders
Tyreek Hill, WR
The Washington Commanders had a disappointing 2025 season after reaching the NFC Championship game the year prior. Washington has the building blocks up front, but they still need that playmaker for Daniels to succeed. Last offseason, Washington traded for Deebo Samuel, but now Hill hits free agency alongside veteran tight end Zach Ertz. If they’re serious about contending in the future, they’ll need to sign a facilitator for the offense, and the Super Bowl champion can do just that.
