Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Free Agency Class

Nearly one week into the new league year, there are still some big-name 2025 free agents yet to sign. While we wait for them to do so, it’s never too early to look at next year’s free agency market. As of now, the list of 2026 free agents has a lot of fantasy football firepower. Many of the names below will likely sign an extension or, at the very least, play the 2026 season under a one-year club option or the franchise tag. But whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea to analyze potential movement around the league and how it impacts the specific player’s value as well as those around them.

Breaking Down 2026 Free Agency for Fantasy

Running Back

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry is entering the 2025 season with 2,553 career carries, counting the playoffs. He logged 344 regular season touches in 2024, his first with the Ravens. Henry turns 32 in January 2026 and is set to be a free agent two months later. While he hasn’t shown much of a decline, if any, there is a chance this is Henry’s last season. He should have yet another high-volume RB1 campaign with plenty of scoring opportunities.

James Cook, Buffalo Bills

It’s shocking the Bills haven’t given James Cook an extension yet. They handed out multiple four-year deals to others on the roster this offseason, including their long snapper. Cook logged his second straight season of 1,000 rushing yards with a career-high 16 rushing touchdowns during the 2024 regular season. He had just four total rushing touchdowns in two seasons prior. I don’t expect Cook to hit the open market in 2026. The Bills should take care of their lead back before this upcoming season kicks off.

Breece Hall, New York Jets

It wouldn’t shock me if Breece Hall is the top name of 2026 free agent running backs. He is a true three-down back, with an impressive 4.6 career yards-per-carry average and back-to-back seasons with over 50 receptions. While he has yet to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, Hall has eclipsed 1,300 all-purpose yards in each of his last two. However, after a 2022 ACL tear, and on a Jets team recovering from the two-year-long failed Aaron Rodgers experiment, Hall simply may not financially factor into the Jets’ future. Hall is a name to keep an eye on before the 2025 trade deadline this season. The Jets have 21-year-old Braelon Allen on the roster entering his second season. Hall could have a big impact on a potential running back needy contender.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

Similar to the aforementioned Breece Hall, it’s unclear if Kenneth Walker III factors into the Seattle Seahawks’ roster reconfiguration. He and Zach Charbonnet were second-round picks for the Seahawks in back-to-back seasons. Walker is only three months older but set to be a free agent in 2026 with Charbonnet potentially available the following offseason. Considering how quickly Seattle moved off Tyler Lockett, Geno Smith and DK Metcalf over the last few weeks, anything is on the table with Walker. It’s worth noting he has yet to play a full season over the last three years.

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams was one of six players to log over 300 rush attempts during the 2024 regular season. His 316 carries ranked third in the league behind only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Williams was one of seven players with over 1,200 rushing yards and ranked inside the top five in rushing touchdowns (14) as well. The Rams spent a 2024 third-round pick on Blake Corum, who rushed just 58 times as a rookie. Beyond him, there isn’t a heavy investment into the Los Angeles backfield. Given how crowded the 2026 free agent market could be at the position, Williams seems likely to re-sign with the Rams next offseason.

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

After leading the 2025 free agent running back class, Najee Harris mixes more into the middle if he and the rest of this bunch all hit 2026 free agency. Even with four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Harris’ market was victim to a strong incoming 2025 rookie running back class. It would be a good sign for his 2025 value if the Chargers don’t use one of their first three picks on a running back. If Los Angeles does so, Harris could be more likely to be a 2026 free agent.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

Pacheco presumably leads the 2025 Chiefs’ backfield with Kareem Hunt (30) and newly signed Elijah Mitchell (who missed all of 2024 to a hamstring injury) behind him. The Chiefs’ backfield ranked 22nd in rush yards from the 2024-25 regular season. It’s worth noting the Chiefs did inquire about Josh Jacobs during the 2024 free agency period. So while this may be how things look now, Kansas City could do a complete overhaul in 2026. Pacheco could very well receive an extension but may be more of a handcuff or 1B to a more complete player in the future. The Chiefs are a somewhat surprise team I’m watching in the 2025 NFL Draft as one that could use significant draft capital on a running back.

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

As he prepares to enter his fifth NFL season, Etienne is about to play for his fourth different head coach. Jacksonville’s 2021 first-round pick had his fifth-year club option exercised last April. The general manager who made that decision, Trent Baalke, was fired in January. The current staff has no allegiance to either Etienne or backfieldmate Tank Bigsby. However, the two will likely share the majority of the workload in 2025 before Etienne likely hits the 2026 free agency market next March.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a strong 2023 season with a career-high 336 regular season touches in a three-down role, Rachaad White saw a massive decrease in usage in 2024. White’s 195 touches were just 16 more than his 176 as a rookie. The immediate breakout from rookie Bucky Irving forced White to serve more as the pass-catching back. White averaged 16.0 carries per game during the 2023 regular season. He had just two games with 15 or more carries in 2024. The Buccaneers will have their third straight season with a new offensive coordinator. It will be very telling to see White’s role in 2025 in regard to his future in Tampa Bay.

Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders

The entire 2025 Washington Commanders backfield are set to be 2026 free agents, also including Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. As of now, the Commanders have just five 2025 draft picks. It’s unlikely they’ll use any on a running back. However, they could completely reset at the position next offseason. Brian Robinson Jr. has missed 11 games over his first three seasons and has yet to eclipse 797 rushing yards with a 4.1 career yards-per-carry average. Austin Ekeler is more the third-down receiving back, but he turns 30 this May. They should both be busy in what could be their final season in Washington.

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Miles Sanders, Dallas Cowboys

Both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are joining the Cowboys in 2025 on one-year deals. Williams’ contract includes $1 million guaranteed, while Sanders’ includes just $167,500. In theory, both players — Sanders especially — are expendable at any time before or during this season. If the Cowboys do use the 12th overall pick, or even one of their first three picks, on a running back, that will be the player to target in 2025 and beyond for fantasy football.

Other Potential 2026 Free Agents

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns
Khalil Herbert, Indianapolis Colts
Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

Wide Receiver

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s hard to imagine Mike Evans playing for another team. He turns 32 in August and would be 33 before the start of the 2026 season. Evans is seeking his 12th straight season of 1,000 or more receiving yards in 2025. That would set a new record, currently held by … himself, and Jerry Rice, at 11. If Evans were to move on as a 2026 free agent, he would probably seek an opportunity to win another Super Bowl before calling it a career.

Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons aren’t going to let Drake London hit the 2026 free agent market. He was the eighth overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. Before offering him an extension, the Falcons will most likely exercise London’s fifth-year option before the early May deadline. His 100/1,271/9 receiving line in 2024 were all career-high numbers. He has a legitimate chance to set new highs across the board in 2025 with a full season from Michael Penix Jr. as his quarterback.

Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Deebo Samuel Sr., Washington Commanders

As of right now, newly acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. is set to make just over $1 million more than Terry McLaurin this season. After logging a career-high in receptions (82), touchdowns (13) and over 1,000 receiving yards, McLaurin is due an extension before the 2025 season begins. Samuel’s future with the Commanders is likely dependent upon his health and performance this season. Even with a strong showing, he could lead the 2026 free agent wide receiver market and earn one more multi-year deal before his career is over. He should have plenty of an opportunity to stand out in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense this season.

Garrett Wilson, New York Jets

Garrett Wilson may have demanded a trade if not for the Justin Fields signing. The quarterback and wide receiver duo played two seasons together at Ohio State. Fields will be the seventh different quarterback to start a game for the Jets since they drafted Wilson in 2022. Though it’s fair to have reservations after the letdown with Aaron Rodgers, there’s plenty of reason for optimism with Wilson as Fields’ top target this season and potentially beyond. Wilson should have his fifth-year option exercised before the early May deadline.

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

The 2024 season was a tough one for Chris Olave. He played in just eight games due to a brutal midseason concussion. The entire Saints season fell apart after their 2-0 start in which they scored 91 total points. Even in those two games, Olave did not factor in much with just six total receptions for 92 scoreless yards. As of now, Olave remains the top pass catcher for Derek Carr entering the 2025 season. The Saints will definitely use one of their four top-100 picks at the position, but it shouldn’t impact Olave too much. New Orleans will likely exercise his fifth-year option before the deadline as well.

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Though Jameson Williams is set to be a 2026 free agent, he — like the many listed above him — is a former 2022 first-round pick. So, the Lions have the opportunity to exercise a fifth-year option to retain him for next season. Williams has missed 18 of a possible 51 games in his first three seasons due to injuries and suspensions. He played a career-high 15 games in 2024 and posted a 58/1,001/7 receiving line on 91 targets, the second most on the Lions. Detroit isn’t going to break up the offensive core any time soon. Williams should at least play the 2026 season there.

George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers

After the team traded for DK Metcalf and immediately signed him to a five-year, $150 million extension, George Pickens is no longer the top wide receiver for the Steelers. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me if he’s traded before or during the 2025 NFL Draft. Pickens and Metcalf tied for 10th in the league last season with 13.7-yard average depth of target. Per the FTN StatsHub, Pickens and Metcalf were two of three wide receivers with at least 1,400 air yards in 2024. It’s not a bad thing to have both dynamic playmakers on the field at the same time. Given the significant financial commitment to Metcalf, one could assume Pickens is not in the long-term plans in Pittsburgh.

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos

Depending on how the Broncos approach the 2025 NFL Draft, Courtland Sutton may very well be on the move as a 2026 free agent wide receiver. As Bo Nix’s top target in 2024, Sutton was the 15th-most targeted receiver, tied for sixth in touchdown receptions and one of 20 wide receivers with over 1,000 yards. Sutton does turn 30 this season. The Broncos could look to get younger at the position as soon as next month and beyond.

Other Potential 2026 Free Agents

Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
Christian Kirk, Houston Texans
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Tight End

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

The “Travis Kelce Farewell Tour” is (unofficially) all set to go for the 2025 season. To cap off a Hall of Fame career, Kelce is returning to the Chiefs to play out the final year of his deal. Kelce will be 36 in October. He logged a team-high 133 targets in 2024. Kelce should see 100 or more in 2025 especially with Rashee Rice facing a potential suspension and returning from a season-ending knee injury.

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have already traded Deebo Samuel Sr., Brandon Aiyuk is rumored to be available, Christian McCaffrey will be 30 next June, and even Jauan Jennings is set to be a 2026 free agent. All of a sudden, the 49ers offense from the Super Bowl a year ago could be disbanded. Kittle turns 32 this October and can probably earn one more multi-year contract as a 2026 free agent. Staying in San Francisco with Brock Purdy and a turnover in offensive weapons would be best for his fantasy value.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens

The chatter this offseason sure sounds like Mark Andrews will be playing the 2025 season for another team. Especially with both tight ends set to be 2026 free agents, the Ravens would likely pay Likely (see what I did there?), who is five years younger and a proven pass catcher. Andrews would be one of the biggest names hitting the 2026 free agency market for fantasy football purposes, but where he ends up may be decided much sooner via trade.

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

It’s still possible Dallas Goedert is playing for another team this season. The Eagles have signed two tight ends in the last week while reportedly fielding trade offers for Goedert. If he does end up getting traded, Goedert will likely sign one last sizable multi-year extension with his new team, something the Eagles can’t afford to do in 2026.

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona’s 2022 second-round pick is entering the final year of his deal. McBride led the 2024 Cardinals in targets (147), receptions (111) and yards (1,146). He is one of just three tight ends to average more than 15.0 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues in 2024 despite scoring just four total touchdowns. The Cardinals will likely extend McBride before the 2025 season. He should be in for another massive season as the Cardinals have yet to add any additional pass catchers of note.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have had a top-10 first-round pick in each of the last four NFL drafts. They selected an offensive playmaker with each one. As the contracts for Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr. slowly present themselves over the next one to three years, Pitts enters the 2025 season playing under an exercised fifth-year option. After recording 1,026 yards as a rookie, Pitts has just 1,625 yards over three seasons since. Many fantasy football managers will write Kyle Pitts off. He is only 24 and could revive his career with a change of scenery.

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

We can only hope David Njoku escapes the Browns. He is arguably the best player on their current offense. Njoku was drafted by the Browns in 2017. Since then, 14 different quarterbacks have started at least one game for the team. That includes seven different quarterbacks over the last two seasons. Njoku has been a focal point, logging 41% of his career receptions and 36.8% of his career yardage over the last two seasons. He is turning 29 this July so hitting the market as a 2026 free agent could result in a large contract from a team clearly in need of his playmaking ability at the position.

Other Potential 2026 Free Agents

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins

Quarterback

There aren’t a ton of notable names at the quarterback position set to become 2026 free agents. As of right now, Brock Purdy and Geno Smith are technically at the top of the list. However, they should each be signing extensions before the 2025 season begins. Daniel Jones, Sam Howell and potentially Kenny Pickett are the highest-valued players after that. It’s more likely that players set to be 2027 free agent quarterbacks are released one year early into the 2026 market.

Those potential players include Derek Carr, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields. The latter two are set to start on their new respective teams. Darnold and Fields each inked multi-year deals this month. There is a financial benefit to releasing them next offseason if they struggle in 2025, however. At that point, are they even worth discussing as 2026 free agents? Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.