The Biggest NFL Free Agents in the 2026 Offseason
The 2025-2026 regular season has come and gone. After another exciting year, the free agent market is alive and starting to pick up steam. There are some big names slated to hit free agency, along with other key pieces still up in the air. Free agent signings are one of the most significant events of the offseason, and hopefully, some much-needed excitement as we conclude the season.
Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson has been a massive name in the trade market after not finding common ground on a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. Another year without a deal has Hendrickson among the most prominent names to hit free agency in a while. The New Orleans Saints drafted Hendrickson in the third round of the 2017 draft. He spent four seasons with the Saints, eventually working his way into the starting lineup in his last season. Hendrickson hit free agency in 2021, landing a four-year, $60 million contract with the Bengals, after a fantastic season in 2024, where he exploded into a superstar, making the Pro Bowl, making an All-Pro, and finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Bengals rewarded Hendrickson with a one-year extension after not being able come to an agreeable new contract. Unfortunately, he had to sit out most of the 2025 season with an injury amid trade rumors. Players like Hendrickson rarely hit the free agent market. He is already projected as one of the most sought-after players on the market. Many teams are a pass-rush away from becoming a force in the postseason. Whoever lands Hendrickson is sure to have an elite front seven.
George Pickens
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted George Pickens in the second round of 2022. Pickens first showcased his potential in Week Four of the 2022 season, with six receptions for 102 yards. In an otherwise anemic Steelers receiver room, he eventually became the starter and had a breakout season in 2023, finishing with his first 1,000-yard receiving season. The Steelers made a big move in the 2025 offseason, trading for DK Metcalf before trading Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Coming as a surprise, Pickens found himself in a favorable situation primed for another breakout season, and breakout he did. Pickens finished the 2025 season with 93 receptions for 1.429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He had played himself into a big payday in the looming free agency. The Cowboys are in a peculiar position, with the Cowboys’ offense having one of its best seasons. The Cowboys are the obvious answer to re-signing Pickens after the season he had and his role as an essential piece of the offense. Dallas’ owner, Jerry Jones, is a notoriously hard-nosed businessman. With a deal not yet signed and free agency approaching, Picken’s next move is being closely watched by the league.
Daniel Jones
Not so long ago, sports analysts and podcasters alike were calling for the downfall of quarterback Daniel Jones. The New York Giants drafted Jones in the first round of 2019. Jones had a mediocre season before breaking out in 2022, leading the Giants to the playoffs and a playoff win. Jones was then sidelined with injuries before being released by the Giants. The Indianapolis Colts, in a bad quarterback situation, gave Jones a one-year prove-it deal in 2025. Beating out former third overall pick Anthony Richardson, Jones led the Colts to an explosive start to the 2025 season. The narrative around Jones changed as he continued to tear up the league in an explosive Colts offense. After a hot start, injuries cooled the Colts down before Jones tore his Achilles, ending his season in a contract year. Decent quarterbacks are hard to come by, and Jones has more than earned himself a starting job. The Colts should be the primary suitor considering their quarterback depth, but the possibility of a massive payday from another suitor is not off the table.
