NFL free agency in 2018 won't open for business until the new league year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 14. But in the next month-plus, teams will hope to reach terms on long-term extensions with the free agents they would like to keep for next season and beyond.
Still, many quality players who are too expensive for their teams’ salary caps or have rising/declining value will hit the market.
NFL teams between Feb. 20 and March 6 also will need to decide which (if any) unrestricted free agents on whom to use the franchise tag, which tenders a player at a lucrative one-year guaranteed salary in line with the best-paid players at his position.
MORE: NFL offseason schedule
In the 2017 offseason, the Eagles (Alshon Jeffery), Jaguars (Calais Campbell), Rams (Robert Woods, Andrew Whitworth) and Vikings (Case Keenum) were among the teams who wisely spent in free agency to help them become playoff teams.
Who are the most coveted free agents in 2018 overall and by position?
Here’s the complete breakdown.
NFL free agents 2018: Top 25 unrestricted players
These players not under contract for next season and are free so sign with anybody without tender restrictions come March 14. Here is our ranking and analyses of the best unrestricted free agents.
This list will be updated as players come off the open marking via tagging, re-signing or agreeing to contracts with new teams.
1. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Age: 39
Brees isn’t leaving New Orleans, as he’s still playing at a high level, and his team is back in Super Bowl contention. The only question: For how long he will sign?
2. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers (set to be franchise-tagged)
Age: 25
Bell has joked about big deals with other teams, but it would be surprising to see the game’s most versatile and still-young feature back leave Pittsburgh. He should get the long-term deal he wants.
3. DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys (franchise-tagged)
Age: 25
The Cowboys don’t plan to let the breakout pass-rusher, coming off a 15-sack season, get close to the market. At worst, they will fall back on the franchise tag before hammering out the contract both sides know needs to get done.
4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
Age: 29
Alex Smith is set to replace Cousins in Washington, and the rumors of the Redskins tagging and trading him won’t become reality. Consider the Vikings as Cousins' top team, with the Broncos and Browns tied for a distant, fading second. He would be a great mental and physical fit in Minnesota.
5. Andrew Norwell, G, Panthers
Age: 26
Great run-blocking guards ready for big raises are hard to keep, as the Bengals experienced last year when they lost Kevin Zeitler. Norwell, an undrafted gem, is stepping into a market short on worthy offensive linemen, setting him up for a big payday elsewhere.
6. Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars
Age: 24
He’s close to being fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in Jacksonville's first game last season. He had a monster 2015 campaign as a big-play and red-zone threat before cooling off in 2016. He is the only true No. 1 outside wideout available, but the Jaguars have the cap room to bring him back post-injury.
7. Malcolm Butler, CB, Patriots
Age: 27
By now, based on Butler's Super Bowl 52 benching, everybody knows how much he fell out of favor in New England as the No. 2 corner. That's the way he needs to be viewed as a free agent: not on the same level as his one-year teammate, Stephon Gilmore, from a year ago.
MORE: Best fits for Butler
8. Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins (franchise tagged)
Age: 25
Landry is the game’s ultimate high-volume possession receiver. He's more of a reliable extension of a running game and short-area scorer than he is a gamebreaker, but he's very good in his niche role. The Dolphins will do their best to keep him for Ryan Tannehill.
9. Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots
Age: 27
Lewis in 2017 was an excellent return man and remained an open-field threat as a receiver, but he also proved he can be a complete runner working between the tackles and handling a good workload. He was a key cog for New England, but that team doesn't typically spend much to keep backs.
10. Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seahawks
Age: 27
The Jets traded the one-time Pro Bowl defender before the 2017 season, and he promptly found a strong home as a 4-3 tackle after playing 3-4 end for most of his career. He was very disruptive in the middle of the field with Seattle. With a lot of other positional money issues, especially defensively, it will be hard for the Seahawks to keep him.
11. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Lions (franchise tagged)
Age: 28
Ansah, two years removed from a Pro Bowl selection, fought through injuries for a rebound 12-sack season after disappearing in 2016. It will be interesting to see how much Lions general manager Bob Quinn wants to keep the veteran around beyond '18 as a defensive cornerstone for new coach Matt Patricia.
12. Rashaan Melvin, CB, Colts
Age: 28
Melvin turned into a complete (and sometimes shutdown) corner for the Colts before he injured his hand, making big plays on the ball and against the run. Indy would like to keep him, but he should want to see his demand given the supply is so low on big defensive backs of his ilk.
13. Lamarcus Joyner, S, Rams
Age: 27
He is one of the game's most well-rounded defensive backs with his ability to cover the slot and also cover a lot of ground like the natural free safety he is. He won’t be underrated and under-compensated much longer.
14. Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks
Age: 31
Yes, he’s getting up there in age, but yes, he finally found a groove in Seattle’s offense during his contract year, going from a slow start to 10 TDs, dominating in the red zone in the second half of the season. The problem is he’s not the same field-stretcher he once was.
15. Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears
Age: 25
He's still a young corner with an upward trajectory, as he proved he can handle being outside more and more throughout his all-around breakout season. The Bears should want to keep him for Vic Fangio.
16. Patrick Robinson, CB, Eagles
Age: 30
He wasn't expected to do much, but he had a great season, both filling in well outside for Ronald Darby and thriving when covering the slot. The age is a concern, but Robinson can still have a strong short-term impact.
17. Nate Solder, OT, Patriots
Age: 29
Solder showed signs of slowing down as Tom Brady’s athletic blindside pass protector this past season, and there were some thoughts that he might retire. If he plays, he can still be a solid starter at a tough position to find a worthy veteran.
18. Sam Bradford, QB, Vikings
Age: 30
With Brees and Garoppolo going nowhere, Bradford should be right behind Cousins and ahead of his replacement starting teammate, Case Keenum, as a desired veteran QB solution. Health is always the concern; otherwise, Bradford has proved he can be productive in different systems.
MORE: Previewing QB free agency
19. Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Lions
Age: 27
Whitehead is a tackling machine who makes a ton of plays against the pass, too. Although he could help Patricia on the weak side, it’s more likely he finds a new home. Watch out for the Giants.
20. Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams
Age: 26
Robey-Coleman has been good covering the slot during his time in Buffalo and Los Angeles. He's a solid assignment defender who also plays the run well. He's one of the best relative bargains in free agency.
21. Case Keenum, QB, Vikings
Age: 30
Keenum still has some intriguing value, but the Garoppolo trade, the Smith trade, Cousins’ and Bradford’s free agency and the depth of first-round QBs take away his shine, especially after his shaky NFC title game. Keenum should be viewed as more of a stopgap in front of a young franchise passer. He also will be on the older side and comes with major inconsistency issues.
22. Ryan Jensen, C, Ravens
Age: 26
Jensen had a stellar first year as starter, anchoring Baltimore's offensive line as a powerful run-blocker. The position has been paid well in free agency of late, and Jenson is by far its best option this year.
23. Justin Pugh, G, Giants
Age: 27
The 2017 season was tough for Pugh, as the 2013 first-rounder had to bounce around from left guard to right tackle again in New York’s often makeshift line. He also played only half of the season because of a back injury. His versatility to play multiple positions gives him nice rebound appeal away from the Giants.
24. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Vikings
Age: 25
McKinnon took advantage of the early-season injury to Dalvin Cook, remaining more active than ever as an explosive receiving back. He isn't a guy a team can pound between the tackles or give 25 touches, but he can be a valuable cog to boost a passing game.
25. Alex Okafor, DE, Saints
Age: 27
Okafor was having his best, most disruptive season with 4 1/2 sacks in 10 games before going down with Achilles injury. He's a solid all-around end with double-digit sack potential in the right system.
MOCK DRAFT 2018:
Steelers, Bills trade up for QBs
NFL free agents 2018: Top unrestricted players by position
Quarterbacks
Drew Brees, Saints
Kirk Cousins, Redskins
Sam Bradford, Vikings
Case Keenum, Vikings
AJ McCarron, Bengals
Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers
Josh McCown, Jets
Jay Cutler, Dolphins
Blaine Gabbert, Cardinals
Mike Glennon, Bears
Tom Savage, Texans
Geno Smith, Giants
Running Backs
Le’Veon Bell, Steelers (set to be franchise-tagged)
Dion Lewis, Patriots
Jerick McKinnon, Vikings
Frank Gore, Colts
Carlos Hyde, 49ers
Isaiah Crowell, Browns
Doug Martin, Buccaneers
Rex Burkhead, Patriots
Damien Williams, Dolphins
LeGarrette Blount, Eagles
Orleans Darkwa, Giants
Alfred Morris, Cowboys
Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
Shane Vereen, Giants
Jeremy Hill, Bengals
Chris Ivory, Jaguars
Fullbacks
Zach Line, Saints
Anthony Sherman, Chiefs
Derrick Coleman, Falcons
Wide Receivers
Allen Robinson, Jaguars
Jarvis Landry, Dolphins (franchise tagged)
Sammy Watkins, Rams
Marqise Lee, Jaguars
Paul Richardson, Seahawks
Mike Wallace, Ravens
Donte Moncrief, Colts
Danny Amendola, Patriots
Tavarres King, Giants
Eric Decker, Titans
John Brown, Cardinals
Albert Wilson, Chiefs
Taylor Gabriel, Falcons
Kendall Wright, Bears
Dontrelle Inman, Bears
Terrelle Pryor Sr., Redskins
Cody Latimer, Broncos
Jordan Matthews, Bills
Tight ends
Jimmy Graham, Seahawks
Tyler Eifert, Bengals
Antonio Gates, Chargers
Trey Burton, Eagles
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jets
Benjamin Watson, Ravens
Virgil Green, Broncos
Darren Fells, Cardinals
Ed Dickson, Panthers
Gary Barnidge
Zach Miller, Bears
Offensive tackles
Nate Solder, Patriots
Cameron Fleming, Patriots
Chris Hubbard, Steelers
LaAdrian Waddle, Patriots
Sam Young, Dolphins
Chris Clark, Texans
Greg Robinson, Lions
Guards
Andrew Norwell, Panthers
Justin Pugh, Giants
Josh Kline, Titans
Patrick Omameh, Jaguars
Zach Fulton, Chiefs
Josh Sitton, Bears
Brandon Fusco, 49ers
Joe Berger, Vikings
Jahri Evans, Packers
Evan Smith, Buccaneers
Senio Kelemete, Saints
Jack Mewhort, Colts
Jermon Bushrod, Dolphins
Brian Schwenke, Titans
Alex Boone, Cardinals
Allen Barbre, Broncos
Luke Joeckel, Seahawks
Matt Slauson, Chargers
D.J. Fluker, Giants
Shawn Lauvao, Redskins
Xavier Su’a-Filo, Texans
Centers
Ryan Jensen, Ravens
Weston Richburg, Giants
John Sullivan, Rams
Spencer Long, Redskins
Russell Bodine, Bengals
Defensive ends
DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys (franchise tagged)
Ezekiel Ansah, Lions (franchise tagged)
Alex Okafor, Saints
Adrian Clayborn, Falcons
William Hayes, Dolphins
Julius Peppers, Panthers
Charles Johnson, Panthers
Willie Young, Bears
Kony Ealy, Jets
Defensive tackles
Sheldon Richardson, Seahawks
Dontari Poe, Falcons
Mitch Unrein, Bears
Kyle Williams, Bills
Tom Johnson, Vikings
Bennie Logan, Chiefs
Justin Ellis, Raiders
DaQuan Jones, Titans
Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets
Clinton McDonald, Buccaneers
Jarvis Jenkins, Chiefs
Star Lotulelei, Panthers
Haloti Ngata, Lions
Linebackers
Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Lions
Avery Williamson, OLB, Titans
Nigel Bradham, OLB, Eagles
Paul Posluszny, ILB, Jaguars
Zach Brown, ILB, Redskins
NaVorro Bowman, ILB, Raiders
Derrick Johnson, ILB, Chiefs
Todd Davis, ILB, Broncos
Anthony Hitchens, ILB, Cowboys
Demario Davis, ILB, Jets
Jerrell Freeman, ILB, Bears
Junior Galette, OLB, Redskins
Marquise Flowers, OLB, Patriots
Jon Bostic, ILB, Colts
David Bass, OLB, Jets
Pernell McPhee, OLB, Bears
Preston Brown, ILB, Bills
Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Colts
Connor Barwin, OLB, Rams
Lamarr Houston, OLB, Bears
Brian Cushing, ILB, Texans
Erik Walden, OLB, Titans
Ahmad Brooks, OLB, Packers
Cornerbacks
Malcolm Butler, Patriots
Rashaan Melvin, Colts
Kyle Fuller, Bears
Patrick Robinson, Eagles
Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams
Trumaine Johnson, Rams
Bashaud Breeland, Redskins
T.J. Carrie, Raiders
Aaron Colvin, Jaguars
E.J. Gaines, Bills
Prince Amukamara, Bears
Morris Claiborne, Jets
Tramon Williams, Cardinals
Brent Grimes, Buccaneers
Ross Cockrell, Giants
Johnathan Joseph, Texans
Byron Maxwell, Seahawks
Davon House, Packers
Safeties
Lamarcus Joyner, Rams
Eric Reid, 49ers
Tyvon Branch, Cardinals
Morgan Burnett, Packers
Bradley McDougald, Seahawks
Tre Boston, Chargers
Corey Graham, Eagles
Darius Butler, Colts
Marcus Gilchrist, Texans
Reggie Nelson, Raiders
T.J. Ward, Buccaneers
Kenny Vaccaro, Saints
Eddie Pleasant, Texans
Kurt Coleman, Panthers (signed with Saints for 3 years, $8 million)
Quintin Demps, Bears
Ron Parker, Chiefs
Kickers
Graham Gano, Panthers
Matt Bryant, Falcons
Caleb Sturgis, Eagles
Cody Parkey, Dolphins
Kai Forbath, Vikings
Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
Blair Walsh, Seahawks
Nick Novak, Chargers
Dustin Hopkins, Redskins
Nick Folk, Buccaneers
Punters
Shane Lechler, Texans
Kevin Huber, Bengals
Pat O’Donnell, Bears
Dustin Colquitt, Chiefs
Returners
Brandon Tate, Bills
Marcus Sherels, Vikings
Long snappers
Jake McQuaide, Rams
L.P. Ladouceur, Cowboys
NFL free agents 2018: Notable restricted players
These players with three accrued NFL seasons are unlikely to move, because their current teams can protect them with tenders of draft picks that will make it more difficult for other teams to provide the necessary compensation.
Here are 19 restricted players of note across all positions:
Chris Boswell, K, Steelers
Mike Davis, RB, Seahawks
Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks
Quincy Enunwa, WR, Jets
Cameron Meredith, WR, Bears
Adam Humphries, WR, Buccaneers
Willie Snead, WR, Saints
Brandon Coleman, WR, Saints
Tyrell Williams, WR, Chargers
Eli Rogers, WR, Steelers
Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers
Matt Paradis, C, Broncos
David Irving, DT, Cowboyss
Dion Jordan, DE, Seahawks
Joe Thomas, LB, Packers
Shaquil Barrett, LB, Broncos
Brian Peters, LB, Texans
Delvin Breaux, CB, Saints
Ricardo Allen, S, Falcons
