When Daniel Jones steps onto the field for the Indianapolis Colts in December 2025, he’s not just playing for a win—he’s playing for his next contract. As of November 28, 2025, analysts from Pro Football Network and NFL.com agree: Jones is the top quarterback available in the 2026 free agency class, a market that’s already been thinned out by teams locking up young stars before they hit the open market. The real story isn’t just who’s available—it’s who’s not. Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, ranked #1 by NFL.com and #4 by NFLTradeRumors.co, is almost certainly off the board. "There ain’t no way the Ravens let Linderbaum hit free agency," said a popular YouTube breakdown viewed 26,000 times on November 28. That’s the new NFL reality: free agency isn’t what it used to be.
The New Free Agency Landscape
It used to be that March 12 was the day the league turned upside down. Teams would scramble, cap space would melt, and stars would change jerseys. But now? Most of the big names are already locked in. NFL.com noted bluntly on November 28, 2025: "Most teams are getting smarter about keeping their best players. That’s partly why the list of 2026 potential free agents below has already been decimated." The 2026 NFL free agency periodUnited States still opens at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12, but the real drama happened months ago. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys moved early—sometimes trading draft picks to secure talent before they could become free agents.
George Pickens: The WR1 in Waiting
Enter George Pickens. Acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in a trade for a third-round pick before the 2025 season, Pickens didn’t just fill in during CeeDee Lamb’s injury slump—he exploded. As of November 28, 2025, he’s posted 764 receiving yards (fourth-most among all WRs) and a WRi grade of 88.5, sixth-best in the league. He’s not just a deep threat—he’s a complete receiver. NFL.com pointed out that his fit in Dallas’ offense as a No. 2 receiver makes it hard to judge whether he deserves a No. 1 contract. But here’s the twist: teams looking for a true No. 1 will still see him as one. His 2025 film shows elite route precision, contested-catch ability, and chemistry with Dak Prescott. And with NFLTradeRumors.co ranking him #2 overall in the 2026 class, the market will be fierce.
Defensive Standouts and the Unlikely Gems
While offense grabs headlines, defense has its own stars waiting in the wings. Travis Jones, the 26-year-old Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle, leads all DTs in the 2026 class with a DTi grade of 79.7. He’s not flashy, but he’s a run-stuffing machine who commands double teams. Then there’s Quentin Lake, the 26-year-old safety for the Los Angeles Rams. With an SAFi grade of 89.7, he’s the third-highest graded safety in the league. "He stepped into a starting role in 2024 and has really come into his own in 2025," noted Pro Football Network. And don’t sleep on Trey Hendrickson, the edge rusher from the Cincinnati Bengals. Ranked #3 by NFL.com and #3 by NFLTradeRumors.co, he’s a proven pass-rushing force who’s still under 30. His 12.5 sacks in 2024 make him one of the most reliable names left on the board.
The Quarterback Carousel
Behind Jones, the QB market is a mess of aging veterans and unproven talents. Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers), Joe Flacco (Cincinnati Bengals), Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders), and Russell Wilson (New York Giants) are all set to hit free agency. But none of them carry the upside of Jones. Wilson, despite his name recognition, is coming off a down year. Flacco is 39. Mariota’s mobility is fading. Jones? He’s 27, has a 70% completion rate, and led the Colts to a 9-7 record in 2024. He’s not elite—but he’s the most *reliable* option. Teams like the Cleveland Browns or Carolina Panthers, who are rebuilding, will see him as a bridge to the future.
What’s Next? The Countdown to March
Teams will begin serious contract negotiations in December, with franchise tags due by February 24, 2026. That’s when the real cuts will happen. Will the Baltimore Ravens tag Tariq Woolen? Will the Los Angeles Rams re-sign Quentin Lake? Or will they let him walk, betting on their draft picks? The Indianapolis Colts face a tough call: pay Jones now, or risk losing him for nothing. And don’t forget the running backs: Breece Hall, JK Dobbins, and Isaiah Pacheco—described as a "very violent runner"—could all be available. The 2026 class may be smaller, but it’s deeper in quality than ever.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about who signs where. It’s about the NFL’s evolution. The days of teams waiting until March to make moves are over. Smart franchises are using early extensions, trade deadlines, and performance incentives to retain talent. The 2026 free agent class is a mirror: it shows which teams planned ahead—and which ones didn’t. For fans, it means fewer blockbuster signings, but more strategic, sustainable rosters. And for players like Pickens and Jones? It means their careers could hinge on one contract. One that could define their legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top five free agents in the 2026 NFL class?
According to NFL.com and NFLTradeRumors.co, the top five are Tyler Linderbaum (C, Baltimore Ravens), Jaelan Phillips (EDGE, Miami Dolphins), Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals), Tariq Woolen (CB, Seattle Seahawks), and George Pickens (WR, Dallas Cowboys). Linderbaum is widely expected to re-sign with Baltimore, making Pickens the most likely top free agent to actually change teams.
Why is George Pickens ranked so high despite playing as a No. 2 receiver?
Pickens’ 88.5 WRi grade and 764 receiving yards in 2025 came while playing alongside CeeDee Lamb. His ability to dominate in Lamb’s absence, combined with elite contested-catch stats and route-running, suggests he’s a true No. 1 talent. Teams are evaluating him not by his current role, but by his ceiling—and that ceiling is elite.
Will Daniel Jones be franchise-tagged by the Indianapolis Colts?
Unlikely. The Colts have shown no interest in using the franchise tag on Jones, preferring to negotiate a long-term deal before free agency. His 2024 performance (9-7 record, 70% completion rate) makes him a valuable bridge QB, but the team may be looking at younger options in the 2026 draft. If no extension is reached, he’ll hit the open market.
What’s the significance of the DTi and SAFi grading systems?
DTi (Defensive Tackle index) and SAFi (Safety index) are proprietary metrics from Pro Football Network that evaluate performance beyond traditional stats. They factor in run-stopping efficiency, coverage ability, and impact on quarterback pressure. Travis Jones’ 79.7 DTi and Quentin Lake’s 89.7 SAFi mean they’re among the most effective players at their positions, even if they don’t rack up sacks or interceptions.
How has the 2026 free agent class changed compared to previous years?
The 2026 class is significantly smaller than 2025’s. Teams are locking up young stars earlier—often after Year 2 or 3—thanks to smarter cap management and the rising cost of free agency. Only 12 of the top 25 players from last year’s list are still available. This trend is accelerating, making future free agency classes even leaner.
When exactly does the 2026 free agency period begin?
The official 2026 NFL free agency period begins at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12, 2026. Before that, teams can negotiate with agents starting March 10, but no contracts can be signed until the 4 p.m. mark. Franchise tag deadlines are February 24, 2026, and teams must decide whether to use them before then.