NFL's top 100 free agents of 2021

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window March 15.

These are the 100 best unrestricted free agents slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S

Top 1001. Trent Williams, OT Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

It didn't take long for Williams to remind us he's one of the NFL's best offensive tackles after sitting out the 2019 season. The 32-year-old excelled as both a pass- and run-blocker in his first year with the 49ers, finishing the campaign as PFF's top-ranked offensive tackle. Williams has earned a Pro Bowl nod in all eight seasons he's played since 2012.

2. Shaq Barrett, EDGE

Barrett enjoyed a phenomenal 2019 season with 19.5 sacks and six forced fumbles, and although he was less prolific in 2020 (eight sacks), the edge rusher exploded during the two biggest games of the year. Barrett notched four sacks between the NFC title game and Super Bowl LV, cementing himself as one of the league's best pass-rushers. After playing on the franchise tag last year, Barrett should ink a huge contract this offseason.

3. Kenny Golladay, WR

A year before injuries limited him to five games, Golladay led the NFL in touchdown grabs with 11. He posted back-to-back campaigns of 1,000-plus yards between 2018 and 2019, and the wideout had developed into a legitimate No. 1 receiver for Matthew Stafford and the Lions. The Pro Bowler has been one of the NFL's most deadly deep threats since entering the league, averaging 16.8 yards per reception during his four-year career.

4. Aaron Jones, RB

It's easy to see why Jones is the top running back available. Over the last two seasons, he's averaged five yards per carry, scored 30 touchdowns from scrimmage, and topped 1,000 rushing yards twice. The 26-year-old has been a focal point of the Packers' elite offense under Matt LaFleur, and he should bring plenty of fireworks to a new team if Green Bay doesn't re-sign him.

5. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE

Ngakoue has never produced fewer than eight sacks. But he's only reached double digits once, so any team that signs the five-year veteran knows what it's getting. Ngakoue can excel in the right system, but his shaky run defense and occasional in-game disappearances are valid concerns. There's a reason the Jaguars, Vikings, and Ravens all didn't give him a big-time extension.

6. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

Smith-Schuster wasn't the explosive playmaker in 2019 and 2020 that he was in 2017 and 2018 - he averaged a paltry 8.6 yards per reception last season - but it wasn't all his fault. The 24-year-old could re-emerge as a big-play threat on another team after playing with limited quarterbacks on the Steelers the last couple of campaigns. Smith-Schuster reeled in 97 catches for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns last season, and at 24 years of age, he still has upside.

7. Will Fuller, WR

One of the league's top vertical threats, Fuller hits the market after playing out his rookie contract with the Texans. He finally stayed healthy last year and set personal bests with 879 yards and eight touchdowns after replacing DeAndre Hopkins as the No. 1 option, though he was suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. Fuller will miss the first game of the 2021 season while serving the remainder of his punishment.

8. Hunter Henry, TE

We're still waiting for Henry to find that next gear, but he did establish a new career best with 60 receptions in 2020. Unfortunately, those catches only translated into 613 yards and four touchdowns, ranking a modest 12th and 16th among tight ends, respectively. At 26, there are still likely several productive years ahead for Henry, and he might finally go from good to great in the right situation.

9. Corey Linsley, C

Linsley was the MVP of the Packers' offensive line last year, earning his first career All-Pro nod after allowing just four pressures on 437 pass-protection snaps, according to PFF. The 29-year-old should be able to stabilize the middle of any team's offensive line.

10. Anthony Harris, S

Harris didn't record a single pick in 2020 after topping the NFL in interceptions in 2019. The sudden drop-off could raise a flag for teams interested in adding Harris, who'll turn 30 in October. Of course, his subpar 2020 season may have just been an off year from a defensive back who played at an extremely high level the two seasons prior.

11. Bud Dupree, EDGE

Dupree broke out with 11.5 sacks in 2019 and was on pace for similar production last season before tearing his ACL in early December. Dupree's medical team believes he'll be cleared well before Week 1, though it's difficult to project how major knee surgery will impact a player whose effectiveness is tied to his explosiveness.

12. Joe Thuney, G

Thuney, one of the NFL's best all-around offensive linemen, could be the next Patriots standout to cash in elsewhere. The 28-year-old helped New England win two Super Bowl titles, and he hasn't missed a start since entering the league in 2016.

13. Matt Milano, LB

While he's coming off a somewhat inconsistent year (mostly due to injury), Milano's speed and coverage abilities have been essential to the Bills. Buffalo surrendered 24.1 points per game with Milano in the lineup last year, and 29.8 in the six games he missed.

14. John Johnson, S

Since he was drafted in 2017, Johnson leads the Rams and ranks eighth among NFL safeties in tackles with 350. A dynamic defender who flies all over the field, he notched 105 tackles and allowed a measly 71.9 passer rating this past season, all while making his triumphant return from shoulder surgery.

15. Marvin Jones, WR

Jones has never been a great separator, but he's always succeeded on contested targets. He tallied a career-high 76 receptions in 2020, leading to 978 yards and nine touchdowns, and has recorded nine scores in three of the last four seasons.

16. Richard Sherman, CB

Sherman will be 33 this season and is coming off an injury-shortened campaign, but he made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2019. The Stanford product is looking to play two more seasons, and he'd fit perfectly on a team that runs a variation of the Cover 3 defense.

17. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE

Hendrickson was a little-known role player over his first three seasons, but he reached the brink of stardom with a 13.5-sack campaign for the Saints in his fourth year. The 26-year-old isn't an established superstar yet, but his most recent season will have potential suitors salivating.

18. Matt Judon, EDGE

Despite falling short of his 2019 production, Judon earned a second straight Pro Bowl nod with a 50-tackle, six-sack campaign in Baltimore. He might not be the star defender a team can build around, but Judon can play a prominent role on a championship-caliber defense.

19. Chris Carson, RB

Though he's battled injuries and fumble issues in the past, Carson should be a no-brainer for teams seeking a new primary ball carrier. The 26-year-old averaged 4.6 yards per carry over four seasons with the Seahawks behind a shaky offensive line, and he also made plays as a pass-catcher.

20. K.J. Wright, LB

Wright was the NFL's only linebacker with 10-plus pass breakups and tackles for a loss last season. The veteran won't take a discount to stay with the Seahawks, so he could be the short-term answer for another team facing questions at linebacker.

21. Leonard Floyd, EDGE

Floyd registered double-digit sacks and looked great with the Rams, but so did Dante Fowler while playing alongside Aaron Donald. Fowler has given the Falcons three sacks since signing a $45-million contract, so the team that lands Floyd will be hoping for a vastly different outcome.

22. Haason Reddick, EDGE

Any club that signs Reddick will get a defender trying to prove he's not a one-year wonder. After posting 7.5 sacks through his first three seasons, the 2017 first-round pick notched 12.5 sacks along with six forced fumbles in 2020.

23. Alex Mack, C

Mack, 35, has been among the NFL's most consistent centers since entering the league in 2009. While his best days might be behind him, the six-time Pro Bowler can still play at a high level.

24. Antonio Brown, WR

Love him or hate him, there's no denying Brown is really good at catching footballs. He nearly played to a 1,000-yard pace with the Buccaneers despite being integrated slowly over his first few weeks in 2020.

25. Shaquill Griffin, CB Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Griffin took a step back in 2020. However, he still made plenty of plays for the Seahawks over his first four campaigns, recording double-digit pass breakups in three of those seasons. He could break the bank as the best young cornerback available.

26. Carl Lawson, EDGE

Lawson ranked sixth in the NFL with 64 pressures last season, topping the likes of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Myles Garrett. But with only 5.5 sacks - and 20 in 51 career games - there's no telling if all those close calls will eventually translate into big plays.

27. Kenyan Drake, RB

Drake has run for 1,598 yards (4.4 per carry) and 18 touchdowns across 23 games since being traded to the Cardinals in 2019. However, Arizona was often better last year with Chase Edmonds on the field.

28. William Jackson, CB

Opposing quarterbacks completed just 51.4% of their pass attempts for a rating of 88.2 when targeting Jackson in coverage last year. He'll soon be regarded as an elite corner if he maintains that level of play.

29. Daryl Williams, OT

Williams revived his career with the Bills in 2020 after struggling to stay healthy with the Panthers. Carolina franchise tagged Taylor Moton, making Williams the top right tackle on the market.

30. Corey Davis, WR

The Titans are probably wishing they picked up Davis' fifth-year option. The 2017 fifth overall pick chose the perfect time to break out, producing a career-high 984 yards and five touchdowns this past season. He'll be a prime target for teams eyeing a perimeter weapon.

31. Patrick Peterson, CB

While he's no longer a shutdown force, Peterson can still be an asset as a No. 2 or No. 3 corner. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons, but the Cardinals wasted most of those years.

32. Troy Hill, CB

Hill didn't disappoint in his first season as a full-time starter. Despite drawing an astounding 91 targets in 2020 opposite Jalen Ramsey, Hill only surrendered 577 yards and one touchdown.

33. Nelson Agholor, WR

Few available wideouts offer a greater combination of speed and quickness to stretch the field, though drops have always been an issue for Agholor. He blossomed with the Raiders, posting 896 yards with eight touchdowns in 2020.

34. Jameis Winston, QB

Winston attempted just 11 passes as the Saints' backup in 2020, and he'll surely look for a starting opportunity in New Orleans or elsewhere. The 30-30 Club founder is still young and ripe with potential.

35. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

Tomlinson has always excelled against the run, but he finally developed as a pass-rusher in his fourth year. The Giants would love for him to return, but they probably won't be able to keep him and fellow interior lineman Leonard Williams.

36. Curtis Samuel, WR

Samuel is among the league's most versatile receivers, and his numbers have risen steadily each year. He posted 1,051 all-purpose yards with the up-and-coming Joe Brady as his offensive coordinator in Carolina. However, Samuel's future success likely depends on the type of system he plays in next.

37. Justin Houston, EDGE

Aging like a fine wine, the 32-year-old Houston posted 19 sacks and three safeties over two seasons with the Colts. He's now managed eight-plus sacks in four straight years.

38. Russell Okung, OT

A health scare sidelined Okung for most of 2019, but he re-emerged with a nice season for the Panthers. The Bitcoin enthusiast is the clear-cut No. 2 left tackle on the market.

39. Mike Hilton, CB

The versatile Hilton covers in the slot as well as anyone, he's willing to come down to stop the run, and he can get to the quarterback as a blitzer. The 27-year-old produced a career-best three picks in 2020 over 12 contests.

40. David Andrews, C

Andrews played a full season after returning from a pulmonary embolism that wiped out his 2019 campaign. He's never allowed more than two sacks in a season, making him a great fallback option for teams that miss out on Corey Linsley and Alex Mack.

41. Carlos Dunlap, EDGE

Dunlap showed he can still get the job done with his five sacks and 14 quarterback hits over eight games for the Seahawks in 2020. Seattle could look to re-sign him after cutting the pass-rusher to avoid a $14-million cap hit.

42. T.Y. Hilton, WR

His injury history and age are valid concerns, but Hilton's decline in production over the last two years could be tied to Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett's hesitance to throw downfield. With the right quarterback, he can still be a playmaker outside the numbers.

43. James Conner, RB

While Conner hasn't returned to a Pro Bowl level since earning his only selection in 2018, he heads to the market as one of the top runners available. He rushed for 721 yards (4.3 per carry) and six touchdowns across 13 appearances with the Steelers in 2020.

44. Jayon Brown, LB

Brown has been solid since joining Tennessee as a fifth-round pick in 2017. The 26-year-old could be in line for a big payday, and the cap-strapped Titans may not have the funds to keep him.

45. Rob Gronkowski, TE

Even during a down year by his standards, Gronkowski finished with the most receiving yards of any free-agent tight end. The Buccaneers are the overwhelming favorites to re-sign him.

46. Melvin Ingram, EDGE

Ingram may have cost himself some money trying to play through a knee injury in 2020. After failing to register a sack over seven games, he might need to re-establish his value on a short-term deal.

47. Cam Newton, QB

Newton's year with the Patriots didn't go as planned, but the former MVP may get another opportunity to prove he's still a starter. He threw only eight touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 2020, though he did add 12 scores on the ground.

48. Chidobe Awuzie, CB

Awuzie picked the wrong time for a down year. He spent a portion of the season on injured reserve and struggled when he returned to the lineup. The 25-year-old was better in 2018 and 2019, and he's historically thrived in zone schemes.

49. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE

The days of Clowney searching for a megadeal appear to be over, as he's managed just three sacks over his last 21 games. He's always been good against the run and can still contribute to a pass rush, giving him value as a middle-tier free agent.

50. Jonnu Smith, TE Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Smith has improved each year since entering the NFL in 2017, and he set career highs with 41 receptions, 448 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2020. At 25, his best campaigns might still be ahead of him.

51. Romeo Okwara, EDGE

The owner of 10 sacks in 2020, Okwara fits best as a situational pass-rusher. The former undrafted free agent gets into trouble when he's asked to shoulder a heavier workload.

52. Keanu Neal, S

Neal never really took the next step after establishing himself as one of the game's top young safeties in 2016 and 2017. Perhaps a change of scenery can provide the jolt his career needs.

53. Ndamukong Suh, DT

His pass-rushing skills have deteriorated in recent years, but Suh remains one of the league's best run-stuffing defenders. After playing on three consecutive one-year deals, the 34-year-old could pursue a multi-year pact.

54. Andy Dalton, QB

Dalton shook off an ugly start to play far better down the stretch of his 10th season, throwing nine touchdowns to two interceptions in December. The former Bengals stalwart will be one of the NFL's top backups if he doesn't land a starting gig.

55. Desmond King, CB

King was an All-Pro in 2018 when he split time between safety and corner, but he hasn't been as good since shifting more to the latter role. He finished 2020 covering the slot for the Titans following a trade from the Chargers.

56. Alejandro Villanueva, OT

Villanueva enjoyed some great years with the Steelers before falling off the proverbial cliff in 2020. It remains to be seen whether the 32-year-old can pull himself back up.

57. Marlon Mack, RB

Mack was extremely productive over four seasons with the Colts, and he's only 25. But Mack had the benefit of playing behind an excellent offensive line in Indianapolis, and he's coming off a torn Achilles. He could face a tough market.

58. Jurrell Casey, DL

A torn triceps killed his only season with the Broncos in 2020, but Casey made five straight Pro Bowls from 2015-19. Even if he's no longer a game-changer, the former Titans star can still be a factor in the trenches.

59. Jaquiski Tartt, S

Tartt is a difference-maker when healthy, but he's only played 10-plus games once in the last four campaigns. He racked up 30 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception in seven appearances last year.

60. Tyson Alualu, DT

Alualu was shockingly dominant last season. He'll be a major addition for whoever lands him if he can repeat that performance, but there's a chance he comes back down to earth and settles in as a decent role player.

61. Leonard Fournette, RB

Fournette boosted his stock in the playoffs, rushing for more yards in four postseason games than he did in 13 regular-season outings. He'll look to parlay that impressive run - pun intended - into a healthy new deal.

62. B.J. Goodson, LB

Goodson flourished in his only season with the Browns. The 27-year-old led his team with 91 tackles and added six pass breakups plus two interceptions. He could take advantage of a shallow pool of inside linebackers.

63. Jamaal Williams, RB

He may not have enough explosion or power to be featured in the backfield, but Williams' ability to run, catch, and pick up blitzes makes him one of the league's most versatile running backs.

64. Gerald Everett, TE

Buried on the depth chart beneath Tyler Higbee for four years, Everett never truly had a chance to shine with the Rams. After eclipsing 400 yards in back-to-back seasons as a backup, Everett could be poised for a breakout.

65. Jason Verrett, CB

Injuries have been the story of Verrett's career. He enjoyed a healthy 2020 season by his standards but still missed three games. The 29-year-old posted seven pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing a 76.2 passer rating in his first relatively full campaign since 2015.

66. Sammy Watkins, WR

The talent is there, but Watkins appears incapable of staying healthy. His yearly absences have kept him from reaching 700 yards in every season since 2015.

67. Gabe Jackson, G

Jackson's game has slipped somewhat over the last couple of years, but the former Raiders starter can still be a serviceable stopgap for a team in need of an interior offensive lineman.

68. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB

In nine games last season, including seven starts, Fitzpatrick showed he still has some magic left in his briefcase (or beard ... or wherever he gets it from). The 38-year-old completed a career-best 68.5% of his pass attempts, and the Dolphins went 4-3 in his starts.

69. Tashaun Gipson, S

Gipson will be looking for a pay raise after outperforming his one-year, $1.05-million contract with the Bears. He can play both safety spots, which should help his value.

70. Michael Davis, CB

Davis often went unnoticed on a Chargers defense that had other stars drawing most of the attention. But the 26-year-old was a three-year starter and had a career-high 14 pass breakups with three picks in 2020.

71. James White, RB

Any team eyeing a pass-catcher out of the backfield figures to covet White, who may be the league's best in that department. He doesn't break enough tackles to serve as a between-the-tackles runner, though.

72. Eric Wilson, LB

Most linebackers are better at stuffing the run than dropping into coverage. Wilson is the opposite. He collected eight pass breakups and three interceptions in his fourth year with the Vikings, and he also notched three sacks.

73. Denico Autry, DT

Autry has topped seven sacks in two of the last three campaigns. The 30-year-old should be a solid complementary piece for whichever defensive line he joins.

74. Jared Cook, TE

Cook's 37 receptions and 504 yards in 2020 were his lowest such totals since 2016, but he's still dangerous, especially in the red zone. He caught seven touchdowns last year and has six or more in each of the last three seasons.

75. Ronald Darby, CB Mitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Darby rebounded from a dreadful 2019 campaign with the Eagles by turning in a solid 2020 season for Washington. He isn't a lockdown corner, but he is a viable starter for a team that can hide his weaknesses with a strong pass rush.

76. Xavier Rhodes, CB

Rhodes revitalized his career with the Colts in 2020, allowing a 84.5 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He looked to be on his last legs over the previous two years, though, so buyer beware.

77. Shelby Harris, DL

Harris generated surprisingly little interest a year ago, prompting him to re-sign with the Broncos for one season. He's flashed decent pass-rushing skills from the interior despite a low sack total, and he's always been a solid run defender.

78. Malcolm Butler, CB

The Super Bowl XLIX hero recorded nine interceptions over three seasons with the Titans, but opposing quarterbacks also picked on him at times. Now 31, Butler is more likely to regress than improve going forward.

79. Kyle Juszczyk, FB

Juszczyk landed the largest fullback deal in NFL history in 2017, and he could get another lucrative pact this offseason. He's one of the few at his position who isn't exclusively a blocker.

80. Breshad Perriman, WR

Perriman continues to tease teams with glimpses of potential, but he's never managed 650 yards in a season. The former first-round pick appears bound to join his fifth franchise in five years.

81. A.J. Green, WR

No receiver created less separation per target last year than Green, a troubling distinction considering he turns 33 in July. Perhaps a new system will get him back on track, but it's possible he's simply reached the end of the road.

82. Larry Ogunjobi, DT

Ogunjobi shows occasional flashes, but he profiles as a rotational tackle rather than an every-down contributor.

83. Mitchell Trubisky, QB

He'll probably never be the star the Bears thought they were getting when they drafted him second overall in 2017, but Trubisky remains functional. He's 29-21 as a starter, and Chicago hardly provided a great cast around him.

84. Quinton Dunbar, CB

Dunbar's transition to the Seahawks' zone defense didn't go well, and he could be forced to take a one-year "prove it" deal. He previously excelled as a man-to-man corner with Washington.

85. Ryan Kerrigan, EDGE

Kerrigan can contribute as a situational pass-rusher, but he's stated his desire to return to a starting role. The 32-year-old could face a cold market unless he changes his mind.

86. Brian Poole, CB

Poole outplayed a pair of one-year contracts with the Jets, and figures to seek a multi-year deal this time around. There's no reason to believe the 28-year-old won't continue to flourish in the slot.

87. Mark Ingram, RB

Ingram lost playing time with the Ravens last season and was eventually a healthy scratch in the playoffs. The 31-year-old still averaged 4.2 yards per carry, though, and he may have a solid year or two left in the tank.

88. Lawrence Guy, DT

A valuable member of the Patriots' last two Super Bowl teams, Guy offers quality run defense but not much else.

89. Demar Dotson, OT

Dotson surprisingly produced one of his best seasons after joining the Broncos last summer. The 35-year-old should draw more interest this offseason, though his age could be a drawback.

90. A.J. Bouye, CB

Bouye only made seven appearances for the Broncos last year and still has two contests left on a six-game ban for performance-enhancing drugs. The 29-year-old is no longer a No. 1 corner, but he could fit with a team that can use him in a smaller role.

91. Alex Smith, QB

The reigning Comeback Player of the Year capped off a remarkable story last season, starting six games after almost two years away from football. Smith, who turns 37 in May, could provide value as an experienced backup.

92. Olivier Vernon, EDGE

Vernon is coming off a nine-sack campaign with the Browns, but he's expected to miss most of the 2021 season recovering from a torn Achilles. He might generate interest from teams that can afford to stash him on injured reserve.

93. Todd Gurley, RB

Though he managed to rush for nine touchdowns with the Falcons, Gurley averaged under 4 yards per carry for the second straight campaign. The two-time All-Pro is only 26, but he's now two years removed from being a viable starter.

94. Rayshawn Jenkins, S

Jenkins is still looking for consistency, but he's been a serviceable starter for the Chargers when called upon. He's picked off five passes over the last two years and should land a starting role in 2021.

95. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB

A late signee last summer, Kirkpatrick wound up starting 11 games for the Cardinals in 2020. He re-enters the market as a decent depth option.

96. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/KR

A wide receiver by trade, Patterson does most of his damage on special teams. He's a four-time All-Pro kick returner, and he's scored at least one return touchdown in five of the last six years.

97. DeSean Jackson, WR

Jackson has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, but the 34-year-old has remained an effective deep threat.

98. Jacoby Brissett, QB

Brissett's two seasons as a full-time starter (2017 and 2019) were respectable but not great. He's a high-quality backup at football's most important position.

99. Sheldon Rankins, DT

Rankins hasn't been the same since rupturing his Achilles in January 2019, but he could be a steal if he can return to peak form. He had eight sacks in 2018 before going down in the playoffs.

100. Malik Hooker, S

Hooker has been good when healthy, but the former first-round pick has struggled to stay on the field. He's recovering from a torn Achilles and will be a low-risk, high-reward candidate for teams in need of safety help.

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