Ranking NFL's top 25 potential free agents in 2027

As NFL players begin work at training camp, it's difficult not to gaze a little further down the calendar.

Summer preparations have a way of stoking expectations for the upcoming season. But contractual matters inevitably cross over into on-field preparations. This week alone, a smattering of players have waged hold-ins while awaiting more clarity on negotiations, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield tabled talks to focus on the upcoming campaign.

More than seven months out, it's clear that free agency in 2027 could be quite compelling.

Yet as is the case every year, an extensive list of key figures set to hit the open market will inevitably thin out. Among the notable figures who reached extensions in recent months to avoid entering the final year of their respective deals: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane and center Aaron Brewer, Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London. And more pacts could materialize before the Sept. 9 season opener.

With the landscape sure to change in the coming weeks and months, here's our early look at the top 25 potential NFL free agents for 2027:

1. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are littered with entries on this list, finishing with five overall. Nacua, however, stands alone among his teammates - and the rest of the league - with the unmatched value he can offer. In his All-Pro campaign last year, the former fifth-round pick led the NFL in receptions (129), receiving yards per game (107.2) and first-down receptions (80). At a staggering 3.16 yards per route run, he's truly without peer in the last two decades in efficiency. His physicality and versatility have also been integral to Sean McVay's efforts to throw opponents off tilt by evolving his personnel packages. Off-field issues - including an ongoing civil lawsuit from a woman alleging Nacua made an antisemitic remark and bit her - might be one of the few roadblocks standing between Nacua and a deal that eclipses the terms set by Jaxon Smith-Njigba's four-year, $168.6 million agreement.

NFL yards per route run leaders dating back to 2006, min 1500 routes (PFF)

Puka Nacua is on a generational run pic.twitter.com/C0GpmjTSKl

- Football Insights (@fball_insights) July 1, 2026

2. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Don't be so sure about Mayfield hitting free agency. Whether it's via an extension reached next winter or a franchise tag, the simplest solution - and seemingly the one preferred by both sides - remains sticking around in Tampa. Still, if the Buccaneers end up rebooting at large or otherwise starting fresh behind center, the former No. 1 overall pick would be a fascinating test case in free agency. Even at 31, he almost inevitably offers wildly disparate results over the course of a season, as he did with last year's second-half nosedive. Injuries undoubtedly took their toll, but his proclivity for breaking structure and tempting fate with turnover-worthy throws leaves him somewhere around the middle of the pack as a starter. Still, the highs are scintillating enough to entice a would-be contender in search of an instant fix at quarterback - so long as the team is prepared to ride out his uneven play.

3. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

When he was traded to the Cowboys last May ahead of the final year of his contract, Pickens appeared to be entering a combustible situation. Instead, the receiver was explosive in all the right ways. The downfield dynamo ranked third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards, exhibiting precision and composure not seen in earlier years. That approach extended to the offseason, when he shrugged off the Cowboys' refusal to negotiate a long-term deal before he played out the upcoming year on the franchise tag. Fitting Pickens in for the long term alongside fellow top earners Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could be tricky, especially for a franchise known for being parsimonious in negotiations. With another output like last season's, however, Dallas would surely have a difficult time bidding farewell to the 25-year-old.

More: Cowboys taking calculated gamble with George Pickens: 'Best for everybody'

4. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

This entry very well could be rendered moot by next March - or possibly next month. Taylor has more than delivered for Indianapolis since settling a bitter contract dispute in 2023, notching 3,016 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons. The seventh-year veteran is the rare ball carrier capable of reeling off explosive gains while still serving in a bell-cow capacity for an offense that depends heavily on his contributions. Taylor has expressed optimism that an extension can be reached, and general manager Chris Ballard has said he hopes to keep his star back in the fold. Even if a deal can't be reached before the start of the season, however, it would make little sense for Indianapolis to let Taylor walk.

5. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

High-end offensive tackles are nearly impossible to find on the open market. Top interior offensive linemen, on the other hand, occasionally open up bidding wards. A paragon of consistency throughout his career, Nelson surely would have no shortage of suitors if he reaches free agency. Not only has he earned Pro Bowl recognition in all eight of his professional seasons, but he's only missed four games due to injury in his career. If the Colts continue to stay the course, re-upping Nelson should be a no-brainer. But if the organization cleans house, investing significant resources in a 30-plus offensive guard might not be a slam dunk.

6. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

While 2022 draft classmates Garrett Wilson and Drake London have already inked big-ticket extensions, Olave continues to wait on his. The smooth-moving receiver's future in New Orleans has long been a point of speculation, with the team holding onto him at the trade deadline last year despite persistent rumors. His presence proved pivotal to Tyler Shough's pro acclimation period, with all three of the pass catcher's 100-yard games last season coming after the then-rookie took the helm. Olave has sat out the team portion of training-camp workouts as negotiations with the team continue. General manager Mickey Loomis has maintained the Saints "want to get it done" - and they'd be wise to do so given the trend line for No. 1 receivers and their contracts.

7. Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers

Prior to tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in Week 9, Kraft was building a strong case to be recognized as one of the league's top-tier tight ends. Despite working in a crowded crew of Green Bay pass catchers in a run-heavy attack, he averaged 61.1 yards per game, a figure that trailed only All-Pro Trey McBride among tight ends. Kraft did the bulk of the damage on his own, too, with 344 of his 489 yards coming after the catch. Though his narrow usage has left him short of his peers when it comes to being a complete threat as a target, Kraft still ranks among the most dangerous at his position. General manager Brian Gutekunst said he expects an extension to come together before the season, so Kraft's tenure on this list might be short-lived.

8. Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks

After spending the first eight years of his career toiling for the NFL's hapless New York teams, Big Cat is now in the catbird seat. Williams has flourished in Mike Macdonald's system, racking up 18 sacks in the last two seasons. He's also been one of the driving forces in stuffing the run, with Seattle having conceded the fewest yards per carry (3.7) of any defense last season. Though he'll turn 33 next June, the versatile lineman shows no signs of slowing down. Williams has acknowledged he has engaged in extension talks with the Seahawks, but he added, "nothing is set in stone." Securing him should be a priority for Seattle, which no doubt will have to carve out a considerable chunk of its salary cap after Jalen Carter and Jeffery Simmons reset the defensive tackle market this summer.

9. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions

Like his NFC North counterpart in Kraft, LaPorta was limited to nine games last season before being sidelined by a back injury. A strong bounce-back effort might be in the cards this fall. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had an established affinity in Arizona for heavily involving tight ends in his passing attack, and LaPorta should see a volume of targets that's at least in line with what he received in his first two-and-a-half seasons. At 6-3 and 245 pounds, he lacks a trump card with any one dominant physical trait. But his well-rounded approach has enabled him to become a highly efficient asset for the Lions' aerial attack. Though draft classmates Jack Campbell, who already reached agreement on a deal, and Jahmyr Gibbs are ahead in the pecking order for extension talks, LaPorta should still be a focal point for a franchise that prides itself on identifying, developing and retaining talent beyond the first round.

10. Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions

A torn Achilles suffered in December added a bit of uncertainty to what should have been a relatively straightforward extension process for the former Pro Bowl pick. Branch began training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but coach Dan Campbell said a return to practice by August or early September remains possible. So long as his recovery doesn't turn up any significant complications, though, the tone-setting safety is the kind of fixture Detroit needs to stabilize a shaky secondary. Though he's not an otherworldly athlete, Branch leverages his considerable savvy and instincts to handle an array of coverage assignments and make plays from almost any alignment.

11. DJ Turner II, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Don't be fooled by the Bengals' wider defensive shortcomings. In 2025, Turner was every bit a Pro Bowl-caliber performer at cornerback, even if he wasn't awarded that distinction. Not only did he emerge as one of the league's premier ballhawks with 18 passes defensed, but he also was consistently sticky in coverage, even while shadowing the top receiver on opposing teams. At just 25, he figures to be a staple in whatever secondary he occupies for years to come. The Bengals typically string out contract negotiations, and keeping up with the booming cornerback market might be a bit uncomfortable for the team's decision-makers. But with Turner and fellow standout corner Dax Hill both approaching free agency in the spring, Cincinnati would be wise to break from past precedent and get something done.

12. Kobie Turner, DT, Los Angeles Rams

The 2023 third-round pick exceeded outside expectations in short order, racking up 24 sacks through his first three seasons. With Myles Garrett coming aboard - and Aaron Donald potentially hopping out of retirement - Turner is far from the focal point of the Rams' defense. Still, he ranked fifth among all defensive tackles with a 14% pass-rush win rate, according to ESPN. Seahawks offensive guard Grey Zabel this offseason called Turner his "Kryptonite," and it's very likely he's not alone in feeling that way about matching up with his rival.

13. Tuli Tuipulotu, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers

Still only 23 and coming off a 13-sack season, Tuipulotu has maintained a steady upward trajectory that suggests he should land much higher on this list. But the 6-3, 266-pound edge rusher might not yet be the complete threat that his sack production suggests he is. Though his 61 pressures ranked 13th among all defenders, according to Next Gen Stats, he finished tied for 34th with just 15 quick pressures. Meanwhile, his run-stuffing efforts are also lagging well behind his work against the pass. Yet a deal exceeding the terms of the four-year, $96 million pact that former teammate Odafe Oweh signed this offseason should be well within reach. And Tulipulotu's apparent training camp hold-in suggests he's keenly aware of his value.

14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Transforming from a flag magnet in his second season to an accomplished coverage entity last year, Porter has already demonstrated considerable growth in his early NFL career. In 2025, he surrendered just a 62.3 passer rating when targeted. He also has yet to concede a touchdown since Week 8 of his rookie campaign in 2023. With just three career interceptions, Porter might not flip a game on its head the way some other corners can. But an established track record of blanketing top receivers is sure to fetch the 6-2, 193-pound cover man a rich contract - even if it comes from someone other than the Steelers.

15. Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Signing a wide receiver entering his age-35 season seems like a recipe for disappointment. By now, however, Adams has made it clear he's an outlier with a game that is holding up far better than his peers. Though he's no longer at the height of his powers, the six-time Pro Bowler still can cook defenders with crafty routes. That aptitude particularly shines through in the red zone, where Adams' penchant for shaking corners in close quarters helped him become the league leader in touchdown catches (14). So long as the decline in physical tools this season isn't too steep, Adams should still be the kind of figure who can lift a passing attack to another level.

16. Byron Young, OLB, Los Angeles Rams

In notching 12 sacks and his first Pro Bowl berth, Young enjoyed a true breakout campaign in 2026. Yet it feels as though his production could continue to climb this fall, when he'll no doubt benefit from opposing offenses going all out to neutralize Myles Garrett. Any NFL team paying Young at a top-of-market rate for an edge rusher will need to be confident he can deliver as more than a complementary piece, but his closing speed and persistence have already helped him tally 27 sacks in three years. And the 6-2, 260-pound outside linebacker is no slouch against the run, either.

17. Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Even after breaking out down the stretch last year in Marvin Harrison Jr.'s stead, Wilson still hasn't received his rightful due. That might not change this fall in terms of wider attention, but his proper recognition might come in the form of a significant contract. The former third-round pick might have to prove that his WR1 stint wasn't an aberration. Still, there's plenty to suggest that the 6-2, 213-pounder has plenty of staying power as a top target. Regardless of whether Wilson keeps up last season's pace, operating in what first-year coach Mike LaFleur calls the Puka Nacua role in the new offense should open up favorable looks and releases for the receiver.

18. Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers didn't blink amid the two-time Pro Bowler's offseason push for a new contract. Now, Vea has requested a trade from Tampa Bay. While it's possible the team could send him away and try to recoup draft capital, the most reasonable solution entails the two sides forging ahead for one more year. The 6-4, 347-pounder sets the tone up front like few others in the league. Not only does he command double teams with regularity, but he also ranked ninth at his position in quarterback pressures (40) last year, according to Next Gen Stats.

19. Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Since stepping into the starting role for Cincinnati two years ago, Brown has been more than merely a complementary piece to Joe Burrow and the high-flying aerial attack. The 26-year-old posted a team-high 1,456 yards from scrimmage in 2025, reinforcing his all-purpose value. The Bengals seem committed to maximizing their competitive window for their current core, so letting Brown walk and starting from scratch in the ground game might be difficult to stomach. But a roster with so many top-of-market veterans already in place - and more extension candidates waiting in the wings - will necessitate some difficult decisions. A franchise tag could be a consideration.

20. Kevin Dotson, G, Los Angeles Rams

Upon landing in Los Angeles, Dotson quickly established himself as one of the league's most forceful interior linemen. The punishing right guard makes his biggest mark in the run game, paving open holes and helping keep Sean McVay's attack on schedule. While the Rams typically haven't invested heavily in their offensive line, they previously have been willing to pay up for Dotson - who's entering the final portion of a three-year, $48 million extension - and might be inclined to do so again.

21. Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB, Minnesota Vikings

Despite missing five games last season due to a neck injury and concussion, Van Ginkel still managed to bag seven sacks. While some might credit Brian Flores' system for the dynamic edge rusher's spike in production the last two years, the eighth-year veteran's versatility has been an essential element of the defense keeping opponents off balance with varied looks. And even though Van Ginkel will turn 32 next summer, his advanced instincts should continue to position him to make plays all over the field even if his pass-rushing efficiency wanes. After completing Brian O'Neill's extension at the start of training camp, Minnesota should turn its focus to hammering out an arrangement with Van Ginkel.

22. Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

With Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter each bagging massive extensions from the Eagles, Ojomo figures to soon become the odd man out long Philadelphia's front. Here's to betting, however, that he won't be overlooked for long. NFL teams have repeatedly demonstrated that they'll pay a premium for interior defenders with upper-echelon athleticism, and Ojomo - who recorded six sacks last season - fits the bill. The former seventh-round pick could be on track to become the next Eagles standout who cashes in elsewhere.

23. YaYa Diaby, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

More solid than spectacular, Diaby hasn't eclipsed 7 sacks in any of his three professional seasons to date. But the former third-round pick has long propped up a pedestrian pass rush. Diaby ranked seventh in the NFL last season with 26 quick pressures, according to Next Gen Stats. Not bad for someone who measures in at 6-3 and 270 pounds. He might not be the kind of defender for whom teams will break the bank, but he still should fetch a hefty sum.

24. Mike Onwenu, G, New England Patriots

Good guards get paid. Onwenu hasn't been elite in any one area, but his versatility - he's worked at both guard spots as well as right tackle - and trustworthiness have been integral to New England's cohesion up front. The 28-year-old took a pay cut this offseason in exchange for more short-term security. By next year, he might be looking to be made whole.

25. Kayvon Thibodeaux, OLB, New York Giants

Having missed 12 games the last two years, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft might never live up to his lofty billing. Still, Thibodeaux is just 25, and he can still be a persistent presence - both against the pass and the run - off the edge. Giants general manager Joe Schoen opted against moving him at the trade deadline and throughout the offseason, but the team's No. 3 edge rusher could be a candidate to be moved at midseason this time around if New York fades out of contention and there's a strong enough offer on the table.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking NFL's top 25 potential free agents in 2027