The Top 30 NFL Free Agents for 2021, Ranked

Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) reaches for the ball during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Best fits: Cowboys, 49ers, Colts

Projected deal: Franchise tag or 4-year, $160 million

The Cowboys have put themselves in a difficult position. Either they’re poised to give Dak Prescott an extension they clearly don’t want to fork over, franchise tag him at least one more time, or tag and trade him. With limited progress towards a new deal, the tag looks likely.

Could Dallas swap Dak for a top 10 pick and more and move up for Zach Wilson or Justin Fields? It would be the boldest move we’ve seen in a long time. Smart money says he’s franchised and returns to Big D for another year before we do this all again next year.

Best fits: Buccaneers, Patriots, Washington, Jaguars

Projected deal: 5-year, $105 million

The market has several impactful wide receivers available, and it’s a deep receiver draft class as well. Because of age and reliability, Godwin tops the veteran names. The 24-year-old is a quality producer with his best years ahead of him. 

His market should be deep thanks to the need for playmakers. Both contenders and rebuilding teams can maximize his value on a long-term deal. He’s expected to re-sign in Tampa Bay though, so don’t get too excited on landing the young stud.

Best fits: Jets, Packers, Dolphins, Ravens, Washington

Projected deal: 4-year, $80 million

It’s hard to imagine any player wanting to change teams more than Robinson. He was stuck with Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles in Chicago after being with Blake Bortles in Jacksonville. The 27-year-old must prioritize the blend of winning and finding the right quarterback fit on his next deal. 

Robinson is fantastic as both a vertical threat and safety valve on sharp-cutting routes. The savvy veteran is the best immediate-impact signing, and contenders should be praying he takes a discount in order to perform in the postseason. Pairing him with Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson would be a dream for both franchises.

Best fits: 49ers, Bengals, Chargers

Projected deal: 3-year, $63 million

The left tackle didn’t play a snap in 2019, then returned to his dominant form in 2020 with the 49ers. The athletic technician is one of the finest blockers in the NFL still and should age well. He’d be an upgrade for most teams in the league even at 32 years old. 

There’s not a ton of money available for the position though, making his market a bit limited. Returning to Kyle Shanahan makes the most sense, but Cincinnati and the Chargers should try to pry him away as they need to help their young quarterbacks. It helps that Williams is scheme versatile and will succeed anywhere he goes. 

Best fits: Broncos, Browns, Colts

Projected deal: 5-year, $75 million

The Broncos could’ve extended Justin Simmons last year after his breakout 2019 season but opted not to, and they may have saved some money with their decision. Simmons was All Pro-worthy in 2019, and very good but not quite as impactful in 2020. He’s still a very good overall safety who can play in coverage and against the run, but teams may wonder if 2019 was more of an outlier for a good player and not an elite one.

The 27-year-old will have a robust market regardless thanks to a weak draft class at the position and combination of need and money on the market. Almost every team with cap space besides New England and Cincinnati can justify spending on him. A return to Denver looks more likely thanks to how Vic Fangio values safeties.

Best fits: Lions, Dolphins, Ravens, Cardinals, Washington

Projected deal: Franchise tag or 5-year, $85 million

The first call I’d make as a general manager of a team that needs a receiver this offseason would be to Golladay. The 27-year-old is coming off an injury-shortened season, but his impact can’t be understated. He’s already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career and can benefit from playing in a more stable environment.

He’s also young enough to build around, and dynamic as a downfield threat to be versatile with. Both contenders and rebuilders can justify signing him to a big contract. The 6’4” playmaker might just swing a playoff game next year if he goes to the right team.

Best fits: Buccaneers, Dolphins, Colts, Jets, Patriots

Projected deal: Franchise tag or 5-year, $95 million

Trying to value a player who went from a solid rotational rusher to 19.5 sacks, and back down to eight while on the franchise tag is difficult. But we saw an inferior pass rusher in Trey Flowers get a similar contract to what we’re projecting here, so it’s more about finding the right fit for reasonable guaranteed money for Barrett.

He is likely to be franchise tagged as the Super Bowl champs look to run it back. He’s able to drop into coverage from a standup role and is a quality run defender as well. His versatility is a huge plus as he ages throughout his first multi-year contract. 

Best fits: Jaguars, Raiders, Giants, Washington

Projected deal: 4-year, $60 million

Defenses playing a lot of split-safety looks can’t do better than Harris. The 29-year-old is a little older than Justin Simmons, but has been better as a rangy weapon in Mike Zimmer’s defense. Teams desiring zone coverage instincts over impact in the box should target Harris.

There’s a big pool of suitors for Harris, and there’s a good chance the Vikings can’t afford to keep the former All-Pro. He’s the type of talent who helps the entire unit perform better thanks to his football intelligence. Teams looking to sign just one impact free agent may target Harris since his value is a little better than most of the names to this point in our list because of his age and position.

Best fits: Washington, Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Chargers

Projected deal: 5-year, $75 million

There’s not many offensive line options for needy teams so expect a big bidding war for the few that become available. The best guard on the market is easily Scherff, a bulldozing downhill blocker who wins with sheer strength, athleticism, and tenacity. He fits in both zone-blocking and gap schemes, and is a solid pass blocker at his position.

The 29-year-old hasn’t been reliably healthy for much of his career and teams will have to consider the possibility of him missing five or so games a year. Washington knows his medicals the best, so if they shy away, that might be a sign that Scherff’s body isn’t reliable. He’d be a huge upgrade for the teams listed, though.

Best fits: Bengals, Browns, Bills, Giants, Cardinals, Broncos

Projected deal: 4-year, $52 million

The most slept on quality cornerback in the league. The Bengals’ stud cover corner won’t wow anyone with only three career interceptions and he’s already 28. But he’s a masterful technician who can immediately be a high-end No. 2 corner. Teams trying to jump up into the next tier of contention should be looking to land Jackson at a value price.

Pairing him with an established stud corner who creates turnovers would be ideal. Cleveland and Buffalo will likely be battling for several of the same players this off-season and Jackson may be the one who helps the most. 

Best fits: Jaguars, Jets, Washington, Browns, Cowboys

Projected deal: 5-year, $75 million

A true free safety who can serve reliably as a single-high presence better than anyone available, Williams will be a major signing at only 24 years old. The rangy playmaker has been excellent for the Saints and will be missed dearly if they can’t retain him amid their massive cap issues. He’ll have no shortage of suitors.

This market has more split-safety defenses than usual, so it’d be surprising to see some of the cap-flush teams get involved. It’s a unique chance to get such a young and impactful free safety since Williams would normally be extended if not for the Saints cap situation.

Best fits: Giants, Panthers, Patriots, Chargers

Projected deal: 4-year, $69 million

Consistently winning his matchup has been Williams’ calling card since he was at USC. The high-floor run defender and splash pass rusher broke out in his first full season with the Giants, racking up an elite run stopping grade and 11.5 sacks. He can play as a 3-4 end or 4-3 tackle and make an impact.

His suitors may not expect double digit sacks every year since Williams isn’t that type of contributor, but there’s a lot to love about his game. He’ll set the tone in the trenches and make life easier for his linebackers as well as finish plays on his own.

Best fits: Panthers, Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Seahawks

Projected deal: 5-year, $85 million

The value of a right tackle is changing, and Taylor Moton has developed into one of the best in the NFL over the last two years. The Panthers would love to keep him but are trying to figure out what to do at quarterback as well. Losing Moton would be a crushing blow.

He’ll have a ton of suitors if he hits the market. The 26-year-old specializes as a road-grading run blocker but is trustworthy enough to win in pass protection.

Best fits: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, Washington, Ravens, Giants

Projected deal: 4-year, $65 million

The difference between Godwin and Smith-Schuster isn’t huge, and might be more circumstantial than talent-related. That’s good news for teams about to miss out on Godwin but want a young pass-catcher. Though many think Smith-Schuster is just a slot talent, his speed and route-running projects well as an outside contributor if given more opportunities than what Pittsburgh afforded him.

The 24-year-old should be prioritizing opportunity to grow and produce since he’ll get his third contract before the age of 30. His sure-hands and upside make him one of the best investments and upside signings on this list. 

Best fits: Packers, Bills, Buccaneers, Steelers, Browns

Projected deal: 2-year, $17 million

Watt’s release wasn’t surprising. His availability has been a massive headache for Houston to deal with at his huge cap numbers, and his discontent with the franchise was clear as they continue to botch their decision-making. Watt said he’ll look to contend for a title, and that means there’s an awfully short list of suitors that make sense.

He’s still an excellent pass-rusher as a 4-3 tackle on passing downs and brings value as a run-stopping end. Keeping him fresh throughout the year and into the playoffs will be critical, so it’d be stunning to see him get a deal that prohibits the team from investing into a platoon player.

Best fits: Buccaneers

Projected deal: 3-year, $39 million

The Buccaneers wouldn’t be the same without David headlining their defense. The 31-year-old just showed his value in the Super Bowl as he provided great coverage on Travis Kelce. It’d be unfathomable to see him play elsewhere to finish his career considering his age and how the Buccaneers are leveraging everything to win again in 2021.

Best fits: Titans, Jaguars, Washington, Ravens

Projected deal: 5-year, $75 million

Coming off a breakout season with the Titans in 2020, Davis is looking more like the impactful playmaker he was drafted to be. Davis is a standout finisher at the catch point thanks to his stout frame, excellent hands, and comfort in traffic. He’d fit best in an offense that will give him a chance to work on an island over space.

That’s a unique niche and will bring value in this market filled with quarterbacks who want to see a receiver open. Davis won’t transform an offense, but he will enhance it. Pairing him with a speedster would be ideal to maximize the unit.

Best fits: Dolphins, Cardinals, Jets, Washington, Browns, Packers

Projected deal: 4-year, $60 million

You can’t teach speed but you sure can spend on it. Fuller has been a great player when he’s on the field, but the 26-year-old hasn’t played more than 11 games since his rookie year due to a mixture of injuries and suspensions. He’s a gamble like Robbie Anderson was last year but teams are kicking themselves for not signing him after he broke out in 2020 with the Panthers.

Fuller creates big plays with ease thanks to effortless speed and surprisingly good route-running. His ability to stretch the field and win on intermediate routes makes him supremely valuable. The potential downside to his health and availability is scary though.

Best fits: Bengals, Cardinals, Chargers, Dolphins, Jets

Projected deal: 4-year, $60 million

The other notable guard available this off-season is coming off a franchise tag. The Patriots tagged Joe Thuney last year for good reason; he’s a strong pass protector and hasn’t missed a game in his five-year career. His ability to play in a mixed run scheme also increases his value.

Best fits: Chargers, Jaguars, Patriots, Washington, Cardinals

Projected deal: 5-year, $55 million

A complete tight end who has mostly bounced back from a torn ACL in 2018, Henry will be a splash signing for one of the many teams looking to upgrade the position. There are few impactful tight ends in the league and therefore Henry will benefit. The 26-year-old has consistently produced when he’s on the field.

He’s smooth and quick throughout his routes, allowing him to serve as a capable slot receiver or inline target. He’s not going to overhaul what an offense looks like but he’ll be a boost for a young quarterback in particular.

Best fits: Colts, Dolphins, Giants, Jets, Browns

Projected deal: 4-year, $65 million

Pass rushers are almost always valued, but we’re about to see Ngakoue on his fourth team since 2019. The productive specialist needs a certain situation to maximize his pressure rates, which is a wider alignment that can compromise some run fits. It’s important to have the personnel at defensive tackle and linebacker to manage this.

Ngakoue is certainly good and worth investing into if a defense is willing to compensate for his skill set. There’s always a dire need for more disruptors and he’d fit well as a low-end No. 1 rusher or high end No. 2 rusher. 

Best fits: 49ers, Browns, Jets, Bengals, Panthers, Broncos

Projected deal: 3-year, $21 million

One of the best feel-good stories of 2020 was Jason Verrett’s return to action. The embattled cornerback finally played in more than four games for the first time since 2015, and the 49ers enjoyed a great season from him. Verrett remains an athletic freak who can cover any receiver in the league.

Nearing 30, he’ll get a limited guarantee in terms of money, but has earned a starting job in a market filled with need. He has the upside to be a phenomenal signing, but the downside of a complete waste if he can’t stay healthy. 

Best fits: Bengals, Patriots, Dolphins, Browns

Projected deal: 2-year, $22 million

Another quality young edge-rusher on the market is Carl Lawson. The 25-year-old has been effective as a situational player for Cincinnati, but wasn’t given a full-time workload. Injuries in two seasons may have contributed to why the Bengals wouldn’t unleash their most talented pure pass-rusher.

Lawson might take less years on a team to prove he can be more than a part-time player. His injury history is scary but the payoff could be huge. His instinct and feel for getting after the quarterback is that good.

Best fits: Cardinals, Jets, Dolphins, Texans

Projected deal: 4-year, $44 million

Jones is one of the best running backs in the league, but we continue to see the position valued less and less. Last year it was Melvin Gordon who had to settle on a contract that fell short of the elite company, and Jones looks primed for that same fate. It doesn’t help there are only a few teams looking for a starter in free agency.

Jones is a playmaker as a runner and receiver. Signing him to a reasonable deal is well worth the cost, as he wasn’t overused in Green Bay like some of the backs who busted on their big free agency deal. 

Best fits: Packers, Dolphins, Chargers, Bengals, Jaguars

Projected deal: 4-year, $48 million

Another Packers free agent well worth signing is Linsely. The 29-year-old is a tremendously good run blocker, and able to handle his own in the passing game. He has experience in multiple systems and can immediately upgrade the interior offensive line of many teams.

The competition will be hot for Linsley thanks to a dearth of talent available on the market and a mediocre center draft class. Teams will need to strike early to steal him away from Green Bay.

Best fits: Browns, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, Colts

Projected deal: 2-year, $20 million

Injuries limited Richard Sherman to just five games in 2020, and he turns 33 at the end of March. Now a mercenary like Darrelle Revis was, contenders only should apply for his services. Sherman’s a scheme-specific player but would be a big help as a No. 2 cornerback on a team with a dynamic safety or two to help him over the top.

Sherman’s his own agent and therefore it’s hard to predict what he’ll look for in terms of money. He could sign with a favorite for pennies, or take more and look at the second and third-tier of contenders. The Browns or Bills would benefit the most from his high football intelligence and playmaking. 

Best fits: Panthers, Dolphins, Lions, Patriots, Washington

Projected deal: 3-year, $27 million

Samuel would be a wise pickup for teams wanting speed, versatility, and upside. Samuel is an underrated route runner capable of playing both in the slot or outside. As well as Joe Brady increased Samuel’s output, there’s untapped potential to his game.

Using Samuel like Tyreek Hill is the most intriguing way to get the most out of him without paying a high price for an elite playmaker. Samuel showed talent as a ball-carrier as well, so being able to slide him into the backfield for some carries is a nice way to create chunk plays.

Best fits: Browns, Jaguars, Giants, Cardinals, Broncos

Projected deal: 4-year, $33 million

Slot cornerbacks generally aren’t worth investing big money into because they’re more reliant on scheme, linebackers, and safeties than outside corners. Most are zone defenders, and the few valuable slot corners can cover competently in man. Then there’s Mike Hilton as one of the most uniquely used players in the NFL since he entered the league.

Hilton is an excellent blitzer in addition to a stud when dropping into zone. He uses his 5’9”, 184-pound frame like a hammer to make plays near the line of scrimmage or terrorize the quarterback. He’d be a shrewd and fun signing by teams in his best fits list. 

Best fits: Colts, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Cowboys, Giants, Washington

Projected deal: 5-year, $50 million

Safeties can kind of run together at some point because their skill sets aren’t terribly exciting. John Johnson is a solid safety who can play in split formation well, and was a major contributor to why the defense overachieved in 2020. But valuing him is difficult because his individual production is a little overrated if just looking at the tackle numbers.

His best trait is consistency as a run stopper and comfort in coverage within his role. He’ll rarely blow plays and be out of position, but don’t ask him to be a star. Someone will pay for his reliability.

Best fits: Titans, Patriots, Dolphins, Chargers, Steelers

Projected deal: 1-year, $8 million

Dupree has improved throughout his career to be a nice secondary pass-rush threat. His athleticism remains one of the best in the league, and there’s hope he can transition to a 4-3 role if needed based on his movement skill. He had eight sacks in 11 games last year.

Unfortunately Dupree is coming off a torn ACL in early December. That means he’ll be on a prove-it contract, and half the teams won’t be interested in that type of risk. Still, there’s reason to think he could be a contributor in the back-half of 2021.