Analysis

2023 NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top Players Still Available

Trackers: Contract Terms | Signings by Team | Original Top 150 | Grades

A look at the best free agents who remain available on the NFL’s open market:

Note: All ages are calculated by how old the player will be at the kickoff of the 2023 NFL season on Sept. 7.

Best Remaining Free Agents

1. Odell Beckham Jr, WR, Age 30

2022: Rec. Yards: 0 | Rec. TDs: 0 | Catches: 0 | Avg: 0

Odell Beckham Jr. held the NFL world captive when it seemed like he was going to sign during the 2022 season. However, he decided to wait until the offseason while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win. If Beckham Jr. is healthy, he could be a steal.


2. Ben Jones, IOL, Age 34

2022: Snaps: 650 | Penalties: 4 | Sacks Allowed: 1 | Pressures: 10

The Titans releasing Ben Jones came as a bit of a shock as many thought he would retire as a Titan. Ultimately, he chose the open market. Jones suffered multiple concussions and missed about 7 games last season (the most he has missed in one season in his career due to injury). He still graded well in 2022 as a pass protector and run blocker which contributed to him receiving the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. Given that Jones is now 33 years old and has been durable for most of his career, he can be an extremely valuable upgrade for any team in need of a solid veteran interior offensive lineman.


3. Marcus Peters, CB, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 47 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 6 | FF: 2

Marcus Peters is a four-time All-Pro at cornerback, however, he is 30 and coming off one of his weakest seasons. Peters plays a high-risk style. He is targeted fairly often but makes up for it with great ball production. However, in 2022 Peters posted career lows in INTs and forced incompletions. Still, Peters’ pedigree could make him appealing to a team in need of a veteran option on the outside.


4. Dalton Risner, IOL, Age 28

2022: Snaps: 967 | Penalties: 1 | Sacks Allowed: 3 | Pressures: 29

Dalton Risner is a strong, rugged mauler who can bolster any team’s interior offensive line. Risner ranked 10th in the league in run block win rate this past season among guards (74.4 percent), and he can set an anchor in pass pro.


5. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 9.5 | Run Stuffs: 4.5 | FF: 1

While Yannick Ngakoue has his limits defending the run, he is an above-average pass rusher with a quick burst off the ball. He has the length and speed to test any offensive tackle in the league.


6. Isaiah Wynn, OT, Age 27

2022: Snaps: 423 | Penalties: 9 | Sacks Allowed: 4 | Pressures: 17

Isaiah Wynn was drafted in the first round of the 2018 draft, and he has played an average of 8.5 games per season. He missed his rookie year due to injury and has yet to play a full season in five years. He likely will be viewed as a swing tackle in free agency.


7. Leonard Floyd, DE, Age 31

2022: Tackles: 59 | Sacks: 9 | Run Stuffs: 10 | FF: 0

After starting his career with the Bears, Leonard Floyd certainly produced well in his three seasons with the Rams, totaling 29 sacks in those three seasons. Floyd will be 31 this coming season but should look to be a consistent presence on the edge for whatever team is looking to add a veteran player of his caliber.


8. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Age 27

2022: Tackles: 45 | INTs: 0 | PBUs: 7 | FF: 0

Rock Ya-Sin is a good, young developmental defensive back who would make a solid No. 2 or No. 3 corner on many teams. He is 6 feet, 190 pounds, making him ideal size for a slot cornerback if a team needed that.


9. Frank Clark, DE, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 7.5 | Run Stuffs: 11 | FF: 1

Frank Clark is an aggressive power edge. He can disappear at times, specifically during the regular season, but when it mattered most for the Chiefs these past five seasons, Clark showed up. As evidence, the 29-year-old is currently third in NFL history for postseason sacks (13.5). Clark is a skilled edge rusher with crafty moves who can improve any defensive front.


10. John Johnson III, S, Age 27

2022: Tackles: 101 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 4 | FF: 2

John Johnson III was a cap casualty in Cleveland but can be a starter for most teams. Johnson started right away as a rookie, giving him six years of starting experience — all at above-average play.


11. Taylor Lewan, OT, Age 32

2022: Snaps: 59 | Penalties: 1 | Sacks Allowed: 0 | Pressures: 0

Taylor Lewan only played in two games before injuring his knee. He suffered a torn ACL in the same knee back in 2020. Lewan admitted that he is at a point in his career where he has to consider retirement and hang up the helmet. When healthy, Lewan has been one of the reasons why Derrick Henry has had explosive runs, but at this point in his career, retirement seems more likely than returning to football with another team.


12. Adrian Amos, S, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 102 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 5 | FF: 0

Adrian Amos had an up-and-down 2022 season but has been one of the more productive safeties in the league the past few years. He can fly around the field and make tackles, making him an easy upgrade for most teams at the position.


13. Eli Apple, CB, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 49 | INTs: 0 | PBUs: 8 | FF: 0

Eli Apple was on the path to becoming a first-round bust but has revived his career in two seasons in Lou Anarumo’s Bengals defense. Apple has posted two very good seasons in terms of yards per cover snap. Apple does a good job preventing targets but could improve at the catch point.


14. Melvin Ingram, EDGE, Age: 34

2022: Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 6 | QB Hits: 10 | FF: 1

His age is working against him, but Melvin Ingram has show he can still be a productive pass rusher, if only in a limited role. It’s likely his last contract so he should be motivated … or have nothing left.


15. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 2 | Run Stuffs: 8 | FF: 1

Jadeveon Clowney had an off year in terms of sack production but his pressure rate was on par with his career average. Clowney is one of the better run defenders at his position. His low sack total is misleading given his pressure rate, but Clowney is an average pass rusher.


16. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Age 28

2022: Rush Yards: 876 | Rush TDs: 12 | Catches: 17 | Rec. Yards: 92

Tony Pollard was the more dynamic than Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas, but it was more than that which led to Elliott’s release. He won’t turn 28 until July but he has the body of a 30-something with the heavy workload he endured in his first seven NFL seasons. The injuries were starting to occur with more frequency and his cap number was too large. Still, Elliott can help a team. He’s just not going to be the type of back that can carry the load by himself or be on the field for all three downs. He’ll also have to accept a much more team-friendly deal at this stage of his career.


17. Shaquill Griffin, CB, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 29 | INTs: 0 | PBUs: 4 | FF: 0

His less-than-stellar production in 2022 was a bit of an anomaly for a player who has made 72 career starts. Shaquill Griffin won’t turn 28 until this summer, is only two years removed from his best season and three from his a Pro Bowl appearance.


18. Kyle Van Noy, LB, Age 32

2022: Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 5 | PBUs: 3 | INTs: 1

Kyle Van Noy was a welcome addition to the Chargers, with 32 solo tackles, five sacks, and 37 pressures. Van Noy has the versatility to play inside as a run stopper and outside as an edge pass rusher. That’s the veteran savvy that makes him a valuable chess piece.


19. Justin Houston, DE, Age 34

2022: Tackles: 21 | Sacks: 9.5 | Run Stuffs: 2 | FF: 1

Justin Houston continues to produce as a pass rusher even at 34. His 11.5 sacks for the Ravens were the most he has had since 2018. He is at his best when placed in a role that limits him to mostly pass-rush situations.


20. Matt Ioannidis, IDL, Age 29

2022: Tackles: 37 | Sacks: 1 | Run Stuffs: 6 | FF: 1

Matt Ioannidis had a solid season and paired well with Derrick Brown upfront. It’s an easy decision for Carolina to bring him back if it can get a decent price.


21. Poona Ford, DL, Age 27

2022: Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 3 | TFL: 6 | FF: 0

Signed as a rookie undrafted free agent in 2018, Ford has played all five NFL seasons with the Seahawks, who awarded him a two-year, $12.3 million deal in 2019 after three productive seasons. In five seasons, he has produced 72 quarterback hurries, 18 QB hits and 10 sacks, but his production took a major hit in 2022. Some team will get him at a bargain price hoping for a bounce-back season.


22. Connor McGovern, IOL, Age 30

2022: Snaps: 1,111 | Penalties: 4 | Sacks Allowed: 5 | Pressures: 24

Connor McGovern started every game at center for the Jets this season and was in the top third for both pass-block grade and run-block grade. McGovern will be appealing to teams looking for a veteran starting center.


23. Donovan Smith, OT, Age 27

2022: Snaps: 861 | Penalties: 12 | Sacks Allowed: 6 | Pressures: 30

A second-round draft pick in 2015, Donovan Smith went on to start 124 regular-season games — sixth most of any offensive lineman in the league from 2015 to 2022. But he had one of his worst seasons as a starter in 2022, with a pass rush win rate of 78.3 percent and a run block win rate of 64.9 percent. He also dealt with elbow and foot injuries during the 2022 season, causing him to miss four regular-season games.


24. George Fant, OT, Age 31

2022: Snaps: 516 | Penalties: 7 | Sacks Allowed: 5 | Pressures: 27

George Fant started seven games for the Jets this season, but a team looking at him in free agency most likely would prefer to have him serve as a swing tackle who can start in case of emergencies.


25. Rashaan Evans, LB, Age 27

2022: Tackles: 159 | Sacks: 2 | PBUs: 4 | INTs: 0

Rashaan Evans ranked 21st in defensive snaps among all positions and was sixth in tackles. At only 27, he should be sought after on the market, and the Falcons should try to bring him back to lead their defense.


Teddy Bridgewater Jets vs. Dolphins

26. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, 30

2022: Comp %: 62.0 | Yards: 683 | TD: 4 | INT: 4

Quarterbacks are always in demand so there should be a market for a capable backup who has starting experience. Injuries have always been a concern with Bridgewater, but when he did play last season for Miami in very limited action (79 attempts), he was effective.


27. Jarvis Landry, WR, Age 30 

2022: Rec. Yards: 272 | Rec. TDs: 1 | Catches: 25 | Avg: 10.9

Jarvis Landry was plagued by injuries this season and was not impressive when on the field. He will try to bounce back next season, and he has the hands and veteran know-how to help a team if he can stay healthy.


28. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Age 31

2022: Rush Yards: 291 | Rush TDs: 1 | Catches: 56 | Rec. Yards: 512

Jerick McKinnon was record-setting in the receiving game this season, with nine receiving touchdowns. He proved to be a productive third-down back, and there were many games when he was the Chiefs’ No. 2 receiver.


29. Bud Dupree, LB, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 4 | Run Stuffs: 6 | FF: 1

Bud Dupree, in 11 games this season, showed flashes of being a difference-maker and elevated Tennessee’s defense as a whole. Injuries continue to prevent him from seeing action on the field and at age 30, it is difficult to see him progressing as an elite edge rusher who has not had more than 20 tackles or 5 sacks in a season with Tennessee. He’ll most likely sign a “prove-it” deal with a team in need of depth at edge rusher.


30. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 0 | Run Stuffs: 2 | FF: 0

Much like his teammate Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson is a nice rotational defensive lineman. Robinson will help in the run game, and it should not take a crazy deal to get someone with his skill set.


31. Troy Hill, CB, Age 32

2022: Tackles: 67 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 4 | FF: 0

Troy Hill returned to the Rams in 2022 after a one-year stint with the Browns, and he was a solid contributor. However, his age is a concern, which means he is likely going to receive a shorter contract, whether he stays in Los Angeles or goes elsewhere.


Kareem Hunt Could Fix Rams Run Game

32. Kareem Hunt, RB, Age 28

2022: Rush Yards: 468 | Rush TDs: 3 | Catches: 35 | Rec. Yards: 210

Kareem Hunt was less efficient as a runner in 2022 but flashed big-play ability. Hunt was frustrated playing a secondary role to Nick Chubb, and he has a point because he has the tools to be a solid three-down back.


33. Duron Harmon, S, Age 32

2022: Tackles: 86 | INTs: 2 | PBUs: 5 | FF: 2

Duron Harmon is a consistent force at safety. He forced four total turnovers and is silky smooth in coverage. His age is a downside, but any team looking for a veteran safety on a short-term deal should look at Harmon.


34. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Age 34

2022: Tackles: 39 | Sacks: 4 | Run Stuffs: 7.5 | FF: 1

Carlos Dunlap is a savvy veteran who was added by the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs as a spare third-down edge rusher. Dunlap is on the home stretch of his career, but any team that needs depth on the defensive line could use him.


35. Byron Jones, CB, Age 30

2022: N/A

Byron Jones suffered an Achilles injury in the 2021 season but had surgery in March 2022 and has not played since. He recently tweeted that he cannot run or jump and was released by Miami. If he can get healthy, Byron Jones has plenty of talent to contribute to any defense. His health, however, is a question that remains to be answered. 


36. Billy Turner, OT, Age 31

2022: Snaps: 483 | Penalties: 1 | Sacks Allowed: 2 | Pressures: 19

The offensive tackle market is thin, so two-time Bronco Billy Turner could find himself a decent payday from a needy team. Turner isn’t an All-Pro talent, but he is good enough to start for many teams.


37. Akiem Hicks, IDL, Age 33

2022: Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 1 | Run Stuffs: 4 | FF: 0

Akiem Hicks missed six games due to a plantar fasciitis tear and didn’t make much of an impact once he got back on the field. He brings a nice veteran presence and will look to bounce back next season. We expect him to sign somewhere else because the Buccaneers have cap issues and a capable, more cost-effective replacement they could re-sign in Rakeem Nunez-Roches.


38. Zach Cunningham, LB, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 0 | Run Stuffs: 0 | FF: 0

Zach Cunningham only appeared in six games last year and was placed on injured reserve twice following a recurring elbow injury. He had an underwhelming run with the Titans and wasn’t able to duplicate the success he had with the Texans. It’s uncertain if the elbow injury he sustained last season will impact his performance next season.


39. Carl Nassib, DE, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 3.5 | Run Stuffs: 4 | FF: 0

Carl Nassib played decently this season and is a quality depth guy on the edge but not a difference-maker. He can provide a nice veteran presence on a defensive line.


40. Kwon Alexander, LB, Age 29

2022: Tackles: 69 | Sacks: 0.5 | PBUs: 1 | INTs: 0

Kwon Alexander is a middle-tier inside linebacker. He has not had many flashes. Any team seeking inside linebacker depth or a cheap starting option could look to Alexander.


41. LaMarcus Joyner, S, Age 32

2022: Tackles: 57 | INTs: 3 | PBUs: 6 | FF: 0

Lamarcus Joyner struggled at free safety this year, and the Jets probably will replace him. Joyner has plenty of experience though, so a team with a young secondary might go after him.


Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb

42. Randall Cobb, WR, Age 33

2022: Rec. Yards: 417 | Rec. TDs: 1 | Catches: 34 | Avg: 12.3

There’s a thinking out there that Cobb would follow Aaron Rodgers to the Jets or call it a career. He would have the most value as a target for Rodgers, not a whole lot anywhere else.


43. Leonard Fournette , RB, Age 28

2022: Rush Yards: 668 | Rush TDs: 3 | Catches: 73 | Rec. Yards: 523

Leonard Fournette began the season as the Buccaneers starting running back this season. But RB Rachaad White ran much more efficiently when he got his opportunities and took over the starting role later in the season. Fournette is likely headed to a new team in a backup role.


44. Jonathan Owens, S, Age 28

2022: Tackles: 125 | INTs: 0 | PBUs: 4 | FF: 0

Jonathan Owens is a low-risk, high-reward type of player. He played a lot of Tampa 2 last year under former Texans coach Lovie Smith.


45. Cameron Brate, TE, Age 32

2022: Rec. Yards: 174 | Rec. TDs: 0 | Catches: 20 | Avg: 8.7

Cameron Brate dealt with a concussion and a neck injury in 2022 and he only appeared in 11 regular season games. He had 20 catches for 174 yards and added an eight-yard touchdown catch in Tampa’s playoff loss to the Cowboys.


46. Andrew Adams, S, Age 30

2022: Tackles: 62 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 3 | FF: 0

Andrew Adams is a seven-year veteran who had a mediocre 2022 season with the Titans but showed strong coverage in his first six seasons. He allowed a 63.2 percent passer rating during that span.


47. Matt Pryor, OT, Age 28

2022: Snaps: 576 | Penalties: 5 | Sacks Allowed: 6 | Pressures: 31

Matt Pryor has a lot of position flexibility and was solid as an interior offensive lineman in rushing situations last season.


48. Justin Bethel, S, Age 33

2022: Tackles: 26 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 4 | FF: 0

There was not much production from Justin Bethel this season despite playing in 18 games. He only played 125 snaps and is likely to take another depth role with whatever team he signs with.


49. DeAndre Carter, WR, Age 30

2022: Rec. Yards: 538 | Rec. TDs: 3 | Catches: 46 | Avg: 11.7

DeAndre Carter was a reliable slot target for the Chargers while Keenan Allen and Mike Williams missed time because of injuries. Even at 30, he is explosive and a jitterbug with the ball in his hands. His three fumbles might hurt his stock.


50. Rodger Saffold, IOL, Age 35

2022: Snaps: 1,062 | Penalties: 10 | Sacks Allowed: 2 | Pressures: 36

Rodger Saffold started every game for the Bills at guard, but his play wasn’t up to starting caliber. He gave up only two sacks, but he was in the bottom third in PFF’s pass block grades and was one of the worst interior offensive linemen in the run game. Saffold likely will take a depth role for a team that needs experience on the offensive line.


NFL Trade Tracker: Details, Grades for Every 2022 Deal

51. Chosen Anderson, WR, Age 30 

2022: Rec. Yards: 282 | Rec. TDs: 1 | Catches: 20 | Avg: 14.1

Chosen Anderson has always been considered a wide receiver who can stretch the field, but he has not shown much of that since his 1,000-yard season with the Panthers in 2020. It will be interesting to see how teams value Anderson at this point in his career, approaching his age-30 season.


52. Olamide Zaccheus, WR, Age 26 

2022: Rec. Yards: 533 | Rec. TDs: 3 | Catches: 40 | Avg: 14.32

Braxton Berrios was signed by the Jets to a two-year, $12 million deal last offseason. However, he was under-utilized this season and was released to save cap space. Any team looking for a cheap slot option with return abilities will look into signing Berrios.


53. Bradley Roby, CB, Age 31

2022: Tackles: 36 | INTs: 0 | PBUs: 5 | FF: 0

Bradley Roby fought through injuries and showed improvement this season. New Orleans has to shed salary to be cap compliant, but the Saints have been a good fit for him.

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