2023 NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top Players Still Available

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

Here is 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. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Age 30 (Cardinals)

2022 (Cardinals): Receptions: 64 | Yards: 717 | TDs: 3

Arizona shocked many when it released the DeAndre Hopkins on May 26. Hopkins is a four-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl pick. In 10 seasons — seven with Houston and three with Arizona — Hopkins has 853 receptions for 11,298 yards and 71 touchdowns. He likely will sign somewhere else quickly, provided financial terms can be agreed upon.

2. Ben Jones, IOL, Age 34 (Titans)

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

Tennessee 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 needing a solid veteran interior offensive lineman.

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3. Marcus Peters, CB, Age 30 (Ravens)

2022 (Ravens): Tackles: 47 | INTs: 1 | PBUs: 6 | FF: 2

Marcus Peters is a four-time All-Pro at cornerback, but 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 needing a veteran option on the outside.

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4. Dalton Risner, IOL, Age 28 (Broncos)

2022(Broncos): 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.

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5. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Age 28 (Colts)

2022 (Colts): 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.

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6. Leonard Floyd, DE, Age 31 (Rams)

2022 (Rams): 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.

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7. Frank Clark, DE, Age 30 (Chiefs)

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

Frank Clark is an aggressive power edge. He can sometimes disappear, 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.

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8. John Johnson III, S, Age 27 (Browns)

2022 (Browns): 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 immediately as a rookie, giving him six years of starting experience — all at above-average play.

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9. Taylor Lewan, OT, Age 32 (Titans)

2022 (Titans): 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.

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10. Adrian Amos, S, Age 30 (Packers)

2022 (Packers): 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.

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11. Eli Apple, CB, Age 28 (Bengals)

2022 (Bengals): 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 regarding yards per cover snap. Apple does a good job preventing targets but could improve at the catch point.

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12. Melvin Ingram, Edge, Age: 34 (Dolphins)

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

His age is working against him, but Melvin Ingram has shown 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.

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13. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Age 30 (Browns)

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

Jadeveon Clowney had an off year in 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.

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14. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Age 28 (Cowboys)

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

Tony Pollard was 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 started occurring more frequently, 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.

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15. Casey Hayward, CB, Age 33 (Falcons)

2022 (Falcons): Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0 | PBUs: 3 | INTs: 1

Hayward only played in six games for the Falcons last season, but he’s not only one year removed from a 2021 season that saw him put up nine passes defended with the Raiders. A team looking for a veteran cornerback might take a shot on Hayward.

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16. Kyle Van Noy, LB, Age 32 (Chargers)

2022 (Chargers): 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.

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17. Justin Houston, DE, Age 34 (Ravens)

2022 (Ravens): 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.

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18. Matt Ioannidis, IDL, Age 29 (Panthers)

2022 (Panthers): 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.

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19. George Fant, OT, Age 31 (Jets)

2022 (Jets): 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 would likely prefer him to serve as a swing tackle who can start in case of emergencies.

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20. Rashaan Evans, LB, Age 27 (Falcons)

2022 (Falcons): 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.

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21. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, 30 (Dolphins)

2022 (Dolphins): Comp %: 62.0 | Yards: 683 | TD: 4 | INT: 4

Quarterbacks are always in demand, so a market for a capable backup with starting experience should exist. 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.

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22. Jarvis Landry, WR, Age 30 (Saints)

2022 (Saints): 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.

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23. Troy Hill, CB, Age 32 (Rams)

2022 (Rams): 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 will likely receive a shorter contract, whether he stays in Los Angeles or elsewhere.

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24. Kareem Hunt, RB, Age 28 (Browns)

2022 (Browns): 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.

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25. Duron Harmon, S, Age 32 (Patriots)

2022 (Patriots): 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.

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26. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Age 34 (Chiefs)

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

Carlos Dunlap is a savvy veteran who the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs added as an extra 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.

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27. Byron Jones, CB, Age 30 (Dolphins)

2022 (Dolphins): 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. 

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28. Akiem Hicks, IDL, Age 33 (Buccaneers)

2022 (Buccaneers): 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.

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29. Zach Cunningham, LB, Age 28 (Titans)

2022 (Titans): 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 couldn’t duplicate his success with the Texans. It’s uncertain if the elbow injury he sustained last season will impact his performance next season.

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30. Carl Nassib, DE, Age 30 (Buccaneers)

2022 (Buccaneers): 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.

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31. Kwon Alexander, LB, Age 29 (Jets)

2022 (Jets): 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.

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32. LaMarcus Joyner, S, Age 32 (Jets)

2022 (Jets): Tackles: 57 | INTs: 3 | PBUs: 6 | FF: 0

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

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33. Leonard Fournette, RB, Age 28 (Buccaneers)

2022 (Buccaneers): 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.

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34. Cameron Brate, TE, Age 32 (Buccaneers)

2022 (Buccaneers): 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.

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35. Andrew Adams, S, Age 30 (Titans)

2022 (Titans): 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.

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36. Rodger Saffold, IOL, Age 35 (Bills)

2022 (Bills): 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.

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37. Bradley Roby, CB, Age 31 (Saints)

2022 (Saints): 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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38. Cameron Fleming, OT, Age 30 (Denver)

2022 (Broncos): Snaps: 976 | Penalties: 6 | Sacks Allowed: 7 | Pressures: 28

Fleming made 17 starts for the Broncos last season, splitting time between right and left tackle. Although Fleming gave up a fair number of pressures, he could provide a team with a veteran swing-tackle option this coming season.

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39. Chase Roullier, IOL, Age 30 (Commanders)

2022 (Commanders): Snaps: 150 | Penalties: 0 | Sacks Allowed: 0 | Pressures: 3

Chase Roullier was a solid starter for the Commanders but struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons. If Roullier is healthy, there’s no reason he can’t step in and compete for a starting center spot this season.