2023 NFL free-agent top-50 rankings: Lamar Jackson atop deep group of QBs

With an epic Super Bowl LVII within the rearview mirror, it is time for groups to begin tweaking or outright rebuilding their rosters in an effort to problem the Chiefs for NFL supremacy. And whereas the big-name quarterbacks and operating backs will garner essentially the most consideration, there’s a whole lot of expertise throughout the board within the 2023 free-agent class. 

Here’s our rating of the highest 50 free brokers who might be obtainable when the brand new league 12 months begins on March 15.

1. Lamar Jackson, QB

Just just a few weeks in the past we heard Ravens coach John Harbaugh proclaim that Jackson was “200 percent” their quarterback. There did not appear to be a lot likelihood Jackson would depart Baltimore. Now? With no deal near achieved and Jackson reportedly searching for solely once-precedented ensures, the door is open for different groups to woo the previous NFL MVP. The Ravens can be foolish to let him go. And they know that. But with out an agent to mood Jackson’s expectations or function the go-between with Baltimore possession, this case solely will get extra difficult. 

2. Javon Hargrave, DT

He has change into one of many NFL’s finest inside cross rushers, with 11 sacks this season and 17.5 over the previous two years. His three-year, $39 million deal signed in 2020 turned out to be a steal for the Eagles. At 30 years outdated and sturdy — he is missed two video games with accidents in seven years — Hargrave must be one of many NFL’s premier free brokers, commanding greater than $20 million per 12 months.

3. Daron Payne, DT

The 25-year-old Payne was already one of many NFL’s finest run-stuffing defensive linemen. Then he broke out as an inside cross rusher with 11.5 sacks final season. It helps that he performs subsequent to Jonathan Allen, however Payne has proven a capability to create strain all on his personal. He is a powerful candidate to get the franchise tag ($18.9 million) from Washington. The Commanders would like to signal him to a long-term deal, however possession points might complicate that.

4. Orlando Brown Jr., LT

Brown earns a top-five rating for his Super Bowl parade shirt alone. He and different members of the Chiefs offensive line wore easy T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “0 Sacks” in reference to the truth that towards Philly’s league-best defensive position, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was not sacked in Super Bowl LVII. Now add in the truth that Brown is among the finest tackles within the league and would not have a long-term deal. The Chiefs are anticipated to franchise tag the 26-year-old as they attempt to maintain each Brown and RT Andrew Wylie, however they will additionally have to pay Brown or he’ll land proper again on this checklist subsequent 12 months.

5. Geno Smith, QB 

The NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, Smith lastly arrived as a franchise quarterback seven years after his final stint as a starter with the Jets. He was one of many NFL’s largest surprises, throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and simply 11 interceptions whereas main the Seahawks to the playoffs. Seattle desires him again, and Smith says he desires to remain. If not, he might find yourself as one of many hottest gamers in the marketplace. His age (32) is an element, however somebody goes to pay him over $30 million per 12 months.

6. Derek Carr, QB

It wasn’t an excellent 12 months in Las Vegas, there is no denying that. Expectations had been via the roof in what was purported to be the very best division in soccer. It wasn’t. And the middling Raiders have launched Carr, making him a free agent, permitting him to decide on the place he goes subsequent. He additionally has a two-week head begin on the remainder of free company. The cherry on prime of this weird season for Carr is that he ended up making the 2023 Pro Bowl. It was as an alternate, certain, however he made it. And now one other crew might scoop him up with out having to forfeit any belongings. Carr threw for 3,522 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 15 video games. Teams might do loads worse. Quarterbacks do not solely rise within the draft; they rise on this checklist, too.

7. Jessie Bates III, FS 

Bates has quietly been top-of-the-line safeties within the league for 3 years operating. He had a career-high 4 interceptions this season and has topped 100 tackles in three of his 5 seasons within the league. Spotrac has his market worth listed at $14 million per 12 months, which is a slight bump from his earlier $12 million wage. Bates was already given the franchise tag final season. The Bengals will not place it on him once more, which suggests he must be extremely sought-after by a number of groups.

8. James Bradberry, CB

He missed out on free company final 12 months as a result of the Giants did not minimize him till May, and he was pressured to take a one-year, $7.5 million deal from the Eagles. This time, Bradberry will money in. The 29-year-old had three interceptions and was, at instances, the very best participant within the Eagles’ NFL-best secondary. His earlier free-agency deal was three years, $45 million three years in the past. As the very best nook in free company, he ought to prime that.

9. Daniel Jones, QB

The Giants assume he is their franchise quarterback and say they’ll retain him even when they’ve to make use of the franchise tag ($32.4 million). They’ve already opened negotiations on a long-term deal, hoping to lure him again with a deal value round $35 million per 12 months, in response to sources. But Jones, 25, is coming off a breakout season throughout which he dragged the Giants to the playoffs regardless of throwing to a horrible receiver corps. On the open market, Jones is aware of he’d prime $40 million per 12 months.

10. Saquon Barkley, RB 

For the primary time since his rookie season, the 26-year-old Barkley seemed just like the “gold-jacket player” the Giants at all times anticipated him to be, with 1,312 speeding yards and one other 338 receiving. New York desires him again, too, and provided a deal value round $12 million per 12 months, a supply stated. Barkley desires extra, probably within the vary of Christian McCaffrey’s $16 million common. The Giants might give Barkley the $10.1 million franchise tag, however provided that they do not apply it to their quarterback first.

11. Josh Jacobs, RB

The veteran operating again market is somewhat crowded this offseason. With the aforementioned Barkley anticipated to command essentially the most cash, what number of groups will discover worth in paying prime greenback for a again? Now, Jacobs had a improbable 12 months but once more. In truth, he set profession highs in speeding yards with 1,653, which was essentially the most of any participant league-wide, and had 12 speeding touchdowns. He’s the youngest of the veteran choices too, at simply 25 years outdated, so he could also be value investing in additional than the others. The Raiders might see that, too, and find yourself reaching a long-term deal earlier than he ever finally ends up on the open market.

12. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, SS

One of the Eagles’ finest acquisitions, Gardner-Johnson introduced an aggressive, hard-hitting drive to their secondary at security. He additionally tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, regardless of lacking 5 video games with a lacerated kidney. He can play slot nook, too. He turned down a contract extension in New Orleans earlier than the Saints traded him. The Eagles need him again, however his price ticket might exceed $12 million per 12 months.

13. Mike McGlinchey, RT

He has by no means been as dominant as anticipated of a top-10 decide, however he is top-of-the-line tackles on this market. McGlinchey is taken into account to be an ideal match within the 49ers’ wide-zone blocking scheme, which greater than a dozen NFL groups now run. He stated he desires to remain in San Francisco, however he additionally desires to receives a commission as a result of, as he says, “I’m not an idiot.” Top proper tackles are value $15 to $17 million per 12 months.

14. Jamel Dean, CB

As a lot because the Buccaneers could wish to maintain the homegrown expertise, their cap scenario might not be so conducive. Dean labored his manner into turning into a full-time starter this previous season and would supply any crew with a now-experienced, prolonged exterior nook. He would not have the flexibility of a few of his counterparts within the Bucs’ secondary, however he is sensible, anticipatory and well-suited for a zone or man scheme. The solely concern is that he could include expectations that fellow Bucs CB Carlton Davis set when he signed a three-year, $44.5 million take care of $30 million in ensures final offseason. Dean will certainly wish to command not less than that, that means he virtually definitely must transfer on to get it.

15. Lavonte David, LB

It’s arduous to think about David, a routinely underrated linebacker and chief, anyplace else however Tampa. It’s the one residence he is identified in his skilled life after the Buccaneers drafted him in 2012 out of Nebraska. He could have only one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro nod to indicate for his time up to now, however no different lively participant has extra tackles since he got here into the league (1,346 mixed). David has proven scheme versatility in each 4-3 and 3-4 programs and will match anyplace if he finally ends up being a cap casualty for Tampa Bay. His prior contract was two years for $25 million, however at age 33, his market worth is now below $10 million a 12 months. The Bucs, nevertheless, could not be capable of afford even that.

16. Dalvin Tomlinson, DE

The Vikings have voided each Tomlinson and CB Patrick Peterson’s contracts, permitting them to hit free company. If that looks as if the kiss of dying, it’s — not less than for his or her time in Minnesota. The Vikings are turning over a brand new leaf with the hiring of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and Tomlinson is not within the plans. At 28, the previous second-round decide nonetheless has loads to provide as a part of an inside rotation. He would not present up a lot on the stat sheet, however he’ll be a value-add to any franchise that should fortify its unit up entrance for a modest $8.5 million or so per 12 months.

17. Tony Pollard, RB

His stellar 2022 season, wherein he ran for 1,007 yards, added 371 receiving yards and overshadowed Ezekiel Elliott within the Dallas backfield, had Pollard headed towards a monster deal. Then he broke his leg and sprained his ankle within the playoffs. He must be recovered by the summer season, however that can absolutely make some suitors skittish. He’s a franchise tag candidate ($10.1 million), too.

18. Dre’Mont Jones, DE

Jones is excessive on a number of groups’ want lists. After all, Denver’s protection wasn’t its drawback final 12 months. The Ohio State product had 6.5 sacks in 2022, which nearly matches his common the previous three seasons. He will probably be coming off a hip harm, however he is solely 26, which ought to ease some groups’ considerations.

19. Dalton Schultz, TE

His manufacturing dipped this season (57-571-5), however the Cowboys additionally went 5 video games with out QB Dak Prescott. He was nonetheless Dallas’ second-best pass-catcher, and the 6-foot-5, 244-pound tight finish continues to be solely 26. After taking part in on the $10.9 million franchise tag final season, Schultz will probably be on the lookout for greater than that.

20. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

Does anybody know what to make of Jimmy G? He’ll be coming off his damaged foot, and he clearly is not the Niners’ first alternative. There wasn’t precisely a commerce marketplace for him final season, however maybe there will probably be curiosity within the free-floating waters of free company.

21. Marcus Davenport, DE

There are tons of considerations with Davenport, together with his harm historical past (hand, calf in 2022) and the truth that he had only a half sack for the Saints (down from 9 in 2021). He’s a superb run-stopper, although, and he creates a whole lot of strain, even when he would not usually end it. The upside: He’s solely 26, and it is a typically horrible edge-rusher class.

22. Yannick Ngakoue, DE

Ngakoue will probably be 28 when the 2023 season kicks off, however he has hovered round double-digit sacks the previous two years. He had 9.5 for the Colts as one among their solely brilliant spots of final season. But one other crew can be his sixth in his seven-year profession, and he was in Jacksonville for the primary 4 years of it. So perhaps he finally ends up staying in Indy.

23. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

He already had a free company/publicity tour in December, with no takers. On expertise alone, OBJ is by far the very best of a foul free agent crop of receivers. But he is 30 years outdated, tore his ACL twice in two years and did not play final season. There’s a lot of potential, however nobody is aware of how a lot is left.

24. Kaleb McGary, RT

The Falcons have sufficient cap house to maintain McGary and they need to. If he hits the open market, although, he might command a large contract.

25. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

The Super Bowl undoubtedly helped resurrect Smith-Schuster’s profession, alongside along with his 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Chiefs within the common season. He can now command a heck of much more within the open market, particularly with how receiver contracts maintain trending.

26. Jordan Poyer, SS 

He’ll be 32 by the point the season begins, however Poyer is coming off yet one more Pro Bowl 12 months wherein he mixed for 63 tackles and 4 interceptions. There’s a marketplace for that type of expertise and productiveness, and it seems just like the Bills are going to let him take a look at it.

27. Mike Gesicki, TE

A harmful receiver when used within the slot in 2021, he was a horrible slot in Mike McDaniel’s offense. He must get out of Miami and into the appropriate system, and he might be good for 50 catches and 700 yards.

28. Patrick Peterson, CB 

Peterson’s contract was voided by the Vikings. The 32-year-old had 5 interceptions in Minnesota final 12 months, although, and Spotrac assigns a $6.4 million market valuation.

29. Vonn Bell, SS

He’s been a terrific run stopper for the Bengals and is outstanding in relation to overlaying tight ends. His 4 interceptions final season ought to enhance his worth over $10 million per 12 months.

30. Allen Lazard, WR

The Packers want all the assistance and expertise they’ll get within the wideout room, and letting Lazard stroll can be ill-advised, irrespective of who finally ends up below heart. Running again Aaron Jones restructured his deal to avoid wasting the Packers some cap house. They ought to be capable of maintain Lazard, too. 

31. Isaac Seumalo, RG

He proved his value after two injury-plagued seasons in Philadelphia, beginning all 17 video games and excelling as each a run- and pass-blocker. Seumalo’s future with the Eagles could rely on whether or not heart Jason Kelce returns or retires.

32. Fletcher Cox, DT

He got here again on a one-year, $14 million deal and had a powerful season with seven sacks. But he is 32 and the Eagles have some higher, youthful DTs to exchange him.

33. Rock Ya-Sin, CB

He is not fairly as constant as you need but, however he might add loads to an outdoor rotation if Las Vegas would not find yourself retaining him.

34. David Long Jr., LB

Long is about as essential to the Titans protection as anybody, so there’s the chance they might use the franchise tag on him if they cannot get a deal achieved. But he racked up 86 tackles in 12 video games and confirmed a whole lot of versatility, so if Tennessee would not see his worth, another person will.

35. Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Edmunds is a stable, at instances unspectacular, defender who made large leaps in cross protection in 2022. He led the Bills with 102 tackles, regardless of lacking 4 video games.

36. Zach Allen, DE

He had 5.5 sacks and 35 quarterback pressures in 13 video games for the Cardinals. At age 25, Allen is on the upswing and somebody can pay a giant value for his potential.

37. Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Murphy hasn’t fully lived as much as expectations, however he did get better two fumbles this previous 12 months for Arizona and added 59 return yards off of them. He’s solely 25 and continues to be ascending.

38. Miles Sanders, RB

He’s coming off simply his finest season, with 1,269 speeding yards and 11 touchdowns for the Eagles. He confirmed he can carry a speeding assault, although some want to provide the credit score to Philly’s highly effective offensive line.

39. Jawaan Taylor, RT

Coach Doug Pederson is on document as saying he hopes the Jaguars can retain Taylor. But in a depleted sort out market, he might maybe get extra elsewhere.

40. T.J. Edwards, LB

He was a steal on a one-year, $2.15 million deal, main Philadelphia in tackles with 99. The center linebacker would not play a place the Eagles worth, although. Someone else will.

41. Ben Powers, LG

No matter who finally ends up taking part in quarterback for Baltimore, a strengthened offensive line isn’t a foul factor.

42. Dalton Risner, LG

Risner was one of many few brilliant spots for the Broncos on offense in 2022. They’d be sensible to attempt to maintain him, but when they do not, somebody can pay handsomely for his companies.

43. Evan Engram, TE

He escaped New York, discovered a coach who knew easy methods to use him (Doug Pederson in Jacksonville) and eventually confirmed that he is usually a harmful playmaker. The Jags need him again and will franchise him, too.

44. Andrew Wylie, RT

Super Bowl LVII might have been his largest endorsement, as he and his offensive line mates allowed no sacks to the vaunted Philly entrance. With a generational QB, the Chiefs ought to attempt to maintain their O-line intact as a lot as doable for so long as doable.

45. Jakobi Meyers, WR

Some say he is the very best receiver on this unhealthy market. He’s been the very best receiver within the underwhelming Patriots offense during the last two seasons, however might be a No. 2 or 3 receiver on most groups exterior of New England.

46. Garrett Bradbury, C

The Vikings needed to expertise life with out Bradbury for a few video games final season — and it wasn’t fairly. They ought to work out a technique to maintain onto him, but when they do not, an underrated heart like Bradbury will not final lengthy on the open market.

47. DJ Chark, WR

Chark was a task participant in a extremely productive offense in Detroit final season. He’s going to get pushed somewhat additional down the depth chart as Jameson Williams enters the fold somewhat bit extra subsequent season, in order that might be sufficient to make Chark wish to look elsewhere.

48. Brandon Graham, DE

He had 11 sacks as a part-time cross rusher for the Eagles final season. But he’ll be 35 in April and doubtless cannot play greater than part-time anymore.

49. Jonathan Jones, CB

Mostly thought of a slot nook, Jones struggled at instances after switching to exterior nook final season with the Patriots. His 4 interceptions assist. His 5-foot-10, 190-pound measurement would not.

50. Nate Davis, RG

Davis is an enhancing guard who performed effectively final season for Tennessee, however he missed 5 video games with accidents. He’s solely 26, however these accidents might maintain his price down.

Carmen Vitali covers the NFC North for FOX Sports. Carmen had earlier stops with The Draft Network and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, together with 2020, which added the title of Super Bowl Champion (and boat-parade participant) to her résumé. You can observe Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV.

Ralph Vacchiano is the NFC East reporter for FOX Sports, overlaying the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. He spent the earlier six years overlaying the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and earlier than that, 16 years overlaying the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.

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