Ranking top 100 NFL free agents for 2026, plus A.J. Brown trade proposals and Bears might move to Indiana
CBS Sports
by
John Breech
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NFL’s free agency season is heating up, with CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco releasing his annual rankings of the top 100 free agents ahead of the 2026 offseason. This year’s list highlights a mix of established stars and rising talents, but with some notable absences due to potential franchise tags and limited big-name players in the market. The lack of quarterbacks in the top 10—only Daniel Jones at No. 14 and Malik Willis at No. 31—suggests teams may need to explore trades or restructures to address their quarterback needs, with Kirk Cousins possibly being cut by the Falcons.
Prisco’s list emphasizes versatility and system fit over star power, reflecting a shift in team-building strategies. The top 10 includes mostly under-the-radar players like Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum at No. 1 and Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce at No. 4. However, several key names on the list might not even hit free agency due to franchise tags or contract extensions. For example, George Pickens of the Cowboys is expected to receive the franchise tag, potentially keeping him off the market.
With only two quarterbacks ranked in the top 50, teams in need of a signal-caller will likely have to turn their attention to trade possibilities. Malik Willis, who has just six career starts under his belt, could emerge as an intriguing option for struggling franchises like Arizona or Miami. The Cardinals’ new coaching staff and connection to Willis’s former team, Green Bay, could make him a strong fit in Arizona.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026