Top NFL Free Agents by Position for Post-2026 Draft Signings

Post-2026 NFL Draft Free Agency: Best Remaining Players by Position

With the 2026 NFL Draft concluded, teams are now turning to the next wave of free agency—post-draft signings. This period is critical for squads looking to address roster holes that weren’t filled during the draft. Typically, these signings involve aging veterans on one-year deals or incentive-laden contracts, rather than long-term commitments.

Crucially, any contracts signed now will not count against the 2027 NFL Draft compensatory pick formula. The focus is on short-term solutions to bolster depth heading into training camp.

Below, we rank the top five remaining free agents at every position, highlighting players who could fill those final gaps for the 2026 season.

Quarterback

• Aaron Rodgers – Still undecided on retirement or a return to the Steelers, Rodgers remains a wildcard.
• Tyrod Taylor – A veteran backup option with limited upside.
• Russell Wilson – Once a star, Wilson’s career has declined significantly.
• Jimmy Garoppolo – A reliable but uninspiring option for teams in need.
• Cooper Rush – A low-risk, low-reward choice for depth.

Analysis: If your team still needs a quarterback, the options are bleak. The remaining quarterbacks are either past their prime or unproven, leaving franchises with few attractive choices.

Running Back

• Joe Mixon – Missed all of 2025 due to injury; a high-risk, high-reward pickup if healthy.
• Najee Harris – Another player sidelined in 2025; his future depends on a strong recovery.
• Nick Chubb – Once dominant, Chubb’s career is now limited to short-yardage roles.
• Kareem Hunt – A proven contributor but no longer a workhorse.
• Antonio Gibson – A versatile but inconsistent option.

Analysis: Mixon and Harris are the most intriguing due to their potential if fully recovered, but their injury histories make them risky investments. The rest are best suited for situational roles.

Wide Receiver

• Stefon Diggs – Outstanding legal issues may remove him from most teams’ radars.
• Deebo Samuel – Despite his age, Samuel remains one of the best options available.
• Jauan Jennings – A deep threat with limited production.
• Tyreek Hill – Once dominant, Hill has lost a step and is no longer a game-changer.
• Keenan Allen – A reliable veteran but past his prime.

Analysis: Deebo Samuel stands out as the best available option, though his long-term value is uncertain. Tyreek Hill’s decline and Diggs’ legal troubles further limit the pool.

Tight End

• David Njoku – A solid but unspectacular option.
• Zach Ertz – A reliable veteran with limited upside.
• Jonnu Smith – A former Pro Bowler but now a role player.
• Darren Waller – Retired after 2025.
• John FitzPatrick – A developmental option with minimal experience.

Analysis: The tight end market is thin. Teams should prioritize internal solutions or draft a prospect rather than relying on these veterans.

Offensive Tackle

• Taylor Decker – A proven left tackle released by the Lions in 2025; offers a clear upgrade for several teams.
• Yosh Niman – An intriguing rotational tackle who performed well in limited action for the Panthers in 2025.
• Jack Conklin – A former Pro Bowler but now injury-prone.
• Jonah Williams – A former first-round pick with inconsistent play.
• Cam Robinson – A solid but unspectacular option.

Analysis: Taylor Decker is the standout, offering proven left tackle experience. Yosh Niman is a sleeper for teams needing rotational depth.

Offensive Guard

• Joel Bitonio – A Pro Bowl-caliber guard with multiple years of elite play.
• Kevin Zeitler – A reliable veteran with starting experience.
• Brady Christensen – A former first-round pick with untapped potential.
• Dylan Parham – A versatile but inconsistent option.
• Alex Cappa – A solid rotational guard.

Analysis: Bitonio and Zeitler are the only true starting-caliber options. The rest are best suited for depth roles.

Center

• Ethan Pocic – A reliable veteran with starting experience.
• James Daniels – A solid but unremarkable option.
• Graham Glasgow – A proven center with limited upside.
• Andre James – A developmental option.
• Sam Mustipher – A low-risk, low-reward choice.

Analysis: Ethan Pocic is the top option, offering proven center experience. The rest of the market is thin, with few impactful players available.