The Free Agent Hot 100

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The following are PFT’s top 100 free agents for the 2016 league year. The rankings include prospective unrestricted free agents, as well as released players. The list will be updated as events warrant, with signings and re-signings denoted when announced and/or reported. Players expected to opt out of their current contracts or expected to be released won’t be added until the transaction is official, and restricted free agents will be added only when it’s clear they’ll have an outside market or visit another team.

1. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (got the exclusive franchise tag from the Broncos)

2. Jets defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson (got the non-exclusive franchise tag from the Jets)

3. Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (his franchise tag was rescinded by the Panthers on April 20, then signed with the Redskins)

4. Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (reportedly will sign with the Jaguars)

5. Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn (got the franchise tag from the Bills)

6. Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (agreed to terms with the Giants after the Dolphins pulled the transition tag)

7. Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (got the franchise tag)

8. Chiefs safety Eric Berry (got the franchise tag)

9. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (got the franchise tag)

10. Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (signed a new two-year deal with the Eagles)

11. Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (will reportedly sign with the Raiders when the market opens)

12. Jets defensive tackle Damon Harrison (will reportedly sign with the Giants)

13. Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (got the franchise tag)

14. Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (signed a four-year deal with the Raiders)

15. Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (will sign with the Texans for $18 million per year)

16. Chargers safety Eric Weddle (will reportedly sign with the Ravens)

17. Browns center Alex Mack (will sign with the Falcons)

18. Bengals right tackle Andre Smith (signed a one-year deal with the Vikings)

19. Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz (will sign a five-year deal with the Chiefs)

20. Chiefs defensive tackle Jaye Howard (signed a two-year deal to stay with the Chiefs)

21. Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (plans to sign a one-year deal to stay with the Giants)

22. Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (signed a four-yeal deal with the Bears)

23. Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (signed a five-year deal to stay with the Bucs)

24. Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele (reportedly will sign with the Raiders)

25. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick

26. Bengals safety George Iloka (reportedly returning to the Bengals)

27. Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (will sign with the Texans)

28. 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (re-signed with the 49ers)

29. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (reportedly signing with the Giants)

30. 49ers guard Alex Boone (agreed to terms with the Vikings)

31. Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (signed a three-year deal to stay with the Chiefs)

32. Bengals safety Reggie Nelson (agreed to a two-year deal with the Raiders)

33. Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw (agreed to a deal with the Falcons)

34. Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum (signed with the Jaguars)

35. Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (agreed to terms with the Chargers)

36. Ex-Bills defensive end Mario Williams (agreed to a two-year deal with the Dolphins)

37. Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (signed a three-year deal with the Buccaneers)

38. Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (signed a five-year deal with the Falcons)

39. Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (agreed to a deal with the Lions)

40. Lions defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker (re-signed with the Lions)

41. Texans guard Brandon Brooks (will sign a five-year deal with the Eagles)

42. Ex-Bears running back Matt Forte (will reportedly sign with the Jets)

43. Bills guard Richie Incognito (will sign a new deal to remain in Buffalo)

44. Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung (signed with the Broncos)

45. Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (signed a one-year deal with the Saints)

46. Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (signed a one-year deal with the Jaguars)

47. Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (signed with the Chargers)

48. Rams linebacker/safety Mark Barron (has agreed to a deal to stay with the Rams)

49. Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson (signed a two-year deal with the Colts)

50. Ex-Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (signed a two-year deal with the Browns)

51. Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel (agreed to terms with the Eagles)

52. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (got the franchise tag from the Ravens)

53. Texans offensive lineman Ben Jones (signed a four-year deal with the Titans)

54. Chiefs guard Jeff Allen (will reportedly sign with the Texans)

55. Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (signed a two-year deal to stay with the Lions)

56. Broncos guard Evan Mathis (signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals)

57. Raiders left tackle Donald Penn (has agreed to a deal to stay with the Raiders)

58. Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (has agreed to a deal to stay with the Chiefs)

59. Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews (has agreed to three-year deal with the Titans)

60. Redskins running back Alfred Morris (signed a two-year deal with the Cowboys)

61. Jets running back Chris Ivory (will reportedly sign with the Jaguars when the market opens)

62. Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (signed a three-year deal to stay with the Bengals)

63. Broncos restricted free agent running back C.J. Anderson (signed an offer sheet with the Dolphins that the Broncos matched)

64. Colts tight end Coby Fleener (signed a five-year deal with the Saints)

65. Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead (signed a two-year deal to stay with the Lions)

66. Browns safety Tashaun Gipson (will sign a five-year deal with the Jaguars)

67. Packers linebacker Mike Neal

68. Redskins defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (will reportedly sign with the Patriots)

69. Ex-Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis (has agreed to a contract with the Saints)

70. Cardinals offensive tackle Bobby Massie (agreed to terms with the Bears)

71. Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (signed a one-year deal to return to the Panthers)

72. Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy

73. Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson (signed his restricted tender with the Cardinals)

74. Rams defensive tackle Eugene Sims (signed a three-year deal to stay with the Rams)

75. Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (signed a three-year deal to stay with the Seahawks)

76. Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (signed a one-year deal to stay with the Cardinals)

77. Ex-Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (signed with Buccaneers)

78. Eagles safety Walter Thurmond (has decided to retire)

79. Packers linebacker Nick Perry (signed a one-year deal to stay with the Packers)

80. Suspended Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith (agreed to a deal to return to the Raiders)

81. Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy (signed with the Buccaneers)

82. Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (signed with the Ravens)

83. Lions safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

84. Ex-Rams defensive end Chris Long (signed a one-year deal with the Patriots)

85. Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (agreed to three-year deal with Seahawks)

86. Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson (signed a one-year deal with the Titans)

87. Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (will reportedly sign with the Steelers)

88. Eagles defensive tackle Cedric Thornton (signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys)

89. Vikings defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (re-signed with the Vikings before the market opened)

90. Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry (signed with the Lions)

91. Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (signed a four-year deal to stay with the Colts)

92. Ex-Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby (signed with the Bengals)

93. Ex-Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin (signed with the Eagles)

94. Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson (signed with the Giants)

95. Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (signed a one-year deal to stay with the Cowboys)

96. Ex-Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (signed with the Ravens)

97. Chiefs offensive tackle Donald Stephenson (signed with the Broncos)

98. Ex-Redskins safety Dashon Goldson

99. Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton (agreed to a two-year deal to stay with the Cardinals)

100. Steelers linebacker Sean Spence (signed a one-year deal with the Titans)

OTHERS RANKED

101. Ex-Falcons wide receiver Roddy White

102. Ex-Texans running back Arian Foster

103. Ex-Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (signed with the Buccaneers)

104. Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (agreed to a deal with the Patriots)

105. Cardinals pass rusher Dwight Freeney

106. Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (has decided to take a hiatus from football)

107. Ex-Rams tight end Jared Cook (signed with the Packers)

108. Colts cornerback Greg Toler (signed a one-year deal with the Redskins)

109. Ex-Lions running back Joique Bell

110. 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin

111. Buccaneers defensive tackle Henry Melton

112. Broncos cornerback Omar Bolden (will sign a one-year deal with the Bears)

113. Giants wide receiver Reuben Randle (signed a one-year deal with the Eagles)

114. Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (signed a three-year deal with the Chargers)

70 responses to “The Free Agent Hot 100

  1. How is Saints Guard Jahri Evans not on this list?

    I think he stinks but hes surely top 100, and a high profile player.

    Also if Marques Colston gets released, which a lot of people expect he’s top 100.

  2. The Broncos have 4 in the top 21. Good luck trying to get them all signed. Oh that’s right they’ve already been caught twice cheating the cap. Look for that again.

  3. mcjon- not sure what your complaint is about Jenkins? He certainly shouldn’t be higher.

    And Berry probably should be slightly higher, but I’d guess he gets less guaranteed $ than all the guys in front of him.

  4. I lot of good names on this list, but I don’t see how you could put Forte at #40. I’m incredibly biased, but I think he should be in the top 20.

  5. Wow. No Pats. Guess they have done well locking up talent
    —————————————

    Yup, they have their offensive line set for the next ten years. Their receivers also, the most talented and healthy group in the league. And that incredible defense they have assembled, what can I say. The only talent they have is Gronkowski and Brady, oh, and the ball boys and video department.

  6. Remember preseason when we all heard Dwayne Allen was going be like a top 3 TE? Oh better draft him fantasy, nerds. Watch out, he could be as good as Gronkowski. Delusional Colt fans at it again. Is there any other kind of Colt fan?

  7. Sure-fire sign that this group is very thin at quarterback? Sam Bradford is ranked 10th and Brock Osweiler is 15th.

    If this keeps up, Johnny Manziel will be ranked in the top 25 in a couple of weeks!

  8. willycents says:
    Feb 23, 2016 10:18 AM

    Wow. No Pats. Guess they have done well locking up talent
    —————————————

    Yup, they have their offensive line set for the next ten years. Their receivers also, the most talented and healthy group in the league. And that incredible defense they have assembled, what can I say. The only talent they have is Gronkowski and Brady, oh, and the ball boys and video department.

    ========================
    Anyone else hearign this high pitched whining sound whenever you read a WillyCents post?

  9. cross300 says:
    Feb 23, 2016 10:09 AM

    The Broncos have 4 in the top 21. Good luck trying to get them all signed. Oh that’s right they’ve already been caught twice cheating the cap. Look for that again.
    …………………………………………………………………..
    not just 4 in the top 21 but they want demarcus ware to take a pay cut and peyton leaving. not much chance of this team returning to the super bowl

  10. 87hollywoodhorn says:

    How is Saints Guard Jahri Evans not on this list?
    ———————————————————-
    He’s injured.

    Nice to see Bruce Irvin there. Another 3rd round compensatory pick for the Seahawks in 2017.

  11. Josh “Crybaby” Norman at #3? He’s going to get a huge payday to be mediocre. Only reason he was decent was because of the pass rush Carolina has.

  12. NFL free agency is overrated. There have been exactly 2 franchise altering free agent signings in 20+ years of free agency: Reggie White and Drew Brees. You could add Peyton Manning to the list, but his case is a little different because he was released.

  13. who made your list???????…i guess o -lineman do not matter, and age does not matter, or recent performance…Aldon Smith at 73,below Greg Hardy.

    By the way the Santa Clara DA still has not brought it to trial….you know their charges for his DUI for walking, and hit and run when he opened his card door and nicked the car parked to close to him. Yet he got suspended, and others still played.

  14. where all the haters screaming against the patriots, they must be cheating not a single player on this list as they have everyone important tied up

    my team is smarter then yours 🙂

  15. .
    The Patriots don’t have anyone on this list, but they’re going to have to deal with Chandler Jones, Dontae Hightower and Jaimie Collins this offseason or they’ll be headlining this list next year.
    .

  16. …they have everyone important tied up….

    Yeah, it’s pretty easy to lock up two people. Gronk, Brady.
    No one else on the Pats would make this list even if they were available.

  17. Wait, I thought the Seahawks were losing all their good players because they signed Russell Wilson? There’s only 4 Seahawks on this list and 2 (Okung and Sweezy) are below average at their positions. And Mebane’s a stud inside but he’s getting old. Man, according to all the NFL insider experts on these message boards, the Seahawks were completely falling apart, their window has closed, etc, etc, etc. What happened?

  18. How is Jonathan Newsome not on this list but Sean Spence is?

    Also, isn’t Aldon Smith suspended for one year?

    What’s so “hot” about that?

  19. sweetnlow44 says:
    Feb 23, 2016 11:52 AM

    Wait, I thought the Seahawks were losing all their good players because they signed Russell Wilson? There’s only 4 Seahawks on this list and 2 (Okung and Sweezy) are below average at their positions. And Mebane’s a stud inside but he’s getting old. Man, according to all the NFL insider experts on these message boards, the Seahawks were completely falling apart, their window has closed, etc, etc, etc. What happened?

    —————————————————————-

    You got curb stomped by Carolina in the playoffs.

  20. Wait, I thought the Seahawks were losing all their good players because they signed Russell Wilson? There’s only 4 Seahawks on this list and 2 (Okung and Sweezy) are below average at their positions. And Mebane’s a stud inside but he’s getting old. Man, according to all the NFL insider experts on these message boards, the Seahawks were completely falling apart, their window has closed, etc, etc, etc. What happened?
    ____________________

    31-0 at halftime. Remember now?

  21. alltee says:
    Feb 23, 2016 11:25 AM
    where all the haters screaming against the patriots, they must be cheating not a single player on this list as they have everyone important tied up

    my team is smarter then yours
    _____________________________________

    I think you Patriots fans missed the point: it is a list of FA in the Top 100. The Patriots have no one in the Top 100 meaning your Team is made of Cheaters, Brady, Gronk and Edelman and an easy cake-walk AFC East Schedule. No one wants Patriots players.

  22. I realize he’s just a kicker, but how about Mason Crosby? He was 24 of 28 on FGs including 4 of 5 from 50+ yards. He was also 36 of 36 on extra points which is a lot more impressive than it used to be.

  23. Most of the guys near the top of the list will resign with their current teams. The rest of the list is a Who’s Who among the most mediocre players in the league. Why is we get excited about free agency again?

  24. Funny how overrated guys get just because they are on the championship team. Jackson is only dominant because of the people around him. It’s just typical that one of the perrenial losers will sign and overpay for him.

  25. I’d take Antonio Gates over at least 50 guys on this list on a one year deal, which in reality that’s all free agency is each year – a one year “prove it” deal.

  26. Sam Bradford is STILL held in high regard, here being considered a top 10 free agent. This after seven seasons of proving to be extremely average. I’ll never understand the Bradford apologist camp.

  27. Osemele is going to make some qb very happy.

    Upshaw good edge setter but not much of a pass rush threat – someone will over pay him

    Tucker is the best kicker in the league. He is going to cash in big time (for a kicker).

    Those are my thoughts on the Ravens FA’s

  28. Gates isn’t top 100? The guy may not be leaving San Diego and it’s just a matter of time before they finalize things so he gets one more year, but your list looks awful foolish to leave out a future hall of fame player who has yet to lose all his mojo on the field.

    There are multiple other rankings which are heavily confusing as well, but I’ll let fans of other teams make note of those.

  29. I know 82 is far down the list, but I’m a Viking fan and I don’t even remember hearing his name called once this season. Only 3 or 4 players worth having on this list and they will likely be secured by their own teams. But i’ll hope my vikes sign one of the good CBs, OTs or WRs.

  30. ALL 4 guards for the Panthers, who led the league in rushing, and were tied for 4th is sacks allowed – and helped their team to a strong record and SuperBowl appearance – yet not even good enough to beat out 91 year old Dwight Freeney or Drew Stanton?

    And speaking of Cardinals, Ted Larsen is a 28 year old guy who can play (AND start 57 games) at OG and Center and only made $2.4mil last year.
    Since when is a versatile starter on a high powered offense not a valuable commodity??

  31. 49ers 2016 pro bowler Navarro Bowman isn’t/wasn’t one of the top 100 players in the NFL? I’m surprised! He must have been #101… (He was also one of the top comeback players of the year!)

  32. laxcoach37 says:
    Feb 23, 2016 12:53 PM

    alltee says:
    Feb 23, 2016 11:25 AM
    where all the haters screaming against the patriots, they must be cheating not a single player on this list as they have everyone important tied up

    my team is smarter then yours
    _____________________________________

    I think you Patriots fans missed the point: it is a list of FA in the Top 100. The Patriots have no one in the Top 100 meaning your Team is made of Cheaters, Brady, Gronk and Edelman and an easy cake-walk AFC East Schedule. No one wants Patriots players.

    ===================================

    I think you’re the one missing the point. Once again a whiner is whining about the Patriots, but the important point is that teams would line up outside Gillette Stadium for the chance to sign a Patriot free agent.

  33. If the Raiders sign Eric Weddle, that will give Oakland three of the top 16 free agents on this list — and four of the top 24 free agents.

  34. laxcoach37 says:
    Feb 23, 2016 12:53 PM
    alltee says:
    Feb 23, 2016 11:25 AM
    where all the haters screaming against the patriots, they must be cheating not a single player on this list as they have everyone important tied up

    my team is smarter then yours
    _____________________________________

    I think you Patriots fans missed the point: it is a list of FA in the Top 100. The Patriots have no one in the Top 100 meaning your Team is made of Cheaters, Brady, Gronk and Edelman and an easy cake-walk AFC East Schedule. No one wants Patriots players.

    ——————-

    Do you know that the Pats have a higher winning percentage against the teams in divisions outside the AFC East?

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