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NFL free agency 2023 best available players: Lamar Jackson, Orlando Brown lead our list - The Athletic

With the legal tampering window opening Monday and NFL free agency officially beginning Wednesday, we’re tracking the best remaining available players.

This story will update as players sign or are released. The number preceding each player’s name is where they ranked in our original 150. Players who were released after March 12 will not have a number. The age in parentheses indicates how old the player will be at the start of the 2023 season.

There’s some subjectivity to how we determined the order, but factors like age, production, health and potential all played a role.

Live updates: FA news from across the NFL
By position:
Top 10 at every position entering free agency
Needs: Ranking every team’s upgrade priorities
Predictions: One FA target for every team

Jackson is the only franchise-tagged player on this list, as the Ravens’ use of the non-exclusive tag means other teams could try to sign him for two first-round picks. Baltimore is taking an awfully big gamble that a quarterback-needy team won’t give Jackson the deal he’s been seeking, but it’s unclear how many suitors there will be. Theoretically, the Ravens could be determined to match any offer sheet Jackson gets, but teams could make it difficult on Baltimore in how they structure the deal. — Jeff Zrebiec

Brown surprisingly did not receive the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, which would have been worth $19.99 million (120 percent of the 2021 tag value). In 2022, he was a Pro Bowler and didn’t surrender a sack in the Chiefs’ three postseason victories. The expectation is Brown will want an extension with more guaranteed money than the offer he declined last summer: six years, $139 million, $30.25 million signing bonus, and $91 million in the first five years. — Nate Taylor

With the Rams cap-strapped and Wagner looking for more certainty, the sides agreed to part ways, putting the veteran back in the free-agent pool for the second consecutive year. In his 11th season and first outside of Seattle, Wagner started 17 games and earned second-team All-Pro honors while totaling 140 tackles (10 for loss) and six sacks, second-most in the NFL among off-ball LBs. His contract in L.A. was worth $10 million annually, which seems like a fair target again this year. — David DeChant

Bradberry cashed in on a one-year, prove-it deal with the Eagles to provide lockdown defense opposite Darius Slay. As with his defensive backfield mate, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the question is less about whether the Eagles want him back and more about whether they can afford him. — Wulf

David is an ageless wonder it seems. He doesn’t receive the credit he deserves. David still does everything well, including pass coverage. He graded as the No. 3 off-ball linebacker in the league last season, via Pro Football Focus. After missing five games in 2021, he played 96 percent of the snaps in 2022 with 124 total tackles and three sacks. — Larry Holder

Acquired just before Week 1 in exchange for Day 3 draft-pick considerations, Gardner-Johnson became the Eagles’ turnover maker, tying for the NFL lead with six interceptions while transitioning from nickel to safety. His production, age and versatility are likely to make him an attractive player on the market. He might be too expensive for the Eagles. — Wulf

15. Leonard Floyd, Edge, Rams (31)

Floyd has certainly benefited from Aaron Donald’s presence in L.A., but he’s been consistently productive in his own right, without slowing down since turning 30 in September. He has 29 sacks, 59 quarterback hits and 157 pressures (per TruMedia) over the past three seasons, including four sacks, 11 hits and 28 pressures in the six games Donald missed in 2022. Floyd also hasn’t missed a game since 2017 and has played at least 80 percent of defensive snaps in four consecutive seasons. — DeChant

Poyer has enjoyed a lot of success over his six seasons in Buffalo and has been incredibly durable. Despite suffering six different injuries since training camp, he missed only four games this year. His impact on the field is excellent, routinely anticipating plays before they develop. But he turns 32 in April. This could be Poyer’s last chance at a big contract in free agency, and the Bills may not be the team that can provide him with it. — Buscaglia

The Falcons declined McGary’s fifth-year option last spring, and he is going to end up being richer because of it. The 6-foot-6, 342-pound former University of Washington star was PFF’s fourth-rated tackle this season (86.6 grade), and his physical nature fit well into Arthur Smith’s run-first system while helping limit his exposure in protection. McGary’s option would have cost less than $13 million for 2023. Now, Spotrac estimates his market value at $17.7 million. — Josh Kendall

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In a league without enough starting-caliber offensive linemen, Seumalo can do it at any of the three interior positions. His chances of returning to Philadelphia somewhat hinged on Jason Kelce’s retirement decision. With Kelce announcing his return on March 13, second-round pick Cam Jurgens probably takes Seumalo’s guard spot. — Wulf

A three-time Pro Bowler with playoff pedigree, Clark is tricky to value. Despite excelling in the postseason for the Chiefs (10.5 sacks, 14 QB hits in 12 games), he otherwise underwhelmed (23.5 sacks, 59 QB hits in 58 regular-season games), leading to a pay cut last March and his release last week. He turns 30 in June, and his legal history (both in college and in the NFL) will give some teams pause, but his resume stands out in a weak class of edge rushers. — DeChant

Lewan’s contract outpaced his play in recent seasons, and injuries (two torn ACLs in three seasons) struck hard, leading to his release from the Titans. The three-time Pro Bowler and nine-year veteran told the team’s web site before his release that he was considering retirement. But if he plans to keep playing, Lewan should draw significant interest. When healthy, he remains a solid starter in a league that can never seem to find enough quality offensive tackles. — DeChant

The undrafted 26-year-old is positioned to cash in on his breakout performances over the past three years. Meyers enters free agency as the wide receiver market is ballooning — and he might be the best at his position. If his market is around $12 million per season, New England will probably push hard for him to return. If it’s north of $16 million annually, the Pats might have to punt. — Chad Graff

28. Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings (33)

Thielen, who turns 33 in August, is now five years removed from back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns, and he battled lower-body injuries in 2022. But he remains productive and has even shown more of a nose for the end zone in recent seasons (30 touchdowns since 2020). The second option behind Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, he would slot in nicely as a No. 2 or No. 3, especially in a weak wide receiver market that has few sure things. — DeChant

Despite months of rumors, the 2022 free agent never signed anywhere last season as he continued his recovery from a torn ACL suffered in Super Bowl LVI. His resurgence with the Rams in 2021 (48 catches, 593 yards, seven TDs in 10 games, including playoffs) surely boosts his value in a weak WR class, but injury, age and the ugly ending to his tenure in Cleveland will likely limit his pool of suitors. — DeChant

While playing under the franchise tag ($10.9 million) in 2022, Schultz was the team’s second-leading receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. He was even more productive in Dallas’ two playoff games, catching 12 passes for 122 yards and a team-high three touchdowns. But it will be difficult to retain Schultz if it costs $14 million to $15 million annually. The Cowboys would love to have him back, but it might just be too expensive. — Jon Machota

The ball hawk fits the Ravens well, and Baltimore certainly needs quality cornerbacks. Peters, though, struggled for much of 2022 after missing the previous year with a major knee injury. Will he be closer to his pre-injury form in 2023? Or was his up-and-down play in 2022 a sign of things to come? His volatility will probably scare off some teams, but he’s a smart football player, as his 32 career interceptions prove. — Zrebiec

Wynn is coming off the worst season of his career, but he once proved he can play left tackle at a quality level, and he’s still young. There’s a market for those kinds of players. Wynn could make the case that his three productive years before 2022 were the better gauge of his abilities and that he only struggled last season with a new coach (Matt Patricia) and a position change (moving to right tackle). — Graff

Ngakoue isn’t an elite edge rusher, but he has an undeniable knack for getting to the quarterback that could help any team at a reasonable price, including the Colts. Ngakoue has at least eight sacks in every season of his career and 9.5 in 2022. No team will break the bank to acquire Ngakoue, but the journeyman should have a solid group of suitors. — James Boyd

Robinson is one of the best run defenders in the NFL not named Aaron Donald. His 38 tackles on designed rush plays through Week 11 were tied for fourth-best among defensive linemen … with Donald. Robinson tore his meniscus in Week 11 and missed the rest of the season but is on track for a fully healthy offseason. His market may be too high for the Rams, but they’d also net a higher compensatory pick because of that. — Jourdan Rodrigue

An excellent pass-catcher but substandard blocker, Gesicki was a fish out of water in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Coming off a 2021 season with 111 targets, 73 catches and 780 yards, Gesicki was franchise-tagged, then hardly used in the high-octane Dolphins offense, catching just 32 passes for 362 yards. A change of scenery seems best for both parties. Like Evan Engram last year, perhaps he could take a one-year prove-it deal before cashing in next offseason. — Ayello

Sanders exploded for a career-high 1,269 rushing yards in what is probably the most running back-friendly offense in the league, considering Jalen Hurts’ value as a runner and the quality of the offensive line. Sanders has less wear and tear than most lead backs after four years in the league, and he’s probably the top back available after three received the franchise tag, but it’s still a deep class at the position. — Wulf

Bradbury adores Minnesota’s offensive line room, having developed relationships with elite tackles like Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. The 2019 first-round pick also improved each year, allowing fewer pressures per snap in 2022 than any other season in his career, per PFF. That improvement, however, still placed him 28th out of 32 centers in blocking efficiency, which explains the complexity of this decision to pay him or let him walk. — Lewis

Brissett has been around the NFL block, but he was better than anyone outside the Browns’ building expected in an awkward and difficult situation last year with Deshaun Watson suspended for the season’s first 11 games. Brissett seems to be an ideal experienced bridge quarterback, and though he might view himself as more than that, it’s still too early to know how the quarterback market will shake out. — Jackson

Cox was not the dominant force he once was, but he still played a key role in the defense and had seven sacks while helping to spring the guys around him. It has seemed since he re-signed with the Eagles last spring that 2022 was his last hurrah in Philadelphia, but crazier things have happened than a surprise return. — Wulf

Vander Esch has probably earned himself a multiyear contract. He has health concerns, but he also is a positive impact player who might have been overvalued as a first-round pick. Like so many players in this league, there is a price point where he can be a really important part of your squad. Finding that price will be the key. Would he take two years at $6 million per year? — Bob Sturm

The Bengals have interest in Hurst returning, especially with backup Drew Sample a free agent as well, but this will be a quality tight end draft, and they could dabble again in the free-agent market. Coaches loved Hurst’s energy, and his production was solid, but they have long desired a young, game-changing weapon at that spot. Hurst could have a bigger market than the Bengals are willing to entertain. — Dehner

Risner started 62 of a possible 66 games during his first four seasons, all at left guard. He was named all-rookie in 2019, and though he has not elevated to a Pro Bowl level, he has been a reliable member of a shuffling offensive line. A native of nearby Wiggins, Colo., Risner said he “would love” to remain with the Broncos, but that could be determined by Sean Payton’s plans for constructing the offensive line. — Kosmider

Chark joined the Lions on a one-year deal and battled injury early. But when he returned, he provided the sort of downfield value the Lions expected, while also proving to be an excellent locker-room addition. Chark is young and has the profile of a vertical threat. In a weak class, he could be an attractive option. And with Jameson Williams seemingly ready for an expanded workload, Chark could move on. — Colton Pouncy

Corner hasn’t been Arizona’s strongest position, but Murphy is the best of the bunch. A 2019 second-round draft selection, he’s gotten better each year. The downside: Murphy played in only nine games this season because of a back injury. Before he got hurt, he pulled off one of Arizona’s biggest plays, scooping a fumble and returning it for a touchdown in an overtime win against Las Vegas. — Haller

Oliver played only 12 games (only five starts) in 2022 but could end up a free-agent steal. Following a torn ACL in 2021, he needed time to regain his form. When he did, he had what defensive coordinator Dean Pees called “one of the best defensive back games I’ve been around” in Week 17. Oliver can play outside, inside or at safety and was a decathlete in college at Colorado. — Kendall

While noncommittal about his future, the 12-year veteran has said he’ll play as long as he feels healthy and productive, and he’d like to stay in Baltimore. Despite fading in the second half of 2022, Houston finished with a team-high 9.5 sacks in 14 games and another sack in the playoffs. He’s not an every-down player at this stage, but he still brings value in a situational pass-rush role. — Zrebiec

Rankins might have been the Jets’ most underrated player in 2022. His stats don’t jump off the page, but he was an important part of a dominant defensive line, especially in run defense. When Rankins was on the field, opponents averaged 3.88 yards per rush. When he wasn’t, they averaged 4.55 yards per rush. He signed with the Jets on a two-year, $17 million contract in 2021 and could reach at least that number again. — Zack Rosenblatt

One could argue Hardman never reached his full potential during his four-year rookie contract, but the speedy receiver was a useful player. He was trending toward a career year last season — scoring six touchdowns in eight games — before sustaining abdominal and pelvis injuries, and he had surgery after the Super Bowl. Questions surrounding Hardman’s health and durability will be major factors. — Taylor

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In 2022, Smith ranked 17th among left tackles in pressure rate (5.0 percent, per TruMedia), allowed six sacks and led the league with seven holding penalties in only 13 games, leading to his release from the Bucs. His 2021 season was much better (one sack allowed, 3.8 percent pressure rate), but that looks more like an outlier among his recent seasons. Even so, playable left tackles get paid, and Smith has 124 starts (out of a possible 130) since 2015. — Holder

Ogunjobi was a monster on the field in 2022, but injuries kept him out of practice almost all season. His value will be determined by his health. The Bears gave him a three-year, $40 million deal last spring before he failed his physical. The Steelers, sight unseen, offered him $8 million. He dealt with foot, knee and back injuries a year ago, yet still played 63 percent of the snaps and 16 of 17 games. — Kaboly

More of a situational player than a full-time starter, Key probably won’t break the bank. However, he’s young and just posted a pressure rate of 14.4 percent, 20th in the NFL among players with at least 200 pass rush snaps. That type of efficiency should attract some attention, particularly because he was even better in San Francisco in 2021 (15 percent). — Ayello

Campbell’s injury-riddled past could be a red flag, but he finally made it through a full season healthy, appearing in all 17 games, compared to 15 combined through his first three years. At the right price, his presence on the field and in the locker room would surely help whichever young QB the Colts draft, but Campbell’s flashes of speed and dynamic playmaking could make other teams lure him away. — Boyd

Love led the Giants in defensive snaps (89 percent), easily the highest of the 2019 fourth-round pick’s career. With Xavier McKinney sidelined because of injury, the 24-year-old captain stepped into a much larger role, including relaying Wink Martindale’s play calls. He also was a vocal presence in the locker room. Love earned a career-high 71.5 coverage grade, per PFF, while his 80 solo tackles ranked seventh among safeties. — Charlotte Carroll

Edmunds sat on the market until late April last year and settled for a one-year, $2.5 million deal to stay with the Steelers, then had his best season. Although the stats don’t jump off the sheet, he was a good pairing with Minkah Fitzpatrick, allowing the All-Pro to move around. Edmunds is more of a box safety but was asked to cover tight ends weekly. — Kaboly

Despite a concussion in November, Smith-Schuster finished with 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns while playing on a one-year deal. He sustained a left knee injury in the postseason, which limited his production, but he was impressive in the Super Bowl, recording seven receptions on nine targets for 53 yards and drawing a holding penalty that helped seal the win. — Taylor

Gaines wasn’t a high producer in the pass rush in 2022 but held it down against the run despite elbow, shoulder and bicep injuries. Like A’Shawn Robinson, he is a good tandem player with Donald. The Rams can currently afford to re-sign one of Gaines and Robinson, but not both. They also can’t afford to lose both without bringing in serious reinforcements. — Rodrigue

Though overshadowed by Derrick Brown’s breakout season, Ioannidis was a solid addition for the Panthers after agreeing to a one-year, $9.5 million deal last offseason. He finished with only one sack, his lowest total since his rookie season, but his nine quarterback hits were only three fewer than Brown’s total. In PFF’s grading system, Ioannidis ranked among the top third of all defensive linemen overall. — Joseph Person

Seattle would like to have a one-two punch with Penny and Kenneth Walker III, but Penny’s injury history is long. He’s hit IR because of issues with his ACL (2019), calf (2021) and tibia (2022), the latter causing him to miss the final 12 games of 2022. When healthy, Penny is a powerful, explosive ball carrier. He has averaged 6.2 yards on 176 carries over the past two seasons. — Michael-Shawn Dugar

Like many on Arizona’s offensive line, Hernandez battled injuries this season, which cost him four games, but he ranked fifth among right guards in pressure percentage (2.7), according to TruMedia. When healthy — and he has been for most of his career — he’s a solid interior lineman, and he’s still young enough to gain a lot of free-agent attention. — Haller

A solid backup quarterback with limited upside, Minshew enters a crowded quarterback market. So much so that we shouldn’t rule out a return to Philadelphia. But his performance in a smallish sample has been good, and teams looking for a bridge starter could certainly do worse. — Wulf

Tranquill had a career season in the final year of his rookie deal. He emerged as one of the most consistent and reliable pieces in Brandon Staley’s defense and affected the game in every phase in 2022: run defense, coverage and pass rush. Whether the Chargers bring him back will come down to positional value. They let Kyzir White walk last offseason. — Daniel Popper

A solid RB2 for five seasons, Williams broke out in 2022 with 1,066 rushing yards and 17 rushing TDs, breaking Barry Sanders’ franchise record. He is the Lions’ heart and soul and wants to return, but what would they pay to keep him? Many of his touchdowns were a product of Detroit’s offense — specifically, its offensive line. Running backs have a shorter shelf life in this league, so Williams might want to cash in while he can. — Pouncy

Omenihu was the 49ers’ top backup defensive lineman in 2022, filling in as a defensive end and a pass-rushing defensive tackle. He finished with 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits, behind only Nick Bosa (48 quarterback hits) on the 49ers. Omenihu was recently arrested in San Jose for suspicion of domestic violence, and the local district attorney’s office is deciding whether to file charges. His market could be limited. — Barrows

The Browns signed Clowney later in free agency in 2021 and 2022, and he was productive when healthy. But Clowney almost certainly won’t be back after he made public comments criticizing the Browns and was held out of the 2022 season finale. When Clowney was healthy in the second half of last season, he was good. He’s an excellent run defender, and he can also rush the passer when he’s available and engaged. — Jackson

By far the Bears’ best UFA, Montgomery plays an undervalued position in a deep pool of free-agent RBs. His best-case scenario might be re-signing with the Bears on a team-/player-friendly deal. He shared a backfield with Khalil Herbert in 2022, but he can handle a load (200-plus carries in every season), catch the ball (155 career receptions) and pass protect effectively. — Adam Jahns

Ya-Sin missed six games due to knee injuries and was solid at best when playing. But he is one of the few younger cornerbacks on the market, and there will likely be a starting opportunity for him somewhere. The Raiders were hoping Ya-Sin could be a No. 1 corner when they traded Yannick Ngakoue for him, but he is clearly a No. 2 with good coverage skills. No. 2 corners still get paid, though. — Vic Tafur

Ebukam’s sack total rose — slightly — in 2022. He finished with five in the regular season after having 4.5 sacks in each of the previous three. It should be noted he played through Achilles, quadriceps and ankle injuries for much of the season and that he had a sack in the playoffs. Still, you’d think Ebukam’s statistics would be gaudier considering the attention opposing offenses paid the player opposite him, Bosa, in 2022. — Barrows

In three years with the Jets, McGovern has started in 48 of 50 possible games. He might not be a Pro Bowl-caliber center, but he’s a solid player who will draw interest. PFF ranked McGovern 11th among centers in 2022 and ninth in 2021. He did allow five sacks (second-most), but PFF still gave him positive grades in 12 of 17 starts. He signed a three-year, $27 million deal in 2020 and likely earned that level of contract again. — Rosenblatt

A three-time Pro Bowler, Ingram has lost some zip on his fastball, but he still knows how to get to the quarterback. The 11-year veteran registered six sacks, 23 hurries and 35 pressures with a 12.1 percent pressure rate in 290 pass rush snaps, about on par with Philadelphia’s Josh Sweat. Ingram seems likely to score another mid-level, one-year deal to provide some situational pass rush punch for a contender. — Ayello

Over the past two seasons, Lazard caught 100 passes for 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Packers tabbed him as their No. 1 wide receiver after the offseason departures of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but he didn’t quite live up to that billing. Lazard is still a solid No. 2 wideout and an even better No. 3. He’s also a standout blocker. — Matt Schneidman

85. Donovan Wilson, S, Cowboys (28)

This is another Cowboys player with a strong possibility to get away. Wilson has done a nice job getting the league’s attention, but he is a bit older and plays a style that is not conducive to perfect attendance. The Cowboys have options at safety, and it might be best to let someone else pay him if the price gets too rich. Dallas has to be careful with this decision. — Sturm

While never a full-time starter, Murphy-Bunting has been a quality contributor since the Bucs took him in the second round in 2019, and his best football might be ahead of him. He can play anywhere — outside or inside, left or right — and has six interceptions (plus three during the Bucs’ Super Bowl run), 21 pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 53 games. Murphy-Bunting missed five games with a dislocated elbow in 2022, but QBs posted a passer rating of just 59.6 when targeting him. — DeChant

Al-Shaair has served mostly as the 49ers’ strong-side linebacker since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2019. He has also filled in for Dre Greenlaw on the weak side and Fred Warner in the middle, speaking to his versatility. He looked particularly sharp in 13 games in 2021, and he could offer upside in an every-down role. — Barrows

Health has long been a problem for Darby, who is coming off a torn ACL suffered in October, but he remains effective when on the field. Despite no interceptions since 2019, he has allowed a passer rating of just 81.3 when targeted over the last three seasons, including 69.9 in five games before his injury in 2022. He shouldn’t cost much and could offer nice value, assuming his rehab is on track. — DeChant

Tonyan has some of the best hands you’ll see, but his production simply wasn’t there in 2022. He caught a career-high 53 passes, but for only 470 yards and two touchdowns. In 2020, he caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 TDs. He hasn’t shown that form since tearing his ACL midway through 2021 and faces an uncertain future in Green Bay. —Schneidman

Among players from the Chiefs’ 2019 draft class, Thornhill had the best contract year. In 16 games, he produced career highs in tackles (71), pass breakups (nine) and tackles for loss (four), including his first sack. He recorded three interceptions, too. Although Thornhill is not expected to command a market-setting deal, he should earn a nice contract on the open market. — Taylor

Apple found a home in Cincinnati, but the emergence of rookie Cam Taylor-Britt and the expected return of Chidobe Awuzie (ACL) point to Cincinnati moving on. Would another team be willing to bring Apple into their locker room, given his reputation? His game has improved, and he’s now been a starting corner for a quality defense. But the act wears thin after a while. — Dehner

Washington’s “Mike” linebacker was on his way to leading the team in tackles again when a Week 7 foot injury required surgery and derailed his fourth season. Holcomb offers speed and smarts for a unit that lacks starting depth. Perhaps a one-year deal in the $2.5 million range — his salary last year — would satisfy both sides in the short term. — Ben Standig

Hollins tripled his career-high with 690 yards receiving. He was also a standout on special teams coverage, not to mention being a role model for younger players with his work ethic and extra work at practice. He signed a year ago for only $2 million, and one would have to think the Raiders would like to have him back at twice that amount. — Tafur

Harris was part of the Seahawks’ return in the Russell Wilson trade and started 15 games for Seattle in 2022, but he turns 32 in August and was set to cost $12.2 million against the cap, leading to his release. While still a solid run defender, his pass rush production slipped last season (two sacks, six QB hits), but he should still bring value in a rotation somewhere.

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At 35, Dalton realizes he’ll spend the rest of his NFL career as a backup unless there’s an injury. That’s what happened with the Saints last season. His numbers were serviceable, as he ranked ninth in passer rating at 95.2. New Orleans went 6-8 with Dalton as the starter, and he threw 18 TDs and nine interceptions. — Holder

Brown didn’t seem to be appreciated enough until he was not on the field. Since signing a three-year, $15.5 million contract before the start of the 2020 season, he’s started 36 games, setting a career high in interceptions (three) and passes defended (17) in 2021. However, he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 13. Retaining Brown makes sense at the right price. — Machota

Pipkins has flown under the radar. He sprained his MCL in Week 5, aggravated the injury twice and never fully healed during the season. His play slipped, and understandably so. However, before the injury, Pipkins was playing really, really good football. As a result, the Chargers will likely value Pipkins more than the rest of the league. That context is important. Pipkins proved to be a dependable and legitimate starting right tackle. — Popper

Fant never fully recovered from a 2021 knee injury, and so he wasn’t able to build on a stellar season at left tackle that year. In 2022, Fant openly expressed his frustration with the Jets’ constant yanking back-and-forth between left and right tackle, and his injury — which cost him nine games — only made matters worse. Even when Fant was playing, he clearly wasn’t himself. He’ll have to hope teams focus on his 2021 tape. — Rosenblatt

Eluemunor started 17 games last season and can play both tackle and guard. He fared very well in several charting metrics, but the Raiders’ offense was limited because of all the extra help that Josh McDaniels gave his linemen and by how fast he had Derek Carr distribute. Eluemunor wasn’t too bad, but he did rank third among offensive linemen in committed penalties. — Tafur

Slayton was forced to take a pay cut this season to remain with the cap-strapped Giants. Then he started the season on the bottom of the depth chart but led the team with 724 yards on 46 receptions. Slayton has consistently made big catches downfield, though he can also struggle with drops. It’s hard to see a big payday coming from the Giants, but he has value in a weak class. — Carroll

A second-round pick in 2019, Rapp started 48 of 57 career games in Los Angeles. The Rams seemed to have an extra spark in their coverage concepts when moving Rapp closer to the line of scrimmage instead of deep in space. He’s young and will definitely have a market, but the Rams are unlikely to retain both Rapp and fellow safety Nick Scott, or either one. — Rodrigue

Dupree’s production in Tennessee never matched his final two seasons in Pittsburgh, when he had 19.5 sacks and 32 QB hits over 27 games before tearing his ACL in December 2020. He has just seven sacks since and hasn’t played in more than 11 games in a season since 2019. Perhaps he could bring more punch in a rotational role, even if it takes him time to find a deal he likes. — DeChant

Yet another player released by Tennessee, Jones has been one of the league’s better centers since entering the NFL in 2012. He turns 34 in July and missed five games in 2022, but he missed just one total through his first 10 seasons, and he remains an above-average player. He has allowed just two sacks over the last three seasons, according to TruMedia. — DeChant

Edwards, a 2019 fifth-round pick, suffered two concussions in back-to-back weeks and missed the last 13 games, but he has 45 career starts and experience at both left and right guard. The Rams could have worked out an extension with Edwards prior to the 2022 season but did not, so signs point toward him departing. — Rodrigue

Mayfield’s market is an unknown curiosity. The Rams were his lone claim off of waivers ahead of Week 14, and after the high of a historic comeback win against the Raiders settled, Mayfield was inconsistent. He believes he is a starting quarterback, but will any team agree? Meanwhile, the Rams liked working with him (the feeling was mutual) and they’re hunting for a new backup quarterback. — Rodrigue

Moseley was off to a strong start — and seemingly headed for a big free-agent contract — when he tore his ACL in Week 5. The 49ers are interested in bringing him back for another year opposite Charvarius Ward. Could other teams outbid them? They’d be taking a medical risk, though Moseley is still young and was ascending when he was injured in October. — Barrows

The 49ers were expected to stumble without Alex Mack. Instead, Brendel logged a team-high 1,252 snaps and allowed 14 quarterback pressures in 20 games, one fewer than Mack in 2021. Kyle Shanahan puts extra value in the center spot, and thus he’ll likely push to get Brendel back. But Shanahan’s disciples need capable centers, too, and there are now some with the Packers, Rams, Jets, Dolphins and Texans. — Barrows

The Jaguars released Griffin two years into a three-year, $44.5 million free-agent contract, and he’s coming off a back injury that limited him to five games in 2022, so his market might be limited. But the former Seahawk has started 72 games over six NFL seasons and reached the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement in 2019. A one-year, prove-it deal could bring value to a team (perhaps back in Seattle?) that needs more competition on the outside. — DeChant

The wheels came off for Quinn in Philadelphia, as he looked like a shell of himself and mostly dropped out of the pass-rush rotation, finishing with no sacks and only one total on the year. But he had 18.5 sacks in 2021 and doesn’t turn 33 until May, so he might have value as a situational rusher somewhere. — Wulf

Van Noy was signed to be a hybrid player in Brandon Staley’s scheme, playing some off the ball and some at edge rusher. But then Joey Bosa went down, and Van Noy was asked to take on a full-time edge rushing role. He battled through a back injury and broke out down the stretch with a sack in five straight games. Also, it is hard to overstate the impact of Van Noy’s leadership. — Popper

Coaches say Brunskill is one of the smartest players on the squad, and he’s capable of playing any of the five spots along the offensive line. He and rookie Spencer Burford alternated at right guard in 2024, and Brunskill also served as the team’s backup center. If Brendel was snapped up by another squad, the 49ers would push to retain Brunskill and probably would play him at center. — Barrows

White was reliably in the right place at the right time for the Eagles’ defense, but he’s not quite as trustworthy in coverage as one might expect from a former safety. Given the cap crunch and the organizational value placed on linebackers, either none or one of T.J. Edwards and White will be back. — Wulf

Callahan was a cheap, post-draft addition who outplayed his contract as the Chargers’ full-time starter at nickel corner. He set a career high in games (15) and played the third-most snaps in a season in his career (586), missing only two games with a torn core muscle. Callahan, when healthy, is one of the better slot defenders in the league, and he can also play outside in a pinch. — Popper

McLeod won’t get a long-term deal at this stage of his career, but after a one-year rental with the Colts, he proved he still has a lot left in the tank. Indianapolis initially plugged 2022 third-round pick Nick Cross into the starting lineup before he was quickly eclipsed by McLeod, who helped anchor the team’s secondary with career highs of eight pass breakups and eight tackles for loss. — Boyd

Amos hasn’t missed a game in four seasons with the Packers, and for the most part, he has been sound on the back end, even if he hasn’t made too many splash plays, intercepting only nine passes in 71 games. In 2022, he had only five passes defensed and was partly to blame for a disappointing year for the Packers’ secondary. — Schneidman

Jones just wrapped up his 10th season, finishing with 46 receptions and 529 yards in 16 games — his lowest totals since an injury-shortened 2018 season in Detroit. That doesn’t mean he still can’t contribute, even if that’s not in Jacksonville, where it looks like the team will move forward with a triumvirate of Christian Kirk, Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. — Ayello

Jackson’s tenure with Washington was a disaster, as he struggled to adapt to the zone-heavy scheme, and the unit improved without him in 2022. The Commanders sent him to the Steelers at the trade deadline, but he never played because of a back injury, and Pittsburgh released him. Perhaps Jackson would be a good buy-low candidate for a team that prefers man coverage. A return to the Steelers should not be ruled out. — DeChant

Foreman isn’t flashy, but his physical, straightforward running style is effective. The 6-foot, 235-pounder is not a do-everything back in the mold of Christian McCaffrey. He caught just five passes for 26 yards last season. But he still has a lot of tread on his tires and should land somewhere on a short-term contract. — Person

Perryman is aging and coming off a so-so year with first-year defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. But in 2021, he was the best linebacker the Raiders have had in 20 years, roaming sideline to sideline and blasting opponents while becoming a first-time Pro Bowler. He could have a similar impact on a defense that is not looking for pass coverage out of its new linebacker. — Tafur

Walker is a coach-on-the-field, team-captain type who’s spent the last two years with the Browns and was playing well early last season before suffering a torn quad tendon in Week 3. That led to a linebacker disaster for the Browns, who struggled to stop the run so badly that they traded for Deion Jones a few hours after a game in early October. — Jackson

Darren Waller’s injuries have given Moreau a chance to start 25 games the last two seasons, and Moreau has shown some ability if not consistency. His blocking has gotten better every year, and he averaged 32 catches for 397 yards the last two seasons. Teams might be intrigued by the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Moreau’s skill set. — Tafur

Smoot would be ranked higher had he not torn his Achilles in Week 16. A typical recovery timeline is roughly nine months, putting part of his 2023 season in doubt and perhaps limiting his market. It’s a shame because Smoot was enjoying a solid season in a rotational role with five sacks and 12 QB hits. His pressure rate of 12.8 percent was 36th among defenders with at least 200 pass rush attempts. — Ayello

Brown proved to be Detroit’s best backup lineman, and he has held his own in the starting lineup. The Lions signed him to a one-year, $2.025 million contract last offseason, after he filled in admirably at center for Frank Ragnow. He has since added extended tape at right guard, which might be enough to entice another team to sign him to a multiyear deal. — Pouncy

Singletary has grown into a consistent starter who can make defenders miss in the open field, and his pass protection improved over the years. But his lack of explosiveness keeps him from breaking away and maximizing runs, and he’s not a true impact pass catching option. With James Cook and Nyheim Hines under contract for the next two seasons, Singletary might not be back in Buffalo. — Buscaglia

The 2019 third-round pick broke out in 2021, showing he could be a featured back while rushing for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns. But he battled multiple injuries in 2022, and Rhamondre Stevenson overtook him as New England’s top ball carrier. If he doesn’t get the kinds of offers he’s hoping for, Harris could return as Stevenson’s tag-team partner. — Graff

After signing a one-year deal last offseason, Evans led the Falcons with 159 tackles in 2022. A 2018 first-round pick of the Titans out of Alabama, he was a favorite of Dean Pees and would have been a priority to re-sign if Pees had not retired. Now, his future with the Falcons will be determined by how well he fits into new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s system. — Kendall

133. Markus Golden, Edge, Cardinals (32)

The market has often valued Golden less than his production suggests, and he’s now available again, as the Cardinals released him six months after signing him to a one-year, $6.5 million extension through 2024. That wasn’t a shock after a 2.5-sack season, but he also had 20 quarterback hits — his fourth straight season with at least 19 — and is a year removed from an 11-sack season. Teams could do a lot worse if seeking pass rush depth. — DeChant

Akins quietly posted career-best numbers in a lackluster Texans offense this season, catching a team-high five touchdowns while finishing with 495 yards on 37 receptions. His 13.38 yards per reception led qualified tight ends, showcasing his ability to stretch the field up the seam. Akins is old for a five-year vet, having pursued a pro baseball career before football, but he feels like a quality, low-cost signing. — Ayello

Fox took on a bigger role because of injuries and turned into an indispensable player. He ranked second on the Chargers behind Khalil Mack with 42 pressures, according to PFF, and tied for eighth among all interior DL in pass rush efficiency. Run defending is not the strength of his game, but he filled in admirably in that area. He has earned a bigger contract this offseason. — Popper

Hunt sounds like he’s ready to move on, and the Browns drafted Jerome Ford last year. Hunt’s touches and productivity dropped in the back half of 2022, but he can still add at least something to an offense both as a power back and a pass catcher. There’s just not going to be much money out there for veteran running backs. — Jackson

Obada delivered on a one-year, $1.047 million contract after arriving last offseason, finishing fourth on the team in sacks (4.0) while ranking high in position flexibility and positive vibes. Washington has good depth at defensive end, but the chiseled Obada can also play inside on passing downs. — Standig

Obviously Jones isn’t the same player he used to be. He caught only 24 passes for 299 yards and two TDs while playing only 10 games. It’s fair to wonder if retiring is the next step for Jones rather than signing with another team. — Holder

The five-time Pro Bowler figuratively fell off the cliff in New Orleans. He played only nine games because of an ankle injury and caught only 25 passes for 272 yards and one TD. His production and availability has dropped every year since 2019. — Holder

Signed off the street midseason, Joseph proved he can still be one of the league’s best nose tackles. If he wants to keep playing, he should have a home. — Wulf

While there’s little doubt Bridgewater is a capable backup, his struggles to stay healthy somewhat negate his value. That said, he has a 90.5 career passer rating and shouldn’t struggle to find a job somewhere. — Ayello

Pete Carroll said Seattle played Ford too much and out of position too often in 2022. That’s probably why Ford, who Carroll believes is best at nose tackle, had an underwhelming season aside from a career-high three sacks. Ford has 64 starts and 25 tackles for loss over the last four years, so he should still draw some interest. — Dugar

Harmon started 16 games, quickly replacing former first-round pick Johnathan Abram, and he showed a nose for the ball with two interceptions, five pass breakups and some clutch tackles. His defensive teammates quickly turned to him as a leader, and he did a nice job as a bridge from the locker room to the new regime. He is also aging and gets beaten deep more than you would like. — Tafur

Washington’s coaching staff does not see Heinicke as a starter, but there’s no debating he’s a valued backup with spot-starter potential. There’s a world in which the Commanders circle back to Heinicke to back up Sam Howell and be ready if he falters. — Standig

A fourth-round pick out of Division II Charleston in 2019, Cominsky was waived by the Falcons last summer, and eight teams put in a claim. One of the Lions’ most underrated defensive players, Cominsky did a lot of dirty work, and his presence was felt. So was his absence when he went down with a wrist injury. By the end of the year, he was playing like one of Detroit’s best defenders. — Pouncy

The signal caller of the Bears defense with and without Roquan Smith, Morrow finished with 116 tackles (83 solo), eight pressures and one interception over 1,041 snaps (according to TruMedia). He was an every-down player for the Bears. Spotrac’s projection is a two-year, $7.7 million contract. — Jahns

150. Robbie Gould, K, 49ers (40)

Gould isn’t slowing down. In fact, he took on an extra duty in 2022: kickoffs. He was at his best in the playoffs and hasn’t missed a postseason kick in his career. Gould has two goals: Winning a Super Bowl and making the Hall of Fame. A good team with a shaky situation at kicker — we’re looking at you, Dallas — would be wise to consider the veteran. — Barrows

(Photo of Orlando Brown: David Eulitt / Getty Images)

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