Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players

2021 NFL free agency features over a dozen superstars that could transform franchises.

The start of NFL free agency is one of the most anticipated times during the league’s offseason. While the 2020 offseason featured several league-altering free agent signings, including Tom Brady joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2021 free agency class boasts even more Pro Bowlers and All-Pros. This article counts down the top 70 projected free agents for next offseason.

Current free agents are not included in this article because we don’t know what kind of contracts they might sign. That leaves incredibly talented players like Antonio Brown, Jadeveon Clowney, and Everson Griffen out of contention.

Several worthy candidates didn’t make the top 70 free agents. Seattle’s Greg Olsen received a lot of consideration, but he’ll probably retire and get into the announcing game after this coming season. Centers David Andrews and Mike Pouncey also came up in conversations, but the two linemen have questionable injury histories. The same goes for Carolina’s Russell Okung.

While several of these players could sign extensions or retire before next year, these are the top 70 projected free agents in 2021.

70. Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons selected Neal with the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Florida product performed well as a rookie and even made the Pro Bowl during his second season. Then the injuries began setting in. Neal tore his ACL in 2018 and suffered an Achilles injury last season. He’s played in four games over the past two years.

Once expected to form the core of Atlanta’s defense, along with Grady Jarrett and Deion Jones, Neal is in the final year of his rookie contract. The 24-year-old can still turn his career around, but he’s a massive gamble in free agency.

69. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Speaking of gambles, Conner is also in the final year of his rookie deal. The former third-round pick beat stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma in college after winning the ACC Player of the Year award in 2014. The Steelers kept him in Pennsylvania in 2017 and used Conner as Le’Veon Bell’s backup. However, Conner took over a major role on the team’s offense when Bell held out.

Conner made the Pro Bowl in 2017, gaining 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in only 13 games. However, the young running back didn’t have much success this past season. While he still squeaked out 4.0 yards per carry, Conner only ran for 46.4 yards per game. He missed six weeks and left midway through some contests with injuries.

Over the offseason, Conner rebuilt his body in the gym. Even if he can’t perform at a Pro Bowl level every season, Conner wants to prove he isn’t injury-prone and can fill a starting role.