Predictions for NFL free agency in the 2021 offseason as we rank the top 50 players and project landing spots where Shaq Barrett, Kenny Golladay, Aaron Jones and more will sign.
Now that the franchise tag deadline has passed, the 2021 NFL free agency frenzy is about to begin. While some huge names such as Dak Prescott, Allen Robinson, Lavonte David and others were either signed to new deals or tagged, there is still a huge number of players who can help teams a great deal moving forward.
NFL free agency and the 2021 league year will officially begin on Wednesday, March 17 at 4 p.m. ET but the legal tampering period when teams can negotiate with free agents from other teams will start on Monday, March 15. And things are going to be big with players like Kenny Golladay, Shaquil Barrett, Trent Williams and more on the market.
With that in mind, we’re going to look at and rank the top 50 players available in 2021 NFL free agency. Moreover, we’re going to predict the landing spots where these teams will eventually sign in 2021 NFL free agency as well. We start with a familiar face and former NFL MVP.
50. Cam Newton, QB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Washington Football Team
Cam Newton hits the open market again after a year with the Patriots in which he showed promising signs early but they ultimately flamed out. It’s hard to believe there will be many starting jobs in free agency for him to take but Washington could offer him one as he would reunite with Ron Rivera.
49. John Brown, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New England Patriots
Released by the Bills after the franchise tag deadline to clear cap space, John Brown is a speedy wideout who can be a nice complementary deep threat in any offense. The Patriots are sorely lacking any type of pass-catcher right now and the burner would be a cost-effective way for them to address that.
48. Sammy Watkins, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
Whenever he’s been on the field, Sammy Watkins has proven he can be a good NFL wide receiver. Staying on the field, however, has been a bit of an issue. The Chiefs have expressed how highly they think of the wideout at his best and they could find some creative ways to keep him around, especially if he takes a team-friendly deal.
47. Kevin Zeitler, OG – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
After being a huge signing by the Giants a couple of years ago, Kevin Zeitler has been released and is back on the market. Now he could head back to the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that has Joe Burrow entering year two off a torn ACL and desperately needs to protect their young franchise quarterback better.
46. T.Y. Hilton, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
T.Y. Hilton is another player who has certainly made an impact on the Colts throughout his career but, of late, has struggled to stay healthy. Indianapolis needs to give Carson Wentz some options and, with the way they tend to operate as an organization, it would be actually surprising if they let someone like Hilton actually get loose on the open free agency market.
45. Aldon Smith, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
Despite being away from the NFL for four seasons, Aldon Smith made his return with the Cowboys and was a disruptive force as a pass-rusher. As Dallas tries to shore up their defense after a disastrous year, retaining Smith should be considered incredibly important for them. He’s a terrific complement to DeMarcus Lawrence and could help form a foundation.
44. Brian Poole, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Because of his diminutive size at 5-9 and the fact that he was lost on the lowly Jets, Brian Poole can be overlooked a bit. Yet he was one of the better overall cornerbacks in the league last season working in the slot. The Browns have to hope that Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams can stay healthy on the outside but adding Poole to the mix would substantially help their secondary.
43. Ryan Kerrigan, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Los Angeles Rams
As evidenced once again with the Matthew Stafford trade, the Los Angeles Rams are all-in on their stars and then doing what they can to fill in the pieces around them. Last year on the edge, that was with Leonard Floyd. Now that he’s leaving, adding veteran Ryan Kerrigan, a player who has been perpetually underrated yet effective, would make a ton of sense for Sean McVay’s club.
42. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New England Patriots
Ryan Fitzpatrick had some retirement rumors surface around him but those were shot down relatively quickly. The bearded veteran is heading back and he proved in Miami he is still a viable option. While the Patriots could still bring in a rookie or even make another move at quarterback, bringing in FitzMagic given their current situation under center would make a ton of sense.
41. Malcolm Butler, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Houston Texans
Tennessee cut Malcolm Butler to save money and now the former Super Bowl star is on the free agency market again. With a pseudo-Patriots regime now in charge with the Texans, it wouldn’t shock me to see Houston be willing to pay more for the solid veteran than any other team and for the quarterback to not turn down that check.
40. Larry Ogunjobi, DT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Most people would not have Larry Ogunjobi this high in any rankings but I’m high on the defensive tackle. He’s flashed some star-caliber plays throughout his career and just needs to be consistent — and part of that may entail just giving him depth around him. Regardless, the Browns should recognize his value and not let him get away from them in the 2021 offseason.
39. Richard Sherman, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
There was criticism of Richard Sherman for betting on himself with the 49ers but it worked out for him as he revived his career a bit. He’s not the player he was with the Legion of Boom but he remains a solid player and a leader. Jon Gruden and the Raiders seem primed for another bit of spending in free agency and adding Sherman is a move that fits the M.O. of the silver and black.
38. Chris Carson, RB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New York Jets
Healthy has been the biggest issue for Chris Carson throughout his time with the Seahawks. When he’s been able to suit up, he’s consistently delivered good performances. His injury issues could cut his cost on the market and the Jets should jump at that. They need a substantial upgrade from Frank Gore and banking on Carson’s health for a relatively cheap contract would represent that.
37. Shelby Harris, DT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Denver Broncos
It’s absolutely wild that more people don’t talk about how good Shelby Harris has been throughout his career. There is a case to be made for him being one of the 20 best interior defensive linemen in the league over the last three years. Denver has to see that, though, because they would be absolutely foolish to let him out of the building if they want to retain their defensive integrity.
36. Xavier Rhodes, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Buffalo Bills
The 2019 season in Minnesota was downright awful for Xavier Rhodes but his one year with the Colts proved that he’s not done being a good NFL cornerback. On the market again, the Bills need reliable help opposite of Tre’Davious White and the over-30 Rhodes could be a nice and possibly well-priced way of accomplishing that.
35. Leonard Floyd, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
It’s unlikely that Leonard Floyd will ever become the cornerstone edge rusher he was once hoped to be. But he proved again with the Rams in 2020 that he’s a good player who is versatile with the ability to rush, run-stop and be solid in coverage. The Colts have money still to burn and need to plug a hole on the edge. Indianapolis will love his versatility and, most likely, the price he comes at.
34. K.J. Wright, LB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
Because he plays next to Bobby Wagner, it feels as if K.J. Wright gets overlooked far too often. Overall, though, the linebacker has been nothing short of great throughout his career in Seattle. And while the Seahawks took Jordyn Brooks in the first round last season, the franchise isn’t in a spot where they can afford to have Wright walk out the door just yet — so they won’t.
33. Keanu Neal, S – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Houston Texans
On the field has never been in question for Keanu Neal as he fills a box safety role exceptionally well, crashing effectively against the run but also working well in zone coverage. His issue has been health. Houston isn’t an attractive spot right now, especially if Deshaun Watson leaves, so the Texans will overpay to help their secondary further and land Neal.
32. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars
His explosiveness in college and draft position make Jadeveon Clowney seem like a bust but he’s been a good player throughout his career. He’s a plus pass-rusher and top-tier run defender off the edge. Jacksonville needs to put pieces in place under Urban Meyer and my belief is the head coach shows his recruiting chops by convincing Clowney to join forces with Trevor Lawrence.
31. Rob Gronkowski, TE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite being utilized far more as a blocker than pass-catcher (or ever route-runner) in his return to the NFL with the Buccaneers, Rob Gronkowski popped up on the big stage with a monster Super Bowl performance. It would be shocking to see him play with anyone other than Tom Brady and he’ll show that with an extremely cheap deal to re-sign with Tampa Bay.
30. Jameis Winston, QB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New Orleans Saints
Following the first-ever 30-touchdown/30-interception season in NFL history, Jameis Winston was the backup for the Saints in 2020 and didn’t get the nod when Drew Brees was hurt. Yet, now that Brees is likely leaving, Winston makes a ton of sense to come back and try to reinvent himself. A year under Sean Payton should serve him well as I project him to take over as the starter.
29. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
Even though there was a ton of drama with him in Jacksonville, Yannick Ngakoue is a good-not-great edge defender who ultimately was solid for the Ravens after the Vikings traded him in 2020. He’s best as a pass-rusher but, with both he and Matthew Judon hitting the market, Ngakoue should be a priority to bring back to help maintain integrity on the edge of the defense.
28. Shaquil Griffin, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
A former third-round pick by the Seahawks, Shaquil Griffin looked to be developing into a star in the 2019 season but injuries and some struggles when healthy saw him drop off a bit this past season. Even still, my belief would be that Seattle still believes in his overall potential and will keep him in the Pacific Northwest.
27. Alejandro Villanueva, OT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Washington Football Team
Nothing about Alejandro Villanueva says that he’s one of the best offensive tackles in the league but he’s been above average throughout his career. With Pittsburgh cap-strapped, I expect him to leave and Washington would make a ton of sense. They finally traded Trent Williams last offseason and need someone to come in and deliver for whichever quarterback they trot out in 2021.
26. Will Fuller, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Green Bay Packers
Will Fuller has been the ultimate hit-or-miss guy. The Texans offense was dramatically more effective when the speedy wide receiver was on the field as he’s legitimately one of the best deep threats in the NFL. There was buzz about the Packers possibly trading for him at the deadline this past year but they avoid giving up picks and still land him to help buoy a Super Bowl run next year.
25. Melvin Ingram, EDGE NFL Free Agency Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
Melvin Ingram will be 32 years old when the season starts and he’s never been a singularly dominant force in his NFL career. Having said that, the former Charger can be a solid veteran who does his job at a good level. The Las Vegas Raiders need that on defense to help their youngsters get free and develop and they’ll pay to keep him in the division.
24. Patrick Peterson, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
We’ve seen a dropoff from Patrick Peterson over the past couple of seasons as he’s not been the top-tier cornerback he previously was. Now 31 years old, his best days are behind him but he still has talent enough to be a good player in the league. That being said, I don’t see the Cardinals cutting ties with a player who has been with them since they took him with the No. 5 pick in 2011.
23. Matthew Judon, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
Because he comes from the Ravens and their blitz-happy approach on defense, some teams might be wary of Matthew Judon. However, if anyone is looking for a secondary pass-rusher who has experience, he can be an asset. Losing Melvin Ingram, the Chargers find themselves in that position and have money to burn so that they can pair Judon with Joey Bosa to form a formidable duo.
22. Matt Milano, LB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Buffalo Bills
There were times over the past few years where Matt Milano’s run defense left a lot to be desired as he missed some tackles he should’ve made, more so than Bills fans would’ve liked. His coverage ability in the middle, however, makes him valuable in the modern league. Buffalo has to recognize this and, after they’ve cleared up some space, I believe they re-sign the linebacker.
21. Curtis Samuel, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Washington Football Team
Flashes of potential were all we got from Curtis Samuel over his first three seasons but the first year under Joe Brady in Carolina unlocked him a bit. The Ohio State product is extremely versatile and can attack all levels of the field. Washington desperately needs a running mate with Terry McLaurin that can be consistently relied upon. Samuel rejoins Ron Rivera and gives the Football Team the pass-catcher they need.
20. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New York Jets
This might sound harsh but playing without Antonio Brown proved that JuJu Smith-Schuster isn’t a WR1 in the NFL. That being said, he’s a legitimate weapon in the slot who can sparingly be used outside and make a lot of plays. New York is devoid of playmakers in the passing game and they’re the exact type of team that will be willing to spend on someone like the young wideout.
19. Daryl Williams, OT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New York Giants
Injuries marred much of the potential that Daryl Williams displayed early in his career, which led to him spending 2019 and 2020 with Buffalo. This past season, he stayed on the field and played incredibly well for them. While they’d love to keep him, the Giants appear primed to reshape their offensive line and spending on Williams to man the right tackle spot would make a ton of sense.
18. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New England Patriots
If you’re expecting Dalvin Tomlinson to be a big interior pass-rusher, you’re barking up the wrong tree. The 315-pound mammoth of a man isn’t that type of player but he has emerged as a top-tier run defender. New England has money to burn and has loved this type of player in the past, so it only makes sense that they would look to recapture defensive magic by adding the 27-year-old.
17. Romeo Okwara, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
Romeo Okwara is one of the most intriguing players in free agency as he’s been a middling player for much of his career but finally put it together for a career year in 2020. Still in his mid-20s, he could be a valuable second pass-rusher. The Bengals have to find some good players to fill holes on defense and they seem like the type of team to take a chance on Okwara at this stage.
16. Corey Davis, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Tennessee Titans
This past season was the first time that Corey Davis had an entire year of looking close to the No. 5 pick the Titans took him at. He came up with a career year and finally started to put it all together to realize his potential. Tennessee has A.J. Brown and declined Davis’s fifth-year option previously but they’ll keep the band together and bring him back to see if the 2020 campaign was the start of something big.
15. Carl Lawson, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
It was wild that Carl Lawson fell to the fourth round for the Bengals and he proved that with an explosive rookie season in limited work. After some down years that followed, he flashed more of his ability in 2020. The Falcons have long been looking for pass rushers who can be effective and, if they can meet his price tag, they could finally get their man by bringing Lawson to Atlanta.
14. Jonnu Smith, TE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New York Jets
The big question with Jonnu Smith is whether or not he can be a high-target player in an NFL offense as he was never asked to be that with the Titans. Now hitting the free agency market, the explosive playmaker could be a great addition for many teams. As mentioned already, the Jets need quality options in the passing game and taking a shot at Smith would be a wise move.
13. Haason Reddick, EDGE/LB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: New York Jets
Despite his athleticism, Haason Reddick was clearly miscast as a traditional linebacker in the NFL as he lacks the instincts to be successful in coverage. That was evident in 2020 as the Cardinals moved him back to the edge and he had the best year of his career. The Jets have been in dire need of a pass-rusher for many years and going after Reddick would make a ton of sense in trying to address that.
12. William Jackson III, CB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Denver Broncos
William Jackson III missed his rookie season with the Bengals as a first-round pick due to injury but hit the ground running in his first healthy year. He’s regressed a bit but has still been a bright spot on a bad defense. Denver tried to address cornerback with A.J. Bouye but, now that he’s been released, they’ll try again by making a big swing at Jackson and hoping he thrives.
11. John Johnson III, S – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
Though injuries have played a small part in recent years, John Johnson III might be the most underrated player in this free agency class. His coverage skills are top-tier among safeties and he could be a game-changer for a defense. The Raiders pop up with another big-time defensive player they need to help the defense and he would hopefully help Johnathan Abrams settle into a more comfortable role.
10. Anthony Harris, S – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2020 season was not as good as many expected it to be from Anthony Harris with the Vikings. He had established himself as one of the NFL’s best safety but wasn’t the dominant force he had been. Yet, the track record before that leads you to believe that this past year might’ve been the outlier, especially considering the troubles caused by young, struggling cornerbacks in Minnesota.
Harris should command a heavy market in free agency and will likely sign a big deal. That will especially be the case if the Jaguars get involved. Armed with the most cap space in the league this offseason, Jacksonville desperately needs help in the secondary for them to return even to competency. They’ll take their big swing on the market by inking Harris to a monster contract.
9. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Considering that he’s at No. 9 in these rankings, it’s safe to say I’m bullish on what Trey Hendrickson has to offer. After he was clearly finding his footing throughout his first three years in the league, the Florida Atlantic product finally showcased his impressive explosiveness and athleticism as a pass-rusher this past season — just in time for him to get paid in free agency.
Myles Garrett is a superstar for the Browns but they need to find him a consistent running mate on the opposite edge. Olivier Vernon was fine but also left something to be desired. Hendrickson could come in and, if his development continues, he could form a dominant group up front in Cleveland, which will help an ascending team shore up a weakness on that side of the ball with defensive line depth.
8. Aaron Jones, RB – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Miami Dolphins
There was some speculation that the Packers could use the franchise tag on running back Aaron Jones but, as the deadline came and went, the former UTEP star is now going to hit the market. And though the value of running backs is often questioned, he’s going to be highly sought-after given that he’s a proven runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield who also likely still has miles to burn after working largely in a committee early in his career.
Miami as a whole took a monstrous step forward last season but the offense was still clearly building towards something. That was never more evident than having the worst rushing attack in the league. With money to burn and looking for another progression in 2021, the Dolphins will ink Jones to a big deal and put a dynamic weapon in the backfield.
7. Bud Dupree, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Tennessee Titans
Bud Dupree was set to play in Pittsburgh on the franchise tag this past season but, unfortunately, suffered a season-ending injury. That seemingly robbed him of capitalizing off of the best season in his career in 2019. Still, he’s a freak athlete who has the potential to be a quality pass-rusher, especially if he’s deployed properly off the edge.
Tennessee ultimately landed Jadeveon Clowney in 2020 but they still struggled to form a consistent pass rush. Harold Landry has flashed but it’s something the Titans need to figure out in a big way. I expect them to do that again in free agency and, with Dupree coming off the injury, likely sign the high-upside player to a one-year deal while they develop a high draft pick from this year’s class.
6. Corey Linsley, C – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Financial restraints are legitimately the only reason that the Packers aren’t keeping Corey Linsley. He’s by far the best center hitting the free agency market and has been one of the best in the league at the position of late, grading out as the top center in 2020 according to PFF (subscription required). Now he’s set to go and get paid.
The Dolphins got a good performance from veteran Ted Karras last season but he’s set to hit free agency himself. Miami is clearly trying to reshape the offensive line continually and this would be a boom for them in that department. Paying Linsley would set them up for the long term at the position as they hope to get their offense to take the next step forward.
5. Hunter Henry, TE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
Some people were surprised that the Chargers didn’t use the franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry. While there have been some unfortunate injuries in his career, the pass-catcher has proven to be a red-zone threat and a reliable option. But now that he’s going to be available, there is the opportunity for the right team to swoop in on the free agency market and not allow the Bolts to re-sign him.
For me, that team is going to be the Indianapolis Colts. Not only are they still sitting with substantial cap space to work with but they are a situation that makes a ton of sense now that they’ve traded for Carson Wentz. Frank Reich and Wentz thrived utilizing tight ends in Philadelphia and Jack Doyle is the only player at the position on Indy under contract in 2021. Adding Henry would be a substantial upgrade that fits the likely philosophy with the new quarterback.
4. Joe Thuney, OG – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
Throughout his time with the Patriots, Joe Thuney has done nothing but get better and, more recently, dominate on the interior of the offensive line. It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s one of the five best guards in the league and the fact that he’s hitting the free agency market should mean that he’ll be fielding calls from multiple NFL teams this offseason.
When you look at the Chargers, though, it’s clear that they need to make their offensive line whole. Justin Herbert showed the goods as a rookie — earlier than expected, it should be said — and now comes the task of protecting him and setting him up for more success. Pairing Thuney and Trai Turner would create a dominant guard duo in LA that could help the Chargers start to finally solidify themselves in the trenches.
3. Kenny Golladay, WR – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
Kenny Golladay didn’t come into the NFL with a ton of fanfare but he’s earned exactly that throughout his first four years with the Lions. Blessed with size, a good frame and plus-athleticism, he’s not only a deep threat that can thrive winning down the field but he’s developed his route-running well enough to establish himself as a true WR1 in the league that can be the focal point of an offense.
Early in the offseason, the Ravens insinuated that they weren’t going to be spending big on a wide receiver in free agency — but I don’t buy it. The need to get Lamar Jackson a legitimate No. 1 weapon in the passing game is too great to ignore. And now that the Lions didn’t tag Golladay and he’s available, I expect Baltimore to pop up and give their quarterback the player he needs.
2. Shaquil Barrett, EDGE – NFL Free Agency Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leading the NFL in sacks for the 2019 season with the Buccaneers was undoubtedly shocking for Shaquil Barrett as all of his potential was seemingly realized in an instant. And while the sack totals weren’t as high this past season, he proved that his performance wasn’t a flash in the pan as he was dominant once again. But with the Bucs tagging Chris Godwin, he could now hit the market.
While there are few teams who wouldn’t be interested in adding Barrett in free agency, the writing seems to be on the wall that he’s not going anywhere. The Buccaneers want to keep the Super Bowl champs together, tagging Godwin and re-signing Lavonte David. With contract negotiations already reportedly underway with Barrett, it seems obvious he stays in Tampa Bay.
1. Trent Williams, OT – NFL Free Agency Prediction: San Francisco 49ers
It’s crazy to think that Trent Williams could sit out the entire 2019 season, join a new team after being traded to the 49ers and still be the best tackle in the NFL. But that’s what happened as Williams was right back at the top of the league, grading as PFF’s highest-graded player at the position in 2020. Now set to hit the market again, he should have plenty of suitors.
While that may be true, though, he won’t actually be going anywhere. Not only did Williams already hint at a return, the 49ers were invested enough in addressing the position last offseason to trade for him and I don’t see them letting Williams out of the building. He was too good and too valuable for the franchise to see him walk after just one year