The 2022 NFL Free Agency period should be a lot of fun for football fans as the salary cap has increased and there are a lot of teams with money to spend.
The 2022 NFL Free Agency period is about to be wild. Teams have money to spend, especially after the salary cap actually went down in 2021 due to the effects the pandemic had on the league in the 2020 season.
With the cap rising significantly in 2022 and the projections that it will rise even more in the coming years, we could see some big deals thrown around this offseason and there are a lot of big-name players available this offseason.
Thanks largely to the way things transpired in 2021, many players opted to take one-year deals in free agency knowing and understanding that the cap would rise in 2022 and there might be a bigger slice of the pie to be had. I’m not going to say this year’s NFL free agency market is oversaturated with players, but there are a lot of good ones at pretty much every position group.
Let’s take a look, position by position, at the top available players for your favorite teams to go out and sign.
2022 NFL free agency rankings: Quarterback
1. Jameis Winston (Saints) – Age 28
Before his injury with the Saints in 2021, Winston was on pace to throw for over 50 touchdowns. Would that have happened? Probably not. However, Winston showed much better decision-making in the early stages of last season and as a former number one overall pick under the age of 30, he should have a strong market for teams looking at low-risk, high-reward options.
2. Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos) – Age 29
Bridgewater is fresh off of a career year with the Denver Broncos, but the numbers can be misleading.
Although Bridgewater is considered an averaged quarterback, he was below average for the Broncos in 2022 and once again dealt with injuries and had multiple concussions.
3. Marcus Mariota (Raiders) – Age 28
Mariota has a tremendous combination of arm talent and athleticism, but does he have what it takes to be a full-time starter in the NFL? We’ll see based on where he lands in free agency what teams around the league think of him.
4. Mitchell Trubisky (Bills) – Age 27
The former 2nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has starting experience and spent a season rehabbing his value with the Buffalo Bills as Josh Allen’s backup.
5. Andy Dalton (Bears) – Age 34
6. Tyrod Taylor (Texans) – Age 32
7. Cam Newton (Panthers) – Age 32
8. Jacoby Brissett (Dolphins) – Age 29
9. Trevor Siemian (Saints) – Age 30
10. Ryan Fitzpatrick (Commanders) – Age 39
2022 NFL free agency rankings: Running back
1. Melvin Gordon (Broncos)
Although he may not be as flashy as some backs, Melvin Gordon is about as consistent as they come in the NFL these days. He had a few untimely fumbles in his two years in Denver, but Gordon is a tremendous three-down back who consistently gives you 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns.
2. Cordarrelle Patterson (Falcons)
The version of Cordarrelle Patterson we saw in 2021 with the Falcons is more what everyone expected when he was drafted in the first round out of Tennessee by the Vikings. Patterson emerged as a big-time offensive weapon for Arthur Smith and should get some short-term offers in 2022 to prove it wasn’t a fluke.
3. James Conner (Cardinals)
Even though he only had just over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 2021, James Conner had 18 touchdowns (15 rushing, 3 receiving) in his first year away from the Steelers.
4. Leonard Fournette (Buccaneers)
Fournette had a career-high 4.5 yards per carry last season, continued to prove he can be an asset as a receiver, and matched his career-best with 10 total touchdowns for the Bucs.
5. Rashaad Penny (Seahawks)
The Seahawks finally started to see the first-round player they drafted this past season as Penny averaged 6.3 yards per carry with six touchdowns in 10 games.
Staying healthy has been an issue for him but Penny’s best days may still be ahead at the age of 26.
6. Sony Michel (Rams)
7. Chase Edmonds (Cardinals)
8. Marlon Mack (Colts)
9. Darrel Williams (Chiefs)
10. JD McKissic (Commanders)
2022 NFL free agency rankings: Wide receivers
1. Davante Adams (Packers)
There’s no question here. Davante Adams might be the overall top free agent in this entire class. Even as he approaches the age of 30, Adams still looks like he might just be the best all-around receiver in the league, especially with the ridiculous amount of attention he receives weekly.
2. Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
Even coming off of injury, Godwin should be one of the most highly-coveted wide receivers in free agency. The Bucs may have to use their franchise tag on Carlton Davis, so Godwin might actually hit the market. If that happens, he’s going to get a huge payday regardless of his knee.
3. Mike Williams (Chargers)
I debated having Williams at no. 2 on this list overall. He has been so impactful in the last few years for the Chargers, taking major steps forward with Justin Herbert the past two seasons. It would be silly if the Chargers let him hit free agency.
4. Allen Robinson (Bears)
After a down year in 2021 as the Bears’ quarterback position was in flux, Robinson could be a bargain in 2022 free agency. Some team is getting a really hungry player who has a lot of productivity and experience.
5. DJ Chark (Jaguars)
Even coming off of injury (as many on this list are), Chark’s combination of 6-foot-4 size and sub-4.4 speed are outstanding traits. He’s still young and better days are undoubtedly ahead if he can stay on the field.
6. Michael Gallup (Cowboys)
7. Christian Kirk (Cardinals)
8. Odell Beckham Jr. (Rams)
9. JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers)
10. Will Fuller (Dolphins)
2022 NFL Free Agency rankings: Tight Ends
1. Rob Gronkowski (Buccaneers)
If Gronk plans to keep on playing in 2022, he’s easily the best tight end in a pretty loaded group at the position for free agency. He had 55 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns last season, and is still one of the premier blockers at the position in the league.
2. Mike Gesicki (Dolphins)
It was tough to put Gesicki over some of the other guys on this list, but the upside here is tremendous. His athleticism and catch radius are elite, and if he gets to the right situation, Gesicki could truly be one of the top tight ends in the game.
3. Dalton Schultz (Cowboys)
One of the better kept secrets in the NFL this past season outside of Dallas, Schultz racked up 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s not jumping off the page athletically, but Schultz is a solid all-around player who has consistently improved.
4. David Njoku (Browns)
The former first-round pick decided against demanding a trade and wound up having a pretty good season for the Browns this past year. With his combination of youth, playmaking ability, and athleticism, the upside is there for Njoku to get huge money this offseason.
5. Zach Ertz (Cardinals)
Although Ertz is not blowing anyone away with traits at this point, he’s as reliable as they come at the position. He makes difficult catches, he finds ways to get open, and he’s just rock steady.
6. CJ Uzomah (Bengals)
7. Gerald Everett (Seahawks)
8. Robert Tonyan (Packers)
9. OJ Howard (Buccaneers)
10. Tyler Conklin (Vikings)
2022 NFL Free Agency rankings: Offensive line
1. Terron Armstead, OT (Saints)
Armstead has been a Pro Bowl player for years now and would be an immediate upgrade to a lot of teams’ offensive lines right now. If the Saints don’t end up tagging him, he’s going to be highly coveted.
2. Ryan Jensen, C (Buccaneers)
One of the best centers in the game, Ryan Jensen brings a tough, physical presence to the interior offensive line. With Tom Brady’s decision to retire, could we see Jensen jump ship to another contender?
3. Brandon Scherff, G (Commanders)
Brandon Scherff has not been able to put together a string of consistently healthy seasons in the NFL, but he’s still one of the elite players at his position when he is able to play.
4. Orlando Brown Jr., OT (Chiefs)
Perhaps Orlando Brown Jr. will agree to go back to the right tackle position at his next stop after a bit of a rough season in 2021 with the Chiefs at left tackle. At least by comparison to how well he had played on the right side, Brown might consider a move back to the right side if the money is right.
5. Laken Tomlinson, G (49ers)
The former first-round pick looked like he was headed toward bust status but he has put together some really good seasons with the 49ers in recent years and should be able to cash in this offseason.
6. James Daniels, IOL (Bears)
7. Ben Jones, C (Titans)
8. Morgan Moses, RT (Jets)
9. Duane Brown, LT (Seahawks)
10. Austin Corbett, OG (Rams)
2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Defensive Line
1. Akiem Hicks (Bears)
Akiem Hicks has been one of the NFL’s top defensive linemen for a long time at this point, and averages at least one QB hit per game. He’s missed quite a few games over the last three seasons, so his health will be considered in any contract, but I expect him to go to a contender and play a major role on a 1-2 year deal.
2. Calais Campbell (Ravens)
Campbell just keeps on plugging away, playing at a high level. When he signed with the Jaguars a few years ago, people wondered if he would be worth the huge investment they made. Now, it’s clear that he is a difference-maker and age defier.
3. Larry Ogunjobi (Bengals)
No free agent defensive lineman had more sacks (7) or QB hits (16) than Ogunjobi last season for the Bengals. He’s coming off of injury but he will still get paid.
4. Ndamukong Suh (Buccaneers)
In basketball, a great three-point shooter might lose the spring in his step, but his shot will be the last to go. Ndamukong Suh seems like the equivalent as a pass rusher on the interior defensive line. He might not be the same dominant athlete he once was, but he’s going to keep on hitting QBs until he’s 50.
5. Quinton Jefferson (Raiders)
Jefferson quietly put together a great season for the Raiders, racking up 16 QB hits, five sacks, and 47 total tackles.
6. BJ Hill (Bengals)
The Bengals made some impactful acquisitions on the defensive line this past season, including a very underrated trade for defensive lineman BJ Hill. Hill was a third-round pick out of NC State by the Giants in 2018 and New York dumped him for next to nothing this past season. He wound up playing a major role for the Bengals en route to an AFC title.
7. Folorunso Fatukasi (Jets)
8. DJ Jones (49ers)
9. Sebastian Joseph-Day (Rams)
10. Sheldon Richardson (Vikings)
2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: EDGE
1. Von Miller (Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams made two primary trades that resulted in their Super Bowl win and obviously one of them was the mid-season acquisition of Von Miller. Miller didn’t have 20 sacks, but he was creating pressure consistently and looks as strong as ever. He wants to play 5 or 6 more seasons so he’ll be getting a good deal in his first-ever trip to free agency.
2. Chandler Jones (Cardinals)
Jones has been one of the premier pass rushers in the entire NFL over the last decade. He’s a model of consistency and a near-guarantee to rack up double-digit sacks and a handful of forced fumbles.
3. Jadeveon Clowney (Browns)
Whatever it was this past season, something clicked for Jadeveon Clowney with the Cleveland Browns. He racked up 9.0 sacks and regained his top form. He had 19 QB hits in 14 games.
4. Melvin Ingram (Chiefs)
It seems as though Melvin Ingram has successfully rehabbed his value after a tremendous season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a huge reason why the Chiefs’ defense went from one of the worst in the first couple months of the season to one of the best down the stretch.
5. Emmanuel Ogbah (Dolphins)
With 18 sacks and 45 QB hits over the past two seasons, Ogbah is poised to be one of the most coveted free agent edge players in the NFL in 2022.
6. Randy Gregory (Cowboys)
7. Harold Landry (Titans)
8. Haason Reddick (Panthers)
9. Charles Harris (Lions)
10. Arden Key (49ers)
2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Off-ball Linebackers
1. De’Vondre Campbell (Packers)
De’Vondre Campbell had a monster season for the Packers in 2021 with 146 tackles, 6 QB hits, 6 tackles for loss, five passes defended, and two interceptions. He was all over the field and with his combination of range and traits, he should be a candidate for a long-term extension.
2. Anthony Barr (Vikings)
Barr has been a quality starter for the Vikings for a long time now, and I still think there’s untapped potential for him as a pass rusher. He’s an every-down player with playmaking ability and great size.
3. Kyzir White (Chargers)
White emerged in 2021 with 144 total tackles, 4 QB hits, and a pair of forced fumbles and interceptions each. He’s very solid in coverage and can do a little bit of everything for you. He will be a solid free agent pickup for whatever team lands him.
4. Leighton Vander Esch (Cowboys)
This is probably too high for Vander Esch, but there’s a bit of projection happening here. Vander Esch was once one of the top up-and-coming linebackers in the NFL but injuries derailed his progress. He could still be an elite off-ball linebacker in the NFL.
5. Foyesade Oluokun (Falcons)
With a whopping 192 total tackles this past season as well as three interceptions and six pass breakups, Oluokun might be one of the more coveted playmakers at linebacker in free agency this offseason. He had 7 QB hits last year and he’s got elite athletic traits. This guy is a stud and a diamond in this free agent crop.
6. Josey Jewell (Broncos)
7. Alexander Johnson (Broncos)
8. Ja’Whaun Bentley (Patriots)
9. Kwon Alexander (Saints)
10. Kamu Grugier-Hill (Texans)
2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Cornerbacks
1. JC Jackson (Patriots)
Nobody has had as much ball production as JC Jackson (25 interceptions, 53 pass breakups in four years) with as little fanfare as I can recall.
Jackson deseves to be paid a ton of money in free agency and when he signs, many casual football fans will wonder who he is because he gets barely any attention.
2. Carlton Davis (Buccaneers)
Davis is a prime franchise tag candidate and given the volume of players the Bucs have to retain, that could mean a lot of other prominent players hitting free agency. Still, the Bucs have to keep their core intact as much as possible, and a young corner who has progressed as well as Davis has to be near the top of their priority list.
3. Stephon Gilmore (Panthers)
If he were a couple of years younger, Gilmore would probably be number two on this list. He’s still an effective cornerback, and the former Defensive Player of the Year will absolutely be able to help some team in 2022.
4. Casey Hayward (Raiders)
Hayward was cut by the Chargers and he turned out to be a godsend for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was their best defensive back last season. He should be able to get a nice raise on the open market in 2022.
5. Rasul Douglas (Packers)
Rasul Douglas should be able to parlay his one-year deal with the Packers into a long-term deal after he picked off five passes in the 2021 season.
6. Bobby McCain (Commanders)
7. Desmond King (Texans)
8. Darious Williams (Rams)
9. Donte Jackson (Panthers)
10. Steven Nelson (Eagles)
2022 NFL Free Agency Rankings: Safety
1. Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs)
Since he signed with the Chiefs a handful of years ago, Tyrann Mathieu has proven to be one of the most impactful free agent signings by any team in the last handful of years. He’s still going to be an impact safety wherever he signs in 2022.
2. Marcus Williams (Saints)
Williams lived up to the billing this past season for the Saints after getting the franchise tag, racking up 74 tackles with a pair of interceptions. He’s only 26 years old and has been one of the best and most consistent safeties in the NFL since he got into the league.
3. Jessie Bates III (Bengals)
Bates had a down year in 2021, but he should still be considered one of the top young players available in 2022 NFL Free Agency. He had three straight seasons with over 100 tackles, three interceptions, and 31 passes broken up total to start his NFL career.
4. Quandre Diggs (Seahawks)
As more and more teams transition to a two-high safety shell, a playmaker like Diggs on the back end will be super attractive in free agency. He had five interceptions last season along with 94 total tackles.
5. Xavier Woods (Vikings)
Woods had 108 tackles, three interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles in his first year with the Minnesota Vikings. The former Dallas Cowboy also had a career-high 10 pass breakups last season.
6. Marcus Maye (Jets)
7. Jordan Whitehead (Buccaneers)
8. Kareem Jackson (Broncos)
9. Justin Reid (Texans)
10. Jayron Kearse (Cowboys)