NFL Free Agency 2022 | Top Free Agents Ranked | Signings & Franchise Tags Tracker

With Super Bowl 56 officially behind us, the 2021 NFL season has finally concluded. And since the NFL is the league that never sleeps, we will jump right into the 2022 NFL offseason beginning with free agency.

Every offseason, Top NFL free agents are poised to jump ship for a larger contract, to put themselves in a better position to win a championship, or both.

Sure, some will stay in place (whether it be by choice or the dreaded franchise tag), but when it is all said and done, expect to see plenty of movement that will shift the NFL landscape for the upcoming campaign.

In this article, I will dive into my top 100 NFL free agents ahead of the 2022 NFL free agency signing period that will commence at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 16.

I will also reveal my top free-agent sleepers as well as some predictions on where your favorite players will end up.

NFL Free Agent Rankings: Top 100

The 2022 NFL free-agent class is led by a pair of stud wideouts, Packers WR Davante Adams and Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin, both of whom received the franchise tag from their respective teams.

The Packers’ decision to use the tag on Adams was ultimately a means to an end, as it gave them more time to negotiate a trade to Las Vegas for the 2x First Team All-Pro. Green Bay reportedly offered a similar extension to the 5-year, $141.5 million deal Adams agreed to with the Raiders, but Adams reportedly wanted out to play with his friend and new QB Derek Carr.

The Packers have done the most important bit of business, however, signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a three-year, $150 million extension and also coming to terms on a five-year deal with EDGE De’Vondre Campbell.

The Buccaneers tagged Godwin last season, and because the two failed to reach a long-term deal, the tag for this season will cost the Buccaneers 120% of last year’s value.

While the Buccaneers are in better shape than the Packers in terms of cap space, they too have a lot to figure out. Tom Brady‘s decision to end his brief retirement certainly helps matters, and played a key role in retaining C Ryan Jensen and RB Leonard Fournette.

However, guard Alex Cappa is moving on to Cincinnati, and the Bucs need to figure out if pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul and TE Rob Gronkowski are returning for another run at the Super Bowl.

Outside of wide receiver, OT Terron Armstead headlines a weak free-agent class for bookend left tackles and garnered a lot of attention before signing a five-year, $75 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Armstead will turn 31 in July and has only played in 97 of a possible 145 games in nine NFL seasons, but elite left tackles are hard to come by. The Dolphins desperately needed some help on the offensive line and were willing to shell out a sizable deal, despite his lengthy injury history.

Which teams could be active in NFL Free Agency?

If a team wants to be active and aggressive during the NFL free agent signing period, they must have the salary cap space to get the job done. Normally, teams that have the most cap space weren’t very good the year before and are rebuilding.

However, there is one team that not only has cap room but was pretty good in 2021. And when I say pretty good, I mean really good.

Cue the Bengals, who nearly won Super Bowl 56. Entering this offseason, Cincinnati had the third-most cap space at $50.3 million.

With a significant need to protect Joe Burrow and upgrade the back-end of their defense, which included re-signing Jessie Bates, the reigning Super Bowl runner-ups have been busy filling their voids and getting better at other spots.

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At BetMGM Sportsbook, the Bengals have (+2000) odds to win Super Bowl 57. Those feel like low odds for a team that is just a few pieces away with the money to go out there and get them, as they did with  Alex Cappa and La’el Collins.

Another team that has been on the attack on the open market is the Broncos. With $38 million in space to start free agency and Russell Wilson now at the helm, Denver sits at (+1600) to win it all next season.

After making a big splash by acquiring Wilson from Seattle, the Broncos still had the money to lure pass-rusher Randy Gregory to Mile High. While there isn’t as much value in their Super Bowl odds as there was a few weeks ago, there’s no doubt the Broncos are contenders again.

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Quarterback Free Agents 2022

Mitchell Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers (2 Years, $14M)

Mitchell Trubisky will start under center for the Steelers in Week 1. While have soured on Trubisky from his showing in Chicago, you can make the case that he is a product of draft capital and poor organizational management and coaching. With upgraded weapons and a defense that can bail him out when he makes mistakes, I am all for this landing spot.

Teddy Bridgewater, Miami Dolphins (1 Year, $6.5M)

The Dolphins added Teddy Bridgewater, a reliable backup with starter upside. While the team has committed to Tua Tagovailoa, his leash will be short with new HC Mike McDaniel. He also has a noted injury history. The Bridgewater signing makes sense for all the wrong reasons.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants (2 Years, $11M)

The Giants also chased Trubisky, who eventually chose the Steelers. However, Tyrod Taylor is a starting-caliber backup who will push Daniel Jones in camp. Jones will start in Week 1, barring injury, but if he continues to struggle, don’t be surprised if New York’s new regime pulls the plug and turns to Taylor to keep the team competitive.

Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals (2 Years, $7.5M)

The Cardinals re-signed their capable backup QB, who led the team to a pair of wins last season as a starter when Kyler Murray was injured. Given the offseason murmurs around Arizona’s star QB, bringing back McCoy as a safety blanket was good business.

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints (2 Years, $28M)

Andy Dalton, New Orleans Saints (1 Year, $3M)

Jameis Winston will get another shot at the starting job in New Orleans as the Saints re-signed the 28-year-old to a two-year extension. Winston, who is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in Week 8, threw 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions in seven games last season before the injury.

The Saints also brought in veteran Andy Dalton on a one-year deal to serve as Winston’s backup. This will be Dalton’s third team in as many years after nine seasons in Cincinnati.

Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons (2 Years, $18.5M)

After trading longtime face of the franchise Matt Ryan to Indianapolis, the Falcons inked Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal. Mariota, who spent the last two seasons as a backup with the Raiders, could start for Atlanta in Week 1, but don’t be surprised if the Falcons draft a quarterback with the eighth overall pick this April.

Best Available QB Free Agents

• Cam Newton
• Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Back Free Agents 2022

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (3 Years, $21M)

With the Cardinals losing Chase Edmonds to the Dolphins, James Conner will likely enter 2021 as the top back in Arizona, where he flourished in 2021.

Conner has the capability to play all three downs and has proven to have a nose for the end zone, rushing for 15 touchdowns last season. Conner also managed to remain relatively healthy, something he had trouble with earlier in his career with the Steelers.

Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins (2 Years, $12M)

While I am all for Chase Edmonds landing in Miami, I question the fate of Myles Gaskin, who has a similar skillset to the new acquisition.

And with the Dolphins also landing Raheem Mostert, a favorite of HC Mike McDaniel from their days in San Francisco, it seems safe to say that Edmonds will play a similar role in Miami as he did in Arizona.

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (1 Year, $3M)

I am all-in on this signing. Not only does Mostert have a positive history with HC Mike McDaniel, but he is the between the tackles rusher the Dolphins desperately needed.

If he stays healthy, Mostert will dominate early-down work in Miami.

JD McKissic, Washington Commanders (2 Years, $7M)

After originally committing to join the Bills, McKissic pulled a 180 and is heading back to Washington.

James White, New England Patriots (2 Years, $5M)

Injured early in 2021, New England’s versatile running back will look to get back on track next season.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons (2 Years, $10.5M)

Patterson was one of the best pickups of the 2021 offseason and one of the lone bright spots on the Falcons last season. After a career-best season with 1,166 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns, Patterson will remain one of the focal points of Atlanta’s offense in 2022.

Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 Years, $21M)

Fournette emerged as the Buccaneers’ top back in their run to Super Bowl 55 and followed it up with 1,266 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns in 14 games last season. He’s got Tom Brady’s trust, so a return to Tampa Bay makes a lot of sense.

Best Available RB Free Agents

• Sony Michel
• Melvin Gordon

Wide Receiver Free Agents 2022

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders via GB (5 Years, $141M)

Who saw this one coming?

After the Packers gave Adams the franchise tag, it looked like he and Aaron Rodgers were set for one last ride in Green Bay. That changed when the 2x All-Pro WR was dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders for a pair of draft picks.

Adams will reportedly sign a 5-year, $141M extension, making him the highest-paid WR in the league. To say he deserves it is an understatement.

Adams is the only NFL player in league history to record three seasons of 110+ receptions, 1,350+ yards, and 11+ scores, a feat he accomplished in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Expect more of the same this season, even with a QB downgrade to Derek Carr.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 Years, $60M)

While Godwin is coming off a season-ending ACL tear suffered in Week 15, he was still hyper-productive in 2021. Appearing in 14 games, Godwin caught 98-of-127 targets for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns.

It was his second 1,100+ yard season in three years. He’s also scored at least five touchdowns in four straight campaigns. With Tom Brady back and Mike Evans under contract, the Buccaneers’ passing attack is expected to remain one of the NFL’s elite.

Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (3 Years, $60M)

While Williams has had his ups and downs throughout his five-year career, he popped in a big way in 2021, hauling in 76-of-129 targets for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns.

It was his second season with 1,000+ yards and his second-best touchdown total of his career. With Williams returning and Chargers mainstay WR Keenan Allen still terrorizing defenses, Los Angeles is expected to field one of the NFL’s most potent passing attacks in 2022.

Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (4 Years, $72M)

I love what the Jaguars are doing this offseason. Sure, they are overpaying for assets, notably, Christian Kirk, but they added instant impact starters and quality role players to a team that needed a lot of help.

Kirk will have a shot at taking a stranglehold on Jacksonville’s No.1 wide receiver role. If he pops and lives up to expectations, he will cash in on his max $84M deal.

Allen Robinson, Los Angeles Rams (3 Years, $45M)

The Super Bowl champions made a splash by adding former Bears WR Allen Robinson to an already formidable passing attack. Robinson brings size and a different dimension to this group or receivers, which features the versatile Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.

Injured for most of the 2021 campaign, Robinson will try to find his 2020 form (102/1,250/6) with Matthew Stafford.

Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (5 Years, $57M)

After the Cowboys moved off Amari Cooper and prioritized Michael Gallup, the team showed what they think of the 26-year old wideout.

Gallup will have a shot to start in two-wide sets in a pass-friendly Cowboys offense opposite CeeDee Lamb. After losing Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins, it is safe to say the Cowboys aren’t done addressing their wide receiver room just yet.

Cedrick Wilson, Miami Dolphins (3 Years, $22M)

The Cowboys’ loss is the Dolphins’ gain. Cedrick popped at the tail end of last season, which got him paid in Miami.

With Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker slated ahead of him on the depth chart, Wilson will once again be the third option, as he was in Dallas. But considering Parker’s durability issues, Wilson will get his chances to shine as a primary receiver.

Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 Years, $30M)

Bang! Tom Brady does it again with a phone call, luring Russell Gage to the Buccaneers.

I low-key love this signing for the Bucs, who can never have too many pass-catching weapons, due to the durability of Mike Evans and more so, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkwoski – if they re-sign him.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City Chiefs (3 Years, $30M)

After trading Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins, Kansas City moved quickly to ink the former Packers wide receiver to a three-year deal. Valdes-Scantling wasn’t the most consistent performer during his four seasons in Green Bay, but he’s got a similar type of skillset to Hill with his speed and ability to stretch the field.

Given how productive Hill was with Patrick Mahomes, there will be a lot of pressure on MVS to step in and fill this key role in the Kansas City offense.

Other Notable WR Signings

• Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars (3 Years, $24M)
• Braxton Berrios, New York Jets (2 Years, $12M)
• D.J. Chark, Detroit Lions (1 Year, $10M)
• Mack Hollins, Las Vegas Raiders (1 Year, $2M)
• JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs (1 Year, $3.25M)

Best Available WR Free Agents

• Odell Beckham Jr.
• Jarvis Landry
• Julio Jones
• Will Fuller

Tight End Free Agents 2022

Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys (Franchise Tag)

Entering his fifth year in Dallas, Schultz is coming off of his most productive season as a pro. He contributed a 78/808/8 stat line on 104 targets and has become a trusted weapon for Dak Prescott.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins (Franchise Tag)

In 2021, Gesicki snagged a career-best 73 receptions for 780 yards on 112 targets while adding two touchdowns, his lowest touchdown total since his rookie campaign.

Gesicki could be in for a big 2022 season as he looks to take the George Kittle role in Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (1 Year, $9M)

If you ask me, Evan Engram was never used correctly in New York considering his versatile skillset. He also has never had a quarterback with Trevor Lawrence‘s upside or a HC like Doug Pederson, who delivers some of the most tight-end friendly offenses in the NFL.

Engram desperately needed a change of scenery and could be one of the best low-key signings of this free-agent class if all the stars align.

O.J. Howard, Buffalo Bills (1 Year, $3M)

We think O.J. Howard has untapped potential. He is a former first-round pick that never really panned out for many reasons, notably, injuries and Rob Gronkowski.

With the Bills, Howard will sit behind Dawson Knox in terms of the tight end pecking order, but his skill set could be valuable to Josh Allen.

C.J. Uzomah, New York Jets (3 Years, $24M)

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (3 Years, $21M)

The tight end position for the Jets has been non-existent lately. However, GM Joe Douglas prioritized the position early in free agency, bringing in C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, who are both sound, reliable players to add to Zach Wilson’s attacking arsenal.

These two signings also suggest that the Jets will use a lot more 12 personnel in 2022.

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers (2 Years, $12M)

Everett will replace Jared Cook as the Chargers’ top tight end heading into 2022. The 27-year-old, who was drafted by the Rams, set career highs in receptions (48), receiving yards (478), and touchdowns (4) last season with Seattle.

Other Notable TE Signings

• Austin Hooper, Tennessee Titans (1 Year, $6M)
• Hayden Hurst, Cincinnati Bengals (1 Year, $3.5M)

Best Available TE Free Agents

• Rob Gronkowski
• Jimmy Graham
• Eric Ebron

Offensive Lineman Free Agents 2022

Terron Armstead, OT, Miami Dolphins (5 Years, $75M)

The Dolphins snagged the biggest fish in left tackle free agency pool by signing Terron Armstead to a five-year deal. The three-time Pro Bowler has had injury issues – he’s never played a full season in his nine-year career – but he’s a dominant force when he’s out there.

Although Armstead won’t be protecting Tua Tagovailoa‘s blind side (since Tua is left-handed), his presence will still be a significant boost to an offensive line that surrendered the most pressures (235) in the league last season.

Brandon Scherff, OG, Jacksonville Jaguars (3 Years, $49M)

Adding Brandon Scherff is a big move for the rebuilding Jaguars. Of all their signings, Scherff’s is the most significant one.

He adds interior stability to an offensive line that struggled to protect Trevor Lawrence in 2021 and is also a terrific run blocker. If he can stay healthy, Scherff will be an impactful force in 2022.

Joe Noteboom, OT, Los Angeles Rams (3 Years, $40M)

Brian Allen, C, Los Angeles Rams (3 Years, $24M)

Retaining Joe Noteboom was a must-have for the Rams following the retirement of Andrew Whitworth, sidestepping a hole at left tackle.

The re-signing of Brian Allen is also important after the team lost OG Austin Corbett to the Panthers. The blows to the Rams’ offensive front could have been much worse if they couldn’t get these deals done.

Alex Cappa, OG, Cincinnati Bengals (4 Years, $35M)

Ted Karras, OG/C, Cincinnati Bengals (3 Years, $18M)

We knew that the Bengals were going to attack their offensive line this offseason as it was the glaring reason why they lost Super Bowl 56.

The Bengals inked both Alex Cappa and Ted Karras out of the gate in free agency, securing a pair of instant-impact Week 1 interior starters.

Other Notable OL Signings

• James Daniels, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers (3 Years, $26M)
• Ben Jones, C, Tennessee Titans (2 Years, $14M)
• Laken Tomlinson, OG, New York Jets (3 Years, $40M)
• Connor Williams, OG, Miami Dolphins (2 Years, $14M)
• Morgan Moses, OT, Baltimore Ravens (3 Years, $15M)
• Austin Corbett, OG, Carolina Panthers (3 Years, $29M)

Best Available OL Free Agents

• Duane Brown, OT
• J.C. Tretter, C
• Ereck Flowers, OG

Defensive Player Free Agents 2022

J.C. Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers (5 Years, $85M)

The Chargers are having one of the best offseasons in the NFL.

After trading for Khalil Mack, they brought in one of, if not, the best cornerback in this year’s free-agent class, J.C. Jackson, formerly of the Patriots.

Jackson had eight interceptions last season. Los Angeles’ secondary managed seven collectively. Was this an outstanding signing? You do the math.

Von Miller, LB, Buffalo Bills (6 Years, $120M)

I will be critical of Von Miller’s contract. Miller will be 33 years old at the start of next season and I am not sure that he should have garnered a six-year, $120M deal at his age.

However, the Bills are all-in on a Super Bowl and Miller could be that missing piece on an already elite defense that surrendered the fewest points in the NFL in 2021. If the Bills win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons, then it will all be worth it.

Marcus Williams, S, Baltimore Ravens (5 Years, $70M)

Za’Darius Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens (3 Years, $35M)

The Ravens’ defense will be different this season without former DC Don Martindale. Wink’s final season in Baltimore was one to forget, notably, due to a ton of injuries on the defensive end.

Adding a stud like Marcus Williams to the back end and Za’Darius Smith as an EDGE rusher will help plug some holes with high-quality talent.

Other Notable DEF Signings

• Randy Gregory, DE, Denver Broncos (5 Years, $70M)
• Carlton Davis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 Years, $45M)
• Chandler Jones, DE, Las Vegas Raiders (3 Years, $52M)
• Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Miami Dolphins (4 Years, $65M)
• De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Green Bay Packers (5 Years, $50M)
• Haason Reddick, LB, Philadelphia Eagles (3 Years, $45M)

Best Available DEF Free Agents

• Tyrann Mathieu, S
• Stephon Gilmore, CB
• Bobby Wagner, LB
• Calais Campbell, DE

2022  Free Agent Sleepers To Watch

• Jason Pierre-Paul, EDGE
• Cole Beasley, WR
• Trai Turner, G
• Terrell Edmunds, S