NFL's top 25 free agents of 2022
Super Bowl LVI is now in the books, which means the next order of business for teams is to construct a roster worthy of next year's big game. Free agency is a quick way to build a worthy roster, and the 2022 class is full of names worth talking about. While many impending unrestricted free agents will likely sign extensions or get hit with the franchise tag by next month, here's a look at the 25 best players scheduled to test the market:
1. Davante Adams, WR
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
Undoubtedly the cream of the crop, Adams headlines the 2022 free-agent class - that is, if the Green Bay Packers allow him to hit the open market. There are a lot of moving parts in determining Adams' future, mainly whether the Packers want to reset the wide-receiver market and the future of Aaron Rodgers. Franchise tagging the wideout also remains a possibility. Should Adams become an unrestricted free agent after all the dust settles, be prepared for a hectic auction between clubs to secure his talents. After all, no wideout has recorded more receptions or touchdowns than Adams over the last two seasons, while his 2,927 receiving yards since 2020 trail only Justin Jefferson.
2. Terron Armstead, OT
It's not every year that an elite left tackle hits the open market, but Armstead is poised to cash in this offseason. It's uncertain if the cap-strapped New Orleans Saints will retain their blindside protector. There's a long list of teams that could use Armstead's services, though they will have to consider his durability. Armstead, who will be 31 by the time next season kicks off, was limited to just eight games in 2021 due to elbow and knee injuries. Still, he's an attractive piece for contending teams looking to beef up their offensive line.
3. J.C. Jackson, CB
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
The Patriots have an important decision to make with Jackson, who's set to be the top free-agent cornerback this offseason. They could franchise tag him, but the corner will certainly want a mega-deal after another terrific season in 2021. The NFL's leader in interceptions over the past two seasons, Jackson is a game-changer in the secondary due to his incredible ball skills. He nabbed another eight picks last season while allowing a 46.8 passer rating when targeted.
4. Chris Godwin, WR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been here before with Godwin. The wideout could be the star of a deep free-agent market, though the Bucs reportedly want to bring him back. A second franchise tag in as many years would appear unlikely due to the cost increase it would bring. If Tampa Bay intends to stay competitive despite Tom Brady's departure, re-signing the consistent Godwin - who is still only 25 years old - would be a wise move. Though he'll be battling back from an ACL tear, Godwin is coming off another productive season, with 1,103 yards on a career-high 98 receptions.
5. Orlando Brown Jr., OT
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
All signs point to the Kansas City Chiefs holding on to their Pro Bowl left tackle after they traded a 2021 first-round pick for Brown last offseason. General manager Brett Veach recently stated he expects the 25-year-old to be the team's left tackle moving forward. Franchise tagging Brown is a realistic solution. It would buy the Chiefs time to work out a long-term deal with the man tasked with protecting Patrick Mahomes' blindside.
6. Jessie Bates, S
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
While many knew of Bates' top-notch play over the past few seasons, he solidified his placement among the league's top safeties with a superb postseason. Joe Burrow may be the face of the Cincinnati Bengals' playoff run, but there's no doubt that Bates was the heart of the defense as he picked off two passes, including an end-zone interception in the Super Bowl. It would be shocking for the Bengals to let Bates out of their grasp. A clear-cut candidate for the franchise tag, his future should be a no-brainer.
7. Mike Williams, WR
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
William's big on-field numbers during his contract year will likely translate to big numbers off the field as well. The 27-year-old put up career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146) last season. The Los Angeles Chargers likely want to retain Williams - with the franchise tag potentially coming into play - but a new contract won't come cheap. Williams' age, deep-threat ability, and sizzling 2021 campaign will make him a hot name this offseason.
8. Chandler Jones, EDGE
Jones is looking to be paid lucratively for his ability to wreak havoc on quarterbacks. Whether he continues to do that with the Arizona Cardinals is up for debate. Negotiations could be tricky after the two sides couldn't agree on an extension before the 2021 campaign. How did Jones respond to his lack of a new deal? He went out and registered 10.5 sacks, marking his sixth double-digit sack season over the past seven years. There appears to be a lot left in the tank for the soon-to-be 32-year-old.
9. Marcus Williams, S
Williams may not be a household name across the NFL, but he could be a huge target in free agency. That's assuming New Orleans lets him test the market, though that appears to be a realistic possibility. Williams was already franchise tagged last offseason, which throws a wrench in the Saints' leverage. Williams will be a great chess piece for any team after his fourth straight multi-interception campaign in 2021.
10. Von Miller, EDGE
One of the pieces brought in by the win-now Los Angeles Rams, Miller's contributions in leading L.A. to a Super Bowl victory should set him up for one more payday. The veteran pass-rusher registered four sacks in the postseason and two alone in the Super Bowl. Miller is reportedly expected to test the market, and while his age will ultimately prevent him from receiving a huge long-term deal, the 32-year-old provided interested clubs with enough assurance that he can still play at a high level.
11. Tyrann Mathieu, S
Mathieu may not be the player he once was and will hit the dreaded mark of 30 years old soon, but he's still a valuable piece due to the intangibles he brings. Mathieu has expressed interest in staying in Kansas City. However, whether it's an extension with the Chiefs or a deal on the open market, the safety won't come cheap. Despite his age, Mathieu is still a playmaker who's capable of improving a defense with his on-field abilities and veteran presence.
12. Brandon Scherff, G
After he played on the franchise tag in each of the last two years, it's the 11th hour for the Washington Commanders to determine Scherff's fate. Negotiations have been difficult, with general manager Martin Mayhew saying the 30-year-old lineman turned down a historic contract offer. The end result likely won't change for Scherff, regardless of his final destination this offseason. He's going to get his due after building his reputation as one of the league's top interior linemen.
13. Carlton Davis, CB
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
The Buccaneers certainly won't want Davis to walk in free agency, leaving the franchise tag as the easiest remedy. While it would keep the 25-year-old from testing the market, tying the cornerback to a long-term deal should be a high priority for the Bucs. Davis deserves to get paid after another solid season where he allowed just six yards per target, according to Pro Football Reference. An emerging corner, Davis' best years could be ahead, and the Bucs will want to ensure they happen in Tampa Bay.
14. Harold Landry, EDGE
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
Landry enjoyed his finest season to date during his 2021 contract year, notching a career-high 12 sacks. He's played himself into what should be a significant contract this offseason, but has he played himself out of Tennessee? The Titans want him back, but the question is if the organization can afford two highly-paid pass-rushers on the roster after inking Bud Dupree to a five-year, $82.5-million deal last year. Franchise tagging Landry is also an option. However, if the Titans conclude that the money is better spent elsewhere, Landry will be set to strike it rich on the open market, just like his teammate Dupree did the year prior.
15. Ryan Jensen, C
The Buccaneers have a ton of free-agent decisions to make, with Jensen being one of their most significant. The 6-4, 319-pound center earned his first Pro Bowl trip this year and has been a mainstay on the Bucs' offensive line, starting every game over the last four seasons. Tampa Bay is surely a better team with him on it, as Jensen's run-blocking grade was in the top 10 among centers last season, per PFF. But the Buccaneers have other business to attend to as well. If Jensen hits the market, expect him to land one of the biggest free-agent deals for interior linemen.
16. Allen Robinson, WR
What a difference a year can make. Robinson was one of the biggest commodities last season before the Chicago Bears franchise tagged him, but his production took a nosedive in 2021. Overtaken by Darnell Mooney as the Bears' leading wideout, Robinson could only muster 410 yards across 12 games. Luckily for him, Robinson's proven track record and age could make this the deal of the offseason. It seems unlikely that Chicago will restrict him from hitting free agency again, meaning Robinson could choose his next destination and quarterback after dealing with subpar passers for the majority of his career.
17. Haason Reddick, EDGE
After settling for a one-year, $6-million deal with the Carolina Panthers last offseason, Reddick is set to laugh all the way to the bank this year. The linebacker's value has skyrocketed after another spectacular campaign. He followed up his 12.5-sack season in 2020 with another 11 sacks in 2021. A menace in the backfield, the 27-year-old took a prove-it deal last offseason, but it should be on other NFL teams to prove their worth to him by opening up their wallets this time around.
18. Stephon Gilmore, CB
It was an odd twist seeing Gilmore suit up for the Panthers after an incredible four-year stretch with the Patriots. While he was in a different setting, his level of play remained at a high level. The veteran allowed just 9.4 yards per completion, according to Pro Football Reference, and he just narrowly missed PFF's top 10 graded cornerbacks. Gilmore was unsuccessful in getting the Patriots to bite on a new deal, but his stellar play should entice clubs, including the Panthers, to pony up for his services.
19. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
Clowney has bet on himself on more than a few occasions, but the move finally paid off in 2021. Lined up across from Myles Garrett with the Cleveland Browns, Clowney showed signs of being the dominant pass-rusher the NFL envisioned him becoming. He notched nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and 11 tackles for a loss across 14 games, his most appearances since 2018. Clowney revived his value by eliminating the stench of mediocre stints with the Titans and Seattle Seahawks. A solid run-stopper and pass-rusher, the 29-year-old has earned the right to ask for security on the market.
20. Dalton Schultz, TE
🔖 Franchise-tag candidate
A sometimes unglamorous position, tight ends still typically receive their fair share of dough in free agency. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith headlined last year's class with big-money deals, and Schultz could be that guy this year. Although, Schultz's price tag may come too steep for the Cowboys after a career-best 808 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The franchise tag could fix the situation, but the Cowboys have other free-agent problems to focus on, too. Teams looking for a security blanket for their quarterbacks will also be hot on Schultz's trail if Dallas deems him expendable.
21. Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE
Sometimes, we all could use a stay in Miami to find our best selves. Ogbah can vouch for that. The former second-round pick struggled to find his footing with the Browns and Chiefs before breaking out with the Dolphins. He's recorded 18 sacks over his two-year stay in Miami and notched a personal-best 24 quarterback hits in 2021. Miami has been kind to Ogbah, but free agency should be even more rewarding.
22. Randy Gregory, EDGE
It seems the Cowboys are turning their attention to preventing Gregory from leaving Dallas, with Jerry Jones mentioning that he's already met with his agent at the Senior Bowl. Talk is cheap, though, and while Jones sounded optimistic that Gregory's journey with the Cowboys would serve the team "well," it's hard to imagine Gregory taking a discount because of it. Dallas will also have to balance the financial seesaw between Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence if they hope to have both in 2022. The former shined as a pass-rusher last season, reaching six sacks, though he went ice cold down the stretch.
23. Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Following a two-plus-year detention with the Browns, Beckham ascended back to stardom with the Rams before suffering a second ACL tear in his left knee during the Super Bowl. Frequently described as a diva or over the hill in the past, Beckham directed the conversation back to his on-field play in Los Angeles - and it sure was fun to watch. The Rams are reportedly optimistic about retaining him as free agency looms, but another serious knee injury may severely weaken his odds of landing a big deal.
24. Laken Tomlinson, G
Tomlinson has been as reliable as one could be in the trenches for the San Francisco 49ers, playing in 80 of 81 games since 2017. The guard is also coming off his best season, earning Pro Bowl recognition for the first time in his career. While Jensen and Scherff will attract top-of-the-line contracts for interior linemen, Tomlinson's body of work won't leave him too far behind.
25. Rob Gronkowski, TE
There's still no word on what Gronkowski plans to do with his future. Injury concerns popped up again last season, but Gronkowski is still a quality blocker and pass-catcher, hauling in 1,425 yards and 13 scores since coming back in 2020. If he decides to keep playing, he'll be catching passes from a quarterback other than Brady for the first time in his career. That alone would make the 32-year-old's free-agency experience one of the bigger storylines to follow.
Honorable mentions: Melvin Ingram, Michael Gallup, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mike Gesicki, Marcus Maye, Darious Williams, Quandre Diggs, Cam Robinson, Casey Hayward, Jameis Winston, De'Vondre Campbell, Leonard Fournette, Melvin Gordon, Jason Pierre-Paul, James Conner, Eric Fisher