The first wave of 2026 free agency has come and gone, but many marquee names are still on the board. Several difference makers remain unsigned as the league year officially opens Wednesday.
Let’s break down the top five free agents and their projected landing spots
1. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE
Hendrickson is the top free agent in this class, but the market still hasn’t figured out what to do with him. After back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, the Bengals used the franchise tag to keep him in Cincinnati. However, a core-muscle injury cost him most of 2025, and now his age (31) and injury history have teams second-guessing his production.
According to reports, Hendrickson is asking for a new contract in the $30 million per year range. Jaelen Phillips, who is still just 26 years old, received a four-year, $120 million deal to reset the market. Hendrickson is expected to command something closer to $24 million per year but that would require him to come down on his asking price.
The Cowboys have been linked to Hendrickson, but Chargers are the best fit. They lost multiple edge defenders this offseason, have the cap space, and are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If Hendrickson drops his price even slightly, the Chargers close a deal before the weekend.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
2. Kyler Murray, QB
Arizona still owes Murray $36.8 million in guarantees for 2026, which means he’ll likely sign with his next team for the veteran minimum. Murray is 28 with two Pro Bowl nods, and is just two seasons removed from a top-10 finish in QBR. When fully healthy in 2024, he completed 68.8% of his passes with 21 touchdowns, and 572 rushing yards.
With Murray, talent has never been the question. Durability is the real concern. Murray has started a full season just three times in seven years.
Murray’s team reportedly has a few teams circled, but the Vikings are the most commonly cited destination. Minnesota isn’t afraid to take on reclamation projects and they’re getting a free lottery ticket on one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks of his generation, at essentially no financial risk.
Learning the position under Kevin O’Connell in an offense that features Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could help Murray flourish as a passer. And if he performs well, there’s no chance Minnesota lets him go after watching Sam Darnold win a Super Bowl in Seattle, making this the perfect long-term fit.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
3. Jauan Jennings, WR
Jennings won’t dazzle anyone with speed or highlight catches, but his production speaks for itself. Over the past two seasons he led the 49ers with 227 targets, finishing with 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns during that span.
Spotrac values him at $22.6 million per year, a number San Francisco simply can’t afford to match.
Tennessee is the obvious landing spot. The Titans went on a spending spree in the early part of free agency but still have plenty of cap room left. New head coach Robert Saleh and OC Brian Fleury both have direct familiarity with Jennings from their 49ers days.
Second-year quarterback Cam Ward needs a reliable end zone threat and chain-mover as he heads into his sophomore season.
Jennings’ ability to win in the red zone, extend drives over the middle, and block in the run game makes him a strong candidate to fill those needs.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans
4. Bradley Chubb, EDGE
Miami cut Chubb after absorbing $23.8 million in dead money to save $7.3 million. That math only makes sense during a rebuild, which is exactly where the Dolphins are headed.
Chubb bounced back from a torn ACL to play all 17 games in 2025, posting 8.5 sacks with 20 QB hits at age 29. He is healthy, motivated, and available at a number well below Hendrickson’s range.
Dallas is the most common projection but the Cowboys just traded for Rashan Gary and have holes in the secondary that need to be addressed.
That makes Baltimore the better fit.
The Ravens ranked 30th in sacks, 28th in pressure rate, and 29th in PFF pass rush grade in 2025. New head coach Jesse Minter knows how to create mismatches for his edge rushers, making his a good fit for a player with a high motor. Cap space is tight at $18.5 million but workable. Chubb takes a slight discount for a Lamar Jackson contender.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
5. Stefon Diggs, WR
The release from New England was pure cap math, not an indictment on his performance.
At 32, coming off a torn ACL, Diggs started all 17 games in 2025, finishing with 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns as Drake Maye’s top target. According to ESPN, Diggs had the second-best receiver score in the NFL (89).
The veteran receiver operated as a security blanket in New England and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl.
Washington seems like the best fit heading into next season. The Commanders have five receivers hitting free agency, including Deebo Samuel.
Jayden Daniels is a young franchise quarterback who needs a reliable veteran receiver who can operate in the slot and on the outside, opposite Terry McLaurin. Diggs grew up in Maryland, which makes this an intriguing landing spot.
Prediction: Washington Commanders
