NFL free agency is almost here, and while this year’s class may lack true franchise-changing stars, it offers plenty of players who can meaningfully shift a team’s direction.
The strength of this group lies in its depth, with starters and high-level role players who can fill major needs right away. Rather than projecting who might re-sign, this breakdown focuses on players most likely to change teams and the landing spots that make the most sense for them. It is especially worth following, considering the top betting apps for Android and iPhone offer odds on some players’ next teams.
As the league year approaches, it’s worth taking a closer look at the top free agents and their best fits.
1. Trey Hendrickson: Washington Commanders
The relationship between Hendrickson and the Bengals is very much broken.
He will likely want to play for another team, and the Commanders could be an ideal fit. Trey would be joining a team one year removed from the NFC Championship.
On the other hand, the Commanders would be adding a true star to their defense, ranking close to the bottom in every major category last season. Adding an elite pass rusher could boost Washington back into the right direction, and Trey gets a fresh start on a team with potential.
2. Tyler Linderbaum: Los Angeles Chargers
The firing of longtime HC John Harbaugh will likely lead to the exit of some key players on this Ravens team.
While joining Harbaugh in New York is a solid option for the top O-lineman in free agency, a more attractive landing spot is with the other brother, Jim Harbaugh, and the Chargers.
With back-to-back 11-win seasons, the Chargers are the team better built to win. Last season, the offensive line was the main group holding them back. Adding Linderbaum, with Rashad Slater and Joe Alt returning, would be a dream come true for Justin Herbert and the Chargers.
3. Breece Hall: Kansas City Chiefs
Since he was drafted to the Jets, Breece Hall has been one of the very few bright spots for the team.
The Jets shipped away a lot of young talent at the deadline, as Breece and clearly wanted out. After putting in his time, it makes sense that Hall will look to end his suffering and join an organization that has been on the winning side for most of the past decade. Hall would instantly become the lead back on the Chiefs’ offense, and would allow the Chiefs to use their top 10 pick on another position of need as they try to reload a waning roster.
4. Kyle Pitts: San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Pitts’ time in Atlanta has been very volatile.
Starting with a promising 1,000-yard rookie season, the highest-picked TE in NFL Draft history looked poised to become one of the best at his position. As high turnover among quarterbacks and coaches has thrown off this trajectory, Pitts has become somewhat of a meme (especially in fantasy football). He bounced back in 2025 with a career high in receptions and TDs, and could certainly go be helpful to a contender.
The 49ers will be without George Kittle for at least most of next season, so Pitts could fill the void and instantly become a top target for a team lacking pass-catchers.
5. Mike Evans: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen desperately needs a true alpha WR1. Mike Evans is exactly that.
While Evans has played his entire career with the Bucs, their wide receiver room has become crowded with young talent who will be looking for expanded roles. He could immediately be the guy in Buffalo, but it isn’t enough to completely reshape a poor wide receiver room.
The Bills should look to bring in the vet as well as use a high draft pick on someone for Evans to mentor.
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