NFL free agency is about to get expensive, and some teams are going to completely overpay for talent that’s finally available on the open market. The reality is that most premier players get locked up or traded before they hit free agency, which means the ones who do become available have massive leverage. They know teams are desperate. They know good pass rushers and productive receivers don’t grow on trees. So when these 10 players hit the market next month, they’re going to know their worth and teams are going to pay it.
Malik Willis might be the most interesting quarterback available, and that’s because he’s young, talented, and got meaningful playing time when Jordan Love got injured. The Packers backup threw for 409 yards and four total touchdowns in just two appearances at the end of the regular season. That’s the kind of showcase performance that teams will gamble on, especially quarterback-needy franchises that think they can develop him. Willis only has six career starts, which means he’s got upside potential that established veterans don’t have. Expect teams to take flyers on him with actual money.
Kenneth Walker III might legitimately be entering free agency in the perfect position right now
The Seahawks running back won the Super Bowl MVP literally. He ran for 135 yards in the championship game after posting 1,000+ yards in the regular season. He also torched the divisional round with 116 yards and three touchdowns. That’s the narrative teams dream about: coming off a championship run. Walker is going to get paid handsomely, and he earned it.
Breece Hall is the other premium running back on the market, and being on a dysfunctional Jets team actually makes him more valuable. He proved he could produce even in chaos, posting 1,000+ rushing yards despite playing for New York. Plus, he’s productive in the passing game, which makes him the kind of versatile weapon modern NFL offenses crave. Teams will pay serious money for that.
George Pickens had a career year at 24 years old 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. The Cowboys want him back, and he might get franchise tagged, but if he hits free agency, expect a massive contract. He’s young, explosive, and coming off elite production. That’s the definition of a player ready to cash in.
Alec Pierce quietly had an incredible season that nobody’s talking about
He posted 1,000 receiving yards on just 47 catches, averaging 21.3 yards per catch. That explosive production combined with relative youth makes him super valuable to teams desperate for vertical threat.
Kyle Pitts finally had his best season since being drafted fourth overall, and he timed it perfectly. A 166-yard, three-touchdown performance in his final primetime game leaves a lasting impression on evaluators heading into free agency. That’s the kind of highlight that sells contracts.
Tyler Linderbaum is one of the top offensive linemen available, which automatically makes him expensive. Ravens declining his fifth-year option left him as a free agent, and you don’t get premiere center talent on the open market very often. Teams desperate to upgrade their lines will overpay significantly.
Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks in 2024, which means he’s a premium pass rusher regardless of injury concerns. Even a down 2025 season with seven games played won’t scare away teams desperate for elite edge rush production. He’s proven elite-level, which commands elite-level money.
Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd represent the linebacker market
Phillips is young and had a good season if he hits free agency. Lloyd earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after putting together a career year with five interceptions. Both should command real money from teams needing defensive upgrades.
The common thread? Most of these players were underutilized before, proved something significant late in the season, or finally got real opportunity to showcase their talent. That combination of proven ability plus scarcity in the free agent market equals massive paydays waiting to happen.
