NFL Free Agency Opens Monday With Star QBs and Super Bowl MVP Walker Available

NFL teams can begin reshaping their rosters next week when free agency opens, with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III among the top available players. High-profile quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray are expected to be released and become available, while the salary cap has increased to $301.2 million.

NFL franchises will have the opportunity to dramatically reshape their rosters starting next week as the free agency period begins, with several marquee players potentially changing teams.

Last season demonstrated how strategic free agency moves can transform organizations. The champion Seattle Seahawks discovered their franchise quarterback by acquiring Sam Darnold through free agency, while the New England Patriots climbed from last place to first in the AFC East by adding veteran talent that propelled them to the Super Bowl.

However, free agency success isn’t guaranteed. Several expensive signings have failed to deliver, including Kirk Cousins’ $100 million guaranteed contract and Christian Wilkins’ $82.75 million guaranteed deal. Despite these cautionary tales, Seattle and New England showed that intelligent investments can yield championship results.

The legal tampering window opens Monday at 12 p.m. EDT, allowing agents to negotiate with team executives. Official signings cannot occur until Wednesday at 4 p.m. EDT when the league’s new year begins.

Several key storylines will shape this year’s free agency period:

The quarterback market features experienced signal-callers awaiting their release. Cousins and Kyler Murray will likely become available once their current teams cut them. Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about continuing his career, though he would attract significant interest after leading Pittsburgh to an AFC North title if he chooses to play.

Should Miami release Tua Tagovailoa, he could become an attractive option at the veteran minimum salary. Malik Willis might command substantial money from teams viewing him as a long-term solution, while Russell Wilson seeks his fourth franchise in four seasons. Indianapolis used their transition tag on Daniel Jones, limiting his movement since the Colts can match competing offers.

Defensive coordinators prioritize quarterback pressure, making pass rushers highly coveted. Trey Hendrickson, named 2024 All-Pro, recorded 17 1/2 sacks in consecutive seasons before injuries shortened his most recent campaign to seven games. His availability will create intense competition among suitors.

Additional premier rushers include Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, and K’Lavon Chaisson. Three-time All-Pro Khalil Mack recently turned 35 but remains effective at pressuring quarterbacks.

Mike Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, enters free agency for the first time in his career and may leave Tampa Bay after 12 seasons. He’s seeking a championship-caliber team with established quarterback play, making franchises like San Francisco, New England, and Los Angeles attractive destinations.

D.J. Moore is joining Buffalo via trade, while acquiring A.J. Brown from Philadelphia would require significant compensation. Alec Pierce, who led the NFL in yards per reception over the past two seasons with Indianapolis, will be heavily pursued as he approaches his 26th birthday in May.

Five-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill is recovering from a serious knee injury. Other notable available receivers include Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Christian Kirk, and Wan’dale Robinson.

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards in Seattle’s 29-13 Super Bowl triumph over New England last month, establishing himself as the top running back available. He’s projected to receive the largest contract among backs, with Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle, and Tyler Allgeier also hitting the market.

The running back group includes Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, Brian Robinson, and Najee Harris. Walker could fit well with Carolina, Arizona, Denver, Washington, or Minnesota.

The NFL raised the salary cap to $301.2 million, a $22 million increase from 2025. Los Angeles Chargers lead all teams with $99.5 million in available space, according to Spotrac.com. Tennessee follows with $89.3 million, then Las Vegas ($84.7 million), Washington ($83.3 million), and the New York Jets ($73.8 million). Seattle has $60.7 million to spend.