Top 25 Free Agents of 2021 + Signing Predictions

With NFL free agency under two weeks away from officially beginning, a whirlwind of moves have begun to take place. Players like JJ Watt and Tyrel Williams have been cut and signed by new teams (Arizona and Detroit, respectively). We've ranked the top 25 free agents and given predictions on where we think they might sign. 

1. Dak Prescott, Quarterback, 28 years old: Dallas didn't realize how much he meant to their success until they lost him to injury. Now, a 28 year old Prescott who is entering his prime is up for free agency for a second year in a row, will Dallas hold on to him? THE PREDICTION: Dallas franchise tags Prescott for the second straight year // Other Possible Fits: DEN, NE, CHI

2. Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, 28 yo: Robinson is one of the most underrated stars in our league. After posting his second straight 1000 yard season in the Windy City it is clear that Robinson is a top 10 receiver in the NFL. He is the lone bright spot on a terrible offense. THE PREDICTION: The Bears franchise tag Robinson and then trade him back to Jacksonville where he began his career for a second round pick // OPF: MIA, NYJ, NYG

3. Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, 33 yo: After his one year stint in San Fransisco, Williams is set to hit the open market. While he is 33 which might seem old, for top tier offensive tackles it is right in the midst of their prime. Williams is a bona-fide Hall of Famer who still has a ton left in the tank and should be one of the best tackles in the league for still, years to come. THE PREDICTION: Williams signs a 2 yr, $40 million dollar deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars // OPF: SF, MIA, IND

4. Shaq Barrett, Edge Rusher, 28 yo: Coming off a 2019 season in which Barrett led the league in sacks with 19, he crashed back down to earth a bit in 2020 with 7 but nonetheless he absolutely dominated in the Bucs Super Bowl run. Barrett is in line for a payday at one of the most valuable positions in football. While Barrett could command over $20 million a year, taking a bit less to run it back with the Bucs may also be in the cards. THE PREDICTION: Barrett re-signs with the Bucs on a 2 yr, $34 million dollar deal // OPF: CIN, NYJ

5. Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, 24 yo: The second straight Buccaneer in the top 5 of this list, you can see, the defending champs have work to do to run it back. While Godwin wasn't as good on the stat sheet as his 1300 yard 2019, he still had almost 900 yards despite missing time with injury this year. Also some of the important and tough catches he made routinely don't show up on the stat sheet. At just age 24, Godwin is just scratching the surface on his potential. THE PREDICTION: The Buccaneers franchise tag Godwin // OPF: NYJ, NYG, LAC

6. Aaron Jones, Running Back, 26 yo: After back to back 1000 yard rushing seasons with a combined 25 rushing TDs, Jones is expected to hit the open market for the first time in his career. A surefire top 7-10 RB in football, Jones will have teams from all over vying for his services. The Packers, surprisingly, haven't been very public about wanting him back, even with how cheap the tag is for RBs. He could be on the move. THE PREDICTION: Jones signs a 3 yr, $42 million dollar deal with the New York Jets // OPF: ATL, MIA, GB

7. Justin Simmons, Free Safety, 27 yo: Justin Simmons has become a top safety in the league over the past 2-3 seasons. Defensive minded HC Vic Fangio has used him to his strengths and it has really paid off for the young defensive back. Coming off a season in which he notched 95 tackles, 9 PDs, and 5 picks, Simmons is going to command top tier money this off-season. THE PREDICTION: Denver franchise tags Simmons for the second straight year // OPF: DAL, CIN

8. Leonard Williams, Edge Rusher, 27 yo: Williams was considered a bust for his first couple of NFL seasons, when the Giants traded a second round pick for him in 2019 it seemed silly and it seemed even sillier when they hit him with the expensive franchise tag the following off-season. Williams finally lived up to his potential on that tag though as this past season he notched 11.5 sacks and was every QB's nightmare. He almost single handedly handed the Seahawks their biggest upset loss ever as he had Russell Wilson under pressure almost every play. Now it is time for him to cash in. THE PREDICTION: Williams re-signs with the Giants on a 4 yr, $76 million dollar deal // OPF: JAX, NYJ

9. Taylor Moton, Offensive Tackle, 27 yo: Not a huge name, but Moton is a great player. He has been a top 20 PFF tackle for the past 3 seasons which is a really big accomplishment. Tackles are being paid more than ever right now and there is no reason to think one who is so skilled and young like Moton won't also. THE PREDICTION: Carolina franchise tags Moton // OPF: JAX, IND, SEA

10. Brandon Scherff, Offensive Guard, 29 yo: This is a great class for offensive lineman as Scherff headlines the guards that are available. A former top 10 pick in the draft, he has easily lived up to the hype aside from the fact he has missed a bit of time with injury as of late. Nonetheless, he is an elite guard when he is on the field and will have many teams interested. THE PREDICTION: Scherff signs a 4 yr, $57 million dollar deal with the New England Patriots // OPF: SEA, NYJ, WAS

11. Carl Lawson, Edge Rusher, 26 yo: Another young and effective pass rusher hitting the open market, Lawson is sure to reel in a ton of interest. Lawson who had the 4th most pressures in the entire league along with 5.5 sacks and 24 QB hits (second in the league) showed he can produce. Cincinnati rarely possesses this kind of homegrown talent and I can't see them letting him walk. THE PREDICTION: Cincinnati franchise tags Lawson // OPF: BAL, IND, CLE

12. Kenny Golladay, Wide Receiver, 27 yo: Despite not playing much this past season due to injury, Golladay is still one of the top receivers in the league when healthy. At 6'4, he is a great go up and get it receiver and many teams would fight for his services if given the chance. THE PREDICTION: Detroit franchise tags Golladay...I also wouldn't rule out a tag and trade for Golladay (maybe even to one of the teams in the OPF) // OPF: NE, JAX, MIA, NYJ

13. Kyle Van Noy, Outside Linebacker, 29 yo: A shocking addition to the free agency pool was made yesterday when Miami decided to cut Van Noy just one season after inking him to a massive four year deal. It shocked everyone especially after Van Noy was coming off of a very impressive 2020 campaign in Miami which saw him record 6 sacks, 69 tackles, 1o TFL, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 passes deflected. He will be a hot commodity, he can do everything on defense. THE PREDICTION: Van Noy signs a 1 yr, $10 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Rams // OPF: NE, GB, BAL

14. Leonard Floyd, Edge Rusher, 29 yo: After a tumultuous start to his career in Chicago, the Rams overpaid for him on a one year deal last off-season and boy did it pay off. In Brandon Staley's defense, Floyd dominated. He racked up 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the regular season along with another 2 sacks in 2 playoff games. He played a major part in the Rams upsetting the Seahawks on wildcard weekend with his constant pressure on Russell Wilson. Now Floyd will get paid! THE PREDICTION: Floyd signs a 2 yr, $28 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Chargers // OPF: LAR, SEA, DEN

15. Corey Linsley, Center, 30 yo: The strong offensive line free agency class continues with Linsley of the Packers. Linsley was a decent starter for most of his time in Green Bay but finally in 2020, he was ELITE. Linsley was ranked as the number 1 center in the NFL by PFF and earned First Team-All Pro honors. What a season it was for Linsley who is set to get PAID! THE PREDICTION: Linsley signs a 3 yr, $33 million dollar deal with the Seattle Seahawks // OPF: NYJ, DAL, CIN

16. Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, 27 yo: We all have known for sometime that Fuller is a great player when he's healthy, but in 2020, he was healthy for most of the season and he ascended his play to that of a WR1. Without DeAndre Hopkins there for Deshaun Watson, Fuller became the top target and he absolutely dominated. With 879 receiving yards and 8 TDs through 11 games before being suspended for the final 6 games of the season, Fuller was on pace for a 1000+ yard, 10+ season. The speedster wideout will have a major market in FA. THE PREDICTION: Fuller signs a 3 yr, $36 million dollar deal with the Green Bay Packers // OPF: NYJ, ARI, IND, JAX

17. Marcus Maye, Safety, 28 yo: With Jamal Adams shipped off to Seattle, Marcus Maye had his best season as a pro in New York. With 88 tackles, 2 picks, and 2 sacks, the Jets have something in Maye. THE PREDICTION: New York franchise tags Maye // OPF: DAL, IND, BAL

18. Lavonte David, Linebacker, 31 yo: Yes, yet another key Bucs free agent. They are going to have to find creative ways to get their stars back. The unquestioned leader of the defending SB champs' defense, David is getting up there in age but that hasn't stopped him from producing. He will want the money he deserves. THE PREDICTION: Lavonte David stuns the Bucs and signs a 3 yr, $42 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Browns // OPF: TB, LV

19. Darryl Williams, Tackle, 29 yo: Not a very well known name, Williams is quietly coming off his best season since his 2017 All-Pro appearance. Williams who was oft injured after that All-Pro year was a major reason to Buffalo's success this past year since he was healthy. He was snubbed from the All-Pro teams this year as he was one of the best pass blocking right tackles in the NFL. His work won't go unnoticed and I expect him to make what he deserves. THE PREDICTION: Williams re-signs with the Bills on a 3 yr, $40 million dollar deal // OPF: SEA, DAL, IND

20. Curtis Samuel, Wide Receiver/Running Back, 25 yo: Curtis Samuel was drafted to be a gadget player in the NFL and the Panthers couldn't really figure out how to use him for multiple seasons until Matt Rhule stepped in. Samuel then turned in his most impressive season as a pro yet with over 1000 all-purpose yards and 77 catches. He can play both the wide receiver and RB positions at high levels and his versatility is something that is very valued in the today's NFL. He is going to have a major market. THE PREDICTION: Samuel signs a 3 yr, $39 million dollar deal with the Indianapolis Colts // OPF: CAR, NYJ, SEA, GB

21. Chris Carson, Running Back, 26 yo: Chris Carson is another player who has been very underrated for the past few seasons in Seattle. Before an injury riddled 2020 in which he still racked up an impressive 1000+ yards and 9 total TDs, he rushed for over 1100 yards the two seasons prior. He is an old school, bruising, downhill runner who is slowly making the next step as a receiver out of the backfield. He is going to want his tackle-breaking ability to be recognized with his next contract. THE PREDICTION: Carson re-signs with Seattle on a 1 yr, $6 million dollar deal // OPF: ATL, NYJ, BUF

22. Shaquill Griffin, Cornerback, 26 yo: The second straight Seahawks impending FA in a row on the list. Griffin is a hard player to read. He was very streaky in his first four seasons in Seattle and it leaves the Hawks along with other teams questioning what he is worth. We've seen him play at a CB1 level but we've also seen him play like a CB3/4 at times. The speedy, young, former Pro Bowler might be the biggest FA at the position so he should attract some serious interest. THE PREDICTION: Griffin signs a 4 yr, $44 million dollar deal with the Carolina Panthers // OPF: SEA, DEN, IND

23. Jonnu Smith, Tight End, 26 yo: Jonnu Smith is coming off the best season of his young career just in time for a payday. He is the best tight end in the free agency class so he should have some serious eyes on him. Smith is an agile and speedy weapon for the tight end position, he also has a knack for catching balls in the end zone. He is a great red-zone threat and I can't see the Titans not doing everything in their power to keep the young stud in Nashville even though it will be tough with their minuscule cap space. THE PREDICTION: Smith re-signs with Tennessee on a 2 yr, $18 million dollar deal // OPF: JAX, BUF, SEA

24. Jameis Winston, Quarterback, 27 yo: After a rocky start to his career in Tampa Bay, Winston took a year as Drew Brees' understudy in New Orleans to refresh himself and learn some things. Now, Winston may have a market. Possibly the best FA QB not named Dak Prescott, there are plenty of QB-needy teams, like the Saints, who might want to take a look at the former no. 1 overall pick Winston. With the right coach, Winston could still be a franchise QB. THE PREDICTION: Winston re-signs with the Saints on a 1 yr, $8 million dollar deal // OPF: WAS, CHI, NE

25. Alex Smith, Quarterback, 36 yo: What a season it was for Smith who came back from one of the worst injuries in sports history and led the Washington Football Team back to the playoffs while winning Comeback Player of the Year. Now after being cut by the Football Team, Smith might have one more season in him. A team who wants to win and is  looking to push their QB decision off by a year could be intrigued by Smith. THE PREDICTION: Smith signs a 1 yr, $10 million dollar deal with the New England Patriots // OPF: CHI, MIA, JAX

Aside from our top 25, here are a few more notable FAs that barely missed the list: Leonard Fournette/RB, Bud Dupree/Edge rusher, Richard Sherman/CB, Matt Milano/LB, Jadeveon Clowney/EDGE, Keanu Neal/S