Biggest names to watch ahead of NFL Free Agency

The NFL offseason is underway for all but two teams, and we’ve already had ten head coaching vacancies emerge, with all of them being filled.

Teams will now turn to the NFL Draft and Free Agency, which opens up on March 9th, so today we’ll look at the biggest names set to hit the open market in just a couple of months, and where I think they’ll be headed.

George Pickens - Green Bay Packers

The biggest name set to hit Free Agency is Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. He was an all-pro this season, hauling in 93 receptions to go along with 1,429 yards.

Jerry Jones has expressed a desire to keep Pickens, but the Packers need to make a splash. Romeo Doubs is likely on his way out, and the Packers don’t have a first-round pick this offseason due to the Micah Parsons trade.

Jordan Love has never had a true WR1 in his career, and now is the perfect time to go get him one.

Trey Hendrickson - Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are committed to retooling, not rebuilding, and Hendrickson fits this bill perfectly. Baltimore finished 31st in sack rate this past season, so adding a bona fide stud in Hendrickson could instantly enhance that defensive line.

I could see the Cowboys being in the sweepstakes as well after the news that Kenny Clark could be a candidate for a cut for Dallas.

Daniel Jones - Indianapolis Colts

If the Colts have any interest in winning in the future, they’ll do whatever is necessary to re-sign Jones.

He’s coming off a torn Achilles, but was phenomenal before his injury, throwing for over 3,000 yards.

A team like the Cardinals could be in the running for Jones as well, considering they have all but moved on from Kyler Murray, and I doubt they will keep Jacoby Brissett as the long-term starter in Arizona.

Jaelan Phillips - Tennessee Titans

Tennessee comes into the offseason with the most effective cap space in the league, and Phillips is a pass rusher who could bring them success under the right system.

I expect many teams to be in on him, but Tennessee can outbid them all.

Tyler Linderbaum - Baltimore Ravens

Linderbaum has expressed a desire to return to Baltimore, and as I said before, the Ravens are seriously looking to only retool.

Linderbaum shores up a spot on the offensive line to once again protect Lamar Jackson.

I expect the Chargers to be in on Linderbaum, given the fact that they have the worst offensive line in the league and the second most cap room heading into the offseason.

Alec Pierce - Las Vegas Raiders

New Raiders head coach, Klint Kubiak, loves his fast wide receivers, and Pierce is just about the fastest of them all.

He's led the NFL in yards per catch in consecutive seasons, and he became the first player since A.J. Brown in 2019 to go over 1,000 yards on at least 20 yards per catch.

Pierce gives what will likely be Fernando Mendoza a fresh weapon on offense in his rookie season.

This is a slam dunk for Vegas if they can pull it off.

Aaron Rodgers - Retirement

Ride off into the sunset, Aaron.

It’s been an unbelievable career, but it’s time to hang the cleats up.

Is a reunion with former coach Mike McCarthy enticing? Sure, but Rodgers best days are far behind him as he’s been average at best since leaving Green Bay.

I expect Pittsburgh to move on and embrace the Will Howard era next season.

Rasheed Walker - Los Angeles Chargers

Walker was a bright spot on a rather weak Packers offensive line this season, and will likely get a nice contract from a team with a need for a tackle.

I expect LA to take advantage of their cap and nab him off the market.

Breece Hall - Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City is sure to come into next season with a large chip on its shoulder after missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, and Breece Hall is an elite runner who provides help for Mahomes in the run and the pass game.

The Jets can’t afford him and Breece without a doubt wants out.

KC has the money and the drive, and I anticipate that will be enough.

Quay Walker - Green Bay Packers

Walker was excellent this season for Green Bay.

He brings youth, speed and athleticism, and Green Bay definitely wants to retain the 25-year-old for next season.

Jauan Jennings - Buffalo Bills

The Bills absolutely need to address their wide receiver problem, and Jennings is one of the best on the market.

I expect Buffalo to make a significant push for the 28-year-old who finished this season with nine touchdowns.

Tariq Woolen - Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have a serious problem at defensive back, and Woolen is a massive talent who can roam the outside.

In a division with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison, LA will need to make a splash, and Woolen is exactly that.

Mike Evans - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Need I say more?

The future Hall of Famer is a need for Tampa and is Baker Mayfield's favorite target. I expect him to be back.

There are plenty more players set to hit the market, so don’t panic if your favorite team doesn’t pick up one of these guys.

Sawyer Bogaty is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at sgb5468@psu.edu.