Top 10 NFL free agents entering 2023 offseason ft. Derek Carr
The 2023 NFL offseason is likely to begin heating up in the coming weeks with the free agency period right around the corner. Any player without a contract for the 2023 NFL season is a free agent right now, but is unable to sign with a new team until March 15th. This is when the official 2023 free agency period starts, making it one of the most important dates of the offseason.
The 2023 free agent class is currently loaded with talent in premium positions. While some players may end up returning to their current teams on a new deal, others will find a new home for the 2023 NFL season.
The Top 10 Available NFL Players
#10 - James Bradberry
James Bradberry was one of several top-level defensive backs that helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. Bradberry emerged as one of the top players in coverage, as he has at every stop of his career. He has also elevated the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers defensive units during his time there. He is likely to be a salary cap casualty for the Eagles in 2023 and will look to help a fourth defense.
#9 - Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown played out the 2022 NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs on the franchise tag. The two sides have been unable to come to an agreement on a long-term contract, making him a free agent once again in 2023. He is 27 years old and in the prime of his career, while playing one of the most important positions in left tackle. He should be a popular target.
#8 - Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones put together the best season of his career in his first year with new head coach Brian Daboll. The New York Giants declined to pick up a fifth-year option on his rookie contract prior to the 2022 NFL season, making him a free agent in 2023. The Giants now have a major decision to make about their potential franchise quarterback of the future.
#7 - Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce has spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the best centers in the NFL. He is also one of the captains and team leaders. It would be a little surprising for the Eagles to let their All-Pro offensive lineman leave in free agency, despite being 36 years old. Nevertheless, he is currently without a contract ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
#6 - Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs turned in the best season of his career at the right time. He was in a contract year in 2022 and responded by leading the entire league in rushing yards. He now enters free agency with more value than he's ever had before. Jacobs should have a large market of interested teams, unless the Las Vegas Raiders decide to put the franchise tag on him.
#5 - Javon Hargrave
Javon Hargrave was one of many elite players on the Eagles' stacked defensive line during the 2022 season. They are one of the best units in the league, leading the entire NFL in team sacks. Hargrave contributed 11 of them and is an excellent run-stopper as well. He helped the Eagles win the NFC Conference Championship last year and will now look to sign a massive contract in free agency.
#4 - Daron Payne
The Washington Commanders have been investing in defensive linemen early in each of the last several years of the NFL Draft. Daron Payne is one of several studs they have landed with this strategy. He will now enter free agency coming off a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2022 and is still only 26 years old. He is probably the best available defensive player in free agency this year.
#3 - Saquon Barkley
The time has come for the New York Giants to answer one of the most polarizing questions in the NFL surrounding whether or not it's a good business move to pay a running back a large salary. Saquon Barkley is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league and it's his turn to get paid. If the Giants let him walk without a franchise tag, many teams will be interested in signing him.
#2 - Derek Carr
Derek Carr is unexpectedly a free agent in 2023 after a disappointing 2022 NFL season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He previously signed a long-term contract with the team, but they decided to explore other options this year. They first attempted to trade Carr during the 2023 NFL offseason, but he informed them he would use his no-trade clause, forcing them to release him. He's the best quarterback available that's truly on the open market, with no real chance of returning to his previous team.
#1 - Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have been negotiating a long-term contract extension for more than a year, but the two sides have been unable to agree on the terms of the deal. This means that the former NFL MVP is currently a free agent. It's highly likely the Ravens will at least put a franchise tag on him, but if Jackson becomes available, he will have a long list of teams pursuing him.