Free agent bargains in 2026
By: Jake Rajala
There are plenty of high-end free agents available this offseason. Well, I’m going to talk about the “free agent bargains”. Let’s begin.
JK Dobbins
It seems running back JK Dobbins has been lost in the top free agent running back conversation. We all hear about Kenneth Walker and Travis Etienne. Well let’s not forget about Dobbins. In 10 games, he unleashed 772 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 5.0 YPC. In 2024, he recorded 905 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in 13 games as a Los Angeles Charger. Dobbins had a PFF grade of 76.8, which is modest.
Update: Dobbins has resigned with the Denver Broncos on a two year deal worth $20 million dollars.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu may not be a 1k yard WR anymore. However, he is still a respectable WR3 in this league. He registered 345 yards and 33 catches last season. Let’s be fair: he was in a crowded WR room for the Chiefs. They also had Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown. They also have Travis Kelce at TE. At 29 years old, JuJu has a couple of seasons left in him.
Sheldon Rankins
The former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is still an explosive, high motor defensive tackle in this league. He recorded a few sacks, five tackles for loss, and 35 combined tackles last season. He also had 38 pressures. He had a PFF grade of 73.2, which was 18th in this league. He is excellent at creating opportunities to fellow DL.
Darren Waller
The former Raider Darren Waller was a red zone monster last season. He unleashed six touchdowns in nine games! He only had 283 yards, but that’s okay. I’d love to see him reunite with Mike McDaniel (who was his former coach) in Los Angeles. Waller is 33 years old, so he will likely play 1-2 more seasons at most.
Russell Wilson
We all know Russell Wilson isn’t the same QB that he was when he won the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, he still has an impressive deep ball and field awareness. I don’t believe he’s capable of leading a team with an average roster. I’d like to see him join a team with a superb roster, even if it means he will be a backup. He should join the Minnesota Vikings and duke it out for the starting gig, or return to the Seahawks as a QB2.
Keenan Allen
There are five or so wide receivers that stand out in free agency. I believe the legendary Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen right after those five WRs. Allen has only recorded one season below 700 yards, and it came when he suffered a season ending injury earlier in the season. Allen can shine from the slot and out wide. The down side of Allen’s outlook is that he is is 33 years old and he turns 34 in late April.
Marcus Mariota
The dual-threat QB Marcus Mariota turned back the clock last season. He went 2-6, but his situation was horrid. His defense was average at best. It reminds me of Jacoby Brissett playing like a stud, yet his team went 1-11. Mariota was gutsy and smart with the football. Even Jayden Daniels went 2-5 with the Commanders. He had a modest grade of 71.4, which was 24th in the league.
Update: Marcus Mariota signed a one year deal worth $7 million dollars with the Commanders.
Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz is on his last legs. There is no doubt about that. I’d like to see a prominent team squeeze out his remaining potential. Ertz has notched 504 yards last season and 654 yards and several touchdowns in 2024. Ertz had a PFF grade of 60.8, so he clearly has room to improve. Let it be known that Kyle Pitts had an awful PFF grade in 2024, but he bounced back to be an elite TE last season.
Tre’Davious White
The mythical Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White is bound to sign a somewhat modest contract in free agency. He had a PFF grade of 68 last season. He was once an All-Pro CB in 2019. Those days are long gone. Nonetheless, the former legendary hockey goalie in high school, still has some gas left in the tank. White should join a quality team that has a missing link at CB. The Saints or Commanders could be contemplating signing him.
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco didn’t deserve to make the Pro Bowl in my opinion. Still, he has arm strength and field awareness right now. He threw 15 touchdowns to 10 interceptions last season. He had a PFF grade of 68.3, which was 31st among QBs. I really believe he can be a modest QB2. Perhaps the Chiefs would be intrigued about him. He really thrived for the Ravens in the playoffs in their Super Bowl run.
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