The NFL is gearing up for another exciting free agency period, and several teams are poised to make significant moves in 2026. Here's a breakdown of five franchises that must make a major splash to remain competitive:
Los Angeles Rams: With quarterback Matthew Stafford entering the final years of his contract, the Rams must decide how to build around him. They have the cap space to improve their weak spots, particularly at cornerback, where they have several pending free agents. The Rams should aim to retain key players like Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant, but they must also consider big-name free agents like Jaylen Watson, Jamel Dean, Alontae Taylor, Greg Newsome II, and Riq Woolen to bolster their defense.
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Washington Commanders: With a top-five projected salary-cap space, the Commanders have the resources to make savvy moves. They need to address aging veterans with expiring contracts and consider potential extensions for key players. The offense requires more weapons at running back, wide receiver, and tight end, while the defense must improve at edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and cornerback. The Commanders should target free agents like Kenneth Walker III, Isaiah Likely, Alec Pierce, Jaelan Phillips, Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd, and Bryan Cook to fill these gaps.
Los Angeles Chargers: General manager Joe Hortiz is not a big fan of relying heavily on free agency, but the Chargers have major holes in their offensive line that can't be entirely filled with draft picks. With a substantial cap space, they should target center Tyler Linderbaum if he reaches free agency. Other potential targets include Connor McGovern, Tyler Biadasz, Daniel Faalele, David Edwards, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and John Simpson. The Chargers have built a solid foundation, and opening up the pocketbook in free agency will help them keep a good thing going.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have the resources to improve key positions on defense, particularly with $47.7 million in projected salary-cap space. They should target versatile and leadership-oriented defenders like Denver defensive tackle Jonathan Franklin-Myers, linebackers Leo Chenal and Devin Lloyd, and safeties Coby Bryant and Kam Curl. The Bengals have promising young talent, including edge rushers Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart and defensive backs Dax Hill and DJ Turner II. They must fortify this unit with more playmaking ability to get back into the mix in the AFC North.
