The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks found their starting quarterback in free agency last year, landing .
The New England Patriots went from worst to first in the AFC East after signing several key veterans who helped them reach the Super Bowl.
Winning free agency doesn鈥檛 always translate into success on the field. Plenty of moves have backfired over the years. ($100 million guaranteed) and Christian Wilkins ($82.75 million guaranteed) are among several big contracts that didn’t work out.
But the Seahawks and Patriots proved can make all the difference.
NFL teams can start reshaping their rosters next week.
Agents can begin negotiating with club executives at 12 p.m. EDT Monday when the legal tampering period opens. Players can鈥檛 officially sign new deals until the start of the league鈥檚 new year at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday.
Here are five question entering free agency:
Who are the top quarterbacks available?
Cousins and won鈥檛 officially be free until they鈥檙e released by their teams next week but they鈥檒l be two of the . Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers hasn鈥檛 declared his intentions to play another season. If he wants to play, he鈥檒l generate interest after helping the Steelers win the AFC North.
If the Dolphins cut Tua Tagovailoa, he鈥檇 be an interesting option, especially for the veteran鈥檚 minimum.
Malik Willis could end up with a lucrative deal from a team that considers him a possible long-term option.
Russell Wilson will be seeking his fourth team in four years. The Colts placed a transition tag on Daniel Jones so he鈥檚 not as 鈥渇ree鈥� to go elsewhere because Indianapolis can match any offer he gets.
Who are the best available edge rushers?
Pressuring quarterbacks is a priority for every defense and that starts with talented edge rushers.
Trey Hendrickson, a 2024 All-Pro, had 17 1/2 sacks in back-to-back seasons before injuries limited him to seven games last season. He鈥檒l have plenty of suitors.
Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh and K鈥橪avon Chaisson are among the top rushers. Three-time All-Pro Khalil Mack just turned 35 but he can still get after QBs.
Will Mike Evans return to Tampa Bay?
Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl pick, is exploring free agency for the first time and there鈥檚 a real possibility he could play his 13th season for a new team. He鈥檚 looking for a championship contender with an established quarterback and would be an ideal fit for several teams, including the 49ers, Patriots and Chargers.
D.J. Moore is heading to Buffalo in a trade. Other teams would have to trade a premium to get A.J. Brown from the Eagles.
Alec Pierce led the league in yards per reception over the last two seasons with the Colts and he鈥檚 only turning 26 in May so he鈥檚 going to be hotly pursued.
Five-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill is coming off a serious knee injury. Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Christian Kirk and Wan鈥檇ale Robinson are among the top available receivers.
Where鈥檚 the Super Bowl MVP going?
had 135 yards rushing in Seattle鈥檚 29-13 Super Bowl victory over New England last month.
He鈥檚 expected to get the biggest deal among running backs. Travis Etienne, Rico Dowdle and Tyler Allgeier also will be free agents. The group of runners also includes Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, Brian Robinson and Najee Harris.
Walker could be a fit in Carolina, Arizona, Denver, Washington and Minnesota.
Which teams have the most money to spend?
The NFL increased the to $301.2 million last week, up $22 million from 2025.
The Chargers currently have the most room under the cap at $99.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. The Titans are next at $89.3 million followed by the Raiders ($84.7 million), Commanders ($83.3 million) and Jets ($73.8 million).
The Seahawks have $60.7 million available.
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