Between the and , there's a ma sive event that helps determine the short-term fates of all 32 teams. NFL free agency has become a more important open market in recent seasons. One can look at the succe s of the Bengals and Rams for validation and inspiration. Cincinnati was aggre sive last offseason and got defensive difference-maker Trey Hendrickson, who cashed in after a breakout pa s-rushing season in New Orleans. Los Angeles has been all about making moves for veterans, whether blockbuster trades (see Matthew Stafford) or key signings, even during the season (see Odell Beckham Jr.). While some teams can be more active than others because of promising salary-cap situations, others will need to be more selective about who they can afford to bring back and who they can get for outside help. When all teams take a look at the top available unrestricted NFL free agents for 2022, they will find worthy splurges and values acro s positions. Here's how Sporting News ranks the overall top 50 and the best players by positions for this year ahead of free agency opening on March 16: MORE: | 1. Davante Adams, WR, Packers (age: 29) (franchise-tagged) Adams is arguably still the best all-around wide receiver
Cleveland Indians Blank Jersey in the NFL and in his prime with long-time QB Aaron Rodgers. He's likely to get the franchise tag, part as a place-holder for a long-term deal and part to placate Rodgers, who's undecided about wanting to return to Green Bay. 2. J.C. Jackson, CB, Patriots (age: 28) Jackson was tremendous in coverage taking over as their No. 1 corner. He had eight interceptions and led the league with 23 pa s breakups. He's iffy to come back to New England after the team parted ways with Stephon Gilmore and Jackson may need to find his big money elsewhere. 3. Terron Armstead, OT, Saints (age: 30) Armstead battled some knee injury i sues in 2021 like fellow bookend Ryan Ramczyk, but he remained smooth as ever in pa s protection when out there for any of their quarterbacks. He's meant to keep playing the left side because he's not the same run-blocking rock. 4. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers (age: 25) (franchise-tagged) Godwin played well on the franchise tag in the second and final season with Tom Brady, who boosted his stock in making him his key short-to-intermediate go-to guy. He should recover well from his knee injury and has many strong seasons left as a versatile slot ace. 5. Von Miller, EDGE, Rams (age: 32) Miller remained effective in producing 9.5 sacks in 15 combined regular-season games with Denver and Los Angeles. He's slowed down a bit from his prime but can still be a valuable part of any 3-4 defensive scheme. 6. Chandler Jones, EDGE, Cardinals (age: 31) Jones rebounded to pick up where he left off after a 2020 season lost to a biceps injury, recording 10.5 sacks in 15 games. He's consistent in getting to the QB and like Miller, he has one more big-money run left in him. 7. Orlando Brown Jr., OT, Chiefs (age: 25) (franchise-tagged) There's a good chance the Chiefs will lock down the rock they acquired from the Ravens last offseason with a lucrative long-term dealt this summer (smart given his age) after using the tag. 8. Mike Williams, WR, Chargers (age: 27) (re-signed for 3 years, $60 million) Williams shook off some past durability i sues to have his best season, catching 76 of 129 targets for 1,146 and 9 TDs, proving to be a key deep threat and red zone option for Justin Herbert. Los Angeles may move on, however, with Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer having promise to complement Keenan Allen with big plays outside. 9. Je sie Bates III, S, Bengals (age: 25) (franchise-tagged) Bates was a second-team All-Pro in 2020. He wasn't as prolific making plays all over the field in 2021, but he's active extra defender for run support and still has strong ballhawking skills.. He can shine in any scheme. 10. Marcus Williams, S, Saints (age: 25) Williams has been steady, durable and well-rounded for New Orleans since some struggles as a younger player. He's always got a nose for the ball in coverage and had his best season vs. the run in 2021. 11. Ryan Jensen, C, Buccaneers (age: 30) Jensen was a worth free-agent splurge from the Ravens and raised his game while snapping for Brady for two years, but there's a good chance he leaves to get one last big deal, something Tampa Bay may have trouble affording. 12. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Panthers (age: 31) Gilmore was pretty strong in coverage during his half season in Carolina after being dealt from New England. He's not fading too much given his age but is still more of a short-term playmaker for interested teams. 13. Carton Davis, CB, Buccaneers (age: 25) Davis mi sed seven games with injuries in 2021 but when on the field, he showed the shutdown promise and ball skills from his breakout 2020 season that was integral to Tampa Bay winning the Super Bowl. He's likely to be franchise-tagged, with Godwin being signed for multiple years and Jensen walking. 14. Akiem Hicks, DT, Bears (age: 32) Hicks' production inside against run and pa s looked similar between 2020 and 2021, putting up the same 3.5 sacks in six fewer games of healthy action. His defied his age to be a strong plug-and-play. 15. Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE, Dolphins (age: 28) Ogbah had a few ma sive games in producing a second consecutive season with 9 sacks. He has enjoyed his best play in Miami, including against the run, and can remain consistent elsewhere. 16. Harold Landry, EDGE, Titans (age: 25) (re-signed for 5 years, $87.5 million) Landry busted out his fourth season plugging away as a durable grinder for Tenne
Bob Feller Jersey see with 12 sacks from their 3-4 scheme. He's stayed strong and injury-free which gives him rising appeal as a first-time Pro Bowler. 17. Allen Robinson, WR, Bears (age: 28) Robinson had a forgettable presumed final season in Chicago because of injuries and ennui with the lame duck offensive-minded regime. With Darnell Mooney pushing them into the future as the No. 1 for Justin Fields, Robinson has plenty of route-running and good hands savvy to offer his third team. 18. Brandon Scherff, G, Commanders (age: 30) All Scherff does is deliver elite interior blocking when healthy and Washington has rewarded him with franchise-tag payouts the past two seasons. There's little sign of decline in either the running or pa sing game, but durability might become a bigger challenge. 19. Cam Robinson, OT, Jaguars (age: 26) (franchise-tagged) Robinson had a strong all-around season so it makes sense Jacksonville wants to keep him on the left side as Trevor Lawrence's still young blindside pa s protector. 20. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Browns (age: 28) Clowney had 9 sacks, matching his output from his final season with the Texans in 2018. He played well off a sensation season from Myles Garrett. He can be effective in his later age remaining in a complementary role, given he's always been a fine run stopper. 21. Duane Brown, OT, Seahawks (age: 36) He's been solid for many seasons with Houston and Seattle and with full durability and strong overall blocking, Brown returned to Pro Bowl status in 2021. 22. Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins (age: 26) (franchise-tagged) Gesicki has seen his receiving production climb with each of his four seasons. He caught 73 of 112 targets for 780 yards and 2 TDs in 2021. He has had a good connection with Tua Tagovailoa and Miami could keep him with his ample salary cap space or choose to invest elsewhere for new offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel. 23. Casey Hayward Jr., CB, Raiders (age: 32) The former Packers and Chargers standout had a rejuvenated season as a top cover corner in Las Vegas. He might be a little slower, but he still uses his smarts well in all of his a signments. 24. Randy Gregory, EDGE, Cowboys (age: 29) Gregory was a strong part of Dan Quinn's effective line rotation with six sacks, settling into a veteran complementary role while also making some key plays on the ball. 25. Tyrann Mathieu, CB, Chiefs (age: 29) The ultimate hybrid, the now venerable "Honey Badger" has made two consecutive Pro Bowls with Kansas City by always being around the ball in coverage and run support. The Chiefs will do their best to keep the leader of their defense. 26. De'Vondre Campbell, LB, Packers (age: 28) Campbell was a pretty prolific tackler for the Falcons and Cardinals but he really raised his game as a cover man, tackler and effective blitzer, rewarded with his first first-team All-Pro nod in his sixth season. 27. Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys (age: 25) (franchise-tagged) Schultz doesn't offer much as a blocker (yet) but he had a
Roberto Perez Jersey big season catching pa ses from Dak Prescott, with 78 catches on 104 targets for 808 yards and 8 TDs. He is a nice alternative to Gesicki. 28. D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars (age: 25) His potential to rebound and produce at a high level with Trevor Lawrence was wiped out when he broke his ankle against the Bengals in Week 4. He can still profile as a No. 1 should coach Doug Pederson not want to bring him back for his second-year franchise QB. 29. Calais Campbell, DT, Ravens (age: 35) Campbell has waned from the dominant force he once was for the Cardinals and Jaguars because of his age, but he can still be a valuable versatile contributor. 30. Melvin Ingram, EDGE, Chiefs (age: 32) Ingram provided a big lift to Kansas City's defense at midseason, proving he plenty of juice left as a pa s-rusher and backfield disruptor. 31. Haason Reddick, EDGE, Panthers (age: 27) Reddick followed up his double-digit sack final in Arizona with 11 more in 16 games while reuniting with college coach Matt Rhule on a one-year deal. He has settled as a quarterback-pursuing specialist. 32. Laken Tomlinson, G, 49ers (age: 30) Tomlinson was reward for years of steady play in San Francisco with his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021. He's an extremely durable and reliable zone run blocker. 33. Quandre Diggs, S, Seahawks (age: 29) Diggs has been solid coming over from the Lions with two consecutive 5-interception full seasons and is a good leader and clean-up presence for a defense. 34. Foyesade Oluokun, LB, Falcons (age: 26) Oluokun led the NFL with 192 combined tackles in 2021 and he also had three interceptions. He's a reliable run defender with some juice in coverage, too. 35. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Buccaneers (age: 32) Gronkowski hasn't ruled out returning to Tampa Bay or another team even without Brady. The wear keeps building on his body but he can still be a dangerous seam receiver. 36. Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers (age: 27) Fournette has found his ideal groove as a power runner and adept receiver in Tampa Bay, living up to his high first-round draft expectations from Jacksonville. He's creeping up in age and has some durability concerns, however. 37. B.J. Hill, DT, Bengals (age: 26) The former Giant has proved to be a good interior pa s-rusher to complement their strong ends and should get a boost from his 5.5-sack regular season and playoff performance. 38. D.J. Jones, DT, 49ers (age: 27) Jones is a strong gap-clogger against the run to be trusted on early downs but he also brings some inside pa s-rush pop. 39. James Conner, RB, Cardinals (age: 26) The former Steelers workhorse has found his niche as a solid power runner and red zone finisher in a Cardinals committee. His 18-TD season should get some consideration for a 20-touch situation. 40. Marcus Maye, S, Jets (age: 28) Maye had a big early start to his career making big plays but his effectivene s and durability have been recent questions. He's still talented enough to rebound in a second setting. 41. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Rams (age: 29) Beckham is slowing down closer to 30 but he proved with Los Angeles he's made to be a good complementary presence as an outside No. 2. 42. Folorunso Fatukasi, DT, Jets (age: 26) Fatukaski will get some consideration from teams looking for a reliable 4-3 run stopper. 43. Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals (age: 25) Edmonds, when healthy, has been an explosive back who can help plenty as a nimble open-field receiver in the pa sing game. 44. Cordarrelle Patterson, RB/WR, Falcons (age: 30) Patterson has been a good return man and occasional big-play wideout, but he took his running back cro sover play to a whole new level with 1,166 yards and 11 TDs. The downside is that he's near the end of his career. 45. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Patriots (age: 31) Hightower has been a big-time playmaker and key leader for Bill Belichick but his wear over the years is catching up to him. 46. Darious Williams, CB, Rams (age: 27) Williams is a solid No. 2 corner who doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball in coverage, but he helps himself being a tackling a set. 47. Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys (age: 25) Gallup could have had a big fourth season with Dak Prescott had it not been derailed early with his calf injury in Week 1. He's a nice vertical
Yonder Alonso Jersey threat who can round out into more of a complete target to make Amari Cooper expendable. 48. James Daniels, G, Bears (age: 24) Daniels has been a solid starter on the left side for them and he's another plug-and-play acquisition for run blocking-needy team. 49. Charvarius Ward, CB, Chiefs (age: 25) Ward is like the Rams' Williams in that one can't count on him for big plays and interceptions but he does the little things well as a No. 2 corner. 50. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Cowboys (age: 26) Vander Eash exploded as a rookie but injuries and changes in scheme and role have led to diminished returns. He is rangy enough to have a late-career resurgence. Quarterbacks Jameis Winston, Saints Marcus Mariota, Raiders Mitchell Trubisky, Bills Ryan Fitzpatrick, Commanders Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos Colt McCoy, Cardinals Tyrod Taylor, Texans Andy Dalton, Bears Jacoby Bri sett, Dolphins Cam Newton, Panthers Joe Flacco, Jets Running backs Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers James Conner, Cardinals Chase Edmonds, Cardinals Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons Sony Michel, Rams Rashaad Penny, Seahawks Melvin Gordon, Broncos Duke Johnson Jr., Dolphins Darrel Williams, Chiefs Boston Scott, Eagles Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers Devonta Freeman, Ravens Latavius Murray, Ravens Justin Jackson, Chargers Damien Williams, Bears Devontae Booker, Giants David Johnson, Texans Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ers Phillip Lindsay, Dolphins Alex Collins, Seahawks Wide receivers Davante Adams, Packers (franchise-tagged) Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (franchise-tagged) Mike Williams, Chargers (re-signed for 3 years, $60 million) Allen Robinson, Bears D.J. Chark, Jaguars Odell Beckham Jr., Rams Michael Gallup, Cowboys JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers Christian Kirk, Cardinals Ru sell Gage, Falcons Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers Cedrick Wilson, Cowboys Braxton Berrios, Jets TY. Hilton, Colts Jamison Crowder, Jets Sammy Watkins, Ravens Will Fuller, Dolphins Keelan Cole, Jets A.J. Green, Cardinals Emmanuel Sanders, Bills Tight ends Mike Gesicki, Dolphins (franchise-tagged) Dalton Schultz, Cowboys (franchise-tagged) Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers Zach Ertz, Cardinals Robert Tonyan, Packers Evan Engram, Giants Gerald Everett, Seahawks David Njoku, Browns (franchise-tagged) Maxx Williams, Cardinals O.J. Howard, Buccaneers Offensive tackles Terron Armstead, Saints Orlando Brown Jr,. Chiefs (franchise-tagged) Duane Brown, Seahawks Eric Fisher, Colts Trent Brown, Patriots Morgan Moses, Jets Riley Reiff, Bengals Brandon Shell, Seahawks Bobby Ma sie, Broncos Guards/centers Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers Brandon Scherff, Commanders Laken Tomlinson, 49ers James Daniels, Bears Andrew Norwell, Jaguars Ben Jones, Titans Connor Williams, Cowboys Austin Corbett, Rams Brian Allen, Rams Rodger Saffold, Titans Germain Ifedi, Bears Alex Cappa, Buccaneers Quinton Spain, Bengals Mike Glowinski, Colts Edge rushers Von Miller, Rams Chandler Jones, Cardinals Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins Harold Landry, Titans Jadeveon Clowney, Browns Randy Gregory, Cowboys Melvin Ingram, Chiefs Haason Reddick, Panthers Derek Barnett, Eagles Justin Houston, Ravens Jerry Hughes, Bills Charles Harris, Lions Uchenna Nwosu, Chargers Trey Flowers, Lions Jason Pierre-Paul, Buccaneers Defensive tackles Akiem Hicks, Bears Calais Campbell, Ravens B.J. Hill, Bengals D.J. Jones, 49ers Folorunso Fatukasi, Jets Sebastian Joseph-Day, Rams Maliek Collins, Texans Eddie Goldman, Bears Linval Joseph, Chargers Tim Settle, Commanders Sheldon Richardson, Vikings Linebackers De'Vondre Campbell, Packers Foyesade Oluokun, Falcons Dont'a Hightower, Patriots Leighton Vander Esch, Cowboys Josey Jewell, Broncos Alexander Johnson, Broncos Anthony Barr, Vikings Kyzir White, Chargers Cory Littleton, Raiders Cornerbacks J.C. Jackson, Patriots Stephon Gilmore, Panthers Carlton Davis, Buccaneers Casey Hayward Jr., Raiders Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs Darious Williams, Rams Chavarius Ward, Chiefs D.J. Reed, Seahawks Donte Jackson, Panthers Steven Nelson, Steelers Patrick Peterson, Vikings Bryce Callahan, Broncos Joe Haden, Steelers Robert Alford, Cardinals Safeties Je sie Bates III, Bengals (franchise-tagged) Marcus Williams, Saints Quandre Diggs, Seahawks Marcus Maye, Jets Jordan Whitehead, Buccaneers Kareem Jackson, Broncos Justin Reid, Texans Devin McCourty, Patriots Jayron Kearse, Cowboys Xavier Woods, Vikings Landon Collins, Commanders Kickers Younghoe Koo, Falcons Matt Gay, Rams Dustin Hopkins, Chargers Zane Gonzalez, Panthers (re-signed for 2 years, $4.5 million) Nick Folk, Patriots Randy Bullock, Titans Michael Badgley, Colts
Hanley Ramirez Jersey ;Greg Zuerlein, Cowboys Joey Slay, Commanders Greg Joseph, Vikings Punters Bryan Anger, Cowboys Kevin Huber, Bengals Pat O'Donnell, Bears Michael Palardy, Dolphins Andy Lee, Cardinals Corey Bojorquez, Packers Jordan Berry, Vikings Thomas Morstead, Falcons
