Another important date is March 11, the official opening for 2026 free agency.
That's about five weeks away, so it's a good time to shine light on a different Top 50 list — Matt Bowen's breakdown for ESPN of the best players primed to receive interest as unrestricted free agents.
Bowen's ranking is built around factors like age, positional value, anticipated production, scheme versatility and what his ears are hearing from around the league. Bowen reminded that some players will be removed entirely because they will sign extensions with their current teams or be franchise-tagged, and others may join the list between now and then as front offices trim off roster fat to fit future plans.
An updated Top 100 list will roll out next month. Until then, let's explore how Bowen stacked the class.
His Top 5 in order is Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cowboys WR George Pickens, Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, Colts QB Daniel Jones (he ended 2024 with the Vikings) and Eagles EDGE Jaelan Phillips.
Jones, of course, is the most notable because Minnesota offered him a contract last spring to remain in the building. Ultimately, Jones perceived his odds to start for Indianapolis as higher, entering a competition that he won with 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson, instead of being part of a training camp battle with the highest-drafted QB in Vikings history, 2024 No. 10 selection J.J. McCarthy.
Many viewed Jones as a possible 2025 MVP candidate before he tore his Achilles in Week 14. He set career highs in completion rate (68.0 percent), passing yards per game (238.5), yards per attempt (8.1) and passer rating (100.2) last season. Jones also was sacked on a career-low 5.42% of his pass attempts.
Bowen pointed out the injury could delay Jones' availability at the start of the 2026 slate, but he is convinced "he elevated his level of play and poise under coach Shane Steichen in Indianapolis. Jones' 64.1 QBR ranked eighth in the league through Week 13, and he threw with a much stronger sense of timing. He fits in an offense that features a good run game, which allows him to operate as a facilitator."