Free Agent Top 100 & salary ranges

Updated Free Agent Top 100

Evan Silva

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/69780/309/updated-free-agent-top-100?ls=roto:nfl:gnav

The 2017 NFL Free Agent market has been whittled down by franchise tags and early extensions, but there are still premium talents available atop what amounts to a top-heavy class. Using recently-signed contracts by comparable players and buzz emanating from the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, I ranked what’s left based on anticipated contractual value. These rankings are limited to unrestricted free agents and exclude restricted free agents, who very rarely change teams.

The NFL’s “legal tampering” window allows for pre-free agency negotiations between players and teams and begins on Tuesday. At 4pm ET on Thursday, the market officially opens for business.

1. WR Alshon Jeffery (27) — $14-15 million/year – Despite missing 34% of the Bears’ games the past two seasons with soft-tissue injuries and a PEDs suspension, Jeffery has a real chance to become the NFL’s highest-paid receiver. Current top-paid wideout Antonio Brown is due $14.54 million annually over the next five years. A true alpha receiver with 4.48 speed and elite contested-catch capability at 6-foot-3, 216, Jeffery is still in his athletic prime with a higher career yards-per-catch average (15.0) than A.J. Green (14.8) and superior yards-per-target average (8.6) to Dez Bryant (8.5). In Combine rumors, Jeffery has been most often linked to the Titans, 49ers, and Eagles.

2. CB A.J. Bouye (25) — $14-15 million/year – Undrafted out of Central Florida in 2013, Bouye paid his dues on special teams and in reserve roles before emerging as a starter last season, and asserting himself as the Texans’ best defensive back. Bouye earned Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 pass-coverage grade among 120 qualified cornerbacks, allowing just two touchdowns and an average of 5.4 yards on 77 targets. In Houston, there is some hope the Texans will find a way to re-sign Bouye, which would likely move LCB Johnathan Joseph onto the trade block. Bouye would maximize his earnings by testing the open market.

3. CB Stephon Gilmore (26) — $14-15 million/year – Unlike Bouye, Gilmore has a high-profile pedigree as a former top-ten pick who played in the SEC and entered the NFL with elite tools, running 4.4-flat at 6-foot-1, 190 at the 2012 Combine. Also unlike Bouye, Gilmore is coming off a down season in which he increasingly became a liability as the year progressed. Still, Gilmore is reportedly seeking top-five cornerback money and is likely to get it. Inconsistent in St. Louis, Janoris Jenkins had a similar profile at this time last year before signing a deal with the Giants that made him the NFL’s seventh-richest corner. The Bears are expected to make a strong push for Gilmore when free agency opens on Thursday.

4. CB Logan Ryan (26) — $12.5-15 million/year – Ryan is not talked about as much as Bouye or Gilmore, but he will emerge from free agency as one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive backs. A third-round steal out of Rutgers in the 2013 draft, Ryan has not missed a game through four NFL seasons and broke out last year as a versatile cover man the Pats used both at slot corner and to shadow No. 1 receivers. Most notably, Ryan held DeAndre Hopkins to 121 scoreless yards on 17 targets in two meetings with the Texans, and he also chased Julio Jones for much of Super Bowl 51. Reports from the Combine indicated the Bengals are preparing to sign Ryan. Lions beat writers also expect Ryan to draw interest in Detroit.

5. DE Calais Campbell (30) — $12-15 million/year – A Pro Bowler in two of the last three years, Campbell has spent his entire career as an extremely disruptive 3-4 end who frequently kicks inside. At 6-foot-8, 290, Campbell is immovable in run defense and much too athletic and powerful for guards and centers to block. Muhammad Wilkerson and J.J. Watt are currently the NFL’s two highest-paid 3-4 ends at $17.2 million and $16.7 million, respectively. I think Campbell will command a bit less, but he should become the NFL’s third-richest player at his position. The Redskins and Broncos are expected to pursue him.

6. WR Terrelle Pryor (27) — $11-12 million/year – Pryor was one of the NFL’s best stories in 2016, embracing a position switch from quarterback to receiver and topping 1,000 yards despite catching passes from a motley cast of signal callers that included Robert Griffin III, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, Josh McCown, and Charlie Whitehurst. Always an obscene athlete, Pryor famously ran 4.38 at 6-foot-5, 240 before Al Davis selected him in the third round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft. The Browns have repeatedly spoken of how they want to re-sign Pryor, but they didn’t tag him and beat writers think he’ll hit the market. With his arrow screaming upward after just one year at his new position, Pryor deserves to be valued above Tavon Austin ($10.6 million/year) and Jeremy Maclin ($11 million).

7. ILB Dont’a Hightower (27) — $10.5-12.5 million/year – I had Hightower too low in my initial Free Agent Top 100. Inside linebackers generally don’t make big bucks, but I think there’s a chance Hightower will become the league’s highest-paid player at his position, bypassing Bobby Wagner ($10.75 million/year) and rivaling Luke Kuechly ($12.4 million). For a 6-foot-2, 265-pound man, Hightower offers an extraordinary blend of run-stopping, pass-rushing, and pass-coverage ability. Still, it is a red flag that Hightower has missed 11 games over the past three years with recurring shoulder and knee ailments.

8. OG Kevin Zeitler (27) — $10-12 million/year – Kelechi Osemele ($11.7 million/year) is currently the NFL’s highest-paid guard, with Kyle Long and David DeCastro ($10 million) tied for second. Zeitler’s pay range is thus easy to identify. Zeitler has gone consecutive seasons without missing a start and earned Pro Football Focus’ Nos. 6, 9, and 10 overall guard grades over the past three years, shining in both run blocking and pass protection. PFF has charged Zeitler with just two sacks allowed over his last 47 games.

9. WR DeSean Jackson (30) — $10-12 million/year – Jackson blazed a 4.35 forty coming out Cal in 2008 and hasn’t slowed down later in his career, leading the NFL in yards per reception in two of the past three seasons. Three different offseason reports have indicated the Bucs are heavily interested in D-Jax, and latest word from the Combine is that Tampa Bay is indeed the front-runner for Jackson’s services.

10. EDGE Nick Perry (26) — $10-12 million/year – A 2012 first-round pick out of USC, the initial years of Perry’s career were disappointing enough that the Packers declined his fifth-year option before the 2015 season. Perry had to settle for a one-year, $5 million prove-it deal from the Packers last March. “Prove it” Perry did, leading Green Bay in sacks (11) and earning Pro Football Focus’ No. 4 run-defense grade among 59 qualified 3-4 outside linebackers. Perry is now the premier edge player on the open market.

11. CB Dre Kirkpatrick (27) — $10-12 million/year – A solid-if-unspectacular starter in Cincinnati the past two years, Kirkpatrick is a plus-sized (6’2/186) boundary corner who tied a career high in interceptions (3) last season and is hitting free agency at an opportune time. NFL teams are flush with cap room, and Kirkpatrick is a competent starter at a position that increases in value every year. It would be surprising if Kirkpatrick did not beat the $9.5 million annually Sean Smith landed from the Raiders last offseason. Reports indicate the Steelers and Titans are preparing to make runs at Kirkpatrick beginning Thursday.

12. NT Brandon Williams (28) — $10-12 million/year – A prototypical 3-4 nose tackle at 6-foot-1 and 335 pounds, Williams has anchored Baltimore’s league-best run defense for the past three seasons. Because Williams is ideally used as a two-down defender and supplies minimal pass-rush juice, his value is somewhat tough to gauge. NT Damon Harrison got $9.25 million per year from the Giants last March.

13. LT Andrew Whitworth (35) — $10-12 million/year – While Whitworth has vowed to test the market, the Bengals badly want him back. Even at his advanced age, Whitworth will command premier left tackle money. The NFL’s top-ten left tackles all make between $10 million and $13 million per year. Whitworth has missed just two games over the past eight years, earning Pro Bowl berths in three of the past five.

14. NT Dontari Poe (26) — $10-11.5 million/year – More athletic with a bigger name than fellow free agent NT Brandon Williams, Poe is nevertheless not as good. The Chiefs’ run defense has struggled more often than not with Poe as its anchor, and he provides little pass-rush push. Still, Poe is a freakish athlete at 6-foot-4, 346 pounds, and there’s a chance his best football is still ahead of him. After Kansas City opted against franchise tagging Poe, Chiefs beat writers expect him to sign elsewhere in free agency.

15. DT Johnathan Hankins (25) — $9.5-11.5 million/year – Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, and Hankins figure to target Michael Brockers money ($11.1 million/year) with Damon Harrison ($9.25 million) as their floor and the NFL’s salary-cap inflation working in their favor. 320-pound Hankins is the youngest of the bunch and has flashed the most pass-rush potential with ten sacks over the past three years.

16. LT Russell Okung (29) — $9.5-11.5 million/year – The Broncos declined Okung’s four-year, $48 million option last month. It’s a decision they may regret. There are very few quality left tackles available in free agency, and this year’s draft is extremely weak at the position. GM John Elway said at the Combine that Denver had not yet “moved on” from Okung and may try to re-sign him. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported the Giants, Jets, Chargers, and Vikings all have interest in Okung despite his sub-par 2016.

17. OG Larry Warford (25) — $9.5-11 million/year – Brandon Brooks landed $8 million per year from the Eagles last year, a deal Warford will make look like a bargain. At 6-foot-3, 332, Warford is a power blocker with athletic limitations. Still, he is exceptionally young for a free agent and should still have room to improve. The Lions are reportedly prioritizing keeping free agent RT Riley Reiff over Warford.

18. SS Tony Jefferson (27) — $9-11 million/year – When the Chiefs re-signed SS Eric Berry to a six-year, $78 million contract, Jefferson vaulted atop the free agent safety class. Jefferson went undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2013 because he ran a 4.75 forty at the Combine. Jefferson has proven to be a very good football player, however, forcing seven turnovers and piling up four sacks over the past two seasons. Jefferson also showed an ability to effectively match up with tight ends in man coverage in Arizona.

19. WR Kenny Stills (24) — $9-11 million/year – Reports of Stills commanding $12 million annually are aggressive, but he will come close. At 6-foot-1, 194 with 4.38 speed, Stills has dropped just 12-of-276 (4.3%) career targets while averaging an explosive 16.7 yards per catch. With DeSean Jackson looking likely to join the Bucs, Stills will be the top consolation prize for teams pursuing a long-ball speedster.

20. QB Mike Glennon (27) — $9-15 million/year – Glennon lost his job to Josh McCown in 2014, then spent the last two years backing up Jameis Winston. At 6-foot-7, 225, Glennon is a lanky, slow-twitch passer who doesn’t maximize his theoretical arm talent, averaging under 7.0 yards per attempt in college and 6.5 YPA in the pros. Still, the NFL is quarterback needy enough that Glennon now seems likely to land a starting job, ideally as a “caretaker” supported by a strong running game. The Bears have that and are expected to be his most ardent suitor, with the Jets close behind. For Glennon’s contract terms, quarterback desperation makes his price tag difficult to peg. Either way, Glennon’s deal should be heavily incentive laden.

21. CB Prince Amukamara (27) — $8.5-10.5 million/year – Respectable No. 2 corner finished 44th among 120 qualifiers in PFF’s 2016 cornerback grades. Has battled minor injuries and never been a big takeaway threat.

22. CB Brandon Carr (30) — $8.5-10.5 million/year – Inconsistent man-coverage specialist coming off a solid year in Dallas. Has never missed a start in nine-year career. One interception past three seasons.

23. LT Matt Kalil (27) — $8.5-10.5 million/year – Has struggled mightily, at least partly due to persistent knee and hip injuries. Shortage of available left tackles will work in his favor. Reportedly healthy now.

24. WR Pierre Garcon (30) — $8.5-10.5 million/year – Run-after-catch specialist has become one of the NFL’s best route runners. Great hands: Has dropped only 8-of-330 targets (2.4%) over the last three years.

25. RT Rick Wagner (27) — $8-10 million/year – Comfortably atop this year’s free agent right tackle market. Wagner earned Pro Football Focus’ No. 4 pass-blocking grade among right tackles last season.

26. RT Riley Reiff (28) — $8-9.5 million/year – Reiff been a league-average starter in stints at both left and right tackle. Availability is a plus: He has missed only three starts through five NFL seasons.

27. OG T.J. Lang (29) — $8-9.5 million/year – Market would be stronger if not for hip and foot surgeries after the season. The Packers don’t believe Lang will be recovered until training camp at the earliest.

28. OG Ronald Leary (27) — $8-9 million/year – The Saints tried to trade for Leary last offseason, but the Cowboys balked. At 6-foot-3, 315, Leary is one of the NFL’s top run-blocking guards.

29. WR Brandon Marshall (33) — $8-9 million/year – Patriots, Giants, Ravens have all been linked to Marshall since his release from the Jets. Should have a year or two of quality football left.

30. WR Kenny Britt (28) — $7.5-8.5 million/year – Coming off his first career 1,000-yard season with Case Keenum and Jared Goff at quarterback. Not the athlete he once was, but still a quality starter.

31. DE Chris Baker (29) — $7.5-8.5 million/year – 6-foot-2, 326-pound 3-4 end was Washington’s best defensive lineman the past two seasons. Effective run stopper doubles as interior pocket pusher.

32. LT Kelvin Beachum (27) — $7.5-8.5 million/year – Tore ACL in 2015, had rough season with Jags, and got cut. Still young, it’s not crazy to think Beachum will be better a year removed from knee surgery.

33. LT Ryan Clady (30) — $7.5-8.5 million/year – 21 missed games the past three seasons. Ended 2016 on injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff. NFL’s shortage of left-tackle talent will help his market.

34. TE Martellus Bennett (30) — $7.5-8.5 million/year – Was a warrior playing through knee and ankle injuries all last year. Patriots want him back, but not expected to jump into any bidding wars.

35. FS Duron Harmon (26) — $7-8 million/year – Emerged as leader in Patriots locker room last year, serving as the team’s third safety. Fully expected to land starter money on the open market.

36. SS Barry Church (29) — $7-8 million/year – Box safety at 6-foot-2, 222. Annual tackling machine.
37. DE Jabaal Sheard (27) — $6.5-8.5 million/year – Rotational pass rusher lost starting job in 2016.
38. NT Bennie Logan (27) — $6.5-8 million/year – Run stuffer’s play slipped in Eagles’ move to 4-3.
39. WR Cordarrelle Patterson (26) — $6.5-8 million/year – Has five kick-return TDs last four years.
40. CB Darrelle Revis (31) — $6.5-8 million/year – Could retire. Still has $6M guaranteed from Jets.
41. EDGE Julius Peppers (37) — $6.5-8 million/year – Had 7.5 sacks in rotational pass-rusher role.
42. CB Morris Claiborne (27) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Coming off best season, but got hurt again.
43. SS Johnathan Cyprien (26) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Strong run defender but coverage liability.
44. SS T.J. McDonald (26) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Likely facing suspension after DUI/drug charge.
45. DT Nick Fairley (29) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Difference maker who struggles to stay in shape.
46. C J.C. Tretter (26) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Easily the top young center available in free agency.
47. TE Jack Doyle (26) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Efficient possession receiver, quality run blocker.
48. C Nick Mangold (33) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Should get interest from playoff contenders.
49. ILB Lawrence Timmons (30) — $6.5-7.5 million/year – Career Steeler coming off rough season.
50. TE Jared Cook (29) — $5.5-7 million/year – Gave Packers offense new dimension when healthy.
51. CB Captain Munnerlyn (28) — $6.5-7 million/year – Feisty slot corner sounds likely to leave MIN.
52. S/CB Darius Butler (31) — $6.5-7 million/year – Career slot corner wants to transition to safety.
53. SS Bradley McDougald (26) — $6-7 million/year – Box safety with experience covering tight ends.
54. SS D.J. Swearinger (25) — $5.5-7 million/year – Early-career disappointment broke out in Arizona.
55. S/CB Micah Hyde (26) — $5.5-7 million/year – Hyde is a jack of many trades, but master of none.
56. QB Colin Kaepernick (29) — $5-7 million/year – This might be aggressive. Kap a tough FA to peg.
57. RB Adrian Peterson (32) — $5-7 million/year – Two-down RB only, increasingly injured, and old.
58. WR Robert Woods (24) — $5-6.5 million/year – Possession slot/Z receiver with reliable hands.
59. WR Kendall Wright (27) — $5-6.5 million/year – Underachiever. Slot guy with vertical ability.
60. WR Terrance Williams (27) — $5-6.5 million/year – Probably best suited for third receiver role.
61. ILB Zach Brown (27) — $5-6.5 million/year – Highly athletic linebacker faded as 2016 went on.
62. EDGE Lorenzo Alexander (33) — $4.5-6.5 million/year – Career special teamer had 12.5 sacks.
63. DL Jared Odrick (29) — $4.5-6 million/year – Versatile with experience at 3-4 DE, 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE.
64. RT Mike Remmers (27) — $4.5-6 million/year – Serviceable right tackle, destroyed at left tackle.
65. WR Ted Ginn (31) — $4.5-6 million/year – Still useful role player as lid lifter and return specialist.
66. EDGE John Simon (26) — $4-6 million/year – Impact role player in Houston. Edge setter vs. run.
67. SS Jahleel Addae (27) — $4-5.5 million/year – Physical safety undersized and frequently injured.
68. DE Charles Johnson (30) — $4-5.5 million/year – Rotational early-down DE moves inside vs. pass.
69. DE William Gholston (25) — $4-5.5 million/year – Broad-bodied defensive end best against run.
70. DE Andre Branch (27) — $4-5.5 million/year – Started over Mario Williams in Miami, had 5.5 sacks.
71. DE Datone Jones (26) — $4-5.5 million/year – Swiss-army-knife defender can play DE, DT, 3-4 OLB.
72. DL Stacy McGee (27) — $4-5.5 million/year – Quality rotational DT/DE coming off his best season.
73. ILB Gerald Hodges (26) — $4-5 million/year – The only 49er who made plays vs. the run last year.
74. FS Jairus Byrd (30) — $4-5 million/year – Cap casualty quietly had his best year as a Saint in ’16.
75. DT Alan Branch (32) — $4-5 million/year – Old and limited, but anchored the Pats’ run defense.
76. ILB Perry Riley (28) — $4-5 million/year – Has signed a big deal before and didn’t love up to it.
77. QB Brian Hoyer (31) — $4-5 million/year – Probably the best pure backup quarterback in NFL.
78. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (34) — $4-5 million/year – FitzMagic should land a high-end backup deal.
79. CB Nolan Carroll (30) — $4-5 million/year – Best suited for fourth corner/spot starter role.
80. WR Michael Floyd (27) — $3.5-5 million/year – Career underachiever with $12M/year talent.
81. EDGE DeMarcus Ware (34) — $3.5-5 million/year – Aging former All Pro with back problems.
82. RB Latavius Murray (26) — $3.5-4.5 million/year – Underwhelmed behind AFC’s best O-Line.
83. ILB Kevin Minter (26) — $3.5-4 million/year – Roughly replacement-level 3-4 inside ‘backer.
84. QB Josh McCown (37) — $3.5-4 million/year – Sounds like a lock to sign with the Cowboys.
85. RB Eddie Lacy (26) — $3-5 million/year – Prime candidate for a one-year, “prove-it” deal.
86. TE Ryan Griffin (27) — $3-4 million/year – Possession tight end best suited for a No. 2 role.
87. OG Chance Warmack (25) — $2.5-4 million/year – Draft bust missed all but two games in ’16.
88. EDGE Alex Okafor (26) — $2.5-4 million/year – Has 13.5 sacks over the past three seasons.
89. EDGE Jarvis Jones (27) — $2.5-4 million/year – Fits best in edge-setter, non-pass-rush role.
90. EDGE Dwight Freeney (37) — $2-4 million/year – Late-career mercenary can still rush the QB.
91. CB Terence Newman (38) — $2-4 million/year – Hasn’t announced if he’ll continue his career.
92. EDGE Chris Long (32) — $2-4 million/year – Apparently hopes to be an every-down DE again.
93. OLB Erik Walden (31) — $2-4 million/year – Could get overpaid after fluky 11-sack campaign.
94. DE Lawrence Guy (27) — $2-4 million/year – Run-stopping five-technique 3-4 defensive end.
95. NT Sylvester Williams (28) — $2-4 million/year – Draft bust got pushed around all last season.
96. OG Brandon Fusco (28) — $2-4 million/year – Reclamation project looked promising in 2014.
97. RB Danny Woodhead (32) — $2.5-3.5 million/year – Chargers actively working to re-sign him.
98. RB Rex Burkhead (26) — $2.5-3.5 million/year – My personal favorite RB in this year’s FA class.
99. RB Jamaal Charles (30) — $2.5-3.5 million/year – 30-year-old running back with two bad knees.
100. RB LeGarrette Blount (30) — $2-3 million/year – One-dimensional grinder/clock-killer back.