Rodgers to the Jets? Don't Bet On It.
The NFL's 2026 free agency class, even after the initial flurry of signings, still holds some serious talent. We're not talking about scraps here. These are difference-makers, guys who can swing a season. Teams with cap space and a clear vision are still circling, trying to land that missing piece.
Quarterback Carousel Spins On
Let's start with the big one: Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old quarterback is coming off a season where he threw for 3,600 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Packers, a respectable showing for most, but a slight dip from his MVP years. He's made it clear he wants to chase another Super Bowl. The New York Jets have been the loudest suitors, their brass practically begging him to come to Florham Park. But here's the thing: Rodgers is a creature of comfort. He knows Green Bay. He knows the system. A move to the Jets, with their notoriously chaotic environment and a coaching staff that still feels a bit green, feels like a recipe for disaster. I think he ultimately stays put, signs a one-year, $50 million deal to try and drag the Packers to one last dance. His QBR of 63.8 last season wasn't elite, but it was far from bad. Green Bay needs him more than he needs a new postcode.
Then there's the wild card, Ryan Tannehill. The Titans cut him loose after a 2025 season where he only started 10 games due to injury, throwing for just 1,900 yards and 11 scores. He's not a long-term answer for anyone, but a savvy team looking for a high-end backup or a bridge starter could do a lot worse. Think a team like the Seattle Seahawks, who might want more insurance behind Geno Smith, or even the Atlanta Falcons if things don't pan out with Desmond Ridder early in the season. Tannehill's 2020 season, with 33 touchdowns and a 106.5 passer rating, shows he still has flashes.
Weapons Still On The Board
Deebo Samuel. The San Francisco 49ers receiver and running back hybrid is still out there, and that's a head-scratcher. He’s a legitimate offensive weapon, a guy who can take a five-yard slant 80 yards for a touchdown. Last season, Samuel racked up 980 receiving yards and 350 rushing yards, scoring 10 total touchdowns. His versatility makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. The hold-up is likely money and his desire for a more defined role, perhaps as a pure receiver. The New England Patriots, desperate for playmakers, should be all over him. They’ve got the cap space and a need for a dynamic presence to help their young quarterback. Imagine Samuel in that offense, running jet sweeps and catching screens. It just makes sense. The Chiefs, too, could make a play if they want another elite target for Patrick Mahomes, but their cap situation is tighter.
Odell Beckham Jr. is another big name. He's not the OBJ of old, but he proved last season with the Ravens that he can still be a dangerous deep threat. He caught 45 balls for 700 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025. A team like the Dallas Cowboys, always looking for a splashy signing, could bring him in as a veteran complement to CeeDee Lamb. His market value is probably in the $8-10 million range for a year, which is a steal for a guy who can still stretch the field.
Defensive Anchors and Linebackers
On the defensive side, look at Calais Campbell. The big defensive end just keeps producing. At 39, he's still a force against the run and can generate interior pressure. He notched 6 sacks and 45 pressures for the Dolphins last year. A contender like the Buffalo Bills could use his veteran presence and still-high motor on their defensive line. He's not going to break the bank, and he brings leadership to any locker room.
Lavonte David, the longtime Buccaneers linebacker, is also available. He's slowed down a step, but his football IQ and tackling ability are still elite. He had 110 tackles and two interceptions in 2025. He'd be a perfect fit for a team like the Cleveland Browns, who need a savvy veteran presence in the middle of their defense. He’s a true professional and still plays at a high level.
Here's my hot take: Deebo Samuel signs with the Detroit Lions. They’re building something special, and adding a player of his caliber to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams would make that offense virtually unstoppable.