The NFL offseason board is officially up over at The Athletic. With the new league year set to begin March 11, The Athletic released its annual Top 150 Free Agents list (complete with film-based grades and projected contract values), offering one of the clearest snapshots yet of what the market could look like over the next month.
The Athletic Drops Top 150 NFL Free Agents
At the close of the regular season, nearly 600 players were on track to hit unrestricted free agency. That number is already shrinking. Some players are signing extensions. Others will be franchise-tagged (which is why names like George Pickens don’t appear). And more veterans will inevitably enter the pool as cap casualties in the coming weeks.
Daniel Popper and The Athletic’s staff graded each available unrestricted free agent on a 2.0-to-8.0 scale, with a 5.0 representing an average starter at his position. The highest grade on this year’s list came in at 7.3, while no ranked player dipped below 4.3 — meaning even the bottom tier profiles are considered rotational or low-end starter quality.
© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe evaluations are rooted primarily in tape, but also factor in age, injury history, upside, and positional value. Contract projections reflect base value against the cap (not incentive-laden maximums), giving teams and fans a more realistic sense of what these deals might look like on the books.
As front offices finalize their internal boards ahead of free agency, this list provides a league-wide benchmark. And with cap maneuvering already underway, expect the Top 150 to keep shifting before pen officially meets paper next month.
Last week, we published our top 150 free agents for 2026. This week, we organized the rankings into a top 10 for each position, digging into the strengths and weaknesses of this class from a positional standpoint. t.co/qnl9sHkJk9
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) February 23, 2026Cowboys Lock Up Javonte Williams with Three-Year Extension
The Cowboys made sure one of their biggest offseason priorities never reached the open market.
Dallas agreed to terms on a three-year, $24 million extension with running back Javonte Williams. The deal includes $16 million guaranteed and was announced by the team shortly after reports surfaced.
The timing matters. Williams was weeks away from being eligible to negotiate with other teams beginning March 9. Instead, Dallas moved early to retain a player coming off a career year.
After signing a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal, Williams delivered. He rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging a career-best 4.8 yards per carry while nearly matching his previous two-season rushing total (1,287 yards from 2023–24) in a single campaign. He also chipped in 35 receptions for 137 yards and two scores, continuing to provide value in the passing game.
The extension averages $8 million per year, tying him for 16th among running backs and placing him in a tier just above former Cowboy Tony Pollard’s current deal in Tennessee. For a 25-year-old back coming off a breakout season, it’s a manageable cap commitment for Dallas.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesColts Facing Cap Crunch with Daniel Jones, Alec Pierce Decisions Looming
The Colts looked like one of the league’s surprise contenders last year, jumping out to an 8–2 start before Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury derailed any serious playoff push. Now, keeping the core intact has become priority No. 1.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported today that the contract situations of Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce could be directly tied together. Pierce, who developed strong chemistry with Jones, is also headed toward free agency. If Jones signs a long-term extension, Pelissero suggested the franchise tag could become an option for Pierce. If not, the tag might be used on the quarterback instead.
The numbers make it complicated. Indianapolis currently holds roughly $35.7 million in cap space. The projected 2026 franchise tag for quarterbacks sits around $47.3 million, while the wide receiver tag is expected to come in near $28.8 million. Even with the slightly cheaper transition tag as an alternative, fitting both players under the current cap structure would require maneuvering.
In short, the Colts appear motivated to keep both Jones and Pierce, but doing so will likely demand restructures, cap-clearing moves, or difficult roster decisions in the coming weeks. Otherwise, one of the two could be testing the market when the new league year opens.
Syndication: The Indianapolis StarExtra Points
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to franchise tag tight end Kyle Pitts. The veteran tight end will earn $15 million on the tag next season, unless the two sides work out a long-term deal before the July deadline. Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is also expected to receive the tag treatment ahead of free agency next month. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis:2026 NFL Scouting Combine schedule(Feb. 23rd-March 2nd): pic.twitter.com/FR8bFF03sF
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 23, 2026 Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the consensus QB in the class, but he will not be on the field at the Combine this week. However, Alabama’s Ty Simpson will be working out.Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson’s weight is back ahead of his throwing session at this week’s NFL combine, where Ohio State LB Sonny Styles will also participate — and could blow away the testing. @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/T6H4yURXXw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 23, 2026Hence then, the article about around the nfl the athletic s top 150 free agents javonte williams extension more was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Around the NFL: The Athletic’s Top 150 Free Agents, Javonte Williams Extension, More )
Also on site :