The 2026 NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Friday, so trades around the league are certainly going to pick up over these next few days.

TheHockeyNews.com recently looked at the top four center trade candidates, the top four defenseman trade candidates and the top four winger trade candidates as the countdown continues. 

Now, in this final edition of our four-part series, let’s look at the top four goalies who could get traded ahead of the deadline.

1. Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild 

Jesper Wallstedt may only be 23 and have a ton of potential, but he has been the subject of trade rumors for much of this season.

With the Wild having Filip Gustavsson locked up long-term, Wallstedt could end up serving as a valuable trade chip to upgrade the roster elsewhere.

Teams in need of goalie help should be lining up for Wallstedt. The young goaltender is having a strong rookie season for Minnesota, with a 14-6-4 record, a .911 save percentage, a 2.85 goals-against average and four shutouts. With numbers like these, he would be an excellent addition to a team needing long-term goalie help. 

2. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers 

The Panthers have a decision to make with veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky at the deadline. With Florida being eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference heading into Tuesday’s games, the pending UFA has created chatter as a trade candidate.

If the Panthers make Bobrovsky available, contenders looking for help between the pipes should look to add him as a rental. While he has had a rough 2025-26 season (.872 save percentage and 3.13 goals-against average in 42 games), he is also a potential Hockey Hall of Famer who led Florida to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.

3. Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues  

Jordan Binnington has been the subject of trade rumors for multiple seasons. Yet, with the Blues open for business due to their ugly 2025-26 season, now seems like the right time for them to finally move on from the 32-year-old.

Like Bobrovsky, Binnington is having a rough season. In 33 games, he has an 8-18-6 record, an .867 save percentage and a 3.60 goals-against average. However, he is also famous for stepping up in big moments, and he backstopped Canada to the gold medal game at the Olympics, so the possibility of a contender bringing him in should not be ruled out.

4. Stuart Skinner, Pittsburgh Penguins 

The Penguins may currently hold a playoff spot, but they’re not afraid to trade their pending UFAs. With the Penguins also having Arturs Silovs and prospect Sergei Murashov between the pipes, Stuart Skinner could end up being a decent trade chip for the Penguins. 

Skinner has a ton of playoff experience from his days with the Edmonton Oilers. With this, it would be understandable if a team in need of a 1B goalie or backup brought in the 27-year-old. 

In 37 games split between Edmonton and Pittsburgh this season, Skinner has a 19-12-6 record, an .891 save percentage, a 2.76 goals-against average and two shutouts. 

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Team USA continues to prepare for the 2026 World Baseball Classic with the second of two tune-up exhibition games on Wednesday, March 4.

The U.S. faces off against the Colorado Rockies in Arizona a day after defeating the San Francisco Giants, 15-1. Paul Skenes started against the Giants, allowing one run over three innings pitched. Alex Bregman and Roman Anthony hit home runs in the lopsided win.

Against the Rockies, Team USA will go up against left-hander Kyle Freeland, who is making his first spring training start. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa hasn’t yet named his starter for Wednesday’s game.

How to watch Team USA vs. Colorado Rockies

Time: 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT
Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Arizona
TV: None
Stream: Fubo, MLB.TV, ESPN app

Stream Team USA vs. Colorado Rockies on Fubo

Whether it’s Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon or Quinn Hughes, no NHL player is perfect. Not even Sidney Crosby. 

It’s impossible to be flawless in every aspect of the game. That’s not to say that a weak point in a player’s game can consistently be exploited by other teams or that they can’t be so effective elsewhere in their game that the weakness isn’t an issue. 

When it comes to NHL draft prospects, it’s almost easy to spot the areas of their game that could use some improvement. They are 17- and 18-year-old kids, after all. There is still so much room for growth physically, mentally and tactically for each player who will be drafted this June. 

Let’s look at the top prospects for this year’s NHL draft and what parts of their game need improvement.

Top 10 NHL draft players

1. Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

Sweden’s star prospect has been on the rise for much of the season. Scouts have adored his well-rounded game while driving Sweden to a world juniors gold medal and thriving at the country’s men’s level. The big question that’s come up at times is whether Stenberg’s raw skill level is high enough to continue producing at this level when he comes to North America. 

2. Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

Undoubtedly the most skilled player in the NHL draft, McKenna is an offensive dynamo. The issue almost mirrors Stenberg. While the top-end skill and creativity are there, his game needs plenty of rounding out, with the most glaring area being his defense. McKenna coasts by on his production, which has allowed him to become disengaged defensively. When he does put in an effort, he has shown the ability to make the play. He just needs to commit to playing that way. 

3. Boston University (NCAA) center Tynan Lawrence

Simply put, Lawrence’s biggest question is whether he can find his groove at the NCAA level. There is only a month left of college hockey, and most teams won’t even get the chance to play that long. Lawrence has been better as of late, but the questions of whether he is strong enough or has the tactical maturity to excel in the NCAA have been glaring since he stepped into college hockey this season. 

4. North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

Verhoeff has gotten praise for his excellence as a passer, intelligence as a defender and his fairly solid overall game. One major question about Verhoeff’s game has been his quickness and first few steps when trying to escape. He knows how to maneuver his way out of trouble when dealing with the forecheck. Verhoeff doesn’t quite have the elite-level mobility typical of top-end draft talents. 

5. Munich (Germany) defenseman Alberts Smits

The Latvian defender, who was playing big minutes in Finland, has moved to Germany to finish his draft-eligible season. Smits has played at the World Junior Championship, the Olympics, the Liiga and now the DEL. The biggest question is whether his daring offensive play will continue to work as he plays better competition and whether it starts to affect his defensive game negatively. Smits will play important minutes for a team looking to challenge for a league title. 

6. Djurgarden (Sweden) center Viggo Bjorck

Bjorck proved he could play center in a big role at the world juniors for Sweden. He’s continued to play as a top-six center in the Swedish League. Whether he can play center isn’t a question at this point; what is a question is whether he has the physical strength to do it when going face-to-face with the best talent in the world. He will have to spend plenty of time in the gym every off-season from here on out. 

7. HV71 (Sweden) defenseman Malte Gustafsson

When you step up from the junior game to the men’s league, you usually don’t get better. That’s exactly what’s happened with Gustafsson, though. He is playing more physically, engaging in battles with the same excellent stick work but using his frame much more effectively. His skating and puck-moving on the breakout remain strong, and he looks like an all-around effective blueliner. The biggest question is whether he has the offensive tools to stay effective at the next level.

8. Vancouver (WHL) left wing Mathis Preston

Despite Preston’s high level of skill and mobility, this season hasn’t been what he had hoped. His 35 points in 38 games are fine but below expectations. When the Vancouver Giants acquired him for a fresh start, Preston suffered an injury in his second game with the club. His size is an issue for some, but Preston must answer questions about his processing if and when he returns to the ice this season. 

9. Tappara (Finland) center Oliver Suvanto

There is little doubt that Suvanto is a future NHL center. His 200-foot game is quite refined, and he understands how to play within a pro system. The question will be about his offensive upside and skill. He flashes some great hands from time to time, and he can get moving when given the runway, but he won’t get the time and space he’s accustomed to in Finland when he moves to North America.

10. Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

There will be questions about Villeneuve’s defensive game until the day he enters the NHL and answers them once and for all. Will the undersized defender make his mark with the puck when the game gets faster and more physical? Will he be able to hold his own defensively to make his offensive game worth it? Villeneuve is the biggest swing for any defender in the NHL draft class because of the variety of questions that surround his game.

INDIANAPOLIS – The last significant hurdle for NFL players hoping to reach unfettered free agency was cleared – by most – at 4 p.m. ET on March 3, the deadline for teams to apply franchise and transition tags in bids to restrict the movement of stars on expiring contracts.

Now it’s full steam ahead to free agency, its official negotiating window opening at noon ET on March 9, when pending free agents can begin negotiating with teams aside from their own. In the meantime, clubs can continue trying to hammer out extensions exclusively with their own players while agreeing to trade others – though such deals can’t become official until 4 p.m. ET on March 11, when the new league year begins and free agents can also enter into binding contracts with other teams.

But make no mistake, plenty of transactional wheels were greased during the annual scouting combine, where teams often talk football business among themselves in addition to evaluating the upcoming draft’s prospects.

“The combine’s become a little bit more about,” said Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider, “what the free agency and trades, and what’s the spring gonna look like.

“Yeah, honestly, it’s like a reset. Like, ‘Alright, here we go. We’re moving,’ you know?”

Schneider himself will doubtless be doing plenty of moving and shaking given the number of key players he stands to lose from the reigning Super Bowl champions’ roster – not to mention the pressing needs to get young stars like WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and CB Devon Witherspoon under long-term extensions (both 2023 first-rounders currently stand to receive massive balloon payments in 2027 before becoming eligible for free agency in 2028).

As for the guys set to go free now, especially as the league crosses the tag threshold, USA TODAY Sports’ list of top 100 NFL free agents in 2026 has been updated – and we’ve put a little extra emphasis on the top 26 players in what is a somewhat uninspiring group overall (^denotes a franchise tag; *denotes a player whose contract was terminated, making him eligible to sign with a new team immediately; **denotes a player who’s been informed of his pending release):

1. WR George Pickens^

The Dallas Cowboys have already franchised him, Pickens now due a guaranteed $27.3 million for the 2026 season – assuming he signs the tag at some point. Yet he could also still be traded or even potentially sign an offer sheet from another team – which the Cowboys would have the right to match or receive two first-round picks as compensation if they chose not to. But don’t bet on it.

“Very clearly, the Cowboys want George Pickens to be a part of our future,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told a select group of reporters, including USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell, at the combine.   

Regardless, Jones has a big decision ahead on Pickens, just as he did last year with former Dallas DE Micah Parsons. Pickens is coming off a career year (93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 TDs, all personal bests) turns 25 on March 4 … and may be absent from the team’s offseason program as along as he’s without a long-term extension. Obviously a good fit in Dallas’ offense last season, Pickens isn’t for everyone. But his 2025 effort strongly suggested his production and potential are quickly coming into alignment.

2. C Tyler Linderbaum

Full transparency, he was ranked third in this list’s first iteration – but his age and ability may render him the richest man to emerge from this year’s free agency cycle. Baltimore Ravens GM Eric DeCosta revealed at the combine that the team had made Linderbaum “a market-setting offer.” (Creed Humphrey’s four-year, $72 million pact with the Kansas City Chiefs is currently the financial benchmark among centers.) However, DeCosta wasn’t willing to franchise his 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler because the lofty tag is based on all O-line deals, which would mean paying a center left tackle money. DeCosta is also trying to address QB Lamar Jackson’s contract − he currently carries a cap charge of $74.5 million in 2026 and ’27 – limiting the team’s financial flexibility to some degree. Now, an immediate (and likely frenzied) bidding war will doubtless commence around Linderbaum.

Best fits: Ravens, Chargers, Giants

3. DE/OLB Trey Hendrickson

After registering 35 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons, including a league-leading 17½ in the latter campaign, the 31-year-old was limited to seven games by injuries last year − that in the wake of a contentious offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. Regardless, his services should be in high demand.

Best fits: Patriots, Colts, Eagles

4. OLB/DE Jaelan Phillips

It’s hard to come by untethered edge defenders theoretically entering their prime. But Phillips, 26, could be one of the belles of the FA ball after being acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles at last year’s trade deadline. He finished the season with five sacks and 63 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats. More importantly, he appeared in 17 regular-season games for the first time since 2022 after injuries ruined his following two seasons. Strong against the pass and run, the 6-foot-5, 266-pounder should find a very robust market.

Best fits: Patriots, Eagles, Ravens

5. QB Daniel Jones^

Jones was tagged March 3 − but with a transition tag, not the franchise variety, meaning he’s especially exposed if another team swoops in with an offer the Indianapolis Colts aren’t willing to match (or get compensated for). A torn Achilles last December cut short what had been his best season statistically (238.5 passing yards per game, 100.2 QB rating) to that point. The QB trend du jour that may be forming in the NFL could be finding a reclamation project who won’t necessarily eat up a massive chunk of the salary cap − and Jones, 28, can thank Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield for their ongoing heroics. Hard to believe Indy will allow Jones to gauge his worth with the rest of the league, though … especially when his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings, could suddenly become very interested if he’s not secured soon.

Best fits: Colts, Vikings

6. OLB/DE Odafe Oweh

He has 17½ sacks and 98 pressures as a part-time starter over the past two seasons, which were split between the Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers. Heady numbers for a 27-year-old who should be ready for a bigger role … and certainly a larger paycheck.

Best fits: Titans, Chargers, Patriots

7. QB Malik Willis

He could be this year’s version of Justin Fields − a quarterback with intriguing skills but limited experience who can nevertheless capitalize financially given the high demand but low supply at his incomparably critical position. Willis, 26, has far fewer NFL reps than Fields but really impressed while filling in as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons, completing nearly 80% of his passes while throwing six TDs and zero INTs. In addition to a 134.6 passer rating, Willis can also move like a tank. Keep an eye on the Dolphins, who just plucked their new GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and coach (Jeff Hafley) from the Pack, as a potential buyer. The Cardinals, too, given new coach Mike LaFleur is the brother of Green Bay HC Matt LaFleur. Willis is another passer who didn’t pan out after he was drafted yet could be a relative bargain now if his limited sample size proves reflective of his long-term prospects.

Best fits: Dolphins, Cardinals

8. WR Alec Pierce

Similar to Rasheed Shaheed, he could be an elite No. 2 receiver in the right system. Unlike Shaheed, he doesn’t bring any special teams value. However Pierce, 25, has led the league in yards per reception each of the past two seasons (21.8 ypc over the duration) and is coming off a breakout year with 47 grabs for 1,003 yards. He should get paid nicely, especially if a prospective employer views him as more of a deep threat.

Best fits: Colts, Broncos, Titans

9. OT Rasheed Walker

He’s been a solid, if unspectacular, starter for the Packers since 2023. But serviceable, 26-year-old left tackles don’t grow on trees and tend to get paid outrageously well − maybe especially so in a year when there aren’t any blue-chip incomers in the draft.

Best fits: Browns, Bears

10. WR/KR Rashid Shaheed

The big-play ability he flashed for years with the New Orleans Saints translated beautifully − and crucially − when the Seattle Seahawks obtained him last November. Shaheed, 27, seemed like the final piece for the ‘Hawks’ championship puzzle and delivered huge catches and returns in pivotal games down the stretch and in the postseason. However it should be captivating to see what Shaheed can fetch given he’s never been a No. 1 receiver nor averaged 600 receiving yards during his four-year career. Still, his return ability − at a time when the kickoff is becoming an increasingly important component of the game − could really drive up his price tag.

Best fits: Seahawks, Raiders, Broncos

11. TE Kyle Pitts^

The No. 4 overall pick in 2021 − the highest-drafted tight end ever − Pitts, 25, never seemed to fully reach his potential with the Atlanta Falcons, which isn’t completely an indictment of him. But he was a second-team All-Pro in 2025 and did just put together his best season since he was a rookie, catching a career-high 88 passes and five TDs. Pitts could really take off in an offense that truly leverages his estimable abilities … and maybe even has the foresight to feature him in the red zone. He stands to make $15 million under the tag in 2026, though it remains to be seen if new coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense will sustain Pitts’ production.

12. RB Breece Hall^

Though the New York Jets seemingly purged much of their talent at last year’s trade deadline, they hung on to their 24-year-old back. And why not? Hall has averaged 1,260 yards from scrimmage and nearly seven TDs during his four seasons − and for a pop-gun offense. Explosive and an excellent receiver, Hall is the best runner on the market and may yet be a cornerstone for the NYJ as the lay the groundwork to welcome their next franchise QB … eventually. Hall’s 2026 tag is worth $14.3 million.

13. QB Kyler Murray**

He offered a digital goodbye on X amid reports on Marcy 3 that the Arizona Cardinals will be officially releasing the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft. An Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, Murray’s talent has never been in question. But his durability and work ethic have been at issue during his career, and his play plateaued even though former coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense was supposed to optimize Murray’s talents. Murray will be 29 when Week 1 rolls around and maybe he becomes the league’s latest successful franchise QB reclamation project if he lands in the right spot. If he doesn’t? His days as a starter could be numbered.

Best fits: Vikings, Jets, Falcons

14. S Coby Bryant

After struggling as a corner earlier in his Seattle career, he’s flourished as a safety the past two seasons − and the 26-year-old should get a nice bump given the league’s other teams always look to raid the most recent Super Bowl champions.

Best fits: Seahawks, Chargers, Ravens

15. CB Jaylen Watson

He’s big (6-2, 197), young (27), still experienced (29 starts) and playoff tested. Watson is coming off his best season but is probably a luxury for the capped-out Chiefs.

Best fits: Chiefs, Jets, Seahawks

16. LB Devin Lloyd

A first-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he blossomed into a Pro Bowler last season as the team blossomed around him. If the Jags don’t pony up to keep their 27-year-old defensive quarterback, someone will.

Best fits: Jaguars, Commanders, Jets

17. S Bryan Cook

He’s emerged as a key component of Steve Spagnuolo’s K.C. D in recent years. A steady, reliable player, Cook, 26, should be a stabilizing presence if not one who’s going to make a ton of splash plays.

Best fits: Chiefs, Raiders, Titans

18. RB Kenneth Walker III

The 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP will get a hefty raise in Seattle or elsewhere. But Walker is not the second coming of Saquon Barkley, isn’t as good an every-down player as Hall and has spent most of his career in a platoon. The guess here is that Walker won’t come close to resetting the compensation scale at a position that generally doesn’t command top dollar.

Best fits: Seahawks, Steelers, Chiefs

19. WR Jauan Jennings

A 6-3, 212-pounder, the 28-year-old caught 132 balls (15 for TDs) over the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings’ roots as a quarterback also make him quite a threat on trick plays. He’s also the proverbial dog that some locker rooms covet … and others won’t.

Best fits: Commanders, Raiders, 49ers

20. WR Mike Evans

He’ll be 33 by Week 1 and is coming off the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-5 and 231 pounds don’t fade like speed does, and a healthy Evans (he wasn’t in 2025) should be a dangerous offensive weapon, red-zone monster and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it’s for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or someone else.

Best fits: Buccaneers, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills

21. OLB/DE Khalil Mack

He just turned 35 and is coming off (perhaps) the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-3 and 269 pounds worth of power don’t fade like an agile pass rusher might, and a healthy Mack (he wasn’t in 2025) should be a dangerous defensive weapon and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it’s for the Chargers or someone else.

Best fits: Chargers, Ravens, Patriots

22. CB Nahshon Wright

Though he’s already 27, he’s hardly a finished product. He’s also a 6-4, 199-pound corner who led the NFL with eight takeaways (5 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries) after becoming a surprise starter (and surprise first-time Pro Bowler) for the Chicago Bears. The upside and production spike are going to make Wright rich.

Best fits: Bears, Seahawks, Cowboys

23. WR Romeo Doubs

He’s 25 with good size (6-2, 204) and has averaged roughly 50 receptions and 600 yards during four years with the Pack, who have widely dispersed their target share in the post-Davante Adams era. Doubs could be far more impactful as a 1A or second option elsewhere.

Best fits: Cardinals, Jets, Titans

24. QB Aaron Rodgers

Last season was his best since 2021, his most recent MVP effort. Hard to imagine the 42-year-old legend playing anywhere besides the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just hired Mike McCarthy, formerly Rodgers’ coach in Green Bay. Again, monitor the Vikings as a possible dark horse.

Best fits: Steelers, Vikings

25. QB Kirk Cousins**

Given the structure of his reworked deal, the Falcons will let him go on March 11. More than a year removed from Achilles surgery, Cousins, 37, looked more like himself last season – after replacing injured Michael Penix Jr. – than he did in 2024. He could be a valued for stopgap for several teams.

Best fits: Browns, Vikings, Jets, Falcons

26. DE/OLB Joey Bosa

He’ll be 31 this season and has a checkered injury history. But Bosa’s 2025 campaign with the Buffalo Bills was his best since 2021. He had five sacks and 43 pressures in 15 games and led the league with five forced fumbles. He’d be wise to find a home where his snaps can be maximized but limited.

Best fits: 49ers, Ravens, Bills

27. OLB/DE Boye Mafe

Despite being a rotational player in Seattle, he was still credited with 41 pressures even while playing fewer than half the defensive snaps. Only 27, he’s another who could get a Lombardi raise from an outside suitor.

28. WR Wan’dale Robinson

He may be 5-8 and 185 pounds, but the 25-year-old was targeted 140 times each of the past two years with the New York Giants − and posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Robinson isn’t a No. 1 receiver, either − doesn’t mean he won’t heavily impact his next offense.

Best fits: Jets, Giants, Titans

29. CB Jamel Dean

He was All-Pro-caliber in his seventh season, allowing just 22 completions in 14 games. And Dean is only 29.

30. G David Edwards

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Buffalo Bills may not be able to afford to keep? Then Edwards might be your guy.

31. C Connor McGovern

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Buffalo Bills may not be able to afford to keep? Then McGovern might be your guy.

32. CB Riq Woolen

He’s a 6-4, 210-pound athletic freak who will be 27 in May. He also lost the starting job he’d held for 3½ years midway through the 2025 season – though that’s at least partially due to Seattle’s embarrassing riches of talent, and Woolen remained a significant contributor. He’ll be a starter elsewhere soon … and a well-compensated one.

33. RB Travis Etienne

He rebounded from a miserable 2024 to rack up 1,399 yards from scrimmage and a career-best 13 TDs for the AFC South champion Jags. Etienne, 27, may not be an every-down back, but he’s a highly capable receiver who should always be on the field during high-leverage situations.

34. DL Dre’Mont Jones

Physically imposing at 6-3 and 281 pounds, he can be a valuable end for teams that favor 3-4 fronts. Traded to the Ravens midway through last season, the 29-year-old had his best year – actually appearing in 18 games (no bye due to the trade) and finished with seven sacks and 55 pressures, both the best of his seven-year career.

35. LB Bobby Wagner

He doesn’t play a premium position, and he’s 35 – not that you’d know it. A great leader and great guy who should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he’s done, championship-aspiring teams should be lining up to sign him.

36. TE Travis Kelce

He doesn’t play a premium position, and he’s 36 – not that you’d know it, especially after playing better in 2025 than he did the previous year. Hard to imagine Kelce plays anywhere but Kansas City, assuming he plays at all and can find a financial middle ground with the team after making more than $17 million last season.

37. CB Cor’Dale Flott

He’ll be 25 at the beginning of next season and has shown steady improvement over the past two years with the Giants – allowing just two TD passes while starting 24 of 28 games over that span.

38. CB Montaric Brown

A 26-year-old coming off a breakout season, when QBs had a 69.9 passer rating when targeting him.

39. S Kamren Curl

The kind of versatile DB any defense wants, able to play deep, in the box or in the slot. Only 26, Curl already has 86 starts split between Washington and the Los Angeles Rams.

40. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

An immensely talented player who was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2021, he can excel pretty much anywhere on the line … provided he can play. Vera-Tucker has played more than seven games twice in his career and missed all of last season with a triceps injury.

41. OLB/DE Bradley Chubb**

After missing the entire 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL, the 29-year-old had 8½ sacks and 54 pressures for Miami in 2025. The two-time Pro Bowler should be even better in 2026.

42. S Jaylinn Hawkins

He really hit his groove with the New England Patriots in 2025, his sixth year but third team, picking off four passes – doubling his career total entering the season. Other teams tend to love 28-year-olds who just played in the Super Bowl.

43. DL John Franklin-Myers

A 29-year-old who’s done a lot of the dirty work during his career, he collected a career-best 7½ sacks for the Denver Broncos in 2025. Franklin-Myers, who’s mostly played in three-man fronts, has averaged 43.2 pressures since 2020.

44. G Zion Johnson

A first-rounder in 2022, he was decidedly average for the Chargers. But a lot of teams would take decidedly average if it’s available for 1,000-plus snaps per season, as Johnson has been. Still only 26, we’ve moved him up this list given the premium on blocking – and while other players like Cincinnati G Dalton Risner re-sign early.

45. RB Tyler Allgeier

He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 … the year before Bijan Robinson arrived in Atlanta. Yet Allgeier, 25, still averaged nearly 750 yards from scrimmage and five TDs over the next three seasons in a valuable secondary role to Robinson.

46. LB Devin Bush Jr.

A first-round pick of the Steelers in 2019, the 27-year-old has come into his own the past two years in Cleveland, his third NFL team.

47. S Jalen Thompson

Only 27, he’s quietly been Budda Baker’s backline partner in crime for seven years in Arizona.

48. OT Braxton Jones

A series of injuries starting late in the 2024 season waylaid him, but he was a reliable left tackle for the Bears for the three years up to that point. Jones turns 27 next month and should have a lot of good football left in him.

49. DL Calais Campbell

Even at 39, he continues to be a phenomenal player and leader – one who remarkably hasn’t missed a game since 2022.

50. G Teven Jenkins

A second-round pick in 2021, he’s more than solid inside but can also shift out to tackle in a pinch.

51. CB Cobie Durant

The 28-year-old has allowed a 54% completion rate on passes thrown in his direction the past two years as a full-time starter for the Rams.

52. C Cade Mays

After taking over the pivot in Carolina last year, the 26-year-old could find himself enriched as the Linderbaum consolation prize somewhere.

53. LB Nakobe Dean

He’s little more than a year removed from suffering a torn patellar tendon in the 2024 playoffs and it impacted his ’25 campaign. The Eagles could get a bargain if they can get the 25-year-old, who played 10 games last season, back for at least one more year.

54. RB Rico Dowdle

He has 2,701 yards from scrimmage while splitting the last two years between Dallas and Carolina. A tough runner who’s only 27, his production really tailed off in the second half of last season after an explosive October.

55. S Kevin Byard

A three-time All-Pro, he led the league with seven INTs in 2025, and his 36 picks are the second most among active players. Byard will be 33 in August but still clearly has gas left in the tank.

56. G Ed Ingram

A second-round pick of Minnesota four years ago, Ingram just had his best season in Houston.

57. LB Leo Chenal

He’s started 44 games during his four-year career with the Chiefs, but 2025 was the first time he was on the field for more than half the snaps – and barely then (53.2%). Only 25, Chenal is an exceptional athlete who could shine given the opportunity to play more for another team – though he probably needs to factor more as a pass rusher.

58. TE Isaiah Likely

He’s 25 and extraordinarily talented. But 2025 was also his least productive season, partially derailed by a foot injury early in the year. But it was notable the Ravens chose to extend TE Mark Andrews, who’s five years older than Likely, in December.

59. DE Kwity Paye

Reliable if unspectacular, the 27-year-old has started 74 games since being a first-round pick of the Colts in 2021. Paye has 30½ career sacks, at least 40 pressures in each of the past three seasons and defends the run well enough.

60. OT Jermaine Eluemunor

A fifth-rounder in 2017, he’s been better than average during his career and has become an especially good pass blocker in recent years – starting 62 games since 2022.

61. S Jaquan Brisker

Not a lot of flash, but a 26-year-old who started in Chicago for four years can stabilize the back end of a defense.

62. DE-OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad

He’s nearly 31 but picked the right time to have a career season – registering 11 sacks and 59 pressures for the Detroit Lions in 2025, by far personal bests. TBD how much his outlier season and age will allow Muhammad to cash in.

63. G Isaac Seumalo

A decade into his career, Rodgers sung his praises last season. Seumalo, 32, won’t get Linderbaum-level money … but he likely won’t be waiting long for a new deal, either.

64. WR Deebo Samuel

He’s a big name. He’s also 30, isn’t a polished receiver and has averaged fewer than 900 yards from scrimmage over the past four years in what’s largely a play-making role. He has handled kickoffs the past two years, a factor that boosts his value.

65. RB Rachaad White

He had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage for the Bucs in 2023 but was overtaken on the depth chart by Bucky Irving in 2024. But White, 27, who’s also averaged more than 50 receptions during his four-year career, should find a significant role elsewhere.

66. TE Dallas Goedert

He’s 31 but also coming off one of his best seasons, his 11 TDs and 60 catches in 2025 both career highs. Blocking isn’t the longtime Eagle’s forte … the “Tush Push” notwithstanding.

67. NT Khyiris Tonga

Tough to find 6-2, 335-pounders who eat space and stress pockets. Tonga, 29, did it well for New England in 2025, playing a career-high 322 snaps.

68. S Alohi Gilman

Traded for Oweh last October, Gilman did a nice job in Baltimore – his ability to line up just about anywhere making him a nice complement to Kyle Hamilton.

69. CB Alontae Taylor

He’s not a shutdown guy. He is 27, largely lives in the slot and is extremely durable.

70. DL Logan Hall

A 6-6, 283-pounder who was a second-round pick of the Bucs in 2022, he can eat up a lot of snaps and should be able to do so in even or odd fronts.

71. WR Jalen Nailor

His numbers would probably be much more impressive had he not been stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Still, Nailor, 26, had 47 first downs and 10 TDs over the past two seasons and has averaged 15.4 yards per catch during his four-year career.

72. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney

Something of a mercenary at age 33, the No. 1 pick of the 2014 draft had 8½ sacks and 38 pressures for the Cowboys last season despite playing about half of his typical snap count. He can also still set a nice edge.

73. RB J.K. Dobbins

Durability has always been the issue, and a foot injury limited him to 10 games in Denver last season. Yet Dobbins, 27, was averaging a career-best 77.2 rushing yards per game before going down.

74. DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He’s 28, versatile and knows how to get underneath an opponent’s skin … though that’s also sometimes true of his own teams, too.

75. G Kevin Zeitler

He’ll be 36 next month. Otherwise? Still plug and play – at a very high level.

76. CB Josh Jobe

He doesn’t have Woolen’s physical gifts, but Jobe emerged as a consistent starter on Seattle’s defense – yet probably won’t command nearly as much as dough as his (in all likelihood) soon-to-be former teammate.

77. OLB/DE K’Lavon Chaisson

He finally showed why he was a first-round pick six years ago, providing 7½ sacks and 52 pressures – both career highs – during his first season with the Patriots. The 6-3, 255-pounder has to be in the right system but should have plenty of time to flourish in an ideal environment given he’s only 26.

78. OLB Arden Key

A slightly older, slightly slighter version of Chaisson, Key does own 27½ sacks and more than 200 pressures since 2021.

79. CB Rasul Douglas

He bounced back nicely after a rough 2024 campaign in Buffalo. A big (6-2, 209) corner with 21 career picks shouldn’t be unemployed for long, even at 30.

80. RB Kenneth Gainwell

He was the Steelers’ MVP last season, when he had a career-high 187 touches and career-best 1,023 yards from scrimmage – along with a personal best eight TDs. Soon to be 27, Gainwell could be a perfect addition for an offense that favors a running back by committee approach.

81. TE David Njoku

He’s still a physical marvel at 29, good for around 50 grabs, 600 yards and a handful of TDs annually. And unlike a lot of tight ends nowadays, he’s also effective in-line as a blocker.

82. TE Cade Otton

He averaged 59 catches and nearly 600 yards over the past two seasons in Tampa. Decent blocker.

83. DT DJ Reader

Even at 31, the 6-3, 330-pounder can still crush a pocket – especially if his snaps are used judiciously.

84. WR Brandon Aiyuk**

He was a 1,300-yard receiver in 2023. He tore up his knee in 2024. He didn’t play in 2025 and basically ghosted the 49ers, leading the team to void $27 million of Aiyuk’s guaranteed money. His talent and behavior will make for quite the cost-benefit analysis for potentially interested teams.

85. OT Braden Smith

He’s started 105 games in eight seasons for the Colts but has missed 16 over the past three seasons and has battled a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

86. OLB/DE Arnold Ebiketie

He’s 27 and has shown the ability to get to the quarterback (130 total pressures) during his four-year career. But he hasn’t proven he can be any more than rotational defender with only 12 starts to his credit.

87. CB Eric Stokes

A first-rounder of the Packers in 2021, he played for the Las Vegas Raiders last year and had his best season since he was a rookie.

88. TE Chig Okonkwo

An oversized receiver at 6-3 and 238 pounds, maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise he doesn’t block much. But Okonkwo, 26, had his best season in 2025 with 56 receptions for 560 yards.

89. WR Keenan Allen

He’ll be 34 in April but still moves the sticks, 49 of his 81 catches for the Chargers going for first downs last season.

90. LB Alex Singleton

He’s 32 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past six years and can quarterback a defense.

91. LB Alex Anzalone

He’s 31 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past four years and can quarterback a defense.

92. OLB Von Miller

He’s about to turn 37, yet he’s transitioned into a highly effective situational pass rush specialist – the former Super Bowl MVP racking up 15 sacks and 67 pressures over the last two years, that despite starting just three games.

93. WR Marquise Brown

He’s only caught more than 70 passes once during his seven-year career, but his speed remains a force multiplier.

94. DE/OLB Cameron Jordan

His 10½ sacks in 2025 were his most in four years. Hard to imagine the 36-year-old playing a 16th season anywhere but New Orleans, but he seems to have more to give.

95. RB Brian Robinson

His touches were down while backing up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, but the 26-year-old Robinson still has plenty of tread on the tires and should be a nice addition to a rotation somewhere.

96. DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

A 6-4, 310-pound veteran who’s played effectively for a variety of teams and in a variety of systems, he’ll get scooped up given where he plays.

97. LB Demario Davis

Now 37, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but New Orleans’.

98. LB Lavonte David

Now 36, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but Tampa Bay’s.

99. K Eddy Piñeiro

Someone’s going to throw a chunk of change at a guy who drilled a league-best 96.6% of his field goals in 2025 (for San Francisco). Right?

100. WR Tyreek Hill*

The NFL’s annual game of tag has come to an end – and four guys are it.

The league’s deadline to apply franchise and transition tags, mechanisms designed to reward pending free agents while simultaneously hindering their ability to test the market, expired March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Aside from New York Jets RB Breece Hall, Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones, Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens and Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, every other NFL player on an expiring contract is now free to test the free agent market – its negotiating window set to open March 9 (new deals can be signed March 11).

As for those who got tagged? Some will win, some will lose, some are born to sing the blues:

WINNERS

Daniel Jones

The Colts’ QB1 – at least until he ruptured his Achilles last December – received the transition tag Tuesday, the first quarterback to get one since 1996. And while it stands to reason Indy will find a way to keep a guy who had a career year in 2025, despite the injury, and had revitalized the club to that point, this development is also pretty good news for Jones. The tag ensures he will make $37.8 million in 2026 … if he plays on it. But given the Colts wouldn’t receive any compensation if another club tries to pry Jones away – little reason for other teams not to consider offer sheets that would only escalate his price point in a year when QBs should be in high demand.

Alec Pierce

Jones’ primary deep threat in Indy, Pierce avoided a tag altogether after the Colts were compelled to use it on the quarterback. A second-round pick in 2022, Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch each of the past two seasons and is coming off his first 1,000-yard receiving campaign. Decent chance he re-signs … better chance he takes the opportunity to fully explore his market first given he could make north of $20 million annually.

Trey Hendrickson

Worth wondering if he likes George Michael’s music – if so, Hendrickson surely has “Freedom” blasting in the aftermath of his financial battles with the Cincinnati Bengals in recent years. Despite being injured and missing 10 games in 2025, the 35 total sacks he collected over the previous two seasons should still earn him a massive contract.

Tyler Linderbaum

Despite fielding what Ravens GM Eric DeCosta deemed “a market-setting offer,” the three-time Pro Bowl center is set to go free – if only temporarily – and gauge what could be the most lucrative market anyone explores this offseason, and almost certainly so among non-QBs.

Breece Hall

He stands to make $14.3 million on the tag − nearly $4 million more than he’s earned during the entirety of his four-year Jets career to date. Even better, Hall can sit back and watch peers like free agent Kenneth Walker III get paid − while superstar backs such as Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are positioned for massive extensions of their own. What does it mean? The longer Hall waits to sign his own multi-year pact, the more his price tag should rise.

Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl MVP was not tagged by the Seattle Seahawks. He’ll get (financially) bagged quite handsomely, likely by another team. If he moves on, Walker would become the fourth Super Bowl MVP to switch clubs in the subsequent season.

George Pickens

He’s guaranteed $27.3 million in 2026 if he plays on the tag!

LOSERS

George Pickens

If he plays on the tag, that presumably means a lengthy, failed negotiation with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones … and very likely an unhappy player expected to skip most, if not all, of the offseason.

Kenneth Walker III

Hard to believe the grass will be a brighter shade of Action Green (one of Seattle’s official colors) wherever he might head next – assuming he does. Also, much harder to believe he’ll be playing for another Super Bowl MVP next season in a different uniform.

Breece Hall

He obviously wasn’t thrilled to see high-profile former teammates Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams leave the Jets at last year’s trade deadline – when it seemed Hall might also get liberated. But remaining hitched to, arguably, the league’s worst outfit maybe isn’t so bad – even if Hall isn’t guaranteed Saquon Barkley-level lettuce. Maybe Hall even becomes a foundational piece of a much-improved roster if the NYJ can successfully convert all of their draft and cap capital over the next few years. If. At least Hall managed to keep any emotions out of his thumbs Tuesday.

Baltimore Ravens

Offensive line was a serious issue in Charm City last year, but now the team stands to lose Linderbaum, arguably QB Lamar Jackson’s most reliable bodyguard. But given tag values are formulated by the top-paid blockers, DeCosta couldn’t well franchise Linderbaum and effectively grant him left tackle-caliber compensation.

Kyle Pitts

Barring an extension, he’s assured of making $15 million next season. It’s a good chunk of change, but Pitts will have to hope new Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski – and he likes to deploy multiple tight ends – figures out how to optimize his estimable abilities. David Njoku was something of a Pitts-adjacent player in terms of ability but only had one season with Pitts-adjacent numbers in six years under Stefanski in Cleveland.

Indianapolis Colts

By failing to get extensions done with Jones and Pierce, they’ll be lucky to pay top dollar in order to retain both − and that will make it more challenging to import another stud, say Hendrickson. And, don’t forget, GM Chris Ballard has no first-round pick this year after obtaining Gardner.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — It may have been a mere spring-training game, one that will be forgotten by morning with statistics that will never appear on the back of bubble-gum cards, but don’t try telling that to defending National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.

This is a game he’ll never forget.

Skenes stood on the field Tuesday, standing at full attention during the national anthem, staring at the American flag on the scoreboard, watching and listening to the military fly-over, and trying to keep his emotions in check.

Here he was, less than four years from leaving the Air Force Academy, where he planned to be a pilot serving his country, pitching for Team USA, with his parents driving over from Southern California to see him in action.

“I was going in treating it as a spring training game a little bit,’’ Skenes said, “but it’s tough when you wear a USA across your chest. It means more.’’

Skenes was still in full uniform when he spoke on the field after the game — one of two exhibitions for Team USA before they depart to Houston for the World Baseball Classic — still not ready to take it off.

Skenes and the rest of his teammates say they still were pumped up after listening to 23-time gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps address them at their private team dinner Monday at the Global Ambassador. He dominated the San Francisco Giants in USA’s 15-1 rout Tuesday, giving up just one hit and one run while striking out four batters at Scottsdale Stadium.

He showed off his dominance while facing Giants All-Star shortstop Willy Adames for his final hitter. Adames, who doubled off Skenes on a slider to lead off the first inning, saw nothing but fastballs. Skenes blew 98-mph fastballs past him, with Adames swinging and missing on a 98.5-mph pitch for the third strike.

It was vintage Skenes, who was so efficient during his 40-pitch outing that he went back to the bullpen for more work. He will start Game 3 against Mexico on March 9 at Daikin Park in Houston, and then, providing the USA advances, will start in its semifinal game.

“Winning gold is the biggest thing,” Skenes said. “Whichever game I’m pitching in, it doesn’t really matter. Just want to win gold.”

It was the message that Phelps, who sat on the bench Tuesday wearing a USA uniform, sent to the team at its team dinner. He reminded the team that he won 28 medals, but 23 of those are the ones that mean everything to him. Those are the gold medals.

“He pretty much said there’s noting better than winning gold for USA,’’ Skenes said. “It’s a brotherhood, you know, a fraternity of men and women, who compete for our country and won the gold.’’

That fraternity was on full display when every single player on Team USA not only stayed for the entire game, but remained in uniform. Even the pitchers who didn’t pitch in the game stayed in uniform. No one rushed out to beat the traffic. No one dressed early to hang out in popular Old Town Scottsdale. Everyone stayed for the duration of the 3-hour, 5-minute game, even with the game lasting 10 innings simply for USA reliever Gabe Speier to get in some work.

“I turned to Judgey (Aaron Judge) and I turned to all of the coaches and said this has got a different feel than (2023),’’ said USA manager Mark DeRosa, whose team won the silver medal in the last WBC. “It just did. Not a single guy left.

“It’s impressive, it speaks to the testament of guys wanting to be here, and the character of them. … You’re looking down the line, and you see Alex Bregman talking to Roman Anthony. You’re seeing (Tarik) Skubal and Skenes (standing) top step. You’re seeing Judge and (Cal) Raleigh talk.

“I mean, that’s what everybody wanted to create, an environment where these guys didn’t want to leave.’’

Said Bregman, who homered: “I feel like there’s a certain excitement that you could feel the minute that you walk into the clubhouse. The focus level is at an all-time high.’’

Still, as much as Tuesday’s exhibition game meant to Team USA on its quest for a gold medal, it was moving, and even emotional for reliever Griffin Jax and Skenes. Jax graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. Skenes went to the Academy for two years before transferring to LSU, but still wants to serve his country after his playing career ends.

“That’s why I wanted to serve, why I went to the Air Force Academy,’’ said Skenes, who wanted to be an F-16 pilot, and had two uncles who served in the Navy and one in the Coast Guard. “Those folks don’t get the recognition they deserve.’’

DeRosa couldn’t even get through his prepared speech to recruit Skenes to play in the WBC when Skenes told him to stop. There was no need.

“I had this big pitch laid out there,’’ DeRosa said. “He’s changed the game. But he was like, ‘I want to do this for every serviceman and woman that protects our freedom.

“At the end of the day, that’s all that needs to be said. There’s something very special about representing your country. …. I mean, they gave their life to kind of live in that process.’’

It was no different with Jax. He let his agent know during the summer that he badly wanted to play in the WBC, and spread the word. DeRosa finally called him, started a casual conversation, and Jax cut him off.

“He started the conversation slow and steady,’’ Jax said. “And I was like, ‘Just give it to me. Just say it. I need to hear it. OK?”

So there they were together Tuesday, pitching on the same team, in the same game, for the first time in their lives on a day that will be cherished in Air Force Academy lore.

“Today was just awesome,’’ said Jax, who’s on the Tampa Bay Rays staff. “It was the most amount of juice I’ve had in a long time. Just walking into the clubhouse, putting the uniform on with all of these guys, is different.’’

Their teammates also could sense the emotions by Skenes and Jax, knowing what this means to them, as two men who signed up with the Air Force Academy to serve their country, and are the only active players with military experience.

Who can blame the entire team for feeling patriotic during the national anthem and military fly-over with two former Academy cadets on their pitching staff?

“That was awesome,’’ USA first baseman Bryce Harper said. “I grew up right next to Nellis Air Force Base (in Las Vegas). So I always saw the bombers flying over, and the stealth jets, and everything else. It was a really cool experience. I saw the Blue Angels flying around there and doing that kind of stuff. We’d hear it like 6, 7 in the morning, and the bombers would fly over and be loud as crap.

“You know you represent something way bigger than yourself. You’re fighting and playing for the people that made this available to us, for our freedom and everything else. So, we owe a lot to the military and the service to what they’ve done for us.’’

And, yes, by the time the WBC is over, everyone on Team USA will know the stories of Jax and Skenes at the Air Force Academy, the sacrifices they made, and the commitment of still serving their country. Jax is a captain in the United States Air Force reserves and Skenes vows to serve in some capacity, even if it’s a coach at the Academy, when his baseball career ends.

“Just hearing the pride they have for this country and to be able to wear this uniform and have the flag on their arm,’’ Judge said, “it’s pretty cool. Really cool.’’

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The NBA player who had the league’s second-longest active games played streak saw that spell snapped over the weirdest reason.

San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes had played in 364 consecutive games, trailing only New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges’ longest active streak of 616 games. But on Tuesday, March 3, ahead of San Antonio’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson revealed that Barnes was a late addition to the injury report.

Per Johnson, Barnes woke up from a pregame nap with a sore left ankle.

“He’s with the medical staff now,” Johnson told reporters prior to the game. “Hoping it’s nothing serious, but I don’t have much information.”

Barnes was initially listed as questionable, though he would go on to miss the game to snap his streak. The Spurs dominated Philadelphia, winning by 40 points, 131-91. Eight different Spurs scored double figures and all but one of the 13 players who appeared in the game scored a point.

This marked the first time since Dec. 4, 2021 that Barnes missed a game, when he was a member of the Sacramento Kings.

All aboard the quarterback carousel.

It might not be a good year to need a game-changer at the most important position in sports, but it’s not a bad year for the veteran quarterback market. Plenty of proven names are set to hit the open market following trades or releases with their former clubs, opening the door for some new looks in 2026.

Kyler Murray is one who is now atop that list after the Cardinals informed the seven-year veteran they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.

There should be no shortage of suitors for the quarterback, who has proven to be a solid dual-threat option in the league, despite making just one playoff appearance with the Cardinals. If he lands in the right situation, that could make all the difference for Murray and the team that secures his services.

Here’s a look at some of the top landing spots for Murray in free agency.

Where will Kyler Murray land?

Minnesota Vikings

If win-now is what Murray wants to do, win-now is what he could do with the Vikings. They are a roster built for success right now and the quarterback change from Sam Darnold to J.J. McCarthy proved to be the difference in 2025. Darnold won’t be walking through that door, but perhaps Murray could be the change that Minnesota needs.

The Vikings are loaded with talent on offense, which would give Murray the best supporting cast of his career. His dual-threat ability can open up Kevin O’Connell’s offense in a way that it hasn’t been. If they get a motivated Murray, Minnesota could quickly right the wrong and become a contender in the NFC North again.

New York Jets

The Jets would be wise to leave no stone unturned this offseason when it comes to the quarterback spot. They can try the draft, reclamation projects, veteran, change of scenery and more. Murray might be the most talented of the bunch, but New York is a team that can capitalize on a better quarterback class in the 2027 NFL Draft, if they are willing to wait that long.

However, the biggest factor standing in the way of Murray heading to the Jets is the new offensive coordinator – Frank Reich. The OC has typically fared well with taller, more prototypical quarterback builds rather than those of smaller frames. If Reich has learned from his experience with Bryce Young in Carolina, there are certainly worse ideas for the quarterback-starved franchise.

Miami Dolphins

Out with the old, in with the new. There is a changing of the guard taking place in South Beach this offseason as the Dolphins look to move on from Tua Tagovailoa. Like Murray, both of these players check in as change-of-scenery candidates. Since Tagovailoa’s departure will cost Miami a ton, regardless of the release designation, Murray could slide in as a talented quarterback who shouldn’t cost too much.

In many ways, it would be the best of both worlds for player and franchise. If the experiment works out, the 28-year-old could find a long-term home in the Sunshine State.

Cleveland Browns

Much like the Jets, the Browns are starved for a quarterback who can win football games. If Murray can do that, he is automatically on the list. The Browns already have Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel on the roster going into the offseason, but none of them are tied to the new head coach, Todd Monken. The coach already admitted that he won’t name a starter at this stage, that the players will decide with their on-field performance.

Monken, who was the offensive coordinator for Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens, has experience working with a mobile quarterback and getting the best out of him. Since Cleveland isn’t in a spot to draft a franchise quarterback, taking a flier on Murray might be the next best thing.

Atlanta Falcons

Is Kevin Stefanski married to the idea of Michael Penix Jr. as his starting quarterback for 2026? You wouldn’t know if he was after the coach declined to name Penix as the starter. With Kirk Cousins set to be released, it begs the question – who else would be the starter for Atlanta? Could it be Murray?

Penix’s injury history is a key concern for the Falcons going forward after his 2025 season was cut short with a torn ACL. While the team invested a high draft pick in the quarterback, Stefanski isn’t the one who made the selection. He could easily pivot to someone like Murray, who would step into an offense with plenty of talent to work with. As far as landing spots go, this has to be one of the more intriguing, under-the-radar options to monitor in the coming weeks.