With the offseason fast approaching teams are running out of time to sign their top players in the final years of their contracts. While many of these guys have the potential to be franchise tagged, we can’t just assume that is the case. This is a list of the top potential free agents going into this offseason.

HB Ezekiel Elliott (99 ovr)

It’s surprising that the Cowboys didn’t get a long term deal done this season with one of the best RBs in the game. It’s likely that they didn’t want to pay the inflated price tag that the super contracts given out to Leveon Bell and Todd Gurley have caused. Although this will still be reflected in a franchise tag, we fully expect the Cowboys to franchise tag Zeke and continue longterm contract negotiations into next season.

QB Tom Brady (98 ovr)

This one is a bit of a formality. Yes, Tom Brady is due to be a free agent. Yes, the Patriots betrayed Tom and sat him this year to start a rookie, signaling they are moving on with the franchise. While Tom can certainly still play, he does turn 43 this year. There are those that say Tom is the kind of guy that will want to punish the Patriots by going to a conference rival and tearing the league up again, but I just don’t see it. Although they moved on from Tom in the worst possible way, I think his heart will always belong to New England. Tom Brady will likely retire a Patriot after this season. Nevertheless, keep your eyes on him, because if he decides to continue playing he’s going to make a team an immediate contender next year.

FS Keanu Neal (93 ovr)

Neal is one of the youngest and most intimidating defenders in the NFL. He hits like a train and has coverage skills that rival some of the best CBs in the league. He would be a huge asset to any team in the league. And unlike some other top talents on this list there’s a decent chance he really hits the FA market as the Falcons will be in a bit of cap trouble for next season. That said, they will do everything in their power to try to clear cap space for this intimidating defender. But he’s not the only Falcons stud that they need to worry about resigning.

RE Chris Jones (93 ovr)

Chris Jones is a best on the line. Not only can he shut down the run, but he can rush the passer too, having 44 sacks in his first 4 seasons in the league as an interior Dlinemen. The Chiefs are currently in a bit of cap trouble at the moment so it will be interesting to see if they’re able to clear enough cap space for one of the best young big guys in the game. If not, he’ll have plenty of interest in the open market.

LE Brandon Graham (93 ovr)

Another beast on the Dline, this guy is a little more aged than Jones. At 32, Graham is still a top talent in the league and has been a huge part of the Eagles defense for many years. That said, with the Eagles cap situation, it’s very possible they decide to move on from the 32 year old. He’ll still get plenty of interest despite his age though, as he’s recorded double digit sacks every season for the past 3 seasons, and had an amazing 25 sack outing in the 2017 season.

WR Michael Thomas (92 ovr)

Michael Thomas had a pretty down year this year, hauling in only 2 touchdown passes and having less than 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since he entered the league. A lot of this has to do with having a rookie at QB this season though. The Saints do have quite a bit of cap room, but also have some young defenders they’d like to get locked up as well, so it wouldn’t be surprising if one of their many potential free agents hits the market. Doubtful it will be Thomas though.

FS Kevin Byard (91 ovr)

Another great young safety with the possibility to be on the market. The Titans certainly have the cap room to retain Byard, but they also have quite a few contributors in the secondary that are due for a contract, along with a couple other key players. We expect Byard to be on the Titans next season, but don’t be surprised if they do in fact have other plans in mind.

LT Marshal Yanda (91 ovr)

Yanda made the switch to LT a few short years ago and has held up well. But now, at 35 and with the Ravens backed up against the cap, it’s likely his days in Baltimore are over. At his age he could certainly retire, but he’s remained relatively healthy the past few years. We expect him to suit up for at least another season. Expect him to look to sign for a LT needy team for one last shot at a second Super Bowl ring.

LG Rodney Hudson (91 ovr)

Another OL on the list, Hudson has the versatility to play anywhere inside. Redskins don’t have much room in terms of cap space so it’s definitely a possibility they move on from Hudson. at 31 years old, he’ll have more longterm appeal in free agency in comparison to Yanda.

RE Anthony Zettel (89 ovr)

Zettel has been a bit inconsistent since entering the league 4 years ago. He had a phenomenal sophomore season with 21.5 sacks, following up with a middle of the road third season with 7.5 sacks. This year he returned to form with 16 sacks. At 28, he’s in his prime and could be a difference maker for any team that needs a pass rusher. The Lions have minimal cap space to work with, but they’ll do everything in there power to clear space to resign Zettel.

OLB De’Vondre Campbell (88 ovr)

Campbell has been a phenomenal draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons and has been a part of a dominating trio with Vic Beasley and Deion Jones. It’s crazy to think a 27 year old with this kind of talent would hit the open market, but there’s a real possibility of that this offseason. The Falcons still have to resign FS Neal and they don’t even have the current cap space to do that. With them giving Jones and Beasley long term contracts within the past 2 seasons, it’s hard to see them having planned to keep Campbell on the roster. There will be a ton of interest in this young LB when free agency opens.