Ranking the top 2023 NFL free agents, with predictions on which will be re-signed

Former NFL safety Matt Bowen is a veteran of four teams over seven seasons, and now provides analysis for ESPN Insider.

We’re through 10 weeks of the NFL season and teams will soon start thinking about their 2023 offseason plans. Of course, part of that is their approach to free agency, with the negotiation period set to begin on March 13. Who should each franchise try to re-sign, and who will ultimately walk?

NFL analyst Matt Bowen looked at the current group of players primed to hit unrestricted free agency — due to expiring contracts or deals in line to void — and ranked the top 25 who might end up available, starting with one of the top quarterbacks in the game in Lamar Jackson. Five passers make the list, along with multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball. Factors in the ranking include age, positional value (QBs get a boost), expected future production and scheme versatility.

We’re still a long way from the actual free agency period, though, and a lot can change. Bradley Chubb, who would have been high on this list, just signed an extension with Miami after being dealt to the Dolphins at the trade deadline. He won’t be alone — many of the players listed below will re-sign with their current franchises before March. So NFL analyst and former general manager Mike Tannenbaum predicted which ranked players will be re-signed or franchise tagged by their 2022 team and which ones will be allowed to test the open market. Let’s jump in, starting with Jackson.

1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

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