Ranking the top 5 NFL free agents heading into offseason

The NFL offseason officially means the free agency period is right around the corner and there is a hot market this year. Several teams lost a franchise quarterback this season, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We could end up seeing players like Andrew Whitworth, Aaron Donald, DeSean Jackson and Josh Norman announce their retirement as well in the near future. As NFL teams start to get clarity on their top needs in the offseason, here are the top five pending free agents this year.

#1 - WR Davante Adams is the best NFL free agent

Davante Adams is the clear-cut best player who is about to hit the market. He wants to be the highest-paid player in the league and deserves every penny of it. With the franchise tag coming in at around $20 million for Adams this year, the Packers may not elect to retain their star receiver. A variety of teams will be seeking to drop the bank on Adams, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears. Any team able to hand out a $100 million check will be in the running for Adams.

2021 Stats

• 123 catches
• 1,553 receiving yards
• 11 touchdowns
• Pro Bowl
• 1st-Team All-Pro

#2 - Terron Armstead will get paid elsewhere in 2022

Divisional Round - Philadelphia Eagles v New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints were without tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk for a portion of the season due to injury. The Saints have already locked Ramczyk into a long-term deal, and there are bigger roster needs than signing Armstead, and that's without taking anything away from one of the best tackles in the NFL. Armstead is more of a pass-blocker who can hold his own in the run game. A team with a young quarterback, like Chicago or even Pittsburgh, could be after Armstead this offseason.

2021 Stats

• 8 games
• 468 snaps played
• 1 sack allowed

#3 - Chris Godwin is the best secondary receiver in the NFL

New York Giants v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin was tagged by the Buccaneers last year but they were unable to agree to a deal. It's unlikely the Bucs will tag him again, and he is better off hitting the market for a big payday without Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. He's rehabbing an ACL tear from late in the season but is expected to be ready for 2022. He has some flaws with drops and against press-man that make him a true No. 2 rather than a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. Teams like the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders have a top receiver on the roster but little depth. For $70 million, they could get a bonafide starter in Godwin.

2021 Stats

• 14 games
• 98 catches
• 1,103 receiving yards
• 5 touchdowns

#4 - Chandler Jones is still an elite pass-rusher at his age

Seattle Seahawks v Arizona Cardinals

After missing most of the 2020 season with a bicep injury, Chandler Jones bounced back with five sacks in Week 1 this year. He posted his first season with over 10 sacks since 2019 and was one of the highlights for the Arizona Cardinals' defense. Despite losing a step in his speed at the age of 31, Jones is effective in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive front. Injuries may be an issue again in 2022, but he's too good of an all-around defender to not have on your team. Jones could end up finishing his NFL career with the Denver Broncos or the Los Angeles Chargers.

2021 Stats

• Pro Bowl
• 15 games
• 41 total tackles
• 10.5 sacks
• 12 TLF
• 6 forced fumbles

#5 - Allen Robinson desperately needs a change of scenary in NFL

Dallas Cowboys v Chicago Bears

You could put Von Miller or Mike Williams on this list, but Allen Robinson is a very interesting free agent this year. After Justin Fields was drafted to the Bears, many thought Robinson would be his top target and start to revive his career. Instead, he earned the worst grade from PFF in his career and his potential is now murky in the NFL. Robinson isn't the fastest, but his strength comes from breaking free of coverage with his agility. He won't get back on the radar in Chicago, but he could find new life with the Philadelphia Eagles or the Indianapolis Colts.

2021 Stats

• 12 games
• 38 catches
• 410 yards
• 1 touchdown