2023 NFL free agency: Best team fits for top 50 available players
ESPN PLUS $ MATERIALNFL free agency officially opens on March 15, two days after the negotiation window begins. We'll see new deals for many talented playmakers around the league, including a handful of high-end quarterbacks. But which teams make the most sense for each of the top players set to be available?
We looked at some of the best fits for the top 50 free agents primed to be available in March, based off my updated ranking from January. Keep in mind that a handful of these players won't reach free agency, either signing a new deal before the period begins or getting franchise-tagged before the March 7 deadline. And we also have to make note of shifting salary cap landscapes as teams continue to cut players and restructure contracts ahead of free agency to create cap room. For some of these fits to work, front offices might have to get a little creative.
Who can help fill a team's biggest need? Who makes sense in a particular team's offensive or defensive scheme? And who is best set up to stay put? Here is each player's ideal team fit for this offseason.
1. Lamar Jackson, QB
Best team fit: Baltimore RavensWith new offensive coordinator Todd Monken in Baltimore, the Ravens can build a system around Jackson's dynamic traits at the position -- one that features QB run-game elements, play-action and a detailed dropback route tree to scheme against opposing coverages. The franchise tag should be a starting point to securing Jackson on a multiyear contract after Jackson totaled 2,242 passing yards and 742 rushing yards before missing the final six games of the 2022 season with a knee injury.
2. Orlando Brown Jr., OT
Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs
Brown is a massive performer in the run game and uses his 6-foot-8, 340-pound frame to compensate for average foot and body quickness in pass pro. I think he stays in Kansas City as a key part of an upper-tier Chiefs offensive front. In 2022, Brown registered a pass block win rate of 91.8% when blocking for Patrick Mahomes at the left tackle position. Look for the Chiefs to perhaps use the franchise tag on Brown as they work toward a multiyear contract.
3. Javon Hargrave, DT
Best team fit: Seattle SeahawksCoach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks can upgrade the defensive front with Hargrave, adding a disruptive tackle with pass-rush juice. This past season, Hargrave notched 11 sacks and 37 tackles, and his pass rush win rate of 17.2% when lined up on the interior ranked third overall in the NFL. And Seattle's 33.5% pass rush win rate was No. 28 last season. Hargrave is slippery off the ball with the upfield burst to attack the pocket, and he can hold a gap in the run game, too.
4. Daron Payne, DT
Best team fit: Washington CommandersMultiple teams would be in the mix for Payne if he makes it to free agency given his great tape and pass rush production in 2022, but I see the Commanders using the franchise tag or signing the defensive tackle to a long-term deal. A big, powerful mover at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Payne has the foot quickness and lower-body agility to create disruption. I think he stays in Washington to secure one of the league's best defensive fronts.
5. Geno Smith, QB
Best team fit: Seattle SeahawksSmith posted career numbers in Seattle this past season, throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdown passes, with a league-leading 69.8 completion percentage. So let's run it back. It's also an easy fit for Smith in Shane Waldron's offense, where the Seahawks can mix play-action, boot concepts and the dropback game, utilizing Smith's top targets in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. The veteran quarterback sees it fast from the pocket and is very efficient with the football, and I anticipate a three-year deal for Smith here.