NFL 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 Ravens
With 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.
