10 Underrated 2026 NFL Free Agents Ready to Cash In Big This Offseason
By Jason Bolton January 09, 2026 05:59
The 2026 NFL free agent class lacks the blockbuster headliners of recent years no Aaron Donald-level icons or generational quarterbacks but it's loaded with young, ascending talents poised for massive paydays. Many have flown under the radar, overshadowed by bigger names on their teams or in the headlines. As teams scour the market starting in March, these underrated players could cash in big, potentially landing multi-year deals worth $15-25 million annually or more. Here's a look at 10 standouts ready to explode their value this offseason, based on production, age, positional scarcity, and market trends.
1. Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts The former second-round pick has quietly become one of the league's most reliable deep threats. In 2025, Pierce posted career highs with over 900 receiving yards and a top-10 mark in yards per reception (around 16.5), thriving as a vertical specialist despite inconsistent QB play. At 26, he's entering his prime with elite size (6-3, 211) and contested-catch ability. Analysts like PFF highlight him as an underrated gem, projecting a deal in the $15-20 million AAV range similar to recent comps like Gabe Davis or Curtis Samuel. "Pierce is the kind of WR2/3 who can become a WR1 in the right system," one NFC scout noted. Expect teams like the Chiefs or Bengals to bid aggressively.
2. Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs Often lost in the shadow of Trent McDuffie and the Chiefs' star-studded defense, Watson has emerged as a lockdown perimeter corner. The 2022 seventh-round steal graded elite in coverage in 2025, allowing under 50% completion rate on targets and forcing multiple turnovers. Ranked No. 8 on Bleacher Report's big board and No. 18 by The Ringer, the 27-year-old's ball skills and physicality make him a premium fit for zone-heavy schemes. Safeties and corners dominated recent markets think Kerby Joseph at $21.5M AAV so Watson could command $12-18 million per year. "He's underrated nationally because he's not one of the superstar names on the Chiefs," SI.com observed.
3. Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dean delivered a breakout 2025, grading as PFF's top overall and cover corner with elite man-coverage metrics and low yards allowed per snap. At 29, he's in his athletic prime, blending length (6-2) and speed. PFF calls him "elite," projecting a big contract as teams chase proven DBs in a pass-heavy league. Comparable deals for corners like Jaire Alexander suggest $18-22 million AAV. His resurgence could make him one of the offseason's surprise winners.
4. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars The 2022 first-rounder finally lived up to the hype in his contract year, racking up 100+ tackles, multiple interceptions (including a pick-six), and strong run defense. Versatile in coverage and blitzing, the 27-year-old fits modern linebacker needs. Bleacher Report ranks him high, with projections for $12-15 million AAV in a market where LBs remain undervalued but playmakers get paid.
5. Jermaine Eluemunor, RT, New York Giants A model of consistency, Eluemunor ranks among the top pass-blocking tackles over the last two seasons (14th in pressure rate allowed per PFF). The 31-year-old veteran provides plug-and-play stability for QB-needy teams. ESPN notes his value in a thin RT market expect $12-16 million AAV, perhaps from contenders like the Chargers or Vikings.
6. Kaden Elliss, LB, Atlanta Falcons Elliss has been a tackling machine and coverage asset, posting high tackle totals with solid PFF grades. At 30, he's a reliable three-down 'backer who excels in zone. PFF lists him among underrated names, with potential for $10-14 million AAV as teams seek athletic LBs.
7. Isaac Seumalo, G, Pittsburgh Steelers The veteran guard brings experience and high pass-pro grades, anchoring the interior. PFF praises his consistency ideal for teams rebuilding lines. At 30, he could land $10-13 million AAV in a guard market that rewards reliability.
8. Bryan Cook, S, Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs safety has flashed elite range and ball skills in 2025. Ranked No. 40 by The Ringer, the young DB could benefit from the inflated safety market (recent deals $13-21M AAV). Projections hover around $11-15 million.
9. Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers Walker rebounded strongly after his fifth-year option decline, posting career-high tackles, TFLs, and coverage stats. The 2022 first-rounder offers sideline-to-sideline speed perfect for $12+ million AAV.
10. Jermaine Eluemunor (bonus mention for versatility) — Wait, already covered, but runners-up like Wan'Dale Robinson (WR, Giants) or Cor'Dale Flott (CB, Giants) fit the underrated mold with breakout potential.
This class rewards patient risers and versatile defenders. As one agent told ESPN, "The market loves youth with production these guys are primed to cash in." With cap space plentiful for non-playoff teams and contenders seeking upgrades, expect fireworks in March. These 10 could redefine "underrated" by April.
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