Cousins, Jones head list of top free agents

Need a Pro Bowl quarterback, an All-pro defensive lineman or a future Hall of Fame wide receiver?

NFL teams could find one of these guys and plenty more star-quality players when the free agency period begins on March 13. Kirk Cousins, Chris Jones and Mike Evans are among the best players who will be available on the open market unless their teams use a franchise tag by March 5. The Bengals already used it on wideout Tee Higgins.

They’ll be joined by running backs Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, edge rushers Josh Allen, Brian Burns and Danielle Hunter and several other talented players at various positions, including wide receiver, safety and linebacker.

Defensive line is the deepest position while offensive tackle has the fewest starting-caliber players on the list.

Here are the top 10 players set to become free agents:

1. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings:

see him finish his career here in Kansas City.”

3. Josh Allen, Edge, Jaguars:

Allen had a career-high 17 1/2 sacks in his contract year. Allen is Jacksonville’s best defensive player. They can’t afford to let him leave but many teams will be interested.

4. Christian Wilkins, DT, Dolphins: 7. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Buccaneers:

The versatile Winfield had an All-pro season, helping the Buccaneers win a third straight division title and advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Buccaneers are aiming to sign Winfield to a long-term deal instead of giving him the franchise tag at $17.1 million.

8. L’jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs:

ABBIE PARR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Iowa guard Caitlin Clark warms up before Wednesday’s game at Minnesota in Minneapolis.

DUANE BURLESON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Vikings’ Kirk Cousins throws during the first half against the Lions on Dec. 11, 2022, in Detroit. Cousins, Chris Jones and Mike Evans are among the best players who will be available on the open market unless their teams use a franchise tag by March 5.