TOP OF THE LIST
Post NFL writers Brian Costello and Paul Schwartz rank the 30 best players expected to become unrestricted free agents when the NFL’s signing period opens Thursday:
1 ALSHON JEFFERY BEARS WR
There are injury concerns, but he can be a game-changer and team will line up for him. Possible suitors: Ravens, Bills, Bengals, Titans, Panthers, Rams, Eagles, 49ers, Buccaneers
2 A.J. BOUYE TEXANS CB
Bouye came out of nowhere last year and now he is in line for a massive payday.
Possible suitors: Bills, Colts, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jets, Raiders, Steelers, Texans, Cardinals, Bears, Cowboys, Packers, Saints, Eagles
3 DONT’A HIGHTOWER PATRIOTS LB
The leader of New England’s defense probably will get a big-money contract the Patriots won’t want to match. Possible suitors: Chiefs, Patriots, Raiders, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Redskins
4 CALAIS CAMPBELL CARDINALS DE
The 30-year-old still can play and could be the missing piece for a team ready to win with a hole on the defensive line. Possible suitors: Falcons, Panthers, Cowboys, Lions, Saints, Dolphins
5 KEVIN ZEITLER BENGALS G
The 26-year-old is the top lineman available and has proven himself as a great run blocker in Cincinnati. Possible suitors: Cardinals, Dolphins
6 BRANDON WILLIAMS RAVENS DT
This year’s version of Damon “Snacks” Harrison, Williams is a 335-pound run stuffer who can fill up the middle of a defense. Possible suitors: Ravens, Seahawks, Bills
7 STEPHON GILMORE BILLS CB
Gilmore is coming off a rough season, but there are too many teams out there that need a cornerback for him not to get a huge contract. Possible suitors: Colts, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jets, Raiders, Steelers, Texans, Cardinals, Bears, Cowboys, Saints, Eagles
8 DESEAN JACKSON REDSKINS WR
Jackson is now 30 years old, but he led the league at 17.9 yards per catch last season, showing he still can be a deep threat. Possible suitors: Buccaneers, Rams, Eagles, 49ers, Ravens, Titans
9 TONY JEFFERSON CARDINALS S
He does not get the attention that teammate Tyrann Mathieu does, but he has been a bigger piece of the Arizona defense. Possible suitors: Buccaneers, Redskins, Browns, Jets, Titans
10 TERRELLE PRYOR BROWNS WR
The former quarterback made a successful move to receiver last year and is in line for a big payday. Possible suitors: Browns, Ravens, Bills, Titans, Panthers, Rams, Eagles, 49ers
11 DONTARI POE CHIEFS NT
After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2013 and ’14, Poe’s production has slipped the past two years, and Kansas City decided not to franchise tag him. Possible suitors: Texans, Chargers, Titans, Chiefs
12 T.J. LANG PACKERS G
There are injury questions after a foot injury and hip surgery, but he will be is one of the best guards in football. Possible suitors: Packers, Cardinals, Dolphins
13 NICK PERRY PACKERS OLB
Most of the top pass rushers were taken off the market by their teams, which should be good news for Perry, who had 11 sacks last year. Possible suitors: Packers, Lions, Jets
14 ADRIAN PETERSON VIKINGS RB
Maybe the biggest name available in free agency, teams will be wondering how much game he has left after a knee injury cost him most of the 2016 season. Possible suitors: Vikings, Packers, Giants, Raiders, Buccaneers, Texans
15 JOHNATHAN HANKINS GIANTS DT
Quality inside run-stopper, decent pass rusher, but likely priced out of Giants’ defensive line. Possible suitors: Giants, Texans, Chargers, Titans
16 LARRY WARFORD LIONS G
A consistent, quality guard who might be worth more to the Lions to keep than anyone else to sign. Possible suitors: Bengals, Browns, Panthers, Chargers, Giants, Lions 17 ANDREW WHITWORTH BENGALS OT He is coming off a Pro Bowl season, but at 35 is strictly a short-term fix at left tackle. Possible suitors: Giants, Bengals, Broncos, Vikings, Bengals
18 LOGAN RYAN PATRIOTS CB
Not an ideal size, but he led the Patriots in tackles, and New England would like to keep him. Possible suitors: Colts, Chiefs, Dolphins, Jets, Raiders, Steelers, Patriots.
19 RICKY WAGNER RAVENS OT
Strictly a right tackle, he might benefit from weak crop of offensive tackles on the market. Possible suitors: Ravens, Bengals, Giants
20 LAWRENCE TIMMONS STEELERS LB
He is an ironman who has not missed a game in more than six years, but is undersized and might not have much left in the tank. Possible suitors: Raiders, Chiefs, Lions, Patriots
21 RONALD LEARY COWBOYS G
Young and talented but was squeezed out of marquee Dallas starting offensive line. The Broncos covet him. Possible suitors: Giants, Bengals, Broncos, Lions
22 MARTELLUS BENNETT PATRIOTS TE
A productive and massive tight end, and willing blocker, but he might be wearing down. Possible suitors: Redskins, Cowboys, Broncos, Buccaneers
23 RILEY REIFF LIONS OT
Versatility — he can play left and right tackle — is a big asset, and he is solid on both sides, but not spectacular on either. Possible suitors: Chargers, Bengals, Bears, Panthers
24 CHRIS BAKER REDSKINS DE
The eight-year veteran is best-suited for a team that plays a 3-4 defensive front. Possible suitors: Ravens, Bills, Saints, Steelers, Cowboys
25 DURON HARMON PATRIOTS S
The Patriots’ third safety logged nearly half the snaps on defense and can cover, so he will make some money. Possible suitors: Browns, Falcons, Rams
26 MICAH HYDE PACKERS S
Sort of a safety/cornerback tweener, which makes him desirable. The Packers will try to re-sign him. Possible suitors: Browns, Titans, Falcons, Rams, Buccaneers
27 T.J. MCDONALD RAMS S
Great size and he is just 26, so there is plenty of upside. Possible suitors: Jets, Rams, Browns
28 PIERRE GARCON REDSKINS WR
He will be 31 this summer and is a No. 2 target, at best, but is extremely consistent as a proven possession receiver. Possible suitors: Bills, Ravens, Bengals, Titans, Panthers
29 PRINCE AMUKAMARA JAGUARS CB
The former Giants first-round draft pick is no longer viewed as a starter, but useful in a reserve role. Possible suitors: Colts, Packers, Raiders, Chiefs, Eagle
30 MIKE GLENNON BUCCANEERS QB
He should have plenty of interest as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks on the open market. Possible suitors: Browns, Jets, Cardinals, Bears, 49ers